Se eO O ur S n P. ect 19 io n
Ad ur 5 e O P. Se On
^
November 2014
W W W.T H E C U R R E N T H U B .CO M
What’s in
this issue...
H E A LT H
presented by North Fulton Hospital pages 19-22
ALL THE HEALTHY CHOICES p19 NEW ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA SURGEON p20
HEALTHCARE EXCHANGE HELP p22 ARTS
THE RIVER ARTS IN ASHEVILLE p8 COMMUNITY
Retail and Entertainment Crossover MeansMore Fun for Everyone PAGE 24
MARRIED TO THE WRONG PLACE p16 LIFE
DEAR DI p18 FOOD
A TALE OF ONE DELICIOUS SUBURBAN STRIP MALL p32 ALSO...COMMUNITY NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT AND KIDS pgs35 - 38
Postal Customer www.peachtreeparkprep.com
Happy Th Thaanksgiving!
Atlanta,GA Permit #1235 PAID US Postage PRSRT STD
2 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
PUBLISHERS
Tripp Liles tripp@thecurrentplus.com
Mark Penstone mark@thecurrenthub.com
SALES & BUSINESS
David Wright david@thecurrentplus.com
Steve Kammann steve@thecurrenthub.com
Ed Morris Marketing Coordinator EDITORIAL & CREATIVE
Carrie Kutney Art Director & Associate Costume Designer carrie@thecurrentplus.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michael Hadden Di Chapman Michael Finch Matt Quinn Jessica Diamond Nancy Wallace Main Phone Number 770-810-5943 Calendar Events events@thecurrentplus.com
Our Mission: The CurrentHub aspires to communicate in a way that’s useful, engaging, enjoyable, and unique. We strive to reflect the full range of what the area has to offer, also advocating positions that strengthen unity and continuity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, enjoyable and caring work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, happy employees and profitable growth. The CurrentHub is published monthly. Presort standard postage paid at Atlanta, GA. Postmaster send changes to Current Communications, 1014 Canton St., Roswell, GA 30075 Publisher has the privilege to reject any advertising. Advertiser is responsible for full content of advertisements provided and are responsible for any claims made therein. thecurrenthub.com
>>FROM THE OLD COUNTRY
>>TIMELESS CLASSIC
Atlanta Balalaika Society Concert
The Nutcracker
November 28 Through Dec. 7
November 22 Atlanta Balalaika Society’s annual concert of Russian Folk music, featuring guest artists Larissa Nazarenko, Tyler Worth, and Zhanna
>>A CELEBRATION OF WORDS
Book Festival of the MJCCA
November 1 through 19
Ketslakh. The Atlanta Balalaika Society is an organization dedicated to the performance and preservation of Russian and East European music for traditional Russian Folk instruments. Concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center located at 950 Forrest Street in Roswell.
For 22 successful years, the Book Festival of the MJCCA has provided the community with a literary extravaganza featuring an exciting lineup of the year’s most exceptional authors, celebrities, and thinkers. Join thousands of your fellow book lovers to listen, meet, and interact with your favorite authors in a variety of forums, including author meet-and-greets, book signings, a community read, and panel discussions. Highlights include; Walter Isaacson, Ron Suskind, Bob Saget, and even former Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone. Event times are varied. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta is located at 5342 Tilly Mill Road in Dunwoody. For more info visit www.atlantajcc.org.
>>PEOPLE WATCHING
Artist Spotlight Series
“People on Canton”
Dec. 2 — Jan. 29 Roswell Cultural Arts Center presents an art exhibit from Jane Haessler and Mark McKain titled “People on Canton Street.” This exhibit offers a glimpse into the lives of the people of Roswell.
Roswell Dance Theatre presents the annual classic The Nutcracker. This is a great way to start your holiday season! The Roswell Dance Theatre and Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance is proud to present a holiday tradition The Nutcracker. This is the 26th production of our rendition of this wonderful classic. We are the largest performance of the Nutcracker in the North Fulton area. We have over 250 performers ranging in age from 1 year to 80 years old. Visit www.tysod.com for more info and show times. What better way to start your holiday season this year?
>>A GOOD RUN
Gobble Jog
November 27 Run wild for a great cause at the annual Gobble Jog on Thanksgiving Day in Marietta. The event benefits MUST Ministries and takes place in historic Marietta Square and features a 10K run, a 5K run/walk, a 1K run/walk, and a tot trot (for kids 5 and under). The Gobble Jog 10K is certified as a qualifier for seeding in the Peachtree Road Race. For more info visit www.gobblejog.org.
We believe in face-to-face not cyberspace.
Utilizing our firm for tax, accounting and financial planning means we can better assist you in reaching your financial goals
770-640-5042 555 Sun Valley Drive, Suite E-2, Roswell, GA 30076
www.bowencpa.net
Full Service CPA & Financial Planning
• Financial Planning
• Income Tax Preparation
• Income Tax Audits/Notices
• Monthly Accounting
• New Business Start up • Non-profit assistance
3 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
Currentchoices The Month in Preview November 2014
4 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
Currentchoices >>LETTERS TO SANTA ANSWERED!
Santa’s Mailbox
November 24
8 a.m.
Santa’s elves will install a special mailbox at Wills Park Recreation Center in Alpharetta for children to mail their letters to Santa. Santa will respond to all children who drop off their letters between Nov. 24 and Dec. 15. First name, last name, age, address, and wish list must be included. For more information on Santa’s Mailbox, call 678-297-6130 or email wprcprograms@alpharetta.ga.us
>>OLD BLUE EYES
Songs of Sinatra & Friends
Nov. 11 8p.m. Swing out with Joe Gransden and his Big Band as they perform some of Frank Sinatra’s biggest hits. Great songs such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Got the World On a String” and many more will be included in the evening’s program. Concert takes place at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center located at 950 Forest Street in Roswell. >>WE WANT MORE!
Lisa Moore Exhibit
November 7 – 21 The Consummate Steely Dan Jam
This exhibit at the Taylor Kinzel Gallery in Historic Roswell, features works by Lisa Moore. Romantic energy infuses Moore’s work with the contemporary and rustic beauty of an evocative Southern drama. The gallery is located at 16 Elizabeth Way just off of Canton Street in Roswell.
November 30
>>SANTA ON THE MARIETTA SQUARE
>>NO STATIC AT ALL
Back by popular demand, The BadAsh AllStar Team and Sam Skelton present an encore of one of last year’s most highly rated performances, a tribute to Steely Dan. Remember, Katy Lied, Gaucho, Ajaand Peg? The list of great songs goes on and on! This is your chance to spend an exhilarating evening celebrating the music of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker as Steely Dan celebrates over 40 years in music. This is a feast for the listening ear that grew up on this great music and appreciates live performance. Scheduled musicians include Will Hollifield and Mac Isseks on Saxophone, John Hancock on bass, Adrian T. Ash on Drums and Tom Olsen on Keys and vocals galore. At the Velvet Note located at 4075 Old Milton Pkwy. in Alpharetta.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Find The CurrentHub on facebook: facebook.com/CurrentPlus
A Christmas Tradition
Dec. 5 to 21 During the first three weekends of December, The Strand, on the square in Marietta, will produce its biggest and most elaborate show yet, A Christmas Tradition. This song and dance revue will show off The Strand’s awe inspiring sets and effects, as well as the diva voices and high energy dances that Strand patrons have come to know and love. Songs spotlighted include Christmas and holiday classics as well as funky favorites like Leroy the Redneck Reindeer, Feliz Navidad, and Run, Rudolph Run. Guaranteed to make the entire family dance, clap and enjoy the spirit of the holidays—from Santa loving six-year-olds to out of town in-laws. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Dec. 5 through 21. 770- 293-0080.
Chinese artist and Roswell resident Zheng Li bridges Eastern and Western Cultures. By Tripp Liles Zheng Li was born in communist China. He is the son of a teacher and from an early age his father impressed upon him to pursue arts as a means to progress in a society that offered few rewards. The China in which Li grew up is much different from today. Before the current reforms were in place, most children Zheng Li with a painting from his Piano series on display at Muse & Co. in China had only one future and that was to “I didn’t change my style. It’s still work in the countryside as a laborer. realism… but this exposure gave me a But Li was different. He had a special lot of inspiration,” Li explained. “It’s gift that was recognized at the age of not about specific artists, I like everyfifteen, and was accepted into the body, and there is a mix. I tried to prestigious Lu Xun Academy of Fine study the masters and learn why they Arts in Shenyang. In Chinese are so good. I tried to learn the parlance this was his golden ticket. knowledge behind their paintings.” Later he became a professor, and During the month of November while serving in that capacity, he, you will have the opportunity to see along with his brother who was also Li’s work at Muse & Co. Fine Art in an artist, accepted an invitation from Roswell. His work will be displayed Appalachian State University in 1991 from Nov. 7 to Nov. 30, with an opento teach and to exhibit his work. ing reception on the 7th from 6 p.m. It was this move that would to 9 p.m. forever impact his life and ostensibly, The show, titled Four Subjects, his work. Living in a capitalist society, includes works in four different Li first learned of the rewards of series: Piano, Facebook, Seasons, and being a talented artist when he sold Memory of Hometown. This encomhis first painting in the U.S. passing show will give you a glimpse “My first painting sold for $2,000 into his talents as a classically trained dollars,” Li explained. “In China the artist as well as the modern government paid me the equivalent influences exhibited in his styles of reof $200 per month. But here I could alism to abstraction. sell a painting for $2,000 dollars. So “The most important aspect of my my brother and I asked—‘why do we work is passion. I continue to strive have to come back?’ ” to express myself, which always Fact is they didn’t. At this point China changes like the experiences and was opening its doors to the West so Li struggles I have living in two diverse moved to the U.S. and ultimately settled cultures. I hope my work will inspire in Roswell, where he now lives with his and move you,” Li stated. wife and two children. Muse and Co. is located at 27 Oak Living in western culture did have Street, Roswell, Georgia. For an impact on Li’s work. But he insists directions and any other information, that it was more the mental approach please visit www.musecofineart.com that had the greatest effect rather or call 770-594-9511. ❍ than the aspects that can be seen in the final work.
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
ONWARD WESTERN EXPLORER
5
ENTERTAINMENT (
6 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
LIVING THE SEASON OF GRATITUDE
Favorites from past years at the Botanical Garden are making a comeback, including the Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest, and Model Trains (not to mention the marshmallow roasting). By Jessica Diamond
The month of November can often get lost among the preholiday shopping, the vacation planning, the turkey basting and the general rush to December. Family comes into town, the kids start to panic about finals and your to-do list seems to get longer instead of shorter. As the mega malls don’t often advertise the benefits of slowing down, staying in, and enjoying what you already have, it’s so easy to fall victim to the holiday hype ahead of schedule. Have you noticed the Christmas sales starting earlier and earlier each year? Black Friday has eclipsed Thanksgiving almost entirely. If we’re not careful, we could miss out on a very special tradition. November is a time to press pause on the madness, step away from the sales bin and spend real, quality time with the people most important to us. Family can mean many different things, but no matter what shape it takes for you, it deserves a little TLC. Here are a few ways to get out of the house and
enjoy being together during the season of gratitude! It’s a cruel reality in life that we are not all natural-born chefs. For some of you, the idea of preparing an entire Thanksgiving dinner is akin to building a house with pine straw and spit. Or perhaps you are a culinary wizard looking to try out a few new ideas. Either way, you’ll want to drop by the Oli + Ve Open House on Canton St in Roswell. From 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 10, visitors will taste an array of holiday dishes made with the fresh and diverse oils and vinegars the bou-
Accountant. With the market going up and down like a yoyo, we could certainly use it! Check the event website for tickets and details. Just like nobody puts Baby in a corner, nobody changes the channel when Dirty Dancing comes on. ABC Family could play it on a loop (I think they have in the past) and a significant part of the population would leave the TV on for days, dancing and singing along with the movie. And though there will never be another Patrick Swayze, a stage show version of Dirty Dancing is pretty much a dream come true. And it has come true! This beloved show will
Nobody puts Baby in a corner
hit the stage of the Fabulous Fox Theatre from Nov. 25 to Nov. 30. Get your tickets right now, this second, because they are sure to go fast. It will undoubtedly be the time of your life. I don’t know what the rules are about dancing in the aisles at the Fox, but I won’t judge you. Whether you’re taking in a show, exploring the garden, trying new foods or just hanging out, make time this month for the people you love. Make time to do the things you enjoy. Even when it seems like you’ll never have enough time, make time. One day you’ll look back and be grateful you did. ❍
Find The CurrentHub on facebook: facebook.com/CurrentPlus
7 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
tique offers. Get some holiday meal ideas while you snack and learn! As the nights grow longer and colder, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will be delivering light, warmth and holiday spirit with their annual Garden Lights Holiday Nights spectacular display of illuminations. Popular favorites from the last several years are making a comeback, including the Orchestral Orbs, Glittering Galaxy, Radiant Rainforest, and Model Trains. With an abundance of color and magic, not to mention some marshmallow roasting and s’mores eating, this is a holiday season must for Atlantans. This exhibit will open on Nov. 15 and last through the new year. See atlantabotanicalgarden.org for entry instructions and don’t forget the camera! Contrary to popular belief, we Atlantians do not dislike snow. We can appreciate a good sled run as well as any Yankee. We just don’t care for the havoc that spontaneous snow tends to wreak on our poor southern roads and chainless tires. We do, however, enjoy the snow that we manufacture for Snow Mountain every year at Stone Mountain Park. We are perfectly happy to get all of our snowball fights, sledding, tubing and snowman building done in the shadow of Stone Mountain. Then we can get in our cars and drive back to our warm, dry homes. While we hope and pray for clear roads this season, don’t forget to take advantage of the wintery wonderland that is Snow Mountain, starting Nov. 22 and lasting through the New Year and beyond! You can exercise your inner snow bunny without having to camp out on the side of I-285. When choosing your accountant, do you take his or her sense of humor into account? I won’t presume to know, but I’m guessing most of us don’t expect many grins and giggles to come from that particular relationship. The profession is not commonly associated with mirth. And yet, as it happens, there is an entire organization dedicated to disproving this unfortunate stereotype. Accountants One has spent the last 8 years searching for the funniest number crunchers in the Southeast. Join them at Center Stage in Atlanta on Nov. 20 for an evening of surprising comedy as we search for the 2014 Funniest
8
ARTS
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
(
THE RIVER ARTS RUNS THROUGH ASHEVILLE
every fiber of the city, was the common thread of Asheville’s super asThe wheels on the bus go round, cent to becoming a premier round, round… round, round, round … destination, a top city to live and work all over town. in. Visit ExploreAsheville.com A few weeks ago, I found myself on (Asheville Arts Alive) and a big bus with sixty-plus people bound WNCArts.com and you will be blown for Asheville, N.C. I could not get this away by what a city of 84,000 offers. song out of my head, but no one on Dozens of theaters, visual arts the bus wanted to sing. Given experiences, and ongoing tours and Asheville is a mecca for craft beer, I workshops in addition to monthly speshould have tried 100 bottles of beer cial and seasonal programming. on the wall. Too late now! Walking the city is an experience The group, civic, and elected leaders enriched by frequent public art and were off to steal shamelessly from compelling murals. The Asheville Asheville, a city known for its arts and Area Arts Council serves creatives recreation. Our mission was to learn with education and grants made possihow Asheville went from a shuttered ble by strong partnerships with up downtown just a few decades ago businesses through its Cultural to a downtown that hosts 100 Alliance. Events such as the Creative restaurants, 18 craft breweries, 30 galleries, unique and locally owned shops, and boutiques (no chain stores allowed) and a booming nightlife. What transformed this dead city? We learned that not only does the French Broad River flow through Asheville, but so does the arts. The River of Arts, flowing creative minds collaborating and intersecting with By Rochelle Mucha
9
Do you make your
CHILI
with secret ingredients; is it vegetarian or made with three kinds of meat? Is it five alarm spicy, white chili with chicken, gourmet or just the best in the neighborhood? Whichever your style, you are needed! Art Center West in Roswell is hosting its 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, November 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Prizes for both professional and amateur categories will be presented including ceramic awards as well as $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and one overall award of $100 for Best All-Round Spirit and Booth Design. If you are just interested in eating the chili, bring the family to enjoy the full selection. For $20, you will receive a beautiful handmade ceramic bowl, all the chili you can eat, and $5 worth of tickets for drinks, hotdogs, hayrides, inflatables and more. There will also be free live music and pottery demos. Art Center West is located at 1355 Woodstock Rd., Roswell, Ga. For more information and to register to cook chili, please visit www.roswellgov.com/chili. There is no entry fee to participate.
Art Center West Chili Cook Off
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
Sector Summits facilitate cross-pollination and strengthen advocacy by highlighting the economic worth of the creative economy. Who were the tenacious leaders that led this transformation, releasing the butterfly from its stifling cocoon? The names are less important than their critical shared attributes. These leaders can only be described as “Yes, and” not “Yes, but” leaders—visionary people not willing to accept the status quo, not easily defeated when hit with typical responses like, “It costs too much, It won’t work here, It will take too long.” Without exception, these leaders were bridge-builders… collaborating with the community and politicians regularly, not just when there was a crisis or specific project. Although Asheville’s problems are not unique, their approach to finding solutions has often been creative, cultivating and nurturing broad-based support in every way. What can Roswell steal shamelessly from Asheville? Here’s a short list. Ensure that government policies do not get in the way of change, creativity, and progress. Every effort cannot proceed as an exception to the rule. We have to ease up regulations. Create mechanisms that encourage connection and conversation among city staff, departments, business and community leaders, and creatives on a regular basis. Build a diverse and collaborative force. Replace competing frameworks with cohesive ones. Discover our philanthropists who can help launch significant and innovative development. Balance our focus on our history with the present and future. Ensure talent, time, and budget to make this happen. Conduct purposeful follow-up. Continue the conversation amongst the participants and broaden the conversation to include their constituents. It did warm my heart when opening remarks included the fact that the arts drive economic and social vitality. I grinned when council members texted me photos of the cool art they saw. I was pleasantly stunned during lunch when small groups escaped out the back door to explore a fence in the alley with great aesthetic elements. We are ready. We are ripe. Let’s act now to strengthen the River of Arts that runs through Roswell. ❍
10 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
COMMUNITY
(
THE KING OF PARKS Joe Glover Retires after 36 Years By Theo Keyserling The Roswell park system is well known, not just in Roswell, but in the whole area. Many people have moved to our area just to be near the wide array of opportunities the Roswell parks offer. There are many people who are responsible for the parks, but none more important than Joe Glover. It is the end of an era for the Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic, and Cultural Affairs Department, as Joe Glover retires after more than 36 years of service to the Roswell Community. Glover has 43 years of fulltime professional recreation experience— 36 of those years with the Roswell parks. He began his recreational career in Glynn County. From 1971-1978 he served as Director of the Glynn County Parks and Recreation Department. He was then recruited as Superintendent of Parks in 1978, by former Director Bill Johnson, for the Roswell Recreation and Parks Department. He has made lasting contributions to the City of Roswell. From 1978 to present, Joe has served as Superintendent of Parks, Assistant Director, and for the last 22 years, Director. Joe has, without exception, strived throughout his career to improve the quality of life for the Roswell Community. He is a leader among leaders. He works tirelessly for his profession and Roswell’s citizens. Joe understands the complexity of managing people, is at ease in the political arena, and has been able to balance his professional and personal life. During Joe’s tenure, his accomplishments have been countless. A few of these include: acquired over 600 acres of parkland, 3 bond referendums passed (1995, 2000, and 2012) for a total of $39,355,000 with over an 84%
Joe Glover on the Covered Bridge at Old Mill Park
approval rate, oversaw the development of over 30 miles of trails in Roswell, negotiated and gained control of 7 miles of riverfront property for the Roswell Riverwalk, constructed two spraygrounds, and constructed the state of the art Adult Recreation Center for citizens 50 over. For the last four years the Department has been named as a National Gold Medal Finalist by the National Recreation and Parks Association, awarded to agencies that demonstrate excellence in longrange planning, resource management, and agency recognition. Joe is often referred to as a quiet leader. He has proven that many times over at the local, state, and national levels. He has the respect of elected officials, and other Department Heads within the City, but most importantly, the staff of his Department. “I am happy and honored to have spent the past 3 decades working here in Roswell. I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish as a team and deliver world class recreational facilities to the citizens of Roswell.” Glover stated. ❍
12
LIFE
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MONEY
(
THE EVOLUTION OF KIDS AND FINANCE the importance of having the money conversation with your high school Last month we introduced our new children. They remind us often that column with a suggestion—that you sit they know everything, but when it down with the person(s) closest to you comes to money, they don’t know and have a meaningful conversation much. They think they “need” a car, about your money, financial goals and new headphones, the coolest shoes and passions. If you did, congratulations! clothing, and the iPhone 6. Advertising You’ve made the often difficult but imis designed to lure us to buy the latest portant first step to get you closer to and greatest and it’s hard to resist, where you want to be financially. especially for our teens. The This month we’d like to emphasize importance of being responsible— understanding money, managing a OUR GEORGIA budget, and prioritizing wants versus SCHOOLS CURRENTLY needs is sometimes at a loss against the TEACH A LIMITED power of marketing. COURSE ON PERSONAL Since our children are at a disadvanFINANCE ECONOMICS, tage, we should do all we can to educate them on how to handle money, BUT WE NEED TO DO but as parents, we may be at a MORE. By Steve Siders and Robert Fezza
Robert Fezza and Steve Siders. disadvantage too. Think about it. How did you learn about money? We learned from our parents; directly by what they said and indirectly by what they did—and from life’s lessons—the good, the bad and the ugly. We think it’s time to break the cycle. We believe society disenfranchises our young adults by not giving them the basics, in terms of financial understanding, to prepare them for life. Our Georgia schools currently teach a limited course on personal finance economics, but we need to do more. We’d love to see our high schools deliver a semester-long course on financial literacy. We are grateful for programs like Junior Achievement (in fact we volunteered at the wonderful BizTown facility in Atlanta a couple weeks ago),
but our teens deserve more. Talk to your kids about some of their personal decisions related to saving and spending. How do they make decisions regarding their money? Share with them how some of your family decisions about spending and saving are made. Delaying gratification and avoiding debt is not a message teens may want to hear but seeing that in practice within their own family will be a lesson that will serve them well later in life. Share the website bettermoneyhabits.com with them. Check it out yourself. It’s a great resource to better understanding the basics of spending, saving, and debt. Life’s a journey. Navigate it wisely. ❍ Robert Fezza, CFP® and Steve Siders, CFP® are owners of Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors, 500 Sun Valley Drive, Ste A-6, Roswell, GA. Their firm specializes in working with people who are serious about making progress towards their financial goals. Odyssey manages portfolios greater than $500,000. 770-992-4444, www.odysseypfa.com. Securities offered through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
(
13
THE POWER OF THE BOOMER DOLLAR By Di Chapman “Help! I’ve fallen! ...” Everybody now: “... AND I CAN’T GET UP!”
You remember it, right? The one commercial exclamation that catapulted TV senior-targeted advertising into the stratosphere? The unforgettable punchline for jokes that have reverberated throughout “We’re healthier than ever, squealing the tires as we leave new car dealerships, consumerdom since riding Harleys, and partying “Like it’s 1999.” the day it debuted? includes a considerably younger cusA slogan still cackled in boardrooms, tomer, as in “possibly a boomer.” “I at BBQs, and on barstools? Heck, we live alone but am never alone. I have boomers taunt each other by teasing Life Alert,” says this veritable youngunmercifully with the phrase. It’s bester. We’re not fooled. Clearly she’s a come a classic like “Gort, Klaatu shill. Next comes the tag line: “Life barada nikto” from The Day the Alert: Saving a life from potential caEarth Stood Still. You just never fortastrophe every 10 minutes!” get it. Advertisers must see boomers as This “Help! I’ve fallen!...” tour de health catastrophes waiting to force in advertising, shot with one happen. stationary video camera, no sound What’s up with this? The Rat equipment, and absolutely no Pack has left the building. We’re not agency polishing, blew open the TV about steak twice a day, three packs return on investment potential for of cigarettes, and swigging hard advertising boomer products and liquor. We’re healthier than ever, services. Advertisers had a collective squealing the tires as we leave new epiphany: “Aha! Let’s tell our overcar dealerships, riding Harleys, and 50 audiences that they’re falling partying “Like it’s 1999.” Besides, our apart. Brilliant!” 50+ spending is what writes the Before you decide to shoot me as advertisers’ paychecks. This just gets you read this, I assure you that I unweirder and weirder. derstand how difficult health If advertisers prevail, our conditions are. My own complaints spending power will go toward medprompt me to see doctors and whine ications, insurance, orthopedic to my husband. Mark, a “car guy,” devices, and canes that stand up on gave me his take. “Your warranty has their own. Left to them, we’ll be old run out.” Indeed. before our time, unable to care for Nowadays, the advertising for Life our incontinent selves, and buying Alert, the company pitched in the prescriptions for “Low T,” aging afore-mentioned commercial, Continues on p14
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
LIFE
14
The Boomer Dollar… continued from p13
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
Prostates, and—wait for it— “feminine discomfort” after menopause. (Commercials feature swaying and reclining vixens who, I think, look barely 45.) Advertisers leave us out in the cold with product pitches for having fun, eating out, driving cool cars, and using smart phones and tablets. Obviously, cavorting, dancing and playing are meant for the young. Ha! Companies’ advertising messages portray older Americans as “idiots,” says the October 2014 AARP Bulletin (GASP! I’ve never seen them this emphatic!), yet “consumers over 50 buy nearly five times the new cars than does the prized 18 to 34 demographic.” Boomer purchases fuel (Right?) rebounding car sales, says the April 2014 AARP Bulletin. We’re buying cars and technology targeted toward 20-year-olds. When the Mercedes Benz CLA debuted last year, the car company expected the cars to be bought out by 20-somethings. Guess who snatched them up? That’s right—us! So, why aren’t we in their commercials? Chuck Schroeder, founder of Senior Creative People, also points out how, in new Taco Bell commercials, characters Harold and Lenny, sitting on a park bench, hearing aids apparent, are “spokes-codgers,” much like Statler and Waldorf, the grumpy muppets. The punchline of the commercial? “Today they’re eating Waffle Tacos, tomorrow they’re loitering.” What, we’ll be bums? I am so a-tither. Close by in the commercial, millennials eat their “next generation” breakfast. It doesn’t mention that 20% of fast food sales are to boomers. While food, hot babes appearing when the beer tab is pulled, and tablet commercials always feature the young in age, we’re the poster children for representing COPD, ED, arthritis, heart disease and many more syndromes. The commercials targeting us include prostate problems, sciatica, inability to enjoy the wild thing, and brittle bones that will keep us from doing what we love. We’re the models for drugs that list “fatal events” among the side effects. Fatal events? Do they think
we can’t hear? Yes, they do! Consider the maladies advertisers bestow upon us night after night: • “Men over 50: are you urinating all night?” The announcer asks, and then introduces us to Super Beta Prostate to address the purported need by “aging men everywhere.” You’ll have fewer bathroom runs, a better freeway experience, and an easier football game, according to a famous football coach. We women are puzzled. “What the heck is a weak stream?” • A swivel-hipped dancer kicks up her legs in a tight costume, demonstrating the discreetness of incontinence undergarments. We see all angles of her pelvis. I can’t see the garment. Men, do you? Sales of adult incontinence products increased 20% between 2009 and 2014, according to The Wall Street Journal. Swivel Hips is convincing. • Then there’s “Low T.” Commercials warn “millions of men over 45” have this condition. The July/August AARP Bulletin reports that testosterone prescriptions tripled from 2002 to 2012. Steven Woloshin, MD at the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice calls Low T “the mother of all disease mongering.” Yikes! • No discussion on this topic would be complete without the Viagra campaign. I must go there. Its commercials always featured attractive “mature” women wearing wedding rings, romping with their (supposed) husbands on beautiful shores. Viagra now leaps to the unspoken encounters, newly broadcasting a stunning young woman lying in the tropics, followed by an extreme close-up of her face. (You hear, “You know how to whistle, don’t you? Just put your lips together and blow.”) She tells you guys that you should never let the loss of a “bleep” reduce your fun. (Honest!) Then, there’s a supposed reassurance by the advertiser that, of course, you’re with your significant other. Time to come clean, ye advertisers. You do think we’re incontinent idiots. Okay, I’m done now. Now, let’s see if I can get my aching back out of this chair. ❍
16 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
COMMUNITY
(
MARRIED TO THE WRONG PLACE
“Engagement photos are either urban or rural. They are either a former factory or a leafy meadow… Never the subdivision. Never the cul-de-sac.” —Nate Hood By Mike Hadden
I often write about what makes a great place. I try to provide insights on what makes places great and what makes places not so great. It generally boils down to this: Highly walkable places tend to be great. Highly drivable, not so much. Places that try to be both are hit-or-miss, but usually fall into the miss bucket. Now, I know a lot of this is personal preference, but just take a look at home values and vacation destinations (which help you discover the magic of a place). In a 2009 study on walkability, Walking the Walk, houses with above-average walkability were seen to command premiums of about $4,000 to $34,000 more than houses with just average levels of walkability in the typical metropolitan areas studied. Additionally, the study saw between a $500 and $3,000 increase in home values for each point increase in the Walk Score. In our own metro area, the same place/walkability premiums exist, as evidenced in Virginia Highlands, Inman Park, Decatur, Historic Roswell, and eventually Avalon. Vacations—those other high-ticket items where the location matters—
also show a distinct preference for destinations that deliver amazing experiences. Vacation destinations are almost always either walkable urban environments or natural escapes, and it is apparent that the ‘burbs just don’t provide either very well. Unless you’re visiting a friend or family, you probably aren’t headed to suburbia for vacation. There just isn’t any “there” there. People crave places with personality and will pay a premium for it. Building better places was an important discussion 5 or 6 years ago when we were in the throes of the Great Recession, but it’s even more important now that we are seeing a building recovery—or dare I say a “boom”—in North Fulton. Unfortunately, we are still building Continues on p38
18 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
LIFE
(
DEAR DI… “What’s the best thing to do on a second date?” By Di Chapman The question above was submitted by East Cobb resident Linda. But before I dive in, some updates regarding last month’s column. First, my Gen Y readers tell me they constantly find spouses online. Surprising? Not really! They’re used to it. They’re living life online… so why should courting be any different? Next, you’ll love this one! You remember the matchmaking service I “visited” undercover? I said “no” to them because I “couldn’t afford the fee.” They turned to hardcore sales. Guess what? I’m consistently getting calls now from a chipper-sounding woman who has “great news” about a membership deal. You’re joking, right? Now, on to the question: Ladies, a second date! Congratulations! Hanging by the phone paid off. He called or texted! If you have an “I won’t date a guy who texts. I’m old-fashioned.” clause, hello! Can it! It’s all good. He’s dipping a toe into the water. Is he into you? He wants to get to know you better. Guys, a word about women. (Well, more than a word.) When we meet someone we want to go on a second date with, we’ve already visualized walking down the aisle in the perfect dress. Don’t be frightened. We’re just optimistic! However, ladies, this is hazardous. We often spring for a man who’s Chucky and not Clooney. So. Plan a second get-together that a) reflects what you like to do; and b) incorporates an easy exit. If you want to run screaming as if from a train wreck, you need a fast break. I know a lady who, on a dinner date, was asked whether her décolleté was enhanced. The jerk declared he wouldn’t date anyone surgically endowed. (Dude! What’s wrong with you?) She split. He got
lucky—no spaghetti was on the table! Alrighty, then! What are, and aren’t, great second date ideas? Interestingly, Psychology Today features these under the headline “Fighting Fear.” Hmmm. Marie Claire lists arcades, rodeos (seriously?), and yes, movies. But, if you love movies, what if you’re into fist fighting and offensive language, and your date’s into Steel Magnolias? Besides, movie dates can be short on conversation. What if your potential partner is into thrillers only because he has someone’s body in the freezer? If you actually talked to each other, you might get a clue, and run for the hills! And museums? A similar scenario lurks. Do you like snail-paced ambulation and whispering? Will Michelangelo’s David encourage or inhibit conversation? Uh-huh. Ditto if your love interest drives 100+ miles away to take 100-mile bike rides on Saturdays and Sundays. Where’s the conversation time? Likewise, if he/she is a black diamond
Y’all, the best second dates are about good conversation.
skier and you’re not. Y’all, the best second dates are about good conversation. Dine and talk. Drive a scenic byway and talk. Walk and talk—and I don’t mean in a shopping mall. Finally, if your “second date” means watching your potential mate freedive, give it up. You’re on the Titanic. Grab a life preserver. You’ll be off the market again in no time. I have spoken. ❍ Questions? Comments? Email me: diychapman@icloud.com
health&wellness presented by North Fulton Hospital
ALL THE HEALTHY CHOICES By Debbie Keel
North Fulton County residents are fortunate to have lots of health care choices with providers on both ends of the spectrum and many in the middle. But the hardest choice facing most of us on a daily basis is whether to access a hospital emergency room, an urgent care facility or a primary care physician (PCP) office for whatever ails you. Most of us would agree that as we get older, it’s smart to have a primary care physician to assess and treat our overall health. Most health insurance plans would encourage that behavior as well. But many of us just don’t have a PCP and don’t access any kind of health care prior to an immediate need like a broken bone or a Debbie Keel, CEO, stomach ache North Fulton Hospital that won’t go away. Women often use their ob/gyn as their PCP, calling them even about their sore throat and back pain. That’s not the best choice and oftentimes her Ob/Gyn will tell her so. Men, well men unfortunately sometimes wait too long to get any health care and wind up with a serious medical issue. North Fulton Hospital (NFH) has made it its business to surround you with solid options any way you chose to go. NFH has had a solid wellrespected Emergency Room and Trauma Center for more than 30 years and many of the area’s residents have
availed themselves of that service. But it became apparent several years ago that many ERs were crowded with non-emergent illness or injuries that could be taken care of more quickly and less expensively at Urgent Care Centers. A few years ago, NFH opened several urgent care centers, called MedPost Urgent Care, to serve this community. Located on Atlanta Hwy. in Alpharetta, as well as a location at Crabapple Road in Roswell in addition to locations on Hwy. 92 in Woodstock and in East Cobb, these centers treat conditions that should be treated right away but are not an emergency. Located near almost all of our MedPost Urgent Care Centers are North Fulton Primary Care offices. Each of these private physician offices are accepting new patients and give patients access to a family medicine or internal medicine physician who can meet most of their routine health care needs. In fact, they will do their best to keep you healthy and out of the hospital emergency room altogether. Now more than ever, you have access to all levels of health care right in your neighborhood, all backed by North Fulton Hospital for your more serious or specialized needs. ❍
North Fulton Hospital Community Calendar Nov 2014 — Jan 2015 SUPPORT GROUPS Lupus Support Group
Water Birth
Third Saturday of every month, WomenHeart 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Classroom C. Support Group Informal meetings to share expeSecond Tuesday of every month, riences and learn from others. 7:30 p.m., Classroom C. The Na- Guest speakers occasionally tional Coalition for Women with present and we also participate in Heart Disease brings support and some Lupus Foundation of Amereducation to women who are at ica events. Contact Julie for info: risk or who already have heart lupusgroup4roswell@gmail.com disease. Call Rebecca at or 404-626-2394. 770 658-4796 or email WHFultonCo@womenheart.org. COMMUNITY
Thursday, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4 and 12/18. 7:00 p.m. For couples desiring to learn about the option of a water birth delivery. Completion of the class is required to be considered for water birth at NFH. $30.00 per couple; registration required. Call 770- 751-2660 for more information and to register.
Maternity Tours
Please join one of our Women’s Health nurses in the hospital Third Tuesday of every month, atrium on alternating Tuesdays at Babysitting Workshop 6:30 p.m., Classroom C. This 4 p.m. and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Saturday 1/10/15. 9-2p.m. group is open to anyone who has for a guided tour of the Labor and Sunday 11/9 and 12/7. or will have an ostomy and any Delivery suites, Mother/Baby 1-5:30 p.m. Teaches children friends, family or supporters. The ages 11–14 how to be prepared Unit and the Neonatal ICU. The meeting structure is informal with and responsible babysitters. Bring tour last approximately one hour. group discussion and guest a doll or stuffed animal and a sack Please call 770-751-2660 for the speakers to be scheduled at vari- lunch and drink. $30. schedule and to register. ous times throughout the year. Call John Dorso at 678-694SPECIAL EVENTS 8726 to register or to obtain Health Insurance more information.
Ostomy Support Group
Caring, Sharing, & Learning: Breast Cancer Support Group Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. Cope and connect with others who are facing the same struggles. Please call Micah Brown, RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator, at 770-751-2556 for location and to register.
Look Good, Feel Better Wednesday, 11/12 and 1/14/15. 10 a.m. to noon. A cosmetologist will discuss how to care for skin and hair to combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Free make-up and skin care products are provided. 1-800-227-2345 to register.
Epilepsy Support Group The third Wednesday of every month, 7-9pm Classroom A/B. People with epilepsy as well as their family and care-providers are invited to attend this support group. The meetings will provide time for attendees to share helpful information and resources from their own experiences. Educational presentations by professionals will sometimes be offered. Please contact Tim for more information at 770-667-9363.
EDUCATION
American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR*
Marketplace Open Enrollment begins November 15
North Fulton Hospital and Get Covered America will host AfSaturday 11/8, 12/6, and 1/31. fordable Care Act education and CPR course for the community. enrollment sessions in the comAdult and child CPR, 9 a.m. to munity classrooms on November noon; $35 Adult, child and infant 15, December 20, and January 17 CPR, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $45 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on February 3 from 4-7 p.m. CertiDiabetes Selffied navigators will be available to Management Workshop guide patients through the variSaturday 11/22 and 12/13. The ous options and assist with the enDiabetes Association of Atlanta (DAA) offers classes at North Ful- rollment process. In addition to the enrollment ton Hospital to teach diabetes events, North Fulton Hospital self-management skills. Call Katie at 404-527-7180 for more provides an education website, brochure, and a benefits navigainformation and to register. tor who’s available to assist with Childbirth Preparation enrollment. To schedule an apSaturday, 11/15 and 12/13. 9:00 pointment or to receive more ina.m. to 4:00 p.m. Active class formation, log onto the consisting of both lecture and dis- www.pathtohealth.com or call cussion/sharing. Topics include 770-751-2756. anatomy and physiology; nutrition and fitness; discomforts of preg*AHA Disclaimer: The American Heart Assonancy; stages of labor and what to ciation strongly promotes knowledge and proexpect; cesarean birth; medicaficiency in BLS, ACLS, and PALS and has tions; possible complications; developed instructional materials for this purpostpartum care; and comfort, pose. Use of these materials in an educational relaxation, breathing and coping course does not represent course sponsorship techniques for labor support. by the American Heart Association, and any $100 per couple; registration re- fees charged for such a course do not reprequired. sent income to the Association
20
HEALTH
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
(
NEW ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA SURGEON APPOINTED TO MEDICAL STAFF AT NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL As part of North Fulton Hospital’s ongoing commitment to trauma care within the North Georgia area, the hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Quackenbush to its medical staff. Dr. Quackenbush is board certified in Orthopaedic surgery with areas of interest in Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery, Fracture & Fracture Reconstructive Surgery and Repair of Slow Healing/NonHealing Fractures. He is also an AO International Fellow through Charité, Humboldt Universität in Berlin, Germany Dr. Quackenbush received his medical degree from Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Michael Quackenbush, M.D. Arizona. After completing his medical degree, he completed his residency at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford, New Jersey followed by a fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma at University of California – Davis in Sacramento, California. North Fulton Hospital has a long standing commitment to trauma care. The hospital was one of the first to be designated as a Level II Trauma Center in the North Georgia area providing trauma related services to over 550 individuals annually. In addition to Dr. Quackenbush, over 400 medical staff providers support North Fulton Hospital through its trauma center and other medical and surgical specialties. ❍ For more information on medical staff providers affiliated with North Fulton Hospital or for a physician referral, log onto www.nfultonhospital.com.
MEDPOST URGENT CARE OFFERS RELIEF Fall is here, the weather is shifting and flu has begun to take up residence in North Fulton. Despite the flu vaccines, orange juice and multivitamins, some of the best of us are occasionally struck down with this inconvenient and time consuming malady, or something like it. This miserable condition could last two weeks or more without treatment. But with doctor’s offices filling up around this time of year, it can be very difficult to get an appointment. Illnesses like these aren’t typically serious enough to warrant a trip to the ER, but it does need to be taken care of so that you may return to your daily life. Thankfully, there is another alternative. Medpost Urgent Care has multiple locations throughout the Metro Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Marietta and Woodstock. These urgent care centers offer the accessibility and efficiency of walk-in clinic while providing the top quality care, equipment and experienced medical professionals one would expect to find in a primary care office. “It’s quality and it’s convenient,” Medpost Regional Director Genia Sutton said. “We are staffed with board certified emergency doctors and nurses. We can test for things like strep and flu immediately in our on site lab. We can stitch up wounds, remove foreign bodies, diagnose chronic conditions, take X-rays, EKG’s, we have all of those things you would see in a regular primary care office. A lot of people don’t have time to see their primary care doctor for these things, or they don’t want to take off work to get an appointment for something like the flu or a sports injury. We can see you right away.” Of course, urgent care has a specific mission and does not take the place of the primary care physician or the emergency room. However, it can provide a mutually beneficial option for people suffering from minor illnesses or injuries that need immediate attention. “There is a time and place for the ER, of course,” Sutton said.
“We may even send patients there if necessary. But we are helpful to the ER in that we take non-emergent patients off their hands and out of their waiting rooms. Our average visit lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, including wait time. We are very efficient, and also considerably cheaper. The ER can be very expensive.” If you are ever unsure of the severity of an ailment and think you might need the resources offered within a hospital, it is probably best to visit the ER. However, the physicians at Medpost Urgent Care are trained in emergency care, and many of them originally trained in the ER. Should they deem your condition too severe to be treated outside of a hospital, the staff is willing and able to refer you directly to the proper department or specialist. “The expansion of urgent cares within North Fulton and the surrounding counties provides necessary access for patients needing immediate but nonemergent care,” Dr. Karim Godamunne, Chief Medical Officer for North Fulton Hospital
reiterated. “Urgent cares provide a range of services from aches and pains to minor lacerations to X-rays and much more. At North Fulton Hospital we partner with urgent cares to provide the right care to patients in the right setting.” Urgent Care is a growing branch of the medical industry that continues to expand and gain popularity. Aside from its exceptional standards of patient care, efficiency and affordability, these centers are able to ingrain themselves in the community and establish trust between the patients and the medicine. They provide a slightly warmer, more informal setting than patients are used to. Though they may not see the same doctors each visit, patients are able to trust in the capabilities of the team and know that they are invested in the community. “I see us growing leaps and bounds as the word gets out,” Sutton said. “We are now THE urgent care choice in Atlanta. Word of mouth has been essential. We want to be a vital part of the community.” ❍
Medpost Urgent Care has multiple locations throughout the Metro Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Marietta and Woodstock.
HEALTH
(
For one ambitious, thrill seeking young doctor, a single specialty of medicine wasn’t enough. With a famously friendly bedside manner and a drive for excellence, Dr. Olujimi Oluwole felt called to a practice that would encompass the entire patient lifecycle: Family Medicine. In the Medpost Urgent Care facilities, Dr. Oluwole is able to quickly and efficiently treat all manner of ailments for patients across the spectrum. When he is not traveling, hiking or jumping out of planes, he is putting smiles on the faces of Urgent Care patients all around North Fulton.
Q
physicians. The pivotal point ANSWER: There wasn’t an event, occurred for me circumstance or situation I can during medical pinpoint it too, I just always knew it school in my was what I was supposed to do. It was second year. At one of the many certainties I had in my the time, I was life. I felt it from inside of me, as if I seeing patients was guided. I confirmed the certainty with a local when I enjoyed the biological sciences family physician better than any topic discussed in his office. His Olujimi I. Oluwole, D.O. through high school and college. engagement with his patients and his love for the WHAT IN YOUR LIFE HAS PREPARED discipline was inspiring. As I began to YOU FOR LIFE AS A MEDICAL plan my clerkships, I realized that I PROFESSIONAL? had a strong desire to care for all ANSWER: Once I made up my mind patients across their lifespan. Family to pursue medicine, I never looked Medicine encompasses all of the other back or considered any other options. specialties. Dr. Oluwole enjoys traveling, the great outdoors, So I guess pure determination, football, family, and friends YOUR PATIENT REVIEWS ALL eliminating distractions, time manageMENTION THAT YOU HAVE AN ment, and prioritization. Plus, I have a agement of chronic illnesses, and treatEXCELLENT BEDSIDE MANNER. WHAT, IN ment of acute conditions. I found my supportive family and an unwavering YOUR OPINION, IS THE MOST VALUABLE niche in treating acute conditions. faith that gets me through. THING A DOCTOR CAN DO TO HELP A Acute (new or sudden) conditions can WHERE DID YOU ATTEND MEDICAL PATIENT FEEL COMFORTABLE? be classified as Emergencies or SCHOOL? ANSWER: I believe strongly in the Urgencies. Emergencies carry the ANSWER: I attended the Georgia golden rule. Treat others the way you potential for loss of life, limb or long Campus—Philadelphia College of would like to be treated. Apart from sit- term disability and should be treated in Osteopathic Medicine in Gwinnett ting down, establishing eye contact, the Emergency County, just 27 miles north of Atlanta. listening without interrupting, Department. Urgencies, on the other It was in a beautiful suburban area of showing attention with nonverbal cues, hand, encompass a vast range of minor town. This campus is one of the bigger acknowledging and legitimizing injuries and illnesses that do not branches of the College and it had feelings, people can tell when you gen- require hospital care and can be everything we could need. The uinely care. I genuinely care for all my worked up, diagnosed, and treated curriculum was very comprehensive patients. It’s the most valuable thing a (most of the time) during a single visit. and the labs were all very modern and doctor can do to help a patient feel I enjoy these most. updated. comfortable. This also helps the doctor WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BENEFITS WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE FAMILY to feel comfortable treating a patient. WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DOCTOR?
Q
Q
Q
and weekends. I enjoy the convenience it provides for the patients. The biggest benefits working in an Urgent Care setting is the lifestyle it provides. There is no “on call” or nights, the schedule is very flexible and the work/stress ratio is significantly lower compared to primary care or the hospital. I miss the continuity of care, but I tell my patients they are always free to stop in.
Q
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
ANSWER: I enjoy the finer things in life. Aside from rest and relaxation, I love to travel, explore new sights and nature. I love spending time with family and friends. I am an adventurist and I love football. I’m going skydiving next week!
Q
WHAT ARE SOME DEFINING MOMENTS IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
ANSWER: I have had lots of defining moments so far, and my defining moments are ongoing. I would say the biggest moment for me was the realization that what I do is sacred. I gave up an opportunity to be a leader in a very lucrative family business right before medical school. All throughout TO URGENT CARE VS. A PRIMARY the process of becoming a physician, I MEDICINE? WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO SWITCH CARE OFFICE OR HOSPITAL? WHAT ARE watched others enjoy the benefits of ANSWER: I have always been TO URGENT CARE? WHY? SOME OF THE DOWNSIDES? working for that business. During the motivated by community, family and ANSWER: I decided to switch to ANSWER: Urgent care centers are free- beginning of my clinical years, I started the patient-based perspective of family a rotation in hospice medicine and my Urgent Care during the second year of standing, walk-in medical facilities. medicine. No other specialty embraces defining moments have been ongoing my residency. The treatment of They provide care on a nothis systems-based approach to patient patients is traditionally done in three appointment basis and are often open since then. I don’t want to do anything care. Plus, the nicest people I met in else. ❍ distinctive ways: preventive care, man- for extended hours, including nights medical school were often family
Q
Q
Q
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
&
Q A with Dr. Olujimi I. Oluwole
21
22
HEALTH
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
(
NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL’S “PATH TO HEALTH” PROGRAM ASSISTS PATIENTS WITH ENROLLING IN THE HEALTHCARE EXCHANGE AHA AWARDS NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL WITH QUALITY AWARD FOR ITS “GET WITH THE GUIDELINES” PROGRAM
Understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and determining whether someone qualifies for coverage can be challenging. That’s why, North Fulton Hospital will continue its “Path to Health” outreach to the community. “Path to Health” is a program that provides education and enrollment resources to individuals seeking information or needing to enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Providing quality, safe care to patients is the first priority “The Health Insurance Marketplace is still a fairly new concept for people for any hospital. To assist hospitals with those priorities, and can be confusing, especially if it is someone’s first time to enroll in a organizations such as the American Heart Association, the plan,” says Debbie Keel, CEO of North Fulton Hospital. “Our program is Joint Commission, and others have developed guidelines to designed to provide the necessary education and resources to our community so individuals can make informed decisions about what coverage assist hospitals with meeting quality and safety standards. best suits their needs.”
Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Resources COMMUNITY CLASSROOMS NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL NOVEMBER 15 DECEMBER 20 JANUARY 17 10 AM – 2 PM FEBRUARY 3 4-7 PM
Open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace will begin November 15th. To assist during open enrollment, North Fulton Hospital has partnered with Get Covered America to provide education and enrollment sessions. Events will be held in the community classrooms at North Fulton Hospital on November 15th, December 20th, and January 17th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and on February 3rd from 4 – 7 p.m. Certified navigators will be available to guide patients through the various options and assist with the enrollment process. Enrollment takes approximately 1 hour, parking is free, and refreshments will be served. In addition to the enrollment events, North Fulton Hospital provides an education website, brochure, and a benefits navigator who is available Monday-Friday to assist with enrollment. To schedule an appointment or to receive more information, log on to pathtohealth.com or call 770-751-2756. ❍
The American Heart Association recently awarded North Fulton Hospital with the Gold Plus award for meeting the “Get With The Guidelines” standards for Stroke and Congestive Heart Failure. The hospital was first awarded Gold Plus for Stroke in 2010 followed by Congestive Heart Failure in 2011 and has consistently received both awards since that time. “Providing quality, evidence-based care is the most important commitment that we can make to our community,” said Debbie Keel, Chief Executive Officer of North Fulton Hospital. “Using the AHA “Get With The Guidelines” program helps us to set some of the highest standards and then work every day to meet those goals.” “Get With The Guidelines” is an inhospital program, established by the American Heart Association in 2003, to help improve patient care by promoting consistent adherence to the latest scientific treatment guidelines. Its goal is to provide better patient outcomes through setting
standards for a variety of diagnoses for cardiovascular disease. To be considered for the Gold Plus award, the hospital must meet performance guidelines on over 85% of patients with Heart Failure and Stroke that admit to the hospital over a 12-month period. “For all of us at North Fulton Hospital, it’s about making a promise to the community to continuously advance the care and service we provide,” said Keel. In 2007, North Fulton Hospital was designated by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center of Excellence. Since that time, the hospital has continuously expanded its services for Stroke and Cardiovascular care including expanding its cardiology program in 2013 to provide interventional cardiac catheterization. ❍ For more information on North Fulton Hospital’s commitment to quality, hospital services or to find a physician, log onto www.nfultonhospital.com.
24 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
THE BUSINESS OF
ENTERTAINMENT A retail renaissance is afoot and keeping you entertained is the key to success.
By Jessica Diamond
For decades, American consumer culture has had a recognizable face. Stores got bigger and shinier, megamalls and shopping centers became more expansive, but the overall formula stayed the same. Spend as little as possible to attractively arrange and display as much inventory as possible. The culture really hit its stride in the 80s and 90s when spending spiked to unprecedented levels and shopping suddenly had very little to do with the acquisition of necessities. It became the most popular form of entertainment. The combination of Cold War fear and economic growth gave way to bold spending and the need to prove one’s affluence with possessions. The American people, quite literally, shopped until we dropped. Since the goal was to have a wealth of stuff, particularly new stuff, shopping malls were the natural solution. Lots of products could be grouped together for convenience, along with food, and people could spend entire days in department stores, just shopping for fun and publicly displaying their purchases. The popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother poked fun at this trend with flashbacks to 90s teen
pop star Robin Sparkles and her hit single “Let’s Go To The Mall.” The song highlighted the materialistic nature of the time was a reoccurring joke throughout the series. This culture reigned through the early 2000s, but now, it seems to have faded into a new era of retail practices. The recession of 2009 hit the retail industry particularly hard as consumers quickly became conservative with unnecessary spending. Malls lost their crowds and many shopping centers died out completely. Furthermore, the progression of the Internet allowed consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes while comparing prices and searching for the best deals. With the recovery of the economy and the encroachment of Internet based retail, along with a new level of consumer awareness, an entirely different culture has taken shape. The old structures no longer fit, and the world of retail is entering new territory. Because they can no longer rely on the benefit of physically having the merchandise to bring customers through the door, businesses have to find new ways of attracting people. They need to provide something unique that the customer cannot find on Amazon.com. They need to create an experience. Hence, the retail market has joined forces with the entertainment industry. Today’s consumers are more conscientious about their spending. They want to know where their money is going and who it is supporting. They want to know which brands are going to work the hardest to earn their loyalty. Therefore, the competition among retailers is stiff. However, some have risen to the challenge, and even banded together to tap into new and innovative marketing concepts. The North Metro’s newest attraction, Avalon, is a shining example of the future of retail space. Avalon is an 86-acre complex, located in Alpharetta, that combines traditional retail with a premium theater, resort style hotel, residential luxury homes and rentals, fine dining, art, and entertainment in one walkable community. This multi-use, village style concept has been well received in many parts of the country, and is becoming more common in Georgia. Many MetroAtlanta cities have embraced the idea and are investing in similar structures. These complexes create a multi-sensory experience that appeals to the current desire to invest in experiences rather than products. Millennials in particular have proven to be prone to this mentality. Another new attraction in the works is the new
25 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
Avalon is an 86-acre Alpharetta complex combining traditional retail with a premium theater, resort style hotel, luxury homes and rentals, fine dining, art, and entertainment in one walkable community. Atlanta Braves stadium being built in Cobb County. One of the primary drivers of this initiative was not to just build a stadium but rather build an experience. Once the stadium was announced a multitude of retailers were aboard with the planned live, work, play model that will surround the stadium. That aspect was one of the biggest factors for county leaders who insisted that the park was going to be more than a stadium. Small and independent businesses have also taken up the calling in creative ways. 37 Main, in Johns Creek, has found its niche as “one part restaurant, one part rockn-roll night club.” The café has a full schedule with concerts, private events, dueling pianos, karaoke, trivia and more. There’s something for every night of the week, so it’s always dinner and a show. The Velvet Note, located in a strip mall on Old Milton Pkwy., blends old traditions with new trends in its upscale acoustic listening room. Though the focus remains on the quality of the music, this establishment has expertly crafted a comfortable space that is meant to make guests feel as if they are in their own living rooms. That is, if their living rooms have exceptional food, service, and entertainment. There is a quote, given by famous billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, featured on The Velvet Note website that speaks directly to the changing tides of entertainment. “I think that the next generation of entertainment is experiential entertainment, where people get out of
the house and go and get a unique experience,” Cuban said. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Roswell is one of the metro area’s original entertainment venues, offering European style kart racing to guests of all ages. They were ahead of their time in many ways, but they’ve been mindful of the trends as well. The facility has undergone multiple changes and renovations in its lifetime in order to keep up with the latest entertainment technologies and fulfill the needs of the community. Since it began in 2000, Andretti has added an extensive arcade, a rock wall, zip line, and a restaurant, Continues on p26
The Velvet Note, located in a strip mall on Old Milton Pkwy., blends old traditions with new trends in its upscale acoustic listening room.
26
The Business of Entertainment… continued from p25
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com Since it began in 2000, Andretti has added an extensive arcade, a rock wall, zip line, and a restaurant, among other attractions.
among other attractions. Its more recent renovation included a sky bar, a multi-use event space and a 7D virtual gaming experience called the XD Dark Ride. “We never stop growing or striving to provide our guests with the latest and greatest in the entertainment field,” Andretti’s Marketing & Social Media Manager Samantha LaMagna said. “I think the new era in entertainment is trending towards a more encompassing experience. Consumers can do everything from their phones and computers, so entertainment venues need to be able to keep up.” Another facility similar to Andretti’s is Main Event located on the border of Alpharetta and Roswell. Main Event is a large unique space that offers bowling, multi-level laser tag, and rope climbing, coupled with a stylish restaurant and bar. Like many of these places it is located in a strip center surrounded by traditional retail establishments. That aspect was missing from the equation just a few years ago. Newer facilities have taken their lead and experimented with new combinations of entertainment. Top Golf in Alpharetta has drawn impressive crowds with its unique approach to group entertainment. Each group receives a “bay” which combines the high class of a golf club with the structure of a private lane at a bowling alley, and allows each player to pick a club and hit balls at various targets, keeping score through a computer system.
The experience includes a full restaurant and bar menu, not to mention separate entertainment rooms for watching TV, playing pool or enjoying a private party. Stacked on multiple levels like a parking deck, this facility is all-inclusive, space efficient and completely unique in the Atlanta area. This prominent shift in the way businesses appeal to their customers indicates a significant change in perspective. It’s a sort of retail renaissance that has brought forth impressive innovation and incredible creativity. As we are still at the beginning of this renaissance, and only just recovering from the recession in years past, it’s exciting to think that these ideas will only continue to grow in potential. At this rate, we can be sure that our lives will look very different in the years to come. ❍ The intimate confines of The Velvet Note make for a unique concert experience.
For more read article on following page.
An Intimate Evening With The Legendary Freddy Cole
>>> FRIDAY NOV 21 SATURDAY NOV 22 FREDDY COLE AT THE VELVET NOTE ALPHARETTA Freddy Cole pictured at the Blue Note in New York.
Photo by Clay Walker.
By Fredrick Mills
Last year, Freddy Cole performed to a packed house at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. And by packed, I mean several hundred people. On Friday, Nov 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, you will have the opportunity to see this jazz legend in the most intimate of environments—the Velvet Note, which seats just a few dozen folks. A masterful vocalist and pianist, Freddy Cole captivates listeners with his elegant presence, subtle phrasing, and intimate singing style. Although he has been charming audiences in the states and abroad for over 40 years, Freddy did not find wide acclaim until the 1990s. Having a family member already in the limelight has its mixed-blessings. For much of his career, Freddy was overshadowed by the larger-than-life persona and legendary career of his brother Nat King Cole. He had to struggle to find his own niche in the jazz world. Today, Freddy Cole feels “blessed” to be doing what he loves best— telling stories through music, reaching people with his exuberant warmth and inexorable talent. We should consider ourselves equally as fortunate to hear more from this jazz great with the panache of Duke Ellington and a voice like “raw silk.” His influences included John Lewis, Oscar Peterson, Teddy Wilson, and
Billy Eckstine. Cole was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2007. In July 2009, he released a recording featuring his own quartet (guitarist Randy Napoleon, drummer Curtis Boyd, and bassist Elias Bailey), along with alto saxophonist Jerry Weldon and pianist John DiMartino, playing live at Dizzy’s jazz club in Lincoln Center. His 2010 album, Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B, was nominated for a Grammy in the category Best Vocal Jazz Album. The album features tenor Houston Person, pianist John DiMartino, guitarist/arranger Randy Napoleon, drummer Curtis Boyd, and bassist Elias Bailey. This is a unique opportunity to see a great performer in an intimate space. If you have not been to the Velvet Note—now is the time to get out and enjoy a living legend. The Velvet Note is located at 4075 Old Milton Pkwy. in Alpharetta. For more info and tickets visit their site at www.thevelvetnote.com. ❍
27 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
A JAZZ LEGEND IN YOUR LIVING ROOM
28 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
HUMOR
(
TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE… LIVING By Mike Finch
It seems that I’m at that stage in life when special occasions begin to come around faster than the monthly deadline for this highly acclaimed (in my house) column. As an example, as I’m penning this impactful prose, Sweetie and I are celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary. 31 years! It seems like yesterday I was whisking my eighteen-year-old bride away for a magic-filled honeymoon in Disney World! Now I get motion-sick watching kids on a swing set! When did that happen?
(
A few weekends ago, I attended my father’s 80th birthday celebration. He stated that it was just yesterday he was my age. Of course, I can read between those lines and determine that means that tomorrow I will be his age. I don’t even know how I got to be my age and now I’m 80? When did that happen? Where have the years gone? It used to be that when I went unshaven, it gave me a hip, sexy, stubble look; now, unshaven by Sweetie’s definition simply means I have hair growing out of my ears or nose. I’m convinced God had a plan for that, but my wife’s not buying it! I used to take supplements for stamina and muscle development, but now I take a baby aspirin to prevent stroke and fiber to create, well, you know—regularity. And again I must ask, “When did that happen?” My life seems to be on some sort of rote course that’s just dragging me along. I bet a lot of you are no different. Think about how many things you do without thinking about them. I wake up the same way every day; shower the same way; dry off the same way; dress the same way (same tie goes with the same shirt), get in the car and drive the same way; I always let one person getting on 400 cut in front of me—but not two! I
don’t want to let the second driver trying to sneak along the long line and squeeze in front of me because my little car is paid for and I’m on the market for a new one —and even that, the same way every day! When did that happen? Sweetie and I are now empty nesters with our youngest a freshman in college, our middle graduating from ? UGA (Go Dawgs!), and our oldest married and carrying our first grandchild. When did that happen? Oh, never mind on that last one, there are some things a father doesn’t want to know, or even think about! But seriously, when did all of the rest happen? I honestly have no idea, but evidently it happened “yesterday,” while I was rushing from work to soccer games, cheer practice, or prom dress shopping. Metaphorically, “yesterday” must have been quite a day as it encapsulates about 25 or 30 years of marriage, raising children, and career navigation. All of which makes me consider the fact that I’d better take a more serious look at tomorrow. After all, tomorrow I might be turning 80! ❍ Mike Finch can be reached at miscellaneousramblings @comcast.net.
When did that happen
(
A HIGHER CALLING By Tripp Liles
Ashley Harris, owner of Ragamuffin Music Hall in Roswell, is a passionate woman. She is a leader in the local music scene with not only the music facility, but the Ragamuffin Records music label as well. She comes from a musical family. Her great-aunts were the King Sisters, who had a deal with RCA and appeared on the King Family syndicated television show. Her father played and performed as well. In other words, performing is in her blood. Over the years however, Harris’ passion has been drawn to serve her faith as well. In addition to the Ragamuffin Music Hall, Harris also owns the Loft On Roswell Square. The Loft is a unique, one of a kind, event facility that overlooks the beautiful Roswell Historic Square. Additionally, Harris also offers music classes to children at Ragamuffin. With these wonderful vehicles to promote community and togetherness through music and fellowship, Harris felt that she needed to do more to serve a higher purpose. As a result, Be Free Ministry was launched last year. The ministry is set up to minister specifically to women 18 and over who seek to gain deeper meaning in life through worship. They meet once a month in one of the two event facilities for programs that feature guest speakers, praise and worship. “The mission statement of Be Free Ministries is to bind up the broken hearted, restore faith, and lead people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” Harris stated. “That is behind everything we do.” Harris has also forged relationships with other area religious leaders in an effort to reach people in a forum that goes beyond regular places of worship. One such partnership is with Kit Cummings, who was profiled in the August issue of The Current Hub. Cummings, Founder and Executive Director of the Power of Peace Ministries, meets with area students at The Loft, in an effort to mentor them on the pitfalls
of modern life – specifically drug abuse. “We believe that music is a powerful way for people to experience hope, restoration, joy, peace. It’s a noisy world and music helps people relax. It also gives kids a sense of accomplishment when they learn to play an instrument instead of a video game.” The religious aspect of the overall business model, however, is not to have religion be the gateway to entertainment, rather the other way around. If you are not religious, you are just as welcome at an event or class. Harris is mindful to be inclusive of all people regardless of a specific level of faith. “We don’t ask our students or even our instructors to sign a pledge of a faith or belief system. Several of my teachers are not professed Christians,” Harris stated. “That’s fine -we’re all here growing together, learning together and from each other…it’s all a good thing.” On Nov. 8th, Be Free Ministry will be holding a special silent auction and music showcase at Ragamuffin Music Hall from 6pm to 9pm. “At this fundraiser we’ll have some great items up for auction. We will also have a music showcase featuring our very talented teachers, who are incredible writers and performers,” Harris said. “We’re going to show people what we do here on the music side of things. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about The Loft, Ragamuffin and Be Free.” To learn more about the event, Ragamuffin music or rental possibilities of The Loft for holiday get-togethers visit www.ragamuffinmusic.com or loftonroswell.com. ❍
29 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
LIFE
30 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
HOME
(
LATE SEASON BLOOMS ATTRACT POLLINATORS TO THE GARDEN By Nancy Wallace
How many fall-blooming pollinator plants are in your garden? You might be surprised how easy it is to extend the summer season by including a few late-season bloomers that provide bees, butterflies, and hoverflies with the necessary nourishment required for hibernation. Bees need to drink from nectar-rich plants in the fall before the first frost drives them to a suitable underground location, or into neighboring tree roots and hedges. Because our autumns are so mild in Georgia, it’s not unusual to find perennials like dahlias, coneflowers, and asters blooming well into November. Two of my favorite fall-blooming perennials, Chrysanthemum ‘Single Apricot’ and ‘Hillside Sheffield’, are not your typical big-box-store mums. These perennials grow into beautiful, billowing three-foot mounds. A profuse bloom season begins in September and lasts into November (or the first frost). This perennial chrysanthemum produces an abundance of the necessary nourishment for late-season pollinators. You’ll find the plants covered with bees and hoverflies feasting on the nectar in the center of these singlepetal flowers. Evergreen shrubs, like the fall-blooming Camellia sasanqua and Mahonia eurybracteata ‘Soft Caress’ also provide nectar to late-season pollinators. (And for those of you in places where Bambi and family are hunting down a salad bar, these two plants have the added benefit of being deer-resistant.) But if attracting wildlife to the garden is something you’re interested in, use trees and shrubs that provide berries to birds in winter when food is scarce. Deciduous trees and shrubs that provide winter color in the landscape as well as food for native birds are the American cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus) which is covered
A bee getting nourishment from Chrysanthemum ‘Single Apricot’ before the first frost.
with bright red berries in late fall, and the winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’). Only the female winterberry holly produces berries, so you’ll need to have a male winterberry for pollination purposes like ‘Southern Gentleman’ or ‘Raritan Chief.’ Winterberries grow well in wildlife habitats and woodland gardens with acid soil. The male winterberry should be planted within 50 feet of the female shrub for best pollination. I’ve found that using three female plants with one male plant produces the greatest number of berries.
For many of us, raking leaves is synonymous with autumn. But now that the first days of fall are behind us, it’s important to keep leaves from collecting around the interior of plant materials. A couple of times a month during leaf-fall, remove mother nature’s seasonal debris from around landscape materials. This provides plants with the best prescription for a healthy beginning next spring. The appearance of the landscape is also improved when leaves and branches have been whisked away for the winter. To get a jump start on next spring’s garden projects, make good use of those leaves by composting them. Use your lawnmower to shred leaves first before putting them on a compost pile so they decompose more quickly. Smaller leaf fragments permit rain
Hoverflies are pollinators too. Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’ is a fall-blooming evergreen shrub.
Beautiful red berries on cranberry viburnums not only add interest to the landscape, but provide food for birds
to freeze damage. A good layer of mulch around plant materials keeps root systems well protected and plants well-hydrated against damaging winds and unusually cold temperatures. Fall and early winter is the best time for transplanting and installing new trees and shrubs in Georgia. Visit the local garden center to find out what’s blooming now, and get inspiration for the planting season ahead. ❍ Nancy provides garden design & renovation services. Follow her blog: wallacegardens.tumblr.com
31 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
water and wind to filter through the shredded leaves, accelerating the decomposition process. After a heavy rain, use a pitchfork or a rake to toss the leaves so they don’t become matted down. By spring, thoroughly decomposed leaves can be used as a soil amendment. Before winter sets in, and after the leaves have fallen, there is one more important chore to address, especially if winter predictions are in line with last year’s forecast. Top dress landscape beds with fresh pine straw or hardwood mulch. There are a couple of important reasons for this. First, it’s aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly, mulching around trees and shrubs helps to insulate root systems from the temperature swings we experience throughout the winter months. Freezing and thawing of the ground causes plants to “heave”, The berries on a female winterberry provide food for which makes them more vulnerable birds and winter interest in the landscape
32 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
(
FOOD
A TALE OF ONE DELICIOUS SUBURBAN STRIP MALL
One41 Trattoria in Johns Creek.
By Frank Mac
I could write a book waiting in traffic to get anywhere in Johns Creek at dinnertime. As an East Cobb guy I got to say it’s a long trek up here. So I’ve got to ask, is there a reason to tell anyone they should come from miles away to enter the set of urban landscapes known as Johns Creek? The answer is yes. First, I’m partial to history; the historic districts of Roswell and Marietta and to some degree Alpharetta really speak to me. Johns Creek? This place is new, kind of undefined, and yet there are little places tucked away in strip centers that are just hidden gems. I have two locks in the Johns Creek area. That great little jazz room The Velvet Note and the simply spectacular Sugo. The fine folks at Sugo have been doing restaurants right in this area for a couple of decades so I recently asked Mr.C, the fine proprietor of Sugo, what’s good in Johns Creek? On his advice I ended up in a little strip mall off an overstuffed Medlock Bridge Road too near rush hour for the third day in a row. And that’s why I am currently working my way through a monster dinner at One41 Trattoria after the previous night’s meal at its younger sister, Viande Rouge.
These places are two chef-owned boutique dining rooms, almost next door to each other. Well that’s got to be cool! Both are found at 9810 Medlock Bridge, right around the corner from States Bridge and pretty easy drive from GA400 if you are coming from the south, which most of you would be. They are both hooked to all the Internet reservations things as well. My advice, add these to your apps, they can be great time savers. One41 Trattoria, run by Chefs Marc Sublette and Thomas Taylor, is the more established and is 8-years old, tons of reviews and Zagat rated. So for some of you this place may not be new but for those of you in Roswell or East Cobb listen up—for a short drive you can experience a bit of heaven even in a strip mall. From the moment I bit into the bread, sauce and cheese, they drop on the bar to snack on, I was ready to write home. You know it right there,
Trattoria. This place is a French inspired chophouse. It is, like One41, not for the kids, and with a dark ambience a great date place. Overall it’s good, though pricey. The French onion soup I’d kill for. Wow! The Beef Bourguignon was very good and the definition of savory. Gloriously delicious peasant food. The escargot, I found slow, uninteresting. Eh, snails, never really my thing but like to give it a whirl every now and then. The pricing though is a bit rich for the end product. Snails, soup and a small bit of beef on bone with no alcohol and it still ran $50. Sorry, I don’t get it. Loved the room, its fabulous in red and they feature one fantastic artist hung all over the walls. Again, top shelf service all around me, the bartender is killing himself to please. But the combo of dinner and dollars left me a bit flat. Left me wanting more. At these prices, that doesn’t seem right. I will go back and try again. There’s skill in there, snails can be little stinkers to cook, you can’t really see a braised meat and know what’s under the surface, great taste for what I could pick out and chew! And that soup! I don’t care how many onions died to make it. It’s worth it. So on one end of the strip is a chef ’s rock solid OMG good and on the other end is the not quite fabulous yet spot and right between these two is a bonus treasure. The greatest little fresh fishmongers shop I’ve ever seen this far from the dock. Ladies and gents, seafood lovers and home chefs rejoice! Continues on p38
Kathleen’s Catch—a great little fishmongers shop
33 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
the bread is top of the oven crusty. The red sauce sparkles, and sizzles, the melted cheese, is just so fine in every place it should be. I’m thinking “this is the free stuff...” wow! Then the bisque, OMG it gave me smiles, eyes roll back and a little groan good. Here is the thing. I don’t believe one place has to be clearly better or that one place has to have first place. There is a class of a chef driven restaurant that is just absolutely perfect being honest and exactly what they are. Sugo is like that, and One41 Trattoria is another. This place is off the charts delicious and stupid good. Worth every penny, worth waiting to sit, worth waiting if its crowded, and a complete E-ticket for appetites when not. This place does simple classic Italian in an elegant environment—definitely not for the kids. The Tomato Bisque was off the hook delicious. The Carpaccio was nice, very proper. The wine list is full of finds and plenty of bottles under $50. But it will take at least $30. In ordering my pasta, I keep it simple the first time visiting a restaurant. Kitchens have to do standards really well or why bother at all. It’s the details, the absolute perfection of melding the ingredients into this one at a time brilliant plate of food that is utterly perfect happiness. For tonight I’m going with the staff recommendation of pasta and sausage and I loved it. Light touch, perfect balance, almost dry, light on the tongue with pop wrapped up in comfort. According to the staff they don’t make their own pasta, which surprised me. Nonetheless this was one outstanding meal. As always, a restaurant is run by its people, the staff. Let me stop and give a major shiny wow to these guys. Front to back, these folk, and I mean all of them, know their business. Impressive. If you are rich, enjoy. It’s good to be king. If you aren’t and want see how the other half lives. This is it. Go ahead, splurge. One41 Trattoria exceeds expectations. By my count that gives us three absolutely incredible “high end” Italian based joints OTP. Add this to Sugo and Osteria Mattone. Hell no they ain’t cheap, but yes, they are worth every penny. And then there is Viande Rouge. Sister establishment to One41
34 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
COMMUNITY
(
The Current Hub Goes Social We here at The Current Hub are all about the great things that connect the multiple communities we cover. To us, great news or interesting events don’t stop at a government drawn border, rather we see the whole North Metro area for what it is – one big community. It is in that spirit that we launched our content driven website last January (www.thecurrenthub.com). Your response has been fantastic. We receive over 10,000 unique visitors per month, with as many as over 30,000 in some instances. The bottom line is -- we’ve heard from you and know you want more regular coverage beyond our print edition. So in addition to our site, and its continual expansion, we’ve hired our own “Social Chick”, Tricia Morris, to head our new social media initiatives. Tricia is an East Cobb resident who will be expanding our reach through Facebook and our main website. If you don’t “like” us yet on Facebook please do. You can find us by visiting our main webpage and clicking the Facebook icon on the right side. And you’ll want to…why? Each week beginning on Nov. 17, we will be offering free giveaways, holding contests and spreading great news about our neighborhoods and local businesses. These will be happening throughout the month, each and every month. Also to note – our main website is a great resource for community news and events that do not get the exposure in our print edition. The site offers many articles and events in a timely fashion. So, if you need to make plans or find out what is happening around town - check us out. The site is updated throughout the week and we offer a free email update that goes out each Wednesday to subscribers.
>>East Cobb A Holiday Shopping Experience
PHYLIS SIMONI Cell: 404-456-2683 REALTOR
Fax: 678-391-3690 Email: simoni@kw.com www.psimoni.com
My exceptional service will MOVE YOU!
Since 1981, Apple Annie has been a great tradition for the Atlanta metro community for holiday shopping and the timeless mission of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and the Women’s Guild of reaching out to support those in need with the show proceeds. This year they will have over 120 juried artisans from 6 states and 52 cities in the entire church complex. All items are hand made ranging from lovely jewelry, home accessories and décor along with many practical and even whimsical items! Great for gifts, decorating or for you! They will feature a “Blue Light Raffle”- a favorite with winning tickets pulled every 15 minutes during the show for items donated by the artisans from their booths value $35 or more. Additionally, a beautiful, large quilt hand designed and made by award-winning artisans- will be raffled and winner picked at end of show. A special show favorite. There will also be food from the Apple Annie Café with Home made soups, sandwiches & snacks. Catholic Church of St. Ann is located at 4905 Roswell Rd. in Marietta/East Cobb. Call 770-552-6400 x 6116 for more info.
>>Milton Holiday Bazaar The 6th Annual Milton Holiday Bazaar will be held on Nov. 15, from 9am to 2pm in the Milton High School Cafeteria. All proceeds will benefit the Milton PTSA Scholarship Fund. The bazaar will feature over 60 vendors offering a wide array of items that would make for creative holiday gifts featuring home accents, stationery, fashion jewelry and accessories, and much more! Milton High School is located on 13025 Birmingham Highway in Milton.
(
>>Roswell Construction Update On New School In Roswell Construction and design information for the replacement Esther Jackson Elementary School in Roswell will be presented at a November 10, community meeting. The school’s architect, as well as construction management and facilities planning representatives from the school system, will be on hand to show the school’s proposed design and discuss its special features. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the current school, located at 1400 Martin Road in Roswell. At the end of this school year, Esther Jackson will be torn down so that a new building can begin construction on the site. In the meantime, Esther Jackson students and staff will temporarily move to a new school under construction on Highway 9 in Roswell.
>>East Cobb Community Garden Project Reconnecting Families, a nonprofit dedicated to help children and families lead drug-free lives, and Zion Baptist Church in Marietta have partnered to launch a community garden and revitalization project on the corner of Lemon and Hunt Streets, just off historic Marietta Square. The Reconnecting Our Roots Community Garden Project brings together multiple entities dedicated to revitalizing the neighborhood and providing community service opportunities for families struggling with addiction. The project has received contributions administered by the Cobb EMC Community Foundation. The Reconnecting Our Roots Community Garden Project is currently accepting charitable donations for all areas of the project. To learn how you can contribute, contact Debbie Ponder at 770-528-2291, reconnecting.families@cobbcounty.org or reconnectingfamilies.org.
>>Roswell/East Cobb Christmas Market On Saturday Nov. 15, Christ United Methodist Church will hold their annual Christmas Market. They will have Santa available for photo opportunities as well as a large variety of vendors. Come get your Christmas shopping done early with booths selling crafts, jewelry, artwork, edibles and more. They will have lunch available as well as some delicious homemade items in the UMW Bake Sale. Christ United Methodist Church is located at 1340 Woodstock road in Roswell.
35 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
COMMUNITY
36 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
COMMUNITY
(
>>Alpharetta Free Santa Photos On Nov. 15 from 10am to 12pm you can get our holiday photos taken free of charge at the Alpharetta Welcome Center. You can have an individual or family photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The photo is available to be printed and emailed to you to share with friends and family. No reservations are required though no pets are allowed. Also note that a green screen will be used to allow for picturesque backgrounds, so please don’t wear green clothing. For more information on the event visit www.awesomealpharetta.com
>>Roswell Get Twisted For The Holidays The City of Roswell’s Southern Trilogy historic homes (Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall and Smith Plantation) are mixing things up this holiday season. On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10am. to 4pm, they will be hosting the first-ever “Twisted Tinsel Holiday Spectacular,” a family-friendly event full of whacky winter activities.
>>Big Band Lovers Concerts Announced Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), North Fulton’s only professional theatre company, will be presenting a series of big band concerts through the 2014-2015 season. Popular musician Joe Gransden and His 16 Piece Big Band will perform five jazz concerts, each with a different theme, at GET’s home in the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell, GA 30075. A portion of proceeds from these concerts will benefit the non-profit professional theatre. The series begins on Nov. 10 with Songs of Sinatra and Friends. Swing out with Joe and his Big Band as they perform some of Frank Sinatra’s biggest hits. Great songs such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Got the World On a String,” and many more will be included in the evening’s program. For more information and tickets, visit www.get.org.
>>Johns Creek Turkey Trails Guided Hike On Nov. 22, from 4pm to 5pm the Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center will offer a new family-oriented nature hike. Each hike has a different theme and includes a guided exploration of the trails plus fun theme-related activities, often at stations along the trails. The Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center is located at 9770 Autrey Mill Road in Johns Creek.
KIDS/EDUC.
ON GENDER ROLES AND POLITICAL CORRECTNESS By Kay Paschal
Did you catch the recent news item detailing an actual document sent to >> KIDS & KAY teachers in a school district in Nebraska advising them of the new policy initiated and supported by the school board of Kay Paschal, Owner NOT speaking in Peachtree Park Prep any gender related way when addressing the students? No more, “Can I have your attention boys and girls”, no more “Attention ladies and gentlemen” in the classroom. Instead, the teachers were given suggestions to model non-gender specific comments as well as to intervene in conversations between the students if they overheard the students speaking in any gender specific way. They suggested a more appropriate way to get the students’ attention would be to call them all the same thing. For example –– purple penguins. Yes, that was the school board’s actual suggestion. Say what? Have you seen the infomercial supported by various political and celebrity women of not calling a girl bossy? The premise being that this will stifle a young girls desire to be successful. Really? What are “they” afraid of? Has so-called political and social correctness gone so far that we now can’t even call a boy a boy and a girl a girl? We can’t teach social graces? Young girls don’t think they can be whatever they want to be? Is that really even a question in today’s world?
From my 20 year seat in the preschool business I’ve seen men incredibly involved in the lives of their children –– sometimes we have more dads come in and out of my preschool than moms. Does a man feel less of a man because he’s an involved father –– maybe even a stay at home dad? Does he think he can’t raise a son to be a strong, compassionate man –– to be anything “he” wants to be? Not any of the men I know. Well, Ladies and Gentlemen and Boys and Girls…Happy Thanksgiving! ❍ Kay Paschal is Owner of Peachtree Park Prep.
37 November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
(
38
Married To The Wrong Place… continued from p16
November 2014 | thecurrenthub.com
the same crap devoid of personality and any true future. Will Windward be the next historic district in Alpharetta? Well, then why are we still throwing up commoditized subdivisions dominated by front-loader garages that pretend to be walkable, yet connect to nothing? Why do we still tolerate poorly designed architecture from builders looking to make a quick buck? The problem revolves around our obsession with economic efficiency and our love affair with the short-term. When we add on to our suburban street network, we fail to see how that will impact our commute in 5 years, when more vacant or under-developed land is developed. We purchase a home using borrowed money, planning to sell it within 5 to 10 years and hoping for a quick profit. We think that a quality interior will somehow fix the shallow and cheap exterior. We are blinded by the mortgage interest credit. In our short-sightedness, we have built an environment that only a mother (or homeowner) can love, a world full of non-places whose sum is less than the value of its parts. We are building places that have few redeeming qualities, besides the fact that you can buy and sell them. They won’t stand the test of time! Nate Hood, a fellow urbanist from Minnesota, recently made just this point when he posted his engagement photos online. The satirical photo shoot highlights just how ridiculous our suburban landscape is through a series of shots in front of driveways, empty lots and cul-de-sacs. Nate’s website says it all: “Engagement photos are either urban or rural. They are either a former factory or a leafy meadow… Never the subdivision. Never the cul-desac. We wanted to capture the ambiance of the American Subdivision.” What a sad, sad place we have created when our homes and neighborhoods are a punch line for a witty couple who recognizes the hilarity of our suburbs. Like it or not, we are married to the WHEN YOU places we build. Like from a spouse, don’t expect WANT TO RIDE change. Once built, we have to accept them for the YOUR BIKE, way they are. When the traffic gets bad, you must reGO AHEAD alize that you married that traffic when you chose to AND STRAP IT live in a car-oriented world. When you have to drive the kids everywhere, don’t think you’re going to ONTO THE change that zoning code so things can be closer SUV AND together. When you want to ride your bike, go DRIVE OVER ahead and strap it onto the SUV and drive over to TO THE the greenway because you’re married to a place GREENWAY where riding on the streets is akin to risking your life. But, maybe you’d be better off that way, or maybe you just need to get a divorce and move to a real place that will really, truly stand the test of time. One that is capable of growing with you as your needs and preferences change. For those of us who can’t get a divorce from our places, we need to focus on building more real places and quit pretending that the suburbs as we know them are the answer. ❍ Michael authors the blog newurbanroswell.com. You may contact him at: michaeldhadden@gmail.com A Delicious Strip Mall… continued from p33 Kathleen’s Catch is a diamond tight gem. Good grief they have stunning seafood on display. The care and choosiness of the owner is right there to see and so obvious it pokes you saying icy, fresh and lovely. I also dearly love the spirit of the place. In a word, sustainability. Visit www.kathleenscatch.com go look! So, if you are within reach of this stretch of urbanity, dine, stop and shop! These are top shelf local businesses and for goodness sakes, you deserve it. Go eat well, live and enjoy. As an aside…the lobster bisque at Kathleen’s Catch was sublime. You can take some home. Do it, you’ll thank me ;) Next month we are going to rock. Wait till you hear about what I found. A home to 60,000 watts of pure adrenaline. Could there be a Darwin’s in Johns Creek? ❍