Points North

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In this August 2015

Issue 183

ISSUE POINTS NORTH Atlanta

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Celebrating 15 Years

No Chalk, Just Talk Anxious for action-packed afternoons with beloved Dawgs and Ramblin’ Wrecks, we catch up with head coaches Mark Richt and Paul Johnson for a behind-the-sidelines peek at the men behind the programs.

Through the Looking Glass Oftentimes, the most valuable treasures in our home measure 4-by-6. Capturing the memories we most want to remember, these local photographers inspire us to appreciate the understated moments in life.

Handsome Home Bars These local experts raise the bar when it comes to man caves and getting you ready to kick off football season.

A Scholarly Sojourn Before students head back to school, we hit the books – and the road – to the storied state of Mississippi, where famed authors new and old seem to sprout in rows. We discovered Delta dishes worth writing home about, too.

Beyond the Green Chad Cook, current director of performance at the Players Performance Institute, uses new methodologies for helping athletes improve performance on and off the course.

DEPARTMENTS 6 58 62 66

EDITOR’S LETTER GUY’S TIME

ON THE COVER Mark Richt and Paul Johnson; Photo courtesy of Ted Mayer

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Editor’s LETTER

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Double Coverage

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Harrison SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Shannah J. Smith ASSOCIATE EDITOR Colleen Ann McNally

A

Although it won’t hit the record books as being one of my most photogenic shots, the picture of me, six months pregnant, standing next to my husband and 18-month-old son on the Georgia Tech football field is still one of my favorites. It was our first collegiate game as a family and if my beloved Tar Heels had not endured such a sting from the Yellow Jackets, it would have been even better. Coach Paul Johnson didn’t have anything to do with that victory in 2007, but much like Coach Mark Richt, he’s been on the winning side of the field more often than not. With football season fast approaching, we chased down both coaches - not to mention one of our favorite writers - and asked them to tackle topics both on and off the gridiron. As is expected when it comes to heated rivalries, no offense will be taken if you only read about one coach. If a behind-the-sidelines peek doesn’t catch your attention, perhaps a behindthe-lens look at what local photographers see and how they capture life’s fleeting moments will. From weddings and babies to landscapes and portraits, these creative minds provide perspectives we can’t resist sharing. The same can be said for the recipes we’ve included in our Raising the Bar feature. HGTV’s Chip Wade and a handful of local craftsmen talk shop about building the ideal home bar, stocking the man cave and serving handcrafted cocktails sure to please a crowd. For anyone antsy to go beyond the basement bar, I recommend finding a comfortable spot and settling in for Associate Editor Colleen McNally’s erudite excursion through Mississippi. It’s a quick and informative read that will leave you looking for car keys — either to head out on your own road trip or, at the very least, to a nearby library. Eudora Welty once said, “A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away.” I couldn’t agree more. As a matter of fact, this focus on college football, photography and travel might motivate us to update that game day photo.

In the spirit of kickoffs, be sure to check our Facebook page starting this month for opportunities to meet us around town. Lunch anyone? To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com.

6 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

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With 122 years of “clean, old-fashioned hate” behind it, the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech football rivalry runs deep. Anxious for action-packed afternoons where Hairy Dawgs and Ramblin’ Wrecks reappear, we reached out to head coaches Mark Richt and Paul Johnson for a behind-the-sidelines peek at the men behind the programs. We’ll be forced to choose sides when they face off in Bobby Dodd Stadium on Nov. 28, but until then, we’ll be rooting for the home team — be it by bark or by buzz.

MARK RICHT

As

the head coach of a Southeastern Conference (SEC) powerhouse, University of Georgia head football coach Mark Richt is something of a celebrity in these parts, but he’s not the type to revel in pride. “I got into coaching because I wasn’t good enough to play anymore,” he said with a good-natured laugh. With an older brother to watch from the sidelines, Richt was eager to hit the football field as soon as he was eligible in the fifth

strategy, but as you coach for years, you realize how important your relationships are with the players and how you can affect lives in a positive way,” he said. In addition to football strategies, Richt coaches his players in other aspects of life and emphasizes graduation; under his watch, a total of 238 players have earned degrees. In fact, the opportunity to impact players may even keep Richt involved in UGA’s football program after he retires. “One thing I’d be really interested in doing is continuing to work with the young men who have played at Georgia and try to help them transition from football to life when their playing days are over,” he said, describing an existing program already dedicated to that cause. “I might even try to run the darn thing if I got out of [coaching].”

Then again, his life after football may look very different, depending on Katharyn, his wife of 28 years. “When the coaching days are over, I’ll find something she wants to do and pay her back for all the sacrifices she [has] made for me,” Richt said.

FAMILY MATTERS Anyone who follows Georgia football has likely seen Katharyn on the sidelines as the team’s water girl. Not only do the Richts work together on game day Saturdays, they also serve together in fundraising efforts for the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia and pour as much time as possible into their four grown children – two biological sons, Jon and David and two adopted children, Anya and Zach – as well as their one-year-old granddaughter, Jayden.

“One thing I’d be really interested in doing is continuing to work with the young men who have played at Georgia and try to help them transition from football to life when their playing days are over.” MARK RICHT

grade. He continued to play – first as the star quarterback for Boca Raton High School in Florida and then as a backup quarterback for the University of Miami in the early ‘80s – until he moved back to the sidelines as a volunteer quarterbacks coach for the Florida State Seminoles under Coach Bobby Bowden in 1985. After a brief stint with East Carolina University, Richt returned to the Seminoles coaching staff, where he moved up the ranks until he was hired as head coach at the University of Georgia (UGA) in 2000. His 14 years between the hedges have been highly successful – Richt has led the Bulldogs to five SEC Eastern division titles and tied for another, as well as two SEC Championships.

COACHING FOR LIFE Richt’s love of the game is only part of his motivation. As a coach, his commitment to the players is a driving force as well. “I really enjoy the competition and the PHOTO COURTESY OF BEN WALTON

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 9

A HOUSE DIVIDED

“Mark is a very intentional father,” Katharyn said, claiming that the quantity of time he loses due to his demanding schedule has always been made up by quality time spent with his family. While Jon is the only one currently following in his father’s professional footsteps, serving as a coaching assistant for the Buffalo Bills, all four of the Richt offspring have inherited quality traits from their dad. “They’ve picked up on his integrity, his loyalty to his family, his love for the Lord and how he makes decisions at work and at home … They’ve even picked up a little of his sarcasm!” Katharyn laughed.

FAITH AND FOOTBALL Jokes aside, Richt is open about his faith and clear about its implications in his life, both on and off the field. For him, there is no distinction between the way he approaches life as a coach and the way he approaches it as a professing Christian.

approach, but also a lot of support for his values, his sincerity and the unity he has established within the football program. “I’m trying to do things the right way,” he said, acknowledging that the program doesn’t always meet the expectations of fans. “We’re battling like mad to have those championships, but we also want to make sure we do it the right way and that we treat our student athletes the way they should be treated.”

“I think everybody sees life through a certain lens,” Richt said. “Whether I’m a football coach or not … I put all my faith in God through his son, Christ. I think it affects every decision I make. My goal is to try to live a life that’s pleasing to Him. When I make decisions, I try to make decisions He’d be pleased with.” Richt has received some criticism over the years for his less-than-cutthroat

As always, those expectations leading into the 2015 season are high from those who bleed red and black. Most of the early preseason predictions place Georgia in the Top 10, and key returning players include running back Nick Chubb, though a tough schedule is likely to present challenges. But the Bulldogs have been known to perform well under pressure, and Richt has high expectations: “Win the SEC, get into the playoffs, and win it all!” PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN KELLEY; TED MAYER

10 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

PAUL JOHNSON

If

a competitive spirit and lifelong love of the game are the necessary ingredients for a good football coach, Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson has what it takes. Johnson’s football career started as a child, playing youth league football in Newland, N.C., and eventually at Avery County High School. Though he did not play college ball, Johnson decided to pursue coaching as a profession while at Western Carolina University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1979, and returned to his high school alma mater as the offensive coordinator upon graduation. From there, his career led him across the continental United States and beyond, with stints at Georgia Southern University, the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and Navy before landing his current position at Georgia Tech in 2008. Since then, he’s taken the Yellow Jackets to three Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship games and seven consecutive bowl games, and averaged 8.2 wins per season – including last year’s overtime win against the Bulldogs.

A COMPETITIVE RUSH A relentless desire for improvement is Johnson’s key motivation. “I’m a very competitive person, so I’m always trying to be better at everything I do,” he said. That drive has served the reigning ACC Coach of the Year well, as Johnson has had something of a Midas touch with the football programs he has managed. In his tenure with Georgia Tech, Johnson holds a record of 58 – 35 and has won more games in his first six seasons than any other coach in GT history, including the legendary John Heisman. Using his high-octane spread option offense, the Jackets have repeatedly ranked in the top six nationally for rushing offense and rushed for more yards than any team in college football since 2008. Prior to taking the reins at Georgia Tech, Johnson was credited with orchestrating one of the NCAA’s best turnarounds when he took over the program at Georgia Southern in 1997 and also with bringing Navy back into the national spotlight in 2002 after the program’s worst two-year span in history. In 18 years as a head coach, Johnson August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 11

FEATURE HEADER

A HOUSE DIVIDED

has compiled an impressive overall career record of 165 – 74. Johnson’s proclivity for improvement has even impacted his coaching staffs. Brian Bohannon, former GT quarterbacks coach is now head coach at Kennesaw State, which plays its first season this fall. Former assistants Ken Niumatalolo (Navy) and Jeff Monken (Army) are head coaches too.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

“He’s very approachable, and he has a lot of humor and wit that people don’t see by watching him on the sidelines.” SUSAN JOHNSON | Wife of Paul Johnson

The thrill of competition extends to Johnson’s personal life, as well. “Golf is the only hobby that consumes me,” he said. Locally, Johnson is a member of Cherokee Town & Country Club in Buckhead, and enjoys a few rounds at Grandfather Golf & Country Club when he sneaks away to his family’s mountain home in Linville, N.C. Johnson’s ambitious streak may be contributing to a somewhat negative public opinion, but the self-proclaimed family man insists he’s not as gruff as the media often portrays him to be — a sentiment Susan, his wife of 35 years, backs up wholeheartedly. “I think there’s a big misperception about him just from what people observe,” she said. “He’s very approachable, and he PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANNY KARNIK / GEORGIA TECH ATHLETICS

12 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

It’s not just a vacation, It’s an experience!

A HOUSE DIVIDED

has a lot of humor and wit that people don’t see by watching him on the sidelines.” “Now, he’s not going to put up with a lot of nonsense,” she continued. “He’s very straight-up. You always know where he stands. He’s honest, and he expects you to be that way with him. He’s loyal to [his team and coaching staff], and he gets that loyalty from them in return.” The allegiance between Johnson and his staff is evident by the length of time his coaches have stuck by his side, including offensive line coach Mike Sewak, who has coached with Johnson in various capacities since 1985. Of course, Johnson is just as loyal to Susan and his daughter Kaitlyn, an opera singer who recently graduated from Rice University in Houston with a degree in vocal performance. Though he claims Kaitlyn’s musical talent came from his wife – a pianist in one of the children’s choirs at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church – Susan credits part of her daughter’s success to determination, work ethic and competitive nature – traits she inherited from her father.

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If he wasn’t coaching, Johnson lists competitive industries such as finance or sales as possible options. But for now, with a contract that extends through the 2020 season, he’ll continue to pour his energy into sustaining a successful program at Georgia Tech. “Clearly there’s a lot of excitement around the program, and we’re returning a good nucleus of players … Certainly the quarterback, Justin Thomas, will be the marquee name coming back,” Johnson said. The Jackets are also returning several defensive players, giving the coach high hopes for improvement in an area that admittedly struggled last season. “I’ve always been one who has high expectations for myself and the teams, but I think you just try to make sure that the team you’re coaching and the program is as good as it can be, given the talents and the limitations you have. I try not to get too far ahead of myself … Each team is different, and I’ll let our team set their own goals and expectations,” he continued, although a few of the program’s key goals never change – winning the ACC and landing in a prominent bowl game or the college playoffs. With early preseason predictions placing Georgia Tech near the Top 20, there’s undoubtedly a lot of buzz surrounding the Yellow Jackets this year. If Johnson’s commitment to improvement is any indication, their future is indeed looking bright. PN FOR MORE INFORMATION georgiadogs.com ramblinwreck.com

WORTH A

Thousand WORDS SEVEN LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHERS TAKE US BEHIND THE LENS TO SEE WHAT THEY DO written by JENNIFER COLOSIMO

As a writer,

I should probably scoff at this admittance, but regardless of how beautifully I can tell a story, an illustration will always get the ďŹ rst glance. Oftentimes, even the last. As an artist, I know that the effect each photograph has is as unique as its composer. Stuck on the fridge or framed over the mantel, sometimes the most valuable treasures in our home

16 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

only measure 4-by-6. When it comes to capturing the memories we most want to remember and share, we tipped our writing hats to a handful of local individuals whose inimitable styles inspire us to look beyond trends and appreciate the understated, beautiful moments in life. It makes me want to dust off the ole SLR myself.

the Artist

PHOTOGRAPHER KELLE MCENTEGART has been taking pictures since the eighth grade. Back then, it was with a Kodak Instamatic. Regardless of the tool, she has always called herself a bona fide “light chaser.” Inspired by beautiful, natural light, she aims to snap the intimate picture that presents itself between poses. And while this candidphoto-loving shooter claims not to pay attention to

trends, she has produced portfolios packed with some of the most artistic, stunning photos we have ever seen. “My work is what I see, feel and experience,” McEntegart said, noting that she loves sitting back and just watching the moment happen. In fact, her love for those unplanned moments is how she got her business started. “My goal is to truly catch those moments that define a day in the life of a family.”

Kelle Mac Photography is a lifestyle photography company. kellemacphotography.com

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 17

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER S

theNaturalist ALAN BROOKS HAS BEEN A PHOTOGRAPHER for 40 years, always for his personal enjoyment. Despite his longstanding love for the art, Brooks is still honing his craft and with the onset of digital tools, has tapped into a new level of creativity. “My joy is in landscape and nature photography,” Brooks said recalling his return from the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks. “I also do portraits … I like the artistic level where I take something simple and make it significant. That’s one of my passions.” Still on his bucket list are Paris and Egypt, but when asked about his favorite so far, he didn’t hesitate. “Zion National Park … it took my breath away. Creating a representation of what it felt like when you’re there is a difficult thing,” Brooks said, adding, “The challenge is to try to get the same impact in the photograph as you did while you were experiencing it.” Alan Brooks is primarily a landscape and nature photographer, but also specializes in portraits. Member of the Booth Photographers Guild at the Booth Western Museum of Art in Cartersville. 404-368-5037

18 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

the Cinematographer DEREK WINTERMUTE IS KNOWN FOR bringing an unmatched level of dramatic detail to a bride’s wedding photos, but he said that’s the only place you’ll find drama during any event he shoots. His combination of interpersonal skill and an eye for the artistic make him a highly sought-after wedding photographer whose work many can spot before they even see the credits. “I truly enjoy crafting dramatic, artistically posed portraits,” Wintermute said, citing movies like “Titanic,” “The English Patient” and “Blade Runner” as a few of his filmstrip inspirations. “When setting up a shot, you have artistic control of the location, poses and camera settings. The creativity with candids comes from the angle you take, focal length of the lens, camera setting and clicking the shutter at exactly the right moment. A little early or a little late might be the difference between an amazing photo and an average photo.” Derek Wintermute is primarily a wedding photographer. derekwintermute.com

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 19

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER S

the Purist YOU WON’T FIND TRENDY PROPS or Pantone’s color of the year in any of Corey Johnson’s images. That is unless the color of the year is from a rainbow of nudes. Johnson spent the first several years of her career as a photographer discovering the importance of less frill, more natural beauty. In fact, she quotes her favorite spot to shoot as a simple white bed against a window, or in a field of overgrown grass. “By using natural light, a soft and neutral color palette and natural textures, my images capture the beauty of a sweet newborn's tiny features or the glow of an expectant mother in her season of waiting,” Johnson said. “My journey as a photographer has definitely evolved over time and after having a daughter of my own, I’ve found my organic style in shooting what I love.” Corey Johnson Photography shoots families, newborns and maternity portraits. coreyjohnsonphotography.com

20 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

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LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER S

the the the Visionary Storyteller Architect WITH A DECADE of getting paid to do what she loves under her belt, Northside photographer Melissa Prosser is one of the city’s go-to gals for weddings. Prosser has developed a style that’s timeless and documentary-like, delivering unexpected moments to her clients — ones they treasure, but barely remember happening and didn’t expect to see caught on camera. Most often, Prosser is found in the elements in search of creative inspiration. “One of the things I love to do is use the materials around my subjects as a filter to make an artistic image,” Prosser said. “I would put my subjects behind a flower or tree and have them look through the foliage to create a gorgeous natural image without having to put any filters in later.” The best part about those filters is that they’re aiming to be a timeless shot that will never go out of style.

MOST LIKELY, ADAM LINKE’S EDGE on the industry stems from his start on the stage, acting in soap operas and commercials. He said that a decade of studying human behavior and emotion - as well as how each is expressed - provided an intimate perspective behind the lens. The result is a portfolio of work that is rich with emotion — and in the art world, that’s priceless. “I love real moments, real emotion and the interactions between people,” Linke said. “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing the powerful effect an image can have on someone. A recent bride burst into tears as a picture hit the screen of her and her father embracing before their walk down the aisle. She had never seen what her father’s face looked like when he hugged her, and the emotion floored her.”

GREGG WILLETT HAS ALWAYS possessed a knack for finding creative ways to shoot lines and use light when immortalizing a space. Since he now shoots alongside the creative flair and contagious sense of humor of his wife Caroline, together, they’re making waves in the Atlanta lens industry. “I like starting with a blank slate and building upon it,” Willett said. “I turn all of the lights off and see what the natural light is doing. A good photographer uses these tools to add a mood and a signature to their images. The viewer of the image should have no question as to what the intent of the photo is. We strive for simple, but that's a lot harder to do than you'd think.” PN

Adam Linke is a part of

construction in and around Atlanta.

Melissa Prosser Photography focuses

The Decisive Moment, a team of talented

willettphoto.com

on weddings, families and the like.

photojournalists who shoot weddings in and

melissaprosser.com

around Atlanta. thedecisivemoment.com

22 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

The Willetts shoot weddings, Atlanta personalities and new

RAISING T H E

BAR STRAIGHT UP, NEAT OR WITH A TWIST, CUSTOM BARS INSIDE MAN CAVES ALWAYS MIX written by JENNIFER COLOSIMO 24 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

N

NO T E V E RYON E DR E A M S OF M I X I NG COCK TA ILS ON E DAY, BU T MOST M EN CA N A PPR ECI ATE

AN AWESOME SPOT TO ENTERTAIN FRIENDS AND FAMILY. TO BE THE MOST SOUGHT-AFTER WATERING HOLE IN THE — ERR — CUL-DE-SAC, YOU NEED A PLAN, NOT TO MENTION ESSENTIAL BARWARE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP. HERE, WE TALK SHOP WITH LOCAL EXPERTS ON HOW TO DO JUST THAT.

BUILD IT

Before you invite the entire neighborhood for a round on you, the big question is: Can you knock this thing out before dinner or is this one better left to the guys with a license? HGTV star and Northside resident Chip Wade said, “This question is best answered by style and complexity. If you like the more traditional approach to bar design with the dark, stained wood, burnished metallic accents and more of a pub feel, that can get a little taxing to try to handle yourself. If you are open to a more casual or modern approach with smooth planes, fun materials and simple accessibility, this could be the perfect DIY project.” Wade advised DIYers to start by considering what countertop material you want. As the spotlight feature of any new bar, it’s going to see a lot of wear and tear, whether you’re serving the most sophisticated snifter or a “whatever you’ve got” kind-of guy. “The best functioning material for any counter surface usually goes to quartz composite,” Wade said. “Personally, I love bringing in different materials for bars that are interesting to look at, like weathered steel, leather and exotic materials, but you have to cover them LEFT: Bar by Chip Wade with half-inch glass or ABOVE: Whiskey Stones

thick epoxy for resiliency. Don’t count out stainless steel and concrete as great options as well.” Also, consider what you want to accomplish as a bartender. Do you need a sink to rinse mixers? Do you want to keep ready-made drinks cold, offer brews on tap or collect and store your favorite varietals? There are several custom elements that you can choose to have, or not to have, so this is where the grand plan should begin. “You have to make sure that whatever you’re designing looks like a bar, and not just a kitchen,” said local builder and owner of Bars Pubs, Randy Shaw. As the head of his own in-home bar in East Cobb, he said that every design plan should include ideas for the front and the back of the bar. “It should have features that make you want to sit there and have a drink.” Function-wise, Shaw said the fundamentals are a sink, a refrigerator and an icemaker. Design-wise, he emphasized that an architectural feature above the bar is key — like a unique light fixture or an ornamental canopy. He also admitted almost every bar he designs has a television on the must-have list. Ray Pavlovich of Daylight Basement Company added that one of the latest trends is a bar with two levels. “I work with customers from start to finish and by the time their bar is done, it’s exactly what they were looking for,” said Pavlovich who has been designing homes in

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHIP WADE; JENNIFER COLOSIMO

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 25

RAISING THE B AR

the Northside for the last 25 years. To approach the earlier question again — can we knock this out before dinner? Assuming you’ve got the carpentry skills (or maybe you hired some) and the materials ready to install, you can have it done by dinner … a week from Friday. In other words, Wade suggested allowing four days for someone who knows what he or she is doing. Shaw adds on a few weeks to his estimate for the idea to go from paper to production, noting it takes experience to build a great bar. So, maybe schedule that party for next month instead of next week, and give your new toys a dry (or, should we say “rye”) run first.

STOCK IT The old adage “If you build it, they will come” certainly applies to home bars, so once your man cave becomes the new neighborhood hangout, you might as well be ready to entertain the masses. Kristine Cholakian, co-owner of the fun accessories line Charlotte Lane said, “Man caves are about surrounding yourself with items you enjoy to create a space to hangout with friends, relax and unwind.” Cholakian’s fiancé and business partner Kenneth Cooke suggested adding sophistication. “Use heirlooms and vintage pieces and stock an amazing bar. A couple special pieces like custom art or a hanging flag make a bold statement.” Above all, the Atlanta-based couple believes that

ABOVE: Granite Bar by Ray Pavlovich of Daylight Basement Company; Bar by Randy Shaw

less is more. “Minimalism is masculine,” Cholakian said. “The must-have items are a bottle of your favorite booze (you know, the good stuff), some cool glassware, decanters and a multi-tool to open bottles and brews.” Owner of MDC Interiors Mona Patel added, “A man cave doesn’t have to mean cave man. Your bar should be inviting and a place to seek respite. Our own has a ‘Mad Men,’ retro feel, and we’re always on the lookout for vintage utensils like old-school lime juicers, classic martini glasses and shakers. They’re all housed in our mid-century mini-cabinet. It’s nice when a cocktail or a delicious brew can transport you to another place and spark your imagination to think outside of the present environment and space.” One resident at Big Canoe chose a very different era, adopting a unique theme (and almost a year’s project timeline), rather than a contemporary style. What resulted is a storybook bar that looks like a Wild West saloon-style tribute to John Wayne. Its “founder” James Cochrane, dubbed it the Double Eagle Saloon — named for the twenty-dollar coin from the mid-1800s. “I have a really big interest in gold and mining, especially being so close to Dahlonega which has a lot of mining history dating back to the Civil War,” Cochrane said of his idea for the Double Eagle. Along with artist and builder Sean Powell of Portrait Painter, the two brought the Western feel to life, tenfold. Powell remembered Cochrane as a kid in a candy store when he told him he could bring the Western feel to life, using reclaimed wood from Louisiana and creating custom pieces like saloon doors and a handcrafted bar top.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAYLIGHT BASEMENT COMPANY; RANDY SHAW

26 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

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Prices, conditions and availability subject to change. Property Ownership requires obligatory homeowners association PHPEHUVKLS DQG &RXQWU\ &OXE PHPEHUVKLS 6HH VDOHV RIÀFH IRU IXOO GHWDLOV 00;9 6RWKHE\·V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ $IÀOLDWHV LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed WR 6RWKHE\·V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ $IÀOLDWHV //& $Q (TXDO 2SSRUWXQLW\ &RPSDQ\ (TXDO +RXVLQJ 2SSRUWXQLW\ ,I \RXU property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. 2IÀFH 1XPEHU

RAISING THE B AR

SERVE IT From the ground up, you’ve got a stellar spot to entertain. Now, it’s time to serve up to the standards you’ve set. We’ve lined up recipes from some of our favorite mixologists to help.

MEZCAL SMASH

BOURBON APPLE

JAMAICA MULE

BASIL COOLER

At The El Felix, they’ve

If you’re a gregarious mix-

If the hottest drink to order

1 ½ ounces Ballast Point

nailed the concept of

ologist with a green thumb,

these days is a Moscow

understated style, boasting

gather inspiration from the

Mule, imagine the attraction

4 basil leaves

as many bright colors as it

garden for a drink that has

when named after a tropical

½ ounces fresh lemon juice

1 ounce Kahlua

destination!

½ ounces fresh lime juice

1 ounce half and half (or

does leathers and metals

been a favorite for years.

and doing so with a wink at

Milton’s Cocktails & Cuisine

On the heels of its

the vintage. General Man-

pulled seasonal ingredients

incredible success in the

ager Bradley Wyatt created

from their backyard acre to

Atlanta craft beer market

something specifically to

make a man cave mash-up

look good in a glass too. It’s

that’ll jump-start your repu-

called the Mezcal Smash.

tation. miltonscuisine.com

theelfelix.com 5 mint leaves 1 thick slice orange 1 slice lemon

¾ ounces simple syrup

milk)

Soda water

2 ounces Coke

(Grapefruit Sculpin, any-

Build lemon and lime juice

Build Horchata Vodka,

one?), Ballast Point is now

along with simple syrup

Kahlua and half & half in a

stocking local shelves with

and three basil leaves in

Collins glass with crushed

a cocktail shaker. Muddle

ice. Top with a splash of

these recipes might come

these ingredients. Add

Coke. PN

2 large sage leaves, ripped

from their delicious “Taco

Fugu and ice cubes. Shake

Shop” series, they go equal-

until cold and pour into a

ly well with football season.

highball glass. Top off with

ballastpoint.com

soda water and garnish with

into thirds 2 large cherries (not mar-

½ ounce agave nectar

cherry bitters

Muddle mint and fruit with

Vodka

spirits. While the vodkas in

aschino), pre-soaked in

Mezcal

2 ounces Fugu Horchata

3 ounces bourbon

1 slice lime 2 ounces Sombra Joven

Fugu Piña Vodka

SAN DIEGO BULLDOG

Large orange slice Splash of apple cider

remaining basil leaf. 1 ¾ ounces Ballast Point Fugu Jamaica Vodka

Orange bitters-soaked

Ginger beer

cinnamon stick

½ ounce fresh squeezed

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Coasters by MDC Interiors; Jamaica Mule; Bourbon Apple; Mezcal Smash

lime

agave in a mixing tin. Add Mezcal and shake with ice.

Combine ingredients in a

Strain over crushed ice into

highball glass and squeeze

an old fashioned glass.

orange slice. Top with cider.

into a highball glass with

Add ice and garnish with an

crushed ice. Fill the rest of

cinnamon stick.

the way with ginger beer.

Pour Fugu and lime juice

Garnish with a lime wheel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION barspub.com charlotteln.com chipwade.com daylightbasement.com facebook.com/mdcinteriors portraitpainter.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER COLOSIMO; MILTON CUISINE & COCKTAILS; BALLAST POINT

28 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

Cottage & Dockable Homesite Packages Starting in the 400’s

3

864-886-0098 LakeKeoweeRealEstate.com

PointsNorth Atlanta

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Points North Atlanta’s partners in INTERIORS AND PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT open their doors to share their design tips and expertise, including personal choices from their own oases. August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 31

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OUTDOORS

“FALL IS A GOOD TIME FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT,â€? said Ted Kirk of North Georgia Replacement Windows. This month is particularly a good time to add spray foam insulation to your home because Points North readers receive 20-percent off any spray foam insulation job. A Northside resident for 12 years, Kirk shares his tips to get the job done. Q: How does spray foam insulation work? A: “Most people don’t realize that all over your house there are places where air is leaking in and leaking out around your plumbing, electrical penetrations, around your windows, your doors, around your chimneys and chases, and throughout your attic. If you add all these little bitty gaps that are leaking air, it’s like leaving your front door open year round.â€? Q: Why is spray foam insulation a great investment? A: “This is obviously going to save them on their energy bills. It’s going to make their home much more comfortable because IRDP EORFNV DLUĹ´ RZ :H DOVR XVH FORVHG cellophane that adds structural legitimacy to the home and it prolongs the life of their HVAC systems, as well.â€? Q: What’s your favorite part of your home? A: “My windows and doors, of course. I live about a mile from the lake. So I replaced all my windows and doors. I went from a traditional style window that opens up and down to one that cranks out and really HQKDQFHV WKH YLHZ ,WĹ?V D PRUH HIĆ“ FLHQW ZLQGRZ And then, I took out my traditional door and sidelights OLNH \RX W\SLFDOO\ VHH LQ WKH PDUNHW Ĺ‹bWKH\Ĺ?UH FDOOHG GRRU sidelights and transom units that I actually made into a double door. A lot of our clients are doing that.â€? 770-888-1604, ngwindows.com JOHN MARTINEZ OF ALISON POOLS BUILT a reputation for engineering longer lasting pools with an artistic approach, such as the latest projects he’s diving into. Q: How would you describe your current project? A: “Sophisticated, complex, detailed, expensive,

32 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

S E C T I O N

exotic‌ One customer wants a fountain with not a W\SLFDO ZDWHU DQG Ć“ UH IHDWXUH 6KH ZDQWV WKH ZDWHU DQG Ć“ UH PL[HG VR LQVWHDG RI ZDWHU EXEEOLQJ XS WKHUH ZLOO EH Ĺ´ DPHV EXEEOLQJ RXW RI WKH ZDWHU Ĺ‹bZLWK D PLQLDWXUH Centennial Olympic Park in the back with geysers.â€? Q: Do you ever tell people “noâ€? or try to scale it back? A: Ĺ?,W UHDOO\ GHSHQGV RQ WKH EXGJHW :HĹ?G UDWKHU VFDOH LW up. Don’t be afraid of buying a pool.â€? Q: What makes Alison Pools stand out? A: “The fact that we take the time to do it correctly. :H PDNH VXUH HYHU\WKLQJ LV XS WR VWDQGDUGV Ĺ‹ QRW MXVW putting things in and walking away. Taking the time and attention to detail will increase the life span of the pool and bring the overall perspective to life for the customer.â€? 678-528-4521, alisonpools.net CLINT HARRIS AND HIS TEAM at Acorn Tree Care are FHUWLĆ“ HG DUERULVWV PHDQLQJ WKH\ GR HYHU\WKLQJ ZLWK WUHHV Ĺ‹bQRW MXVW UHPRYLQJ KD]DUGRXV RQHV EXW QXUWXULQJ KHDOWK\ RQHV IRU RYHUDOO SURSHUW\ EHDXWLĆ“ FDWLRQ WKDW adds value to your home and the community. Q: What makes Acorn Tree Care stand out? A: Ĺ?:HĹ?YH GLIIHUHQWLDWHG RXUVHOYHV IURP RXU FRPSHWL tors, especially locally, in that we’re all about arboriculWXUH DQG EHLQJ SURDFWLYH :KHQ ZH FRPH RXW WR ORRN DW someone’s treescape, we look for any tree that may be hazardous, address maintenance concerns for trees and thirdly, we’re looking at the aesthetics or curb appeal of WKH KRXVH :HĹ?UH QRW MXVW D W\SLFDO WUHH FRPSDQ\ ZHĹ?UH more about building relationships and really educating SHRSOH DQG KHOSLQJ WKHP ZLWK WKHLU WUHHV :H GR KDYH some really specialized equipment that is a little more KLJKHU HQG WKDQ PRVW WUHH FRPSDQLHV :H KDYH RXU RZQ crane, so we have low-to-zero tree impact removal capaELOLWLHV ZKHUH ZH DUH OLIWLQJ WKH WUHHV XS :H FDOO LW WUHH H[WUDFWLRQ :H WU\ WR OHDYH QR IRRWSULQW QR WUDFH ZKLFK is hard to do with big trees.â€? Q: What are you looking for this time of year? A: “As we move into late summer and early fall, it’s typically the drier part of the season, so it’s important to look at tree management. You could have early leaves drop, or it might be the best time of year to prune the dead wood out of the trees. You can differentiate the dead limbs from the green ones right now while some of them still have leaves, unlike after the leaves fall when

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

it will be hard to distinguish between what’s dead and what’s not.â€? Q: :K\ LV KLULQJ D FHUWLĆ“HG DUERULVW LPSRUWDQW" A: “Everyone is becoming more conscientious about going green and Arbor Day, but it’s funny because people don’t always relate that to their own yards. If everybody did their part by taking care of the trees in WKHLU \DUG DQG KDYLQJ D FHUWLĆ“HG DUERULVW FRPH RXW DW least annually for an assessment, they would really help the community stay green.â€? 678-648-4681, yourlocalarborist.com FOR RICHARD FRICKER, owner of 6SHFLDOW\ 3RROV DQG 6SD GHVLJQLQJ SRRO DQG JDUGHQ DUHDV Ĺ‹bLQFOXGLQJ KLV own — has been his ongoing labor of love for more than 30 years. With decades of experience, Fricker is a builder to trust and he still stays up-to-date on business trends. Q: :KDW LV PRVW LPSRUWDQW WR UHPHPEHU IRU SRROV WKLV WLPH RI \HDU" A: “There are a lot of folks who start considering renovations and they do it through the winter so it’s ready by spring of next year. People are starting to think about the end of the season – are they going to close the pool down versus leaving it open year round? The majority of people are leaving them open year round for the aesthetic value. Maintenance wise, people will probably get through the summer season without too much interference, but that’s where it pays to do it in the off-season.â€?

Expand your living space after hours with outdoor lighting.

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34 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

S E C T I O N

Q: :KDW PDNHV 6SHFLDOW\ 3RROV DQG 6SD VR VSHFLDO" A: “We are a local company, been in business for 35 years and we’re uniquely able to build summer pools because we have craftsmen in-house and actual pool builders instead of subcontractors. Being a pool builder and having a gorgeous pool in my back yard, I think all the time about how to enhance and make the pool I’m building even more beautiful. So, I actually live the dreams that other people think of, and I do it on a daily basis. My consideration is certainly making the back yard of someone’s new dream absolutely adapted to all the years of expertise I’ve gained from building my own.â€? Q: :KDWĹ?V SRSXODU LQ WKH PDUNHW QRZ" A: “More and more people are transferring over to smartphone operation of their pool, which makes it very convenient to manage the pool system either around the house, or it can be done across the country. You can land at the airport, tell your phone to turn the spa on, turn the heater on, and you’ll be ready to get in your spa by the time you get home. It’s wonderful control.â€? 770-664-2200, specialtypoolandspa.com A NORTHSIDE RESIDENT FOR 15 YEARS, Lee Davis is owner/CEO of 1LJKW 9LVLRQ Ĺ‹bRQH RI WKH ODUJHU FRPSDnies in this realm, yet Davis is hands-on and maintains a small-company feel. With four straight Consumer’s Choice awards, two Best of Houzz awards and TRUSTe FHUWLĆ“FDWLRQ EDFNLQJ KLP XS WKH RXWGRRU OLJKWLQJ H[SHUW VKHGV OLJKW RQ WKH EHQHĆ“WV RI LOOXPLQDWLQJ WKH EHDXW\ RI your home. Q: :KDW GR \RX UHFRPPHQG IRFXVLQJ RQ WKLV WLPH RI \HDU" A: In August and September, a lot of the work we do is enhancing and creating additional living space after hours because most of the time it’s too hot to be outside during the day, so you want to wait until it’s evening and cooler. Q: :K\ VKRXOG KRPHRZQHUV LQYHVW LQ RXWGRRU OLJKWLQJ" A: “Security, aesthetics, expanding their living space — those are the three main things. Another really important thing is since it’s so cheap to run low voltage LED systems now, from a security standpoint it doesn’t really make sense not to have it running all night. From the aesthetics and expanding living space standpoints, you’re getting to enjoy more. If you don’t have outdoor lighting, you’re stuck inside after 9 p.m. in the summer and 6 p.m. in the winter.â€? 770-361-8063, ilovenightvision.com

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SYNERGY LANDSCAPE GROUP STAYS EXTREMELY busy with landscape design and installation, so it can be hard to get owner Shaun Bowker on the phone when he LV RIWHQ EHKLQG D %REFDW IRU KRXUV D GD\ :H Ć“ QDOO\ did to get the scoop on what’s on the rise. Q: What’s new at Synergy Landscape Group? A: Ĺ?, DFWXDOO\ ERXJKW D GURQH WR WDNH XOWUD KLJK GHĆ“ QLWLRQ photos and videos for special, bigger properties. We have 28 acres that we are doing a landscape design for; WKH RZQHUV DUH WU\LQJ WR Ĺ´ LS WKH KRXVH VR LWĹ?V DFWXDOO\ going to help them with the ‘before’ and ‘afters’ using drone technology. We also incorporate drones into landscape design and landscape lighting. Landscape design is on the forefront, but once we start getting into the early winter, that’s when the hardscapes really start to play in, like the outdoor Ć“ UHSODFHV Ĺ‹ HVSHFLDOO\ WKH Ć“ UH SLWV :HĹ?UH GRLQJ D ORW RI QDWXUDO Ć“ UH SLWV ZLWK ELJ VWRQH $ ORW RI SHRSOH WKHVH days aren’t looking for a formal look. You could have a $10-million-dollar home, but they want it to look like the middle of the woods. We’ve also seen a decrease

INTE RIORS

ANTHONY’S CLOSETS, SHOWER DOORS AND MORE specializes in creating beautiful and luxurious areas that are more than just a place to hang your clothes. A leader LQ WKH EXVLQHVV VLQFH ZLWK RIĆ“ FHV LQ PRUH WKDQ D dozen states, Anthony Pergola shares his insight for improving your most personal interior spaces. Q: How has the closet industry evolved during the past Ć“ YH \HDUV" A: “Consumers are more aware of the importance of storage and organization in their lives. By being organized they can reduce stress, save time and save money. To respond to their awareness, companies like ours offer more solutions and more customization. Anyone

36 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

S E C T I O N

LQ Ĺ´ DJVWRQH DQG WKLV \HDU LW VHHPV WKDW SDYHUV DUH WKH way to go.â€? Q: What make Synergy Landscape Group different? A: “I’m a hands-on owner so, for instance, today we’re doing a $4,000 install and later this week we’re doing a $15,000 install. It doesn’t matter if it’s small potatoes or very big, I’m there at the beginning, during the installation and at the end.â€? Q: What’s important to remember when planning home improvement projects? A: “A lot of people wait to the last minute, and they FRPSODLQ EHFDXVH ZHĹ?UH IRXU RU Ć“ YH ZHHNV RXW DQG WKH\ want us to rush over to do this landscape install or hardscape install, but we’re already geared up for a customer who planned a landscape install months ago and she’s already been on the books. Even though it’s hot outside, you still need to think about the wintertime – same thing with winter going into spring: who is going to handle my landscape maintenance? Who’s going to do the lawn care?â€? 770-889-4968, synergylandscapegroup.com

can get what they need and want and there are even adjustable systems that can change with the changing storage needs of anyone. These systems, like freedomRail, can be changed any time without tools. So the system becomes a critical part of the house that can be managed and sustained throughout the life of the home owner or tenant.â€? Q: What constitutes a well-designed closet? A: “There are basic design rules, such as 50 percent double hang, 25 percent drawers and shelves and 25 percent long hang. However, the best-designed closet is customized to the user. It should have the right combinaWLRQ RI LWHPV WR Ć“ W WKH LQYHQWRU\ WKDW WKH XVHU KDV IRU WKDW

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space, whether they have a lot of long dresses, are a shoe lover or like to fold and stack everything on shelves.â€? Q: What trends are you seeing in residential custom storage? A: The biggest trend is the adjustability. People want something that responds directly to their needs and their style. They want the right color and the right components. They also want to feel in control from the design phase all the way to using it from day to day. And if it responds to their needs, they will feel more in control of their lives. We have seen testimonials of this from all of our clients. 631-924-2200, anthonysclosets.com AS A SHOWROOM PURCHASER for City Plumbing & Electrical Supply Company, Justin Holland knows best about the immense selection of lighting, plumbing and luxury appliances they carry for different rooms in your home. Q: What’s new at City Plumbing for fall? A: “What we do here is not really so seasonal. It’s a matter of if you are remodeling or doing new construction, the big thing we do is just try to help you along the way. Our job is to make your life easier. It doesn’t matter ZKDW \RXĹ?UH GRLQJ Ĺ‹bNLWFKHQ WR \RXU OLYLQJ URRP WR \RXU

S E C T I O N

PDQ FDYH Ĺ‹bZH KDYH WKH SOXPELQJ DQG WKH OLJKWLQJ and the appliances you need, the products that you’re looking for, that will make your home more enjoyable every single day.â€? Q: What about some popular new products? A: “One thing is something called The AromaCloud and the Geyser. These are bringing spa elements into your bathroom so instead of having to run down to the spa RQFH D PRQWK ĹŠbEHFDXVH WKDW VWDUWV WDNLQJ D WROO RQ \RXU EXGJHW ĹŠb\RXĹ?UH DFWXDOO\ DEOH WR FUHDWH D VSD HQYLURQ ment in your bathroom, so you can go home and melt the stress away, melt the day away every night, versus MXVW RQFH RU WZLFH D PRQWK $QG WKH 'ULIWEDWK Ĺ‹bRK P\ JRVK Ĺ‹bWKH 'ULIWEDWK IURP $TXDWLF LV OLNH VLWWLQJ LQ WKH middle of a lazy river. ,I \RX ZDQW WR VHH WKHVH RU \RXĹ?YH JRW VRPH TXHV WLRQV RQ KRZ WKHVH DSSOLDQFHV ZRUN Ĺ‹bZKDWĹ?V WKH EHVW UDQJH RU ZKDWĹ?V WKH EHVW JDV EXUQHU IRU \RX" Ĺ‹b\RX FDQ come into our Cumming location because these products are live and you can try them out.â€? Q: What does “homeâ€? mean to you? A: “Home needs to be a place you can unwind and enjoy the people around you. I love my front porch. That’s my place in my home — sitting underneath the fan I bought at City Plumbing and just enjoying the outdoors.â€? Gainesville, 770-532-4123, Cumming, 770-887-1420, Jasper, 706-253-2489, cpesupply.com DONNA KRUEGER OF dk gallery has lived on the Northside for almost 30 years with her husband, raised her two children here and has been living her dream of owning a high caliber gallery since 2008. To her, home is the place where a family’s story is captured in the art RQ WKH ZDOOV DQG HYHU\ QRRN DQG FUDQQ\ LV Ć“ OOHG ZLWK meaningful art pieces. Q: What is happening at dk gallery this season? A: Ĺ?$OO RI RXU PRQWKO\ WKHPHG VKRZV EULQJbH[FLWLQJ and compelling contemporary art (living artists) from established and emerging artists who are local, regional and national. Contemporary art should be an investPHQW EHFDXVH WKH SLHFH LV LPSRUWDQW WR WKH EX\HUbĆ“ UVW It enriches their space and their lives and contributes to a vibrant art community. All of our openings are on First Fridays of each month (see dkgallery.us/events for schedule). Visitors and collectors get to know the artists well and are an integral part in building Marietta as an art community of excellence. They have seen local artists

38 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

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August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 39

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Trending for fall: turquoises, oranges and neutrals.

Fabric & Fringe

grow to become nationally recognized, important artists of our time. ĹŒ$ERXW )DFHĹ?bLQ $XJXVW DQGbĹŒ3UHWW\ LQ 3LQNĹ? LQ 6HS WHPEHU KLJKOLJKWbVHYHUDO RI RXU WRS VHOOLQJ DUWLVWV LQFOXGLQJ 6XVDQ (DVWRQ %XUQV DQG +ROO\ ,UZLQ DQG ORFDO 0DULHWWDQ 'DYLG :HQGHO Q: What’s your favorite part of your home? A: Ĺ?:H ORYH RXU /LYLQJ 5RRP :H FDOO LW RXU $GXOW 5RRP &RQYHUVDWLRQ UHLJQV LQ WKLV HQYLURQPHQW ZKHUH ZH FKRVH WR SXW DUW RYHU WKH PDQWHO LQVWHDG RI D 79 b7KLV DUW Ć“ OOHG URRP DOORZV XV WR FDWFK XS RQ EXVLQHVV DQG SOXJ EDFN LQWR RXU SHUVRQDO OLYHV DV ZHOO %XW HYHU\ RXQFH RI RXU KRPH LV Ć“ OOHG ZLWK DUW WKDW ZH ORYH DQG KDYH FROOHFWHG RYHU RXU OLIH VWRU\ Ĺ? 770-427-5377, dkgallery.us /$1$ )$,5&+,/' $ &2 0$1$*(5 2) Fabric and Fringe, D VTXDUH IRRW VKRZURRP LQ 0DULHWWD NQRZV WKDW D ZHOO GHFRUDWHG KRPH PDNHV LW VR PXFK PRUH FR]\ DQG OLYDEOH (YHQ LI \RX MXVW VWDUW VPDOO \RXĹ?UH VXUH WR Ć“ QG VRPH WKLQJ \RX ORYH ZLWKLQ WKHLU WKRXVDQGV RI IDEULFV Ĺ‹bDQG WKHLU talented staff can help. Q: What makes Fabric and Fringe stand out? A: Ĺ?:H FDUU\ GUDSHU\ KDUGZDUH XSKROVWHU\ IRDP DQG GUDSHU\ OLQLQJ 2XU FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH LV NH\ :H KDYH WKH EHVW FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH WKH EHVW SULFHV DQG WKH EHVW VHOHF tion in this area. 40 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

Q: For a one-day home makeover, where do you recommend customers to start? A: “The pillows are always the easiest thing to spruce up the home.â€? Q: What colors are on trend for fall? “We’re seeing lots of the turquoise, oranges and neutrals, and sheer fabrics are back in right now. They’re really big.â€? Q: What does home mean to you? A: “[Home] is a place where you need to come and unwind. You come home, and you’re in your oasis of comfort. I always like my home to be really decorated. Not over the top, but it just makes you feel good. It makes you feel good when you come home to a place where you can relax and see beautiful fabric that looks like art. If you have a well-designed home, then it’s going to make you happy to live in it.â€? 770-794-8106, fabricsandfringe.com FOR RON GOSSETT, owner and president of Ron’s Mattress Mania, the customer DOZD\V FRPHV Ć“ UVW DQG KH FRQVWDQWO\ strives to exceed your expectations. Q: Where does one start when searching for the right mattress? A: Ĺ?7KH Ć“ UVW WKLQJ ,Ĺ?OO ZDQW WR NQRZ LV LI WKH\ want a traditional bed or memory foam? We always ask about their back or if they’ve had any pain or injuries to determine if WKH PDWWUHVV QHHGV WR EH SOXVK RU Ć“ UP RU something in between. Then we get into KRW DQG FRRO DQG ERG\ WHPSHUDWXUH Ĺ‹bZH have beds for every size and shape of person. It’s really down to you trying out the selection. We aren’t going to steer you to a certain brand, we’re just going to let you or your spouse lie comfortably and see how it performs for you. Whatever you’re ORRNLQJ IRU ZH FDQ JHW LW Ĺ‹bVSHFLDO RUGHUV or in stock.â€? Q: What’s your favorite part of your home? A: “The living room. I’ve got two children, VR LWĹ?V IDPLO\ WLPH IULHQG WLPH Ĺ‹bZKHWKHU watching movies or entertaining, it’s the best place for me.â€? 404-447-2741, ronsmattressmania.com VININGS GALLERY IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND ART destination for collectors and artists alike, with two locations in the Atlanta area.

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S E C T I O N

Turn your house into a home with ďŹ ne art. Vinings Gallery offers in-home art consultation.

Vinings Gallery

Owner Gary Handler paints the picture of what art can do for your own four walls. Q: What is happening at Vinings Gallery this season? A: “Fall is peak season for us at Vinings Gallery. We are pleased to host artist solo shows with some of our most well-loved artists during this season including Josef Kote, Michael Flohr, Ford Smith and Thomas Arvid. Many of these artists will perform live painting performances during their shows — this is always very special for collectors to watch as an artwork comes to life. Additionally, one of the most valuable services we offer is in-home art consultation. This type of consultation gives collectors the opportunity to view an array of YDULRXV DUWLVWV ZLWKLQ WKH ZDOOV RI WKHLU RZQ KRPH RU RIĆ“ FH DQG DW GLIIHUHQW WLPHV RI day when the light is best.â€? Q: :K\ GR \RX WKLQN SHRSOH VKRXOG LQYHVW LQ Ć“ QH DUW IRU WKHLU KRPHV DQG RIĆ“ FHV" A: “The acquisition process can be a very fun experience that will lead to years of enjoyment and will hopefully become a legacy for the collector. An art collection, whether it be a couple of pieces or an array of work from different artists, it will become part of ‘their story.’ It’s a clichĂŠ we’ve all heard before, but collecting a few nice pieces of art really ‘turns a house into a home.’ And who knows, maybe one of these artists will be hanging on a museum wall one day. But most importantly the work should elicit some type of emotion from the collector. Whether a memory that makes you smile or something that just stirs your soul.â€? Q: :KDW PDNHV 9LQLQJV *DOOHU\ XQLTXH" A: “Many people have the general opinion that galleries are stuffy, and places where you must know something about art to go inside. When I opened our gallery 16 years ago, I was very conscious of creating a very relaxed and welcoming business model. I wanted folks to feel like they were walking into a neighbor’s home for a friendly visit. When guests come through our doors, they are always warmly greeted and in most cases offered a glass of wine. &UHDWLQJ ODVWLQJ UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK RXU FOLHQWV LV GHĆ“ QLWHO\ D KDOOPDUN RI RXU business. And I think that has been the secret of our success over these past 16 years. We have built a very loyal clientele who love coming and spending time at the gallery and with our consultants. 770-299-1122, viningsgallery.com Q 42 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

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A Road Trip

Books FOR THE

Trailing fiction and food through Mississippi’s storied state written by Colleen Ann McNally

44 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

I

I came to drink the water. A great fertile crescent, the Delta region of Mississippi is known for its deep topsoil and slightly askew horizon, sprouting row after row of cotton, soybeans and corn. Through centuries of flood waters and isolation, a unique culture has grown here too, most often portrayed through the blues tunes of juke joints, lawyers and novelists who also seem to spring from the land and are known the world over. Don’t worry – I didn’t literally cup my hands when we finally stood on the banks of the river like Ponce de Leon searching for the Fountain of Youth. Nor was I truly convinced some secret ingredient could magically grant me the same prowess as the successful writers who have collectively called the Magnolia State home. I curiously logged more than a thousand miles following some of the Southern Literary Trail – a route any bibliophile would deem road-trip worthy – to see it for myself. After all, William Faulkner did famously say, “To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.” If water was truly all I drank, I would have returned a few pounds lighter, both in terms of the books I toted back and all the “Miss’ippi” (read: bourbon and catfish) that seeped into my soul.

** COLUMBUS

“If

the writing is honest it cannot be separated from the man who wrote it.”

– Tennessee Williams The first stop from Atlanta was Columbus. Pulling onto Main Street, it’s nearly impossible to miss the boldly painted house – the birthplace of the bohemian playwright Thomas Lanier “Tennessee” Williams and now home to The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. Inside, you might just have the pleasure of meeting Nancy Carpenter who, as CEO and Executive Director of the

Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation, has personally invested much time in preserving the place. She won’t oversell the first three years of life Williams spent in what was then a rectory, but she will proudly emphasize, “you’re only born one place” and describe in detail what the house truly represents: his family. Therein lies the source of many of his Southern Gothic stories and dysfunctional characters. Relics exhibited throughout the home help complete the picture of the man whose works still captivate audiences today, as I witnessed again in June at Serenbe Playhouse’s timeless rendition of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Williams was also heavily influenced by time spent in New Orleans, and Cajun life extends to Columbus tables, particularly those at J. Broussards. Conversation turned to Galatoire's while forks dug into brie baked with brown sugar, crispy Gulf shrimp mousseline with Creole pepper jelly and pecan-pane catfish. Get your fill a number of ways while visiting Columbus. The Williams’ home is one of many historical stops you can tour six days a week. A drive through town also displays the Mississippi University for Women, where Williams' and Faulkners' mothers were educated and the school's most famous alumna Eudora Welty. A Writers’ Symposium is hosted each October in her honor. visitcolumbusms.org

** JACKSON

“S

outherners love a good tale. They are born reciters, great memory retainers, diary keepers, letter exchangers … great talkers.”

– Eudora Welty Before making our way to Welty’s hometown of Jackson, I knew more about the Kardashians than the acclaimed author. Afterward, I wished nothing more than to have joined her for a cocktail on her porch. A different kind of celebrity, Welty spent 73 years in the Tudor Revival before her death in 2001; now maintained by the state, the home and gardens remain one of the country’s most intact and authentic literary houses. She received 38 honorary doctorate degrees and more than 40 major literary awards in her lifetime,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT OXFORD; VISIT COLUMBUS; EUDORA WELTY LLC

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 45

MISSISSIPPI

** GREENWOOD yet you won’t see one on display. Nearly every wall (and available seat) is covered with art, thousands of books and many mementos from her many friends. Even the latter continues to inspire fellow writers — “Meanwhile There Are Letters” is a new release, compiled from Welty’s letter correspondence with novelist Ross Macdonald. While her sweet disposition and career were content in the capital city, the social butterfly’s life was far from boring. She loved traveling and lived briefly in New York after college, but returned home when her father was sick — a theme portrayed in her Pulitzer Prize winner, “The Optimist’s Daughter.” Beyond what meets the eye, Welty believed, “A sheltered life can be a daring life as well. For all serious daring starts from within.” It is so easy to picture her sitting at her typewriter with the window open, working in her garden or eating at the Mayflower Café downtown. If you choose to visit the famous lunch spot, the “comeback” salad dressing is a must, and again, you can’t go wrong with fried fish. Fans of more recent Jackson native Kathryn Stockett may recognize the diner interior from the big screen adaptation of her book, “The Help.” Scenes were also filmed in Fondren, Jackson’s funky neighboring community of artsy shops with nostalgic storefronts. Drive a few minutes to the commer-

“M

ississippi is like my mother. I am allowed to complain about her all I want, but God help the person who raises an ill word about her around me, unless she is their mother too.”

– Kathryn Stockett

cial side of town to browse the enormous Lemuria Books – you’ll be itching for a good read after seeing Welty’s collection. Across I-55, a top-ranked table in town (of more than 300 restaurant options) waits at Char Restaurant, best followed by a nightcap at The Fairview Inn’s Library Lounge. Located just steps away from Welty’s house museum, the Fairview is a dream for B&B lovers. The reimagined 1908 Colonial Revival mansion touts its own fair share of fame, both in accolades and celebrity guests (including stars from “The Help” during filming; a quote from the book even adorns the Inn’s coffee mugs). visitjackson.com

We delved deeper into the Delta, where the cosmopolitan Alluvian Hotel is least expected and a welcomed anchor to downtown Greenwood. Recreated from the 1917 Hotel Irving, the elegant lobby displays eye-catching William Dunlap artwork and spacious guest rooms are more than comfortable. Owned by Viking Range Corporation, your stay at The Alluvian could include a class at the cooking school or High Cotton Indulgence at the Spa, but our afternoon was otherwise booked. A few blocks down Howard Street, Turn Row Books is a place to get lost for hours and was designed to do just that, with an inviting back porch and upstairs café. Owner Jamie Kornegay speaks softly and kindly, sharing suggestions with shoppers. He opened the store in 2006 after learning the trade at Oxford’s famous Square Books and studying creative fiction under Barry Hannah at the University of Mississippi. PHOTO COURTESY OF VISIT VISIT JACKSON; VISIT GREENWOOD

46 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

MISSISSIPPI

His already-acclaimed debut novel “Soil” draws inspiration from back road drives and falls squarely into the footsteps of Southern Gothic style; he’s already drafting another. If browsing the cookbook shelves leaves you hungry, join what feels like the entire county at the landmark Crystal Grille for pink velvet fruit salad and slices of pie piled high with meringue. If you doubt the Delta has a hip side, check yourself. Back on Howard Street in a revamped radio station, Chef Taylor Bowen Ricketts’ Delta Bistropub serves cast iron quail and wild mushroom ravioli in fennel cream that had me clearing my plate. “The Help” fans will again recognize many of the heart-tugging characters' homes; request a map for a self-guided driving tour. greenwoodms.com

** GREENVILLE

“If

Will Percy had lived in Tupelo, there would have been a lot of writers from Tupelo.”

– Shelby Foote While chasing the green historical markers, it’s hard to miss another shade of signs marking the state’s Blues Trail.

Memorial Library, a humble Writer’s Exhibit on the second floor begins with his family’s contribution and the following string, including Walker Percy, Ellen Douglas, Beverly Lowry, David Cohn, Charles Bell, Ben Wasson (also Faulkner’s literary agent), Shelby Foote, Hodding Carter (Jr., III and IV) … the list goes on, but has yet to be updated with my favorite Julia Reed, who grew up two doors down from the Percys and whose memoirs truly piqued my interest in visiting Mississippi. Instead, the exhibit describes a town where everyone wanted to become a writer, or was keenly aware of who in the community would be so lucky, while “sober citizens wonder who will do the useful work such as baking bread and repairing cars,” to borrow the words of David Cohn. The answer at dinnertime is the original Doe’s Eat Place. There’s no menu, but considering guests enter through the kitchen, you’ll already know what you want — one of the oversized sizzling steaks. Want wine? Brown bag it yourself. Want a beer? Pick it out from their fridge. Not much has changed at Doe's in the past 74 years except its increased popularity. Recent visitors include both President Obama and Anthony Bourdain and what do you know, Reed is a regular. visitgreenville.org Considering how the places they lived and times they faced influenced their music, the blues and literary traditions are two birds of a feather in a state where everybody has a story to tell. The morning we departed for Greenville coincided with B.B. King’s public viewing, and off we went on a brief detour to Indianola to pay respects to him and Lucille. While waiting with thousands of others in line, friendly locals directed us toward a roadside hot tamale stand. After four days of being in Mississippi, I saw the river and truly felt I had a taste of the Delta. In fact, Greenville is now dubbed the Hot Tamale capital of the World. Albeit no glammed-up hotels or cosmopolitan restaurants in sight, a roundup of literary towns would be incomplete without this little town which boasts “more published writers per capita” than any other in the nation. Inside the William Alexander Percy

** OXFORD

“I

discovered that my own little postage stamp of native soil was worth writing about and that I would never live long enough to exhaust it.”

– William Faulkner An appropriate grand finale, the picturesque Oxford Square was bustling with pastel prints, lively college students and new-meets-old Southern charm. The town’s name isn’t the only thing borrowed from England; old-fashioned, red telephone booths and double-decker buses are now as iconic as the soulful Ajax Dinner, Chef John Currence’s City Grocery and PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT OXFORD; CITY GROCERY RESTAURANT GROUP

48 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

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Square Books. In the center, the courthouse looked just as I remembered it from the 1996 film adaptation of John Grisham’s first law thriller, “A Time To Kill.” A few minutes from the bustle, Faulkner's white columned, private world of Rowan Oak beckons visitors year-round from dawn to dusk. For more than 40 years, the Nobel Prize Laureate and Pulitzer winner lived here with his family and drew inspiration from the 29 acres and history of the home, originally built in 1844. While there’s no fee to visit the grounds, $5 grants admittance inside the house to witness eccentricities such as his mint julep cup and plot outline of 1954 National Book Award winner “Fable” scrawled on the wall of his office. True devotees can attend Ole Miss' annual Faulkner and Yoknaptawpha Conference for five days of lectures and discussions, or spend just five minutes by his gravestone in St. Peter’s Cemetery. The afternoon I visited, a student from Vermont already left a bourbon tribute and thesis on “As I Lay Dying.” By dinner, it was hard to believe the coincidence when while delivering our oysters, the waitress at Snackbar confessed she moved to Mississippi to become a writer, to drink the water. Before heading back to Atlanta, we fulfill promises to visit Big Bad Breakfast (yet another standout by Currence). No one said it would be pretty, but everyone said it would be good – and the aftermath of stacked skillets and plates of biscuits, grits and sweet potato hash, like every other bit of Oxford, did not disappoint. visitoxfordms.com

**

MISSISSIPPI BOOK FESTIVAL Held in the state capitol on Aug. 22, the inaugural year of this fest celebrates authors

After a week on the flat highways, I left with a full belly and flooded mind, but as thirsty as ever for good tales. PN

and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas and imagination. msbookfestival.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION visitmississippi.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF SQUARE BOOKS

50 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

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BACK IN THE SWING

DECODING ATHLETIC DYSFUNCTION TO GO THE DISTANCE written by CARL DANBURY, JR.

WHAT BEGAN AS A QUEST for overall physical fitness and adding length off the tee has evolved into something much more impactful, almost miraculous for 48-year-old amateur golfer Wayne Brisson. A member of Golf Club of Georgia, Brisson was introduced to Chad Cook, current director of performance at Players Performance Institute (PPI) in 2007. The two have formed a tight relationship during the past eight years, due in part to Cook’s knowledge of athletic training, nutrition and performance, but also because he has helped Brisson combat the challenges of multiple sclerosis (MS). 52 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

A HIDDEN SECRET FOR ATHLETES

Brisson, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and former rower for the Midshipmen’s rowing team, and his wife often walked more than 3 miles in their subdivision until a few years ago when Brisson began to notice that the walk was becoming more difficult, often forcing him to stop short. He consulted his neurologist, and was diagnosed with MS in 2012. Brisson, owner of the Roswell-based technology consulting firm Aquitas Solutions, researched its cause, its effects and ways to help him cope. MS involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS), comprised of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, MS is considered by many experts to be immune-mediated rather than autoimmune because the exact antigen, or target, that the immune cells are sensitized to attack is unknown. One of the symptoms is foot drop, according to Brisson. It occurs because MS often prevents dorsiflexion, or the ability of

the ankle and toes to turn upward. People with foot drop try to adapt by using different gaits, which in turn may cause poor balance, pain and fatigue. “You try to walk, but you can’t pull your foot up. You stumble,” Brisson related. “After the diagnosis, I could walk only about three-quarters of a mile before foot drop would happen. I started working with Chad on different things. Because MS affects your balance, it affects your central nervous system, and Chad is certified in a process called MAT (Muscle Activation Techniques) where he [stimulates the nerves by hand].” “When we began the MAT, Chad probably saw me twice a week before ultimately working it back to once a week. Now, it’s every other week. The meaningful progress for me happened during a period of a year. I have gone from not being able to walk a mile, to being able to walk 18 holes while playing golf,” Brisson gleamed. “It’s miraculous. I have talked to my neurologist about it, and she shakes her head in disbelief. Obviously, Chad is more than just golf to me.” Cook is one of a very few to be trained in M AT — a leading edge treatment methodology to identify inhibited and weak

muscles in the body. Issues with the joints and the muscles work within the neuromuscular loop, according to Cook. He likened that loop to a light bulb, the wiring behind the light bulb and the switch. Anything that negatively effects any of those three areas can inhibit performance. In a short demonstration, Cook quickly found that a longtime flexibility issue with my left knee was actually rooted in a malady in my left hip. For the most part, MAT is a hidden secret with professional athletes. There simply are not a lot of athletes who know about its capabilities yet. While doctors, physical therapists and chiropractors deal with the structural side of the body, Cook is focused more on the neuromuscular side, which contributes to increased mobility and flexibility.

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL PPI is located on the ground floor of the remodeled clubhouse at the Golf Club of Georgia, which was purchased last fall by oil executive and country club resuscitator Ben Kenny. It was Kenny who, in 2011, purchased Horseshoe Bend Country Club in Roswell and invested nearly $30 million in capital improvements to captivate members, prospective members and special event guests. Membership swelled as a result. A similar program is in full swing at the Golf Club of Georgia, located off Windward Parkway in Alpharetta. Cook and his team may be deeply rooted in golf, but the capabilities that PPI offers its clients goes far beyond added distance off the tee and increased fitness. A former three-sport athlete from Janesville, Wis., whose budding hockey career was derailed by an opponent’s ill-timed body check when he was 19, Cook believes in long-term athlete development, no matter what the chronological age of a client may be. From grade school on up, he works with athletes of all ages, implementing corrective measures on the physical inefficiencies a particular athlete might have. Unlike some cookie-cutter training programs that don’t take into consideration the individual needs of an athlete, Cook devises case-by-case regimens. “We look at flexibility, mobility, stability, balance, power and speed from fundamental athletic viewpoints, because if the foundation is not in place, the athlete may PHOTOS COURTESY OF

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 53

CHAD COOK

“We look at flexibility, mobility, stability, balance, power and speed from fundamental athletic viewpoints, because if the foundation is not in place, the athlete may be compensating all over the place.” CHAD COOK

be compensating all over the place with their golf swing and have inefficiencies,” Cook offered. “I treat the body as the most efficient engine in their golf swing [or whatever motions and movements their sport entails]. If their body is broken down, they can spend all the money they want on equipment, but

they are going to be frustrated at the end of the day.” Clients go through evaluation with Cook, who assesses their physical foundation and then designs a corrective program to help each client build a better foundation. Having trained many high school ath-

letes who feel the urgency to improve their performance and increase their chances of earning a college scholarship, Cook said that his success rate is about 95 percent. “We’re not working magic, we’re just removing obstacles,” he said. Lauren Lightfritz, a scholar athlete on the girls’ golf team at Lambert High School and player of the year as a junior, sought Cook’s help for a workout routine and stretching techniques. “I started with [him] about this time last summer and I have changed both mentally and physically,” Lightfritz said. “Chad has taught me workouts that have helped keep me flexible. He [plans] what workouts would be best each day, which has allowed me to stay organized and plan [accordingly]. Just those workouts alone have allowed me to gain more than 20 to 30 yards on almost every single one of my clubs, and [enabled] me to compete on a higher level.” Lightfritz, who won five of eight tournaments this season and shot some of her lowest rounds ever, has committed to play collegiate golf at Mercer University.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME While Cook particularly enjoys his client roster of junior athletes because their potential is “easier, faster and less expensive to unlock,” he is also motivated for other reasons. Unlike young athletes in previous generations who participated in many sports, some are now specializing in just one sport at a very young age. “That can create a lot of emotional and mental burn-out issues and physical injuries from overuse of particular muscle groups,” Cook elaborated. “Kids are repeating one pattern over and over constantly. Regardless of whether or not their chosen sport is golf, soccer, tennis or [something else], one-sport specialization flies in the face of long-term athlete development.” “I want to create and enhance multidirectional movement patterns, and put the foundations in place to cultivate pure athletes first, sports-specific athletes second. It’s a crime what’s going on now. Parents and coaches don’t understand what the percentages really are [for athletes to advance

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBIN HARRISON; GOLF CLUB OF GEORGIA

54 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

to higher levels in a sport],” Cook lamented. “Part of my job is to identify cracks in an athlete’s foundation. Through their activities during the day and their fitness regimens, I try to bring balance back to their lives and create a well-rounded athlete, so that they can be more dynamic on the course, or on the field,” Cook said. Evaluating numerous factors is important when working with young athletes, including determining talent, where an athlete is hormonally, size-wise and emotionally. “Their biological age is much more important to me than their chronological age. We can have two 12 year olds that I train much differently,” Cook said. While some kids might be superstars at 6 or 12, that doesn’t necessarily project what their capabilities will be as they mature. “If I do the right things at the right age for the child, hopefully he’ll be with me for years to come and we’ll see some very cool things happen at the age of 17, 18 and 19,” he added. Examples of “late bloomers” are prevalent in both amateur and professional athletics. Growing up, Alex Morgan was a multi-sport athlete who began playing soccer at an early age. Although she didn’t play club soccer until she was 14, she is now a starting forward on the U.S. Women’s National team that recently won the World Cup. Six-time NBA World Champion, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, didn’t begin playing basketball until the ninth grade. Former world indoor track and field champion and world record holder Franklin Jacobs didn’t perform in the high jump until he was a high school senior, and 2012 U.S. Olympic gold medal swimmer Conor Dwyer dropped the sport in middle school before picking it back up during his last two years of high school. He had grown 10 inches taller during that timeframe. Cook provided helpful advice for adults who think a young athlete may have a chance to excel in athletics beyond the recreational level. “I encourage parents and coaches to build a love of the game, or passion for the sport with these kids. Today, these kids are getting a lot of pressure from many angles. Without fostering a love for the game, you

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CHAD COOK

“It’s hard to encapsulate everything that Chad knows and how he has helped me. He will help in ways you cannot immagine.” WAYNE BRISSON

can have the best young athlete in the world, but you run the risk of burn out. The kid may fizzle before you ever get a chance to see what their true potential is,” Cook said. If the parent is the driving force seeking more intensive athletic training, rather than the child, Cook advised parents to save their money. “It’s not fair to the kid and we’re not going to get the desired results if it’s not their choice. I will bend over backward for those who demonstrate a great attitude, effort, focus and a commitment to wanting to improve. I know how to help them reach their goals and potential, but they need to enjoy the journey. The journey is the most important part of it, because it will serve them well in everything they do later in life. If they can enjoy the journey and take the right path, then I am all in,” Cook said. For high school athletes, Cook encourages testing and assessment. “Once we know what the roadblocks are to their true potential, we can address them and remove any that may inhibit them from improved performance.”

A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE Brisson’s evolution since being diagnosed with MS has been a life changing experience. “Chad has helped me with exercises focused on strengthening my core and my hips, in addition to reactivating the muscles in my left leg,” Brisson said. “The program is designed to promote my balance and strength. That has really made the difference. Part of the exercise regimen is quick lateral movements. When I first tried, I couldn’t do them, and I’d almost fall down. From six months ago versus what it’s like now is remarkable. It’s that amazing. I wish I had a before-and-after video.” Coupled with changing Brisson’s diet, devising a workout plan and addressing certain weaknesses as a result of the disease, Cook has altered Brisson’s trajectory too. “It’s hard to encapsulate everything that Chad knows and how he has helped me. He is just amazing. He’s trustworthy, has a great work ethic and is extremely knowledgeable. He will help in FOR MORE INFORMATION playerspi.com ways you can’t imagine. I golfclubofgeorgia.com couldn’t ask for a better guy.” PN 56 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

Guy’s TIME

The Chase for a Professional Hockey Career

J

written by CARL DANBURY, JR.

June was quite a month for 17-year-old Chase Pearson. The graduate of youth hockey programs at The Cooler, where he began playing at the age of 5, not only signed a letter of intent with the University of Maine, he was the 140th overall selection in the National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, chosen in the fifth round by the Detroit Red Wings. Pearson joined Powder Springs’ Vinny Saponari (selected by the Thrashers in the fourth round in 2008) as the only Atlanta-grown players to be drafted by an NHL team.

MOVING ON UP

Chase is the son of Scott Pearson, a former 1988 first-round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs that played in nearly 300 games during his 11-year NHL career before moving to Atlanta in 2001. The younger Pearson played Mites, Squirts, Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget hockey in Atlanta, often coached by his father, and concluded his career here with the Atlanta Fire organization on its 16-and-under team a few seasons ago. Like many with the talent to ascend beyond the recreational hockey level, Pearson moved northward with the intention of garnering attention from both

professional scouts and college coaches at the age of 15. While some choose private prep schools in the northern U.S. with solid hockey programs, others like Pearson, an Alpharetta resident, migrate to Canada, where junior programs for 15- to 20-yearolds are numerous and well respected. Despite being selected by the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), one of the three major junior ice hockey leagues in Canada, Pearson joined the Cornwall Colts, a Junior A team one level below the OHL. It was a natural selection for him. Cornwall is his birthplace and his father’s hometown, and playing for the Colts allowed him to live with his aunt and uncle, to be close to his grandparents and to retain his U.S. college eligibility. The luxury of a college scholarship is not afforded to OHL players, who are considered professionals by the NCAA. Preserving his college eligibility was paramount for both father and son, who collectively understand that preparation for life after hockey is vital. Pearson plans to be a business management major at UMaine. After one season in Cornwall, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound center went to Youngstown, Ohio, to play for the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Phantoms, a Tier 1 junior program, where he began to attract even more attention from NHL scouts and colleges. Pearson is gifted with size, the ability to play well offensively and defensively, is strong on face-offs and possesses an attribute all players seek – hockey sense. He likely will return to Youngstown for one more season while completing his college entrance requirements. Soon after the NHL draft, Pearson took part in the Red Wings prospect camp, during which he was able to get a feel of where he stands versus other prospects and where he needs improvement.

LOOKING FOR THE EDGE I caught up with Pearson on his way to prospect camp to discuss his recent fortunes. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE COOLER; THE DETROIT RED WINGS

58 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

CHASE PEAR S ON

“It’s surreal. I can’t even describe how I felt [when my name was called at the draft],” Pearson said. “You work your whole life to try to make it to the NHL, and while this is just the first step of many, I was really, really excited. Detroit is a great organization, an Original Six team, very established with unbelievable players to come through the organization, and a lot of Hall of Famers. To be selected by a team like that was really cool for me.” Pearson understands that his development as both a top-level college and professional player could take a few more years of hard work. His father has offered experienced-backed advice and encouragement along the way. “The one thing my dad has always talked about and never really changed his mindset about is the work ethic required to

ahead of the competition, and I’m always determined to look for an edge over the guys I will be competing against,” Pearson offered.

OFF THE THIN ICE

play in the pro ranks. He always reinforced that every day you have a chance to get better, and you have to take advantage of it.” During the off-season, Pearson trains with weights four days a week, spends 120 to 150 minutes on the ice two days per week along with plyometric workouts. “I understand that I have to make sacrifices. I have to try to stay a step

Getting that edge, whether your father was an NHL player or not, isn’t quite as easy as it might appear, particularly if you live in a non-traditional hockey market like Atlanta. There were 1,600 USA Hockeyregistered youth players in Georgia during the 2014-15 season. Only seven players from the entire state played NCAA Division I men’s hockey last season, while another 16 played men’s Division III hockey, according to Nate Ewell, deputy executive director of College Hockey, Inc. To make the NHL, even if a player is drafted, long-term success isn’t

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FORSYTH COUNTY WELLNESS 564 Lakeland Plaza • Cumming • 770-781-9050 www.forsythcountywellness.com Call for an Appointment Today! August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 59

CHASE PEAR S ON

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guaranteed. Of the 1,537 players selected with the No. 140 overall or later pick from the 1996 to 2008 NHL drafts, only 430 (28 percent) went on to play in at least one NHL game, and only 145 (9.4 percent) of those participated in 200 or more career games. Despite the long odds, Pearson shared some advice for young players from the Atlanta area. “Work as hard as you can. If you are good enough, scouts will find you. You don’t necessarily have to leave home. You can stay and develop in Atlanta. You don’t have to play at prep school at a young age. I didn’t leave until my minor midget year, and I have been successful. If you want to be a player, you have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice. Sometimes the choice might come down to going out with your friends or staying home and training. A huge part of your eventual success will come off the ice,” he explained. That perspective likely was passed down from father to son. Scott was selected in the 1988 draft ahead of such NHL greats as Teemu Selanne, Jeremy Roenick and Rod Brind’Amour. Make no mistake a professional career can be an odyssey, and his road wound through 10 different cities in North America and one in Germany. Only four times during his 13-year professional career did he spend an entire season in one locale, and for all intents and purposes, Scott’s career was over at the age of 32, although he did play one game in 2007 for the Gwinnett Gladiators, when the team’s roster was a player short. Of course, there are few who wouldn’t have wanted those same experiences of playing with and against the best hockey players in the world, whether it was for 292 seconds or 292 games. During the next few seasons, Scott will want for his son the same things he once experienced. “Chase has his foot in the door,” Scott beamed. “He’s one of 211 players in the world that was drafted this year, so that in itself is a very special accomplishment and is a great opportunity.” PN

For all your catering or private party needs, please contact Maria at 678-520-3336

11730 A Jones Bridge Road • Johns Creek • 770.772.6456 • rosamiaitalian.com 60 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

FOLLOW THE CONVERSATION @GUYSTIME

THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Derek Wintermute Photography

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DerekWinter mute.com

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Dine on dishes by 25 of Atlanta’s premier restaurants such as Local Three, 4th & Swift, Watershed on Peachtree, Common Quarter, Barcelona Wine Bar, Leon’s Full Service, Kimball House, The Big Ketch, Smokebelly BBQ, Cook Hall, Reel Seafood, Horseradish Grill, Prime and more. facebook.com/children ofconservation

For the Love of Books

Tiptoe through Butterflies Let’s take a trip down memory lane, back to when you were a kid and that first butterfly landed on you. Admit it – you couldn’t help but be in awe of its beauty. Dunwoody Nature Center is giving you the opportunity to relive and create butterfly-filled memories with their 22nd annual Butterfly Festival Aug. 15. Your family can have fun in two enormous tents filled with hundreds of fluttering butterflies. The festival will also have a “Birds of Prey” show, other animal interactions, booths, activities, music and more. The fun starts at 10 a.m. for general admission, but members can get in an hour

early. Tickets are available now; $8 for adults and $4 for kids. dunwoody nature.org/butterfly-festival –Jennifer Arthurs

Bookworms, this one’s for you! The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival Presented by DeKalb Medical (AJC DBF), the largest independent book festival in the country, is back at the historic Decatur Square on Sept. 4 through 6 for its 10th year. AJC DBF is known

CAN’T WAIT?

Eats and Beats Don your dancing shoes and join Atlanta’s best restaurants, The Giving Kitchen and Children of Conservation at The Buckhead Theatre on Aug. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. This Eats and Beats event welcomes Yacht Rock Revue for an unforgettable evening of unlimited food, open bars, live entertainment and unique silent auction items. Jam to opening bands led by the likes of Chris Talley from Common Quarter and Zeb Stevenson from Watershed on Peachtree.

to feature some of the best names from the literary world, and this year is no exception. Roxane Gay, one of today’s most popular feminist writers, will interview this year’s keynote speaker, Erica Jong. Jong, a praised author and poet who changed traditional thinking with her 1973 novel, “Fear of Flying,” will discuss her most notable novel’s sequel, “Fear of Dying.” “To have these two literary giants together is going to be a real treat,” AJC DBF Executive Director Daren Wang said. “Erica Jong opened up a whole new world and Roxane Gay is charting the territory.” In addition to featuring authors from almost every genre, this year’s festival will include a children’s parade, its famed Springer Mountain Cooking Stage and the culturally rich History Track sponsored by the Atlanta History Center. decaturbookfestival.com –Torrie Miers

Roxane Gay

The Decatur Book Festival features some of the best names from the literary world.

The New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Weiner has you covered. On Aug. 13, she will be presenting her newest novel, “Who Do You Love” at the Page From the Book Festival. Sitting down with CNN correspondent Holly Firfer, Weiner will talk about her latest book and what happens when the one you love got away. Attendees for the event, held by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, will have their own first edition of the novel along with a glass of wine and good conversation. Tickets are currently on sale for $24 for MJCCA members and $29 dollars for the community. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. 678-812-4002, atlantajcc.org –Jennifer Arthurs

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER; DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL; GATE CITY BREWING; MY BUBBLY BOUTIQUE

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August 2015

Opening the Gates Downtown Roswell is home to some of the Northside’s most popular spots, and this year, it’s making room for one more. Founded in 2013, Gate City Brewing Company — Roswell’s first craft brewery — is moving from Reformation in Woodstock to their new home on Magnolia Street. “We live in Roswell, work in Roswell and are raising our families in Roswell,” said the founders of Gate City. “We are extremely excited to open our facility in the heart of our community, where we will be able to share the Gate City experience with Roswell’s citizens.”

Founded in 2013, Gate City Brewing Company becomes Roswell’s first craft brewery with their new home on Magnolia Street. Both levels of the building, located at 43 Magnolia Street, now belong to Gate City — the top will be the production facility, and the bottom will be the tour and testing facility. Completion is expected by this fall. The tour and tasting facility will open shortly after, and holds promise as both the ideal place to enjoy Gate City’s first signature brews and to anticipate the creation of many more. gatecitybrewing.com –Torrie Miers

SEW CUTE After seeing inadequate bows purchased by her sister, Nicole Smith set out to create a line of top-quality bows that would last for more than one wear and didn’t have tails that frayed after each use. Armed with a grand total of 10 spools of ribbon, a hot glue gun and a handful of overpriced alligator clips, Smith and her husband opened Bubbly Boutique in 2010. Still based out of their Georgia home, the duo has come a long way since then and today, they’re no longer only a bow business. The current lineup of products includes custom embroidery, light sewing, bottle cap jewelry, boutique flip-flops and even adorable, bow-topped pens. What better way to start the school year than a personalized shirt to make your little one the apple of a teacher’s eye? Better yet, get a jump on those teacher gifts while time is still on your side! mybubblyboutique.etsy.com

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 63

August 2015

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To DIY For Grab your tool belt and get ready to nail your home improvement goals: the Fall Atlanta Home Show and Outdoor Living Expo is back for the 32nd year at The Cobb Galleria Centre, and is bringing the charismatic architect and designer John Gidding, host of HGTV’s popular “Curb Appeal — the Block” front and center as the featured speaker. Gidding, who maintains offices in New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, takes the Reliable Heating & Air Home Show Stage Sept. 12 at 1 and 3 p.m., but the expo extends all weekend long. Additional highlights include national and local experts such as Walter Reeves, Joe Washington and Dave Baker, as well as more than 300 exhibitors showcasing the latest home and landscape products and services. Whether redefining a cozy apartment or a grand estate, this event guarantees stylish tips of trade. On Sept. 11, members of Atlanta’s housing industry, such as realtors, contractors, interior designers and landscapers, will be admitted for free (with business card at the show entrance). General admission tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the

Seeing Green There’s no better getaway than a good game of golf, an auction and a dinner — especially when it’s for a good cause. On Aug. 30 and 31, the 5th annual Tourney for TurningPoint will take place at the Dunwoody Country Club. Proceeds benefit TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. The event includes a dinner and an auction at 6 p.m. on Aug. 30, followed by a golf outing with two different flights on Aug. 31, at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Golfers Show’s entrance and online at atlantahomeshow.com. And if you missed The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market last month, we’ll share notes: Luxury linen designer since 1973, Peacock Alley is ready to wrap you and your family in their latest when crisp weather returns later this fall. A sneak peek at their golden shaded shams, dreamy duvets and oversized cable knit throws reminds us that the season of snuggling by bonfires and entertaining holiday guests will be here before we know it. Prepare with a visit to their design studio at Atlanta Decorative Arts Center or peacockalley.com.

There’s no better getaway than a good game of golf, an auction and a dinner – especially when it’s for a good cause.

will compete in contests based on best skills, longest drive and most hole-in-ones. Individual tickets are $50 for dinner, $300 for dinner and golf and $1,000 for a team of four. 770-360-9271, myturningpoint.org –Lily Lou

PLAY BALL As summer rolls out, the second annual Atlanta Meatball Festival is coming back to town on Aug. 30. Presented by TasteATL, the culinary event management company responsible for Taste of Atlanta, the Atlanta Meatball Festival will showcase some of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants and most talented chefs as they embark on a friendly competition to determine the city’s mightiest meatballer. With 20 restaurants already signed on to participate, this event promises to please every foodie’s tastebuds. The top-three meatballs and their chefs will compete in the “Meat Brawl Throwdown,” which will take place during this year’s Taste of Atlanta festival. Just in case meatballs aren’t enough motivation, a portion of the event proceeds benefit local charity. Held at Belle Isle Square in Sandy Springs, the festival’s tickets start at $20 and include entry, meatball tasting and entertainment. Stick a fork in yours early — space is limited. atlantameatballfestival.com –Torrie Miers

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEACOCK ALLEY; TURNINGPOINT; SAMANTHA SHAL PHOTOGRAPHY

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Alexandria Bobo has created a new Summer Specials Menu to highlight locally sourced meats, vegetables, fruits & cheeses. Visit our Facebook page to see what Chef Alex has cooking. Refreshing new cocktails and a fresh list of crisp summer wines also are available for a limited time. And as always, you can rely upon Mia to provide casual fare with a air and authentic Italian recipes.

DINE-IN, PICK-UP & CATERING AVAILABLE Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday Noon-9 p.m. 2300 Bethelview Rd., Suite 104, Cumming • 770-887-3000 • miaitaliano.com

August 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 65

Northside VIEW

What better place to run than in a field of dreams? Corey Johnson • Cumming

Each issue this year will end with black and white photography submitted by our readers. All photos not printed will be considered for the December issue, when Northside View returns to fill our pages front to back. Want to share one of your favorite color photos? Please do! We’re accepting all photography and will publish those selected in black and white. Please send your images of the Northside to editorial@pointsnorthatlanta.com and encourage the photographers in your life to do the same.

66 | POINTS NORTH | August 2015

EveryBODY is Beautiful Everybody wants to reach their full potential, and our goal as your surgery partner is to help you get there. At The Swan Center, we believe that even the smallest changes in appearance can drastically change the way you feel about yourself.

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