LocalMagazine Life THE LAKE ISSUE
NORTH GEORGIA
JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2018 Vol. 2, Issue 3
Lanier Islands Resort A Year Round Escape
Food Finds - Georgia Has The Good Eats 10 Tips To Improve Your Health Finding that Perfect Home Health Care Provider July | Aug | Sept -
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Publisher’s Note
Publisher’s Note
LocalMagazine Life
SUMMERTIME IS HERE AGAIN. Georgia is hot, hot, hot and humid. It's the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy those perfect weather days. If you're traveling with your family or friends read our article about places to eat in and around Georgia. Our regular features include our health and fitness article by Jim Harris and Dr Michael Smith. A few new articles on topics and subjects that we think would be of interest to YOU, our readers. Help us welcome a couple of new writers to the fold and keep the story ideas coming, we love hearing from you. Enjoy the day, enjoy the summer, enjoy Local Life Magazine!
Janet Arnwine - Publisher MULTIPLE CONTRIBUTORS
Angie Garcia; Denise McAllister; Deni Williams
PHOTOGRAPHERS & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Julie Joy; Lauren Marcus; Leanne Masten; William Thompson; Deni Williams CONTRIBUTOR WRITERS
We love our readers and we love Georgia, remember to live, work, shop, eat, play, give, and pray locally!
Janet Arnwine; Angie Garcia; Bayli Wren Fields, J.D., Deale Harris; Jim Harris; William H. (Kim) Kimbrough, Jr., J.D., L.L.M.; CH Site; Andelisa Satterburgh; Dr. Michael Smith; Deni Williams
Always Listening,
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
L. Boman; Andelisa Satterburgh
Janet Arnwine Publisher
Cover submitted by: Missy Burgess (Lanier Islands) • (770) 945-8787 MBurgess@LanierIslands.com Grow your business with Local Life Magazine! Contact Janet: Janet@LocalLifePublishing.com
--------------------------------------LOCAL LIFE PUBLISHING, LLC 10719 Alpharetta Hwy., #1153, Roswell, GA 30076 www.LocalLifePublishing.com Regina Barkley - Founder | Chris Smith - President
Your complete news, information and recreation guide to Lake Lanier Print edition available at nearly 300 locations around The Lake
Available online at
www.lakesidenews.com July | Aug | Sept -
Local Life Magazine is published quarterly by Local Life Publishing, LLC. The opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher or LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of LLC and its subsidiaries. Sharing articles on social media from our digital publication is permitted and encouraged. Vol. 2, Issue 3, Copyright JUL 2018, All Rights Reserved. 6 - Local Life Magazine
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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22
Inside
35 THIS ISSUE
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Publisher’s Letter / About …………....…6
Fitness Talk: Jim Harris & Dr. Michael Smith ...22
Lake Lanier - More Than Just a Vacation ......10
Choosing Home Health Care .............. 29
Lake Lanier Islands - Looking Ahead ........16
Georgia Eats ………….................…….35
Local Nonprofit: Amped Kids ..…...…..21
Medicaid Myths That Will Cost You ….........42
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“The Lake”
LAKE LANIER
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Cover Story: One of America’s Favorite Lakes
So much more than just another Vacation Destination
L
ake Lanier has been around for over 60 years, created by the completion of the Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956, and additionally fed by the waters of the Chestatee River. The lake spreads out across an enormous 38,000 acres, which translates to 59 square miles or 692 miles of shoreline, if want to get the real skinny. A few fun facts about Lake Lanier. It was named after the poet, musician, author, lawyer Sidney Clopton Lanier (circa 1842-1881) . Can you imagine if they had used his middle name? “Lake Clopton”
just doesn’t have the same ring to it! Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for water supply and flood control, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and local law enforcement patrol the waters and surrounding land. The lake supplies water flow to Georgia, Alabama and Florida maintaining wildlife and water species that benefit from the lakes tributaries. Holiday Marina in Buford, GA was established in 1957, continued...
LEGACY
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Cover Story
LEGACY and Aqualand Marina near Flowery Branch are two of the largest freshwater marinas in the world. The Lake was used in 1996 Summer Olympics for rowing and canoeing. Lake Lanier offers residents of the area and visitors to its serene shores each and every year, a much needed respite from the big city, stressed filled days that consume most of our weeks. The lake is popular for all types of water activities, like boating, jet skiing, canoeing, rowing, or just relaxing in one of the many parks that dot the shorelines throughout the area. Roughly over 7.5 million people visit the lake every year, making it a go-to destination for many vacationers all year round. The weather is a big selling point for that year round attraction and there are many places to stay for a few nights or months. Set along 27 miles of the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier, at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, is the truly distinc-
Lodge
tive Lanier Islands (www.lanierislands.com). Less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta with 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. In 2014, the resort became a member of the highly esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection. Lanier Islands also holds a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. The resort features a variety of accommodations including the Legacy Lodge and Legacy Villas, along with recently renovated meeting and function space, making it the ideal choice for weddings or other social occasions, corporate meetings and company retreats. With more than 20 wedding venues to choose from, the Resort is rapidly gaining favor with brides and grooms-tobe, as a highly sought-after destination wedding site. The sprawling grounds feature an assortment of pet-friendly accommodations, from stunning
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Cover Story
Lakehouses LEGACY
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Cover Story
Saddle up for a great ride at the Stables at Lanier Islands. Gentle horses are ready to take you through a set of scenic trails along the shores of Lake Lanier. In addition to trail rides, we offer pony rides, summer and fall horse camps, riding lessons and much more in a relaxed and educational setting.
suites and family-friendly, ranch-style lake houses to rustic campsites and splendid villas.
a popular trend for health reasons making them very environmentally friendly.
Legacy Villas offer the privacy, beautiful scenery and the luxury service for that weary traveler. The Villas are spacious with accommodations that will fit your expectations, and are within walking distance of the Legacy Lodge.
After a perfect night of sleep, Lanier Islands offers an array of adventures for your enjoyment and exhilaration. Popular activities at Lanier Islands include LanierWorld, Lake Lanier Canopy Tours, the Equestrian Center, boat rentals, watersports, camping and more, making the resort a terrific choice for families vacationing or “staycationing” in the South. Tranquility – the Spa, and the picturesque 18-hole Lanier Islands Legacy Golf Course are major draws for visitors looking to relax or play.
Legacy Lodge is home to Sidney’s fine dining restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bullfrogs Bar and Grille features casual dining for lunch and dinner served inside in the dining room or poolside. The Lakehouses at Legacy present a relaxing atmosphere with an extra layer of privacy, convenient for smaller groups. These cozy homes offer a rustic, cottage feel with private bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchens (without ovens), washer/dryer, dining, living areas, fireplaces, and accessible wooden decks to enjoy the sweet, Georgia air. Take in the Saltwater Lounging Pool,
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Lake Lanier has quite the history and continues to change and morph with the needs of the area, the people that visit, and the state of Georgia. Take a moment or more and drive to the lake for that R&R that is long overdue. Spend some time at Lanier Islands and stay in one of their appealing accommodations options. Above all, be sure to simply enjoy yourselves at Lake Lanier one of America’s favorite lakes. 14 - Local Life Magazine
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Cover Story
Darby Campbell, Owner and President of Safe Harbor Development, left; Virgil Williams, LLI Management, LLC
A New Vision
for the future
Lanier Islands and Safe Harbor Development Aligned in Joint Venture
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anier Islands, a stunning 1,500-acre lakeside resort and entertainment venue in north Metro Atlanta, is about to undergo another exciting transformation. The Virgil Williams Family’s LLI Management Company, LLC has owned Lanier Islands since 2005, working diligently to secure its standing as one of the Southeast’s premier tourism destinations. In January, the group announced a joint venture with Knoxville, TN.-based Safe Harbor Development – a partnership that enhances Lanier Islands’ current offerings while po-
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sitioning the destination for the next phase of its growth and development. “Over the last eleven years, the Williams family has been committed to elevating quality, product and service standards at Lanier Islands, in order to create a venue that Georgians can be proud of,” said Virgil Williams, Chairman of the Board for LLI Management Company, LLC. “We have been searching for a long time to find a creative financial and operations partner who shared
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Cover Story
our vision of what Lanier Islands could and should be. Darby Campbell and his team at Safe Harbor not only share that vision, but also our passion for providing an unsurpassed guest experience,” he said. Safe Harbor – in partnership with Margaritaville, the global lifestyle brand – assumed management of LanierWorld immediately when the deal was complete. Safe Harbor President Darby Campbell has a longstanding relationship with Margaritaville, most recently developing a Margaritaville Hotel opening next year in Downtown Nashville. Safe Harbor now operates the marinas and campgrounds at Lanier Islands. The group also manages the destination’s special events programming, including the popular annual Magical Nights of Lights, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary. Other short-term enhancements will include development of an all-new RV park, as well as the addition of new wet and dry slips at the resort’s primary marina. The Williams family will continue to raise the bar on the guest experience at the resort’s accommodations, meeting and wedding sites, and on-site recreational venues such as the equestrian center and Legacy on Lanier Golf Club – the island’s breathtaking 18-hole lakeside golf course. “This new partnership is a huge step in taking the Islands to the next level for the benefit of not only our guests, but for the great State of Georgia,” said Williams. “Safe Harbor brings a new level of expertise and energy in the areas of camping, boating and entertainment to our partnership, which is exciting to all of us.” Together, Safe Harbor and Margaritaville – along with LLI Management – are planning for a phased multi-million-dollar transformation of Lanier Islands over the next several years. “With Virgil Williams and his family at the helm, Lanier Islands has thrived as a fun, accessible destination for families, couples and groups,” said Darby Campbell, owner and president of Safe Harbor Development. continued...
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“We see huge potential working with Margaritaville to build upon what has been created here, while introducing new attractions, amenities, services and events that truly elevate the destination. We are excited to partner with the Williams family and to help position Lanier Islands for an incredible evolution.”
Paradise Beach & Water Park
About Safe Harbor Development Safe Harbor Development is one of the Southeast’s largest developers, private owners, and operators of marinas. Based in Knoxville, Tn, the company has built or renovated more than $300M in entertainment and retail venues, mixed-use developments, hotels, restaurants, spas, RV resorts and more. Safe Harbor’s current portfolio includes 12 marinas with more than 5,000 slips spanning from New York to Georgia. www.lanierislands.com | www.safeharbordev.com Safe Harbor Development states their philosophy is grounded in their core belief that every project should be exceptional and fulfill the property's highest purpose. Three Safe Harbor projects are pictured below: • Marina Bay on Boston Harbor • Blue Turtle Bay in Old Hickory, TN • Louisville Landing in Louisville, TN
Marina Bay on Boston Harbor
Blue Turtle Bay - Old Hickory, TN
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Louisville Landing - Louisville, TN
Cover Story
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argaritaville just opened in May beginning with Paradise Beach & Water Park, formerly Lanier World, where guests can enjoy 1,200 tons of recently added Florida sand. The water park has doubled in size, featuring the Family Fun Zone, water slides, a new beach volleyball court and Thunderbolt Triple Zip, a zip line over Paradise Beach that suspends guests 50 feet in the air. On the opposite end of the beach is LandShark Landing features a live entertainment stage with performance line-up all summer, fire pits and several eateries and drinking spots, including LandShark Bar & Grill.
LandShark Bar & Grill 7541 Lanier Islands Pkwy. Buford, GA 30518 • (470) 323-3473 www.lakelanier.landsharkbarandgrill.com
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Give Locally - Spotlight: Nonprofit
Amp It Up! Nonprofit Amped Kids Offers Hope to Children in Need Through the Power of Music
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- usic touches lives in every culture around the globe. It has the ability to change our emotional states, reduce stress and lessen anxieties that often accompaniy traumatic or unstable situations in the lives of children.
to making differences in the lives of children through the power of music. This starts by making scholarships available to cover the costs associated with band camps and leasing musical instruments. Lessons are then provided to the children free of charge by caring volunteers.
Founder of the nonprofit organization Amped Kids, April Rooks, has personally experienced the benefits of incorporating music into her own life, and more importantly she has witnessed its positive impact on the lives of children. She believes that working with children to explore and expand their musical gifts can change the world by guiding them through mentorship and modeling self-discipline. These skills inevitably carry over into all aspects of the childrens’ lives in school, at home and later in their work environments.
HOW TO HELP Sponsor a Child
Anyone can sponsor a child for $69 per month, which covers bi-weekly music lessons, a musical instrument and needed materials for that child. The North Georgia Community Foundation is the fiscal sponsor of the Amped Kids Foundation and information about sponsorship can be found on its website: www.ngcf.org. Become a ‘Community Partner’
Amped Kids is a nonprofit organization which provides opportunities for local children - from ages five to 18 - in the CASA (Court Apointed Special Advocate) program to receive private instruction in violin, guitar, piano and percussion. The children are awarded scholarships, which enable them to attend band camps and participate in extracurricular musical activities they would otherwise be unable to afford or be exposed. April’s vision with Amped Kids is to bring awareness of - and thus, compassion for - these children who have been abused and neglected - specifically those working with a CASA volunteer within the foster care system. Amped Kids’ organizers and volunteers are dedicated
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‘Community Partners’ provide space in their facilities where instruction may take place. Amped Kids is in need of lessons locations across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Churches, music stores and other similar spaces make great environments for students and teachers. Volunteer
Volunteers are always needed to provide lessons to the children. The instructor /student relationships can provide tremendous support to the overall well-being of the children and improve their confidence in themselves. Amped Kids Foundation 615F Oak St., #1300 | Gainesville, GA 30501 (770) 535 7880 | www.ampedkids.org
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Fitness
W i t h J i m Ha r r i s and D r . M i c ha el Smith
FITNESS TALK
10
TEN THINGS TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
TODAY
Hit your fitness goals. July | Aug | Sept -
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FITNESS TALK: With Jim Harris and Dr. Michael Smith
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Shake your salt habit.
SODIUM INTAKE Jim Harris JH: Keep your sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day or less. Remember, 90% of the sodium we consume happens to our food before it gets to us, not from a salt shaker. Dr. Michael Smith MS: Despite the little research showing a higher salt diet may not be as bad as we thought, there’s been far more research, over a much longer period of time, linking higher salt intake to high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, stomach cancer and osteoporosis. African Americans tend to be more salt sensitive.
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Water. ‘nuff said.
HYDRATION JH: Use the urine test to ensure you are sufficiently hydrated. If your urine is clear and odorless, you are doing fine. MS: Many of us live in a state of dehydration. Take the urine test and you’ll see. Our bodies just work better when we’re well hydrated – our hearts, joints, muscles, skin and more. People are often shocked at the difference water makes when it comes to weight loss. Dehydration often masquerades as hunger, so if you think you’re hungry, drink a large glass of water and see how you feel. It’s also a leading cause of fatigue. So drink up for a natural energy boost!
3 servings a day.
3 VEGETABLES
JH: Make sure you eat at least three servings of quality vegetables each day. Your body needs the antioxidants, and the vitamins and minerals are all essential. MS: Vegetables should be your go-to carb source. Yes, vegetables are carbs – the best kind! Choose from a wide variety of colorful veggies, such as leafy greens, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and more. One serving is 1 cup of leafy greens or ½ cup of other cooked vegetables. Limit starchy veggies, like potatoes, corn, and carrots. July | Aug | Sept -
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FITNESS TALK: With Jim Harris and Dr. Michael Smith
WELL-BALANCED MEALS
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JH: Eat your meals in the right order to keep your nutrients balanced. Veggies first, then proteins, and lastly any clean carbohydrate. Your body will need to produce less insulin to keep your blood sugar in check.
MS: One of your best hunger-fighting tools is balancing your nutrients, which helps keep your blood sugar and insulin levels lower and steady. The typical rise and fall that occurs with the regular American diet leaves you feeling worn out and hungry all the time. Include a good carb, especially vegetables, and lean protein at each meal to help your body burn fat and naturally suppress your hunger and cravings.
Good Carbs.
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WATCH YOUR CARBOHYDRATES JH: Use your carbohydrate “budget” for only clean carbs. Plain oatmeal, clean quinoa, brown rice, sweet and purple potatoes, cleanly prepared legumes and lentils are all great fuel sources.
Eat your veggies.
MS: You’ve probably heard of “bad carbs,” like white bread and white rice, which have had their nutrients and fiber stripped away. Good carbs are far better, but watch the portion sizes. Grains, even healthy varieties, are easy to overeat and can pack on the pounds, so don’t fall victim to portion creep even with clean carbs.
FITNESS TALK: With Jim Harris and Dr. Michael Smith
Watch your portions.
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PREP WORK
METABOLISM
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
JH: Food prep to eliminate those “lesser of the evils” choices. When you have a healthy option close at hand, it makes it easier to avoid faster, unhealthy options. You can make enough salad for two to three days in ten minutes or less.
JH: Remember, you can’t outrun your fork. Weight loss is at least 80% what you eat and what you don’t eat. So focus on the right thing, at the right time depending on your goal.
JH: Track and record everything. Log the weights you use, number of reps and sets. Record the time on a particular piece of equipment as well as incline, resistance, etc. Take measurements to see how your body is changing.
MS: Being prepared doesn’t have to involve a lot of work. To stay on track, you need a go-to source of no-prep healthy foods Packaged doesn’t necessarily mean processed. Look for convenient foods that also balance your carb and protein intake, with about the same amount of protein and carbs of an apple and a mozzarella cheese stick.
MS: When you’re on a weight loss journey, food is your best friend. Balancing your carbs and protein along with cutting back on portions will help put your body in fat burn mode. Then add in light to moderate exercise to boost your results. Once you’ve hit your goal, then ramp up the exercise more to help you maintain your weight loss as well as continue on your journey to optimal health.
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MS: When we look at the National Weight Control Registry, a group of people who have lost weight and successfully kept it off, 75% weigh themselves at least once a week. It’s helpful to know where you are currently, but don’t get hung up on it. Use it as a tool to help keep you accountable and moving in the right direction.
FITNESS TALK: With Jim Harris and Dr. Michael Smith
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MICHAEL SMITH, MD Chief Medical Director, - WebMD
PORTION CONTROL JH: One week out of every month, log your food intake via an app like MyFitnessPal. It’s easy to let small slips slide under the radar, so accurately looking at what you eat can help you adjust, if needed, to ensure you are getting enough of the right things, as well as sufficient fuel for your body. MS: Portion creep is real. That’s why regularly weighing your protein and measuring your vegetables is important. It’s important to learn the right portions for you. If you’re not seeing the results you’d like, the likely cause is how much you’re eating. Get back to basics and reign in the portions. Practice it for a bit and bring yourself back to this habit regularly to keep yourself in check.
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Michael W. Smith, MD, is the Chief Medical Director for WebMD and a certified health coach and certified personal trainer. As a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, he leads the Medical Team at WebMD, including staff physicians and health professionals across the country who are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and credibility of WebMD’s content. Dr. Smith has dedicated his life to his passion of helping others transform their lives through weight loss and create healthy habits for lifelong health. He appears monthly on New York Fox 5 to discuss health headlines and is frequently quoted in the national media, including interviews with Katie Couric and Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts. www.webmd.com/michael-w-smith
ONE INCH AT A TIME JH: Remember that true change to your body is reflected more in inches than pounds. Imagine that you lost five pounds of fat, but gained five pounds of muscle. No change would show on the scale but a substantial change to your overall health would be something you would benefit from greatly.
JIM HARRIS
MS: I often tell my health coaching clients, “I’m fine if you don’t want to weigh yourself.” It can be emotionally trying when you’re obsessed with the scale. An even better measure of fat burn is your measurements. It can be something as simple as how well your clothes are fitting but weekly measurements are better. That’s how we know you’re burning body fat for fuel and we’re moving in the right direction. You’ll be amazed at how many inches you can lose in a week. July | Aug | Sept -
Master Personal Trainer, Owner, Max Results Training System
Jim Harris is a Master Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist and the Founder - Owner of the Max Results Training system, pulse45 group training program and owner of BodyPlex in Oakwood. Jim also is a Member of the Men's Health Fitness Council, and contributes fitness columns for several publications. www.maxresultstraining.com
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MICHAEL W. SMITH, MD, Chief Medical Director, WebMD
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Healthcare
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A
Home Health Care Provider By Dale Harris
A
home health care provider can play a very important role in the overall well-being of your loved one. When they visit your parent, spouse, or other relative, a home health care provider can ensure they are taking their medications properly. They can also assist them with injections and things like wound care. They can even educate them about health-related issues and just talk with them about how they’re July | Aug | Sept -
feeling. It’s why it’s absolutely imperative for you to choose the right home care company to provide you with an in-home care provider. It could affect your loved one’s quality of life in a big way and ultimately determine how happy they are. Before you hire a health care provider to visit your loved one’s home, you should see exactly what they have to offer. Here is what you should look for in a home caregiver.
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Healthcare
EXPERIENCE The first thing you want to do before bringing a home health care provider on board is ask them how much experience they have dealing with those who have health issues. Your ideal in-home care provider should have at least a few years under their belt and should have experience working with those throughout your area. The last thing you want to do is hire someone who just became a health care provider and isn’t prepared for all the work that goes into caring for someone in their home. When you work with a home care company, they will make sure your home caregiver has the experience it takes to set you up with the best care possible. It’s why you should start looking for health care providers through a company like them. In addition to finding someone who has a few years on the job, you should also strive to track down a health care provider who can cater to your loved one’s specific needs. For exam-
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ple, if your loved one has a condition like diabetes or dementia, the health care provider should have some experience working with others with the same condition in the past. This will make it a lot easier for them to provide your loved one with the quality care you’re looking for.
EDUCATION A home health care provider doesn’t need to get the same kind of education that a doctor or nurse does. But there are certain training courses and certifications that they need to complete before they start working. The home health company that you go through should be able to tell you more about what sets their employees apart from the rest. They should, at the very least, meet the minimum requirements established in your state. You want to know that, if something goes wrong with your loved one’s health, your home health care provider will be able to step in and do something about it. The only way that will be possible is if they have undergone the proper training.
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Healthcare
PATIENCE In many cases, those who need home health care the most are the ones who give their home health care providers the most trouble. Some people don’t like the idea of having someone come to their home to help them out. They think they’re just fine on their own and don’t want to have to rely on anyone to take care of them. This is why in-home caregivers need to be able to practice patience. Your loved one might give them a hard time or refuse to cooperate when it comes to getting an injection or taking medications. Those who are dealing with something like dementia can be incredibly difficult to deal with at times and can present challenges to those caring for them. Your healthcare provider should know how to navigate the rocky waters while giving your loved one the care they need. It takes a special person to be able to do it, but it’s possible to find someone who can be patient, kind, and firm all at the same time.
COMMUNICATION In order to provide the best possible care for a person, a home health care provider needs to be able to communicate clearly, both with your loved one and with you. The provider needs to be able to find the best ways to talk with your loved one about their health. There needs to be a sense of trust between the two parties in order for their relationship to blossom. The provider also needs to be able to talk to you about any problems that arise. If your loved one is insisting on skipping meals or not taking medications, they need to talk to you about it and come up with a solution with your July | Aug | Sept -
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Healthcare
help. If the communication between all of you isn’t good, your loved one isn’t going to be able to get the care they need. It’s important to establish good communication right from the very beginning to make things work.
RELIABILITY Above all else, you need your home health care provider to show up every day ready to work. Otherwise, your loved one won’t be able to get consistent care from someone who is qualified to provide it. While your provider may need to take an occasional sick day, you should steer clear of using someone who is constantly calling out for one reason or another. You should also contact your home care company if this becomes a
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trend so that they can find you a new provider. You want to find someone who wants to help you and your loved one. It will make a big difference and enrich your loved one’s life in ways you couldn’t have imagined. Hire a Home Health Care Provider Now If your loved one needs a home health care provider, you should start looking for one for them right away. The sooner you find one, the sooner your loved one can start getting the care they need. Health is something you shouldn’t ever take for granted. You should be mindful about improving your own health as well as the health of those around you.
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Eat Local
Georgia Eats AND WE LOVE TO EAT
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h en Georgia was founded way back in 1732, it was an agricultural and geographically diverse jewel of the South. Today, it offers more culinary choices than you could ever imagine. While you will love all the new diversity that Georgia offers there are a few tried and true southern foods that you must try. They promise to be more fun than a lazy afternoon floating down a Georgia river. And if you have not tried at least one of these southern faves - you definitely need to make a run to a foodies hot spot for one of these Georgia raves! Like the capital - Atlanta and neighboring towns that are dotted throughout the state and mountains that start just north of the Atlanta belt, there is something for everyone when it comes to good eats. Out of the rich food interiors of the region have grown a tradition in culinary architecture that incorporates true southern flavors while co-mingling with the innovation of Chefs that have made Georgia their home, bringing their tastes and creative ideas for food greatness along with them. July | Aug | Sept -
Whatever you may crave or desire, you can find it in the peach state, from fried chicken to barbecue, to some of the best southern cooking you have ever put in your mouth and new dishes that will make your taste buds do the happy dance. Join us for this food journey and travel the great state of Georgia to taste as you go.
Coca-Cola The world’s most popular soda was invented right in downtown Atlanta. There are many ways that bartenders are punching up this familiar, fizzy drink. Make a point to ask your servers what special coke mixes they’re whipping up? And be sure to specify Coke, not Pepsi.
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Eat Local
The General Muir | Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall | Folk Art | Apres Diem | Le Petit Marche’ | Bread & Butterfly | The Four Seasons | Local Three | Argosy | Hugo’s Oyster Bar | Ration & Dram One Eared Stag | Buttermilk Kitchen | 9 Mile Station | Twisted Souls Cookhouse | Watershed on Peachtree | Murphy’s | South City Kitchen | The Shed at Glenwood | Antebellum Restaurant
Barbecue Visit any Southern state and you’re likely to get an earful about the virtues of that state’s unique brand of barbecue. Georgia is all about pulled pork and pork ribs, in particular, pulled pork sandwiches and whole hogs. Many in Georgia will tell you that they own smoked pork, hands down, because of the love and care that goes into the process. Mouth-watering pulled pork, ribs and pork sausage can be found in abundance around the state, if you know where to look. Highly recommended from aficioFIND IT nados alike - beef brisket is the prime Sam’s BBQ, Marietta cut of choice for anything BBQued. Shane’s Rib Shack, Covington Match it with a side order of the Southern Soul BBQ, St. Simons Heirloom Market BBQ, Atlanta favorites presented by many Old South Bar-B-Q, Smyrna restaurants serving up BBQ fare Jim’s Smokin’ Que, Blairsville Williamson’s Bros., Canton and you will not be disappointed. N. GA Bar-B-Q, Helen
BBQ Ribs
Chicken & Dumplings Few things south of the Mason-Dixon are as comforting as chicken and dumplings, with their luxurious broth, tender chicken meat, hearty vegetables and chewy or melty dumplings (depending on the Chef, some swear by dropped and boiled, while others favor rolled, noodle-like dough). At Atlanta’s Watershed, Zeb Stevenson uses a time-honored recipe, keeping it simple with a mix of breast and thigh meat and airy FIND IT white flour buttermilk dumpWatershed, Atlanta lings suspended in rich, thick JCT Kitchen & Bar, Atlanta chicken broth, scented with Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Atlanta fresh herbs and local vegetaSouth City Kitchen, Atlanta Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, Savannah bles. Served piping hot, it’s a Alligator Soul, Savannah year-round favorite.
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ATLANTA RESTAURANTS TO TRY
Eat Local
Georgia Wild Shrimp
GA Wild Shrimp
Atl. Hwy. Seafood Mkt, Gainesville The South is famous for Georgia Shrimp Co., Peachtree City shrimp, with plump, sweet Hawg Wild BBQ & Catfish, Hiawassee Fish Tales Lakeside Grille, Flowery Branch shellfish found in the waters The Farmer & the Larder, Brunswick off the coast. The local waters Avocados Restaurant, Gainesville present some of the tastiest, sweetest, and downright sizeable wildcaught shrimp that deserve to be recognized. While the shrimp are responsibly fished by local fishermen, maintaining the natural ecosystem of sustainable fishing. These can be fried, sauteed, grilled and barbequed, along with seasonings that compliment and bring about the robust and natural flavors of this fresh catch. This flavor profile is one not to be missed.
FIND IT Fried Green Tomatoes
FIND IT
Last Resort Grill, Athens Whistle Stop Cafe, Juliette South Kitchen + Bar, Athens Southern Charm Rest., Blue Ridge The Flying Biscuit Cafe, Norcross SmokeJack, Alpharetta Chipper’s, Roswell
We love our Southern cuisine and in case you have not caught on yet, that includes a lot of fried foods. We will fry just about anything, which some might think a culinary disaster or a happy accident that turns into a new favorite food find. Did you see the movie, “Fried Green Tomatoes”? You could not have missed it around Christmas of 1991. The movie starred Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jessica Tandy. It celebrated a small cafe in south Georgia called The Whistle Stop Cafe and fried green tomatoes. The latter is a delectable, pale green tomato that is fried up with a light coating of a tasty, slightly sweet batter, to a crunchy, golden brown morsel of yumminess.
it’s a Southern thing...
FRIED
Fried Green Tomatoes
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Fried Apple Pies
FIND IT Pie Hole, Roswell Buckhead Diner, Atlanta Walker’s Fried Pies Barbeque, Ellijay Panorama Orchards & Market, Ellijay Panbury’s Double Crust Pies, Atlanta Southern Baked Pie Co., Atlanta Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge
North Georgia offers
Chicken Biscuit & Coke
Fried Chicken & Chicken Biscuits Yes, probably both of these should have their own section but since we have included several foods of the fried variety, give us a pass to group these two favorites together. Just about FIND IT everyone can Busy Bee Cafe, Atlanta agree that The Colonnade, Atlanta the perfect Thank U Chicken, Duluth The Flying Biscuit Cafe, Atlanta piece of One Eared Stag, Atlanta fried chickButtermilk Kitchen, Atlanta en should Atlanta Breakfast Club, Atlanta Sautee Trail Cafe, Clarkesville be golden The General Muir, Atlanta and crunchy Scratch Fresh, Milton on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Universal agreeability may stop there, as strong feelings exist on everything from seasoning, frying fat and starch for breading. Many restaurants in Georgia source their chickens from family-owned farms in the area. Even first thing in the morning isn’t too early to enjoy fried chicken. Fluffy biscuits hold a juicy, batter-fried breast and you could add a scrambled egg, a slice of bacon or ham, a dollop of jam or jelly, or even pimento cheese. This is a breakfast that will stick to your ribs and let you know
some of the most delicious apples in the region. The farms dotted throughout the area will have row upon row of fresh, juicy apples for your baking desires. There are more than 50 types of apples to include, Crimson Crisp, Empire, Ginger Gold, Cameo, Yate, Gold Rush and more. The apples will find their way into more than one regional dish in the area, but you have to get your hands on a fried pie. This scrumptious and filling sweet concoction is a scratch made crust enveloping sugary apples, that is then fried to a chewy, golden brown apple tart. You can eat this hot or cold and it is a year round favorite portable dessert, all you need is a napkin!
Fried Okra Okra is a classic Southern staple, adding texture to gumbo and showing up fried in a cornmeal coating on pretty much every table during peak summer season. Okra has sometimes received a bad rap, because people say they don’t eat it because it’s too slimy. Many a Southern chef will tell you they have not had it cooked right! FIND IT Southern cooks Einstein’s, Atlanta have a bounty of Gunshow, Atlanta Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Atlanta recipes to make Hugo’s Oyster Bar, Roswell this southern Steel Magnolias, Valdosta fried vegetable The Colonnade, Atlanta sing your tune - it goes a little like this . . . delicious! July | Aug | Sept -
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Georgia loves pie!
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FIND IT Empire State South, Atlanta West Egg Cafe, Atlanta Stoney River, Roswell Local Three Kitchen & Bar, Atlanta Atkins Park, Atlanta Craft & Vine, Augusta
Deviled Eggs The egg - it is the star of so many dishes, but the opportunity to stand completely alone and be the star - well, it can be a shining moment for any Chef worth his salt to show his real skill in the kitchen. The deviled egg has long been a staple of the south and will appear at many a picnic or southern brunch. This egg treat, easy to eat, can be a show off by how it is dressed. Deviled eggs can be dressed up with oysters, spinach, shallots, cheddar cheese, hot sauce, ham, bacon, or whipped up to a green color by adding a few special ingredients. Green deviled eggs and ham, how very Dr. Zeus of you. Enjoy one of these southern traditional favorites.
Pickled Deviled Eggs
Pickled Deviled Eggs (www.incredibleegg.org)
Ingredients 12 hard boiled eggs, peeled 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 2 tbsp. finely chopped dill
Directions
Cut eggs lengthwise in half. Remove yolks to medium bowl. Reserve 20 white halves. Finely chop remaining 4 white halves. Mash yolks with fork. Add chopped whites, mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper; mix well.Add dill; mix well. Refrigerate, covered. Drain beets, reserving juice (about 2/3
Marinade 1 jar (16 oz.) beets 1 cup water 1 cup distilled white vinegar Toppers Crabmeat & fresh dill, small cooked shrimp & chives, smoked salmon, capers & chives, diced red bell peppers & Italian parsley, steamed asparagus tips,
cup). Set beets aside.Combine beet juice, water and vinegar. Arrange egg whites cut side down in shallow container. Pour marinade over eggs. Refrigerate at least several hours or overnight, turning occasionally. Remove pickled egg whites from marinade, pat dry with paper towels. Spoon 1 heaping Tbsp. yolk mixture into each pickled egg white half. Garnish with toppers, as desired.
Blueberries Georgia may be known for its peaches, but it is also one of the top three blueberry-producing states in the nation. It should come as no surprise, that enterprising farmers and restaurateurs capitalize on
the tasty crop. Blueberries are used from everything to delicate and rich sauces, to desserts that dreams are made of, like blueberry compotes or cobblers that ooze with yummy goodness that is screaming
for a large dollop of vanilla ice cream. Even certain beefs and savory dishes are being created featuring this beautiful berry. Venture out and try that interesting find.
FIND IT FARMS Dickey Farms, Musella Lane Southern Orchards, Fort Valley Jaemor Farms, Alto Georgia Peach World, Townsend Pearson Farm, Fort Valley RESTAURANTS Peach & the Porkchop, Roswell Sperata, Buford Antebellum, Flowery Branch Polaris, Atlanta Mary Macâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tea Room, Atlanta
Blueberry Grits
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Medicaid Myths By William H. (Kim) Kimbrough, Jr., J.D., LL.M. and Bayli Wren Fields, J.D.
A
re you buying into misconceptions about Medicaid? You’re not alone. Thousands of families make innocent but costly mistakes because they believe three common myths: Myth # 1: YOU HAVE TO SPEND ALL OF YOUR SAVINGS BEFORE YOU WILL QUALIFY FOR MEDICAID
A common misconception about Medicaid is that you must impoverish yourself and your family before you can qualify for Medicaid nursing home coverage. This is simply not true. People who buy into this myth typically admit their loved one to the nursing home and use the elder’s money to pay for care until they have spent enough money for the elder to meet Medicaid’s $2,000 asset limit. This is unnecessary. The way you approach the situation depends on whether you’re married or single. For Medicaid purposes, assets are divided into two categories: countable and exempt. Exempt assets include your home (up to certain equity limits), personal property, one vehicle, retirement accounts, and to a certain extent, life insurance or burial funds. These assets are not counted toward your eligibility limits and are essentially ignored when applying for Medicaid. Everything else you own is counted toward your Medicaid asset limit. In Georgia, a married couple is allowed to retain up to $125,600 in countable assets ($123,600 for the spouse who remains at home and $2,000 for the nursing home spouse) and still qualify for Medicaid. However, with the right planning, you can have more than this amount in countable assets and still qualify for Medicaid. With the right planning, most married couples will be able to save all of their assets, and a single person can keep roughly half their assets.
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Myth #2: GIFTING ASSETS IS OK Many people believe that you can give assets away to meet Medicaid’s strict asset limit as long as the gift is less than the IRS’s annual gift tax exclusion. This is not the case. To keep Medicaid applicants from giving away assets in order to qualify for benefits, the federal government has enacted what is known as a look-back period. When you apply for Medicaid, your financial records for the previous five years will be examined, and gifted assets will trigger a penalty period during which Medicaid will not pay for your nursing home
care. Even without the look-back period, giving property to relatives is not good planning, from a tax and asset protection standpoint. There is a better way to make such transfers, and the best advice is to start planning to protect your assets before it is too late.
Myth #3: YOU’LL LOSE YOUR HOME TO THE STATE OR TO THE NURSING HOME
It’s a common misconception that the nursing home or the state will take an older person’s home. While you generally don’t have to sell your home in order to qualify for Medicaid coverage for nursing home care, it is possible that the state will file a claim against your house after you die. If you get help from Medicaid, the state must attempt to
recoup from your estate whatever benefits it paid for your care. This is called "estate recovery," and given the rules for Medicaid eligibility, the only property of substantial value that a Medicaid recipient is likely to own at death is his or her home. To avoid estate recovery, the best thing that you can do is consult an elder law attorney long before nursing home care is a possibility. The attorney can then place your home into a trust that is designed to protect it from the Medicaid Estate Recovery program. Even if you didn’t plan, there are still ways to protect your home. Getting good advice can help you sidestep Medicaid myths and keep more of what you worked a lifetime to accumulate.
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Our Heart is in Northeast Georgia Request an appointment with a cardiologist at one of The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 14 locations by calling 770-766-8156 or by visiting heartngmc.org/appointment.
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