South Fulton August 2015

South Fulton AUGUST 2015

SouthFultonLifestyle.com

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INTRODUCING FULTON COUNTY TEACHER OF THE YEAR CURTAIN TIME AT THEATRE DU REVE PICKING THE PERFECT PRESCHOOL

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Fairburn Campus | Established 1879 320 W. Broad Street, Fairburn, GA 30213 | 678-379-1414

Start Here...Go Anywhere A State of Georgia Public Institution | No Military Obligation Duel-Enrollment course available | Daytime, Evening & Weekend Classes Fully Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges & Schools

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August 2015 | South Fulton Lifestyle

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Photo by Tiffany Powell Photography

Editor’s Letter

Teachers at the head of the class

AUGUST 2015 publisher Michelle Willis | Michelle.Willis@lifestylepubs.com

What all good teachers have in common, however, is that they set high standards for their students and do not settle for anything less. –Marva Collins, Marva Collins’ Way

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here are lots of educators in my family. There may be more educators than any other profession. In fact, I’m told that my great-great grandmother was the teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. Many communities believe that education is the key to rising above adversity. Here at South Fulton Lifestyle, we are pleased to honor some of the best in the area. To say that it was difficult to get them to toot their own horns is an understatement. The teachers we spotlight in this issue are very humble and modest to a fault. The job they do is tough and they deserve the fanfare. They set high standards for both their students and themselves.

Parents, it’s time to hang up those swimsuits and flip flops and get ready for another school year. We have some tips for choosing the right school, how to raise a bilingual genius, and some education highlights from our local politicians. More good things are just around the bend, South Fulton! We hope you enjoy our Back to School issue.

We definitely enjoyed putting it together for you.

If you know an outstanding educator in South Fulton, please send your suggestion to us at EMitchell@lifestyle.com. We are always interested in your story ideas, especially about the people in our community. In addition, we welcome your comments and feedback.

editor Erikka Mitchell | EMitchell@lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers John Eaves, Christina Hayes Miller, Andrea Lewis, Anna Richardson, Rose Quarterman

contributing photographers Tiffany Powell Photography, Jordan Bethel Photography, G. Paras, Yolanda Stackhouse of Bella3Photography, Getty Images

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell web developer | Hanna Park

Erikka Searles Mitchell, Editor EMitchell@LifestylePubs.com

it director | Randy Aufderheide

by Community ™

ON THE COVER Jameda Owens, Fulton County

Teacher of the Year! We are grateful for everything you do for the children of Fairburn and South Fulton.

Mrs. Owens was styled by Evonya Easley of Love E. Hair and makeup by Salon Atara.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIFFANY POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

SouthFultonLifestyle.com join us

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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.

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Departments

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14 Bonjour Theatre Du Reve

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Good Times

12

Around Town

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Locally Owned

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Parent’s Corner

18

Star Student

24

Family Feature

25

Local Limelight

26

Page Turners

28

Terrific Teacher

29

Sold Properties

30 Lifestyle Calendar

Learn all about the only all-French theatre in the country!

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20 Outstanding Educator

Parting Thoughts

Celebrate with South Fulton’s Own Jameda Owens, Fulton County’s Teacher of the Year.

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16 Lifestyle Publications

Georgia | Colorado | California | Arizona | Texas | Missouri | Kansas | Oklahoma | Illinois | Idaho | Montana | Utah | Wisconsin

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Panache Bistro Your Home Away From Home

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We offer a warm and casually elegant dining experience you will not want to miss. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff provide an intimate and personable experience. Our menu boasts a delicious and eclectic array of breakfast entrees, gourmet sandwiches, pastas, entree salads, and desserts. There is more...but why spoil the surprise?

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Publisher’s Letter

Michelle's Picks Each month South Fulton Lifestyle Publisher Michelle Willis will select a local business for which she gives her personal recommendation and her stamp of approval.

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SONRISE RANCH

I love adventure, so when I was contacted by Marla Alexander at Sonrise Ranch to come check out her ranch, it was a no-brainer. Let me say first that it doesn’t look like a typical ranch, so if you’re not looking for it, you’ll surely pass it. It’s very quaint. However, all it takes is a closer look to see the horses chomping on grass to know that you’re in the right place. What’s cool about Sonrise Ranch is that it’s not just for awesome birthday parties, summer camp outings, out of the box field trips, or training and boarding, but it’s also a saving place. They focus on rescuing abused and/or neglected horses. They rehabilitate them, and then they use those horses to rehabilitate people. Going through a rough time? Have a child that is challenged emotionally? Try riding for therapy. Here’s a secret: the horses know what you need; they will provide. Sonrise Ranch is a 501(c)(3), and you can reach Marla and her healing horses at SonRiseRanch.org.

THE ORIGINAL JUST TURKEY RESTAURANT

Yes. It is actually just turkey. And, it’s amazing. Turkey tips, turkey ribs, turkey links, turkey burger, jerk burger, turkey lasagna... just call me Michelle Gump. If you don’t eat pork and you want some options, you’ve found the spot. And, they have a 94-A rating from the health department! The place is clean, clean, clean, and the customer service is great. You are welcomed from the time you walk in the door until the time you leave. Iris, the owner, aims to please. So next time you want a polish pork sausage without the pork, head on over to Just Turkey!

You can find them at OriginalJustTurkey.com.

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Good Times

Inaugural Cool Dads Rock Gala and Fundraiser

The CDR Awards event recognizes exceptional dads from the community. This year's honorees include Alren "Griff" Griffin, Andre "Ty" Low, Curtis Mast, and Jason "J" Carter. CoolDadsRock.com.

CDR strives "uncool dads cool and cool dads even cooler" as they build better relationships between fathers and children.

Honoree Alren "Griff" Griffin and Singer Algebra Blessett

Singer Eric Roberson is a Cool Dad and provided the entertainment

Honoree Jason Carter

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South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

Donate Life American and LifeLink Premiere

LifeLink hosted a successful premier of Donate Life America's film, The Wish, at Midtown Arts Cinema. To learn more or become an organ, eye, or tissue donor today, visit DonateLife.Net or call 770.225.5465.

Reece Odum and Blue Kimble, stars of the film

Carla Hawkins, Education Specialist, Multicultural Donation Education Program, LifeLinkÂŽ Foundation

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Around Town JUDGE JADAWNYA BUTLER SWORN IN The Honorable JaDawnya C. Butler is the newest member of the Municipal Court of Atlanta Bench. Judge Butler was sworn in by Mayor Kasim Reed on May 21, 2015, making her the 9th and youngest judge on the Municipal Court of Atlanta’s Bench. Before her appointment, Butler served in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for more than four years. She most recently served as Chief Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Crimes Against Women & Children Unit. Previously, JaDawnya started her own boutique practice immediately following law school and served the greater Atlanta Community as a solo practitioner with The Butler Law Group, LLC for five years. She was the 2012 President of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) and is the founder of GABWA’s national award-winning Judicial & Public Office Academy and Trial Masters Boot Camp.

Butler served as the 2014 and 2015 Chair of the Judicial and Public Office Academy. JaDawnya is a newly elected member of the State Bar of Georgia’s Board of Governors. She served as a guest legal analyst on HLN from 2012 – 2014. Butler attended Spelman College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and history in 2001. Butler earned her Juris Doctorate from The University of Florida, Levin College of Law in 2004 and is the recipient of The University of Florida Levin College of Law Black Law Students Association’s 2006 Outstanding Alumni Award. She is also a 2008 graduate of The State Bar of Georgia’s Young Lawyers Division’s Leadership Academy. In 2012, she was the recipient of the following awards: Atlanta’s “Top 100 Black Women of Influence" (and 2014) by The Atlanta Business League, featured as an attorney “On the Rise” in The Daily Report, awarded the Special Commendation Award by the African Leadership magazine, named one of Atlanta’s “Top 100 Law Leaders” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and awarded “Community Prosecutor of the Year” by Mr. Paul L. Howard, Jr. In 2013, JaDawnya was honored by the National Bar Association as one of the “Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 lawyers under 40.”

She was also an inaugural honoree of Lawyers of Color’s “Hot List” which recognizes 100 lawyers under 40 who excel in the legal community. She’s a member of Outstanding Atlanta’s Class of 2013 and a 2013 graduate of LEAD Atlanta. In 2014, JaDawnya was named Who’s Who in Black Atlanta in their inaugural “Emerging Leaders” Class and awarded the Ronda F. Williams Professionalism Award by the National Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.

ZIPCAR COMES TO THE CAMP CREEK MARKETPLACE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing network, is expanding its presence in the greater Atlanta area with new locations now available in East Point.

Existing and future Zipcar members living in or traveling to the Atlanta area now have access to Zipcars in this new location. Situated in the Camp Creek Marketplace on Marketplace Boulevard across from the East Point police station, two vehicles are now available for reservation—a Honda Civic named “Baxter” and a Honda CR-V named “O'Neal.”

These convenient and cost-effective wheels can be reserved 24/7 to all members ages 21+ (or 18+ for students on Zipcar affiliated campuses) living in or traveling to the greater Atlanta area. Low hourly and daily rates includes gas, insurance, a dedicated parking spot for easy pick up and return and 180 free miles per day.

Zipcar’s mission is to enable simple and responsible urban living. Their car sharing transportation option helps remove personally owned vehicles from the road, which reduces emissions, traffic and congestion, allowing for shorter commute times and more parking spot availability.

Whether you’re a traveler who needs a way to get around the city or to a local hotel, a student living in the greater Atlanta area, or a family who owns one car and occasionally needs access to a second set of wheels, having Zipcar available on-demand by the hour or the day allows members access to a convenient and affordable transportation solution.

Greater Atlanta Zipcar members have access to the new cars in East Point as well as a wide variety of vehicle types in the greater Atlanta area, such as small compact cars for quick errands, luxury vehicles for business meetings or SUV’s and vans for family day trips. Additionally, members have access to Zipcar’s global network of 10,000 vehicles comprised of 50 makes and models in hundreds of cities, airports, and college campuses in the US, Canada, the UK, Spain, Austria, France and Turkey.

For more information about Zipcar in greater Atlanta, please visit ZipCar.com/Atlanta.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Good things are happening in South Fulton! Email us at emitchell@lifestylepubs.com. Tweet us @southfultonlife and follow South Fulton Lifestyle on Facebook.

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South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

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Theatre Du Reve BRINGING BILINGUAL THEATER TO ATLANTA

ARTICLE ANNA RICHARDSON

T

he team at Théâtre du Rêve (Theater of the Dream), the only Francophone theater company in the United States, doesn’t just love French theater: it goes beyond that.

“We have the opportunity to do really important work,” says Anna Richardson, TdR’s Director of Marketing and Development, who teaches theater education as well. “Years ago, I interned in Paris for a theater company that provided improvisation classes for disadvantaged teenagers, and I saw firsthand that the concepts and skills that improv and theater teach—cooperation, communication, adaptation among others, are crucial for development and success. I had kids tell me they performed better in school and were more confident in general.”

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South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

Love E Image & Design Caitlin Roe, Executive Director of TdR, who has been taking theater workshops into French classes for years, has seen how well language and theater interact.

“Sitting in a classroom memorizing vocabulary and verb forms isn’t the most effective way to immerse kids in a new language/culture," she explains. "By getting them out of their desks and onto their feet to experience language through theater, we teach them to connect emotionally to the language so that the vocabulary physically becomes part of them. Moreover, we teach educators to implement interactive learning styles in the classroom and provide them with the knowledge and resources to do so.”

Roe, who created the company’s bilingual theater intensive camp, has received overwhelming responses from parents and teachers reporting the positive impact that TdR’s workshops and camp intensives have had on their children and students.

“I hear about confidence boosts, I have parents tell me that they were blown away by how much their child blossomed in just one week…it’s really rewarding,” Roe says.

Like Roe and Richardson, Artistic Director/Actress Park Krausen is passionate about giving back to the community, hence why she developed Jane, le renard et moi (Jane, the Fox and Me) an adaptation of a graphic novel that addresses bullying behavior. She invited partners from the Ben Marion Institute for Social Justice to train touring artists to mindfully host post-show workshops on the topic. She believes in empathy and the power of theater.

“When students see themselves onstage, we are able to spark and engage them in meaningful dialogues about themselves, their community and the larger world, beginning with Francophone nations from around the globe,” she says. All three women are f luent in French, and believe strongly in the bilingual nature of the company.

“Not only are we able to bring Francophone works to Atlanta and into schools,” says Krausen, who collaborates constantly with artists from Canada, Belgium and Haiti. “But the research shows that people who are bilingual have an advantage.” (see the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). TdR has two bilingual touring productions—Jane, the Fox and Meand Fables Fantastiques!, which spans fables from five Francophone countries—as well as acting and improv classes coming up in the Fall. Keep an eye out for the World Premiere of international collaboration Celles d’en haut (Women on Top), September 11-20 at 7 Stages Theater, and the master classes/workshops they’re holding in conjunction with the production. “We’re all about continuing the conversation, outside the theater, into classrooms, rippling as far and wide as we can carry it,” says Kruasen.

All three women agree.

For more information, visit Theatre Du Reve at TdRATL.org

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Parent’s Corner

Choosing the Best Early Childhood Education for Your Child AN EXPERT'S GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE ARTICLE ANDREA LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY YOLANDA SHORTHOUSE, BELLA3PHOTOGRAPHY

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ne of the most challenging and time-consuming decisions for first time parents is where to send their bundles of joy for their first school experience. An early childhood education provides important literacy, numeracy and social skills for children, as well as sharpens thinking skills, raises school achievement levels, lowers the drop-out rate, and increases life -long earning potential.

Because of my educational and professional experiences in the field of early childhood education, I am often asked to refer individuals to the best early childhood center in Atlanta. My answer is always the same and not as clear cut as one may expect. The answer is simplistic, yet complex because it lies in determining what characteristics of a center are best for your child and your family.

I suggest that new parents make a list of features of their perfect school, including the non-negotiables. For example, my non-negotiables included having a nurturing, family-oriented, safe, clean, fun environment for my children. I wanted my sons to enjoy going to school. I wanted my sons’ teachers to know me by name and have my number in their cell phone to call when something was not quite right or send a cute picture during the day. I wanted the staff to know my sons’ likes and dislikes, learning styles, and how to encourage each to reach his highest potential. I wanted the center’s cook to know my sons’ allergies and to recognize the look in one of their eyes that said, “More peaches, please!” I wanted teachers who looked after my children as if they were their own.

I wanted a center that believed in academic excellence, but kept learning at a developmentally appropriate level.

For your family, the non-negotiables may be different. One friend told me that her child could not go to a center that served chicken nuggets, only organic food. Another wanted her child reading and writing cursive at age three. For some, the non-negotiable is immersion into a second language or a state of the art perfectly designed facility. Whatever your preference, it is important because it represents the core values of your family and goals for your child. Additionally, pay attention to your child’s learning

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South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

style and personality. Does he or she learn better through handson manipulatives and projects? Does he or she need more a more quiet and independent approach to learning? Will the center cultivate or confine your energetic boy or artsy girl?

After listing your non-negotiables, begin to visit recommended schools based upon your preferences and compare them to your perspective of a perfect school. What you will begin to find is that there is no perfect location for your child, and that you as a parent will have to supplement at home or with a learning program. For example, what if you locate a state-of-the-art facility that exposes children to learning vowels on iPods, Skypes with children in Japan to practice Japanese, and uses interactive technology as math manipulatives, but serves breaded chicken nuggets for lunch? Can you compromise and have your child take an organic lunch and snacks to school? Can you enroll your child, then suggest healthier food options to the center owner and start a wellness initiative amongst the other families? You could be the change agent who introduces an inaugural kid’s marathon and healthy living expo instead of cotton candy at the center’s fall carnival.

Lastly, research for yourself the expectations you have of your child to ensure it is developmentally appropriate. As a sample expectation, writing cursive at such an early age may be impossible because little hands do not have fully developed fine motor skills.

New parents will consistently find that choosing an early childhood center for their precious pearl or energetic junior is not an easy task. Through the art of compromise, referrals from family and friends, setting a realistic budget, learning your child’s learning style, and sometimes more than one try, parents can and will locate a center that will excite and ignite the spark of learning in their child.

Andrea Lewis, Ph.D., resides in South Fulton with her two sons. She is chair of the Education Studies Program at Spelman College and a former teacher and administrator in the local school system. Andrea is president of the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill of America.

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Star Student

Christiana Oshotse SCHOLAR AND FUTURE HEALTH CARE WORKER

ARTICLE ERIKKA MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

C

hristiana Oshotse is a Math & Science Magnet senior at Westlake High School. Over the course of her four years in high school, she has played volleyball, volunteered at her school and throughout her community, and excelled academically. Her interest in medicine and healthcare is what urged her to participate in the healthcare pathway offered at Westlake with a concentration in emergency medicine, and interest derived from skills she learned as a first responder. She has thoroughly enjoyed learning how to save lives and prevent accidents, and has served as president of HOSA-Future Health Professionals for this past year, which allowed her to reach out to healthcare professionals in her community and challenged her to successfully manage a chapter of 300 students.

She has also been actively involved in her school’s Student Government Association, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Science Club serving in numerous leadership capacities, all of which she says have allowed her the chance to impact her community on greater and personal levels.

Christiana has experienced a great deal of academic success throughout her high school career. At just 16 years old, she is not only the valedictorian of her class and a Gates Millennium Scholar, but is also an AP Scholar with Honors and GE Reagan Presidential Scholar.

She will be attending Duke University in the fall as a Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholar, an honor only five students out of the 31,000 that applied to the Duke Class of 2019 have received as a testament of their dedication to academics and community service. This full tuition scholarship, which also awards $5,000 towards research, is awarded to Afri-

can American students and is named after Reginaldo Howard, the first African American Student Government Association President at Duke.

Christiana hopes to double major in biology and global health, with the intent to work towards bettering the healthcare sectors of third world and developing countries not just through practicing medicine but also by working politically to push for solutions that favor greater accessibility and availability of healthcare for every person. She gives glory to God for all of her success thus far, acknowledging that He is the one who has given her strength, desire to succeed, and an amazingly supportive family. She is also grateful to her high school, full of supportive teachers and administrators who have been the catalyst for many of her future endeavors and interests.

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Fulton County Division of Arts & Culture operates five Fulton County Government community arts centers; Abernathy Arts Center, Aviation Community Cultural Center, South Fulton Arts Center, Southwest Arts Center, and West End Performing Arts Center.

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19

Fairburn history teacher selected as Fulton County Teacher of the Year for 2015.

ARTICLE ERIKKA MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHY TIFFANY POWELL

E

ach spring, every Fulton County school is invited to nominate outstanding educators based on teacher, staff and parent input. These professionals are then evaluated a second time through a classroom visit and interview, and one finalist is announced from each of Fulton’s geographic Learning Communities – Northeast, Northwest, Central and South. From that list of four, the Overall Teacher of the Year is chosen.

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to this year’s winner: 2015 Teacher of the Year –Jameda Owens of

Bear Creek Middle School. Owens is a social studies teacher at Bear Creek Middle School in Fairburn, right here in South Fulton. She believes that teaching allows her to be part of history as it is created.

Owens is a graduate of Agnes Scott College and received her master's degree in social science education from The University of Georgia. Additionally, she was certified as a specialist in educational leadership in 2013, the same year that she started to teach in Fulton County. She plays several roles at CONTINUED >

20

South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

“I believe my ability and attempts to both relate and personalize my students’ learning has contributed to the success that takes place in my classroom.”

August 2015 | South Fulton Lifestyle

21

JAMEDA OWENS (CONTINUED)

her school. Her students call her “coach” in addition to educator of gifted and talented students. Owens has emerged as a leader amongst her peers as a presenter for professional development and using technology in the classroom as a teacher of distant learners.

"Teaching provides me with a front row seat to the journeys my students take in learning something new, and it provides something of a crystal ball into the future," says Owens in her Teacher of the Year nomination application. "Right now, if I were to visualize my current students, I see engineers, moguls in the making, horticulturists, lawyers and even teachers."

This vision inspires her to make sure that lessons are relevant for all learning types, from the student who needs to touch and feel an object to learn from it, to the student who can learn from just listening and observing.

"I believe my ability and attempts to both relate and personalize my students' learning has contributed to the success that takes place in my classroom. When lesson planning, I try my best to take mental pictures of my students. I try to cater to the various types of learning styles in my room," she says.

Bear Creek Principal Anthony Newbold recognizes that her impact goes beyond the classroom and serves as a model for others in the school. "As a teacher-leader, Mrs. Owens understands the vision of shared accountability, use of best practices, continuous improvement, and data analysis for student achievement. Furthermore, she believes in providing equal opportunities for all students in preparation to succeed in a global society," he says.

In addition to being a stellar educator, on a more personal level, Owens married her soulmate, football coach Terrone, and lives with her husband and toddler in Jonesboro. Owens is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She stands as a shining example of excellence in our community. Owens is a woman of great faith. Her humility shines through as she continues to achieve in her field. She has truly made her mark in the lives of her students.

For students who need an academic boost this summer • Tutoring in Reading, Math and Writing Skills • Afternoon Recreational Activities • 2 Sessions of 2 Weeks Each • Held on the Campus of The Bedford School in Fairburn

5665 Milam Road Fairburn, GA 30213

770-774-8001 • thebedfordschool.org 22

South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

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Family Feature THE FOSTER FAMILY

Raushanah El-Amin-Foster and Jamaal Foster 3 children, Shuaib ( age 10), Naim (age 7), and Suhaylah (age 1).

T

he Foster family has resided in South Fulton for 10 years and, they absolutely love it. The convenience of being close to nature, seeing their neighbors ride horseback ride and the serene, pastoral feel is what brought them to South Fulton. Jamaal and Raushanah are originally from Ohio: he is from Cincinnati and, she hails from Cleveland. They met in college at Tuskegee University and are both engineers, working for GE Power & Water. Below, Raushanah lists some of their favorite aspects of living the South Fulton lifestyle.

“The activities that we enjoy in the community are the concerts at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater. The most memorable is when Fantasia Barrino performed! We have two active boys. Shuaib swims with the Stingrays in Douglasvile, and Naim plays baseball at Sandtown Park. My husband is the assistant coach with the Tigers, so we are always on the go attending tournaments. The Wolf Creek library is a new treasure in the community, where we enjoy attending workshops and participating in the Summer Reading program. We are happy to have this facility near us. It is so convenient! The Southwest Arts Center is our go-to place for Summer Camp. Our children love to express their creative side with acting, dancing and art. The center has various classes, from guitar lessons to dance. We enjoy attending the performances, where we are able to enjoy the work of talented actors and artists, right here in South Fulton.”

If you and your family are living the #SouthFultonLifestyle, and are interested in being highlighted, please email us at emitchell@lifestylepubs. com, send us a message on Facebook, or tweet us for more details.

ARTICLE ERIKKA MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

24

South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

Local Limelight

South Fulton Schools NARROWING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP IN EDUCATION ARTICLE JOHN H. EAVES | PHOTOGRAPHY TIFFANY POWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

W

ith more than 96,000 students, Fulton County Schools is Georgia's largest charter system and has been named

by Money magazine as "One of the Top 100 School Districts in Places You Can Afford.” It has long been recognized as an exemplary school system, representative of a model community. My personal mission is to make sure that every youth in Fulton County performs to his or her highest potential and has access to all opportunities that sound education can provide – outcomes that should exist whether a child is taught in North or South Fulton County Schools.

I have applauded the efforts of outgoing Fulton County School Superintendent Robert Avossa in addressing dropout rates for the district, and particularly those of young people in South Fulton. From 2011 to 2013, graduation rates among African American students improved by more than five percent overall and nearly eight percent among African American males in particular.

Further, Langston Hughes and Westlake high schools, both in South Fulton, posted significant double-digit gains in this category over the same period. Dr. Avossa told me this happened because the school system made narrowing the achievement gap between black and white students a stated priority and focused on academic intervention and coaching to make it a reality. It is my hope that the new permanent school chief continues this fine work.

The old African proverb states that it takes a village to raise a child. While some dismiss this as a cliché, like so many clichés, it is rooted in a fundamental truth. In order for county achievement gaps continue to improve, we need the input of community stakeholders, from parents to business leaders back to the educators charged with this important task. Our future and that of our children depends on it. After multiple visits to examine conditions at the Fulton County Jail, I quickly learned the overwhelming majority of prisoners housed share one commonality: more than 80 percent of them dropped out of school. If ever there was a journey to success, perhaps this is future proof that education is the proverbial first step on that trek. Whether the eventual destination is a position requiring a college degree or work in the trades following vocational training, neither goal is possible without first completing a high school course of study.

John Henry Eaves is Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners and a long-standing education advocate. He is also the proud parent of a daughter currently enrolled in the Fulton County School System. Please share your comments via email to john.eaves@fultoncountyga.gov or on Facebook (Facebook.com/JohnHenryEaves) and Twitter @JohnEaves.

August 2015 | South Fulton Lifestyle

25

Page Turners

Local Author Exlpores Language and Identity

ARTICLE ROSE QUARTERMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

L

anguage, Identity and Choice: Raising Bilingual Children in a Global Society provides scholarly insight to how foreign language acquisition has influenced an individual's understanding of identity within the African American family. Scholarship is rooted in sociolinguistic, communication and bilingual theoretical perspectives.

This text describes how foreign language acquisition, development and use help to shape how African Americans are able to describe and proscribe their identity and in turn, the identity of the family. It looks specifically at how family language choices, in particular choosing to be bilingual, effects family communication and perception of identity from people outside of the family.

"Language, Identity and Choice: Raising Bilingual Children in a Global Society offers, through vibrant personal reflections and scholarly research, a valuable treatise on the promotion of second language and trans-cultural studies among African Americans.

Those wishing to engender in their children and in their communities the positive benefits of bilingualism and intercultural literacy will find this text informative and entertaining." - James J. Davis, Howard University

26

South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Kami J. Anderson is an associate professor in the department of Digital Writing and Media Arts and the assistant director of the Marietta campus for the Undergraduate Honors Program for the Honors College at Kennesaw State University. Dr. Anderson completed doctoral work in Intercultural Communication at Howard University in Washington, DC in 2007; her dissertation is entitled, The Shifting Character of Social and Ethnic Identity among Black American Sojourners. Dr. Anderson received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Spelman College and a Master of Arts in International Communication and Cultural Anthropology from the American University in Washington, DC. Dr. Anderson is a former ISEE (Institute for Scholarship in Engineering Education) fellow (2006) and has written collaborative papers on communication in the engineering classroom. She is also an Edward Alexander Bouchet Honors Scholar, a program designed to recognize the scholarly achievements of graduate students and alumni

of Howard and Yale Universities. She has published extensively in both English and Spanish in scholarly and trade journals, as well as in national U.S. news publications.

She is currently a member of the National Communication Association (NCA), Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honors Society, and The Organization for African American Linguists.

ON LIVING IN SOUTH FULTON

“I have been living in South Fulton since my return to Atlanta from DC. I moved back to get married after completing my PhD at Howard University. I live in the area with my husband, Jeff and four children: Jeffrey II (6), Jachin (4) and twins Jason and Jasira (2). We are proud to have a full bilingual household; all of our children are biliterate in English and Spanish. We are members of Zion Hill Baptist Church.”

Language, Identity and Choice: Raising Bilingual Children in a Global Society is available on Amazon.

Life. Starts. Here.

Treatment for people suffering from chronic, debilitating pain of the low back, legs, and arms.

Pickens A. Patterson, III, M.D. is Double Board Certified in Anesthesiology

and Pain Management Medicine, with twelve years of experience in practicing Interventional Pain Management. Dr. Patterson’s experience and skills include epidural injections, facet blocks, and sympathetic blocks, and he has a special interest in spinal cord stimulation for neuropathic pain and failed back surgery.

Dr. Patterson stresses the importance of overall function, and frequently incorporates physical therapy and biofeedback/psychology into his patients’ individualized treatment plans. Dr. Patterson takes pride in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to every patient he treats.

15 Metro Atlanta Locations • 17 Board Certified Physicians State of the Art Accredited Surgery Centers Specialized procedures to correct the cause of your pain, not just mask it.

Pickens A. Patterson III, MD

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3885 Princeton Lakes Way #400, Atlanta, GA 30349 | 678-399-5269

August 2015 | South Fulton Lifestyle

27

Terrific Teacher

Fishburn Prize Finalist Chantrise Sims-Holliman ARTICLE ERIKKA MITCHELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

C

hantrise Sims-Holliman, an 8​th-9th grade English teacher at Westlake High School in South Fulton, is one of only six teachers nationwide who have been named finalists for the 2015 Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice, a $25,000 award recognizing the nation's most effective teachers working in high-poverty public schools. As a finalist, Ms. Sims-Holliman will receive $1,000 from TNTP, the nonprofit organization that offers the award. Four other teachers were also announced as winners today.

The Fishman Prize is extremely selective, with over 5,000 teachers nominated this year and nearly 800 submitting applications from 46 states and Washington, DC. A small number of applicants were selected to submit teaching videos and letters of reference, and to participate in unannounced classroom observations conducted by TNTP. Ten finalists were selected for in-person interviews with an expert panel of judges in New York City before four were ultimately named the winners.

Ms. Sims-Holliman entered the classroom 10 years ago from a career in business and has not looked back. A pillar at Westlake High School, she is known for her tenacious spirit and her strong rapport with students. Her classroom atmosphere is electrifying as students eagerly engage in discussion on the literary components of biographical texts. She eloquently weaves in historical context while tying in modern day comparisons, leaving students bursting with ideas to share and anxious to hear more. As a result, Ms. Sims-Holliman's students achieve amazing classroom results.

On the 2013-2014 state exam, 100 28

South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

percent of her English students passed with 85 percent exceeding expectations, far exceeding the Georgia state averages.

This is the fourth year for the Fishman Prize. It is named for Shira Fishman Printup, a current DC Public Schools (DCPS) math teacher who was named the 2011 DCPS Teacher of the Year and received a 2011 Milken Educator Award. She left a career in engineering to become a teacher through TNTP's highly selective DC Teaching Fellows program in 2004 and has been teaching ever since.

To learn more about the Fishman Prize and this year's winners, visit TNTP.org/FishmanPrize.

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD South Fulton Properties NEIGHBORHOOD

BR

BA/HALF BA

LIST PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SP

DOM*

Chattahoochee Hills

6

3/0

$990,000

$950,000

96%

13

Atlanta

5

4/1

$525,000

$510,000

97%

95

Atlanta

8

7/2

$550,000

$457,500

83%

78

Chattahoochee Hills

5

3/1

$435,900

$400,000

91%

36

Atlanta

6

5/1

$437,500

$429,900

98%

144

Atlanta

6

5/0

$417,000

$420,000

100%

6

Atlanta

5

3/1

$429,516

$391,400

91%

126

Fairburn

6

5/1

$420,000

$394,000

94%

98

College Park

5

3/0

$372,559

$402,456

108%

148

Atlanta

6

4/1

$345,000

$345,000

100%

73

Atlanta

6

5/0

$315,000

$332,500

105%

28

Atlanta

6

5/1

$377,765

$319,900

84%

72

Atlanta

6

5/0

$335,000

$309,500

92%

18

Atlanta

4

3/1

$345,000

$323,500

93%

215

Atlanta

4

3/0

$329,000

$250,000

76%

119

Atlanta

4

4/0

$307,643

$295,000

96%

109

Atlanta

5

4/1

$305,000

$305,000

100%

291

Fairburn

5

3/0

$296,126

$290,162

98%

16

Atlanta

5

3/1

$280,000

$279,000

99%

92

Information compiled from First Multiple Listing Service and Georgia Multiple Listing Service from dates of 3/1/2015 through 4/30/2015.Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM = Days on Market

August 2015 | South Fulton Lifestyle

29

Lifestyle Calendar

August AUGUST 1

THROUGH AUGUST 29

LEARNAPALOOZA ATL

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE FOR TEEN ANGELS ATLANTA, SOUTH FULTON AND DOUGLAS CHAPTER

CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS

TEENANGELSROCK.COM

CHARTER SCHOOL

Membership Rush for the Teen Angels Program TeenAngels Society, Inc. is Georgia's premiere leadership sorority for teen girls aspiring to become Poised, Polished, and Professional 21st century leading ladies.

We are looking for girls ages 13-17 and 10-12 who reside in Douglas county and South Fulton metro Atlanta to become the newest TeenAngels and TweenAngels in our illustrious group.

Learnapalooza ATL is a festival for all ages, celebrating all we have to learn from each other, from the Cha Cha to learning how to knit, basic Sign Language, rocket science. Food trucks, live music, over 100 workshops, Market and more! Pre-register for workshops online to guarantee a spot. $10 Age 13 and up.

For more, visit LearnapaloozaATL.com.

AUGUST 1 PEACHTREE CITY BACK TO SCHOOL BASH GLENLOCH RECREATION CENTER

Peachtree City's Back to School Bash kicks off at 6 PM with family fun offerings such as face painting, inflatables, balloon art, crafts, food, music and more.

Then when the sun sets, everyone is invited to have a seat on the lawn and enjoy hit feature movie "Big Hero 6." Visit Peachtree-City.org for more information.

AUGUST 8 SO YOU DECIDED TO HOMESCHOOL, NOW WHAT? WOLF CREEK BRANCH, A PART OF THE ATLANTA-FULTON PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM

The decision to homeschool your child is a great one. You may be finding out that you’re a bit overwhelmed. Where do you begin? How will you navigate the subject areas? Join life-learning coaches Leslie Bray and Tywane Owens as they give you specific steps to take in finding your way. Advice offered and questions answered.

For information, call 404.613.4255.

30

South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies?

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For over a century, Piedmont physicians have been providing care for Georgia families as a part of the Piedmont Healthcare system – a comprehensive network of hospitals, care centers, specialists and pediatricians. So whether you need a routine checkup or critical care, you can rest assured that Piedmont Healthcare has the resources at hand to get you the care you need, close to home.

Great doctors, convenient locations – meet Dr. Crystal Young.

3885 Princeton Lakes Way Suite 306 Atlanta, Georgia 30331 404.629.9495 piedmontphysicians.org

Crystal Young, D.O. Family Medicine

August 2015 | South Fulton Lifestyle

31

business directory ART & PHOTOGRAPHY Tiffany Powell Photography (404) 435-6274 tiffany-powell.com

Elegant Occasions Event Center (404) 838-7150 myelegantoccasion.com

& COMMUNITY EVENTS FASHION ACCESSORIES & ORGANIZATIONS Love E Chick-Fil-A Backstage Tours tours.chick-fil-a.com Fulton County Arts Council (404) 612-5780 fultonarts.org

The Mincey Law Practice (678) 575-3501 minceylawpractice.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Alliance Spine and Pain Centers (770) 929-9033 spinepains.com

Atlanta Medical Center (404) 265-6855 atlantamedcenter.com

EDUCATION

Arlington Christian School (770) 964-9871 arlingtonchristian.org

Georgia Military College (678) 379-1414 gmc.edu

Piedmont Physicians at Camp Creek piedmont.org

Hands On Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic (404) 761-8001 wetreatinjuries.com

Prestige Healthcare Atlanta (404) 346-7100 prestigehealthcareatlanta.com

St. Stephen Christian Academy (404) 305-0161 ststephenchristianacademy.org

OTHER

Atlanta Braves (404) 522-7630 Greystone Power greystonepower.com Weaver Lawn Care (404) 399-1836 weaverlawncare.org

PROPERTY Dr. R. Johnson-Verwayne, & REAL ESTATE Standard of Care Reponzell Morris - REMAX Psychological Sevices (678) 758-9193 (678) 973-2491 standardofcarepsychological.com reponzellsellsatlanta.com

Pain 2 Wellness Center (404) 699-0966 pain2wellness.com

Atlanta Trilingual Academy (404) 647-4995 atlantatrilingual.com

ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

LEGAL SERVICES

TyLamer Closet (678) 437-6923 tylamer.com

Fulton County Government (404) 612-5800 fultoncountyga.gov

The Bedford School (770) 774-8001 thebedfordschool.org

(404) 908-7997 loveefashion.com

Solutions Health and Wellness Center (770) 306-2520 kaiserfamilychiro.com

HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS Mia Furniture (470) 440-5848 miafurniturestore.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES Swift Health Group (404) 996-1870 swifthealthgroup.com

The Dump thedump.com

HOME SERVICES

DJ Willy Wow! Little Beat Music Legend Roofing (888) 969-2100 (404) 308-4694 littlebeatmusic.com legendroofing.com

Women’s Health Institute (478) 287-4755 drumerah.com

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (404) 964-6679 menchies.com Panache Bistro (404) 996-6479 panachebistroatl.com The Tavern @ Campbellton (678) 904-7041 thetavernat.com

SALONS & SPAS Salon Atara (404) 254-1588 salonatara.com

Higher

Setting the Standard

Trauma Focused Treatment • Individual and Family Therapy (Sexual Abuse, Neglect, etc.)

(School Failure, Divorce, Adjustment, etc.)

Adjustment Issues • Psychological, Educational, and Forensic Evaluations Individualized and Competent Services • Verified by Psychology Today 3915 cascade road - suite 105, atlanta, georgia 30331 678.973.2491 | www.standardofcarepsychological.com

32

South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

ifl Visit our website!

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Johnson-Verwayne

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Your safety is a top priority at GreyStone Power. That’s why we encourage you to stay safe by calling before you dig.

Simply call 811 two days before any digging project to have all your underground utilities marked. Just one FREE, easy call helps protect you from injury and expense. Knowing where your underground utility lines are buried can save lives and minimize damage to underground utilities.

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33

Parting Thoughts

Intervene Early WORDS CHRISTINA HAYES MILLER

Y

ou never know where you will meet someone in your tribe.

Most recently for me, it was at a park in West Philadelphia (Cue Fresh Prince theme song).

My son and I had wandered over to the playground while my father and a friend of his mentored young boys on the basketball court. The little boy already there was standing high on the equipment, while his father looked on carefully but not too close. “Oh look,” I said to my son, “someone to play with.” The little boy, Alex, was already heading down the slide as my son began his climb up the stairs. We watched our boys for a minute and exchanged pleasantries and typical parent questions like “How old is your son?” Mine is 3 and will be 4 later in the year; his had turned 4 this January. As I watched the little boy and listened to him, I knew. I knew before the father even told me that this was a boy that I could teach. The father began to tell me how he likes to bring Alex to the park so that he can work on his social skills and language skills. For a

special education teacher those were code words for autism. As the conversation progressed, Alex’s dad ended up telling me that Alex was diagnosed only this year.

The episode made me think how awesome it was that Alex’s parents were confronting this problem early. While some debate if children should begin formal education early, there is no question that early intervention is better when it comes to confronting delays. At 4, Alex is already receiving speech therapy and occupational therapy. Although there will be challenges ahead, there is no question that Alex’s chance for improvement will have been greatly increased because his parents began seeking help early. Navigating your child’s educational options is difficult, especially if that child has special needs. However, the earlier you seek assistance the better the outcome will be for your family in the future.

Christina Hayes Miller is an educator and blogger. She lives in South Fulton with her husband and son.

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South Fulton Lifestyle | August 2015

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• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 • Atlanta Medical Center will host its 2nd Annual Race for Survivors 5K Run/Walk, benefiting Sisters by Choice, a breast cancer support group organization. The race will start at Atlanta Medical Center – South in East Point. Atlanta Medical Center honors all cancer survivors, and encourages survivors, friends and family members to participate in the race and make it an annual event.

To register, go to Active.com and search: Atlanta Medical Center

PROCEEDS BENEFIT BREAST CANCER SUPPORT atlantamedcenter.com

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