South Fulton September 2017

South Fulton SEPTEMBER 2017

SouthFultonLifestyle.com

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Sisterhood ervice S AND

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER STACEY ABRAMS IS WARM, WONDERFUL & WINNING AUTHOR ANDREA LEWIS PENS TWO NEW BOOKS

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Lifestyle Letter

Women: Beyond Phenomenal!

I

am of the persuasion that the infallible God I serve was really on His A-game when He created woman! No, I’m not a feminist, womanist or any of the other labels that may surface with this statement. I’m simply a proud woman who just happens to believe that there is something truly special about what I call “us girls.”

Perhaps it’s because many of us wear a plethora of hats, yet we make it all look so simple. (That’s really the anointing of God, but that’s another letter for another time.) From where I stand, I see women as wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, preachers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, elected officials, soccer moms, PTA leaders, advocates, psychotherapists and Photo by Ron Hill referees. Oh, yes! We are game changers, decision makers, barrier breakers, glass ceiling shatterers… and might I add mountain movers? Of course, I could go on and on!

Considering the undeniable significance of women, let me just tell you that I am so excited to present this edition of South Fulton Lifestyle. Herein, we present to you some absolutely amazing women. I’ll even take it a step further and inform you that they are beyond phenomenal. Each of these incredible women is making strides in their own unique way, and I know the world is a much better place because of them.

May the articles of this edition, along with the good news of our advertisers, warm your heart. May the information shared herein be a blessing to your life. Finally, may you be so inspired by this literary encounter that you tell someone else about the good news called South Fulton Lifestyle!

SEPTEMBER 2017 PUBLISHER

Alonia Jones | Alonia.Jones@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Erikka Mitchell | Emitchell@LifestylePubs.com ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Donna Dow | Donna.Dow@LifestylePubs.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Danielle Hunter | Danielle.Hunter@LifestylePubs.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michael Davis, Sheryl “Beloved” Jones, Shonte Press, Cybil B. Talley CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Davel Photography, Sarah Esther, Ron Hill, Lauren Lamutt, Kevin D. Liles

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SouthFultonLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Representative Stacey Abrams,

Former Minority Leader of the Georgia State House of Representatives Captured by Kevin D. Liles 4

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

JOIN US

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 South Fulton Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of South Fulton’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 South Fulton Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

September 2017

Departments

20

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Healthy Lifestyle

16

Trend Setter

24

Food & Wine

25 DIY 28

Local Limelight

30

Faith Reflections

32

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

16 The Bloom Closet

A Free Clothing Boutique for Foster Children

18 The Prolific Dr. Andrea Lewis

A Conversation with the South Fulton Author of Two New Books

20 Stacey Abrams

A Warm, Wonderful, Winning Woman

28 Like Mother, Like Daughter

A South Fulton Story about Faith, Family, and Legacy

16

18

Lifestyle Publications Alabama | Arizona | California | Colorado | Florida | Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Kansas | Maryland | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri Montana | North Carolina | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | South Carolina | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Virginia | Washington

28

Good Times

45 Westlake Students, Parents, & Teachers Explore China

A group from Westlake High School visited the historic Beijing to expose students to another culture, language, and educational system.

Visiting the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden Palace, they were able to make real connections with their AP social studies courses and historic sites.

The Alma G. Davis Foundation Presents 8th Annual Dinner for Divas Hosted

by Sterling K. Brown and Benefitting Survivors of Domestic Violence

The nonprofit organization, dedicated to the eradication of domestic violence, hosted its gala to empower 150 female survivors. Honorees received complimentary makeovers, including formal attire that they wore to the red-carpet event and took home. Each survivor participated in free self-defense classes before the gala. PHOTOGRAPHY LAUREN LAMUTT

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South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

perfect moment call us to capture the

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September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

9

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

Touch of Life Chiropractic Moves to Camp Creek

TOUCH OF LIFE CHIROPRACTIC OPENS A NEW STATE OF THE ART WELLNESS CENTER IN THE CAMP CREEK MARKETPLACE Relocating their practice of four years, Dr. Patrice and Bryson Thompson decided that it was time that South Fulton had a place of their own where everyone could come to rally around the principles of holistic healthcare. Focusing on the function of the body and helping individuals improve the quality of their lives, Touch of Life Family Chiropractic moves to surpass just looking at aches, pains, and symptoms into understanding how your body is actually working.

The Thompson Family looks to continue to be a vital part of the #healthysouthfulton community. Be on the lookout for them at the various events, fairs, and festivals throughout South Fulton and the city of Atlanta. For more information on Touch of Life Family Chiropractic, please visit TouchOfLifeChiro.com.

MADISON GREEN WINS MISS GEORGIA PRINCESS Announcing Georgia's newly crowned National American Miss Georgia Princess, Madison Green! Madison Green, daughter of Carl and Tonetta Green, earned the prestigious title of 2017 National American Miss Georgia Princess at the state pageant in July. She will attend the National Pageant at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., where she will compete for her share of $500,000 in cash and prizes. Madison is a South Fulton resident and attends Wolf Creek Elementary. She is actively involved in Girl Scouts, Pretty Brown Girls, the Praise Dance Team and tennis. Madison also enjoys creating “love boxes” for shelters. She was sponsored in the pageant by her parents and grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and many more family and friends.

10

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

CONTINUED >

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Zwade Marshall, MD joins Pickens Patterson III, MD and Alliance Spine and Pain Centers bringing the latest in research, innovation and leadership to their care team. Like Dr. Patterson, Dr. Marshall is a fellowshiptrained, board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management specialist. Together, Drs. Patterson and Marshall will continue to compassionately serve the South Fulton community at Alliance’s Camp Creek location, open five days a week.

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September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

11

Around Town

COACHING AND CONSULTING

(CON TI N UED)

BERT’S BIG ADVENTURE’S SPLASH BASH POOL PARTY & REUNION Families enjoyed some fun in the sun at the 10th annual Splash Bash Pool Party and Reunion Adventure. More than 250 Bert’s Big Adventure family

Sarah Esther Photography

members were in attendance.

The families, Bert’s Big Adventure staff and a handful of volunteers enjoyed a great afternoon in and around the Life Time Athletic pool in Sandy Springs, where families gathered for an exciting three-hour swim. Guests feasted on gourmet burgers and hot dogs served by The Yo u r R e l a t ion s h i p s Ma t te r of fe rs d y n a m i c wo r ks h op s fo r a mo re p rof i c i e nt wo r k pl ace e nv i ron m e nt .

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SERENBE PLAYHOUSE’S “CABARET” STARS BRIAN CLOWDUS & BROADWAY’S MOLLY TYNES Serenbe Playhouse, recipient of the prestigious American Theatre Wing grant and recently honored with the most Suzi Bass Awards for a musical (“Miss Saigon”) in Atlanta, was pleased to present

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“Cabaret,” by Joe Masteroff, John Kander and Fred Ebb. Directed by Brian Clowdus, the show opened August 3 and ran through August 27. “Cabaret” was produced at the Open Air Room in Serenbe.

ABOUT “CABARET”

Inspired by Christopher Isherwood’s triumphant novel, The Berlin Stories, “Cabaret” takes place in 1931 Berlin, as the Nazis begin their ominous ascent to power. The musical revolves around the vibrant and sensuous nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, where a young

Divorce

American writer, Cliff Bradshaw, pursues an English cabaret per-

Custody

the most iconic roles of the genre, Serenbe Playhouse’s founder and

Family Law

former, Sally Bowles (played by Broadway’s Molly Tynes). In one of Artistic Director Brian Clowdus played the Kit Kat Klub’s devious emcee. This racy rendition took place in our own underground Kit Kat Klub—where not just anyone could go—only those with the required password were admitted!

ABOUT THE CAST

Playhouse favorites Deborah Bowman (“A Streetcar Named Desire”) and Lee Osorio (“Macbeth”) took on Fräulein Kost and Clifford Bradshaw, respectively. Rounding out the leading players were Heidi Cline McKerley as Fräulein Schneider, Robert Wayne as Herr Shultz, and Edward McCrearry as Ernst Ludwig. The Kit Kat

Onyema Anene Farrey FOUNDER

Klub was brought to life by the vibrant dancers: Lily Dickinson, Brian Jordan, Imani Joseph, Taryn McFarthing, Shannon Murphy, Hayley Platt and Terrence Smith. Direction was provided by Brian Clowdus, with associate direction by Ryan Oliveti. Musical direction was led

by Chris Brent Davis and choreography by Bubba Carr.

12

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

SAVE THE

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Healthy Lifestyle

A

s a woman, I know all too well about the demands that life places on us. We are often responsible for managing

our lives, in addition to obligations like kids and/or aging parents. We do all this while balancing our home, job and/ or business. We women wear many hats, which sometimes means we get lost in the shuffle. Many of us don’t take care of ourselves mentally, physically or emotionally, and as a result, end up suffering later. I want to share a few health tips to help you feel and look good, while juggling your myriad responsibilities.

Women’s Health Tips • DO NOT SKIP BREAKFAST: Breakfast is the most

important meal of the day, so make it count! Have a healthy and hearty breakfast to get you going, rev up your metabolism and help maintain a healthy weight. I find that when I’m really in a hurry, healthy smoothies are perfect!

• EAT MORE RAW FOODS: At least 50% of each meal

should be raw produce. This lowers your caloric, fat and sugar intakes, helps you have better and more frequent bowel movements, helps increase your daily nutrient consumption and keeps your digestive system working properly.

• REDUCE DAILY STRESS: Stress can cause significant

consequences to your overall health. Some of the issues that stem from stress in women are anxiety, depression, infertility, heart disease and weight gain. Please find a stress-reduction method that works best for you and implement it consistently. Meditation is my go-to method.

• GET ANNUAL CHECK-UPS: It’s very important to get

A Self-Care Guide 6 TIPS TO BOLSTER WOMEN'S HEALTH

ARTICLE SHONTÉ PRESS

annual check-ups with your primary care physician and your gynecologist. Staying on top of your numbers keeps you ahead of the curve. Early detection of disease or illness is key, and if you aren’t getting your check-ups regularly, you could be doing more harm than good.

• WORK UP A SWEAT: Working out is key to maintaining

good health. Just remember that you need to get your heart rate up and work up a sweat for at least 30 minutes, three times a week. As a result, you will feel better, reduce your risk of heart attack, lower your blood pressure and lose weight!

• CONSISTENTLY GET ENOUGH SLEEP: Not getting

enough sleep can throw off your hormones, negatively impact your weight, put you at greater risk of heart disease and cause psychological problems. So, try to get at least six hours of sleep every night.

I hope these tips help you maintain a better level of overall health. Please let me know which ones you decide to implement. I would love to share your feedback with our community. You can connect with me for free recipes, tips and resources by liking my Facebook page @ShontePress and via my website at PressOnEnterprise.com.

14

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

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Trend Setter

THE

BLOOM CLOSET: A Free Clothing Boutique for Foster Children

Davel Photography

To foster children, The Bloom Closet experience is more than just picking out clothing; it’s a reminder that they are loved and valued as members of our community.

W

hen children enter the foster care system, they typically do not bring any-

thing with them other than the clothes on their backs. As victims of circumstance, they are usually scared and traumatized and often feel displaced. Although foster parents are given a stipend for clothing, it isn’t enough to cover the

Davel Photography

actual costs of a child’s clothing and supplies.

The Bloom Closet, operated by Fayettevillebased nonprofit organization, Bloom Our

The Bloom Closet manager. “We also provide items to promote good hygiene. I’ve seen foster

Youth, addresses this need by collecting

children who haven’t had a bath in weeks because they didn’t have soap or water at home.”

and distributing donated clothing, baby gear,

The Bloom Closet operates mainly on volunteer support from individuals, families and com-

shoes, toiletries, school supplies and toys

munity groups. In addition, funds raised at Bloom’s annual “Frocks & Rocks Charity Fashion

for foster families—free of cost! In 2016, The

Show” benefit The Bloom Closet. Each year, local boutiques, photographers and businesses

Bloom Closet served more than 2,000 foster

gather to participate in this spectacular event.

children from 60 Georgia counties, donating

Through The Bloom Closet, the community is invited to make a difference in the life of a foster

$608,000 worth of merchandise. By 2019,

child. By volunteering at The Bloom Closet, organizing a clothing donation drive or donating

Bloom expects to serve 75% more foster chil-

personal belongings, each and every person can help to give foster children a brighter future.

dren, totaling approximately 3,500 children.

The boutique-style children’s store is decorated like an upscale boutique, and the fos-

About Bloom Our Youth

ter families “shop” with the assistance of The

Bloom Our Youth, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Fayetteville, Ga., advocates for foster

Bloom Closet Personal Shopper. Any child

children and families using a family-centric, three-pronged approach that includes recruiting,

in state custody can “shop” at The Bloom

training and certifying foster families through the Team Bloom Foster Parenting program; pro-

Closet for clothing and necessities.

viding specialized training and support to Bloom Foster families through “Bloom University”

“The

entire

experience

boosts

their

self-esteem,” comments Alisha Provence, 16

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

training program; and operating The Bloom Closet, a free clothing resource center for foster children in Georgia. Learn more at BloomOurYouth.org.

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17

A Conversation with South Fulton Author

Dr. Andrea Lewis Two New Books from the Professor Take on Heavy Issues in Both Academic and Elementary Offerings “I ended my academic book with the following quote by my former professor and mentor, Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III, which sums up both my first year as a teacher and my research participants’ realities during their novice years: “I have never encountered any children in any group who are not geniuses. There is no mystery on how to teach them. The first thing you do is treat them like human beings and the second thing you do is love them.”

L

ocal education author and South Fulton resident Dr. Andrea Lewis, Assistant Professor and Chair of the

Education Department at Spelman College, shares insight about her work and recent publications.

Q: ANDREA, I LEARNED THAT YOU RECENTLY AUTHORED TWO BOOKS. PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW PUBLICATIONS. A: Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my

books with our community. I recently authored one book and finally had the other published. Preservice Teachers, Social Class, and Race in Urban Schools: Experiences and Strategies

the same skin color, their cultural capital, or economic real-

for Teacher Preparation, published by Palgrave Macmillan, is

ities, may not be the same. I wanted to research how and if

an academic book based on my professional journey as a

these differences impacted the classroom.

new teacher in Atlanta Public Schools, as well as an analysis

My second publication, Valerie’s New Friends (Rathsi

of a research study. The study examined the perceptions of

Publishing), is a children’s book based on my experiences

Black middle and upper class preservice teachers as they

growing up in a predominantly White community. I actu-

relate to teaching and learning in high poverty urban schools.

ally wrote the book in eighth grade for a language arts

There is extensive literature on White preservice teachers

assignment! Two years ago, I located my original book

who lack experience with students in diverse communities,

and enhanced it for publication. Although the story high-

but limited studies pertain to Black middle and upper class

lights experiences I encountered as a child, the concept

preservice teachers who may lack experience with students

is still relevant, especially for children who attend school

in high poverty urban schools. While they most likely share

in predominantly White settings. The story is about racial

18

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

acceptance, but the message transcends various types of diver-

THE

sity found in 21st century schools. A teaching guide is included for use in the classroom.

Q: FOR OUR READERS WHO MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TERMINOLOGY, WHAT IS A PRESERVICE TEACHER? A: A preservice teacher is someone studying to become a teacher,

usually in a traditional teacher education program.

Q: IN YOUR CHILDREN’S BOOK, THERE IS AN ACCOUNT OF NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN THROWING STICKS AND STONES AT VALERIE. DID THIS HAPPEN TO YOU?

been called names prior to this event, the sticks and stones inci-

The Glorification of Opioid Abuse in Popular Culture

dent was probably the defining moment of me realizing I was Black

By Zwade Marshall, MD, MBA

A: Yes, most definitely. I think I was in first grade. While I had

and all that it entailed. In the 1970s, Dr. William Cross Jr., a noted psychologist, developed the Nigrescence Theory, or the process of becoming Black. This was my encounter moment. No matter how much our parents and family immerse us in our race and culture, most everyone has a defining encounter moment of realizing who they are. For people of color, this moment occurs early in life.

Q: BOTH BOOKS SOUND INTRIGUING. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE EACH? A: Preservice Teachers, Social Class, and Race in Urban Schools:

Experiences and Strategies for Teacher Preparation is an extension of my doctoral research. I included the original study, as well as a follow up of four of the research participants into their first year of teaching.

I wanted to determine if their perceptions as college students would be the same or change as they progressed through their first year.

Their level of confidence in connecting with and reaching their students and parents was not only evident, but their passion for urban education was undeniably present.

Since children are my heart and I started as a first-grade teacher, I wanted to write a book that teachers could use in the classroom to discuss issues around diversity and difference. Although I teach college students now, my heart remains with ensuring children have a strong and quality early childhood education. It gives me great joy knowing that my current students are impacting the lives of children across the country. When my college students become teachers, it’s a full circle moment from my days in the elementary school classroom. I love to visit their classrooms to see them in action. My heart bursts with pride!

Q: YOUR LOVE OF EDUCATION AND YOUR STUDENTS IS APPARENT. IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN THE RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS IN YOUR ACADEMIC BOOK AND YOURSELF? A: Yes, I initially started researching Black middle and upper class

preservice teachers because I saw my younger self in some of my undergraduate students. I often say that I was raised in New Jersey, but

P

“ercocet…Molly, Percocet!” Atlanta native and trap music icon Future repeats this phrase in the chorus of his chart topping single entitled “Mask Off”. Millions of hip hop fans sing along and dance to the rhythmic beat set to lyrics that highlight one of the nation’s most deadly public health crises.

Metropolitan Atlanta, as well as rural Georgia has been plagued by the epidemic of narcotic overdoses stemming from Percocet tablets laced with other potent narcotics like Fentanyl. While Future, Lil Wayne, Jay Z and many others rhyme about the recreational use of prescription drugs, there are numerous high profile celebrity deaths that drew much needed attention to the scope of the opioid problem. Whitney Houston, Prince, Amy Winehouse and Pimp C are just a few whose deaths were implicated by prescription drug overdose.

Does the prevalence of drug references in popular culture drive the demand for opioids for recreational use? Policy expert and social scientist, Professor James Peterson, asserts that the drug references in contemporary music do not contribute to the opioid epidemic in any statistically significant way. Rather, the evidence would suggest that the deceptive marketing efforts of the pharmaceutical industry and irresponsible prescribing physicians bear the majority of the responsibility for the current epidemic.

But while the glorification of opioid use in music is not responsible for increasing dependency, I would argue that it serves to normalize the behavior and makes it more difficult to combat this uniquely American public health crisis. In fact, the United States is the highest consumer of oxycodone and hydrocodone in the world, with the total annual American consumption of 27 million grams of hydrocodone dwarfing the combined consumption of Britain, France, Germany and Italy.

Moreover, the prescription drug crisis implicates another more universal epidemic – illicit drug abuse. According to the CDC, people prescribed and addicted to opioid painkillers are forty times more likely to become heroin addicts than those who do not use opioids.

As policymakers and public health officials enact legislation to curb this scourge, we should take heed to words of conscious musician/poets like Chance The Rapper who shared his personal struggle with Xanax and uses his platform and microphone to educate the masses on the ills of chemical dependency.

Dr. Marshall is accepting new patients at his Camp Creek, Douglasville and Gwinnett locations.

grew up in Harris Homes. I am from a sheltered predominately White community in Southern New Jersey, but grew up quickly when I started teaching at Dean Rusk Elementary School, located in the Harris Homes housing projects in the West End community of Atlanta. I was exposed to real life, real quick! Those experiences and memories toughened me up and made me realize God’s plan for my future.

By Dr. Zwade Marshall MD, MBA 3885 Princeton Lakes Way #400, Atlanta, GA 30331

678-399-5269 | www.spinepains.com September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

19

“

“

Go to school, go to church and take care of each other.

These are the tenets Robert and Carolyn

Abrams instilled in their six children. Perhaps

S the most notable of the Abrams’ children is

Stacey, also known as the Honorable Stacey

Abrams, who has diligently served as House Minority Leader for the Georgia General

Assembly and State Representative for the 89th House District. As the House Minority Leader, she is the first woman to be the leader of either

party in both chambers. She is also the first African American to hold that position in the House of Representatives.

STACEY ABRAMS

Warm, Wonderful, Winning ARTICLE ALONIA JONES | PHOTOGRAPHY KEVIN D. LILES

20

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

S

Cole (Spelman’s then-president) and Morehouse College that helped compel her to attend, Stacey chuckles. “I put names together of all the schools that had accepted me, and Spelman came out three times.” With Spelman’s long history of service, it did not take Stacey long to get acclimated. She served as vice president as well as president of the student body, and became more involved in social justice and community engagement, learning about and fighting for those who faced poverty and inequities in healthcare, housing and education, among other issues.

In addition to graduating magna cum laude from Spelman (with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies of Political Science, Economics and Sociology), Stacey also earned a J.D. from Yale Law School. She graduated from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin with an M.P.Aff. in Public Policy. Accordingly, she has put her education to work to better the lives of Georgians through the government, nonprofit and business sectors.

Highly esteemed and ever-evolving, Stacey remains a southern girl at heart. Her favorite color is yellow, and she admits that The relevance of her parents’ words of wisdom, combined with

pepperoni pizza will put a smile on her face on any given day! Her

her Spelman sister Marian Wright Edelman’s quote, “Service is the

two favorite movies are “The Princess Bride” and Disney’s “Moana.”

rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not some-

When she’s not busy serving others, you’ll probably find her enjoy-

thing you do in your spare time,” have built a solid foundation for the

ing her favorite books, Intuitionist by Colton Whitehead and The

Stacey many have come to know and love. As accomplished as she

Windup Bird Chronicles. And she’ll always hold dear to her heart the

is, though, the experience of conversing with Stacey is comparable

memories shared with her great grandmother, whom she affection-

to enjoying your favorite beverage with an old friend. Her warm and

ately called Moo Moo. “The 4th of July holiday was always special

inviting sense of calm makes conversing with her quite enjoyable.

in my family,” Stacey recalls. “My great grandmother was born July

Humble Origins

3rd, and my grandmother was born July 5th. We come from a family of great cooks, so everything we ate was good! I remember when I was about 8 or 9 years old, all the kids were outside playing, but

Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Stacey springs from humble begin-

I was still in Moo Moo’s house talking to her about the fact that

nings. “My parents grew up in poverty in southern Mississippi,” she

she had all her family around her, and all the love that we shared.

shares. “The mantra was, if you get a good education and have a good

Nothing could compare to that!”

work ethic, you’ll do well. We found that not to be true.” She adds that although her parents were well-educated, they still had to work hard to

Indeed, Stacey is warm and wonderful. And, as she continues to champion the cause of others, she will always be a winner.

make ends meet. “The reality is that millions of families have that same challenge,” she continues. “For my parents, we ended up wallowing and almost bemoaning our faith. We realized that no matter how much we had, there was someone else who didn’t have it.”

Stacey Abrams was first elected as a state representative

Thus, Mr. and Mrs. Abrams were very intentional when it came

in 2006, and in 2010, Stacey became the first woman to lead

to ensuring their children played instrumental roles in improving

either party in the Georgia General Assembly and the first

the community. “Their commitment to assuring that we served

African American to lead in the House of Representatives. As

people other than ourselves ran pretty deep. We may have

House Minority Leader, she worked strategically to recruit,

found ourselves volunteering at a homeless shelter or working at

train, elect, and defend Democrats to prevent a Republican

Vacation Bible School to teach people to read. Our privilege was

supermajority in the House, and worked across the aisle on

that we had two parents who loved us, and that privilege meant

behalf of all Georgians. During her tenure, she stopped legis-

that we had an obligation to serve.”

lation to raise taxes on the poor and middle class and to roll

After graduating from DeKalb County’s Avondale High School,

back reproductive healthcare. She brokered compromises

Stacey pressed her way, reluctantly, I might add, to the gates of

that led to progress on transportation, infrastructure, and

Spelman College. “My mother tricked me into Spelman,” Stacey says.

education. Most recently, she passed legislation to improve

“I didn’t want to go to school in the south. Neither did I want to go to

the welfare of grandparents and other kin raising children

an all girls school.” It was the transformative presence of Dr. Johnetta

and secured increased funding to support these families.

September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

21

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Food & Wine

ARTICLE CYBIL B. TALLEY

From Fresh Market to Table in Minutes S

ummer signaled the opening of many local farmers markets in

favorite grilled chicken or salmon recipe for a quick meal that bursts

South Fulton—I get excited when I see those market stands!

with the flavors of the season.

From bountiful fresh produce grown on nearby farms and homemade

The next time you have a few spare hours, get out and enjoy a

desserts to locally produced arts and crafts, these markets offer up

farmers market near you. Be sure to visit the market’s website for

a sensory experience that you just cannot find in the grocery stores.

updates on vendors, market dates, and activities.

Visit one of the area’s local markets on any given day, and you are

6 Tips to Visiting Your Local Farmers Market

likely to find not only fruits, vegetables, and herbs harvested at the peak of the season, but you may also experience live music and cook-

• ARRIVE EARLY. The best products are more likely to be more plen-

ing demonstrations as well as find beautiful arts and crafts, making it

tiful the earlier you go. You may find more deals but less variety toward

a trip that offers something for everyone.

the end of the market when vendors are packing up for the day.

I recently visited the East Point Farmers Market, which is open

• TOTE EARTH-FRIENDLY REUSABLE BAGS AND A SMALL COOLER.

year-round every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Old Fire Station #1 in

The cooler will come in handy for perishable items—produce, eggs,

downtown East Point. My sons and I spent a couple of hours sampling

cheese or dairy products—that need to stay cool until you get home.

and purchasing many goodies, like black bean and corn quesadillas

• TAKE A WALK. Stroll through the market to survey and sample items

prepared by an onsite chef, rich seafood bisque from Chef Maurice

from the vendors and then make your purchases. You want to find the

Chavis of Unmerited Flavor, tasty Cranberry Almond Couscous from

best products at the best price, and you will also avoid overbuying.

Rapid Gourmet, locally-grown romaine lettuce from Truly Living Well

• BRING CASH IN SMALL BILLS. Some vendors accept credit and

Farms, and a thirst-quenching lemonade from It’s Gotta B Lemonade.

debit cards, but cash is king at the local markets. Depending on the

We ended our visit on a sweet note with a slice of creamy Strawberry

market, SNAP participants may also receive double benefits to pur-

Cheesecake from Baked Wright Bakery.

chase eligible SNAP products at the market.

Since it was near dinner time, it made perfect sense to pick up a few items to cook before heading home. The beauty of shopping at a

• SHOP FRESH AND LOCAL. Buy what is in season and items grown

close to home. Our local farmers benefit directly from this support.

fresh market is that you can buy just about everything you need for a

• CONNECT. Talk with the farmers and ask questions about their

weeknight dinner or special dinner party. My market-inspired recipe

products. They are a wealth of knowledge and love to share tips on

features fresh corn, basil, and tomatoes—staple ingredients during

the freshest produce and even how to prepare many of their products.

the summer season. Pair this easy-to-prepare side dish with your

Find plentiful vegetables and herbs grown on local farms at the market.

24

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

DIY

Where to Find Your Local Markets EAST POINT FARMERS MARKET

2757 East Point Street East Point, GA 30344 Wednesdays 4-7 p.m.

EastPointFarmersMarket.com GREEN4LIFE MOBILE MARKET

Greenbriar Mall 2841 Greenbriar Parkway Atlanta, GA 30331 Saturdays 11-4 p.m.

Green4LifeAtl.com FAIRBURN FARMER’S MARKET

Stage and Courtyard 15 W. Broad Street Fairburn, GA 30213 Fridays, May 19 -Aug. 11 5-8 p.m.

FairburnFarmersMarket.com SERENBE FARMERS MARKET

9110 Selbourne Lane Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268 Saturdays, April 8-Nov. 18 9-1 p.m.

SerenbeFarms.com Need a quick side dish? Try Rapid Gourmet

G

ather in-season corn, tomatoes, and fresh basil at your local farmers market to make this simply delicious side dish.

FRESH CORN, TOMATO & BASIL SAUTE SERVES 4

5 ears fresh yellow corn

Cranberry Almond Couscous Mix and other

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

high-quality products.

½ pint grape tomatoes, cut in half

Quench your thirst with fresh watermelon lemonade from It’s Gotta B Lemonade while you shop.

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste 5 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Homemade desserts from Baked Wright will satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Remove the husks and silk from the corn.

No time to cook? Take home creamy Seafood Bisque from Chef Maurice of Unmerited Flavor.

Fuel up with locally produced nuts, granola, and energy bars from Pure Bliss Organics.

Gilliam’s Garden carries a variety of produce,

• Holding the corn cob straight up in a bowl, slice the corn kernels from the cob with a sharp knife, letting the kernels and the juice from the corn fall into the bowl. I like to use a serrated knife to make quick work of this.

spices, and eggs.

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the corn kernels. Saute the corn, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, and continue to Cybil B. Talley is a native Atlantan and proud resident of the new city of South Fulton with her

cook for 5 more minutes until tomatoes soften and corn is crisp-tender. Stir in the salt and basil.

husband and two sons. Visit her blog at AllAboutFoods.com.

September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

25

TOBI F. TODD, D.P.M. Board Certified, Foot Surgery

FAMILY FOOT CARE FOR ALL AGES

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South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

We accept most insurances and non-insured persons.

South Fulton Realty Report NEIGHBORHOOD

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/LIST

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Regency Estates At Guilford Fo

$394,200

$431,000

109%

16

4

4.5

Regency Park

$385,000

$370,000

96%

58

5

4

Walden Park

$425,000

$367,000

86%

85

6

4.5

Spring Park

$399,000

$355,000

89%

43

4

4

Wilson And Duvall

$345,000

$350,000

101%

10

3

3.1

Regency Hills

$350,000

$342,000

98%

37

5

4

Princeton Lakes

$330,000

$328,000

99%

16

5

3

Pittman Park

$339,900

$328,000

96%

10

7

5

Wyncreek Estates

$329,900

$321,000

97%

121

4

3

The Vineyards

$365,000

$318,000

87%

65

4

3.5

Summit At Stonewall Tell

$329,230

$316,500

96%

25

4

4

Grandview Estates

$310,000

$306,000

98%

69

5

3

Durham Lakes

$289,000

$304,190

105%

None

5

3.5

Lexington Park

$300,810

$285,310

94%

39

5

3

Pittman Park

$290,000

$285,000

98%

95

6

4

Lakes at Cedar Grove

$299,900

$280,500

93%

24

4

3.5

Wolf Creek Country Club

$275,900

$275,900

100%

90

5

3

Hampton Oaks

$279,900

$275,000

98%

50

5

4

Summit At Stonewall Tell

$329,230

$274,707

83%

42

4

2.5

Lakes At Cedar Grove

$279,900

$271,000

96%

41

5

4

Fairways At Durham Lakes

$272,499

$269,579

98%

14

6

5

Information compiled from First Multiple Listing Service and Georgia Multiple Listing Service from dates of 06/1/2017 through 07/31/2017.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

HOME FOR SALE! Call Us Today to list your home and it will appear here in the next issue of the South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine.

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“Your Realtors for Life”

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Donna R. Middlebrooks, Associate Broker donnarmiddlebrooks@remax.net 770-314-6059

2016 Best Realty Group Best of South Fulton EXPERIENCED with INTEGRITY Producing RESULTS! The housing market continues to rise and interest rates are still low.

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September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

27

Local Limelight

LIKE

Mother, LIKE

Daughter A SOUTH FULTON STORY ABOUT FAITH, FAMILY, AND LEGACY ARTICLE MICHAEL DAVIS It was May 21, 2017. Ruchelle Thomas watched her youngest daughter, Ariel, receive an Associates of Arts in Mass Communications degree from a University of Georgia institute.

Unlike her university classmates, Ariel is 17 and still a student at Westlake High School. Ariel is currently enrolled at Georgia State University and will earn her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism in Spring 2019 at the age of 19. Ariel is on track to obtain her Master’s degree at 21, when she can pursue a career in radio and television (i.e., TBS or CNN).

The saying that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree applies to this mother and daughter team. Ruchelle’s story began in a small, rural city in Jamaica before she migrated to the U.S. as a teenager. After beginning her professional career in nursing, Ruchelle followed in the footsteps of her siblings—all entrepreneurs—and started a successful home health care business.

Next, she launched Boss Chick Incubator, a company that mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. Last year, she founded a one-ofa-kind dessert shop on Auburn Avenue, Atlanta Candybar, and her latest endeavor is a health care services company, Ace Care Management. Lastly, to bridge the gap for basic health care in her home country of Jamaica, Ruchelle launched a 501c(3) nonprofit, called HELPERS.

28

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

We met with the dynamic mother-daughter duo to gain insight into their success.

Q, RUCHELLE, HOW WAS YOUR MOTHER AN INFLUENCE FOR RAISING YOUR CHILDREN? A. My mom is the matriarch of our family and is a very tena-

cious and God-fearing woman. She would wake us up at 5:30 a.m. for morning worship; needless to say, as kids, we hated it, but Mom ruled and she wouldn’t have it any other way. I instilled the same principles in my girls: love God and stay prayerful every day. Though I didn’t wake them at 5:30 a.m. like my mom, they reaped the benefits of what she did for me.

Q. RUCHELLE, WHAT ROLE DOES FAITH PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? A. Faith is my life. I see no future or success without my

faith in God. Q. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR MOTHERS RAISING DAUGHTERS IN 2017?

A. Raising children in this era is difficult. I would tell mothers

raising girls to pray and pray hard. Live by example; our girls live what they see.

Q. ARIEL, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG WOMEN? A. Some advice I have for young women is to apply yourself.

Whatever it is you are doing or want to do, you don’t have to be the best initially to achieve your goals. As long as you work hard and focus, you will reach your goals. I don’t think I’m the smartest cookie in the cookie jar, but I had a goal I wanted to reach and I focused on it. Now I have achieved something no one else in my class can say they have.

Q. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM YOUR MOM? A. Some lessons my mom has taught me are how to develop

entrepreneurship skills, the importance of being a business owner, and the impact I can have on the world by being an entrepreneur. She has taught me these things through her actions and through the way she lives her life.

Q. ARIEL, WHAT INSPIRES YOU? A. My mom inspires me. Growing up, I watched her work

hard and start her businesses all on her own. I’ve seen her

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achieve many of her goals and accomplish so many things.

Knowing where she came from and what she started with, I feel that there is no excuse for me to achieve anything less than what my mother has, especially with the life she has provided for me. If she can do it, so can I. Q. ARE THERE PLANS FOR MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TO

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WORK TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE? A. My girls Ariel and Felicia are definitely visionaries like

me, and we currently have a couple of projects in the pipeline, but I’m allowing her to breathe and take a break before we get into the projects. It will include film and television, and it makes sense because Ariel’s major is in film and TV

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journalism and Felicia is the planner, director and coordinator of our very busy lives.

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September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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Faith Reflections

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THE AUDACIT Y OF DECISIVENESS ARTICLE ALONIA JONES

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ecisions, decisions, decisions. My experience with them is that I’ve faced the task of making difficult decisions far more frequently

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decisions have the potential to be life-altering. I’ll never forget the words

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to the R&B group Heatwave’s 1978 hit, “Mind Blowing Decisions.” The song was basically about a man and his current relationship. The song lyrics, “Mind blowing decision causes head-on collisions” point to the fact that decisions will make you ponder some things, and if you don’t make the right choices, things could be catastrophic.

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Regardless of which of these options suits you, the truth of the matter is that indecisiveness cannot remain a factor in the life of any individual who desires to go forth and reach a positive expected end in life.

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making a decision at all totally defies the audacity of decisiveness.

Excited about your destiny, I am Alonia Jones, publisher of South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine, is an astute businesswoman, certified life coach and an ordained minister specializing in mass communications. Her life’s motto is, “I was born to inspire… equipped to empower.”

Stay connected to Alonia at AloniaJones.com.

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Lifestyle Calendar

September SEPTEMBER 1 - 4 DRAGON CON DOWNTOWN Dragon Con is a giant popular-culture convention for science fiction, fantasy, gaming, art, comics, music, and film, with panels, contests, vendors, a banquet, and a Dragon Con Parade down Peachtree Street at 10 a.m. Saturday. DragonCon.org

SEPTEMBER 8 & 9 ONE MUSICFEST LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATER ONE Musicfest offers a full day of vendors, food and drink, and soul, progressive hip-hop, alternative, and rock music from national and local acts at Lakewood Amphitheater. OneMusicFest.com

SEPTEMBER 15 & 16 HAPPY DAYS FESTIVAL HAPEVILLE Happy Days Festival features a Friday night concert with food vendors, and then a Saturday artists’ market, kids’ corner, and live music in Hapeville. Free. Hapeville.org

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 8 GEORGIA STATE FAIR HAMPTON The Georgia State Fair offers rides, shows, music, and vendors at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton. GeorgiaStateFair.org

SEPTEMBER 30 ATL MAYORS 5K ON THE FIFTH RUNWAY HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The third annual Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway, hosted by Mayor Kasim Reed, is back! Get ready to lace up your shoes and run or walk the fifth runway at Hartsfield-Jackson. Experience this special opportunity to race on one of the flattest – and fastest – courses in metro Atlanta! Register on Eventbrite.com. No same day registration.

32

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

online!

V I SI T US

WHAT ’S ON OUR WEBSITE? • • • •

Past Issues Current Articles Business Directory Contest Registration VISIT US AT

SouthFultonLifestyle.com September 2017 | South Fulton Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

Vacation:

I

A Woman's Anthem

am going on a Vacation one day, aint taking NOBODY, no matter

Did you think, that maybe I felt bad about leaving?—only a little

who they are, no matter what color. They can be Blue Black, Black,

though, because if I hadn't you wouldn't have understood, why I'm

Brown, Chestnut, Pecan, Light Tan, Yella, Vanilla, White nobody!

They can have good hair, bad hair, nappy hair, thick hair, thin hair, be bald headed where wigs weaves and extensions— Have no teeth, two teeth, somebody else's teeth, gold crowns, crosses, NO you can't come.

No man, no children, no aunties, NO sisters. No stray pets.

ALWAYS SO tired; tired of punchin', pushin', prayin' that I'll get it right, so you will be PROUD of me, look at me as a goodly, yet WISE woman, your mistress and your Mrs. So it was in the best interest of us ALL for me to chill, and HONEY I enjooooyed myself.

You know that dress you always said I could get, but I was always

Nobody I meet on the plane, boat, bus, subway, taxi or trolley.

thinking of the needs of the family? I forgot about yawl while I was on

No letters will be sent back— no postcards, I am going a vacation,

VACATION. Guess who got a new dress?

not a conference.

When I get to the lobby of the hotel I won't be making ANY eye contact, so won't need anybody to check my bags.

I am giving an alias to the desk clerk, so if there is an Emergency I won't be contacted.

If you get sick, pray, get somebody to lay hands on you, lay hands on yourself, or take some medicine if you have FAITH enough to believe.

If there's a FIRE, call 911; if there's a break in, call 911. If you break something, move before I get back or find yourself job.

If you get hungry EAT, because I don't want to hear, "I was hungry while you was gone."

One more thing. Do you recall when we kept getting those applications in the mail for a credit card and I kept throwing them out, because I thought it was a trick to get us into some more debt? Well, I didn't throw them ALL out! Can't tell you everything, but YOU should be getting the bill REAL SOON. I had a good ole time away from yawl while I was on vacation. I met some nice folk too, I didn't make any EYE CONTACT. I wore shades in the day, and I stayed in at night and walked the pavilion connected to my suite-something you use to call me from time to time—NOW only sometimes.

I missed you and the kids though, you all are everything to me, besides my RELATIONSHIP with HIM. He met me here every night,

If you use something, put it back where you got it from!

came in like a COOL BREEZE, spoke words of Confidence and

I am going on a VACATION to rest my nerves, your nerves, my mind,

Encouragement to me—told me it was alright to be here—

my feet, my body, my hands, and please when I get back from wher-

Because even HE took a rest on the 7th Day!

ever I went don't ask me why I had to go in the first place and don't leave NO more, because while I was gone, you were on a vacation too.

34

South Fulton Lifestyle | September 2017

—Sheryl "Beloved" Jones, M.Div Poet Laureate ©

Coleman Whitaker

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