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North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2016
Contents
March 2016
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 8
20-21
[20-21]
On the Cover:
SuperSlow Zone
24-27
Happy Campers Choosing the Right Camp
[24-27]
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North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2016
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.......................... Perspective
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............................. Calendar
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........................ Book Review
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....................... Business Life
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................... Senator Speaks
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.................... Mayor’s Minute
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......................... Taste of Life
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............... Community Partner
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................... Ribbon Cuttings
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Editor@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com
M
arch is here, and my favorite season is about to burst forth with all the splendor of spring’s abundance of life. I hope everyone had a great vacation and enjoyed time with their families, had some time to reflect on their goals for the year, or I hope you were at least able to share in the joy of making memories with a friend during a time of departure from their daily routine. Now we are ready to march forward. Spring is a battle cry that we simply cannot ignore. Everything changes from the ground up during the wonderful season of spring. We made plans in January, laid the groundwork last month, and now the time has come for us to take root and grow so that we make positive changes for ourselves. While I was on vacation last month enjoying some diving, I took notice of some of the incredible symbiotic relationships of the underwater world. One of the first and most visual is the coordination of efforts of the gobi and the cleaner shrimp. The quick, big-eyed, alert gobi watches over the den and alerts the blind shrimp of approaching predators. With gratitude, the shrimp makes a home for the gobi and keeps it clean, accessible and safe. They are neighbors within the vastness of the ocean, and they have absolutely nothing in common except life itself, but they make each other’s lives better by accomplishing personal goals.
Family Life Publishing Group Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
FamilyLifePublications.com FamilyLifePublications North Fulton Family Life welcomes your comments, stories and advertisements. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher, and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors and omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. AS
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We need more of that here on the surface. The positive changes we make in our own lives enhance the community around us. Let us do the right things and inspire others with our actions simply by living up to the potential that rests inside of us. Life will be easier for everyone. March forward.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS State Senator John Albers, Kathleen Boehmig, Michael Consoli, Natalie Del Valle, Lisa Ethridge, Kevin Head, Amanda Kossick, Chris Miller, Christy Noll, Juan Reyes, Amy Rickman, Nick Roper, Jenny Simpson, Jim Still, Mark Tolbert, Amanda Wiggins, Keely Woodford
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March forward
SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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© 2016 All rights reserved.
Cancer Treatment and Its Effect on Oral Health By Amanda Kossick, D.M.D. In today’s world, cancer has become more prevalent. More cancer cases means more cancer treatments. At times, these cancer treatments are worth the side effects. Our job as your dentist and oral healthcare team is to help you avoid any oral complications that may occur during cancer treatment. If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. At this appointment, your dentist will be happy to evaluate your mouth for any active infections that may need to be addressed prior to chemotherapy or radiation treatments beginning. While undergoing cancer treatments, infection is likely to become a larger issue due to a suppressed immune system. Also, due to delayed healing, extractions can be difficult to complete during cancer treatments. If possible, any extractions and major dental work should be completed prior to beginning chemo or radiation therapy. Oral hygiene is often a low priority for a patient who’s trying to fight cancer. When this occurs, there’s increased risk of decay and periodontal disease. Maintaining your oral hygiene habits will significantly help fight these oral issues. Fluoride trays are an excellent choice for you to use during treatment. Dry mouth and vomiting typically occur with most forms of cancer therapy, which increases your risk of getting cavities. Supplemental fluoride will help prevent decay during cancer treatment. To alleviate dry mouth symptoms during treatment, suck on ice chips for 30 minutes during chemotherapy to maintain saliva flow, avoid tobacco and alcohol use, as well as alcohol based mouth rinses. Patients also want to avoid causing trauma to their mucosa. Traumatic lesions can easily turn into an infection because of the mouth’s inability to heal as quickly as it normally would. Steer clear of hard/crunchy, hot, spicy or acidic foods, as they can increase the likelihood of an ulcer forming. These methods, in addition to many others, can help maintain oral health while enduring cancer treatments. Ask your dentist for further suggestions!
Dr. Amanda Kossick is a dentist with DeMercy Dental in Roswell. 770-641-8010. DeMercyDental.com
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Calendar MARCH
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The Annual Quilt Guild, Bulloch Hall Quilt Show The Quilt Show is a tradition in North Fulton County, and all across Georgia. This display of lovely quilts in a historic home provides a warmth and ambiance not found in larger venues.10:00 am-3:00 pm, Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 678-639-7500. BullochHall.org
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ShamRockin’ for a Cure ShamRockin’ for a Cure returns to Alpharetta to rock your night with great food, amazing bands and dancing. Come eat, drink, rock out and help cure Cystic Fibrosis! Regular tickets include food, beer, wine, cocktails and giveaways. The exciting live and silent auctions will be packed with something for everyone. 7:00 pm, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-3256973. ShamrockinForACure.com
Road Race around Heart of Roswell Park, benefitting Relay for Life of Roswell! A section of Canton Street will be closed off for food and beer trucks, family-friendly activities, Irish dancers and more! Plus, we have a full schedule of live bands across the street in the park! Bring all your friends and family, and help us kick off St. Paddy’s Day the right way! 12:00-6:00 pm in the park, then carry on through the night at the pub! Mac MaGees of Historic Roswell and Heart of Roswell Park, 936 Canton Street, Roswell. RoswellGov.com
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ShamRock in the Park 1st Annual MacFestivus — Join us for our 1st Annual MacFestivus & 1/2 k
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day — Roswell’s Southern Trilogy of Historic Homes, made up of Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation, is participating in Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day Live! Admission to each house is FREE. Go to Smithsonian Magazine’s website to sign up. You can get a ticket for Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall or Smith Plantation, and it will be good for all three homes on this day. You’ll need to print the ticket from your printer, and bring it with you. You can also show us the ticket on your smart phone. 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Call Barrington Hall
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Mount Pisgah UMC Easter Egg Hunt — Bring everyone for a morning of hunting, playing and fun with your family, friends and neighbors. Come enjoy activities for every member of the family from birth through 99! There will be 15,000 eggs, inflatables, food, games and prizes! 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Pisgah Athletic Campus, 9825 Brumbelow Road, Johns Creek. 678-336-3000. MountPisgah.org/ events/easteregghunt/
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Easter Eggstravaganza — Enjoy face painting, balloon art, the Red Barn petting zoo and rides on a trackless train. Be sure to bring your camera for photos with the Easter Bunny. An egg hunt for ages 3-6 will start at 11:00 am. Instead of a hunt area, a special goody bag will be given to the first 250 children ages 2/younger and 7/older. This event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. 10:00 am, North Park softball fields 1-4, 13450 Cogburn Rd, Alpharetta. 678-297-6140. Alpharetta.ga.us
770-640-3855, Bulloch Hall 770-9921731 or Smith Plantation 770-641-3978 for further information. SmithsonianMag. com/museumday/museum-day-livemarch-2016/tickets/
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Water Drop Dash 5K and Festival The 4th annual Water Drop Dash 5K and Fun Run encourages metro Atlanta residents to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems during the annual EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week, held March 14-20, 2016. Race registration is limited to 1,000. The post-race Water Festival will be full of giveaways, activities and face painting from our local water utilities and sponsors! 7:00 am, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattahoocheeNatureCenter.org
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Spring Arts & Crafts Bazaar Celebrate the upcoming spring season and browse creative, handmade items from more than 20 local vendors. Find the perfect unique gift for Easter or Mother’s Day. FREE Admission. 9:00am5:00 pm, Adult Recreation Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell. 770-5413950. RoswellRamblers.org
LIBRARY EVENTS AFPLS.org
ALPHARETTA 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, 770-740-2425
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Historic Roswell Kiwanis 5/10k Race — No matter what your skill level or age group, this race is for you! This is a great race route through Historic Roswell. The 10K route is certified. Participants will receive a free t-shirt and sponsor goodie Bag. Medals will be given to the winners for each age category. 7:45 am, Sweet Apple Elementary School, 12025 Etris Road, Roswell. 770-569-7038 x102. RoswellKiwanis.org/SpringKClassic. html
APRIL
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Back to Your Roots Farm Fair The Back to Your Roots Farm Fair will have you enjoying toe tapping music, outdoor games, meeting live farm animals from the Art Barn, learning about spring, and getting back to your roots in the garden with demonstrations on every topic from composting to vegetable gardening while visiting a variety of vendors. 12:00 pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattahoocheeNatureCenter.org
MILTON 855 Mayfield Road, Milton, 404-613-4402 NORTHEAST/SPRUILL OAKS 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8820 OCEE 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek, 770-360-8897 ROSWELL 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, 770-640-3075 EAST ROSWELL 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, 404-613-4050
Alpharetta Gavel Club 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 2:00 pm, Alpharetta Gavel Club gives teens an opportunity to practice and refine their public speaking skills in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Virtual Reality: Oculus Rift Demo March 7, 6:30 pm, East Roswell Demonstration of the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset and the Unity3D software, which makes it easy to develop games, artwork and other immersive environments. This program is for ages 11-17. Atlanta Flute Ensemble Spring Concert March 9, 10:30-11:30 am, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Spring music and light classical music for all ages. Women and Aging March 10, 3:00 pm, Milton Nelson Elder Care Law Firm holds a CEU program on this topic, which impacts a high percentage of our population. College Planning - Getting In Starts Earlier Than You Think March 10, 6:30 pm, Ocee Colleges accept all payments. The same can’t be said about students. Get into the school you really want, and get the most for your education investment. Parents are welcome. This program is for ages 12-18. CancerQuest March 11 & 18, 11:00 am, Roswell Dr. Gregg M. Orloff, Assistant Professor of Emory’s Hematology and Oncology Department, founded CancerQuest to help educate the public on cancer biology. This is a seminar on cancer biology, prevention and treatments. The first seminar focuses on cancer facts to help people understand what cancer is and what it does. The second seminar explores its treatments.
Teen Tech Week: Technology Fair March 11, 4:00 pm, Ocee Bring your favorite technology, and get some experience speaking in front of groups at the same time. Teens will set up a booth to show off their favorite technology, which can be anything from a web application to a device. This program is for ages 12-18. To register, call 770-360-8897. Speech Craft: Learning the Art of Public Speaking March 13 & 27, 2:00 pm, Alpharetta Develop the poise and confidence to feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Members of the Alpharetta Toastmasters chapter facilitate. This program is for adults. Volunteers of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library Appreciation Week Event – YA Author, Kim Teter: Writing and Researching a Historical Novel March 13, 3:00 pm, Northeast/Spruill Oaks Debut novelist, Kimberly Cross Teter, traces her path to publication and the many side trips it involved as she searched for the history behind her YA work of historical fiction, Isabella’s Libretto. Light refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library. Easter Egg Hunt March 19, 2:00 pm, Roswell Join us for a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt inside the library! A short story time will precede the event. This event is for ages 0-7. Early Spring in the Garden March 21, 6:00 pm, East Roswell This program is presented by North Fulton Master Gardeners and is for adults. Spring Tips for Home Maintenance March 22, 6:30 pm, Milton Get tips on how to have more curb appeal and how to make your home energy efficient. This event is facilitated by Suzanne Well. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Harmony of the Seas
Amps Up Fun for the Entire Family LIFESTYLE
Guests setting sail aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas to Europe’s most popular destinations in the western Mediterranean will be able to enjoy more family-friendly offerings than ever before! Royal Caribbean’s signature DreamWorks Experience and enhanced entertainment in the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program highlight what travelers tend to enjoy most on vacation: eating, playing and drinking. With its signature balcony staterooms that boast views of the distinct Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods, combined with the Ultimate Abyss (the tallest slide at sea), the Perfect Storm trio of water slides and Splashaway Bay interactive aqua park for kids, Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, will bring adventure for the entire family when she arrives this May. Harmony of the Seas will bring with her a familiar cast of DreamWorks Animation characters. Guests will enjoy events and activities based on DreamWorks Animation’s popular feature-film characters, including a character breakfast in the main dining room, meet-and-greet experiences throughout the day, as well as photo opportunities that can be immediately shared back home thanks to VOOM, the fastest internet at sea. Royal Caribbean’s younger guests can enjoy story time, dance parties, games and adventures rooted in the popular DreamWorks Animation films at the complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program. Parents and kids will enjoy having guaranteed seats on “opening weekend” of highly anticipated feature films, such as 8
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By Michael Consoli Kung Fu Panda 3, which premieres onboard the same day as in theaters on land. Year-round, guests can watch current and older favorite DreamWorks Animation films in the ship’s 3D movie theater and on a dedicated DreamWorks TV channel in their stateroom. The Adventure Ocean youth program will continue to offer guests, ages 3-11, an entertaining line-up of activities. New to be offered in Harmony’s Adventure Ocean Theater is Away We Go!, a black light puppet show created by Tony® award-nominated actors and imaginative producers, John Tartaglia and Michael Shawn Lewis of Gable Grove Productions. Additionally, programming by Muffalo Potato – the popular YouTube show, which teaches kids to draw anything using only letters and numbers – will round out Harmony’s lineup. Muffalo Potato will expand fleet-wide just in time for summer vacations. Families vacationing together on Harmony of the Seas, as well as Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, will be able to take advantage of the new collection of added benefits of balcony staterooms overlooking the Central Park and Boardwalk outdoor neighborhoods. Starting in November 2016, the signature views will be complemented and enhanced with amenities that feature the best of what each neighborhood has to offer. Guests with views of Central Park, a revolutionary design in which the center of the ship opens to the sky and features lush, tropical grounds spanning the length of a football field, will enjoy lunch for two at Jamie’s Italian, serving Italian favorites
from world-renowned chef, Jamie Oliver, on Harmony of the Seas or Giovanni’s Table aboard Oasis and Allure of the Seas. Guests also receive a complimentary bottle of red wine upon arrival and special perks in the Casino Royale. In rooms with Boardwalk views, a neighborhood inspired by the nostalgic boardwalks of yesteryear, guests will receive lunch or dinner for four at Johnny Rockets, which serves old-fashioned burgers and fries, a soda beverage package for two and private time on the cruise line’s iconic, 38-foot rock wall. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
Easter’s on its Way!
By Christy Noll
Easter is one of Christianity’s most important holidays. It has been called a “moveable feast” because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year. Easter brings many fun “hoppenings.” Here are a few examples: Pictures with the Easter Bunny - Easter brings great picture taking opportunities. Many local malls offer pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau offers FREE pictures with the Easter Bunny every year at the Welcome Center. Coloring Easter Eggs - Another favorite family tradition is decorating Easter eggs. To make your own dye, use food coloring, vinegar and water. Mix together a 1/2 cup of water at room temperature, 1 tablespoon of vinegar and several drops of food coloring to reach your desired depth of color. Easter Egg Hunts are a fun tradition. There are many held throughout Atlanta the weekend before or the day before Easter. Children usually need to bring their own baskets or bags for the hunt. Event holders usually separate the hunt by age. The organizer might also have other family fun activities like face painting, inflatable bounce houses, games, petting zoos, music and/or food options. If you’re lucky, maybe even the Easter Bunny himself will pay a visit at the hunt! North Park in Alpharetta holds a huge egg hunt every year. Last year, instead of a hunt area, a special goody bag was given to the first 250 children ages 2/younger and 7/older. Check your local library, parks and recreation center or city websites for egg hunting events. Easter Brunch - Our family typically has a tradition of eating certain foods on Easter Sunday for brunch. Honeybaked ham, deviled eggs and potato salad usually make the list. Many restaurants hold Easter brunch specials, but they book up fast, so be sure to make reservations well in advance. Lanier Islands holds an incredible Easter brunch buffet, and children 5 and under eat FREE.
Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs and events.
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Book Review BY AMANDA WIGGINS
n Splendors and Glooms, Laura Amy Schlitz creates an atmospheric Victorian London filled with puppetry and orphans, magic and cruelty and an evil witch with a cursed stone. Two orphans, Parsefall and Lizzie Rose, are forced to work for the wicked puppet master, Gaspare Grisini, who can make puppets move like they are alive, but he often fails to feed the children or buy them necessities. Lizzie Rose muses, “That, too, was Grisini: a bad guardian, a bad man perhaps, but a matchless artist.” One day, the rich and lonely Clara Wintermute sees “The Phenomenal Professor Grisini and His Venetian Fantoccini” perform in the park and begs her parents to allow the puppeteers to entertain at her twelfth birthday party. She vanishes that evening, and Grisini, the main suspect, disappears soon after. Suspicion falls on the children, who flee right into the hands of an evil witch. With every sight, smell and sound, Schlitz uses small details to create a gothic, Dickensian world. Her characters are fully realized, threedimensional beings with their own thoughts and habits, and you feel real fear for them. Within the grim reality of Clara Wintermute’s life, we see that even those in high stations are not exempt from pain and grief. I highly recommend this young adult book for pre-teens, teenagers, parents and anyone who enjoys reading along with their children. A Newberry Honor book, Splendors and Glooms is available on Amazon and in brick-and-mortar bookstores.
Amanda Wiggins is part of the team at Jera Publishing, your one-stop self-publishing shop, located in Roswell. 770-642-6400. JeraPublishing. com
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Business Internal Medicine Practice of Northside has announced that Dr. Kenneth Ricci has joined its practice. Dr. Ricci, a boardcertified physician, is an expert in family medicine and brings experience in men’s health and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. He is a graduate of the Kansas City University of Medicine and Bio-Sciences in Kansas City, MO and received his residency in family practice at Phoenix General Hospital in AZ. Dr. Ricci brings about 30 years of practice experience to Internal Medicine Practice of Northside. For more information, visit InternalMedicinePracticeOfNorthside. com, or call 770-410-4610.
Perimeter North Family Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Stephen Martiny has joined the practice. Dr. Martiny is a board-certified family medicine physician and a graduate of the UmeĂĽ University School of Medicine in Sweden. He completed his family practice residency at the Saint Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, Ohio. Prior to joining Perimeter North Family Medicine, Dr. Martiny practiced in the Roswell and Villa Rica communities. For more information, visit PNFM.com, or call 770-395-1130.
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Senator Speaks
MARTA Expansion North
and the Red Herrings By Senator John Albers
I
am baffled and amazed at the lack of facts and logic used to support issues. Often, issues are being justified by using a “red herring.” A red herring is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important issue. I represent all six cities in North Fulton County and speak to residents every day. The people overwhelmingly tell me they don’t want a heavy rail solution forced upon them. This is the case for the proposed, nearly 3 billion dollar expansion of MARTA rail into North Fulton County. A project of this magnitude will likely increase traffic and taxes for North Fulton residents. Cobb County learned through a study by the Board of Commissioners that their proposed transit system could make traffic worse. North Fulton needs innovative solutions to circumvent traffic congestion. A heavy rail expansion is not the solution. Citizens understand the reality of the situation. North Fulton ranks high in Georgia and nationally in most major categories, including: public safety, level of higher education, household income, parks, best place to start a business, best place to raise a family, lowest unemployment, cutting edge businesses, best quality of life, top ranked schools and so much more. One popular red herring argument is that the millennial generation contends they’ll never own a car or live in the suburbs. I think the millennial generation is very talented; and I’ve already seen them moving to North Fulton in large numbers, and according to Bloomberg, they account for 27% of all new car sales. Another myth to debunk claims is that businesses need to have heavy rail transit in order to thrive. Businesses locate
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to our area because we lead in most major areas, as previously referenced, and employees live and work in their community. Furthermore, I read an article where someone compared the quality of life to the number of miles of heavy rail. We’re already thriving and leading in most every metric in North Fulton — without MARTA rails. Lastly, and perhaps the most outrageous, a “Twitter Poll” claimed strong support for expansion, with no basis or controls whatsoever. This was the height of irresponsible journalism. I speak to constituents every day, and this could not be further from the truth. As John Adams said, “Facts are stubborn things, and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” Let’s review together; an expansion of MARTA will increase taxes, cost billions, take countless years to complete and increase traffic. Additionally, it will not improve our public safety, household income, parks, business climate, quality of life, unemployment rates or our top ranking public school system. However, adding additional lanes to GA400 and then adding a BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system could provide a reasonable solution at a fraction of the cost, time and impact. L
Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the State and Local Government Operations Committee. He represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. 404.463.8055. John.Albers@Senate.Ga.Gov.
If You Have to Probate, Make it By Chris Miller, Esq.
Many North Fulton residents signed wills and trusts in the 90s or early 2000s or when they lived in another state. Since that time, changes in the estate tax laws and the requirements of proving a will for probate in Georgia give those people good reasons to review and replace documents. One common question is whether a will signed outside Georgia is valid or not. The answer is it’s valid here if it was valid there. However, to prove that in probate court is another story. A will signed outside Georgia can only be admitted to probate in Georgia if one of the witnesses to the will answers a set of questions called “interrogatories.” Tracking down a witness from long ago or far away takes work. An alternative method of proving a will’s validity is by gathering two affidavits certifying the
signatures on the will. This often takes more time and money than simply redoing a set of documents that reference Georgia law. Another hassle faced by executors of out-of-state wills is the need to prepare and file both an inventory of a decedent’s estate and at least one annual return showing the assets and expenses of the estate. In Georgia and a few other states, these steps can be skipped if the will contains an express waiver. Many Georgia lawyers know to include this waiver when drafting wills, but plans supplied by internet software programs or signed outside Georgia often leave this piece out. An executor who has to do these extra steps is likely to take more time. A final justification for new wills is the change in estate tax laws. Fifteen years
ago, it was common for wills to set up bypass trusts or credit shelter trusts with the goal of reducing estate taxes because the estate tax exemption was lower. Nowadays, those trusts might cause more harm than good by eliminating a second “step-up” in basis of assets inherited from a decedent. Streamlining a plan with shorter “all-to-spouse” wills makes better financial sense.
Chris Miller is an attorney in Alpharetta. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com
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Community Feature Milton Fire-Rescue Recognizes Top 2015 Firefighters Milton Fire-Rescue Department recognized 2015’s top firefighters at the 5th Annual Recognition and Awards Ceremony. The ceremony recognized firefighters for exemplary acts, including saving lives on EMS calls, public outreach and promotional recognition. Throughout the nine-year history of the department, Milton Fire-Rescue’s most important assets have been the firefighters in the field who are in the community every day helping those in need. 2015 Fire Fighter of the Year Captain Jason Cantrell 2015 Life Saving Award - FAO Erick Sprouse Fire Company of the Year Award Engine 42 and Rescue 42 “B” Shift Fire Chief’s Award - Captain Alex Fortner
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North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2016
Roswell Receives PlanFirst Award for 2030 Comprehensive Plan The City of Roswell was recognized by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as an official PlanFirst community, a designation given to local governments that clearly demonstrate success in implementing their local comprehensive plans. Roswell was awarded this honor specifically for its 2030 Comprehensive Plan. PlanFirst is an incredibly distinguished award, with only 17 jurisdictions in the state carrying the designation. In addition to statewide recognition and use of the PlanFirst name, the designation also comes with many benefits to the City, including access to a reduced interest rate on certain Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) state loans, bonus points on applications for DCA programs – including the Employment Incentive Program, Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund and Redevelopment Fund, and free attendance at DCA Community Planning Institute events. “It is quite an honor for the City to be recognized with the PlanFirst designation,” said Alice Wakefield, Director of Roswell’s Community Development Department. “What this demonstrates is that the Roswell community has a strong, shared vision for our city’s future and a clear path to follow to reach our goals.”
Little Helpers Donates to MUST Ministries Trust for Public Land Partners with Johns Creek in Acquisition of 133-Acre Park The Trust for Public Land is contributing $1.5 million towards the $20.3 million purchase price of 133 acres of park land on the Chattahoochee River at Cauley Creek. Additionally, the City is partnering with the Trust for Public Land for professional services related to the acquisition, which includes a professionally administered public opinion survey and feasibility research on funding options for park development. In November, the City authorized Mayor Bodker to execute a $20.3 million purchase agreement for the land, which includes a dormant water reclamation plant. While specific plans for the development of the park are yet to be determined, the public will have opportunities to share their vision for the future park.
The Hernandez family donated 500 utensil rolls as part of the Little Helpers of Atlanta’s monthly service project. The family volunteer group holds monthly service projects for children of all ages. The program is designed to help young people understand the value of volunteering, recognize the blessings in their lives, broaden their community perspective and feel the sense of accomplishment received from lending a helping hand.
The property is located in the eastern half of the city, adjacent to the Rogers Bridge Trail and the proposed Rogers Bridge connection to Duluth. The property fronts Bell Road and has nearly 2,000 feet of frontage along the Chattahoochee River. To the west, the property is bordered by Cauley Creek and to the east by the Rogers Bridge Trail. The proposed park ties in with a 2010 purchase of 44 acres on the Chattahoochee River and directly adjacent to the Rogers Bridge Trail by the Trust for Public land that was sold to National Park Service in 2011.
Congratulations to our February “7 Differences” winner, Michele Melton!
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Community Feature Independence High School Receives SHAPE Grant Independence High School has received a $5,000 SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) Grant provided through the Georgia Department of Public Health. The funds from the grant will be used to enhance the school’s physical activity and nutrition efforts in order to improve outcome measures associated with the Georgia School Health and Physical Education Act and the nutrition guidelines outlined in the USDA’s Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. $3,000 of the grant must focus on activities associated with nutrition and $2,000 must be dedicated to physical fitness.
Milton HS Student Wins $20,000.00 Scholarship Agni Kumar from Milton High School has been awarded a $20,000 scholarship through the H&R Block Budget Challenge, an interactive, reallife simulation, personal financial education program that rewards students for mastering real-world budgeting and personal finance decision-making. She is one of 66 winners nationwide. Now in its second year, the program works by replicating an adult’s financial life, requiring students to pay virtual bills, save for retirement, and repay student loans. Students from across the nation who participate in this virtual program are also competing for $3 million in college scholarships and classroom grants.
Cambridge HS’s Award-Winning Women’s Choral Ensemble The women’s choral ensemble, Chanson, from Cambridge High School recently traveled to Georgia Southern University to participate in the Southern Invitational Choral Competition and Festival. Only 10 choirs were invited to compete in the inaugural year of this statewide competition. At the end of the festival, the Cambridge ensemble was presented with the award for Best Treble Choir and the overall Grand Prize Best Choir award. Each choir performed their best repertoire for a panel of three judges, each an experienced choral teacher and director.
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School and district leaders, city officials, and community members gather to celebrate the facility’s official opening with a ribbon-cutting.
The Cambridge Veterinary Agriscience building. School board member Katha Stuart (left) and Board President Linda McCain (right) talk with a Cambridge student about the farm animals studied in the program.
New Agriscience & Veterinary Education Center Opens at Cambridge HS During a unique ceremony that featured real goats, chickens, rabbits and life-sized horse mannequins, a ribbon-cutting was held for Fulton County Schools’ newest career and technical education facility, the Agriscience & Veterinary Education program at Cambridge High School. The 7,000-square-foot facility includes classroom space, an animal science laboratory, a barn with stables and demonstration areas. During the first year, students will take courses in Basic Agricultural Science, and in subsequent years, the program will expand to include Animal Science Technology, Biotechnology and other related Veterinary Science courses. Students completing the Veterinary Science career pathway will have the credentials needed to become certified as a veterinary assistant. The facility not only will house classroom instruction, but also will have supervised agricultural experiences through hands-on care of animals, demonstrations and competition through career development events.
New Roof ? 8 Signs You May Need One
By Juan Reyes There are certain signs that may indicate that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. 1. Missing or loose shingles Shingles may become loose, get torn off during a severe storm or simply get worn over time. 2. Dry, blistering, cracking or curling shingles When shingles start to break down, typically they’re reaching the end of their life, which means that it’s time for a new roof. 3. Interior water damage Stains on interior walls or ceilings, or sagging interior ceilings often indicate roof damage, such as deteriorating flashing or inadequate shingle underlayment. Mildew and mold can also point to inadequate roof ventilation. 4. Damaged or missing flashing Flashing is used to connect varying components to a roof, such as a wall or chimney. If the flashing is missing or damaged, water can leak into the home. 5. Overflowing gutters While overflowing gutters usually stems from a gutter issue, they can also stem from an issue with the roof. Keep
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an eye out for water that collects around the foundation, as well. 6. Granules in the gutters Granules protect shingles from UV rays to extend their lifespan, while adding weight to keep them safe during strong winds. A large number of granules means the roof must be replaced. 7. Dark or dirty areas on the roof. Dark or dirty patches on the roof can point to fungus, algae growth, environmental pollutants, vegetation or loss of protective granules. 8. Sagging roof A roof that’s sagging or buckling in several places isn’t functioning properly. Watch for sagging on the slope or ridges, as well as between the rafters in the attic. Safety First! When you are looking for signs of damage on your roofing system, always utilize safety standards (OSHA offers easily-accessed guidelines). If you don’t possess proper safety equipment, you should hire a professional roofing company.
Juan Reyes is owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. 770-777-1733, MyProRoofing.com
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Mayor’s Minute
City of Mountain Park
Community Garden By Mayor Jim Still the end of the summer, everyone gathers at the garden for a cookout picnic of dishes made from things grown in the garden.
O
ne of the best promises of spring is the renewal of community activities that bring family, friends and neighbors together. This is especially true in the community of Mountain Park because of the Community Organic Garden. Planting and growing seems like a natural activity where an appreciation of the outdoors is second nature. In 2010, a small group of citizens organized our Mountain Park Organic Garden site by leasing an overgrown, vacant lot from the City and turning it into a wonderful garden spot. The open membership has grown to approximately 40-50 households consisting of residents from Mountain Park, Roswell or the surrounding areas. Members meet every Saturday morning during the growing season and work the garden beds preparing for planting the variety of flowers, herbs and vegetables that are grown. Composting and horse manure from an area horse farm are part of the process for developing the beds to be planted. The best homegrown tomatoes, pole and bush beans, okra, potatoes and zucchini are just a few of the items produced during the spring and summer season. During these months, volunteers have a watering schedule for every day of the week to make sure everything is getting plenty of water, and anyone with a little free time can go do some weeding whenever they desire. At
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Once the spring planting season is over, the beds are prepared for planting a fall season garden. This usually includes broccoli, greens, carrots, beets, lettuce and sweet peas. Even the kids have their own area for planting and harvesting their favorites — watermelons and pumpkins. Because we are an “all plant-all harvest” garden, members can pick anything they can use from everything growing there. Not only are the vegetables and herbs great for cooking, but taking home a bunch of fresh flowers for the table makes it that much better. The community organic garden is not only a hit with the “green thumbs,” it has also become part of the weekly bus tours for various assisted living facilities in the area. We love having these folks come by just to walk around and look at the beautiful plants and flowers we’ve grown. We don’t even mind if they pick a flower or two to take back with them. You cannot help but feel immense satisfaction from working side by side with others to produce what has become another Mountain Park icon and a lovely example of what it’s like to live in this wonderfully unique little community. For more information about the garden, visit MountainParkGarden.org.
Jim Still is mayor of Mountain Park. 770-993-4231. Jim.Still@mountainpark-ga.gov.
LED Lighting By Nick Roper On October 14, 1878, Thomas Edison filed a patent for the “improvement on electric lights,” that’s right; he did not invent the light bulb; he just improved it to the point to where it was a practical, incandescent light. The problem with incandescent bulbs is that the majority of the energy they use is converted to heat instead of light. The latest improvement to the light bulb has significantly reduced the amount of wasted energy.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are what create the light source that we see with LED lighting. LEDs produce 3.4 BTUs per hour, whereas the lighting equivalent in an incandescent bulb produces 85 BTUs per hour. The added heat buildup in your home results in added air conditioning costs in the warmer months, which results in an overworked AC unit. Furthermore, LED lights require less energy to create light, so your power bill will automatically be reduced. Converting your home or business to LED lighting not only saves you money on your power bill, it also reduces energy consumption, which helps the environment. LEDs can last up to 20 times longer than other lighting sources, which results in reduced manufacturing, packing and shipping of incandescent or compact florescent bulbs. An article in Electronics Weekly, states that the average LED light will last 13.7 years if used 10 hours per day. Therefore, it’s feasible to
assume that if these bulbs were installed in a new home, the bulbs wouldn’t have to be changed for nearly 14 years. LED lighting is going to cost you more money initially. However, the pricing has dropped significantly in recent years, and I’m sure as technology advances, LEDs will become more and more affordable, just as plasma, LCD, and LED TVs have. The bottom line about LED lights is that they are better for the environment, reduce energy bills and prevent you from having to change light bulbs for many years. So if you can manage the upfront cost, you will be much better off over time.
Nick Roper is manager of business development for H&H Electric and Security LLC. 770-735-1136. MyAtlantaElectrician.net
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COVER STORY Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net
Luis and Rachel Quiles, owners of SuperSlow Zone Milton, invite you to experience The New Strong. Clients Have Hope “Our clients have changed their view of exercise. It’s a change in focus, a new attitude,” says Luis. “Exercise is the means to an end; it leads not only to a strong body, but also to a strong mind and spirit.” “The New Strong empowers you to face your obstacles, live your aspirations, and begin each day with more confidence. Strong muscle is the best medicine, and each person can optimize health and wellbeing for a better quality of life.” SuperSlow Zone is helping its clients discover The New Strong, and this approach to living brings them hope, results, and freedom.
Many of their clients were people who had not exercised for a long time… or ever! Some had started exercise programs but given up along the way. Many said they wanted their exercise commitment to stick this time. Privately, some of them said they didn’t have the know-how and were overwhelmed by the choices at the local gym. Some had medical challenges and needed to exercise – safely. A few were exercise enthusiasts looking for improved results in less time.
North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2016
Because they’ve delivered 800,000+ safe, effective exercise sessions globally, they have the know-how and the experience to help you achieve results. SuperSlow Zone is the original, accredited, slowmotion strength training protocol based on medical research. SuperSlow Zone continues to evolve their exercise protocol and system based on new scientific research coupled with their expertise, which was developed through thousands of hours caring for their clients.
“I have been working out since I was in my 20’s. I continue to be amazed at the strength and energy improvement I experience at SuperSlow Zone. The convenience, the price, and the amount of time required to achieve these results, all without the worry of injury, is hands down the best one could hope to find. I am thrilled this is available here in Milton.” Karen Roszyk
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Clients Get Results
By strength training the SuperSlow Zone way, you will experience an exercise method that is non-traditional— strength training that is doable, safe and fits conveniently into your life. It will keep you out of a traditional gym and allow you to achieve the results you want with one-on-one, personal attention and support. Your personal results are how hope is transformed from a desire to reality.
“Often times people think of hope in a more passive way - crossing your fingers and ‘hoping’ things will get better or change. But to me, it’s much more than that. It’s having a positive attitude, making a plan, taking action, and doing whatever you can to get a positive outcome. HOPE - Having Only Positive Expectations.” Michelle B.
The SuperSlow Zone Experience A distinctive feature of SuperSlow Zone is the atmosphere. “This isn’t your typical gym,” Luis says. “SuperSlow Zone is designed with a spa-like atmosphere— free of distractions like loud music, mirrors, bold colors and lighting.” The SuperSlow Zone workout requires focus, so they create an atmosphere where individuals can concentrate, receive one-on-one attention from their instructor and not feel intimidated. The temperature, set at 65 degrees, and fans in the training area keep clients comfortable during their workout, so they don’t have to be inconvenienced with showering and bringing a change of clothes. “SuperSlow Zone is an ideal workout that busy professionals and
parents can do early in the morning, during their lunch hour or on their way home,” Luis says. “We understand it’s hard to make time to work out, so we make it easy. SuperSlow Zone provides an effective workout in a short amount of time so that you can get in, get out, and get on with your busy life!”
“I enjoy tracking my progress on a weekly basis, both visually from on-line charts and, more telling, in the increased strength and energy I feel while carrying on everyday activities.” Laura T.
Clients Have Freedom SuperSlow Zone clients have more freedom to do the things they love or always wanted to do. They feel positive about what they are accomplishing. They feel stronger, more youthful and vibrant. There is less focus on aging and more confidence that they will stay independent longer. No matter how many candles were on your last birthday cake, you can keep feeling young, stay healthy, and add life to your years.
“Thank you to our friends and clients. We are celebrating an expeptional year of business and changing the way adults work out. In order to continue providing the highest quality personal training, we are expanding our team. Brandon DeRitis, from Augusta, Georgia is excited to join the team –Luis and Rachel Quiles 12540 Broadwell Road, Suite 2103, Milton
678-691-2969 SuperSlowZoneMilton.com 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Saturday
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Taste of
Makes 36 pinwheels 16 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 envelope dry ranch dressing mix ½ cup coarsely chopped Vidalia onion ¼ cup coarsely chopped green pepper ¼ cup coarsely chopped red pepper 4 12-inch tortillas, any flavor
Combine all ingredients except tortillas in a large bowl, and spread evenly on tortillas. Roll up to enclose filling, wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, cut off ends. Cut rolls into 1 in. slices. *You can substitute meat for vegetables or split half meat and half vegetables.
Recipes are brought to you by Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) and were developed through a partnership between GFB and the Georgia Department of Agriculture for a segment called “Meals from the Field,” on GFB’s Georgia Farm Monitor TV show. Visit GFB.org/Recipes to view the latest monthly video. GFB is a membership-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving as the voice of Georgia farmers and rural Georgia. For more information about GFB membership or to join, visit GFB.org.
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Choosing the
Right Camp for Your Child By Amy Rickman and Jenny Simpson
“LET’S GO… I don’t want to miss anything at summer camp today!” What parent hasn’t dreamed of hearing those magical words each morning, knowing their child is having fun? Great summer camp experiences offer kids a chance to explore, develop new skills, forge friendships, and create awesome memories. If your goal is to have a happy camper this year, now is the time to start planning summer adventures. Here are some ways to help you be successful in that journey.
NARROW THE FIELD With so many types of camps to choose from, where does a parent start the quest? Camp selections today are varied, unique and available to meet almost every area of interest. Are you looking for sleepaway or day camp? Does your child prefer an emphasis on athletics or arts? For example, what about an exploration in movie making or Minecrafting? If it can be taught, there’s probably a camp for it! Narrowing the field of options can be daunting, so start simple. Before you even begin the search, take a moment to discuss
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the idea of camp with your child. What would she like to discover this summer? Is he better suited to a specialty camp or one with variety? Will your child thrive in trying something new or excel in further developing a talent? Where are they most comfortable or most challenged? Understanding your child’s interests and personality is the number one key to finding the right summer program match.
RESEARCH YOUR OPTIONS Your camper has provided input, and now it’s time to incorporate your family’s needs. Consider overall factors that will affect your selection, and use this information to tailor your options to research. If you have multiple campers with individual interests, look for camps that offer diverse choices for different ages. If cost is crucial, ask about scholarship opportunities, volume savings, early bird specials or family discounts. If variety is important, search for single-day, multi-day or specialty camps to weave into the summer schedule. And if you prefer to stay local, check out online parent blogs. Most sites produce a summer camp guide, a handy collection of programs and camp contacts in your community. Legwork done! continued on page 26
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u
Happy Campers continued from page 25
Be creative in gathering information about camps. Browse for summer programs offered by local recreation departments, youth service agencies, churches, sports associations, community colleges, museums, libraries or even non-traditional camp businesses. And remember, one of the best resources available to parents is another parent who has been through this before. Talk to friends whose children enjoyed their camp experience, and ask for recommendations.
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ASK RELEVANT QUESTIONS Once you have a few good choices, call or visit the camps to inquire about their philosophy, safety procedures, communication plan, staff training and how they manage behavior. Discuss individual needs for your child and how these might be addressed. Ask relevant questions to ease your concerns as a parent. Here’s a quick checklist of questions to consider:
u How are staff selected, screened and trained? u What is the staff’s educational background and experience? u What is the camper to counselor ratio? u How are children organized into groups? u How does the camp manage behavior or handle conflicts? u What forms of parent communication are utilized? u What are the health and safety policies? u What is included? (field trips, swimming, supplies, meals, etc.) u What is a sample daily schedule?
TIME TO CHOOSE Camp is a place for your child to grow, explore, play and have fun with friends! Remember to plan early, do the right research, and make a match that best suits your child’s interests and needs. And this summer, enjoy your HAPPY CAMPER! Amy Rickman is the marketing/accreditation coordinator and Jenny Simpson is the Wills Park Camp Supervisor for the City of Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Alpharetta.Ga.us
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The Cornell Method
for Organizing Study Notes
By Mark Tolbert
A powerful notetaking system that’s commonly taught to university students is the Cornell Method, developed by Dr. Walter Pauk, a Cornell University professor. The Cornell Method helps organize your notes into an effective study guide. It promotes active learning, critical thinking and increases your comprehension of class material. There are five stages: 1. Record. Draw a vertical line about 2.5” from the left edge of your paper. The left column is your “recall” column, which you leave blank until
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Stage 2. The larger right column is where you’ll take notes. 2. Reduce. Soon after class, review and condense your notes. This reduction stage increases your understanding and recall. Reviewing lecture material within 24-48 hours of the lecture can increase how much material you remember by approximately 80%. Write key words and phrases in the “recall” column to summarize main points of the lecture. Use as few words as possible. Create test questions that you think the teacher would ask. Finally, summarize the lecture in your own words. Summarizing helps you identify what you know/understand. It also identifies the areas where you need assistance. 3. Recite. Cover your notes and try to say them in your own words. Cover the right-hand column where your notes are, and use the key words and phrases in the left column to trigger your memory. If you have difficulty recalling the information successfully,
review your lecture notes. 4. Reflect. After reviewing and reciting your notes, give yourself some “wait time.” Then, reread your notes, and think about them. Read your text to supplement and clarify your notes. Use both to discover the causes and effects of issues, define terms and relate concepts. Make generalizations and draw conclusions. Create a brief summary of the entire lecture. This helps you to become a more active, critical thinker. 5. Review Briefly. Review your notes several times a week to retain what you’ve learned. This results in repetition of the information, which keeps it fresh and decreases your chances of forgetting what you’ve learned.
Mark Tolbert is executive director of Huntington Learning Center in Alpharetta. 678-240-9221. Alpharetta.HungtingtonHelps.com
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Ingredients:
Procedure
Espresso Rubbed Shrimp
Pomegranate Molasses:
4 large shrimp (peeled, deveined and tail on) ¼ cup espresso seasoning 1 cup cooked Arborio rice ½ cup chicken stock ½ cup heavy cream ¾ cup crumbled blue cheese ½ cup candied pecans ¼ port soaked cherries 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
Pomegranate Molasses 4 cups pomegranate juice 1½ cups sugar ¼ cup lemon juice
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Whisk all ingredients together in a heavy-bottomed, nonreactive pot. Slowly simmer the liquid until it reduces to about half of want it was originally. Allow to cool.
Espresso Shrimp:
Season the shrimp liberally with espresso seasoning, and place in a hot, cast-iron skillet until a crust forms (about 1 minute). Flip the shrimp, repeat, and reserve for later. Next, in a small pot, stir together the cooked rice and chicken stock on medium heat until the liquid is absorbed. Add the cream and stir until liquid has been absorbed. Then, while the heat is off, stir in the blue cheese, pecans and cherries- in that order. Place on a plate.
Four years ago, I began a new ministry position as interim minister to young families at our church, First Baptist Roswell. The plan was that I would serve for six months, and then we would reevaluate the role and need for this ministry. That six-month “interim” job turned into a permanent position that I’ve enjoyed for the past few years. In November of 2014, I accepted the position of interim pastor at First Baptist Roswell while the search committee worked to secure a new senior pastor for the church.
The responsibilities of my interim position included worship leadership, preaching and working with the staff until a permanent pastor was hired. Just two weeks ago, I accepted the position of senior pastor of our church. I have been reminded during the past few years that everything we do in life is really an “interim” position. In other words, nothing is permanent. Even if a person works in the same job, doing the same tasks for 50 years, the job will one day come to an end.
life. Scripture says it this way: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Life is essentially an interim. That sentiment may cause us to feel discouraged, but I believe it is a great opportunity for faith. Life is short, but we believe that we are in God’s hands. However long or short we do any task, we are called to do it to the best of our ability because one day, that task will come to an end. The same is true with life—our lives are short, but we are in the hands of God. When we are in the hands of God, nothing can ever snatch us away (John 10:28). Thank God for the blessing of living in His hands in our “interim” lives!
Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, KHead@FBRoswell.org
That thought actually extends to all of
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ArtistProfile BY NATALIE DEL VALLE
A colorful ocean-side sunset, lush green foliage framing a waterfall and a snowy mountain range are just a few of the stunning sights Allen Quandee has photographed. For as long as he can remember, Allen has been capturing the world and all its beauty in mesmerizing snapshots. “It’s a wonderful stress reliever being out and enjoying nature. It inspires me. It’s a gift instilled in me to capture God’s beauty,” he says. His passion for photography started as a child when his father bought him a Brownie Kodak camera, and his passion and interest in photography only grew as he became a teenager. “I started getting serious in the 1960s,” he recalls; “I developed my own pictures and did my own processing in dark rooms.” Amazingly, Allen’s photos are simply the product of a keen eye and years of experience. “I took a few photography classes in college, but that’s it,” he says. Nowadays, his photos are receiving recognition and winning awards, including a second place prize at the Botanical Gardens Art Show that he won three years ago. Allen has taken photos in a variety of locations in the United States and even some overseas. “I’ve taken photos all over. Some shots are of local areas in
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Tennessee, North Carolina and here in Georgia, while a few photos are taken in Canada, Japan and Korea,” he says. But his favorite location to photograph is in the Grand Tetons National Park, in northwestern Wyoming, where there are plenty of beautiful and awe-inspiring landscapes and sights waiting to be captured. “My favorite types of pictures to take are of landscapes, flowers and wildlife,” he says, “but wildlife is harder to capture. I have to be at the right place at just the right time.” One striking wildlife
photograph Allen managed to capture is of a gray and white wolf. The picture’s up-close detail allows viewers to take in the animal’s golden eyes and black whiskers around its nose. “The wolf had been injured and brought to a wildlife rehabilitation center. I was able to catch a snapshot of him in his natural habitat there. It’s one of my favorite photographs,” he says. He considers this picture to be the one of which he is most proud. Since Allen has retired, he has had more time to focus on his hobby. “Sometimes, I take a bunch of pictures within a month, and other times, I’ll only take a few. It varies, but I do take photos more frequently now,” he says. He displays and sells his work at fine art shows, and he involves himself in photography clubs and competitions. Until recently, he has been focusing mostly on photographing flowers and landscapes, but one of the new things he is working with is micro landscape photography, which is snapshots of the little details. “I want to experiment with new techniques and push myself for new ideas,” he says.
To view Allen Quandee’s photography or inquire about purchasing a photograph of his, go to
AQCreations.com
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Get Certified: Bees, birds, butterflies and bats are essential to our survival. In the U.S., pollinators contribute more than $24 billion to the economy. Honey bees are responsible for $15 billion of that total because they pollinate fruits, vegetables and nuts. Unfortunately, because of habitat loss and chemical use, pollinator populations have dropped dramatically. Last year, a Presidential Memorandum outlined a federal plan to tackle the problem of pollinator decline by allocating substantial budget monies. That Memorandum underlined the importance of this issue. We don’t want to run out of food! The movement to support agriculture and protect the environment requires individual effort and teamwork. City leaders in the area have endorsed a program sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), and local Natural
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Make Your Backyard Wildlife Friendly
Resources Commissions have adopted multi-faceted approaches to educate and involve citizens in this important initiative. The object is to get each city certified by NWF as a National Community Wildlife Habitat (NCWH), and the reward is improved quality of life and a healthier environment in the entire area. The cities of Johns Creek, Milton and Roswell have earned the exclusive certification, and Alpharetta is enthusiastically pursuing national recognition by urging residents to certify their homes, schools and businesses. Volunteer opportunities are available to implement the plan to meet certification requirements: AlpharettasWildSide@ gmail.com, or call 770-828-5774. “Like” Alpharetta.Ga.Us/wildside to follow Alpharetta’s progress. Even if you don’t join the team, you can help Alpharetta achieve certification by
registering your property with the NWF as a wildlife habitat. “Habitat” is broadly defined for the certification. Basic habitat requirements include food, water, shelter and space to raise the young. If you have any wildlife in your area, you probably already meet the requirements. For information and to register your property, see NWF.org/ How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/ Community-Habitats. The NWF’s slogan is “Inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.” Establishing and maintaining your property as a Certified Wildlife Habitat is a step in the right direction.
Lisa Ethridge is a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670. NFMG.net
Protecting the Etowah River Through Education
T
he Upper Etowah River Alliance (UERA) is a small, local, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating children and adults about Etowah Watershed, the Etowah River and its tributaries. UERA serves people in Cherokee, Forsyth, Pickens, Dawson and Lumpkin Counties. They use education to empower citizens to be able to understand how simple storm water management practices, being observant and preventing and cleaning up litter will protect the integrity of the river, which, in turn, protects the unique wildlife that lives in the watershed and the drinking water source on which we all depend. The Etowah is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the United States. There are 76 native species of fish in the Etowah, while the Columbia River Watershed and the Colorado River Watershed only have 58 species of native fish. The Etowah River Watershed is miniscule compared to these two large watersheds, and yet there are more species of fish than the two of them combined. The reason is due to the biological diversity, the huge variety of plants and animals on the land and in the water, as well as the abundant rainfall and rich soils that support every living thing. There are some species that are found in the Etowah and nowhere else in the world. Because of this diversity, the river and its tributaries are healthy, clean resources, but that hasn’t always been the case. When the chicken plants were unregulated, the unofficial name of the Etowah was “Gut Creek,” and when the textile mills washed out their dye vats, the river ran denim blue. In more recent history, problems affecting the health of the Etowah include animal waste from livestock that have access to the streams, land application of manure and soils washing into the streams
from land disturbance (due to ineffective methods of erosion control), as well as large amounts of litter that washes into the river through storm drains. The UERA accomplishes its goals by going into classrooms, providing handson experiences that teach students about the Etowah and the impacts of living in this special watershed, and it also speaks to civic groups, garden clubs and municipal groups. The UERA also teaches citizens by using Georgia’s Adopt-A-Stream program. This program teaches people how to chemically, physically and biologically evaluate a small, adopted stream section. UERA’s work has been recognized by the State for their efforts in this program. The Environmental Protection Agency has also recognized UERA by using federal monies granted to them to clean up non-point source pollution, such as providing funds and expertise to local citizens whose septic tanks failed and were polluting local streams. The Upper Etowah River Alliance depends on volunteers to help them accomplish their goals. If you want to join the UERA, please contact them by emailing their director, Diane Minick, at DMinick@EtowahRiver.org, or visit their website, EtowahRiver.org.
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Community Partners
nual
n 8th A
n Saturday, March 12, 2016, an army of dedicated volunteers, sponsors and supporters will team up with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) for the 8th Annual ShamRockin’ for a Cure event at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. You can be a part of this exciting evening and help ShamRockin’ surpass it’s $1.5 million milestone in fundraising efforts to fight CF. ShamRockin’ for a Cure is a premier party with a purpose that boasts food from some of the best restaurants in the area, top shelf cocktails, live 80’s music, an incredible silent auction and oncein-a-lifetime opportunities up for grabs in the live auction. What started as a grass roots fundraiser among friends has grown to a premier Alpharetta event that attracts major local sponsors and maintains a legion of raving fans. Presenting sponsor, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, is helping the party reach new heights. This year, the goal is to raise 36
North Fulton Family Life | MARCH 2016
$500,000 in one night. 40 years ago, a child born with cystic fibrosis was not expected to live past grade school. Public funding for the disease was nearly non-existent, and 30,000 U.S. cases was just not enough to attract investment by large pharmaceutical companies. Enter the CF Foundation and hundreds of millions of dollars raised and invested into research. Now, some CF patients are living into their 40s and beyond, even starting families. There is hope for longer, healthier futures. Nearly every drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support… and by the generosity of people in local communities. Unfortunately, it’s still not enough. There is no cure, and available drugs do not help everyone. But you can be part of the Cure! For just $105 per ticket, you can eat, drink and dance the night away for a great cause. With your admission, all food and drink is included. One of the most anticipated elements of the night is the “Taste of ShamRockin’.”
For the first half of the party, 30 local restaurants will showcase their best dishes. Lara Dolan, chair of food, beverage and hospitality for the event says, “Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience for ShamRockin’ guests. Most of our restaurant partners are long-time sponsors, and we expand the Taste of ShamRockin’ options each year. No party is complete without food and drinks, and at ShamRockin’, it’s the best of the best.” This year, ShamRockin’ welcomes new partners, Windward Tavern, Branch & Barrel, Peach & The Porkchop and Small Cakes Bakery. ShamRockin’ for a Cure is the premier “party for a purpose” in North Fulton, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for CF. Toss on your jeans, green t-shirt, and get ready to join 1,500 party-goers on March 12. Come see what all the excitement is about.
Tickets
ma
Shamro y be purchased o n ckinFo rACure line at For mo .com. re infor mation , v i sit CFF or Sha mrocki .org nForAC ure.com
Picture Perfect By: Keely Woodford
LIFESTYLE Ever have a problem hanging pictures or arranging them on your walls? Here are some tips on arranging your artwork with an aesthetic eye. Hang picture at eye level. In a living room pictures should be hung so that people sitting in the room may view them while seated. A large picture behind the sofa may end up being as little as four inches from the top of the sofa and it often looks best when displayed alone because it serves as the room’s focal point. Effective picture groupings. Smaller pictures become more
effective when grouped together as opposed to being scattered all over the wall. Balance and spacing are important when arranging artwork. Pieces should be of similar visual weight as nearby furniture. A rule of thumb is that the space between two pictures should be less than the width of a single picture. Hang artwork right – the first time! If you’re apprehensive about hammering nails into your walls, cut pieces of paper into the size of your pictures. You can even mark the placement of the hooks using this technique. Then arrange them by taping them on the wall until you are happy with the results. Once you are satisfied, mark where the hooks will go with a pencil, going right through the paper, and proceed to hang your artwork.
depend on your personal preferences and your budget. It can be simple prints, needlework, limited edition prints or original art. Of course, the more valuable the piece, the more important its place should be. L
Keely Woodford is a franchise owner of Decorating Den Interiors. 770-926-0383. Keely.DecoratingDen.com
The type of artwork you use will
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