South Fulton, GA December 2019

SouthFultonLifestyle.com

DECEMBER 2019

LET'S GET

Holiday

FESTIVE!

MAYOR'S MASKED BALL

MARTINA EDWARDS THRIVES! SUPERB SUBSCRIPTION BOXES FOR YOUR LOVED ONES SECURING DEGREES DEBT FREE

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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport & Fulton County - Charlie Brown Airport

South Fulton Development Authority • Transportation with easy access to I-20, I-75, I-85 & I-285 • Access to CSX Intermodal Terminal • 100% Freeport Tax Exemption on all four inventory classes • Streamlined One-Stop Permitting & Licensing Process • Georgia Job Tax Credit Program • Less Developed Census Tract Incentives • Small Business Resource Center • Small Business Sustainability Grants • Workforce Development Collaborations The City of South Fulton 470-809-7211 | DSF@CityofSouthFultonga.gov 5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd, SW | Atlanta, GA 30336 CityofSouthFultonGa.gov

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis | michelle.willis@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Erikka Mitchell | emitchell@lifestylepubs.com INTERN

Jalen Forrest | jalen@mtwofficial.com

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

SO, YOU KNOW THIS IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR. Not JUST because of the gifts (mainly because of the gifts), but because people are generally nicer, more giving, even a pleasure to be around. The holidays scream, “Let’s be nice to each other for at least a month!” I don’t know about you, but I’ll gladly oblige.

AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlyn Pounders, Jalen Forrest, Rhonda Hudson, Kendra WIlliams Pierson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Trae Quaintance, Art by Benetez, Angela Gonzalez, Markus Spiske, Bryant Andrews, Jr

Speaking of nice, we’ve got some great happenings in SFL this month. Of course, the Mayor’s Ball is the big hit of every holiday season and it’s really nice. We love highlighting this event, as it’s like a culmination of all the great things and people that happen throughout the year. And you’ll be inspired by a couple of ladies that have changed the game! And how about some cool gift ideas for people who are on your “Nice” list? I opted against a list of gifts for those on your “Naughty” list. I figured you could come up with that on your own!

Be sure to follow South Fulton Lifestyle on all socials, and me @michelletaylorwillis.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Michelle Willis, Publisher Michelle.Willis@LifestylePubs.com

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

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ON THE COVER Mrs. Billye Suber Aaron raises funds for UNCF in her festive mask at the Mayor’s Masked Ball.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASELOVE 4

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

Proverbs 3:5-6

SouthFultonLifestyle.com

South Fulton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton areas’ 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 South Fulton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 14 Martina Edwards Funneling Financial Success and Security

18 UNCF Atlanta 36th Annual Mayor’s Masked Ball Closing Out 75th Anniversary Year

26 Second Annual Moms All In® Conference Presented by Michelle Taylor Willis

18 28

28 No Place I'd Rather Be Why #SoFu is Exactly Where I Want to Raise A Family

14

DEPARTMENTS

26

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Financial Buzz

14

Local Limelight

16

Hometown Hero

26 City Scene 28 Open House 30 Renovate & Refine 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Times Past

Dear GreyStone Power member, Thank you for making us #1 in customer satisfaction among cooperatives in J.D. Power’s recent survey.

Your cooperative is continuously striving to improve service to you, while delivering reliable, safe, low-priced power every day. It’s another way we can make your life better.

Making Life Better

P.S. Did we mention that our rates are 20% lower than Georgia Power’s in the summer and nearly 12% lower in the winter!*

Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Cooperatives For J.D. Power 2019 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards GreyStone Power is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Not available in the EU. * According to the 2019 rate surveys by the Georgia Public Service Commission. Based on the residential use of 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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GOOD TIMES

Barre Luxe Ribbon Cutting Shana Roussell and Thanayi Smith celebrated the opening of their new venture, Barre Luxe, with a ribbon-cutting in partnership with the South Fulton Chamber. Barre Luxe offers barre and yoga classes daily, and guided meditation, along with monthly workshops on a variety of topics, including finances and diet, and annual spa retreats. Barre Luxe is located at 5819 Campbellton Road, Suite 105 in the Sandtown Crossing shopping center. Info at MyBarreLuxe.com. PHOTOS ART BY BENETEZ

The Pink Frog Foundation Celebrates Survivorship and Honors Pioneering Surgeon Nearly 1,500 supporters came out to support the 8th Annual Evening of Poetry, Music and Dance. Proceeds will provide maid service, nutrition support and transportation assistance to individuals while they are undergoing breast cancer treatment in metro Atlanta. The Pink Frog Foundation was founded in 2012 by breast cancer survivor Tammy L. Bolton and her husband Robert H. Bolton. ThePinkFrogFoundation.org

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South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

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AROUND TOWN Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia.

Positive Transition Services assisted with mobilizing resources to moms in need.

Founded in 2012, 3D Girls’ mission is to “educate and empower young women to be advocates for themselves and their families.” The T.E.A.M. Project is one third of the programming offered by the organization, created by Raioni Madison-Jones. Her vision is “to empower mothers before, during and after their transition into motherhood.”

For more information about 3D Girls, Inc. and how you can support their initiatives, visit 3DGirlsInc.org or email info@3dgirlsinc.org.

ROBERT FRANKLIN AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

SERENBE FELLOWS PRESENT A TIMELY CONVERSATION WITH AMY TRAUGER Amy Trauger, Geography professor at the

Dr. Robert Franklin spoke in November at First

University of Georgia, focuses on issues related to

Congregational Church. Dr. Robert M. Franklin was

political and cultural economies of food, agriculture

the inaugural James T. and Berta R. Laney Chair

and sustainability, paying particular attention to

in Moral Leadership at the Candler School of

race, class and gender.

Theology, where he challenges students to explore

Amy Trauger recently published We Want Land

the concept of moral leadership in the 21st century

to Live: Making Political Space for Food Sovereignty

in different cultures and contexts in the United

with UGA Press, presenting her research on food

States and around the world. Now in his second

sovereignty. Trauger is currently pursuing a project

term at Emory, Franklin is a former Presidential

on agricultural chemicals and human health in

Distinguished Professor of Social Ethics and a

North Central Minnesota and is developing a new

senior fellow at the Center for the Study of Law

project on ecological transitions in the Caribbean.

and Religion, both at Emory, he is also the found-

Trauger will present an overview of her work

ing director of Candler’s Black Church Studies

ranging from outreach with women farmers to

program from 1989 to 1995 and a senior advisor

work on food sovereignty to her more recent proj-

to the Emory University president, as well as for

ects and connect them through the theme of power

Community and Diversity at Emory.

and autonomy in the food system. The event takes

Franklin served as director of the Religion

place on December 14, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at The

Department at Chautauqua Institution from 2014

Hawthorne Room at The Inn at Serenbe. This free

to 2017, president of Morehouse College from 2007

event is open to the public but tickets are required.

to 2012, and president of the Interdenominational

Serenbe Fellows is a program of The Serenbe

Theological Center in Atlanta from 1997 to 2002.

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER

Institute that brings together cultural and environmental thought leaders and eminent scholars for short-term residencies at Serenbe.

3D Girls, Inc. hosted its 9th Community Baby Shower through their T.E.A.M. (Teens Engaging As Mothers) Project. The shower, held in Southwest Atlanta, provided moms-to-be with baby care necessities, such as diapers, wipes, clothing and toiletries. Additionally, each mother went home with a brand new convertible car seat, booster

10

seat and certified Safe Kids training on car seat

We

safety at no cost to them. The event was hosted

announcements

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accepting you’d

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by Mo Quick of Streetz945 and community part-

in are

Child, Adolescent & Family Center, and Healthy

SouthFultonLifestyle.com.

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Maintaining a Healthy Weight During the Holiday Season

By Pickens A. Patterson III MD

As we approach winter and the holidays we must make a conscious effort to stay healthy and to avoid packing on those dreaded pounds we have worked so hard to shed throughout the year. It is easy to gain weight over the holidays as we go from one festivity to another and enjoy delicious food and drinks. During the winter many of us tend to exercise less due to the cold weather and choose to curl up by the fireplace and watch a movie or read a book. Additionally, warm winter clothes allow us to hide our body. Rather than allowing weight gain and unhealthy habits to flourish during the holiday season, we should view this as a time to get in shape and to emerge a healthier you ready for spring and summer! Fortunately, there are a few simple tips we can all follow to maintain a healthy weight during the holidays.

First, as always, eating in moderation is very important. Do not go to a party or dinner where you know your favorite unhealthy meals or deserts are going to be served with an empty stomach. Consider eating a healthy snack prior to going to the event such as a handful of nuts, fruit or a salad. Also make certain that you are well hydrated as thirst sometimes stimulates overeating. While at the event, remind yourself of your goals of maintaining a healthy body weight. It is ok to sample your favorite food items but resist the temptation of telling yourself it is ok to overindulge because it is a special occasion. Everyday is a special day when you really think about it!

Another way that many people pack on additional pounds is by overconsuming alcohol. Alcohol is not good for our body in many ways, but an often overlooked side effect from alcohol consumption is hidden calories. 1.5 oz of alcohol contains up to 200 calories, and a 12 oz bottle of beer contains 150 calories or more. As you can see, the calories add up quickly. Alcohol consumption also leads to dehydration which can stimulate hunger signals and lead to overeating.

In short, be aware of your alcohol consumption and keep it to a minimum. When you do indulge, a good way to manage your consumption and maintain hydration is to drink a glass of water between any alcoholic beverage you consume.

COSF Residents Must Acquire License for Short-Term Rentals South Fulton Residents interested in making extra money by renting their property on short-term rental websites like AirBnb, will now have to apply for a license through the City.

District 2 Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs sponsored the legislation that led to the new rule requiring residents to apply for the license.

Residents who rent their property are now required to pay a $200 application fee for a license and obtain an occupation tax certificate.

If you are interested in hosting a short-term rental, please learn more by visiting the City’s website at www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov

Finally, don’t let the weather and the hectic schedule of the holidays stop your fitness routine. There are many excellent fitness and home exercise programs that can be found for free on YouTube or purchased online. Many of us have access to a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Fortunately, in Georgia our winters often consist of several days of weather warm enough to comfortably participate in outdoor activities such as hiking or walking. Take advantage of those days as well! With a little thought and planning you can emerge from the winter holidays as the beautiful butterfly you were meant to be rather than sulking about the extra pounds you have to lose from over indulging! Happy Holidays!

City of South Fulton 5440 Fulton Industrial Blvd.

Atlanta, GA 30336 Direct Line: (470) 809.7700 www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov Instagram:@cosfga Twitter:@COSFGA Facebook: @COSFGA17

Pickens A. Patterson, III, M.D. 3885 Princeton Lakes Way #400, Atlanta

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December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle COSF - Acquire License.indd

11

9/5/19 3:15 PM

FINANCIAL BUZZ

HERE A FEW TIPS THAT ARE VERY BENEFICIAL TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS:

1

Watch out for scams! Avoid applying to scholarships that have no past winners and if a scholarship agency does not have a working

email or phone number, know the scholarship might be a scam.

Secure a Degree While Staying Debt Free TIPS TO HELP YOU & YOUR CHILD ARTICLE VICTORIA LAMAR PHOTOGRAPHY BRYANT ANDREWS, JR.

12

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

2

be very specific. For example, search

3

imum, the following information to

When searching for scholarships, “Scholarships for African American women studying business.”

4

Give your parents or guardians access to this spreadsheet, so they can track your progress with you.

Create a spreadsheet with, at mintrack your applications: name, open date, due date, scholarship amount,

number of recommendations, number of essays, and submitted (yes/ no).

5

Any amount is helpful. Consider applying for smaller scholarships ($250, $500, $1,000), in addition to larger scholarships.

6

Create a list of community service, extracurricular activities, and past job experiences. You will reference these.Â

8

Research background information

Victoria Lamar is a 2018 graduate of

on scholarship organizations. If you

Westlake High School and a current

advance to an interview, you will be

sophomore at the University of San

asked about the purpose and why you

Francisco. After receiving $3 million in

should receive the scholarship.

scholarship offers, she launched her own business, Securing Degrees Debt Free, LLC, a scholarship service that teaches parents and students how to be successful during the scholarship and college application process. CEO Victoria and her sister and manager Frederica can be reached at Securing Degrees Debt Free, LLC. SecuringDegrees.org

7

404.374.4234. Â

Reflect on past challenges and how you have overcome them. You will likely be asked about this as an essay question.

9

Last, but certainly not least, NEVER stop applying for scholarships!

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT ARTICLE CARLYN POUNDERS | PHOTOGRAPHY TRAE QUAINTANCE

Martina Edwards FUNNELS FINANCIAL SUCCESS AND SECURITYÂ

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South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

The proud Tuskegee University alumna was a finance major and left her southern roots to start working on the New York Stock Exchange. She made history, becoming the first African American female broker to trade for Merrill Lynch. It was 13 years before another black female trader took the floor.

For the 40-year-old, community is the place synonymous with home in the heart. Not where she is physically, but carrying with her a love and pride for her family roots in Montgomery, Alabama, the Tuskegee community, or even New York. She also sees it as the place where one can make a difference.

“Wherever you are, try to be a part of solutions for issues that are impacting your family or community at that point in time. Being able to use the power of your own agency to impart change,” she says.

In addition to her intermediate family, Edwards counts friends and great leaders as people she’s grateful for. Her family, who has laid the foundation for her values of how to treat others. Her circle, who has pushed her and prayed for her. And then the people she’s reported to over the years who have recognized the talent she’s overlooked within herself. She is truly living her calling.

“I appreciate having folks who are understanding enough to say it’s time for you to stretch beyond what we can offer you here,” she says, adding that ACE’s CEO always encourages her that she is enough. And finally, the kindness of a stranger named Darlene Riviera who came to her aid when she was 22 years old in New York during 9/11. During an uncertain and scary time for the whole country, she offered shelter and prayer.

MARTINA EDWARDS IS AN ACCOMPLISHED BUSI-

Edwards notices a tremendous amount of activity in

NESS PROFESSIONAL, WHO HAS TURNED HER PRI-

Atlanta. She appreciates being part of the fabric of what’s

VATE EQUITY CAREER INTO PUBLIC CAPITAL GAINS.

moving the city forward. Whether it’s through her role

Currently, as the Chief of Strategic Partnerships for Access

at ACE, working with their clients across 68 counties,

to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), she’s tasked with fund-

or whether by giving back, serving as a member of the

raising for the nonprofit organization that lends to small

Leadership Council for Junior Achievement of Georgia, the

businesses in Georgia.

Advisory Board for Atlanta Neighborhood Development

Edwards says her professional path has been a jour-

Partnership and the board for Atlanta Beltline 67.

ney. Her broad experiences across financial services and

“I have a passion around access and opportunity,” she

nonprofit leadership have stretched her capabilities and

says. “How can I figure out how to help other people be

challenged her in varying ways.

their better selves or their best selves, and help to change

“I’ve appreciated being able to shift and think differently and being comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she says.

the trajectory of their careers and lives by utilizing the talents and gifts that God has given me?”

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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HOMETOWN HERO

Damācia Howard LOCAL TEEN FROM THE CITY OF SOUTH FULTON WILL BE THE FIRST TEEN TO REPRESENT THE CITY IN THE MISS GEORGIA TEEN USA PAGEANT. The city’s title holder is 16-yearold Damācia Howard. After the review of Howard’s application and an interview, she was selected to compete as Miss South Fulton Teen USA. Approximately 50 young ladies from the state of Georgia will compete for the title of Miss Georgia Teen USA 2020. This is the preliminary for the Miss Teen USA pageant owned and produced by the Miss Universe organization.

Howard has won several titles, and is also the recipient of numerous state and national awards for her academics and community service.

She is the first teen to receive a proclamation from the city of South Fulton. Howard is known for serving her local community, for serving internationally with Books for Africa Atlanta and for founding the summer reading initiative, “Read Across South Fulton.”

Damācia’s parents wanted a great school option that would be challenging. The online option works well for Howard. The online charter high school is challenging and allows flexibility for her to be able to serve in her community, travel, go to acting auditions, spend extra time with her family and compete in pageants. Howard is focused and maintains an A average as a dual-enrollment honor student at Georgia Cyber Academy.

Howard is an avid fan of all things Marvel and desires to be an Academy Award-winning actress. Until that time, she enjoys going to the movies, shopping and traveling with her family and friends.

Howard is supported by the following sponsors: James and Regina Howard (her parents), Nouritress Perfect Hair Products, Southern Smiles Family Dentistry, Giovanni Collections, A Sound Voice Media Group, The Experience, LLC, and Cassandra Dallman Photography.

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South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

Congratulations!

Second year as

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THANK YOU to our readers, writers, photographers and all contributors for your help in us receive this prestigious award.

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Mistress of Ceremonies Rashan Ali

UNCF ATLANTA 36TH ANNUAL MAYOR’S MASKED BALL CLOSING OUT 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR PHOTOGRAPHY CASELOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE ATLANTA MARRIOTT MARQUIS ATRIUM BALLROOM WILL BE THE PLACE TO BE ON DECEMBER 21 AT 6 P.M. as the 36th Annual UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball takes center stage. R&B recording artist Charlie Wilson, known to rock the house, will be the entertainment as luminaries look to raise more than $1 million for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This elegant gala hosted by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax was founded in 1983 by Mrs. Billye Aaron and Ambassador Andrew Young and is the premier holiday season social soiree in Atlanta. Co-chairs for the 2019 Ball are Helen Smith Price, President, The Coca-Cola Foundation and Vice President, Global Community Affairs and Eduardo Martinez, President, The UPS Foundation and UPS Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer.

Music mogul, record producer and songwriter Jermaine Dupri, who was raised in Atlanta and who has written and produced songs for Mariah Carey, Monica, Da Brat, Jay-Z, Nas, Ludacris, and others, will receive the M.A.S.K.E.D Award (Mankind Assisting Students Kindle Educational Dreams) at the gala. Dupri donated $50K at last year’s ball where a record-breaking $1.3 million was raised for HBCU students. “This year’s annual gala is the culminating event celebrating UNCF’s 75th Anniversary. As we celebrate hosting the Ball for 36 years in Atlanta, we know we could not make it successful without the major contributions of our diverse Atlanta community and its outstanding corporations,” said Justine Boyd, regional development director, UNCF. 18

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

“With our Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as host, and the commitment of corporate sponsors and volunteers, we continue to raise the bar to support deserving students and our 37 UNCF member institutions, four of which are in Atlanta,” says Boyd. From its beginning 36 years ago until now, educating students has always been at the forefront of the event’s mission. With the success of the UNCF Atlanta Mayor’s Masked Ball, thousands of students have a brighter future because of the support they have received.

In the past few years, more than 800 students attending UNCF member schools were either able to attend college and/or continue their college education without the interruption of financial challenges.

Ball highlights include a performance

by Charlie Wilson, VIP Masked Award reception, silent and live auctions, elegant dining, the parade of dignitaries, dancing and dinner entertainment by the Clark Atlanta University Jazz Band. A host of celebrities, dignitaries and influencers UNCF Leadership and the Bottoms

are expected to attend including member institution presidents representing

Dr. Lomax and Ted Blum (MASKED Award Recipient).

Ludacris and Monica

Clark Atlanta, Morehouse, Spelman and The Interdenominational Theological Center. The spectacular event is made possible by marquis sponsors Mr. Hank and Mrs. Billye Aaron and presenting sponsors The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, UPS and The Atlanta Marriott Marquis. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.uncf.org/atlantammb or call 404.302.8623.

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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UNCF ATLANTA 36TH ANNUAL MAYOR’S MASKED BALL

(CON TI N UED)

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman College

ABOUT UNCF UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37-member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 21 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

Hank Aaron

20

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

Happy Holidays!

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December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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ARTICLE KENDRA PIERSON

F O U R S U B S C R I P T I O N B O X E S

T H AT

G R E AT

G I F T S

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South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

M A K E

G R A Z E GRAZE – FOR THE ON-THE-GO SNACKER Graze is a perfect subscription box for anyone on the go with its high-quality, healthy snacks. The premise is pretty simple. For the first box, you take a survey to note any special diets (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-avoiding) and preferences (no nuts, spicy foods, raisins). Graze uses this profile to select an initial assortment of eight snacks that they’ll send to you.

One advantage of Graze is that they ship on your schedule. Boxes can ship weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Another advantage is that Graze allows you to adjust the box according to your dietary needs. You can choose from the 150 Calorie Box or the Protein Box, in addition to the traditional boxes. Graze makes a great gift because the recipient gets to choose. You can either send a gift box or a voucher for a set amount to allow the recipient to pick out their own snack variety. Subscriptions start at $14.99 per box. Graze.com

S P I C E B R E E Z E SPICEBREEZE – FOR THE HOME CHEF SpiceBreeze is the subscription box for the person who loves to cook. Once you sign up, you choose from either the Duo Box or the Quad Box. The Duo Box is filled with two unique packets of spices for two dishes from two countries while the Quad Box comes with four packets of spices from two to four countries per month. Each package contains recipe cards that explain the original preparation of the dish as well as common substitutes.

The SpiceBreeze box helps families travel around the world over dinner. The box offers unique spices that you wouldn’t usually buy with just enough for one meal. If they’re a flop, then it’s something you’ll never cook again. If the meal is a win, then you have added something new to your menu! Subscriptions start at $6.80 per month. SpiceBreeze.com CONTINUED >

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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FOUR SUBSCRIPTION BOXES

A T L A S

(CON TI N U ED)

C O F F E E

C L U B

ATLAS COFFEE CLUB – FOR THE COFFEE LOVER Atlas Coffee Club is the subscription box for the coffee lover. A subscription includes coffee from one of the 50+ countries in the world that grow it, along with a postcard from the country, country information card and flavor notes/brew card. Atlas Coffee Club isn’t just a coffee of the month club but is more of a coffee tour guide delivering coffee from among the top 5% of the world’s best.

Subscribers are delivered a personal experience by choosing the frequency of delivery, roast preference and grind style. Each coffee delivery is freshly roasted to ensure that you receive your perfect coffee as fresh as possible. Because it’s also a functional gift, there’s no wondering if the person will actually like it. Subscriptions start at $9 per shipment. AtlasCoffeeClub.com/

H O M E

M A D E

L U X E

HOME MADE LUXE – FOR THE CRAFT LOVER Home Made Luxe is the subscription box for the craft lover. Each monthly box has all the materials in one place to create a home décor project. Home Made Luxe also includes written instructions and convenient video instructions for the project in case you get stuck on anything.

Monthly subscribers all get the same project that is personalized for individual orders. For example, a state string art project will include your particular state. The projects usually take an hour or less to make and are easy for all levels of crafters. While there is a monthly subscription, Home Made Luxe also offers one-off boxes with similar projects. Recipients get the relaxing benefits of self-care and being able to complete a craft project without the stress of having to buy $50 of materials, half of which they’ll never use again. Subscriptions start at $35.99 per month. HomeMadeLuxe.com/ 24

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

B O N U S

B O X

BONUS BOX: FRESHMAN FUN BOX AND HBCU BOX BY PEACHI WILLIAMS Send a hello from home!

The Freshman Fun Box™️ is loaded with different items every single month to help keep parents and loved ones worry free. Designed for all college (any level) and boarding school students, the box has 6-8 full-size, name brand and specialty items every month. There’s always something to eat and wear, something for personal care, school-related items and more. Boxes can be ordered via subscription or one at a time and are shipped via priority mail. The brand also carries customized birthday boxes that can be ordered any time of year.

Boxes come in blue, green, pink, or the HBCU box, geared toward students attending historically Black colleges and universities. One of the unique features of the HBCU box is that every HBCU in the nation is listed, serving as a learning piece and outlet to promote scholarship and pride. The HBCU box was the inspiration behind the lifestyle brand, "I’m HBCU.™️" The brand isn’t just a box, but operates as a resource. Parents and loved ones can join the Freshman Fun Box parent community on Facebook, where live sessions with financial aid representatives, physicians and other professionals who offer insight into dealing with the transition into college occur on a rotating basis. A portion of the proceeds from every box is donated to their non-profit where funds are funneled into providing boxes for less fortunate students, and the company works with other organizations developing programs to offer an entire year of boxes to scholarship recipients.

For more information, visit FreshmanFunBox.com or TheHBCUBox.com.

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

25

CITY SCENE

ARTICLE JALEN FORREST | PHOTOGRAPHY ART BY BENETEZ

MOMS ALL IN® CONFERENCE PRESENTED BY MICHELLE TAYLOR WILLIS

A WOMAN WHO TRULY JUGGLES IT ALL AND

Tosha Rogers, Maria Angelova, Fancy, Ray Abram,

HANDLES IT WELL, FROM BEING AN AMAZING

Marc Parham and many other talented professionals.

MOTHER AND WIFE, TO HOLDING A CAREER AS

The conference also featured sponsors, including

A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR, WHILE ALSO

Atlanta Fibroid, BlueCorp and MTW. VIP and regular

DEDICATED TO SELF-LOVE IS JUST THE TYPE

admissions received a brochure, special name tags,

FOUND AT THE MOMS ALL IN® CONFERENCE.

a raffle ticket and a Moms All In® gift bag filled with

The Moms All In® Conference, held September

fun and useful items like pens, water bottles and

14 and 15 at the Georgia International Convention

t-shirts. Guests engaged in inspiring, educational

Center, is a two-day conference founded and hosted

sessions filled with the energy of Moms All In®!

by the very special SFL Publisher Michelle Taylor Willis, a “Mom All In” herself!

26

The conference concluded with two lucky moms winning a new car in the raffle! While not every woman

Centered on a variety of topics, including fitness

scored a new car at the conference, it is safe to say

and health, time management, raising children, rela-

that each attendee won meaningful connections, new

tionships, funding a business, marketing strategies,

friendships, nice gifts and knowledge to spark even

passion, style confidence, networking, leadership,

more growth. The two-day super mom-dedicated

finding your mom squad, business planning, and

conference engaged the importance of upholding

keeping yourself together in the midst of it all, the

yourself, while excellently handling every obstacle

conference featured guest speakers, including Dr.

and hurtle surrounding you.

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

27

OPEN HOUSE

no place i'd rather be: WHY #SOFU IS EXACTLY WHERE I WANT TO RAISE A FAMILY

T

HERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIFE EVENTS THAT LEAD TO SOMEONE

For a free home value tracker, visit

HAVING TO ADDRESS THEIR REAL ESTATE NEEDS: MARRIAGE, DIVORCE, DEATH,

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BIRTH, EMPTY NESTING OR COLLEGE KIDS MOVING BACK IN. The emotions involved

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as the most recent events of my life. This holiday season is special for our family because not only are we expecting our first child together, I also was able to legally adopt my stepson last month. Our journey has been unconventional from the start. We met on Match.com and have not looked back since. Having the opportunity to raise our family in South Fulton is something we cherish and keeps me connected to my roots. My parents met in high school and grew up in South Fulton. There are nothing but opportunities ahead for us all and the key to success will be family and community. I’ve committed to bringing excellence to South Fulton by partnering with the most respected name in real estate, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Together, we are creating opportunity and initiatives to serve a side of town that luxury brands are often reluctant to invest in. So, whether born here or adopted into this

ARTICLE ROBERT ALLEN

community, let's all be thankful this holiday season for all South Fulton has to offer. There is

PHOTOGRAPHY ANGELA

no other part of town in which I’d rather raise my family.

GONZALEZ

28

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US! THANK YOU FOR 1 YEAR OF SERVICE!

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December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

29

RENOVATE & REFINE

Festive Tips: #SOFU Style FES·TIVE (ADJECTIVE): CHEERFUL AND JOVIALLY CELEBRATORY ARTICLE RHONDA HUDSON, SOUTH FULTON’S PROTOCOL SPECIALIST PHOTOGRAPHY MARKUS SPISKE

AS WE PREPARE FOR THIS FESTIVE SEASON WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, LET’S NOT OVERLOOK THE OBVIOUS. The holidays are exciting times filled with office parties, visiting family and friends, shopping for the perfect gifts, eating favorite foods, and taking some much-needed time off from work. Conversely, the holidays can also bring fatigue, loneliness and overspending, leaving many feeling not so festive during a time meant to serve as a “pause” to rejuvenate and get off the grid to relax and restore.

In order to maximize time and remain cheerful and jovial this season, here are a few Treasure Tips to store under the tree to serve as reminders to enjoy the festive season in true #SOFU style: Holiday gatherings make the season bright. When hosting a dinner party or event and guests ask, “What shall I bring?” please ask them to bring a smile and good cheer!

Festive events start with positive attitudes and good vibes.

Preplanning takes the drudgery and stress out of hosting.

Start by pre-cleaning your home, including carpets, windows, etc., a month in advance and create menus and guest lists with celebratory expectations!

Travel plans can be somewhat of a conundrum if not properly planned. Schedule flights well in advance to book outside of peak traveling hours and make technology work for you. Download boarding passes to your smartphone wallet and create apps for your airline and rental car company to ensure receipts of notification of cancellation alerts and delays. And for good measure, pack your patience and remember, it’s the holidays!

Down time is the perfect opportunity to practice “mindfulness” and take both cheerful and jovial seriously. Selfcare is paramount. Treat yourself this holiday season with a massage, a good book and a “day” nap! In the spirit of the season, check in on neighbors, coworkers and those less fortunate who may not have family connections in town and share the southern hospitality.

30

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

Rhonda Hudson Rhonda G. Hudson is the Executive Director of The Treasure Box School of Etiquette. Visit them at TreasureBoxAtlanta.com.

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Business After Hours Events last Thursday of every month 5:30-7:30

Want to grow your business & network?

Join us for our monthly luncheons & Business After Hours Memberships starting at $275

6-8 93RD ANNUAL SPELMAN-MOREHOUSE CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Morehouse and Spelman Colleges

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

The Spelman College and Morehouse Glee Clubs will come together once again to lift their voices in holi-

day cheer. The annual Christmas Carol Concert is a tradition that has been rousing the Atlanta community

for more than three quarters of a century. Each show is free and open to the public. Special ticketing on Saturday. Check Spelman.edu.

7

Join Today!

Call 770.964.1984 or visit SouthFultonChamber.com

GEORGIA AQUARIUM TREE LIGHTING Pemberton Place

Kick off the holiday season with the annual tree light-

ing. This exclusive event is a limited ticketed event, giving you access to Georgia Aquarium’s galleries one hour before they open to the general public. Guests

attending this event will be treated to hot chocolate and holiday treats, holiday carols, a tree lighting ceremony and a penguin waddle.

Want to develop your core while developing whole body strength and wellness?

Then you need Barre Luxe, SoFu’s newest yoga and barre studio.

14-15 BALLETHNIC PRESENTS THE URBAN NUTCRACKER Atlanta University Center

An Atlanta tradition! A new twist on a classic. The holiday must-see ballet moves to Morehouse College's King Chapel. Matinee and evening performances on Saturday and Sunday. The Company is a classically trained, culturally diverse performing company, while the Academy provides professional training for chilPackages available for any budget Classes starting as low as $20 for drop-ins!

dren and adults. Tickets at Everntbrite.com.

THROUGH DEC 31 MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS AT HORIZON THEATER Little Five Points

A holiday treat for the whole family!

“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines,” begins the

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South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

story of Madeline. This holiday season will be unlike any other for Madeline and her friends.

DECEMBER

THROUGH JAN 5 SERENBE PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS “NARNIA” Chattahoochee Hills

Based on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Location: The Inn Barn at Serenbe. “Narnia,” an immersive dramatization tells of four English schoolchildren in the time of World War II who stumble upon a wardrobe which they discover to be a portal into a magical kingdom. This is a traveling performance without seating. Call 770.463.1110 for details.

We are always accepting submissions for events you'd like to see included in our Calendar section.

Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at SouthFultonLifestyle.com.

December 2019 | South Fulton Lifestyle

33

TIMES PAST FEATURING GUEST ARTIST FROM PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

TOTAL DANCE/ DANCICAL PRODUCTIONS, INC. PRESENTS 23RD ANNUAL KWANZAA CELEBRATION TOTAL

DANCE/DANCICAL

PRODUCTIONS,

INC.

PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS 23RD ANNUAL KWANZAA CELEBRATION FEATURING “GIRL WHY YOU DANCE LIKE THAT?” FUSION - FROM AFRICA TO HIP HOP ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28 AT THE SOUTHWEST ARTS CENTER AT 8 P.M. The Kwanzaa Village, a marketplace of unique gifts and entertainment begins at 2 p.m. The Kwanzaa Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Both the village and ceremony are free and open to the public until 9 p.m.

Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday observed from December 26 through January 1. This year’s Total

TOTAL DANCE STUDIO 3201 Martin Luther King, Jr Dr. Atlanta, GA 30311 770.256.6400

Dance/ Dancical Productions’ festivities are on the third day of Kwanzaa celebrating Ujima, which means collective work & responsibility.

Terrie Ajile Axam, Founder and Artistic Director of Dancical Productions, Inc. and Cultural Artist, shares her work, “Fusion-From Africa to Hip Hop” as a part of the Kwanzaa Holiday tradition. “FUSION”, now titled “Girl, Why You Dance Like That?” originally a national college tour production reaching over 100 colleges and universities, was conceptualized in 1994 by Speech, lead singer of Arrested Development and written by Ajile.

This year’s production will feature over 30 performers with special guest artist from the group called Mojah Tuba featuring Velvet Brown, world’s leading female solo tubist.

Join us for a high energy performance featuring drumming, dance, live music, and spoken word.

TICKET INFORMATION FREE ADMISSION

Pre- Sale General Admission

2:00pm - 9:00pm

Kwanzaa Village-Exotic Vendors

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Village Entertainment

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Youth Performance ($10 donation)

Pre-Sale Students & Seniors

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Kwanzaa Ceremony (featuring Oginga in "Drum Talk")

$15.00 ($20.00 at door)

TICKET REQUIRED 8:00pm - 9:30pm 34

$20.00 ($25.00 at door)

Tickets at Eventbrite and "Girl Why You Dance Like That? Fusion- From Africa to Hip Hop"

South Fulton Lifestyle | December 2019

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