It's a Dog's Life

Trifecta Home Furniture is an exciting and unique monthly shopping experience FURNITURE EVENTS (404) 369-7699 trifectahomefurniture.com Alpharetta • Buford • Marietta • Jacksonville • 30A
A few weeks before school started, my mother would take me shopping for clothes and shoes. One year, it was a matching plaid jumper and pants. In fifth grade, the pinnacle of my tomboy-hood, I scored a pair of corduroy pants and a half-zip mock turtleneck. The zipper had a big ring pull and I thought I was so groovy. In high school, it was all about the jeans and the hair.
My kids loved shopping for school supplies, lists in hand. We put the label maker through the wringer and faced the new school year with a sheen of organization and enthusiasm.
To all the families adjusting to new schedules and earlier bedtimes, we wish you luck and send good vibes for plenty of patience.
We hope you enjoy this issue, dedicated to students, families, teachers, and administrators who all have one goal in mind: to engage and challenge children and help our community’s next generation thrive.
Have a great August.
All my best,
SUE COLLINS, EDITOR @JOHNSCREEKCITYLIFESTYLEPUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Stacy Conde | stacy.conde@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Valerie Shepherd, Stacy Conde, Benjamin King
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
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DENTAL APPOINTMENTS SHOULD BE INFORMATIVE AND ENJOYABLE!
YOU CAN TRUST THAT EVERY TIME YOU LEAVE OUR OFFICE, YOU’LL FEEL BETTER FOR HAVING STOPPED BY!
OUR GOALS AT NORTH ATLANTA FAMILY DENTISTRY
It’s pretty simple: We want to help our patients and our community get and keep a beautiful, healthy smile! Our skilled and experienced team of dentists, assistants, hygienists, and office staff work together to achieve this goal, giving our patients the time and individualized care they need to achieve healthy teeth and gums.
SCAN TO CHECK OUT OUR NON-PROFIT TOGETHER WE SMILE
WHETHER YOU’VE BEEN A PATIENT FOR YEARS OR YOU’RE NEW TO NAFD, WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU FOR YOUR NEXT VISIT!
Senior 911/Angel 911 Inc's first annual Alzheimer's and Brain Health Awareness Conference was a complete success. "God has put His blessing on us in such a way that no one can deny that we are truly living in our purpose and touching lives," says Sonja Gunter, nurse administrator. She is grateful for the entire team who assisted in putting this together and to everyone who participated.
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Rotary Club of Alpharetta Concert Series sponsored by Surcheros is set for 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., August 4. The Alpharetta Rotary Concerts are held on the beautiful Town Green, which includes plenty of room for picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and is in walking distance to more than 30 chefdriven and locally-owned restaurants featuring everything from farm-to-ta ble comfort food to tasty tacos. Randy Staton DJ will be the opener, followed by Velvet City Sound.
In partnership with Arts Alpharetta, the Alpharetta Arts Center hosts an upcoming exhibit, Whimsy, from August 9 through September 23. When artists apply skill, innovation, and imagination to their art, there are no limits to what they can achieve. Artists will consider works by Dalí, Magritte, Chagall, Bosch, and others for inspiration. Presenting a wide variety of art showcasing the breadth and depth of artists’ imagination, artworks will include surrealism and fantastic imagery.
Atlanta's abandoned dogs need you
Over three million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year. That doesn’t account for thousands more that are rescued by independent organizations. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 34,000 dogs are taken into Metro Atlanta animal shelters. 5,000 of those are in Roswell.
The stories of mistreated, abandoned dogs are endless. Just the first few notes of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,” used in the ASPCA’s TV ads, are enough to start the waterworks. We can’t save all the dogs, but there are many local organizations who are saving thousands every year and they need your support.
Hero Dog Rescue is one such group. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they depend on public donations and the passion and hard work of their volunteers. They go above and beyond to help dogs that other rescues can’t or won’t work with, by saving and fostering seniors, sick and injured dogs that require even more care and attention.
There is no brick and mortar headquarters for Hero. Dogs pulled from high kill shelters or saved from the street are placed directly into a volunteer foster home.
Aneta Ardeljan has been a Hero Dog volunteer for the past three years. In that time she and her husband have fostered and adopted out more than 120 dogs from their home in Buford, GA. She recently received a Congressional Commendation from Congressman Andrew Clyde for her work with Hero. In addition to being an outstanding foster, Aneta helps with vet appointments, mentors new fosters, and hosts events at her home to provide a gathering place for the Hero team to connect. “We rely on our foster volunteers to provide these abandoned and neglected dogs with love, care, a warm home, a clean bed, proper nutrition, toys, exposure to everyday elements and walks,” she says. “Some of these dogs have never slept inside or on a soft, clean bed, ever.”
We asked Aneta if she had a favorite, uplifting rescue story. She said that there are too many to choose just one, but, “Nothing is more gratifying than getting a dog from the shelter that is shaking uncontrollably, scared, ungroomed, with tail tucked between its legs, completely shut down… and within a few days of showing them love, care and comfort, a warm bath, and a clean soft bed to lay their head at night, that dog is now wagging their tail and smiling at you, giving you kisses and looking into your eyes as if saying, ‘Thank you for saving me.’” Cue Sarah McLachlan “Angel”...
There are many ways to support Hero Dog Rescue. Adopt a dog. Consider fostering or volunteering. If you aren’t able to do those things, a financial donation goes a long way to help. No amount is too little. You can also like and follow Hero on Facebook @HeroDogRescue. HeroRescue.org
In today’s fast-paced world, both my summer skin and my friends decided we needed a break from our hectic schedules to indulge in the local med spa we had all been hearing about. With relaxation, advanced skincare, and bonding during our girlfriends’ day out as our priorities (oh, and to be kid free!), we decided there was no better way to rejuvenate both our skin and our souls from the non-stop of the past few months than treating ourselves to a specialty facial treatment.
As we stepped into the Alpha Lan Med Spa, I could literally feel the stress melting away as we were greeted by a serene ambiance that instantly made us feel like we were a world away. Music played in the background, as we sat with Lan and discussed our skin treatment plans: a zero down-time Zo Skin Health facial peel for me, PiXel8 RF microneedling for one of my friends, and the first Ultherapy treatment in a series for my other girlfriend. The knowledgeable and friendly technicians welcomed us and guided us through the process, ensuring we felt comfortable and well-informed about the treatments we were about to receive.
Reassured, knowing that our facial treatments were tailored to address our specific concerns, we were ready and set to refresh! As we were led into private and tranquil rooms for our specific treatments, it was impressive to see the advanced equipment alongside the plush comfortable bed. Soft lighting and soothing music added to the overall “ahhhh,” as Lan and one of her top estheticians began the peel by thoroughly cleansing my skin and gently removing any impurities and makeup residue.
The Zo Skin Health line is known globally, and I was thrilled to hear that Alpha Lan Med Spa carried such innovative products and offered their facials and peels. I now know with certainty why women rave about about the no downtime and turn-backthe-clock results. It was as if Lan and her esthetician skillfully performed magic on my face, instantaneously revealing radiant skin that I hadn’t seen in months... okay, who am I kidding - years! I couldn’t believe the immediate difference it made to both my skin and my mood.
The warm and welcoming environment at Alpha Lan Med Spa has been open for 4 years. From experienced medical aestheticians to licensed medical professionals, the highly trained and skilled team provides an elevated experience.
When my friends came out of their rooms looking relaxed and refreshed, we took a little time to relax, unwind, read a few magazines and enjoy each other’s company in the med spa’s cozy environment. We loved hearing more about Lan’s mission as a local female business owner: to offer the most cutting edge and high end services available in the market, right here in Johns Creek. There’s a reason why the spa’s schedules are full and women keep coming back. It’s because of the elevated and personable care she and her team give to you as well as all of your skin and health care needs.
Safe, effective, luxurious, priced right and refreshing were the words my friends and I used while booking our next appointments. Our girlfriends’ day out to the med spa for facials, peels and exclusive procedures was an absolute treat for the senses and a much-needed break as these moms head into the upcoming school year. No longer a secret, we’ll be back to this local skin care heaven for more treatments soon!
With access to the latest advancements, they’re passionate about helping clients look and feel their best while providing the most effective and innovative treatments available.
MEET LAN:
A female business owner, renowned skin care expert with over 10 years of experience, and your local neighbor.
Lan opened Alpha Lan Med Spa to bring new, cutting edge technology to the Johns Creek and surrounding communities. She's known for her immaculate skin, infectious smile and ensuring clients receive advanced services that result in a visible difference.
Nutritional needs for dogs vary based on which stage of life they are in. These life stages include growth, adulthood and senior care. Utilizing a diet that is complete and balanced for a specific life stage is important to help reduce the incidence of nutritional problems. At Pet Wants Johns Creek, the answer is in the food.
PUPPIES
When puppies are growing, they require more calories, protein, fat, and higher levels of vitamins and minerals than adult dogs. Puppies need nutrients for their daily activities in addition to nutrients to allow for tissue growth and development. Puppies need a diet formulated for growth until they are 12 months of age. Large and giant breed puppies require a formula designed for largebreed puppy growth since feeding a diet appropriate for largebreed growth helps prevent orthopedic issues, obesity, and other problems. Puppies are considered large breed if their adult weight will be more than 50 pounds.
Feeding Puppies:
A puppy’s stomach is too small to hold enough food in a single feeding to provide its daily requirement of needed nutrients. Young puppies should be fed at least three times a day until their food requirements, per pound of body weight, begin to level off. Depending on breed size,
feedings can be reduced to twice a day when puppies are 4 to 5 months old. Puppies that are fed a complete and balanced diet do not need supplemental vitamins, minerals, or protein. Supplementation may cause a nutritional imbalance and interfere with the normal development of growing puppies. Controlling caloric intake during growth and feeding to promote a lean and well-muscled body type supports a moderate and not excessive rate of growth and helps prevent overweight conditions and developmental skeletal disorders.
After a dog is fully grown, it is classified as an adult and enters the maintenance period of life. Different breed sizes reach adult size and maturity at different times. Provide complete and balanced nutrition that contain high-quality ingredients and are highly digestible.
Healthy adult dogs that are not pregnant, nursing, or hard-working have lower nutritional requirements for maintaining appropriate body conditions compared to puppies. A recipe for adult dogs should contain high-quality protein, highly digestible ingredients, antioxidants to support a strong immune system, and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help keep the skin healthy and the coat shiny.
Senior dogs tend to be less active than their younger counterparts, but energy requirements can be higher or lower than young to middle-aged animals, depending on the age and the presence or absence of disease. In general, animals with chronic diseases require more calories to maintain their weight. Healthy senior animals may require increased dietary protein to help maintain lean muscle mass. However, the presence of disease can alter ideal nutrient requirements. The
average canine life span is 13 years. The age at which dogs are considered senior varies according to breed size. Most dogs at 7 years of age are still very fit and active and are showing few external signs that they are aging. The primary objectives for feeding senior dogs are to support optimal health and body condition, slow or prevent the development of chronic disease, manage signs of any disease already present and support optimal organ function.
Reproducing females (either pregnant or lactating) require a diet formulated for gestation/ lactation Look for food that benefits reproduction in addition to being a preferred formulation for growth of a puppy. Puppy food should be started mid-way through pregnancy.
FANS OF PET WANTS JOHNS CREEK
“Howie has sensitive skin and a sensitive tummy. We tried many different ‘over-the-counter’ food options that just didn’t seem to help. Since he has been dining on salmon and brown rice his skin allergies and his tummy issues are a thing of the past!”
“I found Pet Wants via an extensive search...and I’ve never looked back. Kasha really likes it and I feel good about giving it to her. There’s no junk and fillers in it and the fact that it’s made in small batches matters. Her fur looks amazing and it’s obvious that she feels spectacular. We so appreciate the customer experience they provide as well. It’s just a wonderful company and suite of products.”
“My dog Emma has always had digestive issues, and, as a result, I’ve tried all kinds of dog food including making it myself. It wasn’t until she got started on the lamb/rice combo from Pet Wants that her digestion issues improved. I also highly recommend the pumpkin powder and the digestive enzymes in combination with the food!”
PetWants.com/JohnsCreek
Utilizing a diet that is complete and balanced for a specific life stage is important to help reduce the incidence of nutritional problems.
This is Algernon (or Algae). She is a 3-year-old Siamese living with me in Johns Creek. She loves to smile for pictures and is even trained to sit at the table for her treats. Jess Legato, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Mocha is a 3-year-old rescue mix of lab, pointer and hound. After every meal, Mocha will come up and paw you until you take a ball from the cabinet and play chase around the family room table. Karyn Slovin, senior advertising manager, Johns Creek City Lifestyle Buster’s story is a long and winding tale. In January 2015, our family was regrouping after recently losing my father to pancreatic cancer after nearly 4 years of treatment. It was a very difficult time. My youngest son Brady (9 at the time) had been begging to get a dog for years, but my older son Ryan, who has special needs, was terrified of animals and especially dogs. On the MLK holiday, the boys and I drove into our driveway and discovered a large tub with a note on top. I got out of the car to investigate and a tiny creature flew past me, jumping out of the tub and running down the street. The note was an adoption request.
We followed our future pet to the neighborhood park, carrying a purse strap that was left for a leash in the tub. Once we secured the dog, Ryan got down on all fours, looked straight into the dog’s eyes and said, “Keep him,” matter-offactly. Ryan was far too anxious to get close to a dog at the time and really disliked getting close to animals’ faces. He also had very limited verbal abilities. The interaction and his assessment were a small miracle. We changed his name from Buddy to Buster. Brady (and the whole family) finally got a loving pet
and Ryan got a vigilant companion who believes he is responsible for Ryan’s safety. Buddy has had the temperament of a service dog from the first day we had him and he restored joy to our home when we desperately needed it. It has been 8 1/2 years now. Buster’s cardiologist says he is likely 10-15 years old. He continues to be the very best boy and we firmly believe he was sent by my dad with a very specific assignment, to protect and love us. Superior
Court Judge Rachelle CarnesalRosie is a 7-year-old Morkie. Whenever she thinks we are going somewhere (especially if you put a bag or piece of luggage by the door), she spins around and around and jumps on her travel crate with this “Where are we going... take me!” look on her face. David Brown, owner, Georgia Luxury Pools
Our mini labradoodle is named Jorja, “Jorja from Georgia.” She is super friendly and whenever she is around me, she loves to put her paw on my arm. It’s the funniest thing. Branda Peterson, Alpharetta Housewives LLC
Parsley is almost a year old. She only has three legs and a partial tail as she was found stuck in a car engine over the winter and had to have one of her front legs amputated and part of her tail. We adopted her from a rescue called Pippi’s Place Pet Rescue. Parsley is very mischievous and despite only having three legs, she can get into and onto just about everything in the house!
Lizen Hayes, Executive Director, Autrey Mill"HE HAS HAD THE TEMPERAMENT OF A SERVICE DOG FROM THE FIRST DAY WE HAD HIM AND HE RESTORED JOY TO OUR HOME WHEN WE DESPERATELY NEEDED IT."
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
RACHELLE CARNESALMocha and Karyn
We asked a few Johns Creek student athletes about their goals, sage advice and family time.
As a senior, I will be focused on making the most of my last year in high school and working out plans for college. I have thoroughly enjoyed high school, participating in both the baseball and theater programs, and am excited to have a strong finish next year. A personal goal as well as a goal for the varsity team will be to make it to the playoffs; and, just like my teammates, I’ll be working hard to make that a reality. Our go-to restaurant after games has been Taco Mac ever since I was in little league. As for advice, as one of my coaches says, you don’t rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your preparation. Also, I think it’s incredibly important to communicate with your teammates and boost morale.
Coming back from two great seasons through my sophomore and junior year as state champions, I think that our goal as a team for this school year is another state win. Our team is so efficient in getting the results that we want through active communication and strategized collaboration. With these factors, I hope to see my performance as an individual team member improve, contributing to the betterment of the entire team.
My family and I love stopping by cafes for celebrations and for regular sit-down and talk times. We enjoy cold drinks - whether that be a refresher from Starbucks, or a cup of bubble tea.
My advice for a younger student playing tennis is to find a balance. I think that it’s really important to stick to something once you start it. Finding a way to balance your sport with other activities throughout your student life will make sure that you have time to excel as a student in your academics, but it will also give you the time to get out and hit some balls when you feel like you need a break.
This coming year will mark my second full year of running after injuries. This season I hope to break 17 minutes in the 5k and hopefully help my team qualify for state. In track, being more of an individual sport, I hope to teach the underclassmen the proper mechanics of running so they can prosper as a runner. I also hope to break 2 minutes in the 800m and run a 4:30 mile. After every track race, we love to go to Waffle House as a team. It’s one of the only restaurants open at such late times. I tell younger athletes to know that you have to push your limits sometimes. Without going that extra mile, it’s going to be nearly impossible to achieve greatness. Moreover, losses do not define your abilities. Remember… “Winners are just losers that never gave up.”
Main Campus: Pre-K to 12
1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park
North Campus: Pre-K to 6
6565 Boles Road Johns Creek
Total Enrollment: 2,655 Woodward.edu
President: F. Stuart Gulley, Ph.D.
Mrs. Viji Namburar, the recently named Principal of Woodward North, has deep roots at the school and in the community it serves. Mrs. Namburar came to Woodward North in 2002. She has served as a pre-kindergarten, first, and second grade lead teacher, and for the last four years was the school’s assistant principal. Her love, dedication, and devotion to Woodward North are steadfast. And while she is fiercely committed to continuing the “magical” experience at Woodward North, she brings new ideas to the principalship, including adding a debate team; creating a greenhouse as an alternative learning space and to teach students about sustainability; advancing the “Girls Who Code” initiative; and incorporating SEE (social-emotional-ethical) learning throughout the curriculum. Additionally, Mrs. Namburar will continue to reach beyond the walls of Woodward North to bring experts from various fields into the classrooms, providing students with real-life learning experiences and opportunities.
Mrs. Jean Armstrong is Woodward North’s new assistant principal. She comes to Woodward with more than 27 years of experience as an educator, most recently at Northview High School. At Northview, she served as the English department chair of Northview’s magnet program, 3DE Leadership Academy, as well as a lead English teacher and instructional coach for the program.
Over the course of her career, Mrs. Armstrong has worked as a teacher and curriculum developer in both primary and secondary institutions in South Korea, New York, Arkansas, and Alabama. She shares, “I am especially passionate about helping students become the best versions of themselves that they can be.” She brings extensive experience in curriculum development and adaptive teaching methods, and evinces a deep-rooted passion for education.
at Taiwanese School of Atlanta (TSA)
TaiwaneseSchoolofAtlanta.com
Principal: Alex H. Tzou
The school, for adults 18 and up, teaches basic Mandarin to allow students to gradually understand the Taiwanese language and culture. A new program, “Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning” (TCML) is now being offered for the 18 and up adult class. The TSA drum team is very popular at the school and the annual Lantern Festival in February is a very unique event.
11855 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta TheLearningExperience.com
Center Director: Jennifer Moultrie
The proprietary L.E.A.P (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum encourages children to learn in their favorite way: by exploring and doing. They achieve success independently while developing intellectually, socially and cognitively through varied early educational materials, activities and social interactions.
At TLE, families will find a full cast of characters that become your child’s educators, partners and friends through the preschool education journey. Each character has a unique personality and area of interest. The main character is “Bubbles” the elephant.
9970 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek
Brand new early learning center now enrolling children aged 6 weeks to Pre-K and after-school programs. IvyKids.com
Center Director: Susie Tran
Education Director: Priscila Eugenio Lopez
Ivy Kids is excited to embark on a learning adventure at the new preschool. Using the innovative approach of multiple intelligences, they engage all of the students in active learning. “We look forward to creating memories from hands-on learning activities to fun playtime on our playgrounds. Experience the joy and excitement as children explore, create, and learn. Join us on this thrilling journey of discovery and enroll now to be a part of the Ivy Kids experience,” says Center Director, Susie Tran.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
AUGUST 5TH
Summer Concert Series: Flannel Nation MARK BURKHALTER
AMPHITHEATER AT NEWTOWN PARK | 6:00 PM
Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Concerts are rain or shine! In the case of rain, attendees are welcome to bring umbrellas. No pop-up tents, please. If we experience lightning or severe weather, we may delay the start of the concert or evacuate if necessary. The concerts are FREE. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 7 p.m. Outside alcohol and dogs are not allowed (with the exception of service animals).
AUGUST 11TH
Movies at the Park “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (PG-13)
NEWTOWN PARK | 7:00 PM
Summer Movies at the Park is a free summer outdoor series of family-friendly movies presented on a huge inflatable screen. Pre-show activities include an inflatable moonwalk, face painting, children's activities, giveaways, and music.
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Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.
We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.