Milton Magazine - Spring 2019

Milton.

Complimentary.

www.30004life.com

S pring Spring 2019, Vol. 6, No. 1

put some

in your step!

SAVING THE LOG CABIN p12

again

COVER PHOTO: April Elliott Photography www.aprilelliottphotography.comÂ

Spring 2019

SPRING EVENTS IN 2019

St. Paddy O'Pedal Bike Ride Rock for Rescues Big South Beer Festival 1

Mugs on Milton | The Market | With Love Paperie 12630 Crabapple Road, Suite 120, Milton, GA 30004 | www.laurelandmay.com

2 | Milton Life

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Northside Hospital continues to attract more top doctors and advance our technology. And that makes all the difference for patients. We’re growing throughout Georgia and offering our high level of care to more people. When you take better care of your physicians and staff, they can take better care of patients.

northside.com

3

YO U R

P E T ’ S

“ H O M E

AWAY

F R O M

H O M E ! ”

Serving North Fulton since 1988 1998

• 2.5 ACRES NATURE WALKING TRAILS • INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PLAYTIMES

• AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM • PRIVATE ROOMS FOR CATS

• STATE-OF-THE-ART KENNELS • INDOOR/OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS

• OWNERS ON SITE • IN THE HEART OF MILTON

640 Dorris Road, Milton GA 30004 • (770) 754-1700 • bedsandbones.net

Cobb/Cherokee

North Fulton/Forsyth

770.627.4670 770.475.8700

Sandy Springs

770.559.3264

4 | Milton Life

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Welcoming New Patients!

Offering a full range of adult and pediatric services, our boardcertified physicians proudly offer the highest quality care to keep you and your family happy and healthy. We accept most insurance plans and offer same-day appointments and extended hours at many of our locations.

Our services include:

• Physical examinations and wellness care for men, women and children • General and chronic care for geriatric patients • Immunizations • Acute illness treatment for colds, fevers, flu and more • Comprehensive women’s health services

Call (770) 395-1130 for an appointment 960 Johnson Ferry Road Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30342

3400-A Old Milton Parkway Suite 130, Alpharetta, GA 30005

pnfm.com

Welcoming

New Patients!

Dr. Syed W. Rizvi is a board-certified physician in internal medicine who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of medical conditions in patients aged 16 and older.

Dr. Rizvi serves each patient with the time and attention needed to maintain good health, and offers a full range of services, including, acute illness care, chronic disease management and comprehensive preventative care.

We accept most insurance plans, including: •

Blue Cross Blue Shield

•

Traditional Medicare

•

Commercial Medicare

•

United Healthcare

•

Aetna

3400-A Old Milton ParkwaySuite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30005

Phone: 770-740-8550 We welcome walk-ins for sick visits and offer same-day appointments.

Spring 2019

Dr. Syed W. Rizvi

Board Certified in Internal Medicine

NewtownMed.com 5

Publisher’s Post

Happy Spring, neighbors!

I’m Danielle Bartling, the new associate publisher of Milton Life.

You might recognize me from bylines past– I’ve covered Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails, Smokejack BBQ, Mugs on Milton, the Big Ketch, PURE Taqueria and a few more beloved locales. For three years, I freelanced as a writer and copy editor for Local Life Publishing as I army-crawled my way through the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia.

After I graduated in December, Regina – our head publisher at LLP – assigned me the Spring issue of Milton (yes, this one!) in order to free up her time for our sister magazine, Roswell. We know dividing the responsibilities will help all our magazines grow in big, beautiful and exciting ways. This is my first issue, so please bear with me. I'm here for you, and only you, Milton: Your businesses. Your events. Your stories. Locally.

This season is rich with holidays and special occasions: Easter, Mother's Day, graduation and many, many awesome local events.

I enjoyed meeting Laura Jesseph of Vox Artium, the company that created Rock for Rescues (p11). We discussed their plans over delicious coffee at Laurel & May, and she connected me to their headlining band from Marietta, Walden (p10).

With the help of Pat Miller of the Alpharetta & Old Milton County Historical Society (and a few others), I also learned some interesting history and updates about the Old Milton Log Cabin (p12). I had the great pleasure of meeting George Jones, the last living original builder; as well as Jim Spruell, the engineer in charge of restoring the Cabin at its new site, 210 Milton Avenue.

After speaking to local historians and peeling through archives, it seems our town is connected in some strange, beautiful ways.

I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Milton.

M A G A Z I N E

MILTON LIFE is published by Local Life Publishing, LLC 10719 Alpharetta Hwy., #1153, Roswell GA hello@locallifepublishing.com Editorial Director Danielle Bartling President Chris Smith Publisher Regina Barkley Marketing Manager Peyton Callahan Photography April Elliott – cover image Matt Conrod – Walden p10 Contributing Writers Sherry Ajluni, Joy Ridenour, Dr. Vishal Patel, Danielle Denlein, Susan Cadley, Greg Harding Contact Danielle Bartling for sponsorships, advertising and content marketing opportunities: danielle@locallifepublishing.com www.30004life.com www.locallifepublishing..com Do you LIKE us? Then go public about it. www.facebook.com/miltonmagazine IG: @miltonmagazine - T: @miltonmagazine COVER PHOTO: April Elliott Photography www.aprilelliottphotography.com

#LiveLocal and Go Dawgs!

In honor of this issue, I'm wearing the pinkest of pink dresses from The Twisted Thread, one of our favorite boutiques at Crabapple Market. www.thetwistedthread.shoprw.com

6 | Milton Life

Own a local business? Interested in partnering with Milton Life Magazine? Contact us to learn how we can help you position your brand to more effectively reach the Milton and Alpharetta markets. Milton Life Magazine is published bi-monthly by Local Life Publishing. The opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publishers. We’re human just like you. We will make mistakes. So, please go easy on us when we do. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Sharing articles on social media from our digital publications is permitted and encouraged.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9March 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 181 192 203 214 225 236 10 28 11 29 12 30 13 247 258 269 27 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 21 22 23 24 25 26 27April 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

2019 Spring Calendar

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

20: FIRST DAY OF SPRING 21: David Coughlin: Construction of Buford Dam & Lake Lanier 23: C.H.O.A. Dog Showoff (The Avalon, 2-3:30 p.m.)

23: FurKids’ 17th Birthday Party (Mason Fine Art, 6:30 p.m.)

23: Angels Among Us “Happily Ever After” Gala (6:30 p.m.)

23: Shamrockin’ For A Cure (Ameris Bank Amph. 7-11 p.m.)

24: St. Paddy O'Pedal Bike Ride (Milton City Hall) 25: Volunteer Barn Book Sorting (Milton Library, 10 a.m.)

26: Speaker Bill Lusk on Historical Markers in the City of Milton 27: Barn Book Sale (Milton Library, 2:30 p.m.)

3: Barn Book Sale (Milton Library, 2:30 p.m.)

8: Easter Bunny at Avalon (see online for times) 13: Second Saturday Book Sale (Milton Library, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

13: Heart & Sole 5K at Avalon (7:30-9:30 a.m.)

13: Alpharetta Farmers Market (Recurring every Saturday until October 26th – Village Green, 8:30-1 p.m.)

13: FREE Easter Bunny Photos (Alph. Welcome Ctr., 10-12 p.m.)

18: Clarke Otten: The Story of Sandy Springs During the Civil War 21: EASTER 23: Clarke Otten: Indian Trails & Pioneer Tales, 6000 B.C. to 1800 24: Fulton Golden Games Ceremony (Bell Memorial Park, 11 a.m.)

24: Santana (Ameris Bank Amph., 8-11 p.m.)

25: Jimmy Buffett (Ameris Bank Amph., 7:30-11 p.m.)

27: Rock For Rescues (Crabapple Road, 1-10 p.m.)

27: DEA Drug Take Back Day (10 a.m.)

27: March 4 Babies (Ameris Bank Amph., 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

May SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

FRI

SAT

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

2: Taste of Alpharetta (Downtown, 5-10 p.m.)

4: Kentucky Derby at Avalon (3-9 p.m.)

7: Alph. Chamber Golf Tournmt. (The Manor, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

9: Food Truck Alley (Old Roswell St., 5-9 p.m.)

10: Celebrate Freedom Rodeo (Wills Park, 6-10 p.m.)

11: Second Saturday Book Sale (Milton Library, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

11: Bryan Adams (Ameris Bank Amph., 8-11:30 p.m.)

11: Friends of the Milton Library Barn Book Sale (10 a.m.)

11: Big South Beer Festival (4 p.m.)

19: Rock for Rescues Junior (Ameris Bank Amph. 12 p.m.)

21: Dr. Ronald Grossman: 1930s: America's Paradoxical Decade 25: Alph. Art in the Park (Brooke St. Park, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

25-27: Alph. Arts Street Fest (Village Green, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

25: Rascal Flatts (Ameris Bank Amph., 7 p.m. - 11 p.m.)

25: Brooke St. Park Concert Series (7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.)

JUNE 1: Brew Moon Fest

Spring 2019

7

TABLE OF CONTENTS | Milton Life | Spring 2019 | www.30004life.com

Photo Courtesy of Chai Pani Restaurant Group

18 12

31

34 Photo Courtesy ofThe Barn on Birmingham

p6 | Publisher’s Post / About Us p7 | Spring Calendar

24

Photo Courtesy of JoyLovingHome.com

inside

p9 | Features

Interview: Joy Loving Home | p24

p9 | Mayor Joe Lockwood’s Note p10 | Rock For Rescues Presents: Walden p12 | History: Saving the Log Cabin

Power Up Pilates | p25 What's New at Crababble Market? | p25 Time to Get Your Eyes Checked! | p26

p16 | Spring Gift Guide p17| Festivities: Happy Easter! p18 | Coming Soon to ACC: Botiwalla

Danielle Denlein's Story | p28 Susan Cadley's Soul Notes: Self-Soothing | p29 Special Equestrians of Georgia | p30

p18 | Mother's Day Brunch p19 | Taste of Alpharetta

Food Truck Alley | p19 Sherry & Co. Real Estate | p20

The Barn on Birmingham | p31 Recipe: Cilantro-Lime Carrot Slaw | p34

8 | Milton Life

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Features

10 12 24 28 30 Spring 2019

"WALDEN" ROCKS FOR RESCUES Meet the four-man rock group who will be headlining this year's Rock for Rescues event on Crabapple Road.

They shared some band history and the inspiration behind their music.

Mayor Joe Lockwood

Mayor’s Note SAVING THE LOG CABIN... AGAIN! The Log Cabin stood on the Milton High School grounds for more than 80 years, until it was relocated down the street in 2017. Here's what's been going on lately!

JOY LOVING HOME INTERVIEW We had the pleasure of speaking with Joy Ridenour, a professional home organizer. She explained her role in the business as well as current trends in organizational design.

DANIELLE DENLEIN'S STORY After giving birth to her second child, this Crabapple mother suffered a serious heart complication – common in new mothers – which nearly took her life. Here's to awareness.

SPRING IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR AND THAT means getting outside for long-overdue yard work, enjoying an afternoon baseball game, or attending a local street festival. Whatever the warm weather brings for you and your family, we hope you’ll join us in Milton, on Saturday, April 27th as we host the second-annual Milton Rock for Rescues, a one-day musical festival held in the downtown Crabapple district.

Last year, we held the inaugural event on Broadwell Road, but the turn-out for our first event was so positive that we’re expanding the festival and closing Crabapple Road for the day as we celebrate the local music scene and support local animal welfare charities. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Milton and the Vox Artium Foundation, but Rock for Rescues is a year-round program of events all around Atlanta that actively showcases home-grown, original music and benefits five pre-selected local animal welfare organizations.

Not only are we hosting great local musicians, custom vendors, and tasty food and beverage options, but it’s all for a great cause. The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged as they directly benefit five charities—Aware Wildlife Center, Canine Cellmates, Furkids, Georgia House Rabbits Society, and Milton’s very own, Special Equestrians of Georgia.

The festival starts at 1 p.m. and runs through 10 p.m. with entertainment from WALDEN, Last Chance Riders, Pony League, Alex Guthrie, a slow boat to china, and Sister Moon.

SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS OF GEORGIA The SEG Team and their horses are doing some phenomenal work providing equine therapy to vulnerable populations in need.

To learn more visit www.rockforrescues.org or contact Milton’s Community Outreach and Engagement Manager Courtney Spriggs at courtney.spriggs@ cityofmiltonga.us – Pets are welcome but must be on a leash. Henry and I hope to see you on April 27th!

Mayor Joe Lockwood

9

Philanthropy

2019 Rock For Rescues Headliner

rogMatt Conrod

Photo: Matt Conrod Incredibly, having recently released two singles, "Axioms" and "Alive," rock group WALDEN prove they are men of many talents, with much more to offer and no plans to slow down any time soon.

After essentially growing up together, Jamie de Lange (bass), Andrew Mendel (drums), Eric Hangartner (keyboard) and Richard Becker (lead vocals and guitar) consider each other brothers – Eric and Richard even went to the same preschool.

Together they attended Pope High School in Marietta, where their bond strengthened during routine jam sessions in Andrew's basement until they officially formed in 2012. Recently, they graduated from the University of Georgia with a variety of majors and returned to their hometown to continue pursuing the dream they've shared since adolescence.

WALDEN draws inspiration from the shared experience of music, especially performing live. With their lyrics, they don't intend to offer solutions for life– but rather, acknowledge and engage their audience with universal themes that elicit deeper fulfillment.

On April 5th, fans can look forward to the release of their upcoming EP, "The Static," on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud and YouTube. In the same month, they will begin a five-stop tour up and down the East Coast – and in the middle of it, headlining a benefit concert for local animal charities. Seriously, could these guys get any cooler?

Mark your calendars – on April 27th at 8:30 p.m., WALDEN will perform at the Rock For Rescues event on Crabapple Road. The band will follow the ROCK U All Stars, Sister Moon, a slow boat to china, Alex Guthrie, Pony League and Last Chance Riders.

Don't miss out!

Other tour dates: 4/18 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - WORLD CAFE LIVE 4/19 - NEW YORK CITY, NY - ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL 4/26 - BIRMINGHAM, AL - THE NICK 5/4 - ATLANTA, GA - SHAKY KNEES FESTIVAL 5/16 - NASHVILLE, TN - HIGH WATT

10 | Milton Life

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Valentine’s Day

11

Saving the Log Cabin

By Danielle Bartling

George Jones (left), 98, is the last surviving builder of the Log Cabin, constructed in 1935 by the Future Farmers of America at the old Milton High School. Jim Spruell (right), a retired systems engineer by trade and treasurer of the Historical Society, volunteered to lead the restoration project. Special thanks to Architect Tracy Ward, Billy Bates, Pat Miller and the late Jack Morton. Photo: March 9th, 2019

I

In 1934, P.L. Elkins, a vocational agriculture teacher at Milton High School, won the Herty Prize for doing the best work in forestry during the 1933-1934 school year. The award was presented by T.G. Woolford, president of the Georgia Forestry Association, on August 3rd, 1934– the closing night of summer forestry camp. P.L. donated his entire reward ($75.00) as seed money to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Club of about 60 male students at Milton High School. In 2018 dollars, this would've been valued at $1,423.28.

Pierce L. Elkins, Forestry-Geological Review (1934)

“In accepting the prize, Mr. Elkins stated that it should go to the boys who helped him win the prize, and would be spent on the construction of a forestry cabin,” according to the Forestry-Geological Review in 1934. The article continued, “To this end, [Elkins] handed over the check to John Broadwell, student of his school.” Broadwell is one of the biggest family names in Milton– Broadwell Road, Broadwell Pavilion, the Broadwell Building at Crabapple Crossroads, and Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails was even a Broadwell home circa 1860.

George Jones is the last living builder of the original Log Cabin which, until October 2017, stood on the Milton High School grounds for more than eight decades. Not long after graduation, he served our country as an officer in World War II, as did most of the FFA boys – part of the “Greatest Generation.” He also worked as a city mailman for a time. Growing up, George's parents owned and operated "Jones' Grocery," across from their home. The original house still stands today as "Restaurant Holmes" next to the City Center. The second-to-last living builder was FFA member John Marvin Dorris, a World War II Navy officer who passed away in July 2018, just a month short of his 100th birthday.

Led by Elkins in 1934, the boys cut and gathered timber donated from local forests (including the site of what is now North Point Mall) and dragged it by mule to the cabin site. With a laugh, George recounted the arduous task of girdling the trees by hand, stripping away the bark and the sticky mess of sap on their hands. All of the construction was done by the FFA boys and a few fathers, with the exception of the granite fireplace and chimney. Local farmers and merchants donated rocks and cement to lay the foundation. In the spirit of true foresters, the boys planted more than 1,200 seedlings to replace the trees they cut.

The floor plan was originally one large room with a fireplace at the rear. Exposed logs and chinking were put in place to line the walls. The ceilings were low – around eight feet high – but "beautifully made with simple rough-hewn beams spanning the width of the room," according to current Architect Tracy Ward. A trap door in the northwest ceiling led to the upstairs attic, which was used for sleeping quarters and storage. On the main floor, logs were cut and assembled along the inner perimeter for seating.

12 | Milton Life The Cabin was intended to serve as a clubhouse for the FFA boys, but it ended up becoming a central meeting place for the community. At the time, the Cabin was the largest (and only) indoor venue, besides churches, where proms, parties, weddings and dinners could be held. At one point, it even served as a voting place.

at Old Milton... again!

Billy Bates, an "unofficial Milton historian," built a wellhouse and outhouse using individually-cut wood shingles with the help of the community during the bicentennial celebration.

Milton High School was first established in 1921, with grades first through eleventh. For many years, it operated without central heating, plumbing, school lunch or buses. In 1932, Milton and Fulton counties merged and improvements began at once, despite the shadow of the Great Depression. By the eighties, the Cabin had fallen into disrepair and was slated to be bulldozed "in the name of progress," according to the Alpharetta Revue in 1984.

The article continued, “The old Milton High School Cabin is a ghost of its former self, a haunting image in the hearts of those who knew it... Can it be saved? The future of the cabin depends upon the response of caring citizens.” With the community's help, it was indeed saved for the first time. Newspaper clippings from 1984 provide astonishingly similar context to the present day.

Prior to departure, Roy Bishop Movers placed a Waffle House togo cup full of coffee on the truck; after the move, it was unspilled.

The new site was once home to Carroll and Louise Beavers, longtime educators at Milton High School. It is also the future location of Milton Avenue Park and an extension of Marjean Way. Jim Spruell wrote on the website, "Just as our community came together in the 1930s to help the FFA students construct the Log Cabin, it once again came together to save it." His cousin, Jack Morton of Morton Construction Co. volunteered as general contractor until his passing in October 2018. Their late Uncle Felton Spruell graduated with George and was also one of the original FFA boys who built the Cabin. Since 1965, Jack and his company built many homes and businesses in Alpharetta. He subcontracted several Milton alumni to help with the project at cost. So far, two unisex bathrooms and fire equipment have been added in accordance to City standards. There is now a basement, porch, a reconstructed chimney, chinked log walls and windows. Still, much work and many funds are needed to complete the restoration, including electrical, plumbing, fire sprinklers and HVAC systems. The cabin has now doubled in size: 30 x 40 feet with 1,200 square feet on each floor and a max capacity of 65 people.

"Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." – Greek proverb

In 2017, the Fulton Co. School Board again called for demolition in the name of progress; a STEM school was decided to be built on the property. When the community declared their love for the landmark, a deal was struck in June of 2017. Ownership of the Cabin would be relinquished to the City of Alpharetta, to be relocated by December 31st, 2017. Significant donations were made by the City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. By October, the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society had raised $162,000 –enough to move, but not to restore the Cabin. On October 14th, the Log Cabin rolled a few hundred yards down Milton Avenue to 210 Milton Ave.

Today, Spruell estimates they are still between $20,000 and $30,000 short of completing the project. The AOMCHS is a 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible. If you'd like to contribute, please make checks payable to "the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society," with Log Cabin on the "for" line.

Make a donation to help finish the project at: www.AOMCHS.org > "Log Cabin" For larger donations, please mail a check to 1835 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Hand-in-hand, George and Jim step off the front porch. Behind them are the original logs which lined the interior as seating. They will be raised a few inches to seat events here in the future. It will become an event facility and host educational sessions, as it did for decades.

Spring 2019

View from the northwest: a basement was added due to the “slant” of the new site. HVAC systems are still needed so the basement may safely store historical archives. The darker logs were originally cut and girdled by the FFA, some recently donated. A single 30-foot timber log can weigh up to 900 pounds!

13

History

January 10, 1935

May 1, 1935

June 20, 1935 January 31, 1935

The North Fulton Progress, 1935; Courtesy of Travis Allen & the Hapeville Archive Center

14 | Milton Life

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The Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club's 3rd Annual

ST. PADDY O'PEDAL BIKE RIDE To Conquer Childhood Cancer Benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

D

Don't forget to register for the Third Annual St. Paddy O'Pedal Charity Bike Ride, hosted by the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club. The event will take place at Milton City Hall on Sunday, March 24th. The first ride will commence at 9 a.m. with different rides for all levels, and there will be family-friendly events throughout the day. The proceeds will benefit the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, in the hopes of conquering childhood cancer one mile at a time.

In 2015, Kiersten Dickson–a bright and beautiful young woman – lost her battle with lung cancer just days before her 21st birthday. The doctors and staff at the Aflac Cancer Center showed increddible expertise and compassion to Kiersten and her family during that unimaginably difficult time. Her parents, John and Shawn Dickson, joined together with the Olde Blind Dog Cycling Club to design this fun-filled event to support a worthy cause.

The event’s founder, Mark Murphy, hopes $100,000 will be raised this year. Everyone is invited to participate– adults, children, families and friends of the community. All are welcome to sign up online, show up and make a difference.

Registration and check-in will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 12

Mark your calendars for TWO fun-filled events on Sunday March 24th, 2019 at Milton City Hall 3rd Annual St. Paddy O’Pedal Ride to Conquer Childhood Cancer presented by National Distributing Company & Jimmy and Helen Carlos

Kids BikeFest presented by Crabapple Market

p.m. If you're registering as a rider on the day of, please plan to arrive at least one hour before the start time of your ride. The registration fee includes: a St. Paddy O’ Pedal t-shirt, lunch, and beverages (including optional beer) for adults. There will be more food and drinks available for purchase as well as thousands of dollars worth in prize opportunities. If you can't make it physically, you may register as a virtual or phantom rider.

Crabapple Market will also present Kids BikeFest, beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting until 2 p.m – you may arrive at any time.

This event is free, but registration is still required. Children will have the opportunity to learn bike, traffic and safety skills, ride an obstacle course and participate in "Touch a Truck."

The Family Fun Ride begins at 12 p.m. consisting of a 5.5 mile course, with an optional second loop. There will also be an opportunity to shave your head for St. Baldrick's, to raise awareness for children's cancer research. There are a few different ride options, so plan accordingly:

9 a.m. – 64 miles 10 a.m. – 45 miles 10 a.m. – 25 miles 11 a.m. – Kids BikeFest 12 p.m. – 5.5 miles (Family Fun Ride)

Register today!

Bike Rides Pick your St. Paddy O’Pedal ride!

25, 45, or 65 mile Charity Ride. (morning departures)

Family Fun Ride of 5.5 miles with optional second loop. ( Noon departure )

T-shirt and lunch included with registration fee on all rides.

Official beer sponsor From the Earth Brewing Company

Milton City Hall • 2006 Heritage Walk • Milton, GA 30004

Spring 2019

Ride information and registration at www.choa.org/stpaddyopedal

Kids BikeFest Free Event - Ages 5 and up

Bring your kids with their bikes and helmets anytime between 11am and 2pm.

Enjoy watching them learn bike handling, traffic and safety skills, ride an obstacle course and experience a Touch-a-Truck.

Free event, but please register your kids on St. Paddy O’Pedal. www.choa.org/stpaddyopedal

15

Mother’s Day | Easter | Graduation | Birthday | Any Day

SHOP LOCAL FIRST

BLO Vintage Jewelry $110 | Item # AVON-BV223-1 Vintage “Silver Note” Avon whistle circa 1970. Vintage brass ball chain with silver lobster clasp. www.BLOVintage.com

Make a small business owner’s day!

Find it!

BUSINESSES INSPIRED BY MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS

"Allison Stackpole is a seasoned jewelry artist.

Her vision for BLO Vintage came after years of carrying the whistle her mother gave to her as she embarked on her college journey. This whistle was the same one her mother received back in 1960 from her mother. This heirloom signified love; a mother-daughter connection as well as a means for safety. However, it was more than just a safety precaution - it was a token of love, a reminder of the bond she shared with her mom. Allison and her team handcraft each piece with the same multi-faceted purpose. Her designs are meant not only to make unique pieces of jewelry, but also to provide a sense of protection; she believes everyone should carry a whistle. BLO Vintage is proud to support colleges and universities worldwide in raising awareness for Campus Safety." #safeandsound Every breath counts.™ Available at Scout & Molly's (Avalon).

BLO Vintage Jewelry $85.00 | Item # BV203D-1 Vintage adjustable-tone dog whistle. Vintage brass ring. Vintage copper over steel chain with clasp. www.BLOVintage.com

Wow!

BLO Vintage Jewelry was named GRADUATION GIFT OF THE YEAR for 3 consecutive years by Campus Safety Magazine!

Find it!

Pillow Candy $25

Made in Alpharetta by mother-daughter duo Mary & Holly Roscoe, "Pillow Candy is a collection of seasonal and holiday felt icons that wrap around throw pillows to change the look without having to buy a new pillow. Each Pillow Candy includes an extra-thick, layered felt shape, four inch wide cotton ribbon, and a heart-shaped pin to secure the wrap around the pillow. Named as a “New and Noteworthy” product by Smart Retailer Magazine, Pillow Candy is the perfect gift for the mom who has everything."

Available at Perched and online. www.PillowCandy.com Find

BLO Vintage Jewelry $98.00 | Item # BV201CLW-1 Vintage white floral cloisonne whistle. Vintage brass Figaro chain. www.BLOVintage.com

it!

16 | Milton Life

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Festivities

Easter Bunny Photos Grab your kids and hustle to the Alpharetta Welcome Center (178 South Main Street) for FREE photos with the Easter Bunny on April 13th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Peter Cottontail will also be posing for photos at the Avalon from April 8th to 20th at various times. Here are the prices for each photo package (at the Avalon): Package A: One 5x7 photo and 4 wallets: ($15) Package B: Email with all photos ($20) Package C: One 5x7 photo and 4 wallets + Email with all photos ($25) For more info and photo-op times, visit www.experienceavalon.com.

Hop & Hunt Bunny Brunch There is always an occasion for brunch, especially during the springtime. Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails will be hosting not one, but TWO festive brunches. The first will take place on Sunday, April 14th.

Hop-A-Long Egg Hunt On April 20th, the Avalon is hosting its annual “Hop-ALong: Easter Egg Hunt” on the Plaza. Each child will collect 10 eggs to trade in for a sweet bag of treats!

Children ages 0 to 3 will start collecting at 8:30 a.m. and children ages 4 to 7 will begin their hunt at 9:30 a.m.

400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta 30009

Easter Brunch Milton's says, "Hop to it today and make your Easter reservations!" On Easter Day – Sunday April 21st – the restaurant will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The special Easter menu costs $40 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under:

STARTERS: Piquillo Pepper Crab Bisque (blue crab, chive, annatto oil); Milton’s Caesar Salad (shaved parmesan cheese, crispy “popped” sorghum, fried caper blossoms, creamy lemon-dijon dressing); Garden Milton's will seat for brunch between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Lettuce Salad (Romaine, baby lettuces, cucumber, heirloom cherry tomatoes, crispy quinoa, herbed white balsamic vinaigrette); Sticky Hop & Hunt Bunny Brunch price is $26 per adult and $13 per Toffee Pecan Beignets (toffee pecan sauce, powdered sugar); child. Gratuity is included, but taxes and fees are Prime Beef & Lamb Meatballs (Peppadew tzatziki sauce, not. Brunch reservations must be made online dill, feta gremolata). ENTREES: Croissant French Toast at www.miltonscuisine.com. Three egg hunts (maple syrup, scrambled farm eggs, with applewood will take place on Milton’s Garden Acre at bacon, jalapeño bacon or sausage); Farmhouse Scramble (scrambled farm eggs, garden greens, 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. with applewood bacon, jalapeño bacon or sausage, choice of creamy grits or brunch The Easter Bunny will also be paying potatoes); Milton’s B.L.T. (Sugar cured bacon, a special visit to Milton's between 10 arugula, yellow tomatoes, avocado aioli, a.m. and 3 p.m. for photos by Blencoe everything bagel spice, jalapeño cornmeal, & Co. Photography – with sessions Texas toast, served with a side of kimchi to be scheduled before or after your coleslaw); Shrimp and Grits (red and yellow bell peppers, smoked bacon, mushrooms, reserved brunch time. The cost is scallions, tomatoes, lemon butter sauce, ched$35 per family*and must be made in 800 Mayfield Road dar stone-ground grits); Southern Fried Chicken advance after you make your brunch Alpharetta, GA 30009 Breast (buttermilk mashed potatoes, green beans, reservation. Contact Ashley Blencoe at www. andouille red eye gravy); Blackened Salmon (pimiento cheese grits, garlic spinach, lemon beurre blanc); Root blencoeandco.com/easterbrunch to reserve your Beer Braised Lamb (blue cheese rice grits, swiss chard, crispy red photo time. One high-resolution digital image will be onion, natural jus); Spiral Cut Ham (sweet potato casserole. Brussels emailed to you. sprouts with apples & bacon, maple mustard glaze, cornbread muffin). *excluding brunch price See online for dessert menu.

Spring 2019

17

Food & Drink

Coming Soon to Alpharetta City Center

Botiwalla Botiwalla | www.botiwalla.com 24 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 This coming May, Chai Pani Restaurant Group will open their second Botiwalla location in the Alpharetta City Center – you've probably seen that gorgeous white building on the Town Green!

Their Atlanta location was a huge success, and we predict the same – if not more – in Alpharetta. "Botiwalla is a modern version of an Irani cafe, historically a safe haven for outsiders, a place where all are welcome. Think Parisian cafe, an activated gathering place for a community — relaxed, approachable, unfussy. In chef-restaurateur Meherwan Irani’s hometown of Ahmednagar, India, his grandfather owned the first and only Irani Cafe in the town, Sarosh Canteen, so Boti is a place close to Meherwan’s heart, an homage to his roots.

Like Botiwalla PCM, the food will be a mix of Chai Pani’s greatest chaat hits along with the grilled meats Irani cafes are known for, plus boozy slushies, afternoon high tea, and retail including Meherwan’s own Spicewalla spices. We’re thrilled to be part of re-energizing Alpharetta’s town square from its very center."

Photos Courtesy of Chai Pani Restaurant Group

Mother’s Day Brunch On a scale of Florida-to-floor, how much orange juice do you take in your champagne? No matter what, you can now order it at 11 a.m.! It’s been about a year since Governor Nathan Deal signed the Sunday Brunch Bill, which means this Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 12 – you can celebrate with a mimosa in the morning! Bring Mom along with the rest of your family to celebrate Mother’s Day in Milton or Downtown Alpharetta. #BrunchLocal (If you decide to indulge, be sure to order an Uber or Lyft for just a few extra dollars. Let’s keep our families safe on this special day, and always!)

Where should we go for Mother’s Day Brunch?

Crabapple Tavern | www.thecrabappletavern.com Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails | www.miltonscuisine.com Eggs Up Grill | www.eggsupgrill.com Scratch Fresh | www.scratchfreshburgers.com Midway Meal House | www.midwaymealhouse.com The Nest Cafe | www.thenestcafe.net Wildflour | www.wildflouratlanta.com Alpha Soda | www.alphasoda.com Duke’s Bar & Grill | www.dukescrabapple.com Black Walnut | www.blackwalnutcafe.com Maple Street Biscuit Company | www.maplestreetbiscuits.com Citizen Soul | www.citizensoul.com Coalition Food & Beverage | www.coalitionfoodandbeverage.com 18 | Milton Life

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Taste of Alpharetta Mark your calendars! On May 2nd, the City will host its annual don't-miss food festival–Taste of Alpharetta – rain or shine!

Presented by Publix Super Markets Charities, this year's event will be "catered" by more than 60 local restaurants. While you munch, there will be plenty of entertainment: live music, culinary demonstrations and fun activities for foodies of all ages.

Admission is free, but $.50 food tickets will be sold at the event booths. Restaurants will not accept cash, and typically charge between $1 and $4 (in tickets) per scrumptious sample. Make your way to Historic Downtown Alpharetta to get a "taste" of everything our city has to offer in terms of cuisine.

Alpharetta Food Truck Alley The season of the Alpharetta Food Truck Alley is almost here! Presented by the City of Alpharetta and Fork In the Road LLC, this event series will take place on Old Roswell Street every Thursday at 5 p.m. beginning on May 9th and lasting through October 12th. Between five and seven rotating food trucks will serve food each week, for 23 straight weeks (given the rain lets up). There will also be live music and street seating central to all of the action.

Local nonprofits, businesses in Downtown Alpharetta and two featured restaurants each week will host creative and exciting community activities. Organizers are still looking for local businesses and nonprofit partners. Inclement weather may proclude certain weeks from happening, and event cancellations will be posted by 3 p.m. –in case you were planning to make the long trip from Atlanta.

Parking is available at the Downtown Parking Lot (37 Old Roswell Street), the Milton Center (Milton Ave.) and the new City Hall Parking Deck (2 Park Plaza). The City will be accepting applications until March 29th and acceptance emails will be sent out on April 12th.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Alpharetta Spring 2019

19

Real Estate Market Update

Sherry & Co. 678.744.8206 ADDRESS info@sherryandcorealestate.com 240 Cello Court sherryandcorealestate.com

SALE PRICE

DOM

Avensong

$227,500

7

Avensong Avencro<

$249,775

4

Avensong

$285,000

11

North Farm

$325,000

54

260 Relais Trace

Coventry

$339,000

140

3320 Archgate Court

Kennewick Place Phase 1

$349,950

23

505 Carybell Lane

North Farm

$373,900

162

12560 Arbor North Drive

Arbor North

$375,000

72

2190 Traywick Chase

COVENTRY

$375,000

6

14675 Glencreek Way

Shadowood Farms

$399,900

45

295 Barrow Downs

Barrow Downs

$409,900

38

330 Barrow Downs

Barrow Downs

$419,900

100

12351 Crabapple Meadow Way

Crabapple Chase

$425,000

18

825 Freemanwood Lane

Crabapple North

$425,000

93

15430 Laurel Grove Drive

LAUREL GROVE

$460,000

160

1025 Cathedral Drive

Westminster At Crabapple

$465,000

27

2683 Francis Road

Champions View

$472,900

97

329 Mairs Alley

Kensley

$499,990

456

2385 Old Northpark Lane

Old Northpark

$500,000

33

1015 York Cove

Crooked Creek

$518,000

65

540 Heron Run Court

Crooked Creek

$525,000

149

810 Briars Bend

BrierďŹ eld

$534,000

5

413 A[awan Place

Crabapple Crossroads

$539,000

132

615 Devonshire Farms Way

Devonshire Farms

$555,000

181

12629 Lecoma Trace

Crabapple Crossroads

$559,000

8

3223 Chipping Wood Court

Crooked Creek

$585,000

94

545 Glen Na\onal Drive

Providence/Atlanta

$586,200

115

1105 Richmond Glen Circle

Na\onal Richmond Glen

$619,000

9

770 Champions Close

CHAMPIONS OVERLOOK

$660,000

90

15320 Treyburn Manor View

White Columns

$671,500

58

5445 Summit Oak Drive

ManorView

$696,615

157

9995 Peaks Parkway

NORTHPOINT FOREST

$699,800

390

800 Colonial Lane

White Columns

$699,900

143

12855 Cogburn Overlook

The Parc At Cogburn

$700,000

85

1643 Heritage Pass

The Highlands

$724,900

83

340 Harp Street

Serenade

$724,900

227

110 Shadecrest Court

Brookshade

$729,900

171

309 Harmony Court

Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes 13410 Avensong Ives Way ect to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. urements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property or other professional advice outside the realm of real200 estateStepping brokerage. Stone Drive

NEIGHBORHOOD

20 | Milton Life 570 Hickory Mill Lane The Estates of Hickory Mill

$739,000 www.30004life.com 114

Home & Design

Known for its horse farms and rolling landscape, Milton is one of North Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought-after suburbs.

Sherry & Co. has been assisting clients in the area for over a decade. Whether you are ready to sell, or looking for your dream home, let North Fulton/Forsythâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 team expertly guide you through the process.

$85M Sold in 2018

820 Driffield Court

1635 Reddstone Close

16405 Laconia Lane

1030 Birchdale Drive

Sold

99% Sell to List Price Average 13 Median Days on Market

Sherry & Co. 678.744.8206 info@sherryandcorealestate.com sherryandcorealestate.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice.

No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

Spring 2019

21

Spring into Action!

After

Before

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

T

By Sherry Ajluni

Thinking about selling your house? Even in a hot area like Milton, selling “as-is” isn’t an option. You’ll be competing against other existing homes and new construction. The good news, major renovations aren’t always necessary. Minor updates, combined with clean, clutter-free rooms can make a big impact. You’ve probably heard that kitchens sell homes. It’s true. But don’t panic, here are a few simple tips: »» Paint cabinetry white »» Change hardware and faucet »» Replace countertops with white/light quartz or granite »» Update the backsplash »» Add new light fixtures »» Make sure appliances match Another highly scrutinized room is the master bath. Luckily, the same tips will work in there.

And, while kitchens and baths get much of the attention, the rest of your home isn’t off the hook.

Take a critical eye to walls and trim work. Would they benefit from fresh caulk and a new paint? Do the hardwoods need to be refinished? Should the carpet be replaced or stretched? Does the grout on your tile floor need to be cleaned?

Buyers will decide if they like your home at the curb.S tand outside. Does the house need to be painted? Could your driveway use a power wash?

Are planting beds weeded and mulched? Is your deck in good shape?

Homes that are not well-maintained or updated generally sell for about 10% less than those that are. Homes priced above $750,000 may require more extensive renovations. These can be expensive but there are programs available to help homeowners.

Compass offers the Compass Concierge program.

They fund cosmetic improvements, deep cleaning and staging upfront. The cost of these improvements is paid back at closing, interest free. Feeling overwelmed? Consult with a good real estate agent. She can prioritize the fixes and updates most likely to impact the sale of your home.

Sherry Ajluni, Team Leader, Sherry & Co., has been a licensed real estate agent since 2005. She started her real estate team 12 years ago to serve the north Atlanta suburbs. It includes seven full-time agents and three full-time staff.

If you have real estate questions, give them a call at 678-744-8206 22 | Milton Life

www.30004life.com

Spring 2019

23

Home & Design AN INTERVIEW WITH

Joy Loving Home

t

Netflix hit new show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo has brought the idea of using a professional organizer into the limelight. We spoke with local organizer Joy Ridenour, owner of Joy Loving Home, to learn more about the organizing business.

Tell us about professional organizing.

Organizers work with clients to help them declutter, organize, and create systems for areas in their homes that aren’t working. Our goal is to help them have more time for what really matters.

Do you use the KonMari method?

I am familiar with her process but I am not certified in her method. Marie Kondo is amazing and her file folding method of storing clothes is simply genius! Her method can work really well for a lot of families.

What method do you use at Joy Loving Home?

We have found that every client is unique. We prefer to get to know our client’s space, their specific challenges, and the way they live. We tailor a solution specific to each client’s needs.

Do the clients you work with face the extreme challenges we see on the show?

First and foremost, we are not in the business of judging and confidentiality is one of our core values. In general, organizers see the whole spectrum from fairly organized to majorly cluttered but there are always ways we can make improvements.

Life happens and our only goal is to solve problems and reduce stress for our clients so they can get busy enjoying life again!

What types of organizing jobs do you do?

We help with a wide range of tasks. Organizers are great for reducing the stress of decluttering a home, in a tight timeline, before putting it on the market. We can help prepare retirees for downsizing so they can really enjoy retirement. We can support children of aging parents in sorting through a lifetime of memories. We are good at helping blended families face the challenges of combining households. We can even assist families as they unpack and settle into a new home so that everything is set up well from the start!

How long does an organizing job usually take?

That is a tough question because every job and every client is different. Some factors include the amount of stuff that has to be organized, the speed with which a client in makes decisions, and whether the client wants a team to work independently or if they want to be hands on the project. We offer customizable packages to our clients and we can add hours on as needed.

Any advice for those considering hiring an organizer?

Don’t hesitate! Using the services of an organizer is really for anyone! You don’t have to be overly disorganized nor embarrassed by the current state of your house. Organizing is like getting a personal trainer for your home, but we can whip your house in to shape much faster! Sure you could organize yourself, but what you’re paying for is the manpower and accountability to finally get your house in order. Deciding to improve the quality of your life and your family time is invaluable!

24 | Milton Life

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HEALTHCARE

What else is coming to Crabapple Market?

We're excited to announce Phase III of development at Crabapple Market, in which several new additions will enhance the already picturesque dining, shopping, residential (and green) landscape. Crabapple Market is symbolic of the story and experience of our entrepreneurial, family-oriented community. Here's a sneak peek at some of the plans for 12650 Crabapple Road:

Designed by Charles J. O'Brien IV, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP | Vice President + Design Principal | Pieper, O'Brien, Herr Architects Spring 2019

25

Health & Wellness

Time to Get Your Eyes Checked!

By Dr. Vishal Patel, O.D.

G

Going to the eye doctor is important. And it’s more than reading letters of the alphabet and following a bright light. At Eye Care Solutions, Dr. Vishal Patel and his team conduct comprehensive eye exams to keep your vision healthy.

A comprehensive eye exam evaluates many different aspects of your vision and eye health.

A full exam usually takes about an hour, but this varies depending on your eyes and the type of testing you might need.

While your age and health influence how often you should visit your eye doctor, regular eye exams increase Dr. Patel’s ability to monitor changes in your eyes and find any potential issues early on. Eye conditions detected early are often easier to treat, reducing the risk of lasting negative impact on your vision. If you’re an adult and you wear contacts or glasses, you typically need to have an eye exam at least once a year.

What happens at an eye exam?

Most comprehensive eye exams start with a review of any concerns you might have regarding your eyes or vision, as well as your health and family history. Dr. Patel asks common questions such as: »» Have you been experiencing eye problems? »» Are you happy with your contacts or glasses? »» Do you have chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease? »» Are you taking any medications? »» Do you have a family history of eye problems like macular degeneration or glaucoma?

Your eye exam tests the sharpness and clarity of your vision, as well as the health of your eyes.

Dr. Patel tests you for signs of eye conditions like glaucoma, eye strain, and more.

Testing visual acuity Visual acuity refers to the sharpness of your vision, and this is the test that comes to mind when you think of an eye exam. You’re asked to read an eye chart, and the lines you read get smaller as you go. Your near-range vision is often tested with a card placed in front of your eyes at reading distance.

Dr. Patel tests each eye separately, using digital refraction techniques to determine if you need corrective lenses. Passing different lenses over each of your eyes helps refine your exact corrective prescription.

A cover test examines how your eyes work together. You cover your eyes one at a time and focus on an object in front of you, while Dr. Patel watches how your eye adapts. He uses this test to check for vision problems that can cause eye strain or lazy eyes.

Examining eye health Using lights and a special imaging device call an Optomap, Dr. Patel conducts a thorough exam of your eye health to identify any issues. Eye health tests involve examination of the muscles, blood vessels, and tissue that make up the eyes.

The eye muscle test examines your control of eye movement — you follow a moving object such as

26 | Milton Life

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Health & Wellness

a light or a pen with your eyes. With this test, Dr. Patel looks for weakened eye muscles that could cause strain or disrupt vision.

If Dr. Patel notices something unusual on your imaging a dilation is usually recommended.

Dilation makes your pupils bigger so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier to look inside each eye. This is one of the best ways for Dr. Patel to evaluate the health of your eyes from the inside. Another common sign of your overall eye health is eye pressure, and special instruments test the pressure of your eye to rule out glaucoma. Glaucoma is a painless eye disease that leads to slow and progressive vision loss.

Following your comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Patel discusses your results, including need for

corrective lenses, risk of eye diseases, and ways to protect your eyesight.

Comprehensive eye exams are the best way to keep your eyes healthy. Call the Eye Care Solutions office in Milton, Georgia, or schedule an appointment online today.

DR. VISHAL PATEL attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree and then the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 2011. During the course of his graduate career he underwent extensive training at the renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and Woolfson Eye Institute specializing in ocular disease, laser and cataract surgery.

Now Open in the heart of Crabapple!

Come visit us or make an appointment for your next vision check. comprehensive exams | contact lens fitting | laser eye consults | latest styles of eyewear 12630 Crabapple Rd, E200 | Milton, GA | 678.909.9864 | eyecaresolutionsatl.com Spring 2019

27

Local Artist Spotlight by Scott Ward Health & Wellness

One Thing I Do Not Wish To Pass Down To My Daughter

Carolyn Ward

As retold by Danielle Denlein, a resident of Crabapple, in honor of Mother’s Day & women’s heart health awareness

It

It wasn’t long after I had given birth to our second child when a very happy time quickly turned into a nightmare. I was resting at home five days after a C-section when excruciating pain took over my chest and radiated down my left arm. I had been the picture of health, but there was no mistake– I was having a heart attack. Despite being terrified, I clearly remember hoping the ambulance wouldn’t wake up my children.

At the hospital, doctors found that two different arteries connected to my heart had torn. These tears, medically called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections (SCADs), were serious, and a blood clot was blocking 95 percent of the blood flow to my heart. I should have been immediately prepped for open heart surgery, but I wasn’t stable enough for the procedure, as I had just had a C-section less than a week earlier.

I’ll never forget pleading with the doctor to save my life. “I have a newborn at home,” I had said to him. Since he couldn’t operate on my heart, he put four stents and a balloon pump in my LAD and hoped the second SCAD would heal on its own.

A week later, I found myself back in the ER. Since I still hadn’t healed from the C-section and was now on a blood thinner, I was bleeding uncontrollably. I heard someone announce “code red” over the intercom. I felt like I was dying. But God was on my side, and I, once again, pulled through.

Life as a heart attack survivor and a new mom was hell. I was fighting for my life, but I wanted to be a mother to my newborn. I missed out on bonding time– I wasn’t able to nurse her, hold her, etc. And when I was home, I was depressed, which killed my desire to be with my daughter. I was afraid and in pain. I had lost 40 percent of my heart, was over-medicated and slept most of the time. I was also afraid to be home alone.

Six months after my SCAD, I returned to work. My doctors didn’t want me to, but I wasn’t ready to retire at age 35.

I wanted my life back—to be normal again. But despite my mental drive and ambition, I had nothing to give, no energy, no strength. My heart couldn’t keep up with my mind. I was overdoing it and taking years off my life in the process. When I saw my doctor, tests showed that my heart function had worsened, and I knew it was time to resign. I still miss working, but I know God has other plans for me.

On Oct. 20, 2018, I celebrated ten years of life after my heart attack. I will also celebrate 17 years of marriage. It’s still hard to believe I had a SCAD heart attack on my wedding anniversary. Today, I feel good, but I am living with heart failure and at risk for another heart attack/SCAD. But that doesn’t keep me from living life to the fullest.

““““I am Danielle. I am a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a survivor.”

My daughter is full of personality, spunky, sweet, kind and a thinker. She tells me she doesn’t want to get a boo boo on her heart like Mommy, and I wish with all of my heart that I can tell her that it will never happen, but the truth is that no one ever knows. Approximately 85% of SCAD patients are women, and due to the nature of the disease, diagnosis and treatment for patients was not available until recent advances in angiography. If you’d like to help SCAD Research, Inc raise funds for SCAD research at the Mayo Clinic, please go to: www.scadresearch.org/donate

I was readmitted a third time with chest pain—caused by scarring in one of the other arteries where stents had been placed. This, I found out, put me at higher risk for another heart attack/SCAD, but open heart surgery was still not an option. This meant more stenting and an implanted defibrillator—right before Christmas.

28 | Milton Life

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“

Soul Notes

I sat at the airport gate eyes glued to the stand by board, hoping and wishing I would make this flight home. I approached the gate agent and by the time I got there, I was told that seat was gone and I was next on the list. The flight was full and the gate agents were making a last call announcement for passengers to get on the plane. It seemed like the door was about to close and I wasn’t going to make this one.

I was excited, then let down. So how did I navigate these two opposing emotions at this moment? I implemented my super power: self soothing.

I was at a choice point: 1) I could tell myself that is wasn’t going to work out and lament about sitting in the airport all day, OR 2) I could remind myself that no matter what, all really is well as I’m confirmed on a later flight. Both invoke an inner response. What to choose?

I chose to self soothe instead of cycling into what-nows, whatifs, and worries. I decided that if I didn’t make this flight I’d take myself to breakfast at the airport and then find the quiet hotel lobby that the driver from the rental car place told me about. I had a plan to take care of me and I remained calm and centered. This is what being in charge of yourself feels like.

Self soothing is a way to relieve stress by treating yourself with kindness. It’s you connecting with you; offering words of compassion and care that you most need to hear. This technique is also known to calm the amygdala, the “fight or flight” part of the brain.

Spring 2019

Additionally, self soothing reaches even deeper as you can give yourself what you perhaps did not receive as a child. I share with my clients that hand over heart or on the face along with a mantra can create an inner loop that soothes your brain and your soul. My favorite mantra is, everything will be ok.

The airport example I’m sharing isn’t a serious or worrying situation however, you can use this technique with any stressful situations to care for yourself, calm your inner world and allow your emotions to flow in a grounded way. I’ve used self soothing after getting a bad haircut to waiting for medical test results.

The next time you’re feeling over whelmed or stressed, decide to self soothe with some caring, compassionate self talk.

Reassure yourself just like you would a friend or a child. Try it as an experiment.

As for the end of my airport story... just as the airplane door was about to close... the gate agent called out to me and instructed me and I made it on the flight. My seat number was 1D, first class. Sometimes when we let go, something better appears!

If you want to learn how to self soothe, discover your calming mantra, or get to know yourself at a deeper level so you can live from an empowered place within, I’m available for counseling and coaching along the way.

Best, Susan 29

Equestrian

Special Equestrians of Georgia J

Just down New Providence Road, a very devoted team of both humans and horses work on-site to serve vulnerable populations with unique needs – the Special Equestrians of Georgia (SEG). Their mission is to “provide a supportive environment that empowers all types of riders through equine assisted activities to reach their full potential.” They offer several programs intended to serve this purpose.

Therapeutic horseback riding is beneficial to one’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being. Similar programs are designed to help thousands of people around the world, even just by offering a way to get outdoors and have fun, disability or no disability. SEG currently has two PATH certified instructors, a licensed occupational therapist and a licensed physical therapist.

counseling for individuals and groups alike, and can be beneficial to everyone including at-risk youth and families.

SEG’s recent “Carry On Project,” is a free program designed to give veterans and men and women in active duty military, as well as retired horses, a new and special purpose.

They are paired to help each other gently rehabilitate from their traumas, such as those induced by the track or by combat in service to our country. Licensed professionals work in tandem with PATH-registered horse specialists to guide clients toward peace.

Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is less of a science and more of an experience, and can benefit more than just people with special needs– it is a great learning opportunity for sports teams, corporate groups, etc. This program includes activities, under the guidance of professionals, to foster social skills including leadership, self-awareness and group participation.

In 2007, SEG began developing a new program "to bring the magic of horses to children and adults who, due to illness or disability can not come to the farm. With specially-trained and housebroken miniature horses, SEG travels into the community on 'mini' visits to schools, hospitals, rehabs, nursing homes, and special events for both those with special needs and the community at large." ​ According to SEG, "The minis are comfortable with being surrounded by all types of medical equipment, from IV poles and tubing to wheelchairs and patient wagons. Chosen for their kind hearts and sweet nature, Fern, Sammy, Frankie and Murphy are quite comfortable. " ​ During hospital visits, patients can try their hand and brushing the horses and leading them up and down hallways and outdoor facilities.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy emphasizes the experience of the human mind instead of equestrian skills, per se. Supplemented by the human-horse bond, this activity serves more as a metaphor to meet treatment goals and organize beliefs, behaviors and thought patterns. This is a form of

SEG always needs volunteers: side walkers, leaders, barn aides, feeders, barn maintenance workers and people to help with special events. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, or guided by a parent if younger. Apply online at www.specialequestriansofgeorgia.org

Hippotherapy is a type of equine activity used by these professionals to integrate speech-language pathology with occupational and physical therapies. Horseback riding has been shown to improve balance, flexibility and strength in these riders – particularly ones with physical disabilities.

30 | Milton Life

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Valid for any job of $500 or more; must present coupon at time of estimate; not valid with other offers. Expires 12/31/2018.

•Tree Removal •Dangerous Removal •Insurance Work •Trim, Prune, Clear-out •Stump Grinding FREE ESTIMATES www.SquirrelTreeServices.com info@SquirrelTreeServices.com

(404) 397-5820 nted to me “My neighbor comme s were so on how the STS worker us, and they professional and courteo thoroughly.” so ty per pro my cleaned up

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BLACKSMITH ROW

BRAND NEW SOPHISTICATED LIVING IN TRENDY DOWNTOWN ROSWELL Starting in the high $800’s For buyers looking for sophisticated living in the heart of Roswell, the Blacksmith Row townhome community is the latest in luxury living and within walking distance of all the shops & restaurants on Canton Street. Brought to you by Miller Lowry Developments, this 17-home community features top-of-the-line finishes and amenities.

View our virtual tour & schedule an appointment today. B » BlacksmithRowRoswell.com

1077 Canton St. Roswell, GA 30075

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BLACKSMITH ROW

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info@millerlowry.com

770-903-4422

www.30004life.com

At St. George Village, we’re always building something — and not just in our woodworking shop.

Together, with our residents, we are: Building a true sense of community. Life at St. George Village is a coming together of all who live and work here to create an environment of communication and caring, friendship and fun.

Building a lifestyle that reflects our mission statement: “Be active, be engaged, be at home.”

To accomplish our mission, we offer nourishment for the mind, body and soul through tasty, healthy meals and a wide range of amenities and services that encourage active engagement and foster friendships, along with elegant, comfortable residences.

Building a secure, worry-free future. Our nonprofit status as a Life Plan community ensures that we offer our residents superb estate protection with an assurance of a continuum of care if and when they ever need it.

We’re continuously building on the successes of our community to enhance the well-being of our residents.

Would you like to learn more? Call 678-987-0402 today for more information.

11350 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 (678) 987-0410 | stgeorgevillage.org Spring 2019

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Recipe

A light & refreshing Spring side dish (or healthy snack)

Cilantro Lime Carrot Slaw Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: N/A | Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS My Granddad’s Kitchen is a recipe blog founded and run by Greg Harding of Alpharetta.

(1) 10-oz. bag of matchstick carrots He started the blog in order to share his love of 1/2 cup mayonnaise (sub. yogurt for light version) Appalachian-inspired comfort foods.

Zest of lime Lime Juice (1/2) Greg is a full-time dad and works a full-time corporate job at a bank. He also coaches a youth recreation base1 teaspoon Kosher salt ball league. But his greatest passion has always been food. He grew up in the rural coal fields of Southern 1/4 cup of cilantro (chopped) West Virginia and spent much time with his granddad, 1 tablespoon honey who treated him to “simmering pots of goodness” from his vegetable garden. Greg considers 30004 his home, 1/2 cup raisins but it all started in his granddad’s kitchen.

INSTRUCTIONS 1.

2.

3.

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5.

6.

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8.

9.

Start with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl.

Add the zest of 1 lime.

Add the juice of 1/2 lime.

Add 1 tablespoon of honey.

Add the teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir well and taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey.

Rough chop 1/4 cup cilantro and add to the bowl.

Dump in the entire bag of matchstick carrots.

Add 1 cup of raisins.

Mix well to coat the carrots cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Recipe courtesy of Greg Harding, local food blogger at

www.MyGranddadsKitchen.com

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www.30004life.com

Spring 2019

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Alpharetta GE OR GI A

EXPERIENCE

AWESOME MEETINGS & EVENTS IN ALPHARETTA!

CORPORATE MEETINGS

WEDDINGS

SPORTS

MITZVAHS

THINK OF ALPHARETTA FIRST!

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

VISITOR INFORMATION

Planning a wedding, reunion, mitzvah, meeting or sports event?

Take advantage of the FREE event planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, fields and facilities, hotels and more.

Reserve rooms for your guests with one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Room rates are collected from Alpharettaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hotels and are provided to you as a comprehensive list of options.

We offer complimentary welcome bags with information about shopping and dining, attractions, events, and more for your Alpharetta hotel guests.

Start your planning at

awesomealpharetta.com!

Connect with us!

#AwesomeAlpharetta #awesomealpharetta

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