Home Magazine Jan/Feb 2013 by The Times

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

Ronda’s

Romance

Come Visit Braselton’s Newest Dentist!

BRASELTON

FAMILY DENTISTRY

r. Melina Johnson looks forward to meeting new patients of all ages. Call for an appointment today.

• Now Accepting New Patients • Accepts Most Insurance Plans • We File Your Insurance For You • Se habla español New entrance: Turn Left on Davis St. at the traffic light then left into the parking lot Located in the Historic Braselton Bros. building in downtown Braselton

Dr. Melina Johnson • Braselton Family Dentistry • 5122 Hwy 53 Braselton, GA 30517

706.654.2492 www.braseltonfamilydentistry .com

What’s Inside

January | February 2013

10 8 Georgia Mountian Food Bank Inside Every Issue 6 42 46

From the Editor Calendar Around Town

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013

Ronda’s

Romance

Weddings

16 Snow Mountain

Charity

Business

One in five residents in North Georgia are struggling with hunger – even those who live above the poverty level.To work toward ending hunger, food banks distribute more than 95 million pounds of food annually to 159 counties in Georgia. Learn about Georgia Mountain Food Bank’s new facility.

Sports & Recreation 16

Don’t let old man winter keep you cooped up inside! Snow is just a short hour’s drive for most North Georgians – Snow Mountain offers tubing and other fun snow-filled activities that will take you back to the snow days of your childhood.

Thanks to ice rinks, southerners can enjoy true winter sports such as hockey and ice skating. Join a hockey league, take skating lessons or simply enjoy a family day at one of the rinks in North Georgia.

On the Cover The honeymoon is far from over for newlyweds Ronda Rich and John Tinker, who didn’t miss an opportunity to snuggle during the photo shoot. They are seated in her uncle’s 1960 Corvette in the drive to their home, which sits on Ronda’s family property where she was born and raised.

Weddings are big business. Learn about the trends from some of North Georgia’s local business owners who serve brides.

Photo by Sarina Roth | Design by Tom Jordan 4

January | February 2013

HOME Living

In North Georgia

35 Taste of HOME 20 Cover Story Cover Story

Health & Fitness

Home & Garden

In recognition of National Heart Health Month in February, HOME takes a look at the cardiovascular healthcare options serving North Georgians. We’re surrounded by some of the best in the nation.

February also is Children’s Dental Health Month as well as Give Kids a Smile Day, observed on the first Friday of the month.

As the glitter, sparkles and lights from the holidays are put back in storage, January and February can seem a bit dull. Nature gives us color with the cheerful winter jasmine, the elegant winter iris, the gorgeous Camellia japonica and faithful daffodils.

Learn how Ronda Rich, who designed her own house and was the contractor, too, created a cozy country cottage feel in her kitchen, which features a whimsical round window.

Ronda Rich and Dixie Dew are two of the South’s most popular divas – and HOME got to spend several hours with them! Meet Ronda’s new man and find out why they celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 9.

Get to Know 24

Meet Walter Boomershine, philanthropist. And get to know the man who has made a tremendous impact in Hall County.

Lifestyle 28

Who says warm isn’t pretty? Boots are back in style big time and the choices are seemingly endless: tall, short, heels, cowboy boots and more.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Taste of HOME 35

Salvador’s Italian Grill in Jefferson uses family recipes to create delicious, homemade Italian dishes, pizza and desserts including zepolles and tiramisu.

January | February 2013

From the Editor A Valentine’s Resolution People often tell me how great I am at coming up with story ideas. I do have my moments of brilliance, but far more often the people, places and things to do in the pages of HOME come from you, our readers. That’s what makes HOME such a good read – because it is a compilation of thoughts, interests and suggestions from the people who cherish the magazine and have either knowledge of, or a curiosity for, all things North Georgia. Perhaps both! This issue, a rare suggestion was made by my sister, a former writer and editor who never wants to step on my toes by “telling me what to write.” She’s my big sister, so I guess she expects I still will do everything she says. Cathy said she was thinking about all of the many wonderful things that happen for the less fortunate during the holidays. But that, while the holidays are now another fond memory for many of us, others are still in need. “What about the rest of the year?” she asked. “The needs are not always physical; the dawn of a new year, so inspirational for some, leaves others in need of spiritual and emotional support.” She was curious about unique ministries, such as one church that has a prayer box outside for anyone to drop off prayer requests, and if people are aware of the on-going needs and how they can help serve those needs. Meanwhile, I have been hearing from local nonprofits that they are in need of board members. Not just warm bodies, but people who know the community, understand the requirements and responsibilities of serving on a board and have a passion for the specific cause and for making their community a better place. Not that our area is lacking in community support. Love is definitely in the air year-round in our backyard. I was moved by the selfless acts of kindness to make Thanksgiving and Christmas a better time for those less fortunate. Yet, there is a need by the very organizations that provide so much good so that they can continue to serve to the best of their ability: board members. If you are among the more fortunate who has the zest and zeal to be turning over a new leaf and have compiled a list of New Year’s resolutions and other exciting plans for the coming year, take a moment to add one more thing to your list – community support. Have a heart and make a Valentine’s resolution … call a local charity and be their Valentine.

Roxane

Roxane Rose rrose@homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com 6

January | February 2013

Publisher Dennis Stockton General Manager/Editor Roxane Rose Advertising Director Sherrie Jones Advertising Sales Angela Cannon-Pulliam Debra Purvis Melisa Sizemore Amanda Woodall Graphic Design Tom Jordan Katherine Hake Eddy McIlvain Roxane Rose Patty Sawyer April Seymour Production Support Dana Erwin Betty Thompson Contributing Photographers Sarina Roth Tom Reed Scott Rogers HOME Magazine, a division of: The Times Gainesville, GA The Paper Hoschton, GA A Morris Multimedia Inc. property 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 | 770-535-6332

www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com HOME: Living in North Georgia reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by HOME: Living in North Georgia. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Morris Multimedia Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Morris Multimedia cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. HOME Living In North Georgia

HOME Living In North Georgia

• 3D/4D Ultrasound • Routine and High Risk Obstetric Care • Advanced Laparoscopy and Treatment for Pelvic Relaxation & Urinary Incontinence • Endometrial Ablation • Full Body Bone Density Scan • Robotic Surgery • Permanent Sterilization

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Caring for Life Clayton L. Cox, MD, FACOG; Stephen Little, MD, FACOG D. Holt Harrison, MD, FACOG; Francis T. Lake, Jr., MD, FACOG; Jeffrey Ward, MD, FACOG; Tiffany Jones-Tucker, CNM 668 Lanier Park Drive Gainesville, GA 30501

770 531-1515

2695 Old Winder Hwy Suite 250 Braselton, Ga 30517 770-965-4170

www.theheritageobgyn.com

January | February 2013

home charity

Face the Hunger

One in five residents in North Georgia are struggling with hunger – even those who live above the poverty level.

ot since the Great Depression has the country seen so many out of work and scraping to get by. In northeast Georgia, relief from the economy seems to be in sight and some counties have seen a decrease in unemployment rates. Nonetheless, one in four people may not know where their next meal will come from. Surprising? It’s not – from 2006 to 2011, nearly 16 percent of those residing in Georgia were living below the poverty line; that’s higher than the national average. Parents find themselves forced to choose among food, medical care and monthly bills. Hunger is not limited to the homeless and unemployed or any specific age, race, gender or health. Children and adults of all ages are susceptible to the anxiety and fear of being without food. According to the Georgia Food Bank Association, the face of hunger is changing in Georgia: 17.4 percent of Georgians – nearly 1 in 5 – are struggling with hunger; this is well above the national average. Some 28 percent of children in Georgia are struggling with hunger. This means that more than 700,000 children in Georgia have been hungry without access to food in one of the wealthiest nations in the world. More than a third of the children in Georgia who are dealing with hunger live in households above 185 percent of poverty and likely are ineligible for any federal food nutrition programs. These

January | February 2013

are the children of working families. More than a fourth of the people served by food banks in Georgia say they are seeking help for the first time. Seniors have adult children moving back in with them and are turning to food pantries for assistance. Seven regional food banks comprise the Georgia Food Bank Association, whose role is to coordinate and maximize the food banks’ efforts, enabling them to better provide a healthy and adequate food supply. Working through more than 2,500 partner agencies and pantries, the food banks distribute more than 95 million pounds of food annually to 159 counties in Georgia. In North Georgia, the Georgia Mountain Food Bank serves Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Lumpkin and Union counties, while the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia serves 14 counties to the west and south of that area. Georgia Mountain Food Bank The idea of joining the fight against hunger in Hall County first surfaced in 1999. Georgia Mountain Food Bank Hall, Lumpkin, Dawson, Forsyth and Union counties

www.gamountainfoodbank.org 770-534-4111 Food Bank of Northeast Georgia 14 Northeast Georgia counties

www.foodbanknega.org 706-354-8191

“Hunger is a real, real problem and it’s hard to think about,” Georgia Mountain Food Bank Executive Director Kay Blackstock said. “It’s hard for people to wrap their heads around the fact that there are families who are skipping meals so their children can eat. There are senior citizens who get excited about a pack of saltine crackers because they are skipping meals because they are living on such limited income.” The vision to establish a food bank evolved from Blackstock’s work while at the North Georgia Community Foundation, where she served as executive assistant, special events coordinator and property manager for 10 years. She worked closely with Jim Mathis, president and CEO, on a number of special community projects. The idea and vision became reality in 2007 when the Georgia Mountain Food Bank was incorporated in the state of Georgia and received its 501(c) (3) certification from the IRS. The Georgia Mountain Food Bank is an affiliate of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. By the time it had been in operation for just over three years, the Georgia Mountain Food Bank had processed more than 4 million pounds of food to agencies in the fivecounty area. It began working with 12 feeding groups in 2008 and now serves 44 agencies. The food bank had been operating out of space donated by Hollis Transport Agency in Flowery Branch. HOME Living

In North Georgia

home charity Last August, the Georgia Mountain Food Bank celebrated the opening of the Boomershine Family Logistics Center, its new 20,000-square-foot facility on Calvary Industrial Drive SW in Gainesville. The new space includes 3,500 square feet of refrigerated storage. PFG Milton’s, a long-time supporter of GMFB, donated a tractor and trailer and a stand-up pallet jack to help operate the new facility. Blackstock has served as executive director of the Georgia Mountain Food Bank since October 2008. She oversees the distribution of food and product received from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, local donations and food drives. In addition, Kay is actively involved in agency relations and development with the five counties served by the Food Bank. She is a native of Gainesville who went to Gainesville city schools, then attended Knapp College of Business in Tacoma, Wash., and Gainesville State College.

How It Works At Georgia Mountain Food Bank’s Boomershine Family Logistics Center, donated product arrives from food drives, grocery and food distributors, growers and other sources of wholesome surplus food. The Food Bank collects, inventories and inspects product for distribution to nonprofit partner agencies. These agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs and daycare centers for children, the elderly and disabled individuals. The agencies obtain food from the food bank to deliver to people in need. Volunteers play a vital role in the process and help reduce the pain of hunger. Opportunities include sorting foods for storage and delivery, handson service to the hungry with one of the partner agencies and running a food drive. For the Empty Bowl fundraising event, the organization is seeking artists, schools, civic groups

Food Bank Gets New Home By Savannah King, From The Times The Georgia Mountain Food Bank celebrated the opening of its new 20,000-square-foot facility in Gainesville with an open house. The Boomershine Family Logistics Center was built with the support of numerous donors including the building’s namesake, the Boomershine family, and the Medical Center Foundation. A crowd of about 300 people attended the Gov. Nathan Deal spoke at the open house event, including Gov. Nathan Deal and first lady for Georgia Mountain Food Bank’s new facility, noting that the food bank is a prime Sandra Deal. “The cooperation that has been put in place to example of what can be accomplished with a make this possible and build this facility is of course public and private partnership. very significant,” Deal said. He said it can sometimes be hard for people who have never been hungry to understand that there are hungry people in the community and many of those are children. Many of the food bank’s supporters shared his concern for the hungry children in the community. “I truly don’t want to see anyone go hungry, certainly not children,” said Walter Boomershine, Georgia Mountain Food Bank board member.“Food bank is a total misnomer.We don’t store food. We want to get it in and get it out.” Over the next five years, the food bank plans to expand its capacity and the capacity of its partner agencies, as well as accept 6 million pounds of food. The 3,500-square-foot cooler and freezer space will store more food items that once might have been turned down for lack of cool storage. In addition to ample storage, the building has a special room for volunteers called the Volunteer Action Center. homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

and food sponsors. “It was the best experience, I believe, that I have ever lived!” said one food bank volunteer. “It brought so much joy seeing all those families with hope and happiness for having food for one more meal.” Upcoming volunteer events scheduled by specific organizations include Flowery Branch Spanish National Honor Society Volunteer Day, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 12, to sort from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The next Saturday, Jan. 19, Citizens of Georgia Power will be volunteering in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, sorting food 9:30-11:30 a.m. Food Bank of Northeast Georgia Founded in 1992, the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia began feeding the hungry with limited distribution of approximately 350,000 pounds of food to 36 agencies. By 2010, it was distributing nearly 9.3 million pounds through 207 partner agencies, the equivalent of 7.2 million meals. In all, the organization has distributed almost 61 million pounds of food or 47 million meals to northeast Georgia residents. The Food Bank of Northeast Georgia serves 14 counties in the northeastern section of the state. Each year the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia works with a number of local,state, regional and national Product Partners to bring food into the community. Product Partners include: manufacturers, grocers\ retailers, distributors, trucking companies, farms, other businesses, individuals and organizations Once the food bank receives the food, staff and volunteers process and store the product in dry, refrigerated and frozen storage. The food is then distributed to those in need through more than 200 partner agencies that provide food free of charge. Among the agencies and programs are: Mobile Pantry, Lena Watkins Emergency Feeding Program, Food 2 Kids, Feeding a Family, Kids Café and the Charlie & Jessica Stock the Pantry Program.

January | February 2013

home business

Brides are Big Busin Story by Roxane Rose Photography by Sarina Roth

10 10

Photo courtesy of Peach Blossom. Taken at stable behind Carl House.

January - February 2013

HOME Living In North Georgia

home business

The recent royal wedding has had a big impact on wedding trends. E

siness

Colored stones mixed with diamonds, such as these sapphire-accented rings, is a popular trend in engagement and wedding rings. Rings from Gem Jewelry. homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

ngagement season was in full bloom as 2012 drew to a close, bringing more couples to the multi-billion-dollar industry that already is massive business. Weddings have become more of a production than just a ceremony about the ritual, which means there are a lot of companies thata have gotten in on the game, leaving the bride-to-be with so many choices. The business of weddings is huge, huge, huge, said BB Webb, owner of Carl House in Carl. The national average cost of a wedding is $25,000-$30,000; $150-$200 is spent per guest on average. Some 2 ½ million weddings will be done this year. Typically $70-$100 is spent on a wedding gift. The average diamond engagement ring is about $6,000. More than $70 million is spent on weddings each year in the United States; honeymoons are a $12 billion a year business. Along with big business, there are trends that come and go with weddings. For example, travel isn’t just for the honeymooners anymore. Over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in destination weddings – where the bride, groom and their wedding party and attendees all go somewhere else for the nuptials. It is estimated that at least one in 10 weddings are destination weddings. Resorts and hotels in popular areas have begun putting together wedding packages; top destinations include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, southern France and Italy. Photographs of the bride and groom taken at old buildings, such as rustic barns, are also a growing trend. In some areas, old places – as long as they are well manicured and have modern-day comforts – are also a hot spot for the ceremony and/or reception. Trendy, hot ticket items for the reception include candy stations, photo booths, action stations (for food) and specialty drinks that are signature bride and groom drinks. There may have been a shift away from bright colors in bridesmaid dresses, but the trends in floral design are for color-color-color. Also, chocolate fountains remain a huge trend, and they are also getting the trendy color

treatment. HOME talked to some of the locally owned wedding service providers in North Georgia to see what the hot new trends are and what sage advice they would share. The Rings Couples are not going with matching rings so much anymore, said Temme Schooler, who runs the family business Gem Jewelry with her sister Linda Orenstein. Gem Jewelry is Gainesville’s oldest jeweler, located on the square in downtown, and was started by their grandfather 77 years ago. White metal is the more popular choice these days. “A lot of the guys are going with titanium for their rings,” added Orenstein. Colored stones mixed with diamonds are another popular trend. “Diamonds in clusters around the main stone is a popular choice, because it makes the stone look bigger,” Schooler said. Today’s bride also wants input in the ring, she said. “We suggest they come here together, and she can point out styles she likes. Then he can come back later and make the final choice,” Schooler said. “That way, she is getting the style she wants, while he is getting the price point he needs.” The Dress While many aspects of the wedding have changed, much has stayed the same for the gown. In some cases, what was old is new again. Most brides are not wearing white anymore, but they are still staying with close relatives in a full-length gown. “Only one bride last year insisted on white,” related Taylor Parkerson, bridal specialist and manager at Elite Bridal in Braselton. “Ivory, champagne and blush are really popular. Those colors look good with a variety of skin tones, and they also photograph well.” Chris Davidson, of Christopher’s Tuxedo and Bridal in Gainesville, noted the European influence with colors, saying he is seeing blushes and peach. January | February 2013

home business Lace has made a big-time comeback, and cap sleeves and traditional, long cathedral veils are back in, thanks to last year’s royal wedding. “Lace is really in, especially with cap sleeves,” Parkerson said. “Ever since Kate Middleton got married, the fashion trend has been toward the styles in her dress.” That is appropriate, since it was Queen Victoria who popularized the white wedding gown when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Sweetheart strapless dresses with deep open backs is the style of choice for both the bride and bridesmaid, and rouching is found on almost any dress. Another trend is a really pretty sash that accentuates the smallest part of a woman, The Hair Kent Tench is exactly what you want in your hair stylist for wedding day. But if you aren’t already a client, you need to find your own Kent. Tench only does brides and the wedding party for current customers. But he had some fantastic advice to share. “Don’t go for a trendy look,” Tench strongly advised. “Go for a classic, timeless look.” He suggests a French twist, for example, with fresh flowers woven in. Tench also suggested considering changing your hair between the ceremony and the reception. He has done this for a number of his brides when he is part of the day’s festivities. “I really enjoy it,” Tench said. “I get to – hopefully! – make someone’s special day even better.” Other tips from Tench: Find someone who will listen to you. NOT a family member or friend, especially if they are part of the wedding party. Bring a picture of your dress to your stylist; bring the veil or headpiece in person. Will you be dancing? That has a big influence on the style, too. Have a practice day. You need mom for a lot of the wedding details. For the hair, it is probably best to leave mom out of it. Allot enough time on wedding day: One, because you can’t rush an updo, and two, so that if you don’t like it, there is time to start over and redo it. 12

January | February 2013

At Christopher’s: (Left) Khaki is a new color for spring 2013, and suits are often the choice for destination weddings. Pictured is a suit by Allure that features a matching vest and is paired with a white shirt and mocha and khaki pin dot tie. (Right) Agown by Jasmine Couture with a sweetheart neckline with a fit and flair skirt. The empire cut is accentuated by a band of Swarovski crystals and pearls.

right around her waist. Gone are the bright colors that bridesmaids have dreaded wearing for decades. Instead, blush, champagne and taupes are in, Parkerson said. “Again, going back to Kate Middleton – Pippa wore ivory as a bridesmaid. Kate totally set the tone for a long time.” Bridesmaid dresses are also popular in crinkly, chiffon materials that are light and fluffy and versatile for all seasons. While the cathedral veil is in, or back in, not many brides are wearing the blusher (veil over the face) any more. Parkerson said flowers and unique headpieces such as jeweled barrettes or a headband have taken over. Cage veils are also in, and look really cute on girls with short haircuts, she added. Davidson says he sees brides choosing blushers about half of the time, but that he hasn’t sold a traditional headpiece in three to four years. The shoes. Ahh, the shoes! Beautiful, feminine shoes with bling that are fit for a princess are still in. For the bridesmaids,

the trend is still to dye them to match the dresses, said Parkerson, noting that trend stems from the Sex & the City movie where Carrie Bradshaw’s bridesmaids wore blue shoes. Bow ties are coming back very strong for the men, Davidson said. “If it’s a church wedding, the choice is still for a tuxedo. If it’s a destination wedding, they are going with suits,” Davidson said. The colors for this spring’s new suits and tuxes are khaki, heather, charcoal gray, and, of course, black. Crystal, Silver, China and Everyday A lot of things have changed in this area for today’s modern couples, not such a good thing for those who believe in tradition, fine dining and proper etiquette in entertaining. “The southern tradition of a properly set table with china, crystal and silver isn’t really done by the new generation,” said Schooler, of Gem Jewelry. “Not many are registering for silver any more, although if they are inheriting a pattern, they can register that if it is still available.”

Elite Bridal: The ivory bridal gown features French corded lace over rum pink silk with bateau neckline and low V back. It is paired with a buff crinkle chiffon strapless bridesmaid dress featuring a shirred front bodice with pleated floor length skirt and java satin ribbon sash. Left: Move over, blusher – flowers HOME and unique headpieces have taken over.Living In North Georgia

Proudly taking care of our community for over 50 years

CARDIOLOGY Robert Ferguson, MD, FACC

INTERNAL MEDICINE Brent Archer, MD Richard Blatt, MD Shane Bussler, MD Paul Chenard, MD Meghan Cook, MD Richard Gomez, MD, FACP Carol Hector, MD Taylor Henson, MD Hillary Morgan, MD Bradley Pierce, MD Mini Shivprasad, MD Sean Sumner, MD Jeffrey Terry, MD Roberto Villanueva, MD, FACP

HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY Andre Kallab, MD, FACP Padma Nadella, MD Christina Saurel, MD Saloni Tanna, MD

• Bone Densitometry • Cardiology • Chemotherapy • Clinical Research • CT Scans • Diabetes Education • Laboratory Services • Mammography • MRI • Concierge Medicine /DirectCare

NEPHROLOGY Mark Kats, MD Laura Shepherd, MD Kim Tran, MD PULMONOLOGY Craig Brown, MD Wesley Head , MD Thomas Murray, MD Joseph West, MD

ENDOCRINOLOGY Matthey Harris, MD, FACE Jennifer John-Kalarickal, MD Eniki Mack, MD Cacia Soares-Welch, MD, FACE

• Nuclear Medicine • Nutrition Services • Physical Therapy • Pulmonary Function Testing • Sleep Medicine • Ultrasound - General - Vascular • X-ray

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS For more information, please call 770-536-9864.

RHEUMATOLOGY Sylvia Dold, DO Tracy Lovell , MD Alok Sachdeva, MD

1240 Jesse Jewell Pkwy Suite 500 | Gainesville, GA www.ngdc.com

r. C hri sH alpe r & Fa mily

Discover What’s Different About Us

Now Welcoming New Patients

Now Offering 2 Locations!

BUFORD/SUGAR HILL

4530 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Suite A Sugar Hill, GA 30518

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

770.965.2340

• Family owned and operated • Prompt and quality care • Most insurances accepted • Evening and weekend hours • Accompany your child during visit • Child-friendly team • Latest dental technology • Fun designed office

Complimentary first visit for children under 2

www.StartLifeSmiling.com

B R A S e Lt O n

2695 Old Winder Hwy, Suite 100 Braselton, GA 30517

January | February 2013

Some brides have moved away from silver due to the price point. Silver costs about $1,100 for a place setting, compared to $65 to $99 for a five-piece stainless setting. In place settings, “the trend now is more toward an everyday pattern and pottery,” said Mary Beth W. Begley, owner of The Crystal Plate in downtown Gainesville, which carries 125-plus patterns. “Patterns like Juliska and Skyros are so user-friendly – they can go in the over, dishwasher, freezer and microwave.” The china manufacturers are even trying to be more user friendly, she said, noting that Pickard, a bone china made in the United States, is dishwasher safe. Her daughter-in-law, Morgan Wood, says she likes to mix and match so when she registered, she picked out

two patterns. For example, the Woodland Spode pattern with animals goes nicely with Juliska for everyday mixing and matching. Another trend is that gold is coming back in popularity. Most of the husbands still don’t feel a need to be a part of the china and everyday selections, they said, although there are some, such as Wood’s husband, who did want to be a part of it. Be sure to register. This is a great opportunity to start your own traditions, and it helps your guests with gifts. “People genuinely want to get a gift the bride has picked out,” Begley said. “People spend hours in here looking and choosing just the right gift.”

Up and Coming Floral Trends • • • • • • • • • • • •

Big, fragrant flowers in bouquets. Opposite colors for flowers: Brides carry color and bridesmaids carry white with hint of color. Non-flower items incorporated in bouquets such as ribbon, plants, pine cones, etc.; broaches/ lockets, up to several; and rhinestones/bling and sparkles. Wrist corsages for mothers, like jewelry, can match the dress. Using lots of flowers for ceremony, and then re-using flowers for reception. Candles and flowers mixed. Rose petals to add color. Down the aisle and on the tables, even for departure. Flower clips for hair, with ribbons. White flowers will always be a winner, bright colors can add so much as well. Kissing balls for flower girls. Rhinestones, crystals or pearls can enhance tables, centerpieces, etc. Submerged flowers with lights/ candles. Compiled by Lindy LaMarco, Floral Designer at Carl House Photos courtesy of Carl House

January | February 2013

Plate Photos by Roxane Rose

Location, Location, Location For the bride who is having the ceremony where she and/or her groom grew up, chances are they will get married in their hometown church. Even if they have the reception in a separate location, out-of-town guests will have to rely on whatever lodging is available. These days, people are more mobile and brides and grooms are older, so often more are traveling to attend the wedding. The day may be all about the bride, but it is important when picking your location to make sure there are overnight facilities nearby that have shuttle service for your guests, Webb said. If you are planning on an outdoor wedding, make sure you have a seamless, clearly defined back-up plan in the event of rain. Working with a limited budget? See what options are available. “Saturday nights are the first choice, and there are only so many Saturday nights in a year,” Webb noted. “Some places will give you all of the bells and whistles you could have on a Saturday night, but at a cheaper price on a Sunday. Be creative and ask!” Webb stressed to make sure you have a good rapport with who you will be working with, whether you opt for a planner or select a location that offers that service as part of their package. “Make sure you feel a good synergy with that person and that he or she is listening to you – really listening,” Webb said. “The person in the role of wedding planner is critical. A wedding is one of, if not the, most expensive events you’ll ever pay for; it is at the same time one of the most treasured.” HOME Living

In North Georgia

Beautiful Bride, Beautiful Dress,

Beautiful Smile. Before

Teeth Whitening Norman D. Peets, III, D.D.S.

After

615 Green Street, Ste 101 Gainesville, GA 770-532-2336 Smilescience.net

GreeneFamily Dentistry Greene FamilyWelcoming Dentistry New Patients

Dr. Gretchen Blanchard, DMD

Dr. Jeffrey Carstens, DMD

CAll FOR yOuR FRee CONsultAtiON

Dr. Stephanie Greene, DMD

Cosmetic - Preventive - Restorative

Now offering Botox and Dermal Filler. Ask about our skincare specials for Revision and Obagi products 4235 Mundy Mill Road homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Oakwood, GA 30566 770-532-2003 greenedentistry.com January - February 2013

home sports & recreation

Get Out & Play! Story by Roxane Rose

echnically, a winter sport is one that is played on snow or ice. In the South, we sort of have to make do! The winter weather, much to most Southerners’ relief, doesn’t provide for ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowboarding, snowmobiling and team sports such as hockey, curling and snow rugby. There is not much opportunity for recreational sports either – ice fishing and ice swimming are definitely out. And in most of North Georgia, children are lucky if they get even a few days to build snowmen and have snowball fights. That is, if they want to play with real snow. There is one place Georgians

can enjoy tons of snow without boarding a plane or driving all day – Snow Mountain, the region’s only snow park, at Stone Mountain Park, just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. In its fifth season, Snow Mountain opened Nov. 22 and runs through Feb. 18. “This is my favorite time of the year at Stone Mountain Park,” said Sara Van Pelt, vice president and assistant general manager of Stone Mountain Park. “You can have a snow day just like when you were a kid. It is remarkable that this is all available minutes from downtown Atlanta.” To create the snow – as much as

360 tons per day! – Snow Mountain adapted technology used at many of the top ski resorts in Europe and Japan. The technology is temperature independent, allowing snow production in any climate. No city water is used – a closed loop system borrows water from Stone Mountain Lake, which then goes through a treatment process that brings it to a potable standard suitable for people, similar to swimming pool water. Melted snow returns to the lake via storm line drainage. Situated on what is commonly known as the “Laser Lawn,” the snow park features various tubing runs and activities, including the Avalanche Alley family tube ride and the Snow Zone area where younger kids can tube, make

Snow Mountain facebook.com/stonemountainpark stonemountainpark.com 770-498-5690 Georgia State Parks facebook.com/georgiastateparks georgiastateparks.org 800-864-7275 IceForum iceforum.com Duluth 770-813-1010 Kennesaw 770-218-1010 The Ice theice.info 678-845-0103

January | February 2013

HOME Living

In North Georgia

NOW ENROLLING

For Spring Break Camp Enrolling 6 weeks to 5 years Stepping stones, from the first coos…thru the ABCs, and 123s…to a lifelong love of learning.

Braselton Prep Values: Family, Education, Community, Environment, Quality Assurance & Love of Learning

Gainesville neuroloGy Group, llC

Braselton Prep is where children love to learn! Our vision is to provide a nurturing and academic early childhood environment that instills the love of learning in each of our students. The focus is on building a strong and balanced foundation of physical and emotional, social, language and literacy, and cognitive development skills for each child. We are a large state-of-the-art facility, with the latest technology. It includes a 16,000 sq ft on-site gymnasium, student lounge, 6 large multi-age playgrounds set in beautiful gardens for your childs enjoyment.

Over 30 Years of Service to Northeast Georgia

Leading Board Certified Neurologists in Northeast Georgia • ALL physicians board certified in Neurology • ALL physicians hold academic appointments at Medical College of Georgia • ALL physicians dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive neurological care • ALL physicians dedicated to the teaching and training of future physicians

Clinton E. Branch, Jr. MD, FAAN

• Dementia • Vertigo • Multiple Sclerosis

Open 6:00am – 6:30 pm Flex-scheduling and full day and half day schedules Before/After Care Programs 5 – 12 yrs Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack provided daily ADDRESS: 401 Lewis Braselton Blvd, Braselton, GA 30517 706-824-0050

Michael S. Baugh, MD

Since 1979 Gainesville Neurology Group has helped patients in Northeast Georgia with neurologic problems: • Seizures • Parkinson’s Disease • Migraine

For more information or to set up a tour please contact Kathy Wiley - Executive Director email: info@braseltonprep.com or visit our website: www.braseltonprep.com

Upholding NAEYC program standards and classroom teacher-student ratios.

Gym is Available to Rent for all occasions

• Myasthenia Gravis • Neuropathy • Sleep Disorders Daniel L. Cobb, MD

If you need a neurologic evaluation, ask your physician for a referral to Gainesville Neurology Group or call our office at 770-534-7885 for information and appointments.

Gainesville neuroloGy Group, llC

1240 Jesse Jewell Parkway Suite 400 Gainesville, GA 30501 770-534-1117 • 770-503-7285 (fax) www.gainesvilleneurology.com

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Davdatt V. Patel, NP-C

January | February 2013

home sports home && garden recreation

the ultimate snowmen and snow angels and throw snowballs in a snowball shooting gallery. There are more than 20 snow-tubing slides. Visitors can also choose to stay

and play with one of the hotel packages that are available to stay inside the park at one of the two Marriott hotels. Packages start at $149 and include overnight accommodations and breakfast. Ice Skating & Hockey Another winter sport and recreation opportunity, although inside for North Georgians, is ice skating – a great way to exercise and have fun at the same time! Whether you are looking for recreational skating for family fun, ice skating/figure skating lessons or hockey, there are several locations north of Atlanta. IceForum, home to the Atlanta Phoenix and Thunder AAA youth 18

January | February 2013

travel hockey programs, has locations in Duluth and Kennesaw, both of A hiker stops to enjoy views only winter which have regulation can offer at an overlook at Black Rock NHL-size ice surfaces. Mountain State Park in Mountain City. The facilities offer a of trails that offer excellent walking and pro shop, video games, hiking opportunities during the winter skate sharpening and repair service, months. Every one of them is special skate rentals, seating for spectators and and definitely worth getting to know!” locker rooms with showers. They also said Cheryl Smith, tourism project have full-service snack bars, and the manager for the Northeast Georgia Breakaway Grill restaurant is located at Mountains, Georgia Department of the Duluth facility. Economic Development. “Winter Skating is made available to the offers hikers views of the mountains public seven days a week. If you don’t and the countryside that they don’t own skates, you can rent a pair. If you usually get to see the rest of the can’t skate, IceForum offers skating months.” classes for all ages and levels, with In addition to hiking, Georgia’s either group or private lessons. State parks offer winter sports and The Ice is a new rink located off recreation opportunities with bicycling, of GA 400 on Atlanta Highway in paddling, horseback riding, boating Cumming. In addition to an in-house and fishing. hockey league and figure skating “January would be a great month sessions, The Ice offers skate rentals, to purchase a park pass and plan your private and group lessons, party visits to Georgia State Parks,” Smith packages and a full-service snack bar. said. Ice skating is not just a winter activity, however. Both IceForum and The Ice are open year-round. Check their web sites for public skating hours and registration for lessons. The Great Outdoors Georgia’s many and beautiful state parks offer great opportunities to get out and play in the winter. More than 620 Georgians kicked off 2012 on the “First Day Hikes,” a nationwide event to get people motivated to exercise in the great outdoors, and more were expected this year. Held on New Year’s Day at numerous state parks across Georgia, guided hikes allow families to connect with nature and even reconnect with each other while making a commitment to healthy living. “All of the state parks have a variety

A man and his best friend take advantage of the trails at Vogel State Park located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. HOME Living

In North Georgia

FIRST IN GEORGIA FIRST IN GEORGIA

Breakthrough Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery Breakthrough Bladeless Laser Cataract Surgery Bladeless, breakthrough technology has come to Northeast Georgia at Gainesville Bladeless, breakthrough technology has come to Northeast Georgia Gainesville Eye Associates, the rst practice in Georgia to offer state-of-the-art laseratcataract surEye rst practice in Georgia laser cataract surgery.Associates, And unlike the traditional cataract surgery, to thisoffer newstate-of-the-art procedure improves eyesight in gery. traditional cataract surgery, thisa new procedure improves eyesight in most And casesunlike through astigmatic reduction. Only few ophthalmology practices across most cases through Only a fewwith ophthalmology the country provideastigmatic this high reduction. level of technology, fewer than practices 300 LenSxacross lasers thethe country high levelhere of technology, withEye fewer than 300 LenSx lasers in world.provide You canthis nd it right at Gainesville Associates. in the world. You can nd it right here at Gainesville Eye Associates. Find out more about our breakthrough procedure by watching the Fox 5 WAGA-TV Find about our breakthrough procedure by watching the Fox 5 WAGA-TV reportout at more www.GainesvilleEye.com. report at www.GainesvilleEye.com.

Stephen J. Farkas, M.D. Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D. Clayton G. Blehm, M.D. Lori C. Lebow, M.D. S. Michael Veach, O.D. Stephen J. Farkas, M.D. Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D. Clayton G. Blehm, M.D. Lori C. Lebow, M.D. S. Michael Veach, O.D.

2061 Beverly Road • Gainesville, GA 30501 • GainesvilleEye.com • 770.532.4444

2061 Beverly homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

0086GainesEye_RESIZE ad for HomeMag_10"x12".indd 1 0086GainesEye_RESIZE ad for HomeMag_10"x12".indd 1

Road • Gainesville, GA 30501 • GainesvilleEye.com • 770.532.4444 January | February 2013

1910/15/12

11:01 AM

10/15/12 11:01 AM

Love,

Ronda

A Southern Girl

Gets Married

Story by Roxane Rose Photography by Sarina Roth

ontractor, seamstress. Published author and animal rescuer. Great storyteller and first woman to step inside the Chicago Cubs locker room. Award-winning sportswriter. Public speaker sought after by secular and Christian audiences alike. Who but a bornand-bred, proper Southern woman could boast such a myriad list of attributes? Not only that, but she also can dispel the less-than-flattering stereotypical image of southern women often held by people outside of the south. So says her new man. “I never would have imagined myself with a southern woman,” said John Tinker of North Georgia’s own Ronda Rich. “I had a lot of preconceived notions and prejudices before I met her. “Most of them have been dispelled,” he added with a smile. Ronda is not only a Southerner through and through, she is a Hall County native. She grew up in Clermont, attending North Hall schools and then Brenau University. From there, she went to work for the now defunct Tribune, then she was

Ronda and the famous Dixie Dew.

Living, and Woman’s Own. Ronda’s writing – one of her first books – is what brought John Tinker into her life. The romance started slowly, beginning with a chance meeting. It is a testament to true love that they eventually came together as a couple. They met four years ago while Tinker was doing research for a story he had been commissioned to write on NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki. He came across Ronda’s book “My Life in The Pits,” a memoir of the years that Ronda spent on the NASCAR Cup circuit as first a sports writer then later as sports publicist who traveled full time with the racing series. He wanted to talk with her about Kulwicki. “She just happened to be in LA,” Tinker said, and, after exchanging voice mails, they met in her hotel lobby in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2008. “We celebrate Valentine’s Day on the ninth instead of the fourteenth,” Ronda pointed out. Was it love at first site? “I think so, yes,” Tinker said.

The family cat Mississippi.

hired by The Times in Gainesville, owner of HOME: Living in North Georgia. Ronda became the first female sports beat writer, thanks to The Times, she said, and went on to become the first woman to cover SEC football. Since then, she has published six books, has become a popular speaker and has had a syndicated column since 2003 that is published in 53 newspapers across the southeast. She has also appeared on dozens of television shows including The View, The Other Half, Fox Sports, CNN, as well as in the pages of Redbook, Cosmopolitan, New York Times, Washington Post, Southern homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

home cover story

long-distance friendship blossomed into romance. In March last year, Ronda and Tink attended the Writers-In-Residence workshop on Sea Island for workshops on The Art of Storytelling, Television 101 and Publishing 101. They thought, “Well, why not?” about getting married right then and there. “We wanted it to be about us, about our marriage and the good Lord who brought us together,” Ronda said. Their intimate wedding was held March 29 at the chapel at The Cloister on Sea Island. “I wouldn’t change a thing about it,” Ronda said, and Tink added, “Neither would I.” John Tinker Moves to the South Ronda isn’t the only thing Tinker fell in love with. “I fell in love with the South, just fell in love,” he said of moving to the countryside in rural Hall County. It’s a long way from home for him, both literally and figuratively.

Charlie and Rondy, the couple’s horses.

Tinker, known better as “Tink” since Ronda affectionately began calling him that, first became long-distance friends. In short, neither was at a place in life where they wanted or needed to be having romantic thoughts. Ronda had dated Kulwicki, who died three months after winning the national title, the Winston Cup Championship. “It’s tough to re-live things like that,” Tink noted for Ronda. Sometime between the first and second year of their friendship, they lost contact for a few months, but hooked back up and the

Rondy the horse.

Tinker, an Emmy award-winning television producer and writer, is co-creator of “Judging Amy” and has been producer and writer on “The Practice” “Chicago Hope” and “The Book of Daniel.” In 1986, he won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Drama series for “Time Heals,” which he co-wrote with Tom Fontana and John Masius. Tinker is the son of Grant Tinker, who was known as “the man who saved NBC” while he was chairman and CEO 1981-1986. Tinker’s stepmom is Mary Tyler Moore. Long a resident of Los Angeles, Tinker January - February 2013

Story by Roxane Rose Photography by Sarina Roth

ontractor, seamstress. Published author and animal rescuer. Great storyteller and first woman to step inside the Chicago Cubs locker room. Award-winning sportswriter. Public speaker sought after by secular and Christian audiences alike. Who but a born-and-bred, proper Southern woman could boast such a myriad list of attributes? Not only that, but she also can dispel the less-than-flattering stereotypical image of southern women often held by people outside of the south. So says her new man. “I never would have imagined myself with a southern woman,” said John Tinker of North Georgia’s own Ronda Rich. “I had a lot of preconceived notions and prejudices before I met her. “Most of them have been dispelled,” he added with a smile. Ronda is not only a Southerner through and through, she is a Hall County native. She grew up in Clermont, attending North Hall schools and then Brenau University. From there, she went to work for the now defunct Tribune, then she was

Ronda and the famous Dixie Dew.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

– is what brought John Tinker into her life. The romance started slowly, beginning with a chance meeting. It is a testament to true love that they eventually came together as a couple. They met four years ago while Tinker was doing research for a story he had been commissioned to write on NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki. He came across Ronda’s book “My Life in The Pits,” a memoir of the years that Ronda spent on the NASCAR Cup circuit as first a sports writer then later as sports publicist who traveled full time with the racing series. He wanted to talk with her about Kulwicki. “She just happened to be in LA,” Tinker said, and, after exchanging voice mails, they met in her hotel lobby in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2008. “We celebrate Valentine’s Day on the ninth instead of the fourteenth,” Ronda pointed out. Was it love at first sight? “I think so, yes,” Tinker said. Tinker, known better as “Tink” since Ronda affectionately began calling him that,

The family cat Mississippi.

hired by The Times in Gainesville, owner of HOME: Living in North Georgia. Ronda became the first female sports beat writer, thanks to The Times, she said, and went on to become the first woman to cover SEC football. Since then, she has published six books, has become a popular speaker and has had a syndicated column since 2003 that is published in 53 newspapers across the Southeast. She has also appeared on dozens of television shows including The View, The Other Half, Fox Sports, CNN, as well as in the pages of Redbook, Cosmopolitan, New York Times, Washington Post, Southern Living, and Woman’s Own. Ronda’s writing – one of her first books

v home home home cover & garden story

first became long-distance friends. In short, neither was at a place in life where they wanted or needed to be having romantic thoughts. Along the way, however, the long-distance friendship blossomed into romance. In March of last year, Ronda and Tink attended the Writers-In-Residence workshop on Sea Island for workshops on The Art of Storytelling, Television 101 and Publishing 101. They thought, “Well, why not?” about getting married right then and there. “We wanted it to be about us, about our marriage and the good Lord who brought us together,” Ronda said. Their intimate wedding was held March 29 at the chapel at The Cloister on

Sea Island. “I wouldn’t change a thing about it,” Ronda said, and Tink added, “Neither would I.”

John Tinker Moves to the South Ronda isn’t the only thing Tinker fell in love with. “I fell in love with the South, just fell in love,” he said of moving to the countryside in rural Hall County. It’s a long way from home for him, both literally and figuratively. Tinker, an Emmy award-winning television producer and writer, is co-creator of “Judging Amy” and has been producer and writer on “The Practice,” “Chicago Hope” and “The Book of Daniel.” In 1986, he won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Drama series for “Time Heals,” which he co-wrote with Tom Fontana and John Masius. Tinker is the son of Grant Tinker, who was known as “the man who saved NBC” while he was chairman and CEO 1981-1986. Tinker’s stepmom is Mary Tyler Moore. Long a resident of Los Angeles, Tinker now does his writing from their home office.

Charlie and Rondy, the couple’s horses.

“I wouldn’t want to take her away from all of this,” he said. “I’ve been warmly welcomed, the people at the church have been wonderful.” The couple attends a small country church with just a couple hundred members. “I love it here. I really do. I miss my family, but I don’t miss Los Angeles,” Tink said. Ronda’s Rich Heritage While Ronda built her home on family land in Clermont and Tink has joined her there, she has not always lived here. She worked as a sports writer in Washington, D.C., when The Times “loaned me out to USA Today,” she said, and she lived in January||February February2013 2013 January

home cover home story & garden

Indianapolis and then Nashville while working in sports marketing. “The power of home is always found in going away,” she said, adding, “The things that drive you away are the things that draw you home. “In a small town, it’s an archive of your life. People care. It’s such a rich heritage that gets lost in the big city,” she said. “I’ve seen that in the way that my family, my friends and my readers have thrown their arms around John Tinker. When mama died, those same people shared that loss and grieved with me…it made it easier to bear.” Ronda’s parents were the Rev. Ralph and Bonelle Satterfield, and she is the youngest of two sisters and a brother. “The youngest by far,” Ronda said, noting that the closest sibling was in college when she was born. “I was an only child of sorts,” she recalled. That made her the sole audience for the morals and stories passed down from generations, told by parents who were both great storytellers. Since her father was a pastor, her parents moved in all of the social circles.

The suitcase Ronda played with as a small child when pretending to be a famous writer going to New York.

January January||February February2013 2013

mama’s pin cushion. She sewed to put me through school,” Ronda said. Ronda has experienced a number of tragedies and sudden losses in her life. The most recent and most profound was when her mother fell at her feet of a brain

Ronda’s mama’s pin cushion holds great sentimental value, since Bonelle Satterfield sewed to put Ronda through college.

“It’s who they were that runs through my veins and makes me the writer that I am,” she said. “They stepped so easily between the worlds of privileged, and not privileged. They taught me the commonality and equality of all humankind – that is the greatest gift you can give to a child.” Among Ronda’s most treasured possessions are “My daddy’s Bible and my 22 22

“In a small town, it’s an archive of your life.”

When Ronda and Tink got married, they used her Daddy’s Bible, one of four the Rev. Ralph Satterfield passed on to his children.

aneurism in March 2008. She was 88 years old. And that came on the heels of her brother Randall’s massive stroke and her uncle A.J. Miller’s death due to a lung ailment, both in December 2007. She was close to NASCAR drivers who were killed in various tragedies, and she has lost good friends. Even her first dachshund, a rescue who best friend Debbie gave to her as a

birthday present, died suddenly. Ever the epitome of the strong southern belle and a tribute to her family that comes from “mountain people,” Ronda uses these experiences to grow personally and spiritually and share them to help other people. She delivers a weekly punch of Southern life to more than a million readers. Alternating between humorous, sentimental and wise, her columns are often entwined with a moral or lesson learned. Her latest book, “There’s A Better Day A-Comin’,” is a personal accounting of dozens of people – famous and non-famous – who triumphed over tribulation and setbacks to push through adversity to find a better day. Uplifting and encouraging, each provocative story has a prevailing theme: No matter how hard times get, a better day always comes again. Always. “I don’t write a book for the sake of it, or for a paycheck … I have to have a compelling reason,” she said. “With A Better Day’s A-Comin’ I wanted to remind people that something better always lies ahead.” One of her favorite stories in the book is from Jeff Foxworthy, who experienced untold adversities when he and his wife decided to take off for Hollywood and just go for it. He has never told that story publicly, Ronda said. She is also the author of the bestselling “What Southern Women Know About Faith,” “What Southern Women Know About Flirting,” “My Life in The Pits” and the novel, “The Town That Came In North Georgia HOME InIn North HOME Living LivingHOME NorthLivingGeorgia Georgia

home home home cover & garden story

A-Courtin’,” which has been optioned for a movie and is expected to be released in time for Valentine’s Day 2014. ““My Life in the Pits” was “a gift to the people who taught me risk taking, courage, passion perseverance and more…I learned so much from them that you just don’t learn in college,” Ronda said. While we were treated to in-person versions of some of the stories in her new release, which are even better stories told in person, we also heard new ones. One of the stories from her new book was about the suitcase she played with as a little girl, pretending she was a famous writer going to live in New York. She shared that with us when we spotted the suitcase, casually displayed in her kitchen. A story not in one of her books is the notoriety of Dixie Dew, Ronda’s dachshund who pens her own column from time to time. There are times when Ronda believes Dixie Dew is more popular than her.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

“She certainly has her own following,” Ronda said, talking about the many people who turned out with cards and gifts for the doggie diva during Ronda’s recent book tour for “There’s A Better Day A-Comin’.” So they were excited to find Ronda took Dixie Dew on the tour with her. “’Oh, look! It’s Dixie Dew!’ people would say, not ‘Oh look! It’s Ronda Rich!’” Ronda said, laughing. “I’ll take her to Home Depot and Lowe’s and people will come up and ask, ‘Is that Dixie Dew? Is that really her?’” In addition to Dixie Dew, Ronda and Tink share their home with two cats and two horses. Ronda also shared the story of her first time in the Chicago Cubs locker room. “I’d always waited, but I was on deadline. It’s quite an experience when a young woman sees her first ‘bare cub.’” That same weekend, she graduated from college. Ronda may have spent time in a locker room and far more time on NASCAR

tracks, but she is also a seamstress. “A 4-H sewing champion, thank you very much!” she said. She doesn’t do as much sewing as she once did, but she still does all of her own hemming and alterations. Over the years, Ronda has become very close friends with Barbara Dooley, who used her own writing skills to sum up who Ronda is. “Ronda is the perfect southern belle,” Barbara said. “She’s strong in character, and strong in faith. She’s sensitive to others and a great girlfriend who’s fun to be with at all times. She is an exceptional writer and speaker. Beautiful both inside and out!”

See Ronda’s kitchen on page 40 in Home & Garden

January | February 2013 January | February 2013

23 23

home get to know

Walter M. Boomershine | A Blessing Story by Roxane Rose Photography by Sarina Roth

alt Boomershine is one of those people you feel blessed to have met. An “angel on earth” is how I refer to people of his ilk. He is kind, he is very smart, he is financially savvy and a number of children and families are better off thanks to his involvement with various charities. Back in the early 1970s, Walt became very interested in preventing child abuse when he heard a news story on the radio about it. He was very matter of fact when he explained, “There was no DFACS at the time, so we started the Georgia Council on Child Abuse. Then I met Phillip and Lela, an attorney and his wife who had started another group, so we joined up and created Prevent Child Abuse Georgia.” That was the start of a life rich with helping others less fortunate, although Walt noted, “Most anything I get involved in has to do with kids.” Along the way, he got involved with Habitat for Humanity. “Habitat helps good, hardworking people buy a house and get their kids off the street – it’s been found that with their own bedrooms, kids’ grades improve,” Walt noted. “The thing I really like about Habitat is that it is a hand up – not a hand out.” It was Habitat that led to his involvement with the Georgia Mountain Food Bank, which culminated last fall in the grand opening of the food bank’s new 20,000-square-foot facility, the Boomershine Family Logistics Center. (See Charity, page 10.) “I went to visit with Jim Mathis to get money for Habitat,” he recalled with a laugh. “I met Kay Blackstock, the food bank executive director, and she asked me to serve on the board. I got to serve 24

January | February 2013

with really fine people.” Walt credits others for his philanthropy. For the Boomershine Family’s support of the food bank, he credits his investment advisor. “We were having trouble getting money for the new building, and my dear friend Kevin Price – well, I probably wouldn’t be here talking to you about this except for his good advice. A fund was set up for $200,000, and it grew to half a million,” he said, adding that it’s all worth it, because, “In a year, we will be putting out five times more food.” Walt is a conservative man who believes in God and country. If you are lucky enough to meet him, you may also be lucky enough to be the recipient of one of his America flag pins. He grew up in Atlanta during the Great Depression. His father was a Pontiac dealer – older folks will remember the Boomershine dealership. “He was a wonderful businessman,” Walt said, giving credit to his father for why he has spent a good bit of his life as a philanthropist. “My father was always a generous person. There weren’t any organizations in those days like we have now, but he always helped people who needed help.” Walt attended Georgia Tech, where he served in the Air Force ROTC and graduated with a degree in industrial management. He spent two years in the U.S. Air Force. Walt is married to Winifred, called Winkie, his wife of more than 60 years. Both are 81 years old. “We have the same disease – it’s called A-G-E,” Walt quipped. “But, it’s better than the alternative.” Walt and Winkie had five children

together, although their oldest passed away at 55 years old. They also have grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Walt had visited North Georgia since he was a child, when they used to go to Lake Rabun on the weekends. So in 1995, four years before Walt retired, they moved to Gainesville. Of retirement, “It has been extremely nice to sleep late. And I don’t have to wear a tie any more except on rare occasions.” “We just love it here,” he said. “I can see Harbor Village from my house…it reminds me of Tuscany, a beautiful view.” There are several charities and many more children who love it that Walt and Winkie chose Gainesville and Hall County for their North Georgia home. “I just feel very blessed to be able to do for others. It’s beneficial to me,” Walt said, and again deflecting any credit, added “Certainly the church has had a lot to do with it, too. We’re blessed to be a blessing. I have been so blessed, I wanted to share with others.” HOME Living

In North Georgia

WHERE

home home & garden

TO DELIGHT

Visit our brand new Kay Jewelers store to find her that special Valentine’s Gift! Belk, JCPenney, Sears & Your Favorite Specialty Shops Dick’s Sporting Goods Opening Summer 2013

150 Pearl Nix Parkway Gainesville, GA 30501 www.ShopLakeshoreMall.com

Where to shop.

OK O L ur Yo T! S BE

TRA

wit

h BES the T!

of Braselton

THE ULTIMATE WEDDING DAY FITNESS PROGRAM *24 hour secured access *FREE Tanning *Unlimited classes *FREE Fitness Consultation with a personal trainer *Free Weight area, circuit machines and cardio

Maximize your time in the club and make the most of your other moments

*Lose wieght *Tone Muscle *Build strength *Increase energy *Improve health

See a member of our staff about Personal Training Packages!

770-967-1296 • 5757 Old Winder Hwy • Braselton (Conveniently located across from Chateau Elan) • www.AnytimeFitness.com

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

January | February 2013

FUNARI FUNARI R R EE A A LLTT Y Y

Fine FineHomes HomesFor ForSale Sale

Breathtaking BreathtakingPacific PacificOcean OceanViews Views Year Yearround roundsunsets, sunsets,surrounded surroundedbybynature natureand andspectacular spectacularamenities. amenities.Top Topquality qualitydesign design&&construction. construction.Developed Developedand andmanaged managedbyby a afamily familyfrom fromAtlanta, Atlanta,Georgia. Georgia.Luxury Luxurycondominiums condominiumsand andsingle singlefamily familyhomes homesstarting startingininthe themid mid600â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. 600â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.Private, Private,gated gatedcommunity. community.

Call CallFor ForPricing Pricing- -Tony TonyFunari Funari404-271-3710 404-271-3710

Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710

Morgan Morgan Trent Trent 770-377-2444 770-377-2444

Cindy Cindy Keller Keller 404-663-4303 404-663-4303

Charles Charles Little Little 404-274-3100 404-274-3100

Sandy Sandy Jones Jones 404-401-9787 404-401-9787

Diane Diane Edwards Edwards 404-421-2567 404-421-2567

Office OfficeLocated LocatedAcross Acrossfrom fromChateau ChateauElan: Elan:770-967-9889 770-967-9889

Marketing Marketingyour yourhome homeoror commercial commercialproperty property 6323 6323Grand GrandHickory HickoryDrive Drive100G 100G Braselton,GA GA30517 30517 ininprint print ininover overaathousand thousandlocations locationsininHall, Hall, Braselton, WWW WWW .F .FUNARI UNARIR REALTY EALTY.COM .COM Jackson, Jackson,Gwinnett Gwinnett&&Barrow BarrowCounties Counties

MAGNIFICENT MAGNIFICENT HOME HOME in in thethe Exclusive Exclusive Legends Legends of of Chateau Chateau Elan. Elan. OnOn Signature Signature Hole Hole #5#5 of of thethe Legends Legends Course. Course. Situated Situated onon 3 acres 3 acres with with allall you you can can askask for: for: multiple multiple ponds, ponds, creek creek w/bridge, w/bridge, outdoor outdoor covered covered area area w/w/ fireplace, fireplace, pool, pool, master master onon main main && much, much, much much more! more! Unbelivable Unbelivable views views from from every every room!!! room!!! $3,595,000 $3,595,000 Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710

Featured FeaturedCommercial CommercialProperties Properties

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN LIVING LIVING CUSTOM CUSTOM HOME HOME Features Features front front and and side side courtyards, courtyards, aa private private salt salt water water pool, pool, artart studio, studio, library, library, AuAu Pair Pair suite suite with with fullfull kitchen, kitchen, gym, gym, and and much much more. more. Located Located onon a private a private and and beautifully beautifully landscaped landscaped lotlot with with views views of of thethe seventh seventh and and eighth eighth holes holes of of thethe Course. Course. $2,795,000 $2,795,000 Chateau Chateau Cindy Cindy Keller Keller 404-663-4303 404-663-4303 oror Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710

SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR HOME HOME has has a fabulous a fabulous open open floor floor plan, plan, lovely lovely terrace terrace level level with with fullfull kitchen kitchen and and billiard billiard room room forfor entertaining. entertaining. Open Open to to private private back back yard yard with with heated heated pool. pool. 6 BR, 6 BR, 5 Full 5 Full Baths Baths and and 3 Half 3 Half Baths. Baths. Master Master Suite Suite opens opens onto onto beautiful beautiful screened screened porch. porch. $1,450,000 $1,450,000 Mandy Mandy Sayles Sayles 815-725-8655 815-725-8655 oror TonyFunari TonyFunari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710

POSSIBLE POSSIBLE FINANCING! FINANCING! OWNER OWNER Incredible Incredible Estate Estate Home Home Overlooking Overlooking The The Signature Signature Hole Hole OfOf The The Woodlands Woodlands Golf Golf Course. Course. This This Home Home Has Has AllAll The The Bells Bells And And Whistles Whistles Including Including AA Pool Pool And And Hot Hot Tub. Tub. Full Full Finished Finished Basement Basement With With AA Media Media Room, Room, Screened Screened In In Porch. Porch. Reduced Reduced $1,229,000 $1,229,000 Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710

Mandy Mandy Sayles Sayles 815-725-8655 815-725-8655

Brenda Brenda Branch Branch 770-654-5838 770-654-5838

Abbye AbbyeLove Love

Administrative Administrative Support SupportSpecialist Specialist

770-540-5165 770-540-5165

www.F www.FUNARI UNARIRREALTY EALTY .com .com

POTENTIAL POTENTIAL SHORT SHORT SALE, SALE, SUBJECT SUBJECT TOTO LENDER LENDER APPROVAL!!!!! APPROVAL!!!!! This This is is a unique a unique opportunity opportunity to to own own a piece a piece of of history history in in downtown downtown Buford Buford GA. GA. Right Right in in thethe heart heart of of vibrant vibrant Downtown Downtown Buford. Buford. AA total total of of 117,000 117,000 ++ SF,SF, with with a mix a mix of of office, office, retail retail and and one one fantastic fantastic restaurant. restaurant. $2,995,000 $2,995,000 Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710

FOR FOR LEASE LEASE Beautiful Beautiful Corporate Corporate Headquarters Headquarters Building Building 2305 2305 Newpoint Newpoint Pky., Pky., Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, GA, GA, 48,000 48,000 sf sf office office and and warehouse, warehouse, free free standing standing building, building, 120 120 spaces spaces forfor parking. parking. Call Call forfor lease lease rate. rate. 1st1st && 2nd 2nd floor floor may may bebe leased leased separately. separately. Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710 oror Brenda Brenda Branch Branch 770-654-5838 770-654-5838

FOR FOR LEASE LEASE Plaza Plaza 211 211 located located at at 2625 2625 Old Old Winder Winder Hwy, Hwy, Braselton Braselton 14,500 14,500 sf retail sf retail shopping shopping center center located located thethe intersection intersection of of Hwy. Hwy. at at 211 211 and and Thompson Thompson Mill Mill Road. Road.Near Near Chateau Chateau Elan Elan and and campus campus of of Northeast Northeast Georgia Georgia Health Health System System with with thethe new new hospital hospital under under construction. construction.7 bays 7 bays (4 (4 bays bays available) available) with with easy easy access access to to store store fronts fronts from from large large parking parking area. area. Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710 oror Brenda Brenda Branch Branch 770-654-5838 770-654-5838

DEVELOPED DEVELOPED BUSINESS BUSINESS PARK PARK Just Just Right Right ForFor Retail, Retail, Office Office Warehouse, Warehouse, Etc. Etc. May May BeBe Subdivided Subdivided OrOr Sold Sold AsAs One One Tract. Tract. Bank Bank Owned. Owned. Great Great Site Site ToTo Complement Complement Catepiller Catepiller New New Factory Factory Complex. Complex. Bring Bring AllAll Offers Offers !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! Located Located OnOn Hwy Hwy 2929 Near Near Hwy Hwy 316, 316, Very Very Close Close ToTo The The Caterpillar Caterpillar Factory Factory Under Under Construction. Construction. Tony Tony Funari Funari 404-271-3710 404-271-3710 FOR FOR SALE SALE 15,000 15,000 sf sf steel steel building building with with brick brick facade facade onon 1515 acre acre tract tract zoned zoned industrial industrial forfor additional additional development. development. 7,500 7,500 sf sf of of nice nice office office space space and and 7,500 7,500 sf sf of of warehouse. warehouse.60% 60% of of building building is is under under airair with with dropped dropped ceilings. ceilings. Located Located just just offoff Thurman Thurman Tanner Tanner Parkway Parkway and and Exit Exit 1212 onon Interstate Interstate 985. 985. $1,500,000 $1,500,000 - Owner - Owner is is willing willing toto negotiate negotiate a leaseback. a leaseback. Brenda Brenda Branch Branch 770-654-5838 770-654-5838

home lifestyle

Warm Fashions Story and photos by Roxane Rose

This winter’s fashions make a myth out of the old adage, “warm isn’t pretty.” Step into winter with fashion and enjoy the warmth of tall and knee boots, which have made a strong comeback. Black and tan are the most popular colors in this style. Tall boots are fantastic for staying warm in the winter, especially since you can wear them with a pair of kneehigh socks. Be sure not to make it too thick, as circulation is necessary for warmth. If you miss your elegant stillettos in the winter, not to fret. Boots with tall skinny heels will keep you feeling chic and sophisticated. Featured is just a sampling of boots from the Shoe Department at Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville. In mid-January, the choices will be even bigger – the store is becoming the Shoe Department Encore and moving into a bigger location inside the mall, next to Belk. Cool Winter Clothing Tips Invest in cashmere – it is lightweight yet warm and snuggly Leather – this keeps the warmth in Clothes with a little stretch that conform to your body work well as layers under vests and jackets Be pretty underneath. Begin your layers with a lacy camisole Be sure your skirts are lined – that way, they aren’t scratchy and it adds an extra layer for warmth 28

January | February 2013

HOME Living

In North Georgia

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS Providing Quality Dental Care in a Comfortable Atmosphere with a Friendly Staff

WELCOMING NEWPATIENTS PATIENTS WELCOMING NEW

These Boots are made for walking…and warmth! Top left, opposite page, the tall boot by Yoki Andrea is also available in rust and both feature leopard print lining. Cost is under $30.

Providing Quality Dental Carein ina a Comfortable 7380 Spout Springs Road Providing Quality Dental Care Comfortable Atmospherewith witha a Friendly Staff Atmosphere Friendly Staff

Suite 120 Flowery Branch, Ga 30542 7380Spout SpoutSprings Springs Road 7380 Road Office: (770) 965-5548 Suite 120 Suite 120 www.charleseleeiiidmd.com FloweryBranch, Branch,Ga Ga 30542 Flowery 30542 Office: Office:(770) (770)965-5548 965-5548 www.charleseleeiiidmd.com www.charleseleeiiidmd.com

Left, the furry boots by Selina are available in black, red, taupe and grey and are just under $20. Cowboy boots continue to be all the rage. From the top: Coconuts Gaucho, available in tan or red, $49.98; Laredo offers the Lad in tan distressed or copper, $99; and the Mia Larue in light brown adds some dress-up for just $54.98.

LOCATED IN THE KROGER SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED IN THE KROGER SHOPPING CENTER

LOCATED IN THE KROGER SHOPPING CENTER

Rain boots have had the biggest makeover of all – polka dots, animal print and fun, bright colors will brighten up the gloomiest of wet, winter days. Pictured here are a few options from Capelli; the leopard print is by Guess Innocent. Both brands are just $19.98.

Now Accepting New Medicaid Patients! Welcomes Dr. Jameela Harper Providing the following Obstetric Services: • Comprehensive care of women of all ages

Jason Bailey, MD, FACOG

Providing the following services:

16 South Public Square

Located on the square in beautiful downtown Jefferson Mention this ad for $5 OFF an order of $25 or more!

• Infertility evaluation and • Comprehensive care of women of allGregory ages Martin, MD, FACOG treatment Has Practiced Obstetrics &Gynecology • Routine and High Risk Obstetric Care • Prenatal care and delivery in Hall County since 2002 • Infertility evaluation and treatment - Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology • High risk obstetrics • Comprehensive surgery for pelvic prolapse and incontinence • Unique prenatal program Esteves,and MD, endometriosis FACOG • Evaluation and treatment of pelvic pain Daniel disorders - Has Practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2003 • Minimally invasive hysterectomies - Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology • In-Office permanent sterilization - Bilingual (Spanish and English) / Se habla español and endometrial ablation

Gainesville: Gainesville:

1498Jewell Jesse Jewell Pkwy || Suite Suite D D 1498 Jesse Pkwy Gainesville, GA 30501 Gainesville, GA 30501

706-367-CAKE ferrantiscakery.com

It’s Not Just a Cake; It’s a Creation!

- Has Practiced Obstetrics & Gynecology in Hall County since 2004 - Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Greater Braselton:

678-450-4757

Currently Accepting New Patients

Greater Thompson Mill Braselton: Medical Offices

5737 Medical Thompson Mill Road Thompson Mill Offices Hoschton, GA 30548 5737 Thompson Mill Road Hoschton, GA 30548

January | February 2013

home health & fitness

Heartening News North Georgia is home to some of the best facilities and physicians in the country.

merican Heart Month, proclaimed in February by presidents since 1963, highlights heart disease as the leading cause of death among both men and women. The heart, with its life-giving oxygen and nutrients, is vital to the wellbeing of the whole body. While there are many varieties of heart disease, what they all share is that they can disrupt the pumping action of the heart. The good news is that more can be done to prevent heart disease than almost any other serious condition. Many people make it more difficult than it is—simply put, a healthy lifestyle is the key to heart disease prevention. Steps you can take include lowering cholesterol, controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and quitting smoking. Further good news for North Georgia residents: If heart disease has touched your life, top facilities and physicians who are among the best cardiovascular services in the country are readily available. NGHS now offers robotic angioplasty Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) has earned national recognition and a distinguished reputation for its comprehensive range of cardiac services. It’s the seventh year in a row (2006-20012) that NGMC has been ranked No. 1 in Georgia for cardiac care for the by HealthGrades®, the nation’s largest independent 30

January | February 2013

healthcare ratings company. In fact, for 2012, NGMC is one of only six hospitals in the nation to rank No. 1 in all four cardiac categories: Overall Cardiac Services, Cardiac Surgery, Non-Surgical Cardiology Services and Coronary Interventional Procedures. The Ronnie Green Heart Center is a 17-bed, state-of-the-art cardiac intensive care unit located on the main campus of NGMC that offers intensive cardiac medical and surgical inpatient care to the residents of northeast Georgia. Each year, the physicians and staff of the Heart Center care for approximately 500 cardiac surgical patients.

patients and physicians. Certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the Cardiac Rehabilitation (also known as cardiac rehab) program at NGMC uses education, exercise and emotional support to support a patient after a cardiac event to the best possible recovery. In December, NGMC announced that it is the first – and currently the only – hospital in the state regularly performing robotic angioplasty, thanks to the recent installation of a new CorPath 200 System. That means when you or someone you love need

The good news is that more can be done to prevent heart disease than almost any other serious condition. Cardiac testing is performed in the W.D. Stribling Heart Clinic, located on the 3rd floor of the Outpatient Services building, with convenient access to the in-patient cardiac floor and the Ronnie Green Heart Center Recovery wing. The Stribling Heart Clinic houses a complete range of diagnostic cardiac and vascular services in one central location for easy accessibility for both

a stent or balloon to open up blocked arteries and restore blood flow to the heart, NGMC can offer physician expertise combined with robotic precision. “It’s remarkable to be the first hospital in the state for this groundbreaking advancement in heart care, and, since we were part of the clinical trial for the robotic equipment, we already have more than a year of HOME Living

In North Georgia

’ve

ved

Gainesville State College

NEW EXPANDED OFFICES Now offering additional comprehensive services including an on-site Vascular Access Center

Quality and service you can get comfortable with We work for you just like we’re working for ourselves, because the job we do today keeps us in business tomorrow. That’s why so many people recommend Conditioned Air Systems, Inc., a family-owned business proven to be North Georgia’s most reliable HVAC source for 25 years. With three company divisions – Commercial, Residential and Service – we are your single source to design, build, install and maintain quality HVAC systems. CAS is one of the largest sheet metal fabrication shops north of Atlanta, resulting in collective bargaining power with suppliers and the manpower to meet your deadlines.

Conditioned Air Systems is a full service mechanical contractor. Our service department technicians average 16 years experience. We service residential, commercial, and industral applications. We offer 24-hour, 7-days a week emergency service, maintenance programs, and energy management. From on-site sheet metal fabrication to NATE certified service technicians, you can depend on Conditioned Air Systems for quality and service you can get comfortable with.

www.ConditionedAirSystems.com

“

Dr. Dan Procter

Dr. Dev Mangalat

Combined, Dr. Procter and Dr. Mangalat have over 30 years experience in diagnosis & management of diseases of the vascular system. Schedule your appointment for a free vein consultation today! Visit us on the main campus of The Longstreet Clinic

I was so impressed with their work on large commercial buildings that I started using them to service my home as well.” Chris Parks, Asset Manager of Medical Arts The Norton Agency

2410 Hilton Way S.W. • Gainesville, GA 30501 Phone: 770.536.7509 • Fax: 770.535.8096 homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

770-534-0110 | www.longstreetclinic.com/vein-specialists 725 Jesse Jewell Pkwy, Suite 125, Gainesville

January | February 2013

home home & garden

National Children’s Dental Health month & Give Kids a Smile Day February is National Children’s Dental Health month, a campaign sponsored by the American Dental Association to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. According to the ADA web site, “Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.” NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country. The 2013 campaign features the slogan “Get a Gold Medal Smile.” The youth materials features the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, along with their best friends and next-door neighbors Den and Gen Smiley, going for the gold to get a winning smile.The pre-teens/teens materials feature kids going the distance for a gold medal smile. In 2003, the ADA began the Give Kids A Smile program to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event on the first Friday in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round. Today, thousands of the nation’s dentists and their dental team members provide free oral health care services to children all across the country. Read more about North Georgia’s area pediatric dentists and how they participate in the March/April issue of HOME.

Get a ‘sole’ mate Have colder weather and shorter days turned you into a couch potato? Have you been snowed under by seasonal obligations? Staying fit might fall last on your todo list—but don’t give physical activity the cold shoulder. You can improve your heart health by walking. A recent study shows that people are 76 percent more likely to stay on their walking program if someone else is counting on them, so find a partner and get moving! Visit www.americanheart.org to learn more about heart disease. 32

January | February 2013

home health & fitness

experience with these procedures,” said Dr. J. Jeffrey Marshall, medical director of Cardiac Catheterization Labs at NGMC; interventional cardiologist with Northeast Georgia Heart Center (NGHC); and president of the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions. “This is the future of heart care, and it’s already here, right now, in Gainesville – not Atlanta.” Interventional cardiologists sit behind a lead-shielded cockpit during robotic angioplasty, versus standing at the procedure table during traditional angioplasty, and use digital controls to operate the CorPath System as it guides stents and balloons through the catheter and into the patient’s arteries. Robotic angioplasty offers several benefits versus traditional procedures – improved precision when placing stents in arteries; an extra set of “hands,” which don’t get tired during longer procedures; and less radiation exposure for physicians and staff. “Robotic angioplasty may open the doors to new possibilities and more complex procedures as the technology evolves,” said Dr. Mark Leimbach, chair of the Department of Cardiology at NGMC and an interventional cardiologist with NGHC. “Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but the implementation of this new technology shows we are thinking outside the box, pushing the boundaries and doing everything we can to try to save the lives of heart patients.” Other Cardiac Facilities in North Georgia Gainesville Heart & Vascular Group, formerly known as the Gainesville Heart Group, is recognized as the first cardiology practice dedicated to the care of

heart patients in Gainesville and surrounding areas. The practice was established in 1994 by founder Dr. David P. Johnson, a Gainesville native who had a dream of providing fulltime and full-service cardiac care to the community. He and his partners played an integral part in bringing the Open Heart Surgery program to Gainesville in 2002. Gainesville Heart & Vascular Group is located on Jesse Jewell Parkway. Athens Regional Medical Center led the area into a new era of heart care when the hospital opened its Open Heart Surgery Program in 1992. The Open Heart Program was the first of its kind in Northeast Georgia. Today, Athens Regional has Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care; the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit was awarded the 2012 Silver Beacon Award for Excellence for improving patient outcomes and meeting standards for a healthy work environment; and ARMC has been awarded the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Award for heart attack care. The Bronze Quality Achievement Award is the highest level of recognition achievable by any hospital for a quarter’s performance in 2011. In 2008, Athens Regional and Emory Healthcare entered into a partnership for advanced cardiac and thoracic surgery. This highlights the continuing evolution of ARMC’s cardiovascular services. The partnership combines the talents of a highly skilled team of local cardiothoracic surgeons with senior physicians from the renowned Emory Clinic, which allows Athens Regional to offer highly sophisticated cardiothoracic surgical procedures primarily available only in academic environments. HOME Living

In North Georgia

co th ca

C ow

NOW OPEN Peace of mind you deserve...

The Oaks at Braselton The Oaks at Braselton is a different kind of Assisted Living

community - a difference which comes from the many extra things that we do every day. The love, compassion and understanding that can only come from a dedicated family staff. Come visit The Oaks at Braselton and experience what true family ownership of an Assisted Living community means. Committed to serving with faith, knowledge, compassion and love! ~ The Salabarria Family Horizons is uniquely designed for those with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias. Our Programming enables our residents to live with encouraged dignity and individuality, while being provided the special comfort care they deserve.

www.oaksseniorliving.com

5373 Thompson Mill Road • Hoschton, GA 30548 • Phone: 770-965-7003

We are pleased to announce that our new endoscopy center, Braselton Endoscopy Center, will be open for patients beginning January 2nd. Braselton Endoscopy Center is located in Suite 320 inside the River Place Medical Plaza.

home home & garden

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cancer in both men and women. Everyone should have a colon screening beginning at age 50 even if you are symptom free. African-Americans have a higher chance of developing colon cancer so they should begin colon screenings at age 45. Have you or someone you loved been putting off having a colon cancer screening? The greatest gift you can give your family is you and now you can have it done in your own neighborhood! Contact us at 770-536-8109 is schedule your screening today!

Main Office 2324 Limestone Overlook Gainesville, GA

Braselton Office 5875 Thompson Mill Rd. Suite 310 Hoschton, GA Braselton Endoscopy Center 5875 Thompson Mill Rd. Suite 320 Hoschton, GA

January | February 2013

HOME Living

In North Georgia

Dining Out

at Salvador’s Italian Grill Story and photos by Roxane Rose

n a Friday night in December, customers were already seated and had orders placed before 5 p.m., and the restaurant was full by 6:15. It wasn’t a holiday crowd – these were regular diners and others who had simply sought a place to dine out on a weekend night. “This is one of the best kept secrets in Jefferson,” said Randy Henderson, a customer dining with his wife and mother. “They are very consistent.” “And we are very critical,” his mother was quick to add. “But we

come here all the time.” Salvador’s offers antipasta, homemade soups, entree salads, sandwiches and wraps, pizza, and a variety of pasta, steak and seafood entrees. All of the recipes are family recipes, handed down for four generations. The meat is aged on the premises, hand cut and trimmed daily. To complement the fine food, Salvador’s carries a line of great house wines, Casara, which is imported from Italy. Customers can choose from pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon,

Clockwise, from top: Fresh parmesan cheese is grated on a “create your own” pasta; staff (L-R) Trey Chesser, Thomas Goeoltel, DeVan Desean and Lexie Brewer; storefront; and Randy Henderson rings the tip bell to signify great service.

January | February 2013

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Ceasar salad

Prime rib, a Friday night special

Mona Lisa pizza with ultrathin crust

Steak Alexandra: Sliced tenderloin filet medallions topped with sauteed shrimp and mushrooms

Avocado’s Restaurant

House salad

merlot, pinot grigio and chardonnay. “We are very proud of our house wine,” said Lexie Brewer, who owns and manages the restaurant with her parents, Rick and JoAnn Frontera. Additional wines are available, of which staff is very knowledgeable, as is draft and bottled beer and dessert wines. Speaking of desserts – if you have never had zeppoles, that is reason alone to check out Salvador’s. Zeppoles are fried cookies made with ricotta, and are known as Italian donuts. While Salvador’s is reasonably priced, the weeknight specials are a great opportunity to try them out. Tuesdays Fried artochoke hearts appetizer through Thursdays, two can dine for $$24.99 and it includes an appetizer and two entrees. In addition, Wednesdays are endless shrimp, Thursdays are endless pasta bowls and halfprice meatballs and Fridays are Tuscan prime rib, deep marinated overnight and slow roasted for six hours. Located in the Kroger shopping center on Hwy. 129 in Jefferson, Salvador’s is open seven days a week: Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday brunch, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to tiramisu, desserts include cobbler (left) and zeppoles, which are Italian donuts (right).

f you’re looking for an enjoyable time with friends, then Avocado’s is a wonderful place to dine. Avocado’s is a casual restaurant that caters to all types of palates. The restaurant is located in downtown Gainesville on the square, where you can dine inside or alfresco with the bistro sidewalk tables. The eclectic menu offers a wide selection and everyone can find something they will enjoy at an affordable price. Fresh pastries and cakes are made daily. Avocado’s also has a vast wine selection from which to choose. On Friday and Saturday, enjoy live entertainment and or take part in wine tastings, available by appointment only. Albert Lunalover, owner, worked for Luna’s Restaurant of Gainesville for 11 years before opening Avocado’s in 2011. His experienced staff is welcoming and family oriented, and they look forward to serving customers. “Let Avocado’s help with your catering needs, too,” encouraged Lunalover. Lunalover and his staff at Avocado’s would like to extend an invitation to you to dine with them. Tuesday-Thursday, Avocado’s is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m.-until closed for dinner; on Fridays and Saturdays, it is open all day 8 a.m.-close; and on Sundays, brunch is served 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Avocado’s Restaurant 770-532-0001 109 Bradford St., Downtown Gainesville www.avocadoseats.com

January | February 2013

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home taste of home

Stonewall’s BBQ

tonewall’s history starts in a small town in 1995, just outside Poplarville, Mississippi, in an old barn from the 1850s. Stonewall’s got its name from Civil War Confederate General Thomas Jonathan Jackson, better known as “Stonewall.” The Georgia location was opened by Ronnie and Lauri Jones in Commerce in 2008, and a year later moved to Braselton. They have been going strong ever since. What makes Stonewall’s food stand out? “It’s all in the sauce and the rub – they are original recipes, and we believe this is the reason for our success. Our barbeque is never precooked; it is cooked throughout the day so it’s always fresh,” he said. Pulled pork, baby back ribs, chicken, sausage and beef brisket are complemented by mouth-watering sides including cole slaw, baked beans and Brunswick stew plus the most popular sides, cheesy potato casserole and breading pudding (imagine a gooey cinnamon roll center). The smoked wings are a must have. Stonewall’s is casual with an inviting, friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. The founders firmly believe that Stonewall’s BBQ is about more than serving great food – it’s about serving people. The welcoming ambience is perfect for spending time with family and friends. Catering also is available. “Here at Stonewall’s, we put the same care into serving our customers that we put into preparing our food fresh and straight from the smoker,” Ronnie said. “Come try us out – our family is ready and waiting to serve yours!”

706-824-9990 6072 Georgia 53 Braselton, GA 30517 www.StonewallsBBQ.com homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Corleone’s Pizzeria

on Don Graden has been in the pizza business since he was 7 years old, starting out doing dishes at his uncle’s pizzeria in south Philadelphia. Graden attended the University of Florida and majored in business management. He then moved to Winder and opened a pizzeria in downtown. Graden was involved in many community functions, including feeding members of the military and their families every Christmas, Partners in Education with the Barrow County School System, donations to the Boys and Girls Clubs and other organizations. In 2008 he sold his business. He missed it, so he looked for an area where he could be involved in a small community again. Braselton seemed to be the perfect fit. Graden took on a partner and established Corleone’s Pizzeria in 2011. “We have been so well received by the community that it gave us the opportunity to open our second location at Traditions Walk in Hoschton in December 2012,” Graden said. “We have had the opportunity to work with many leaders from numerous organizations. We are a big believer that you need to give back to the community.” Graden and Corleone’s are partnering with West Jackson Primary School and West Jackson Intermediate School along with other organizations. Corleone’s is open Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. -10 p.m. and Sunday noon-8 p.m. Visit the web site for cost-saving coupons, specials, locations and menu. “Please like us on Facebook for more coupon discounts!” Graden added.

706-684-0466 6750 Hwy. 53, Braselton 706-658-0077 55 Freedom Pkwy. Suites 102 & 103, Hoschton www.CorleonesPizzeria.com

Coastal Breeze

t Coastal Breeze you can sit back and enjoy the freshest seafood and island cocktails in an environment that makes you feel closer to the sea than ever before! The menu has something for everyone from amazing appetizers, to tantalizing desserts. Coastal Breeze is a unique dining experience that is worth the trip – they do not stop at just seafood; they have steak, ribs, and have even been known to provide some tasty gluten-free items. Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh oysters from the gulf or Dungeness crab from the Pacific, they will make sure you leave happy. In short, Chef Butler (previously from Bonefish) has designed a menu that combines gourmet food at affordable pricing. Coastal Breeze is a great place to bring your groups. They have enjoyed the company of many parties including Red Hat, Christmas, wedding rehearsal, and many neighborhood gatherings. Coastal Breeze is located on Lanier Islands Parkway (Friendship Road) near Lake Lanier Islands and the food, service and décor is absolutely top notch. Coastal Breeze is open daily 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-midnight on weekends.

770-945-9181 5390 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, GA www.coastalbreezega.com

January | February 2013

home home & garden

Bright Beginnings in North Georgia Story and photography by Sarina Roth

The beautiful loropetalum will begin to reveal its new growth in bright garnet red as warmer days become more frequent, and signs of pink frilly petals will begin to show in early spring.

As the glitter, sparkles and lights from the holidays are put back in storage, January and February can seem a bit dull. This is a wonderful time to focus on the loveliness of North Georgia’s special colorful surprises in nature.

The sunny-yellow daffodil blooms from a bulb. You may also see the cluster-flowered yellow Jonquils and the White Narcissi early this year.

The Camellia japonica comes in an assortment of colors and varieties, such as this “Debutante” cultivar in a soft pink pompom, which looks similar to a carnation.

HOME Living

In North Georgia

home home & garden LEFT: Beautiful white winter pansy.

ABOVE: The elegant tulip is a sweet reminder of a warm spring approaching.

ur hearty pansies never seem to let us down and the wide array of colors can perk up even the gloomiest of days. The wonderful shades of purples and lavenders, mixed with yellows, oranges and maroons, keep our landscape beds full of cheer. Plus, with a few mild winter days, you will begin to see the faithful daffodils start to raise their glorious heads and splash color along the roadsides and in pastures. What a joyful little flower, so welcome after a cold winter season. Look for the cheerful winter jasmine (jasminum nudifl) in yellow, the elegant winter iris (iris unguicularis) in purple and the gorgeous Camellia japonica, which is

Hearty pansies and their even heartier cousins, violas, can brighten up even the gloomiest of winter days with their multitude of colors.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

showy in reds, corals, pinks and white. What delightful blessings we have to begin our new year. My favorite surprise of all is an early showing of the spectacular tulip. If we have warm sunshine in late winter, these playful flowers will bloom early, but don’t worry about a late freeze harming the plant. Frost on the petals won’t damage the bulbs, and the beloved tulip will continue its growing cycle next year just as beautifully. Let the variety and magnificence of Georgia’s blooms set the tone for your new year and make it a bright and delightful 2013!

The adorable flower on the creeping phlox will begin to show its color as early as February when the temperatures are mild and the skies are sunny.

ABOVE: The Camellia japonica is an evergreen shrub and is an attractive addition to landscapes. It’s also an attraction for helpful pollinators!

Even though the stems of the Winter Jasmine are bare in January and February, the bright green color makes them appear to be alive and vibrant. Its yellow flowers are a refreshing touch of color amid a sparse and leaf-less shrub.

January | February 2013

home home & garden

Ronda’s Kitchen Rich in Character Story by Roxane Rose Photography by Sarina Roth

onda Rich, known as a storyteller and writer, can also sew and, well, design houses – she designed her entire house herself. “People think that’s grand, ’cept I did it in about a month,” she said with classic Ronda wit. “You really ought to put more time into things like this.” We thought it was awesome, especially the kitchen; so awesome, we decided the kitchen deserved its own place of glory in this section. As the designer, of course Ronda knows the flaws or what she would have, or should have, done differently. And, while she subcontracted everything out, Ronda was the contractor. “I knew nothin’ about nothing!” she exclaimed. “But I knew I could save money and I like saving money.” The kitchen has a French country cottage feel, despite its very southern touches such as old Coca-Cola bottles. It is quaint and cozy with yellow walls, light green cabinets, rounded doorways and a wonderful,

January | February 2013

round window over the sink. The whimsical round window is the centerpiece of Ronda Rich’s kitchen. If the window is the centerpiece,

the cabinets are the crowning glory. Ronda did them herself, using three coats of paint, and then staining and distressing them. The cabinets were custom made by David Boring in Jefferson. “The colors really pop and it is very charming,” said Ronda, who has been in her house for six years.

HOME Living

In North Georgia

5 85

When you’re ready When When you’re you’re ready ready

tototighten your belt, sososo are we. totighten tighten your your belt, belt, are are we. we.

Serious weight lossloss isn’t about waistlines, it’s about health. When you’re ready to shed pounds Serious Serious weight weight loss isn’t isn’t about about waistlines, waistlines, it’s about it’s good about good good health. health. When When you’re you’re ready ready to shed tothe shed the the pounds pounds thatthat arethat weighing youyou down, consider LAP-BAND®, thethe adjustable andand reversible weight lossloss surgery. North are are weighing weighing you down, down, consider consider LAP-BAND®, LAP-BAND®, the adjustable adjustable and reversible reversible weight weight loss surgery. surgery. North North Atlanta Center for Surgical Weight Loss’s bariatric surgeon, Christopher Kaczmarski, M.D., has performed more Atlanta Atlanta Center Center for Surgical for Surgical Weight Weight Loss’s Loss’s bariatric bariatric surgeon, surgeon, Christopher Christopher Kaczmarski, Kaczmarski, M.D., M.D., has has performed performed more more thanthan 2,100 bariatric surgeries andand hasand expertise in the LAP-BAND as well aswell other WeWe canWe help you. than 2,100 2,100 bariatric bariatric surgeries surgeries has has expertise expertise in the in the LAP-BAND LAP-BAND as well as as other asprocedures. other procedures. procedures. can can help help you.you.

Find out if the LAP-BAND is right youfor atyou one ofone our Find Find out out if the if the LAP-BAND LAP-BAND is right isfor right for you at one at of our of our FREE monthly seminars. FREE FREE monthly monthly seminars. seminars. When: TheThe second Tuesday of each at 6:00 When: When: The second second Tuesday Tuesday of each ofmonth each month month at 6:00 atp.m. 6:00 p.m. p.m. Where: North Atlanta Center for for Surgical Weight Loss Where: Where: North North Atlanta Atlanta Center Center for Surgical Surgical Weight Weight Loss Loss Featuring: Dr. Dr. Kaczmarski, Bariatric Surgeon Featuring: Featuring: Dr. Kaczmarski, Kaczmarski, Bariatric Bariatric Surgeon Surgeon

CallCall 855-7GETSLIM, scanscan thescan code orcode Call 855-7GETSLIM, 855-7GETSLIM, the the code or or visitvisit NorthAtlantaWeightLoss.com for for for visit NorthAtlantaWeightLoss.com NorthAtlantaWeightLoss.com more information on upcoming seminars. more more information information on upcoming on upcoming seminars. seminars.

home calendar

January

Through Jan. 31 “Christmas Traditions and the Civil War” will run until Jan. 31. This special exhibit documents the history of many of today’s American Christmas traditions, which began during the Civil War. Learn about the history of the Christmas tree, Santa, stockings and gift giving. At the Crawford W. Long Museum, Jefferson. www.crawfordlong.org, 706-367-5307 Jan. 1  Polar Bear Swim  16th annual event at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, 2 p.m. Hosted by Lanier Canoe Kayak Club. Participants receive a bowl of chili, dessert, hot drink and t-shirt. Registration fee is $25. Event will be held on the Olympic Finish Tower side of the venue. www.lakelanier.com or http://www.lckc.org/ Jan. 1 First Day Hike All across the country, state parks are inviting families to start the New Year with a “First Day Hike” and a commitment to healthy living. Last New Year’s Day, Georgia joined the national effort as a way to get people motivated to exercise in the great outdoors. More than 620 Georgians kicked off 2012 on these guided hikes. A complete list of participating State Parks is available on the state parks web site; times vary from park to park. www.georgiastateparks.org, 800-864-7275 Jan. 17-20 “Brighton Beach Memoirs” The Jefferson Community Theatre is producing this Neil Simon play, based on Simon’s life growing up in New York in the late 1930s. Keith Johnson and Jennifer Dolezal are co-directing, and Jay Holl is producing – the same team that brought JCT’s production of the “Wizard of Oz.” www.jeffersoncommunitytheatre.com, 706-367-5714

January | February 2013

Jan. 18-20 The 7-Shot Symphony A brilliant piece of story-telling with live country music set in the Wild West performed by Live Action Set, whose soundtrack puts a fresh twist on traditional country music.The second performance of GTA-Southern Stage, at the new Sylvia Beard Theatre in Buford’s new community center. School matinees on Jan. 16 and 17 at 10 a.m., Jan. 18-19 at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org, 678717-3624 Jan. 19 Keeping Traditions Alive Class 5, cooking meals outdoors using the dutch oven and bamboo, 10 a.m. Northeast Georgia History Center, 322 Academy St. NE, Gainesville. Class limited to 12. Cost is $65, $60 for members. Advance registration appreciated. Ages 10 and older. 770-297-5900, www.negahc.org Jan. 23 Industry of the Year Awards The 4th annual event honoring small, medium and large manufacturers, processors and distributors. Sponsored by Lanier Technical College. Luncheon cost is $35 for Hall Chamber members; $50 for guests. Table sponsorship (seats six) is $400. At the Chattahoochee Country Club, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 770-532-6206, jean@ghcc.com

February

Feb. 12-17, 19-23 ‘She Loves Me’ At Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre in the John S. Burd Center, 429 Academy St., Gainesville. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12-16, 19-23; performances at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 17, 23. Cost is $16-18 for adults, $14-16 for seniors and $10-12 for students. www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org Feb. 14 ‘girl model’ Gainesville State College, 7 p.m. Part of the Tour of Independent Filmmakers. www.theartscouncil.net/independentfilms Feb. 15 Romantic Cabaret The Voices of North Georgia’s midseason fundraiser will be a night of classy

Jan. 24 Annual Awards Banquet Jackson County Chamber’s annual banquet to recognize outstanding individuals in the business community. Theme is the ‘70’s as part of the 40th anniversary of the Chamber celebration. At the Jefferson Civic Center, 6 p.m. www.jacksoncountyga.org, 706-387-0300

music and dancing. In the Grand Ballroom of the Gainesville Civic Center, 7 p.m.VNG will present music from the last half of the Big Band swing era – the 1940s. Members of the Believers Band from Gainesville First United Methodist Church will provide some dancing tunes. People can get tickets from any VNG member or at the door the evenings of the concert. Cost is $15; $12 for seniors/ students. www.voicesofnorthgeorgia.com/concerts

Jan. 26 MOAS 10th Anniversary Celebration and fundraiser for the Madison/Oglethorpe Animal Shelter, 6-9 p.m. At Trumps, located at 2026 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. www.moaspets.com, www.facebook.com/ moaspets/facebook

Feb. 15-17, 19-23 ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ At Gainesville State College’s Ed Cabell Theatre, 3850 Mundy Mill Rd., Oakwood. Tickets are $12. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 17, 19-23 and at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 23. www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org HOME Living

In North Georgia

home home & garden

Feb. 22 Buy Local Business Expo The Greater Hall Chamber’s annual expo will highlight the many products and services in Gainesville-Hall County. As an added bonus, attendees will be able to attend eight seminars and mini-workshops, enjoy local food and fare and attend the annual SAFE & GREEN held in conjunction with the Expo for the first time. At the Gainesville Civic Center, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Open to the public; cost is $10. www.ghcc.com, 770-532-6206 Feb. 22-24 In Acting Shakespeare Actor James DeVita’s autobiographical story of his inspiring transformation from a New Jersey longshoreman to an award-winning Shakespearean actor.The third performance of GTA-Southern Stage, at the new Sylvia Beard Theatre in Buford’s new community center. www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org, 678717-3624

Feb. 23 Plunge for Paws More than 10 community leaders have committed to plunging into Crow’s Lake in Jefferson to help raise money for the Humane Society of Jackson County’s shelter campaign. At 2:30 p.m. A project by the Chamber of Commerce Leadership 2013 class. www.facebook.com/PlungeForPaws, 706367-1111 Feb. 23 ‘Viva L’Italiano’ Celebrating the musical heritage of Italy, presented by Northwinds Symphonic Band. Brenau University, Pearce Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Ronald J. Evans, conductor; Mercer E. Crook, associate conductor; guest conductor Col. Arnald D. Gabriel, conductor emeritus, USAF Band. Guest soloist Russell Andrade, tenor. Admission: $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students. www.northwindsband.com

Feb. 25 Star & Teacher Banquet Hosted by the Jackson County Chamber recognizing top teachers and students. www.jacksoncountyga.org, 706-387-0300

Feb. 26 Leap Into Literacy A Spelling Bee fundraiser for the Jackson County Adult Literacy Program. Jackson EMC, 7 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities and team registration. 706-367-8574

Specialty Spine Intervention welcomes Keith Robinson, MD Dr. Keith Robinson earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine in Augusta. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and his fellowship in pain management at The Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. For the past 12 years, Dr. Robinson was medical director at Northside Spine and Pain Treatment Centers.

...providing targeted care to patients with pain syndromes, specifically, spinal based pain disorders.

Dr. Robinson is now accepting new patients.

Call 770-297-7277 www.scgpain.com

Guilford Clinics South Entrance | 1250 Jesse Jewell Parkway Suite 200 | Gainesville, GA & 5005 Friendship Road | Buford, GA

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

January | February 2013

home home & garden Your Time is Precious... And So Is Your Money!

At Your senior insurAnce

we continually gather research on over 20 different companies to insure the best coverage to limit your out of pocket costs.

Before you make your decision, make sure you know your liability and risk.

Protect Your Assets WE CAN HElp…. WE ACtUAllY USE tHESE plANS 770-831-8851 or 888-831-8784 Mark Fine markfine@yourseniorinsurance.com

INSURANCE FOR SENIORS... BY SENIORS • Medicare Supplements • Long Term Care • Life Insurance

& Susan Rogers

susan@yourseniorinsurance.com

StreSSed? OverwOrked? NO time tO PlaN?

Stress will kill you! Don’t risk it!

Sandals the Luxury Included vacation Voted World’s Best 16 Years in a Row At the World Travel Awards UNIQUE ADVENTURES FOR BOOMERS & OTHER DISCERNING TRAVELERS Join www.Meetup.com/BoomersTravelGroup to meet new friends and travel “ I specialize in ALL INCLUSIVE TURN KEY VACATIONS & HONEYMOONS—You just SHOW UP & RELAX! “ Susan 770-560-2411 or susanrogerstravels@gmail.com

CREATING A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES!

770-560-2411

susanrogerstravels@gmail.com or www.Meetup.com/BoomersTravelGroup 44

January | February 2013

home calendar

March

March 1-3 Folk to Fine Arts Festival/Expo A gathering of more than 65 regional artists displaying and selling works ranging from folk to fine art during an exciting three-day weekend. In addition, artist-sponsored workshops will be offered. At the Commerce Civic Center on State Street in historic downtown Commerce. Friday, 5-10 p.m., $15 admission, which includes reception and weekend readmission; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $7 admission. http://folk-finearts.com, mainstreet@commercega.org March 1 Piedmont CASA event Spring fundraising event in partnership with The Tree House in Winder sponsored by Winder Rotary Club. www.piedmontcasa.org, 706-387-6375 March 6 Paint Empty Bowls to Fill Hungry Stomachs The 15th Annual Empty Bowl Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Classic Center in downtown Athens. Individual and corporate opportunities are available. www.foodbanknega.org March 28 “Free China” Smithgall Arts Center, 7 p.m. Par t of the Tour of Independent Filmmakers. www.theartscouncil.net/independentfilms March 22 Fur Ball Black tie fundraiser for the Humane Society of Jackson County, theme is “Come Fly With Us.” At the Braselton-Stover House, event is 7 p.m.-midnight, doors open at 6 p.m. Cost is $100 per person; table and other sponsorships available. Limited seating. ww.hsjc.com, 706-367-1111 March 23 Curing Cancer With Color 5K All proceeds will benefit Hall County’s Relay for Life. Awards will be given out to top three individuals (male & famale) in each age group, plus overall winners. Cost is $20. Begins at Flowery Branch High School, 4 p.m. March 23 Art and Chocolate Spring fundraising event in Jefferson featuring art and chocolate to benefit Piedmont CASA. www.piedmontcasa.org, 706-387-6375 March 28 ‘Free China’ At Smithgall Arts Center, 7 p.m. Part of the Tour of Independent Filmmakers. www.theartscouncil.net/independentfilms HOME Living

In North Georgia

home calendar

April

te school in Accredited priva

Gainesville, GA

April 9-14, 16-20 ‘Twelfth Night’ Gainesville State College’s Ed Cabell Theatre, 3850 Mundy Mill Rd., Oakwood. Tickets are $16-18 for adults, $14-16 for seniors and $10-12 for students. Times April 9-13, 16-20 are 7:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. on April 14, 20. www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org April 18 ‘Strong’ Smithgall Arts Center, 7 p.m. Part of the Tour of Independent Filmmakers. www.theartscouncil.net/independentfilms April 26, 28 Salute to Georgia Concert Voices of North Georgia will complete its 44th season with a salute to the state of Georgia at St. Paul Methodist Church. Friday performance at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 3 p.m. This special presentation will feature compositions by Georgia musicians and music about Georgia. A wide variety of vocal and choral styles and multimedia elements will make these performances memorable. Voices of North Georgia was awarded a $1,500 grant from the Georgia Arts Council to spend on producing this specially themed show. Tickets are available from VNG members or at the door the evenings of the concert and cost $15; $12 for seniors/students. www.voicesofnorthgeorgia.com/concerts

Proudly Announcing!

May

May 3 Jackson Derby A signature event of the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce. A virtual horse race with all the excitement of derby day! Complete with on-screen horse racing, big beautiful hats, summer jackets, mint juleps, live music and great food. At Bourchard Farms, Commerce. Proceeds benefit the Chamber and its programs. www.jacksoncountyga.org, 706-387-0300 May 27 “The Spirit of American Heroes” Presented by Northwinds Symphonic Band for Memorial Day. annual concert celebrating veterans, both living and dead, who served their country with honor and valor. Ronald J. Evans, conductor ; Mercer E. Crook, associate conductor ; and guest artists and speakers. First Baptist Church, Gainesville. 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. www.northwindsband.com

✓ Fully Acccredited National curriculum ✓ Video, PowerPoint and Flash movies used with licensed teachers

✓ High School curriculum and College bound programming

✓ Full or part-time classroom availability ✓ Georgia Department of Education Sponsors Virtual Schools

770-536-6898 avawhitetutorials.com

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

January | February 2013

home around town

home home & garden

Jingle Mingle November 15, 2012 The Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Holiday Business After Hours and Jingle Mingle on the Square in Downtown Gainesville. Sponsored by Main Street Gainesville, the event is the official holiday kick-off for downtown. Photos courtesy of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce; carolers photo by Roxane Rose

Carolers from Voices of North Georgia, pictured here at Frames You Nique, strolled around town serenading attendees.

Mimosas for Mutts October 13, 2012

This annual fundraiser for the Humane Society of Jackson County featured a champagne brunch, fashion show and silent auction. This year it was held at Red Hound Antiques in Jefferson, the perfect setting for the event’s “Rat Pack” theme.

Sydney and Joe White.

Cheryl Iski, event organizer, and DJ/emcee Bill Gleeson.

Jackson County Commissioner Bruce Yates and his daughter.

46 46

January || February February 2013 2013 January

Ceil Jarrett and Lisa Doster.

Pilot Club model June Murphy with foster pet “Lady.”

Model Kelly Pitman, who also organizes “Miss Puppy Love.”

HOME Living In North Georgia HOME

home homehome around & garden town

Woman of the Year November 15, 2012

The Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce named Annette Studivant as its Woman of the Year at the annual Women in Business awards luncheon. U.S. Army Captain Caitlin Hinterman was the keynote speaker. Finalists Sarina Roth, Never the Rock Photography; Debbie Mockus, City of Arcade; Tracy Jordan,West Jackson Medicine Center; Dallas Longworth, Gwinnett Federal Credit Union; Annette Studivant, City of Jefferson Police Department; Stacey Ramsey, Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County;Tricia Massey, Northridge Medical Center; and Jennifer Dees, City of Braselton.

Former Woman of the Year recipients diAna Huckins (2010), Dr. Emily Howell (2011) and Dee Lavender (2009).

Tracy Jordan, pharmacist and owner of West Jackson Medicine Center, was one of the finalists.

Annette Studivant with her mom.

Photos by Roxane Rose

Tricia Massey, Northridge Medical Center, was one of the finalists. Pictured here with her co-workers.

Futures for Kids November 1, 2012 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County celebrated a decade of success with the annual Futures for Kids gala. The event raised a record $145,000 net. Morten Andersen was the keynote speaker at the fundraiser, held at the Gainesville Civic Center. Photos courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County

Kris Nordholz, chair of the Futures for Kids Gala.

Board member Greg Katulka presented Alex Laidlaw, vice president of Westrec Marinas, with the 2012 Helping Hands Award.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

Inspirational keynote speaker Morten Andersen, who spent 25 years as a place-kicker in the NFL, shared his personal experiences.

Advisory board member Jim Walters made closing remarks.

Morten Andersen and Steve Mickens, chief professional officer of the Hall County Boys & Girls Clubs.

January | February 2013

home around home &town garden

Marketplace November 8-10, 2012

The 21st annual event, sponsored by Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Willis Investment Counsel, benefits Radiation Oncology within The Cancer Center at NGMC. Marketplace features more than 70 vendors from several states and was held at the Gainesville Civic Center. Photos are from the Thursday night preview party. Representatives from Willis Investment Counsel, the Marketplace tri-chairs and the president to The Medical Center Auxiliary.

Jackson County Chamber Classic November 2, 2012

The Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Chamber Classic golf tournament at Traditions of Braselton Golf Club. The event, sponsored by Hometown Community Bank, was a sell-out.

Dee Lavender, Hometown Community Bank; Linda Foster, Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce;

48 48

January || February February 2013 2013 January

Joe Godfrey; Joel Harbin, Harbin Agency/Allstate Insurance; Jonathan Milford,The Milford Agency/Allstate Insurance; and Stan Whittington.

HOME Living In North Georgia HOME

home homehome around & garden town

A Toast to Braselton November 13, 2012

More than 100 people attended Braselton’s “Toast” event, a benefit for the Downtown Development Authority and its green space project. Held at the Braselton-Stover House, the event raised around $5,000. Château Élan provided wine for the wine tasting.

Jim Mallory and Tony Funari.

Photos by Roxane Rose

Pat Graham, Barrow County Commission chair and former mayor of Braselton, with Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Dees

Dr. Linda Rentfrow, Braselton Animal Hospital, and Donna Geiger.

Lisa Weinwurm, left, and Kathryn Cooper Robinson, middle.

Hall Chamber Business After Hours

Room With a Clue October 20, 2012

December 6, 2012

The monthly Business After Hours of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce was held at the new Hall County Government Center and hosted by the Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau. Photos courtesy of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Lanier CV Lake Lanier CVB staffers and interns invite GHCC members and guests to play “Happy HALLiday Bingo.” Pictured (L-R) are Wes Perry, Ellie Forrester, KayLynn Samples, Millie Perez and Stacey Dickson.

Cast (L-R): Jani Taylor as Glenda Green, Keith Johnson as Mr. Plum, Andy Garrison as Detective Norman Brown, Jennifer Malone as Scarlet, Christine Dalton as Mrs.White, Jennifer Dolezal as Mrs. Peacock and Jay Holl, Mr. Mustard.

homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com

A group of Red Hatters chose the performance for their October get-together.

Photos by Roxane Rose

Black Pot Cookin’ at ShieldsEthridge Farm October 20, 2012

Those lucky enough to spend a fall day at Shields-Ethridge Heritage Farm in Jackson County got to see cooking the way it used to be - cooked outdoors over an open fire. Photos by Roxane Rose

Back Row (L-R): Jennifer Zody, ACT Financial; Scott Gibbs, Hall County Commissioner; Dannella Burnett, Oakwood Occasions; Randy Knighton, Hall County Administrator; Kelly Norman, Keep Hall Beautiful.

Fantastic whodunit production and dinner by the Jefferson Community Theatre, at the Jefferson Civic Center. Proceeds benefitted the Humane Society of Jackson County.

Bluegrass bands, such as Crystal River, played gospel music throughout the day.

Bodiface Johnson, Susan Russell, Beth Laughinghouse and Margie and Ray Scott.

January | February 2013

home around home &town garden

South Hall Business Coalition at Falcons Training Center Andi Farmer, Milton Martin Honda; Michelle Wiley, Greater Hall Chamber; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; and Kathy Fauscett, Keller Williams Realty.

October 30, 2012

The South Hall Business Coalition held its monthly breakfast in October at the Falcons Training Center in Flowery Branch. Attendees learned about the business of pro football.

MAG all y outd on MAG view all y Funa outd on view Funa

Photos courtesy of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Sam Evans, City of Oakwood with Curt Sloyer and Gary Smith of Milton Martin Honda.

Nick Polk, Atlanta Falcons; Rob Geoffrey, Atlanta Falcons; Kit Dunlap, Greater Hall Chamber; Brian Cantel, Cantel Wealth Management; and Greg Beadles, Atlanta Falcons.

Steak & Steak

Take Off the Mask!

Mike Beatty, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, was the keynote speaker at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Jackson County’s “Steak & Steak” dinner. This annual fundraising event also includes club kids who speak about their experiences, dance and sing, and get to enjoy steaks courtesy of Outback while visiting with attendees.

The “Take Off The Mask Event” was an evening of education and fun at Meadows Surgical Arts in Commerce. Meadows’ Obagi specialist scanned attendees’ skin to reveal their “daily masks” and provide custom skin care regimens.

INC sign This a po INC a m sign $1,2 This a po a m $1,2

October 24, 2012

December 6, 2012

MAG addi and appl MAG bath addi land and appl bath land

Photos by Debbie Purvis

Photos by Roxane Rose

ON CLU 1/2 Base ON Sell CLU $25 1/2 Base Sell $25

Braselton Town Manager Jennifer Dees and Michael Williams, Boys & Girls Club executive director.

Mark and Robin Mobley, John and Lauren Ward.

50 50

January || February February 2013 2013 January

Mary Greenwood, left, and Stephanie Greenwood, right, presented Funopolis cards to the essay winners.

HOME Living In North Georgia HOME

FUNARI FUNARI R E A LT Y R E A LT Y

6323 Grand Hickory Drive 100G Braselton, 30517 Drive 100G 6323 GrandGA Hickory Braselton, 30517 WWW. GA UNARI EALTY.COM

F R WWW.F UNARI R EALTY .COM

MAGNIFICENT HOME situated on 3 acres with all you can ask for: multiple ponds, creek w/bridge, outdoor covered area w/ fireplace, pool, master on main & much, much more! MAGNIFICENT HOME situated on Unbelivable 3 acres with views from room!!! $3,595,000 Tony all you can askevery for: multiple ponds, creek w/bridge, Funari outdoor404-271-3710 covered area w/ fireplace, pool, master on main & much, much more! Unbelivable views from every room!!! $3,595,000 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

ENJOY COUNTRY CLUB LIVING AT ITS FINEST, located on a large beautiful lot in the private Legends Community of Chateau Elan. Closets for elevator in place, master the main, detail ENJOY COUNTRY CLUBonLIVING AT lots ITS of FINEST, and trim.on 6 car garage, pool. $1,249,500 located a large beautiful lot in the Charles private Little 404-274-3100 Funari 404-271-3710 Legends CommunityorofTony Chateau Elan. Closets for elevator in place, master on the main, lots of detail and trim. 6 car garage, pool. $1,249,500 Charles Little 404-274-3100 or Tony Funari 404-271-3710

INCREDIBLE ESTATE HOME overlooking the signature hole of the Woodlands Golf Course. This home has all the bells and whistles including a pool and hotESTATE tub. FullHOME finishedoverlooking basement with INCREDIBLE the a media room, in porch. signature hole ofscreened the Woodlands GolfReduced Course. $1,229,000 Tony Funari This home has all the bells404-271-3710 and whistles including a pool and hot tub. Full finished basement with a media room, screened in porch. Reduced $1,229,000 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

MAGNIFICENT GOLF COURSE HOME Private fenced in backyard w/salt water pool and hot tub. 6 bedrooms, 5 full baths and 1 half bath. Master on main as well asGOLF masterCOURSE suite onHOME terracePrivate level. MAGNIFICENT Media recreation room, area and fenced room, in backyard w/salt waterbar pool and hotliving tub. room. $990,000 Funari 6 bedrooms, 5 fullTony baths and 1404-271-3710 half bath. Master on main as well as master suite on terrace level. Media room, recreation room, bar area and living room. $990,000 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

MAGNIFICENT HOME Two lots combined for additional privacy. Beautiful pool environment and complete out door cooking area, sink, bar, fire place and pizza 4 BR 3for ½ appliances, MAGNIFICENT HOME Two lotsoven. combined bath, Masterprivacy. on the main. 3 car garage. Professional additional Beautiful pool environment landscaping. Funariarea, 404-271-3710 and complete$749,000 out doorTony cooking sink, bar, appliances, fire place and pizza oven. 4 BR 3 ½ bath, Master on the main. 3 car garage. Professional landscaping. $749,000 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

ONE OF THE BEST LOTS IN PROVIDENCE CLUB! Great Landscaping. 5 Bedrooms 3 And 1/2 Baths. Full Basement Stubbed For Full Bath. Basement Has Interior And IN Exterior Entrance. ONE OF THE BEST LOTS PROVIDENCE Seller IsGreat Related To Listing5 Bedrooms Agent. Reduced CLUB! Landscaping. 3 And $250,000 Little 404-274-3100 1/2 Baths. Charles Full Basement Stubbed For Full Bath. Basement Has Interior And Exterior Entrance. Seller Is Related To Listing Agent. Reduced $250,000 Charles Little 404-274-3100

Southern Living Custom Home Southern Living Custom Home

Features front and side courtyards, a private salt water pool, art studio, library, Au Pair suite with full kitchen, gym, and much more. Located on a private and beautifully landscaped Features front and side courtyards, a private salt water pool, art studio, library, Au Pair suite lot with views of the seventh and eighth holes of the Chateau Course. $2,795,000 with full kitchen, gym, and much more. Located on a private and beautifully landscaped lot withCindy views of the seventh and eighth or holes of the Chateau Course. $2,795,000 Keller 404-663-4303 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

Cindy Keller 404-663-4303 or Tony Funari 404-271-3710

ENJOY COUNTRY CLUB LIVING AT IT'S FINEST. Located on a large beautiful lot in the private Legends of Chateau Elan, 8th fairway. Professionally Landscaped. EnjoyCLUB the especially ENJOY COUNTRY LIVING ATnice IT'S daylight FINEST. Terrace level,with views of the pool fromprivate every Located on a large beautiful lot area in the room. Tony Funari 404-271-3710 Elan, 8th fairway. Professionally Legends of Chateau Landscaped. Enjoy the especially nice daylight Terrace level,with views of the pool area from every room. Tony Funari 404-271-3710

BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM BUILT HOME with an array of special upgrades and attention to detail. Spacious entry foyer w/inlaid hardwood flooring opens to the formal diningCUSTOM room. Master main,with 3 bedroom BEAUTIFUL BUILTon HOME an array suites upstairs. Terrace level hastoa detail. finished office. of special upgrades and attention Spacious $729,900 Funari 404-271-3710 entry foyerTony w/inlaid hardwood flooring opens to the formal dining room. Master on main, 3 bedroom suites upstairs. Terrace level has a finished office. $729,900 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

EXECUTIVE HOME with 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths located near highway 400 and the avenues off of Kelly Mill Road in Cumming, great newer home fencedHOME yard corner lot. $375,000 EXECUTIVE with 5 bedrooms and 4Tony full Funari 404-271-3710 baths located near highway 400 and the avenues off of Kelly Mill Road in Cumming, great newer home fenced yard corner lot. $375,000 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

GREAT SPACE FOR A LARGE OR EXTENDED FAMILY! Located on a quiet culdesac. Master on main, awesome stone patio & fireplace in private backyard. 3 car side garage.OR Finished terrace GREAT SPACE FORentry A LARGE EXTENDED level withLocated second on kitchen, game room & famly/tv FAMILY! a quiet culdesac. Master on room. $435,000 stone Cindypatio Keller&404-663-4303 main, awesome fireplace in private backyard. 3 car side entry garage. Finished terrace level with second kitchen, game room & famly/tv room. $435,000 Cindy Keller 404-663-4303

JUST REDUCED, BEAUTIFUL ESTATE LOT, for luxury home developed, fenced and beautifully landscaped. Could be a great family compound. Actual two lots which must be sold together. ESTATE Over five acres at the JUST REDUCED, BEAUTIFUL LOT, for luxury intersection of Long Island Drive and landscaped. Tara Trails. home developed, fenced and beautifully $2,999,000 Tony Funari Could be a great family 404-271-3710 compound. Actual two lots which must be sold together. Over five acres at the intersection of Long Island Drive and Tara Trails. $2,999,000 Tony Funari 404-271-3710

Prestige Prestige HOME CONCIERGE HOME CONCIERGE

Qu a l i t y Ho m e Ma n a g e m e n t & Ma i n t e n a n c e Qu a l i t y Ho mRhonda e Ma n a gPottinger e m e n t & Ma i n t e n a n c e

770.314.5790 770.314.5790

Rhonda Pottinger RhondaPottinger@bellsouth.net RhondaPottinger@bellsouth.net

Office Located Across from Chateau Elan: 770-967-9889 Office Located Across from Chateau Elan: 770-967-9889

Our Ca stle your fairytale

Atlanta’s Premier Wedding Destination

Indoor & Outdoor Settings - Ballroom Receptions - Complete Catering On-Staff Wedding Planner - 277 Room Luxury Inn - European Spa Mansion Championship Golf - Winery & Vineyards - Tennis Center - 7 Restaurants Transportation Services - Recommended Vendors - Custom Wine Labels “Best Romantic Hotel Nationally” by CitySearch.com For more information or to download our Wedding Packet visit www.chateauelan.com Or, call 678-425-6017

Join us at www.facebook.com/chateauelan for exclusive offers. Château Élan | 100 Tour De France, Braselton, Georgia 30517 Located I-85 North, Exit 126 - 30 Minutes North of Downtown Atlanta