Issuu

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

So Thankful LI F E + C U LTU R E CARE F RO M T H E H E AR T T HAN K I N G G IVERS W E LLN E S S M OVE . B RE AT H E . REPE AT.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com

Happy November,

Darce Richardson | darce.richardson@lifestylepubs.com

WHEN I ASKED MY THREE GROWN CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE

Molly Collins | molly.collins@lifestylepubs.com

THANKSGIVING MEMORY, THEY EACH REPLIED WITH A DIFFERENT STORY. One waxed poetic about the time we rented out a small nightclub so we could have a family jam session on the stage. A few years later, we puzzled together every table in the house to seat more than 20 shoulder to shoulder, little ones included. The kids made place cards out of 3 x 5 cards and dried flowers (my mom’s idea). When we moved south to Atlanta 10 years ago, my daughter stayed behind to finish her senior year (the graduation requirements were dramatically different here) and she stayed with family friends, my heart breaking all the way. We drove north through snowy Ohio and Michigan for Thanksgiving, spreading out across ping pong tables and

MARKE T ARE A ADMINISTRATOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

SENIOR ACCO UNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sunny Bailey, Natalie Earwood, Jennifer Fennelly, Lydia Mayfield, Erik Voss

card tables and included my extended family and theirs. I sobbed my way through the blessing, overflowing with gratitude and probably some guilt for having to separate from Jane. Now, those friends are closer than family. We won’t be spending Thanksgiving with anyone this year, just my husband, college-aged son and me around the table. I’ll be thankful to unplug and let my husband work his magic with a turkey on the Big Green Egg. I’ll make a pie (or three) and likely a few mini pumpkin bread loaves for neighbors.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Where ever you are this month, I trust you’ll find sweetness and joy. Give it to get it!

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Xo,

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Sue G. Collins, Editor

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ON THE COVER This gorgeous Ashford

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charm by interior designer and stager Tasha Moody and her team at Iris and Oak.

Iris-Oak.com Built by Blake Shaw Homes. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYDIA MAYFIELD LYDIAMAYFIELD.COM 4

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

Proverbs 3:5-6 BuckHaven Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Buckhead and Brookhaven area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in BuckHaven Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

A C C E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S | A D U LT S & C H I L D R E N

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INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 16 Just Keep Moving Eat turkey, then do these three exercises, anywhere, anytime.

20 When Care Comes from the Heart Local Buckhead friends make care their business at Live Oak Caregivers.

24 32

24 Thanks For Giving These generous women are beautiful inside and out.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Healthy Lifestyle

20 Renovate & Refine 24 Giving Back 29 Faith Reflections 32 Page Turners

GOOD TIMES

Sweep the Hooch More than 1,000 volunteers from throughout the Chattahoochee watershed gathered at 43 parks, trails, and creeks to fight litter pollution. As a result, approximately 73,646 pounds (36.8 tons) of garbage were removed from the waterways we all share. Of that 73,646 pounds, more than 19,288 pounds (9.6 tons) were able to be recycled. PHOTOS ERIK VOSS

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

Georgia Properties

Do you have questions about real estate? Would you like to see your home featured here? Call me! I’d love the opportunity to interview with you to list your home.

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AROUND TOWN

NEW FRAME IN TOWN Custom

framing

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expands

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the

Southeast with a two store Atlanta debut in Buckhead and West Midtown. The retail stores offer Atlantans the opportunity to experience easy, fast, affordable

and

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framing in bright, welcoming and inspirational store spaces. Customers are encouraged to visit a Framebridge retail store today to peruse the iconic Framebridge gallery walls for inspiration and ideas for unexpected items to frame. 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE Framebridge.com

PRIVATE VIEWINGS AT BLUE HERON Alison Hamil, Blue Heron Artist-inResidence, is preparing for her latest solo exhibit, Between, at the Blue Heron Nature Preserve in Buckhead through December 7. Hamil is bringing art to the public even during the COVID-19 pandemic via single-household viewings made by appointment at BHNP.org/indoor-gallery In the exhibition ‘Between’ Alison Hamil challenges traditional methods of watercolor painting with her use of digital media and a large format inkjet printer. She creates large symmetrical pieces with brightly colored mandala-like designs combined with the organic flowing shapes of watercolor. The paintings are an exploration of the 7 chakras, a spiritual concept that has its roots in ancient Eastern spiritual philosophies. 10

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

GET OUT AND RUN There’s plenty of outdoor community at Big Peach Running Co in Town Brookhaven. Join an ongoing running group. It’s free! Tuesdays and Thursdays, the group (all levels and paces) runs from 3-5 miles, at 6:30 p.m. Everyone makes it back

Creating a Culture of Exceptional Care

to the store together. Year around runs, rain or shine. Contact the store at 404.816.8488 for more information. Also, a Monday evening walking group leaves at 6:30 p.m. Join the 2-mile scenic walk through Brookhaven. All levels welcome. Get out and play!

• Caregiving by Certified Nursing Assistants

experienced with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Depression and Mobility Issues

• Assistance with activities of daily living,

including bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and personal errands

Home Health and Caregiving Services Supporting the Vital Activities Of Daily Living

'96 OLYMPICS MEMORIES AT HISTORY CENTER Atlanta ’96: Shaping an Olympic and Paralympic City is on show at the Atlanta History Center. The Games mean something different to everyone, including individuals involved in preparations, people living near venues, competitors, and fans. Atlanta ’96 features 150 objects, 200+ photographs and archival

reproductions,

Bill Falconer • David Ingram • Bill Izlar 3076 Maple Drive • Atlanta, GA 30305 404-205-5655 • www.LiveOakCaregivers.com

historic

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

AROUND TOWN footage from the Olympic bid, and Olympic and Paralympic Games, specially

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BUY ART, SUPPORT KIDS An Atlanta-based charity, Art For Art, has teamed with an international charity to bring Atlantans a unique opportunity this fall: purchase your favorite works of art produced by talented student artists from underserved communities in Africa and 100% of the proceeds will directly support the students’ visual arts classes. The Art Exhibition continues online through November 25. On display is artwork from Africa, as well as pieces created by children in the U.S. Meet the student artists who created them, through short bios that are included with each piece. ArtForArt.world/current-exhibit.

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BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

Pereyra is the lead clinical physithe use of regenerative medicine and anti-aging. Stem cell therapy

can provide a promising alternative to surgery. Springs Rejuvenation also promotes safe and natural healing for joint pain, muscle tears, skin issues, aging, well being and premium aesthetics and procedures. SpringsRejuvination.com

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C O M P L I M E N TA RY D E S I G N C O N S U LTAT I O N Virtual Consultations Available

SCAVENGER HUNT, ATLANTA STYLE Secret Atlanta: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure" has been called a "scavenger hunt” of

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unexpected finds and weird Georgia history. Jonah McDonald's book is the subject of Buckhead Heritage's Nov. 18 Book Club meeting at 7 CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

AROUND TOWN

Let the CaraVita Family Care for Your Family

p.m. via Zoom. Free but register

BuckheadHeritage.com.

Jonah McDonald writes about the hidden

history

around

Atlanta.

Buckhead highlights include a very early time capsule, a historic site on Pharr Road, a famous painting on West Paces Ferry, and a park with some of Atlanta’s oldest history.

SYMPHONY ON STAGE The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and Music Director Robert Spano

welcome

Associate

Conductor and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) Jerry Hou, Second Violin Dae Hee Ahn, Second Violin Robert Anemone, First Violin Kevin Chen, Trumpet Anthony Limoncelli, Second Violin Rachel Ostler; and former Third Horn Jaclyn Rainey returns

Since 1998, our award-winning healthcare team has helped guide Metro Atlanta in the caregiving journey with their parents and families.

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24/7 Response Line: 770-643-1712 www.caravita.com 14

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

to the ASO as Principal Horn. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has returned to the stage of Symphony Hall for its 2020/21 season. All fall concerts will be performed without a live audience and will be available to view and enjoy on the ASO’s Virtual Stage as subscriber content. The programs will be comprised of smaller orchestral ensembles and will feature Music Director Robert Spano, Principal Guest Conductor Donald Runnicles, selected guest conductors and artists, and ASO members as soloists. Check out the drive-in shows featuring the music of David Bowie and Led Zeppelin. AtlantaSymphony.org

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ BuckHaven using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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Your child will thrive at Trinity High-quality, multi-sensory differentiated learning in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios. Early childhood and elementary education experts. Flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces on a beautiful 43-acre campus. Dedicated electronic devices for each student. Learn more about why your child will thrive at Trinity, Atlantaâ€™s only private elementary-only school that serves children age three through Sixth Grade.

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CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

JUST KEEP MOVING 3 TO DO ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

ARTICLE BUCKHAVEN LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE EARWOOD

JEFF TONEY HAS BEEN A PROFESSIONAL FACE OF THE FITNESS INDUSTRY FOR 15-PLUS YEARS AND REGULARLY COACHES TOP ATHLETES, MODELS AND OTHER HIGH-PROFILE CLIENTS. He believes that we become limitless as soon as we conquer fear, which is why he created the FIT9 workout – to give clients the tools they need to safely overcome those obstacles. Aside from his work at FIT9, Jeff is the co-owner of Stellar Bodies and Eclipse 1on1. “Your body is a machine, so don’t think you need a machine to get the job done. Plenty of workouts can be done anytime and anywhere, in very little time and they can be highly effective. My favorite piece of equipment is a pair of sliders. If you don’t have sliders, you can use towels or paper plates,” he says. Here are three exercises that can be done at home: *As a challenge, use a timer and set it for four minutes. Do each of these exercises (in this order) every 20 seconds.

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

Jeff Toney, co-founder of Fit9 (a luxe fitness studio in Buckhead & sister concept to Stellar Bodies)

01.

ARM CLIMBERS: I chose arm climbers because it’s

02.

03.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS: Performing

mountain

BURPEE PUSHUPS TO SPLIT climbers

LUNGE JUMPS:

a great shoulder and tricep exercise,

after arm climbers keeps the focus

These are great to follow the first

as well as a core exercise. Find a

on the shoulders and core while

two exercises because it engages all

soft surface for your knees, get into

using the legs to get the heart rate

the same muscles, but is the most

a kneeling plank position and alter-

up. Hold a plank position and run

intense of the three. This is because it

nate reaching one arm out while

your legs in and out.

gets the legs involved while still keep-

bringing the other arm in.

ing the core, shoulder, chest and triceps active. Start in a plank position, do a pushup and jump in with both feet, stand and jump into a split lunge. CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

Galloway students learn more than just core academic subjects; they learn about themselves, who they are, and what role they want to play in making our world a better place.

AGE 3 â€“ GRADE 12 GALLOWAYSCHOOL.ORG

Individual tours on Tues/Th or select Saturdays! Register at gallowayschool.org/visit. 18

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

Cunningham Associates Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Keeping Your Home & Family Comfortable

770-455-6722 cunninghamhvac.com CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

RENOVATE & REFINE

LOCAL BUCKHEAD FRIENDS MAKE CARE THEIR BUSINESS

FEW SERVICES ARE MORE ESSENTIAL THAN HELPING

“In 2014, my mother-in-law and father-in-law had reached

OLDER ADULTS AGE IN PLACE, IN THE COMFORT OF

an age where they needed help with activities of daily

THEIR OWN HOMES. We recently caught up with the lead-

living. When I saw the issues they were facing with

ership of Buckhead-based Live Oak Caregivers, which pro-

under-performing home health agencies, I knew it could

vides home health and caregiving services. The company has

be done better. Our business began with my in-laws as

been in operation since 2014, and its owners - Bill Falconer,

our first client. Since then, we have served nearly 350 cli-

David Ingram and Bill Izlar – have built a reputation of provid-

ents throughout metro Atlanta, and delivered over half a

ing exceptional personal care.

million hours of in-home care.”

The trio has a local, family-oriented focus. Bill Falconer

Falconer’s 25 years in business consulting enabled him to

describes how the company was founded partly out of necessity.

build Live Oak Caregivers from the ground up, with the help

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

ARTICLE BUCKHAVEN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

W h e n C a re C o m e s f ro m t h e H ea r t

and expertise of two longtime friends. David Ingram brought 25 years of technology development and operations experience to the company. He is tasked with managing day-to-day operations and making sure each assignment is a success, for caregivers as well as clients. Bill Izlar, a 25-year veteran of the real estate finance industry, oversees Live Oak’s financial, accounting and risk management operations. All three work together on business development, recruitment and performance management. “Home care is a people business,” says David Ingram. “From the start, we wanted to

David Ingram, Bill Falconer and Bill Izlar, all of Buckhead, operate Live Oak Caregivers with the approach that caring for the caregiver results in exceptional care for clients.

create a culture of exceptional care - for both clients and caregivers. For our clients, the objectives are to deliver compassionate care and make the experience stress free. We assess the needs of the client and put a lot of thought into choosing the right caregiver for the assignment. It’s important to make the match work well for both parties.” When Falconer discusses reasons the company has grown so rapidly, “caring for the caregiver” is at the top of the list. “It’s our secret sauce. It’s what makes us different” he says. “When our caregivers are happy because of how they are treated, they aren’t focused on their next job. They’re focused on providing great care for the client. Each month we recognize and reward caregivers who go the extra mile for our clients. With this strategy, we have created a loyal workforce and a sense of responsibility for the community we serve.” Bill Izlar agrees that caregivers are the face of the company. “We are very selective and only hire about 30% of the caregivers we interview,” he says. “The ones we do hire are state certified nursing assistants and personal care assistants who are thoroughly screened and background checked, and who we feel will represent our company well when they work in your home.” Live Oak Caregivers supports healthcare related non-profit organizations, including CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Daughters Against Alzheimer’s. The company is a sponsor of the Battle

Live Oak’s three partn ers say they love what they do, and

For The Brain fundraising event benefiting Alzheimer’s and dementia

appreciate being in the business of care. “Providing care to aging

research, and is committed to helping drive awareness and fundraising

adults, disabled persons or those in recovery is a rewarding pro-

to accelerate discovery for Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention.

fession,” says Falconer. “We have a great team of compassionate

Ingram describes the company’s primary responsibility. “Because we’re coming into your home, it’s our duty to deliver a high-quality

caregivers, and it’s a privilege to serve families and individuals who need some assistance.”

experience. We are there to make life easier for our clients, and help them realize the best possible outcomes in their homes, whether they are recovering from an acute illness, managing a chronic health

LiveOakCareGivers.com

condition or just need a little support.”

404.205.5655

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

Seasonal cocktails, handmade pasta, perfectly cooked steaks and fresh salads expertly prepared using the nest ingredients. For reservations call 404.844.4810 3500 PEACHTREE ROAD NE ATLANTA, GA 30326 (PHIPPS PLAZA)

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CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

GIVING BACK ARTICLE BUCKHAVEN LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY SUNNY BAILEY AT HISTORIC NAYLOR HALL

THANKS FOR GIVING

BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT

Sara Bernhardt Giving back: Over the past few years, I have focused my volunteer efforts on childhood literacy and the arts. I work for Delta and volunteer with the Delta Air Lines Reading Buddies program in partnership with Atlanta Public Schools, and with the Woodruff Arts Center. Through Reading Buddies, I am paired with an elementary student to read together. I have also assisted with fundraising and special events for the students, teachers and aids. My favorite events included a Halloween parade and a winter coat drive. In working with the Woodruff Arts Center, I have helped fundraise and assisted with women’s networking events. The arts are crucial to early childhood development and The Woodruff Arts Center provides an incredible home to learn and appreciate art. Pivots: This fall my school plans to go virtual with the program so we can stay connected with our students. In the meantime, I have also joined Vello to do virtual tutoring and reading. While the Woodruff Arts Center was closed due to the pandemic they have now reopened! I am hoping to volunteer as a greeter later this year. Giving thanks: I am thankful for fall weather! With a new baby and a very energetic puppy at home, we cherish any chance to be outside. The cooler fall temperatures make spending time with friends and family even more enjoyable! Around my table: Lots of family! Every year we take time to retreat to the Smoky Mountains. We are overjoyed to celebrate our son’s first Thanksgiving in the mountains and go splashing in the creek with our puppy, Peach! Linda lives in the Springlake neighborhood. 24

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

Shirley E. “Bella” BorghI Giving back: I serve as the Executive Director and Co-Vice Chairman the Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia. The HHCGA is a 30+ year old 501(c)(3), which has humbly served the underserved and under serviced minority populations within the Hispanic, Latino, and Hispanic/Latino Black populations in the mission of better overall outcomes as relates to all chronic diseases, behavioral sciences, access to a healthy life and access to healthcare, (cultural and linguistic expertise), non-partisan health policy and advocacy organization focused on our constituents regionally, nationally, and beyond. Pivots: COVID-19 has been a driving force in addressing complex issues such as transportation, food deserts, access to testing, accessing to vetted information, language and culturally competency, education, and overall uplift of our population through difficult and ever changing times. The pandemic as asked each of us to look in the mirror and evaluate what is truly important in life and valuable priorities to support the Community, especially two of our greatest assets- children and elders. Giving thanks: Family and loved ones are the foundation which allows one to find gratitude, compassion, and the uplifting of others in our community. The foundation serves as a solid anchor to build upon in all other areas of your life. For that I am hugely thankful. Around my table: I have been very blessed in life to have amazing parents who instilled those characteristics in me before passing to Heaven. It is with this I will share my Thanksgiving table with the warmth of their legacy and my most amazing husband David who resonates all those unbelievable characteristics and continually serves as a great aspiration, role model, and partner on my journey. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

Linda Paulk Buchanan, Ph.D, CEDS-S

EVIS BABO D.M.D

Giving Back: I am on the board for EDIN, a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving EDucation and INsight about eating disorders. Most people don’t know that a person dies every 62 minutes in the US due to eating disorder related causes. This number is also low in that, due to misconceptions, many

Keeping Smiles Healthy THROUGH CARE & PREVENTION

people with eating disorders go undiagnosed. This makes having an eating disorder as life-threatening as breast cancer while receiving only 1/25th of the funding by the NIH. As a breast cancer survivor I am grateful for all the money and research that has been dedicated to this illness but as a psychologist who treats people with eating disorders I am dismayed by the lack of such in the eating disorder field. Pivots: One way that I raise money for EDIN is by dancing in the EDIN Celebrity Dance Challenge. This year, it was virtual! I have danced in the previous two and have won both times making me the only person to date to be able to claim that honor! It is a privilege to be able to raise money in such an incredibly fun way. Additionally, I give talks to schools and other organizations and I field many calls primarily from worried parents to help them find resources. Giving thanks: Knowing a God who loves me, my husband of 36 years and two college aged adopted sons, extended family who live near by and of course, during these times, my heath. Around my table: That’s a huge dilemma as I have a son with a lung condition and a husband with asthma, thus, we haven’t been having family gatherings. My father just turned 85 and we had to do a drive-by parade to celebrate. It was both fun and sad at the same time.

2045 PEACHTREE RD, SUITE 100 ATLANTA, GA 30309

(404) 605-0359 WWW.SMILE-CENTER.NET

Linda recently moved from Alpharetta to Milton, works at Walden Behavorial Care in Alpharetta and her work with EDIN reaches inside and outside the perimeter. CityLifestyle.com/BuckHaven

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FAITH REFLECTIONS

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. CONTINUED >

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FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the

It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the

godliest people, the most committed...people that I

States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.

admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my

This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis

own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-

and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.

rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”

What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through

“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd that have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 30

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

values and practices like devotion to scripture,

committing

churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.

“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re alize i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er ; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou ld brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast

In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a

between the American church and the spirituality and Godly

growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of

lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-

life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a

ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing

non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up

issues of individualism and pride.

through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.

“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called

perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you

Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze

would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-

you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic

ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?

things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was

The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels

just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”

like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,

it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All

fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to

I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that

certain things and God has something so much better for us. I

have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”

believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that

Much like separation from his megachurch setting,

is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you

preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth

realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would

of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the

bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”

belief that people are the church.

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham

“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass

Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most

of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of

of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,

Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord

two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he

wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink

later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,

‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have

and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out

been scattered since the beginning of the church. People

his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor

were alone, people were in little groups and found each other

to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,

and enjoyed Christ together.”

planting churches.

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PAGE TURNERS

I Define Me LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM A YOUNG AUTHOR

ARTICLE SUE G. COLLINS PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER FENNELLY

SWIPING THROUGH OLD VIDEOS ON HER PHONE, ERICKA SMITH LANDED ON ONE THAT CAUSED HER TO PAUSE. It featured her son, Kyler speaking directly into the camera, eyes wide open addressing the world. “It was basically a PSA. He was saying how you can do anything you set your mind to and naming Dyslexics including Winnie the Pooh,” says the Smyrna mom. “He shared a story about a Dyslexic author who visited his school talking about reading. His confidence and joy were amazing.” Ericka asked Kyler if he wanted to turn his thoughts into a book and share it with the world. He was elated and his book journey began. Last year, during National Dyslexia Awareness month, Kyler Eric Smith, age nine, released his book, “I Define Me,” an autobiographical children’s book to empower students with learning differences and their parents by providing a candid peek into his life. The book (available on Amazon and wherever you buy your books locallly) offers a unique opportunity to walk in the shoes of a bright, articulate and multi-talented child who has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia. Rather than seeing these learning differences as obstacles. Kyler sees them as challenges that through hard work, tenacity and the right support system, can be overcome.

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

“ O n c e I s ta r t e d ta l k i n g w i t h p e o p l e o p e n ly, s e v e r a l mentioned their struggles or their children struggles, I wa n t I D e f i n e M e T r a n s c e n d i n g Learning Differences to help d e - s t i g m at i z e L D ’ s .”

CONTINUED >

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PAGE TURNERS (CONTINUED)

Following the release of his book, Kyler began sharing his story at schools and community events, and book signings. Along the way, they met other adults and parents who had either struggled themselves or had children who were struggling with learning differences. “We were able to advocate with his school and Decoding Dyslexia in support of Senate Bill 48, the Dyslexia early screening bill. Like everything his advocacy and book signing were cut short with due COVID,” says Ericka. Kyler’s enthusiasm and gumption is evident in the book and in all he does. And, the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. Ericka and Kegdrick are both from California met at Clark Atlanta University. After they married, they settled on a home in Smyrna/Vinings. Now they have two sons. Kyler is 10 and Kegdrick Jr. is 14. Kegdrick is owner of owner/CEO of K3 Hauling & Grading a company that specializes in hauling, grading, masonry, landscaping, and in other areas of construction. Ericka is as an early education advocate and is involved in advocating for human and sex trafficking and is a member of The Junior League of Atlanta where she serves as liaison for PAACT (Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive), a GEEARS (Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students) initiative. Ericka recently founded a non-profit, I Define Me Transcending Learning Differences. “What I have learned over the past four years is that people rarely discuss learning differences or disabilities. Once I started talking with people openly, several mentioned their struggles or their children struggles, I want I Define Me Transcending Learning Differences to help de-stigmatize LD’s. Let’s talk about, let share resources, accommodations, strategies,” says Ericka. “There are so many great people with Learning Differences: Bill Gates, Whoopi Goldberg, Damon John, Kevin O’Leary, Walt Disney, Steven Jobs and Danny Glover. They persevered and have done better than most of their peers despite the challenges.” Kyler also has some sage advice for educators who have a dyslexic student in the classroom. “Teachers should know that they can’t be upset if the student doesn’t get something, because the student is trying their best.” He hopes all students will read his book. “They need to know that nothing can stop them.” We’re with you, Kyler! 34

BuckHaven Lifestyle | November 2020

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