POINTS NORTH ATLANTA | ISSUE 160 | SEPTEMBER 2013
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30 66 { DEPARTMENTS } 6 8 62 66
MY TURN DUE NORTH CALENDAR FIVE THINGS
{ ON THE COVER } Local author Kimberly Brock models one of the season’s hottest styles; shot on location at Bistro VG, Roswell; Photo by ABH Fine Photography | abhfinephotography.com
17 FALL FASHION
30 FARM TO KITCHEN
Autumn inspires new, cozy looks doused with warm, rich hues and touch-worthy textures. With the help of Belk stylist Lori Duncan, we dressed five notable Northside women to show off the season’s most anticipated styles. Whether you tend towards modernist or traditional, global glam or seriously chic, we’ve got a look for you!
According to Georgia Organics, there are 600 percent more farmers markets in our state now than there were five years ago. In the Northside, nearly every community claims a weekly market of its own. But what if you’re looking for more frequent access to farm-fresh goods? As the demand for local food sources increases, so do the sources themselves – if only you know where to find them.
24 HIDDEN GEMS Incorporated in 2006, the city of Johns Creek boasts some of the Northside’s best neighborhoods, highly rated schools and innovative businesses, and after doing a little digging, we’re hardly surprised. Gems in this community include everything from history to culture to fine dining.
S P E C I A L A DV E R TI S I N G S E C TI O N S 38 | Home Enhancements 52 | Favorite Fall Festivals & Destinations
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42 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ADVICE There’s more to making good grades and acing standardized tests to securing a seat in the freshman class of your child’s choice; in fact, navigating the world of college admissions is not unlike playing a strategic game, one that is much easier if you know all the rules. Here, one mom offers her personal insight.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HEIDI GELDHAUSER | OUR LABOR OF LOVE; STILEYES |STILEYESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM; RIVERFEST
contents
MY
turn PRESIDENT / CEO
Witt Beckman PUBLISHER
Carl Danbury Jr.
EDITOR
Bre Humphries SENIOR EDITOR
Heather KW Brown CRE ATIVE DIRECTOR
Robin Harrison Shannah J. Smith
AHEAD OF THE up, I’d always order the veggie plate at any meat-and-three restaurant. I was the kid who asked for a second helping of collard greens while others were forced to finish their plates. In college, I turned my roommates on to sweet pickled beets. A few years ago, I joined my first Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) to support Cane Creek Farm in Cumming and secure a share of their weekly harvest. I’ve even begun to instill my passion in my one-year-old son, who gobbles up tomatoes, squash and eggplant as quickly as his Cheerios. I love the fact that the food I’m feeding my family is pulled from the ground less than 20 miles from our home just days before we consume it. Recently, I’ve been seeking out even more local food sources, and I’m sharing my wealth of information in this month’s issue (“Farm to Kitchen,” page 30). For a list of some of my favorite veggie recipes, visit pointsnorthatlanta.com!
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EDITORIAL INTERNS
ag
I can say this with pride — I am trendy. Let me explain. Last month, as I was reading my favorite regional and national magazines, I discovered a trend in the food world. Garden & Gun featured six “plantobsessed” chefs waxing poetic about their favorite vegetables, the cover of Food & Wine proclaimed “Vegetables Now” and Bon Appetit called it “The Vegetable Revolution.” A revolution? Really? And then I realized why I was so surprised that this was news — I was a veggie enthusiast before vegetables were cool. If it sounds like I’m bragging about my trendiness, I apologize. It’s just that I’ve never been able to claim it in the realm of fashion. (For that, I’m taking tips from Points North style reporter Jennifer Smith Williams, “Fall into Fabulous Fashion,” page 17.) I wouldn’t call myself a trendsetter, but I certainly didn’t jump on the bandwagon of this one, either. While I’m certainly no vegetarian (please, oh please, don’t take away my bacon!), I’ve always preferred vegetables to the main course. Growing
Ellie Hensley Kelli Richardson Tiffany Willard Jennifer Smith Williams
e
For once in my life,
trend
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Pl e as
PHOTO COUTESY OF ROB SMITH
A S S I S TA N T C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R
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north { ENTER TO win } A PORTABELLA TABLE LAMP FROM PARK PLACE INTERIORS If you haven’t yet stepped into Park Place Interiors, you might want to venture that way. Owned by designer Pam Graham, this leading residential interior design firm and home furnishings store showcases an exciting collection of decor and accessories. Whether you’re planning to redo an entire home, a single room or just searching for the perfect accent piece, you will love what’s in store for you. Graham and her team of designers work closely with each client to understand their personal style and aspirations and are committed to providing design expertise and project management that creates the perfect look and feel. Park Place Interiors is located at 4465 State Bridge Way in Alpharetta, 770-664-7244, parkplaceinteriors.com
the PRIZE One lucky Points North Atlanta reader will win a 34-inch John Richard Portabella Table Lamp, valued at $598. Enter to win online at pointsnorthatlanta.com by Sept. 30. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN HARRISON
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september 2013
Anyone who has scoured the web for the perfect Louis Vuitton bucket bag knows how difficult it can be to find affordable, authentic designer accessories online. Bella Bag, Atlanta’s own e-tail innovation, has a huge selection of pre-owned designer bags discounted between 30 and 70 percent off of true retail value. They’ve made it their mission to combat fashion fraud and track down real vintage and limited edition accessories from luxury brands like Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Prada and more. But what really makes them unique is their revolutionary take on the idea of consignment. Bella Bag doesn’t just sell. They accept trades, buy bags outright, offer quick cash for purchases and take returns when the buyer isn’t totally satisfied. Their commitment to customer service, branding, authenticity and curation has made them the world’s second largest online seller of pre-loved luxury accessories. Cassandra Connors, founder and director of Bella Bag, is so passionate about authenticity that she and her team put every item they stock through a 13-point inspection process. She believes that carrying a beautiful designer handbag can make a woman feel confident and authentic within herself. That’s why they inspect every inch of every single bag. The website is secure and easy to use but if you’d really like to see what Bella Bag can do, you can visit their showroom in Buckhead’s Miami Circle. shopbellabag.com — Emily Anne Jackson pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDERSON SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY
DESIGNER BAGS AT A DISCOUNT
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RENDERING COURTESY OF CHELSEY PARK
{
Chelsey Park Groundbreaking and Fundraising Events Announced
Chelsey Park Health & Rehabilitation, a state-of-the-art, neurological resident and patient center, which will be built in Dahlonega, is the first center of its kind in the state of Georgia. Chelsey Park will be home for residents and patients that have neurological diseases such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy (MS) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) stroke recovery, to name a few. Currently, more than 500 adults in Georgia alone have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and many have no independence due to the limitations from the disease. There are only two other centers in the country for this condition. Chelsey Park will strive to provide the opportunity to live lives with more functionality, as appropriate for the resident’s stage of a neurological disease. For example, an ALS or MS patient will have the opportunity to use special assisted technology through a complex 10
computer interface, enabling the patient to control devices such as TV, doors, lights, window blinds and even a lift system through eye movement. The lift system would allow the patient to move from their bed to the bathroom with little or no assistance. Seemingly simple or non-eventful tasks for the average person provide those with neurological diseases some independence and a source of pride. Chelsey Park will also provide short-term rehabilitation in their state-of-the-art Town Square Rehab area. Patients will receive individualized attention in physical therapy, occupational therapy and speechlanguage pathology in areas that mimic home-like and community settings. A rehab patient will work toward their desired goals with the hope of returning to their home and communities. Chelsey Park will employ
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65-plus new associates when fully opened. Please join Community Health Foundation in their fundraising efforts to support Chelsey Park Health & Rehabilitation. Chelsey Park is a nonprofit organization raising monetary donations along with awareness to equip and support this meaningful center. Groundbreaking is scheduled for October.
In the coming months, we invite you to join us at Town & Country, two special fundraising events. The Town party will be held Nov. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. (details coming soon), while the Country event is slated for March 15, 2014 at The Cottrell Ranch near Dahlonega. For complete details about all upcoming events, please visit chelseyparkhealth.org.
premier living on Atlanta’s Northside
The Manor Golf and Country Club, north Atlanta’s premier gated access community. This exceptional community offers a magnificent Tom Watson designed golf course and unmatched neighborhood amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, sidewalks, fitness center, formal and casual dining, and banquet facilities, as well as Atlanta’s finest homebuilders, beautiful homesites, and awe-inspiring homes near award-winning schools.
NEW ACRE+ HOMESITES FROM THE HIGH $100’S NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION FROM $1 MILLION Prices, conditions, and availablity subject to change without notice. Property Ownership requires obligatory homeowners association membership and &ountry &lub membership. 6ee sales oI¿ce Ior Iull details.
NEW
LOTS
AVAIL ABLE
country club athletic membership initiation included with lot purchase through september 30, 2013
15951 Manor Club Drive | Alpharetta ManorGCC.com 678-762-1188 5eal (state OI¿ce WaterstoneRealtyAtlanta.com
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GET SOCIAL
PHOTO COURTESY OF CRUZIN
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GET READY TO CRUZ
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Hit the Pool Running
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AQUA JOGGER
Boat owners: check out this great opportunity to earn some revenue on your watercraft with Cruzin, America’s first fully insured, peer-to-peer rental and charter marketplace. Any size boat can be chartered out to other experienced boaters, helping you offset the costs of boat ownership. This rental service is the perfect place to fulfill any boating needs, as users can securely rent out boats all over the country via the company’s website. Cruzin is revolutionizing the boating industry by making boater-to-boater rentals easier and more affordable, and also providing access to a fleet of brand new boats. They have comprehensive coverage, with liability insurance for both owners and renters. On the local level, Cruzin is now partnering with Singleton Marine and has 30 new boats available to rent on Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona. Thinking about purchasing a boat of your own? Cruzin is perfect for testing the waters — boaters who decide to buy a vessel through Singleton after using Cruzin can apply a full credit for the rental towards the purchase cost. 305-6005435, cruzin.com — Kristin Hiller
Studies show that good friends are good for our health. What better way to selfnourish than by surrounding yourself with friendship? SocialJane.com, created by Atlanta resident Janis Kupferer, is a social media hub where women can connect and foster friendships. Whether you need a shoulder to lean on, advice on a major life change or just a running buddy, SocialJane is the place for you. Set up like a dating site, SocialJane grants women from all walks of life the ability to find a friend by setting up a profile. Looking for a lunch date? SocialJane.com will assist you to find someone you are compatible with, and to cultivate a life-long friendship. socialjane.com. — Nicole Hohman
If your workouts are becoming fewer and farther between, seek new inspiration with a tool like the Aquajogger. This in-water exercise system suspends its user at shoulder level in the water, allowing for normal breathing and free movement. Set your own level of resistance for leg and arm motions and experience a workout that is both low-impact and free of joint discomfort. Perform a wide variety of water exercises, simulating anything from a simple walk to a strenuous full-body fitness machine. Prices start at $44.95, but vary depending on size and accessories. The Aquajogger is available locally at Fleet Feet Sports in Duluth. 678475-1555, aquajogger.com — Kristin Hiller
BRING ON THE
beauty Looking for one place where you can be radiant, be youthful and be flirty? Don’t miss the grand opening of b. YOU Beauty, a new blowdry and beauty bar that helps you be your best self by offering nine blowdry styles for women and children, plus skincare services that include b. youthful, physician performed Botox injections to preserve and restore one’s youth and b. revealed — Glycolic NEOCUTIS NEO-PEELs, an affordable investment in your skin that provides visible results with minimal downtime. Of course, there’s also b. radiant, professional makeup application and consultation and b. flirty, customized eyelash application to enhance the natural beauty of your eyes and face. The mastermind behind all this beauty is Shivani Bhatia, MD, founder of b. YOU. Enamored with beauty and fashion, she decided clients who come in for a blowout would enjoy the efficiency of a complementary service in the same location. Also behind the idea is Stephen Posta, co-founder of Dyer & Posta, a highly successful salon in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. The grand opening is slated for October; visit the website for exact date and details. 5975 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, byoubeauty.com
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF CITY OF SUWANEE
S U W A N E E
Arts
SUPPORTS THE
The 2013-2015 Suwanee SculpTour, a walkable art encounter in and around Suwanee’s Town Center, opened earlier this summer and presents a whopping 14 sculptures pertaining to a range of topics including the human body, the natural world and the importance of family. Check them out for yourself, then vote for this round’s People’s Choice Winner by visiting the City of Suwanee website. suwanee.com — Emily Anne Jackson
What happens when you pair a longtime Beverly Hills private chefevent planner with a lovely outdoor space and a long handmade red wooden table under a huge fig tree? If you’re Sean O’Keefe, you initiate a Sunday Supper Club series — Under the Fig Tree, which combines culinary education, entertainment and experiential camaraderie. Create your own memories beginning Sept. 8 as O’Keefe shares his culinary creativity and panache for entertaining guests in his new outdoor kitchen in Atlanta’s Westside. Utilizing grills, smokers, and a tented dining room, O’Keefe and his guests will enjoy a seasonal menu of freshly harvested ingredients from his garden. Whether you wish to host a neighborhood get-together, anniversary celebration, birthday party, gathering for a group of friends, team-building exercise or a mini-fundraiser, O’Keefe is prepared to host groups of 20 to 30 people each Sunday through October 20. O’Keefe, a feverish fundraiser, has assisted charity partners in raising more than $2.4 million since May 2010, when his company, Sean O’Keefe Events was founded. He has played an instrumental role in the Child Development Association’s Down Home Derby; the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance’s Shaken, Not Stirred Gala; Atlanta Steeplechase Chairman’s Tent and Polo in the Pines to benefit MD. For more Information, please contact Caryn Rosing, caryn@seanokeefeevents.com or 404-228-7903.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATE BYARS PHOTOGRAPHY
Sophisticated Supper Club
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIDGE BOUTIQUE
VINTAGE ELEGANCE Infuse your wardrobe with a little lace, silk and sparkle at Bridge Boutique, where you can scoop up this season’s best looks from designers like Tracy Reese, Lauren Moffatt and G-Lish without emptying your wallet! The stylish Virginia Highland boutique just opened a new location in Buckhead, making it easier to access for Northside fashionistas. New Yorker-turned-Atlantan Mañana Cain stocks her store with delicate, feminine pieces with a vintage influence. “My sense of fashion has been inspired by the old Hollywood starlets like Grace Kelly, Billie Holiday and, of course, Audrey Hepburn,” she said. Shop for a cause as Bridge Buckhead rolls out the blue carpet for a grand opening event to benefit Autism Speaks, featuring cocktails, food and a fall fashion show on Sept. 25. bridgeboutique.com — Ellie Hensley
pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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FALL
INTO
fabu lous FASHION FIVE NOTABLE NORTHSIDE WOMEN SHOW OFF THE SEASON’S MOST ANTICIPATED LOOKS
{ W R I TTE N BY JE N N I F E R S MI TH W I LLIA M S }
Despite the fact that
we’ve experienced the craziest cool summer since who knows when, the thought of fall creeping into the air still inspires new, cozy looks doused with warm, rich hues and touch-worthy textures. And with the help of Belk stylist Lori Duncan and their fall trend report, we’ve put together phenomenal looks based on this season’s trending statements. That means, whether you’re dressed for the day’s work or out for a night with fun friends, with a few key elements in your closet, you’ll be donned to the nines, no matter the occasion.
STYLED BY LORI DUNCAN, BELK STYLE ASSISTANT: NICOLE HOHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABH FINE PHOTOGRAPHY, ABHFINEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM ON LOCATION AT BISTRO VG, ROSWELL HAIR & MAKEUP BY INTRIGUE SALON, MARIETTA pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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BE SERIOUSLY CHIC With the Kardashian family as her style inspiration, Kristine Cholakian aims to bring that same trendy element to the weddings she designs for her bridal clients. Sophistication comes first, but always with a flair for individuality. “I love mixing casual things with particularly fancy pieces — like sporting the leather trend that’s happening right now, but wearing it in a really comfortable way,” she said. She encourages all of her brides to hone in on what inspires them. KRISTINE CHOLAKIAN, WEDDING PLANNER, SIMPLY CHARMING SOCIALS Top: Calvin Klein Skirt: MICHAEL Michael Kors Shoes: Donald Pliner Bag: Brahmin Jewelry: Erica Lyons and BCBG Hair by Rose Hoffer Makeup by Angela Galinetti, FIND IT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Cholakian finds her own unique pieces from the shops at North Point Mall in Alpharetta.
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ADOPT A MODERNIST MINDSET Moving to the other side of the lens was clearly a nonissue for the hip, Northside mom Hollie Lytle. In fact, it brought out a moto-chic side she didn’t even know she had. She believes, “Fashion is the pulse of a culture and an expression of the self. I think to understand a person’s personal style is to know a part of them intimately.” And based on this rockin’ photo, we want to know her even more. HOLLIE LYTLE, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Top and pants: BCBGMAXAZRIA Jacket: DKNY Shoes: BCBG Jewelry: BCBG, Erica Lyons Hair by Kim Stacy Makeup by Angela Galinetti FIND IT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Lytle finds her own unique pieces from the shops at North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville.
pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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{ F E AT U R E H E A D E R }
MAKE THE PAST PERFECT FOR THE NOW A mom, Pilates instructor, and Georgia Author of the Year leaves little time for worrying about what’s in or out when it comes to her clothes. But, as Kimberly Brock says, “Women don’t look at 40 the way our grandmother’s looked at 40. We’re blazing our own paths and discovering our own journeys.” Her own eclectic road has given her the confidence to make any classic look something coveted for the present. KIMBERLY BROCK, AUTHOR OF THE RIVER WITCH Dress: DKNY Belt: Nine West Shoes: Calvin Klein Jewelry: Erica Lyons Hair by Brittany Roscoe Makeup by Angela Galinetti FIND IT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Brock finds her own unique pieces from the shops at The Collection at Forsyth in Cumming.
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DRESS UP TO FEEL JUST DANDY An A-list lady in the world of the arts, the adorably poised Sally Macaulay takes life in a stride similar to that of a Hollywood icon. Pairing tailored looks with eye-catching textures and pops of bold bling, she proves that hemlines and buttons weren’t made just for boys, but in fact, may look better feminized. SALLY MACAULAY, ART CURATOR, MARIETTA COBB/ MUSEUM OF ART Top and skirt: Trina Turk Jacket: Zanella Shoes: Guess Ring: Erica Lyons Bracelet: Provided by Altar'd State, The Collection at Forsyth Hair by Brittany Roscoe, Makeup by Angela Galinetti FIND IT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Macaulay finds her own unique pieces from the shops at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock.
pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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{ F E AT U R E H E A D E R }
BE A GLAM GLOBE TROTTER A tag appropriate for the mellow businesswoman, Michele Sedgewick, jet setting is just one of the fascinating hobbies that makes her someone to know. Fresh off a trip to Portugal for a centering yoga retreat and glowing with a tan from a summer trip to California, she keeps her style simple, natural and practical, which is why we had fun plugging some color (and a little bling!) into her outfit. MICHELE SEDGWICK, RESTAURATEUR Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA Boots: Frye Jewelry: Erica Lyons Hair by Crysten Watters Makeup by Angela Galinetti FIND IT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Sedgwick finds her own unique pieces from the shops at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway in Norcross
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Beautiful, Healthy Legs are Your BEST Fall Fashion Accessory MD
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20 Years of Experience in Cardiovascular Surgery and Phlebology
404.446.2800 1100
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Johnson Ferry Rd. NE | Suite 165 Atlanta, Georgia 30342
www.VEINatlanta.com
HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS
WRITTEN BY E MI LY AN N E JAC K S O N & CARL DANBURY
JOHNS CREEK
Chef Marc Sublette and managing partner Brian Thomas
Viande Rouge Steakhouse At one end of the Shops of Warsaw on Medlock Bridge Road, Trattoria one.41 has thrilled diners with its interpretation of Italian cuisine for several years. Two years ago, Trattoria Chef Marc Sublette and partner Thomas Taylor teamed with managing partner Brian Thomas to provide Northside diners with another unequalled dining experience. Viande Rouge Steakhouse, just a few doors down, seduces guests with provocative, sensual aesthetics, an antithetic departure from nearly all located in a suburban strip mall. W it h i n it s SERIES SPONSORED sexy confines, BY VIXEN special occasions VODKA like anniversaries, impressive first dates and
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solicitous pop-the-question moments are as memorable as Viande Rouge’s menu, wine list and surprisingly unpretentious waitstaff. As one waiter, Blake, remarked, some dishes here are worthy of a death-row inmate’s last meal — such as the 14-ounce, melt-in-your mouth, bone-in filet topped with Baked Alaska jumbo King crabmeat. With jazz music playing wistfully in the background, the soft lighting, dark crimson walls and mesmerizing artwork provide instant decompression. Meals may begin with starters like French onion soup, which is a nicely subtle version enhanced with sherry and brandy, and topped with glorious Gruyere rather than ordinary Provolone, or magnificent oysters baked with bacon, Gruyere, spinach and Pernod glacage. A feast for the eyes as well as the appetite is a tableside preparation of Dover Sole Meuniere. Starting with an oval plate
Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
on a burner, your server will slather a perfect amount of brown butter on it, and filet the sole with two spoons, placing the pieces of fish on the bubbling plate and topping it with crispy capers. Additional tableside preparations include Caesar salad, spinach and mushroom salad, and special desserts. Decadent side dishes are to be shared and no dining experience here is complete without dessert; the choice of three soufflés (wow — the chocolate) and other specialties are not to be missed. Even the coffee is perfect. The private club atmosphere and exceptional dining experience certainly qualifies as a Hidden Gem in our book. As Voltaire once opined, “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” If you subscribe to such a tenet, a visit to Viande Rouge is essential. 9810 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 900, 770-623-4959, vrsteakhouse.com
Read It Again Books
One Unique
Th a nks to A m a zon.com, bookstores are becoming an endangered species. Used bookstores are even more rare — tiny fossils buried in historic town squares and ramshackle strip malls, just waiting to be dug up and replaced by fro-yo purveyors. Luckily, Read It Again is not your typical, disorderly used bookstore. For one, they carry new and old books along with an eclectic selection of gifts. Within their tiny storefront, they manage to produce the perfect blend of Books-R-Us style organization and old book smell. Plus, they offer one thing Amazon never can: a friendly face to recommend a favorite story, guide you through shelf after shelf of pre-loved paperbacks or just chat about Hollywood’s latest book-to-movie monstrosity. 3630 Peachtree Pkwy, Suwanee, 770- 232-9331, read-it-again.com
Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra No longer is a venture down to the Woodruff Arts Center necessary for suburbanites to get their culture fix. The Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra (JCSO) brings together many of Georgia’s finest instrumentalists who just want to share their passion for music with the Northside. These professional players have an average of 16 years of orchestra
experience each. JCSO director and founder J. Wayne Baughman will present a vocal recital of his favorite songs on Oct. 24, and the next gala, a Christmas Concert, takes place in December. Until then, the audio page of their website will have to satisfy our concerto cravings. 11950 Jones Bridge Road, 678-748-5802, johnscreeksymphony.org
PHOTOS COURTESY OF STYLE EYES | STYLEEYESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM; SHANNAH J. SMITH; JOHNS CREEK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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HIDDEN HOMETOWN GEMS JOHNS CREEK
Sara Donuts Light and fluffy are two words rarely associated with donuts, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be. The heavy, sticky fried pastries that pass as donuts these days are worlds away from the cloud-like, sugar-sweet rings of dough found at Sara Donuts. They may not make the most creative breakfast confections, but don’t let the ordinary appearances fool you. A glazed donut in Sara’s signature star shape is nothing less than a puff of pure joy. Cream and jelly donuts are filled to order, and Sara’s sausage rolls are a popular savory option. Hot glazed donuts usually make their appearance around 5 a.m. and again at 8 a.m., and don’t dilly dally if you want your sugar fix on a Saturday morning; the shop is only open until noon, or until the donuts run out — whichever comes SERIES SPONSORED first. 9760 Medlock BY VIXEN Bridge Road, 770-622VODKA 2222
RosaMia Italian Restaurant Much like an Italian nonna herself, RosaMia, a cordial restaurant perched on the corner of a modest Jones Bridge shopping center, refuses to be restricted by its diminutive size. As Shakespeare wrote in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” though she be but little, she is fierce. Settling in at one of RosaMia’s linen covered tables is rather like entering a dream, and a tasty one at that. Shortly after you sit down, a plate of bread will appear on your table. Ah, the bread. The circular onion roll, slightly crusty on the outside, impossibly soft on the inside, makes a perfect vessel for the herb-infused olive oil served alongside it. If you’re lucky enough to get a table on a weekend night (reservations recommended), sweet, acoustic sounds emanate softly in the background as the babble of a dozen dinner conversations
somehow make the small space seem bigger. Yes, you read that correctly. People actually converse when they eat here. A meal at RosaMia perfectly embodies the too-oftforgotten concept of a family dinner. The graciously doting owners, Rosa Bitussi and Maria Gabelman, bustle around the joint, making sure everyone is taken care of. Entrées like the famous chicken petronella pasta, homemade gnocchi, seared sole or handcut pappardelle are presented on mismatched floral china and taste like a happy childhood memory. You can pass each portion around the table and still have some left over. Finish your meal with a molto benne espresso and a spicy chocolate ganache cake, and you’ve got a brand new happy memory to take home with your leftovers. 11730 A Jones Bridge Road, 770772-6456, rosamiaitalian.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHANNAH J. SMITH; ROBIN HARRISON; NEWTOWN DREAM DOG PARK
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
Newtown Dream Dog Park If your pup could design his own outdoor doggie hangout, do you think he’d be satisfied with a scrubby patch of grass and a chain link fence? In 2011, one canine-loving Johns Creek resident won the Beneful Dream Dog Park contest and put the grand prize of $500,000 to use building the park of your pet’s dreams. The park is divided into three sections, one for small dogs, one for large dogs and a free-for-all wooded area. Shade structures and dog-sized water fountains throughout the facility will keep you and your furry friend cool. The true pieces de resistance, however, sit (and stay) in the central large dog section. These include a giant boneshaped bridge arched over a cluster of log crawls and a refreshing red fire hydrant sprinkler. Of course, it’s not all about animals at Newtown Park. Two-legged park visitors can enjoy 46 acres of total park space including two miles of walking trails, athletic fields, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and a community garden. The park is also the site of the Johns Creek Farmers Market every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 3150 Old Alabama Road, 678-512-3200, johnscreekga.gov
Redecorating your Johns Creek residence? Whether you intend to DIY or enlist some help, look no further than Accentrics Design, which offers a wide selection of home accessories and professional interior design services. accentrics-home. com
pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
27
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Indian dwelling, a 19th-century cottage, some river mill ruins and a modern reptile house in a single day. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, located on 46 acres of woodlands and wetlands in the Johns Creek area, lets you do all that — no time machine necessary. Wandering through the grounds is like taking a stroll through history. In one corner of the wellforested acreage sits the Heritage Village. The village contains eight different buildings as well as a pole barn representing the rural structures that speckled the banks of Sal’s Creek between the mid-1800s and mid-1900s. Two model American Indian sites show how our country’s earliest residents lived in harmony with the land. Should you choose to explore the walking trails and bridges winding through the rest of the preserve, we reckon you’ll feel pretty in sync with nature, too. 9770 SERIES SPONSORED Autrey Mill Road, BY VIXEN 6 7 8 - 3 6 6 - 3511 , VODKA autreymill.org PHOTO COURTESY OF AUTREY MILL NATURE PRESERVE & HERITAGE CENTER
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
FARM
to
OUR GUIDE TO LOCAL FOOD SOURCES
KITCHEN { W R I TTE N BY B R E HUM P H R IE S }
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
O
v er t he past few y e a rs,
I’ve become increasingly aware of the food I consume. Without getting too graphic (you can watch “Food Inc” for that), I’ve done enough research to reach the conclusion that conventional food sources don’t always meet my standards. My commitment to food-consciousness reached a new high six months ago when I started feeding solids to my son. I wanted to make sure I was filling his little body with nutritious, whole foods that were free of chemicals and processed additives. I started frequenting the natural foods section of my local grocer, but I was interested in a more personal connection than industrialized organics could provide. Ever an advocate for supporting local merchants with my spending power, I wanted to do the same with local growers. Farmers markets were an obvious answer, and were certainly easy to find. In fact, according to Georgia Organics, there are 600 percent more farmers markets in our state now than five years ago. But my schedule wasn’t always open for strolling the stands on a Saturday morning. I needed more consistent access to farm-fresh goods. Luckily, as the demand for local food sources increases, so do the sources themselves — if only you know where to look.
Farmer Direct Distribution Perhaps the most personal method of local food distribution is through community-supported agriculture (CSA). CSAs provide a mutually beneficial relationship in which consumers fund a farm’s operations by purchasing subscriptions to receive shares of the harvest. Shares typically consist of a mixed bag of whatever vegetables and fruits have been harvested each week — typically five to 10 different items. In the Northside, CSAs operate at a number of organic or Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) farms. “Certified Naturally Grown is a grassroots organization that holds farmers to the same standards as organic, but without the involvement of the government,” explained farmer Lynn Pugh of Cumming’s Cane Creek Farm, which offers seasonal CSA subscriptions 36 weeks out of the year. The CNG program cuts down on costs and paperwork for small producers who cannot afford organic certification, and farms within the network hold each other accountable for practices that are ecologically sensitive and produce that is chemical-free and not genetically modified. But subscribers don’t have to rely on the CNG designation alone to hold these farms accountable, as CSAs make it PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEIDI GELDHAUSER OF OUR LABOR OF LOVE FOR GARNISH & GATHER
pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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{ LO C A L F O O D S O U R C E S }
“Our mission
in this world is to help connect more people with our local food system and help people enjoy cooking seasonal foods at home.” EMILY GOLUB | Founder, Garnish & Gather
possible for consumers to be intimately involved in the farm’s operations. Farmers typically send out newsletters to CSA subscribers to share recipes, pictures and news, and many involve picking up shares right on the farm, so you’re stepping foot on the soil that produced your food on a weekly basis. At Cane Creek, Pugh even hosts cooking classes and organic farming workshops. And if you really want to get your hands dirty, many farms offer work shares for volunteers. Since the inability to drive out to a farm may deter some would-be subscribers, many farms also deliver shares to drop sites for convenience. Riverview Farms, a certified organic operation in Ranger, Ga., supplies 350 CSA boxes to metro Atlanta each week, with drop sites across the city and suburbs. And it’s not just produce that is available through the CSA model. Riverview also offers a meat CSA to distribute their Berkshire pork, grass-fed beef and occasionally pastured chicken, with drop sites such as 5 Seasons Brewing in Alpharetta and Heywood’s Provisions in Marietta. Rise ’N Shine Organic Farm in Calhoun, Ga., fills their CSA boxes with vegetables and fruits, but will also deliver their own poultry and eggs as well as beef and dairy from other local farms to drop sites across metro Atlanta. Though the standard CSA model requires a seasonal commitment from subscribers, Summer Creek Farm in Cumming and Moss Hill Farm in Milton both offer the option to
purchase single shares on a weekly basis when extra produce is available. Likewise, Cane Creek Farm’s onsite market features a surplus when available. In Ballground, Ga., Joyful Noise Acres Farm offers a unique meat box option, which includes a variety of whole chicken, boneless breast meat, leg quarters, wings, ground pork, sausage and Boston butts that is available for a one-time purchase at the farm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. LocallyGrown.net Another great resource for those who don’t want to commit to a seasonal subscription is the LocallyGrown network. Designed in 2006 by Eric Wagoner, a Northeast Georgia farmer and software developer, LocallyGrown is a system of online farmers markets that allow consumers to order goods from a variety of local growers and food producers with the click of a mouse and then pick them up all together at a drop site. Unlike the CSA model, in which shares are determined by each week’s harvest, LocallyGrown customers can choose the exact items they wish to purchase. Though there is a nominal membership fee to cover operational costs, no additional commitment or purchase minimum is required; members can purchase as much or as little as they want, or not at all, on any given week. The system also leaves less room for waste than a traditional farmers market, as farmers PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIDI GELDHAUSER OF OUR LABOR OF LOVE FOR GARNISH & GATHER
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
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{ LO C A L F O O D S O U R C E S } combine items from different vendors as well as Family Meal Night Kits, intended to feed a family of four.
only harvest what has already been purchased. The LocallyGrown network currently includes more than 20 markets in metro Atlanta and nearly 50 in the state of Georgia. In the Northside, The Cumming Harvest is one such market, bringing together nearly 50 vendors from Georgia and the Southeast selling items such as organic and Certified Naturally Grown produce and meat, locally harvested honey, baked goods and natural body care and cleaning supplies. In Alpharetta, the Deerfield Co-Op and Buying Club is another market operating on the LocallyGrown network. In addition to single-item purchases, the Deerfield Co-Op also offers access to produce boxes that O N LI N E E XC LU S I V E Visit pointsnorthatlanta.com for a list of metro Atlanta farmers markets, CSAs and LocallyGrown networks, plus a few of our favorite recipes for local produce!
Nature’s Garden Delivered What if you’re willing to commit to frequent produce purchases but still want the option to customize your orders? Nature’s Garden Delivered combines the regularity and variety of weekly produce boxes with the technology of an online farmers market and more flexibility than a standard CSA. Consumers do have to set up a subscription to start their service, but can place orders on vacation hold or cancel at any time. Options include tiny, small, medium or large boxes filled with fruits, vegetables or a combination of the two on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Each order is created with 10 to 15 different items, but members have the option to exchange up to five items per week. Delivery options include direct home delivery, or you can save a few bucks by hosting or joining a co-op of four or more boxes delivered to one location. Though Nature’s Garden Delivered sources as much as possible from the Southeast, the company does venture beyond the local level to offer a wider variety of organic produce. Since suburban grocery stores are often seriously lacking in the organic produce department, I appreciate this access to pesticide-free fruit in particular, which is not as common in CSA shares or LocallyGrown networks. In addition to convenience, the pricing is comparable to an organic retail location. “If you were going to try to build a large box at Whole Foods, you would pay a lot more,” said co-founder Scott Frishman. If you want to limit your order to locally grown items, that’s an option, too. Nature’s Garden defines local as food produced within a 400-mile radius, no more than a day’s drive. In addition to produce boxes, you can choose from a range of add-on items, including local meats, infused oils from Canton’s Sweetgrass Growers, yogurt form Atlanta Fresh Creamery, Georgia cheeses, baked goods and more. Garnish & Gather Bridging the gap between local food distribution and meal preparation, Garnish & Gather (G&G) launched this summer to provide all the items you need to whip up dinner — including the recipe — in one prettily packaged meal kit. “Our mission in this world is to help connect more people with our local food system and help people enjoy cooking seasonal foods at home,” said founder Emily Golub. G&G chefs collaborate with farmers and food artisans months in advance to discuss what will be available each
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALPHARETTA FARMERS MARKET; MARIETTA FARMERS MARKET; NATURE'S GARDEN DELIVERED
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
From Italy and New York City to you in Atlanta’s Northside
t 0QFO GPS MVODI BOE EJOOFS .POEBZ 4BUVSEBZ t %JOOFS SFTFSWBUJPOT SFDPNNFOEFE ("5)&3 8*5) '3*&/%4 "/% '".*-: $0.& $&-&#3"5& 5)& +&8*4) )0-*%":4 "5 304".*" +POFT #SJEHF 3PBE +PIOT $SFFL PS t SPTBNJBJUBMJBO DPN
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35
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
{ LO C A L F O O D S O U R C E S }
season. The result is a weekly choice of three different meals that can be delivered directly to your door or a local drop site. Options typically include a chicken dish, a meat dish and a seafood or vegetarian dish, all featuring local, natural and unprocessed seasonal ingredients. “We believe that eating seasonally doesn’t have to just be during the time of bounty in the summer,â€? Golub said. “Even though it might be a little more challenging during winter months, it’s still very possible ‌ in January, it might be a lot of kale and root vegetables, but that can still be really delicious.â€? Though the system currently requires subscriptions, members can sign up and cancel at any time, and the company is working on new technology to allow for single meal purchases. In the Northside, drop sites include a dental ofďŹ ce in Alpharetta and CalyRoad Creamery in Sandy Springs, and the team is currently exploring two new sites in the Roswell area. G&G meal kits also include table topic cards to spark conversation. “We really believe that cooking can be fun, and gathering around the table with friends and family should be a time that we can sit down together and share in a way that we don’t always make time for today,â€? Golub said. An added incentive: G&G donates a portion of proceeds to Open Hand, which delivers nutritious meals to people in need. PN
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Christy Haffner
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F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N CertiďŹ ed Naturally Grown naturallygrown.org Garnish & Gather garnishandgather.com Georgia Organics georgiaorganics.org Nature’s Garden Delivered naturesgardendelivered.com pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
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pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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H O ME EN HA N C EME N TS S P E C IAL ADVE RT IS IN G S EC T I O N
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might not be Team USA vs. Team Europe, but you’re going to love the format for this exclusive team golf event. Points North Atlanta has partnered with CURRAHEE CLUB IN TOCCOA again this year for a very unique golf event at their beautiful layout overlooking Lake Hartwell. Eight-person teams of golfers will face off in a modified Ryder Cup format Friday, Sept. 27 beginning at 8:30 a.m. The one-day tournament will give participants a taste of the intriguing Ryder Cup. During morning play, golfers will compete against golfers from an opposing team in nine holes of Fourball and nine holes of Foursomes. After a break for lunch, all teams will return to the course for nine holes of Singles matches to decide the winning team. Golfers may assemble their own eight-person teams (corporate, community, alumni group, etc.) for this event, or choose to be paired with other registered participants. An inclusive entry fee of $118 per player covers greens fees, cart fees and range balls, a light breakfast and coffee service, a lunch buffet between rounds, hors d’oeuvres and awards reception following the matches. Registration begins at 7 a.m. A course overview and scorecard is available at curraheeclub. com. Pre-tournament practice rounds are available for $55 plus tax For more information or a registration form, please e-mail the tournament director at curraheecup@gmail.com, or call 678-648-4592 for more details. Registration deadline is Sept. 20.
P L A Y I N G
the
M GA E
T
wo weeks after my son Zach was born
in 1994, a news story aired projecting the cost of “things to come” for parents. I remember it clearly. The cost of college for a child born at that time was expected to be $100,000. In 1994, that was a number that made me stop whatever I was doing (probably feeding or changing a diaper) and pay attention. I never forgot that number. And as my son grew through crayons and multiplication flash cards and middle school dances, I not only dreaded the day he would leave home, but also the day I’d have to write that fi rst college admissions check. Time flies, and my 6-foot-1 “baby” started college last month. In our house, I always preached the importance of succeeding in school so Zach could get into a good college. When junior year rolled around, we started visiting schools and he took the SAT/ACT tests. We believed we were covering all the necessary bases for college acceptance. Little did I know that the college admissions process is a strategic game that begins as early as middle school. While I love a good game of Scrabble, and I’ve survived the games that are played in the corporate world, I realized I was clueless about this game, and we had to move quickly to learn everything we could to win him a seat in the freshman class of his choice.
A MOTHER’S INSIGHT ON THE RULES AND STRATEGIES FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS NS W R IT T E N BY T IFFAN Y W IL L AR D
+
Middle School Matters
We viewed Zach’s freshman year of high
school as the beginning of his college application resumé, his grades and achievements from previous years wiped clean, and never to be seen again. We were mistaken.
“I’ve been telling people for years, this process starts when you pick classes. And the class you pick in eighth grade determines the class you’re going to pick in ninth grade, particularly in science, math and foreign language,” said Shereem Herndon-Brown, owner of Strategic Admissions Advice, LLC, an independent counseling service. My son’s high school required three years of foreign language, and his middle school Spanish classes provided
him one year of credit. At the time, honors math and social studies seemed more important, so I urged him to focus on As in those classes as long as he kept a B in Spanish. He
42
Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
ACT v. SAT Most students take either the ACT or SAT initially in their junior year of high school. The ACT is an achievement test that scores what the student learned in school. Stufinished the year with an 88 in Spanish.
dents are encouraged to guess when they
scale from fall to spring of his junior year
Here’s what I’ve learned: Spanish was
are unsure, as only correct responses are
by studying and taking lots of practice
the most important class that year because
calculated in the score. The SAT, on the
tests. Practice tests are key. First, they let
it was the one that was going on his high
other hand, is scored on reasoning and
the student know what to expect so they’re
school transcript. Here’s what else I learned:
aptitude, and students should not play the
not overwhelmed by a 3-hour experience
On a 4.0 scale, an 80 and an 89 are the same
guessing game, as they are penalized for
on test day. And second, as the old adage
grade (both worth 3 points). Encourage your
incorrect answers. Some colleges accept
goes, practice makes perfect. There are
student to put effort into the class with the
only SAT, some accept either. Colleges in
plenty of practice books available, as well
89 to bring it up to a 90 (without letting the
the south and public universities seem to
as tests that can be printed online. Your
80 from the other class drop, of course). It’s
favor the ACT while private institutions
child may benefit from classes offered
worth noting that every college or univer-
usually prefer the SAT. Go back to that list
by a professional company, which won’t
sity calculates GPA differently, so this sce-
you made of potential colleges and find out
be hard to fi nd. Once junior year starts,
nario may not apply to your child’s school
which they accept.
you will be pelted with flyers and emails
of choice. It’s a good idea to make a list of
Herndon-Brown suggests taking a
touting their services. But the key is they
possible colleges early on, and check with
diagnostic practice test at the end of sopho-
will only get out of the practice and classes
them to see how they calculate GPA.
more year to figure out which test better
as much as they put into it. And with high
suits your child’s strengths. Once your
schoolers, that can be frustrating. Hang in
child has decided which test is best for
there, Mom, and try to keep encouraging
him, it’s time to study. My son increased
them.
his ACT score by 3 points on a 36-point
What Have You Been Doing With Your Life? So your child has aced the ACT and made it through junior year with a 4.0 GPA. They’ll have no problem getting into any school they choose, right? Not necessarily. Colleges want to know that students will be an asset to their institution in more ways than just academics. They want to know a student has interests and has pursued them over the last four years. Every college application asks for a list of extracurricular activities. They want to see that the student was involved in a variety of activities and showed continuity in their involvement. It’s more important to show they stuck with something and excelled than were involved in 32 clubs their sophomore year. A leadership role is favorable, as is charitable work. Encourage your child to get involved. Not only will it look good on their application, but it will make their high school experience much more memorable.
pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
43
{ CO LLE G E A D M I S S I O N S }
M ATCH
The Application With nearly 7,000 accredited post-secondary institutions across the United States, choosing a college and applying can be a daunting effort. High school counselors are a starting point for information, but with so many students and so little time, you may feel the need to enlist additional help for your child. Independent counselors can help identify your student’s strengths and point them towards colleges that offer a good match. Chris Holzwarth at Beyond the Applause, LLC, helps students throughout the college admissions and career selection processes, putting particular emphasis on resumé building. “I help them tell their story,” Holzwarth said. “I help them get the pieces together and develop their applications and essays based on their personality, their learning style, their extracurricular activities, their leadership, their volunteering. Whatever makes up the whole self.” Independent counselors can be a great asset to both students and parents, keeping the student on deadlines and preserving peace in the family.
44
Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
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website to help prospective students determine the total cost of attendance (COA) at that institution. Take that list you’ve been making of potential schools, and check out their COA. Pick yourself up off the ground. It’s staggering. And attending a school out of state can be roughly three times more than in state. Zach’s dream school is in another state, and I’ve been constantly reminded of that news story I watched 18 years ago — the $100,000 they projected wouldn’t cover the COA he was eyeing. But take heart; if you fi nd yourself in the same boat, you’re not drowning yet. Almost every school offers scholarships. The most lucrative ones are for academics, with some covering the entire cost of tuition. The general guideline is a minimum 3.5 GPA to qualify for these. Each school sets a minimum SAT/ACT requirement as well. Time to pull out that list of colleges again and check their academic scholarship requirements. If GPA and test scores don’t meet the requirements above, your child may still qualify for other types of scholarships. Every school has a page on their website outlining the scholarships available. There are scholarships for children of alumni, ROTC candidates, students in specific majors, and many
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more. Most of these scholarships average $1,000 to $2,000. Schools also offer scholarships based on need. Need is determined by fi lling out the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which most schools require. After
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entering every piece of personal financial data you normally hold dear, the FAFSA calculates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Schools use that number to determine if you are eligible for need-based aid in the form of scholarships, loans and grants. Corporations, non-profits and private donors also offer scholarships. There are literally thousands available, but they do require extensive time and effort to identify the ones your child qualifies for, and to apply. Several sites I found most helpful are fastweb.com and scholarships360.com. Your student fills out a profile online, and these sites send daily emails with available scholarships that fit his profile. Online searches can also turn up sources of scholarship money. Search out special circumstances (a deceased parent, first generation college student, charity work, expertise in math, the student’s proposed major, the company that employs a parent, local civic organizations,
The GAME Illustrated The University of Georgia had more than 20,000 applications submitted for their 2013 freshman class of 5,100. How do schools choose who to accept? At one meeting I attended, admissions officers from schools across the Southeast explained the admissions process to a group of parents by playing a game. With parent volunteers, they created a group of “students” with specific attributes and GPAs, and lined them up in order of GPA. They called for all students who were legacies to move up one space. They asked all students who had honor code violations to step back four spaces. They asked all students who played the tuba to move up two spaces (the mock school’s tuba player had just graduated and they were looking for a new band member). The game continued. At the end, the student with the 4.0 GPA was no longer at the head of the line.
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etc). Some of these scholarships are awarded to students as young as middle school, so my advice is to get started accumulating money early. It can be a full time job looking for scholarships. I weeded through email suggestions and searched the web for others my son qualified for, then passed the information on to him to apply. I have to warn you, getting a student to actually fill out the application, write the essay, and meet the deadline is one of the hardest parts of the entire college process. But it can really pay off. Keep dangling that hope of attending the dream school in front of them and use your best encouraging tactics and you’ll hopefully see results. Getting that award letter informing him that his essay was inspiring will spur your student on to apply for the next one. So after all my research, and everything I learned, would I do anything differently? Maybe. I may have suggested he take more
A Taste of Tuscany
A Taste of Puglia
AP classes. I would have encouraged him to
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get an A in that eighth grade Spanish class. But there are many more things that I think he did just right. Still, it would have been good to have the knowledge up front. The best piece of advice I can give? Enjoy the time. It goes by way too fast. PN
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For even more advice on the game of college admissions, read our extended article at pointsnorthatlanta.com.
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BIG CANOE Fall is the perfect time to visit the community of Big Canoe, where one- to fivebedroom rental homes feature lavish amenities in a beautiful natural setting. Even if you don’t plan to stay overnight, make a day trip to attend the Village Festival at Big Canoe on Saturday mornings through the end of October to purchase fresh vegetables, homemade cheese, coffee, fresh seafood, jewelry and more. While you’re there, stop by Big Canoe Realty for a DVD and information on available homes and homesites, or visit the website for FMLS listings of all homes for sale. Rentals: 706-268-3178, bigcanoe.com
BLUE RIDGE, GA. BLUE RIDGE INN B&B Built in 1890’s, Blue Ridge Inn B&B is one of the oldest residences in Blue Ridge. Formerly the Kincaid House, the three-story, Victorian inn features seven rooms, 12-foot ceilings, original handcarved woodwork, and heart of pine floors. This north Georgia mountain bed and breakfast is just one block from the antique shops and local restaurants of downtown Blue Ridge. Across the street is the train depot for a day trip into the mountains. 706-632-0222,
Callihan helps her clients make sound investments — she led her company in Units closed for 2012! Callihan, who loves horses and the mountains, also started a trail riding business called Adventure Trail Rides. 706-258-8067, harrynormanblueridge.com
BLUES AND BBQ FESTIVAL The Blue Ridge Lodging Association presents its third Annual BRLA Blues & BBQ Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. Taking place from noon to 9 p.m. in the Blue Ridge city park, this day of music and BBQ features a fun musical line-up including headliner Big Bill Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters. Great food and exceptional music are available rain or shine for a $5 admission. Children 12 and under are admitted free. A portion of the net proceeds benefit
Open Arms of Blue Ridge, a residential child care center for neglected and abused children. Head up a day early to participate in the Downtown Blue Ridge Blues Crawl on Friday, Sept. 13 from 7 to 11 p.m. openarmsofblueridge.org
ESCAPE TO BLUE RIDGE When your plans include a relaxing getaway in the mountains, turn to the “escape artists” at Escape to Blue Ridge. Besides one of the best selections of homes, Escape to Blue Ridge has an experienced team of reservation agents waiting to arrange a guided fly fishing
blueridgeinnbandb.com
BLUE RIDGE REAL ESTATE A native of Fannin County, Harry Norman agent Rachel Callihan comes from one of the original families in the area; in fact, a book, two mountains and a creek were named after her family. Using knowledge of the area and construction,
Blues & BBQ Festival PHOTO COURTESY OF BLUE RIDGE LODGING ASSOCIATION
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fall festivals FAVORITE
Destinations
trip or rafting adventure, make dinner reservations or line up a personalized chef — even pack the pantry and stock the fridge! When you step into your vacation home, you’ll find top-of-the-line amenities and free Wi-Fi. Need anything else? Simply call the 24-hour on-call service available to guests. 866-618-2521, escapetoblueridge.com
MOUNTAIN TOP CABIN RENTALS When you want to get away, Mountain Top Cabin Rentals is the home of simplified reservations. The company has introduced a new and improved program to the Blue Ridge vacation industry with a two-step reservation procedure to simplify the entire experience. The rates you
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see online are the same regardless of the number of guests. When you book, your total price will include three items: the nightly rate, an all-inclusive reservation charge and taxes, ensuring a stress-free vacation from start to finish. At check-in, you will receive the “Blue Ridge Travel Guide,” designed solely for guests and packed with information and directions to all of the area’s best restaurants and activities. Of course, you may not want to leave the comfort of your luxurious cabin, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking mountain views doused in fall color. 706258-6220, mountaintopcabinrentals.com
SOUTHERN COMFORT CABIN RENTALS With a diverse portfolio of properties, Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals offers accommodations for any occasion, from a family getaway to a romantic retreat,
Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
plus topnotch customer service. Stay with Southern Comfort during the Blues & BBQ festival and take advantage of a special offer for Points North readers; Use code BBQ2013. 866-4CABINS, southerncomfortcabinrentals.com
CLAYTON, GA. Offering great variety, Clayton’s unique downtown stores feature the best in art, antiques, books, flowers, hardware, sporting goods, furniture, gifts, home décor, wine and more. While you’re there, sample the delectable dishes at divine restaurants. This season, take a drive or hike around Clayton and see the most spectacular displays of fall colors. Visit during First Friday Fest in September or October, or check out the Foxfire Mountaineer Festival on Oct. 5. downtownclaytonga.org
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fall festivals FAVORITE
Destinations
CRABAPPLE FEST The Milton Roundup and Crossroads at Crabapple Antique and Arts Festival have merged. Festival-goers at Crabapple Fest, held Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in historic downtown Crabapple, can expect antiques and art, music and entertainment, kids’ activities and, for the first time, beer and wine. crabapplefest.com
THE DIVIDE AT BALD ROCK The Divide at Bald Rock is your mountain sanctuary. The Divide is located adjacent to the Panthertown National Forest along the Eastern Continental Divide in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their mountain properties present all the best North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains can offer. Each lot takes advantage of its mountain features, be it bold streams, cascading waterfalls, grand mountain views, the nestled comfort of a cozy cabin lot, or the simple beauty of a Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness. The gated community is located at the center of the Lake Toxaway, Cashiers and Highland resort areas offering visitors a variety of dining, lodging and shopping opportunities. Activities for outdoor enthusiasts include golf, fly fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, hiking, water and snow skiing and much more. dividenc.com
GEORGIA’S LAKE COUNTRY This is Lake Country, with more than 10 golf courses nestled in four neighboring communities, two expansive lakes with more than 15,000 acres of water, shopping experiences, and a calendar of events that is full of fun happenings this season. Come and experience all that makes lake life so great this time of year! From romantic dinners and horseback riding, to touring historic
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S P E C I A L A DV E RT I S I N G S E C T I O N
homes and getting a head start on that holiday shopping, Georgia’s Lake Country is a year-round destination for all ages and interests. galakecountry.com
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Fall is the perfect time to visit Western North Carolina for a railroad excursion. Board at the Bryson City Depot for PEANUTS ™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, themed after “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” on weekends in October, or enjoy views of gorgeous fall foliage aboard the premium open air car with a special package that includes a souvenir tumbler, embroidered tote gift bag, and blanket to keep you nice
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and toasty. 800-872-4681, gsmr.com
HISTORIC HENDERSONVILLE, NC Anytime is a great time to be in Historic Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Hendersonville is located 22 miles south of Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, on a plateau of 2,200 feet above sea level. The mild year-round climate makes outdoor activities very enjoyable. Golf enthusiasts can test their skills on one of the many fine public golf courses in the area. Explore the waterfalls of the Dupont State Recreational Forest, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, outdoor recreation, festivals and a variety of accommodations. Historic downtown features interesting architecture, delightful shops, museums and locally owned restaurants. The area offers many family activities for children of all ages. Make memories in this charming mountain town. cityofhendersonville.org pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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fall festivals FAVORITE
Destinations
LAKOTA COVE
Make the Most of Your Day
Trophy Trout Fishing IN SUCHES, GA
Fly Fishing for Trophy Trout Along 2000 Ft. of River Access and Private Ponds
More than a home furnishing store, Lakota Cove is a destination for designers and discerning shoppers alike. Linda Magness, owner of Lakota Cove, which translates to “friendly village,” says she began with $5 and a bird feeder. Today, bolstered by her background as an established interior designer, the 12,000-square foot showroom exhibits the heirloom quality art and fine craftsmanship of more than 400 artists from across the country. Set on 26 beautiful acres, Lakota Cove offers design and build services, as well as interior design and window treatments. The “Lakota Cove” look, signified by rustic elegance, has become a North Georgia signature. lakotacove.com
MADISON, GA. You’ll find plenty to do in Madison this fall starting on Sept. 28 & 29 when the Cotton South Fine Arts Festival makes its debut; beginning at 11 a.m., join the town’s 9th Annual Chili Cook-off & Fall Festival in Town Park on Saturday, Oct. 5 for live music, arts and crafts, kids activities and food vendors; then, on Saturday, Nov. 2, head over to Bostwick, Ga., home of the remake filming of the movie “Footloose,” for the Annual Cotton Gin Festival and Gin Run. The annual 5k
2000 FT. OF RIVER ACCESS • TROPHY TROUT • VERY PRIVATE
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starts at 8 a.m. and the parade begins at 11 a.m.! madisonga.com
THE OCONEE CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION’S POTTERY INVITATIONAL Beginning Aug. 30, the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation will host PERSPECTIVES, the Georgia Pottery Invitational in Watkinsville, Ga. As Georgia’s largest functional pottery sale and exhibition, a wide collection of styles, forms, colors and price range will be available. The pottery show and sale runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Aug. 31 to Sept. 18. More than 5,000 pieces of functional handmade pottery will be offered for sale from 50 of Georgia’s finest potters. Admission and parking is free. Special exhibit and demonstration info can be found at ocaf.com.
SCENIC 197, NORTH GEORGIA Scenic Hwy 197 is the path to some of North Georgia’s best attractions, and is a must-see at this time of year, beckoning drivers to roll down the windows and hit the road to enjoy the cool, crisp air 58
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and views of fall color. Along the way, find handcrafted pottery and a view of the Soque River at Mark of the Potter, the oldest craft shop in Georgia (markofthepotter.com), find functional stoneware at Hickory Flat Pottery (hickoryflatpottery.com), explore unique arts and crafts at Soque ArtWorks (soqueartworks.com), enjoy food and live music at Laurel Lodge Restaurant right off Lake Burton (laurellodgerestaurant.com), then venture on to LaPrade’s Marina on Lake Burton, where The Chophouse is perfect for hungry appetites (lapradesmarina.com). scenic197.com
SEASIDE, FLA. The Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside, Fla., is one of the most highly anticipated events during the four-day gala fundraiser, “Taste of THE Beach- Wine. Dine. Donate.” Taking place Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 2013, Seaside’s highlighted events on Friday and Saturday PHOTO COURTESY OF SEASIDE allow wine novices and fine wine connoisseurs to sample specialty wines while speaking with the very people who devote their lives to the cultivation of the grapes. The Cottage Rental Agency, the official lodging provider for the 23rd Annual Seeing Red Wine Festival, will include FREE tickets to the festival when you book Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 2013. For reservations, call toll-free 1-866-976-7990 or visit cottagerentalagency.com to enjoy a getaway filled with wine, music and Southern hospitality!
TROPHY TROUT Last year by popular request, outfitter and fishing guide Bob Still of Trophy Trout started a bed and breakfast for couples interested in spending more time in the Valley of Suches. The option allows guests to enjoy the surroundings, have a cocktail or great glass of wine and talk about their experience after a full day of fly-fishing. Trophy Trout takes pride in personalizing each trip to give customers a great experience at a good value. 404-538-6096,
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOB STILL TROPHY TROUT EXPERIENCE
gatrophytrout.com pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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Blue Ridge, Georgia------------------------------------------------------
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-------------------------------------------------------Blue Ridge, Georgia LLC
Est. 1890 Unique 1890s Victorian Inn All rooms have Private Bath, Cable TV & WIFI 2Sen <ear 5ounG Full Countr\ BreaNIast
(706) 632-0222 In the Heart of Downtown Blue Ridge 477 West First Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 www.BlueRidgeInnBandB.com inIo#blueridgeinnbandb.com
SPECIAL OFFER FOR POINTS NORTH READERS! Use code BBQ2013 through Sept. 2013 or text SOCO to 88500
Rachel Callihan-Cowart
I
’m a native of Fannin County and I grew up in real estate as my dad sold a lot of mountain property. I’ve been around the construction business most of my life, so I have a good working-knowledge of the locally built cabins. I consider mountain property and cabins to be my specialty!
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Cell 706-258-8067 Office 706-632-7211
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calendar
W R IT T E N BY K RIST IN HI L L ER Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@pointsnorthatlanta.com two months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please note that dates and times might change.
LE W I S G R I Z Z A R D : I N H I S OW N WO R D S
CONCERTS | COMEDY
[Sept. 27 – 29] Actor Bill Oberst, Jr.’s portrayal of the late Southern writer and humorist is said to be the closest thing to seeing Grizzard himself onstage. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta, 770-293-0080, earlsmithstrand.org
[Sept. 6] The Georgia native and former contestant of NBC’s “The Voice” celebrates the release of his new album, “My Turn.” Red Clay Theatre, Duluth, eddieowenpresents.com
MIZZ EDNA DRIVES D OW N M A I N [Sept. 27 & 28] Follow the real life adventures of a Woodstock resident who became the first woman driver in town. City Center, Woodstock, 678-494-4251, elmstreetarts.org
ARTS | EXHIBITS
[ SEPT. 6 ] Chris Cauley Red Clay Theatre, Duluth
PERFORMING ARTS HARMONY
YO U C A N ’ T TA K E IT W ITH YO U
[Sept. 6 – Oct. 6] The Alliance Stage season kicks off with this musical featuring music by the legendary Barry Manilow. Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, 404-733-4650, alliancetheatre.org
[Sept. 12 – 29] Young Actors Playhouse presents this timeless American comedy classic. Theatre in the Square, Marietta, 678-910-0780, youngactorsplayhouse.com
P E TE R R A B B IT
E V E RY B O DY LOV E S P I R ATE S
[Sept. 11 – 22] This puppet performance is based on Beatrix Potter’s tales, where Peter ventures into Mr. McGregor’s garden and loses his blue jacket. Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, 404-873-3391, puppet.org
[Sept. 25 – Oct. 6] Join the puppets Lucy and Little Chucky on their adventure as they find themselves walking the plank. Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, 404-873-3391, puppet.org
A LL I N TH E TI M I N G
S TO M P
[Sept. 12 – 14] This award-winning evening of comedies combines wit, intellect, satire and just plain fun. City Center, Woodstock, 678-494-4251, elmstreetarts.org
[Sept. 26 – 29] Join this eight-member cast on their journey through sound, as they make music with everyday items like brooms and garbage cans. Fox Theatre, Atlanta, theaterofthestars.com, foxatltix.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF RUDI VITO
PENGUINS
[Opens Sept. 6] This live-action IMAX film celebrates the destiny of a very special King Penguin who returns to his birthplace in the sub-Antarctic. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta, 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org
GW I N N E T T PA R K S P LE I N A I R C H A LLE N G E [Sept. 14] This opening reception showcases the 10 winners from the park’s painting challenge. Tannery Row Artist Colony, Buford, 770-904-0572, tanneryrowartistcolony.com
M AG N O LI A S A M P LE R G U I LD [Sept. 20 – 28] This exhibit features antique samplers, needlework tools and embroidered works. Bulloch Hall, Roswell, 770-992-1731
M O N E Y V I LLE [Sept. 28 – Jan. 12] This exhibit offers an educational experience to explore the history, science, math and economics behind money. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumofatlanta.org
C H R I S C AU LE Y
TH E R E V I VA LI S T S [Sept. 7] This month’s concert of the Roswell Riverside Sounds series features the breakout band from New Orleans with a blend of soulful, syncopated rock. Roswell Riverside Park, 770-641-3705, roswellriversidesounds.com
H O M E BY DA R K S O N GW R ITE R S S H OW [Sept. 13] This show features performances by James Casto, Billy Montana and Nicole Witt and benefits the charity, Right to Hike. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, Duluth, homebydark.com, righttohikeinc.com
A R E TH A F R A N K LI N [Sept. 21] The “Queen of Soul” returns to Atlanta after her sold out show last year. Fox Theatre, Atlanta, 855-ATL-TIXX, foxatltix.com
A TR I B UTE TO E LL A , J O E , B A S I E [Sept. 25] This concert is the first in the JAZZ ROOTS: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series. Cobb Energy Centre, Atlanta, 800-754-3000, ticketmaster.com
D R U M C I R C LE [Sept. 27] Join professional drum leader Chuck Cogliandro in the last drum circle of the year. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, chattnaturecenter.org
E A R TH , W I N D & F I R E [Oct. 2] The groundbreaking funk-rock-souljazz ensemble hits the Fox Theatre for the first time. Fox Theatre, Atlanta, 855-ATL-TIXX, foxatltix.com
Penquins Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta
CHARITY EVENTS S TR I N G F LI N G FUNDRAISING GALA
[Sept. 7] This annual event is a puppet-filled evening for a great cause, the Center’s Field Trip Sponsorship Program, which provides discounted and free admissions for underserved children. Grand Hyatt Buckhead, 404-881-5129, puppet.org/spec/fundraiser.shtml
TA S TE O F K E N N E S AW [Sept. 7] Sample more than 40 local restaurants from the Kennesaw and Cobb County areas and enjoy live music from the Sons of Sailors, a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. This event benefits five local charities. Main St., Kennesaw, 770-423-1330, kennesawbusiness.org
W I N E , WO M E N AND SHOES [Sept. 8] Sip and shop at this event to benefit research of gynecologic cancers at Northside Hospital. InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, 770-667-4047, winewomenandshoes.com/atlanta
AU B R E Y G R E E N WAY G O LF TO U R N A M E NT [Sept. 9] This annual tournament is the largest 100-percent volunteer fundraiser, helping North Fulton organizations such as Jacob’s Ladder and North Fulton Community Charities. Country Club of Roswell, roswellrotarygolf.com
DESIGNING DREAMS R E C E P TI O N [Sept. 12] Take part in this food, drink and silent auction event honoring this year’s Designing Dreams recipient, Terri Wylie. RBM of Atlanta North Mercedes-Benz, ahtinteriors.com/ designing-dreams-2/
R U M C K FA LL C O N S I G N M E NT S A LE [Sept. 13 & 14] The Roswell United Methodist Church is hosting its semi-annual children’s consignment sale to benefit the church’s preschool and kindergarten. Fellowship Hall of Roswell United Methodist Church, rumc.com/rumck
P O LO PA R T Y A N D AU C TI O N [Sept. 15] This party benefits Mill Springs Academy, a non-profit school serving students with learning differences and ADD/ADHD. Chukkar Farm, Alpharetta, millspringspva.org
F O R S Y TH P TA G O LF B E N E F IT [Sept. 16] Proceeds of this golf tournament benefit the Forsyth PTA and their technology initiative to provide students with the technological programs and devices necessary for a quality education in the twenty-first century. Hampton Golf Village, Cumming, forsythptagolf.org
D I S C O F LE A - V E R [Sept. 20 – 21] This annual Swan Coach House Flea Market is hosted by the Forward Arts Foundation. A festive preview party
takes place on Sept. 19 from 6 – 9 p.m. All proceeds benefit the visual arts in Atlanta through the programs of FAF. Atlanta History Center, 404-261-9855
C O R P S D E B A LLE T LU N C H E O N
PHOTO COURTESY OF FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
[OP E N S SE P T. 6]
P O LO F O R PA R K I N S O N ’ S [Sept. 29] This annual event benefits the local Roswell charity, Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation. Chukkar Farm, Alpharetta, poloforparkinsons.com
S TA R S DA N C I N G TO C H A N G E LI V E S [Oct. 5] Local celebrities compete for the coveted silver ball trophy at this benefit for Every Woman Works. The Concourse Athletic Club, Sandy Springs, 404-217-1740, everywomanwork.org
SPECIAL EVENTS
WATE R LI LY F E S TI VA L
[Sept. 23] This Atlanta Ballet event kicks off the season and features the Neiman Marcus “Art of Fashion” runway show. Proceeds benefit the Pas de Deux Society and the Centre for Dance Education. Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, atlantaballet.com
[Through Sept. 2] Enjoy music in the Waterlily Gardens from Roman Festival Brass, Off the Record, Sharptop Mt. Brass, Strolling Musicans and Angelica Hairston. Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground, Ga., 770-893-1881, gibbsgardens.com
A AU W B O O K FA I R
AIRBORNE PICNIC
[Sept. 23 – 29] Purchase gently-used books at bargain prices at this annual event helping the American Association of University Women support their educational endeavors. Perimeter Mall, Atlanta, 404-261-7646, bookfairaauw.org
[Sept. 7] This family picnic with a view of Lake Lanier is open to the Airborne community. Gainesville American Legions new Pavilion, nga-airborne-assoc.org
C A S I N O N I G HT SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER [Sept. 28] Have a night of fun when the KSU Center takes on a Las Vegas casino feel, equipped with gaming tables, prizes and musical entertainment. KSU Center, Kennesaw, ksufundraiser.com
G A R D E N O F E D E N B A LL: CIRCUS! [Sept. 28] The garden’s major fundraising event features circus performers, threecourse dinner and live music. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 404-876-5859, atlantabotanicalgarden.org
B AC K YA R D C A M P O UT [Sept. 7 – 8] Sleep peacefully under the stars after a fun-filled night of animal encounters, trail hikes, roasted marshmallows and campfire songs. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, chattnaturecenter.org
H E A LTH Y LI V I N G DAY [Sept. 8] Enjoy free dance classes for kids and adults, healthy living and nutrition seminars, food demonstrations and performances by Atlanta Ballet. Atlanta Ballet’s Michael C. Carlos Dance Centre, atlantaballet.com
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BABA’S GYRO & KABOB Authentic Greek, Persian & Italian Cuisine Dine-In | Take-out | Catering Try our Lamb, Kubideh, Chicken, Steak, Pork & Cornish Hen Kabobs!
Don’t miss our Spanakopita, Baba Ghanush & Mirza Ghasemi!
Enjoy our Gyros, Souvlaki, Falafel, Moussaka & Chicken Wraps!
Italian entrees too! Penne Milano, Chicken Parmesan, Ravioli ala Vodka and more! Amazing Daily Specials! Also serving beer and wine! Open 7 days a week: 11 am to 10 pm www.babasgyros.com
2310 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Suite A Cumming 30041 770-888-8100
calendar M ITC H E LL S P E A K E R SERIES [Sept. 12] This year’s theme is “Take a Risk, Make a Difference” and the September meeting features speaker Aparna Bhattacharyya, the executive director of Raksha, a Georgia-based non-profit that promotes a better South Asian community. Covenant Presbyterian Church, Buckhead, covenantpresbyterian.us
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[Sept. 13] Barrington Hall has partnered with local craft beer merchant Ale Yeah! to host beer tasting sessions once a month. Barrington Hall, Roswell, 678-639-7500, southerntrilogy.com
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ATL A NTA A R T S F E S TI VA L [Sept. 14 – 15] This fine arts event features carefully selected artists from across the country specializing in mediums such as jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, glassblowing and more. Piedmont Park, 770-941-9660, atlantaartsfestival.com
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GA 400 N, pass the outlet mall to next traffic light,at GA Hwy. 53, turn left go thru next light, go 3 miles, turn right on Etowah River Road, 1st drive on right.Look for the big blue angel, “Our Lady of Dawson”
Excuse G.D.O.T. Progress!
3631 Hwy. 53 East at Etowah River Road Dawsonville, GA 30534 | 706-265-6030 aroundbackatrockysplace@hotmail.com aroundbackatrockysplace.com HOURS: Saturday 11-5, Sunday 1-5
Gasthaus Tirol
GERMAN & EUROPEAN CUISINE Chef Reinhold Weger has been creating German & European specialties in downtown Cumming since 1995!
OKTOBER FEST BEGINS SEPT. 15 Spätzle and Bratwurst eating contests! Beer tastings! Live music on some weekends! And, Schweinshaxen is served! Open 1-9 p.m. Sunday during Oktober Fest 11 Beers on Tap & Nice Wine
Try our Reuben for lunch the best in North Georgia
Lunch: Tues-Fri, 11a.m. - 2 p.m. Q Dinner: Tues-Sat, 5 p.m. 770.844.7244 Q 310 ATLANTA RD. (HWY. 9) Q CUMMING gasthaus-cumming.com Check our website or Facebook page for this week's specials.
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
TA S TE O F S M Y R N A F E S TI VA L O F D E LE C TA B LE [Sept. 14] Sample all that Smyrna restaurants have to offer along with music and entertainment for the kids. Village Green and Market Village, Smyrna, 770-423-1330, smyrnacity.com
W I LD F LOW E R M E A D OW F E S TI VA L [Sept. 14 & 21] Take part in the Hans Rueffert Cooking Demonstration on the Sept. 14 and Lit & Lunch on the Sept. 21. Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground, Ga., 770-893-1881, gibbsgardens.com
N O R TH G E O R G I A S TATE FA I R [Sept. 19 – 29] This fair is the largest in metro Atlanta and features performances from country stars like Loretta Lynn and Jerrod
Niemann. New this year is the Georgia mountain lift ride, where patrons can ride from one end of the fairgrounds to the other. Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta, 770-423-1330, northgeorgiastatefair.com
E A S T C O B B E R PA R A D E & F E S TI VA L [Sept. 21] This annual event’s parade features floats and high school marching bands, followed by a festival featuring local entertainment, carnival games and food. Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta, eastcobber.com/parade
JA PA N F E S T [Sept. 21 – 22] This annual celebration is designed to promote friendship and mutual understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. Gwinnett Convention Center, Duluth, japanfest.org
M A R I E T TA S TR E E TF E S T [Sept. 21] This annual event features arts and crafts, an antique car show, local musicians and plenty of fun for children. The Marietta Grassroots Festival returns this year with local bands and singer/songwriters performing original music. Glover Park, Marietta, mariettastreetfest.com
S TO P D R I V I N G B LI N D ! [Sept. 27] Lisa Meyer will speak at this special ladies’ night out, offering up an honest account of the struggles of marriage with wisdom from the Bible. Midway Community Church, Alpharetta, midwaycommunitychurch.org
FA LL ATL A NTA H O M E S H OW [Oct. 4 – 6] This fall marks the 30th anniversary of Georgia’s premier home show, offering homeowners the latest innovations in home remodeling products and services. Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta, atlantahomeshow.com
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Traditional Italian Fare and Classic Cuisine with a Flair!
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pointsnorthatlanta.com | September 2013 | Points North
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W R IT T E N BY K E L L I R I C HA R DS O N
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Spend a Day in the Park. Leave the electronics at home and enjoy the serenity bestowed by Mother Nature. Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are offering free admission and parking to all Georgia residents and visitors on Sept. 28, a celebration they are calling Your State Parks Day. Enjoy recreational activities like fishing, hiking and geo-caching, soak up the views from Black Rock Mountain State Park in North Georgia, or join one of the many volunteer clean-up efforts taking place across the state. georgiastateparks.org Raise Your Glass. Fans of the “Love My Martini” glass collection now get a chance to meet the creator in person. Nationally renowned designer Lolita will hold a signing at Ivy Lane boutique in Marietta on Saturday, Sept. 14, where she will be signing her one-of-a-kind creations. Do not miss your chance to mingle with the designer and win prizes while enjoying drinks at this free event. 770-578-0506, ivylanemarietta.com Fall for Family Fun. Take the family out to enjoy activities for all ages during the 29th annual Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival, Sept. 28 and 29, at Boling Park in Canton. The festival will feature more than 200 arts and crafts exhibitors, plus entertainment, concessions and more. Best of all, proceeds benefit The Service League of Cherokee County, which serves needy children in the area. serviceleague.net/ riverfest
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Points North | September 2013 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
Paint The Town Pink. Join the breast cancer awareness effort during Tour de Pink Atlanta, a fundraiser by Young Survival Coalition on Sept. 28. Atlanta’s only bike ride for breast cancer has raised more than one million dollars through the years. Begining at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, the race includes routes for both amateur and serious cyclists. There’s also a 5k course for runners and walkers, plus an expo area with vendors, food, entertainment and more. ysctourdepink.org/atlanta
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARNSLEY RESORT
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PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGIA DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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Break out the Bourbon. To celebrate the start of fall (and the release of their new, private-label Woodford Fairy Godmother Blend bourbon), Barnsley Resort’s famed Wine Snob has concocted a few creative cocktails that simply beg to be sipped this season. Our favorite? Fairy Bubbles, with bourbon, vanilla syrup and Champagne — refreshing enough for Southern fall days, with just enough bite to knock the chill in the evenings. Visit pointsnorthatlanta.com for the recipes.