Se e O Our nP S ag ect e 1 ion 7
NOVEMBER 2016
Conversations start here.
THE SNOW IS FAKE... BUT THESE HOLIDAY EVENTS ARE REAL! Stone Mountain creates the Atlanta area’s own winter wonderland with Snow Mountain.
HEALTH p 17
COMMUNITY p 14
GARDEN p 24
FOOD p26
THANKSGIVING MYTHS BUSTED
LET’S NOT FORGET THESE CHILDREN
BRING SPRINGTIME TO YOUR HOLIDAYS
A COMFORTING NEW DINER
WWW.THECURRENTHUB.COM
Postal Customer ECRWSS Atlanta,GA Permit #3241 PAID
1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Suite 910, Roswell, GA 30076 678.878.3188 kalemecrazy.net
US Postage PRSRT STD
PUBLISHERS
Tripp Liles tripp@thecurrenthub.com
Mark Penstone mark@thecurrenthub.com
Carrie Kutney Art Director carrie@thecurrentplus.com
Tricia Morris (Social Chick) tricia@thecurrenthub.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Frank Mack Di Chapman Jessica Diamond Nancy Wallace Fred Mills Geri Laufer Beth Nitschke Send submissions & questions: events@thecurrentplus.com Main Phone Number 770-810-5943
Our Mission: The CurrentHub aspires to communicate in a way that’s useful, engaging, enjoyable, and unique. We strive to reflect the full range of what the area has to offer, also advocating positions that strengthen unity and continuity. We desire to create and maintain a challenging, enjoyable and caring work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Our rewards are informed, educated readers, very satisfied advertisers, happy employees and profitable growth. The CurrentHub is published monthly. Presort standard postage paid at Atlanta, GA. Postmaster send changes to Current Communications, 1014 Canton St., Roswell, GA 30075 Publisher has the privilege to reject any advertising. Advertiser is responsible for full content of advertisements provided and are responsible for any claims made therein. thecurrenthub.com
>>HE PLAYS WITH HIS HANDS will run through January 2017. There will be special events throughout the holiday season highlighted by the Disco Skate The ice is back. ’Tis the season to night on Jan. 20. Now that’s not lace up your skates and glide into to be missed. Admission is $18 (includes skates) for adults and the holiday spirit at Avalon on $14 for children under 10. Ice. The monumental Rockefeller-inspired ice-skating Avalon is located at 2200 rink is back starting Nov. 20 and Avalon Blvd. in Alpharetta. >>SLIP SLIDING AWAY
Adrian Legg in concert
Avalon on Ice
November 12
November 20
>>THE GIFT OF NATURE “ Center Butterfly” by Sandies Label, one of many shops at the market
The Six String Social Club Concert Series is honored to present world renowned UK Guitarist Adrian Legg in concert on Nov.12. England’s Guitar magazine observes how Adrian Legg is impossible to categorize as a player. True indeed. And that’s largely because he defies easy categorization as a person. Renowned and awarded for his unique amalgamation of acoustic and electric guitar and how he blends diverse musical styles and inspirations into a distinctive sound all his own, Legg has been hailed as one of the wizards of the guitar. In addition to his distinguished career as a live performer, recording artist and composer, he is an innovator in guitar design and amplification technology, an instructor, photographer, writer, and author and an atlarge commentator for National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. Woodstock Community Church, 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock GA 30188.
CNC’s Back To Nature Holiday Market
December 3 Shop local this holiday season at the Chattahoochee Nature Center at their Holiday Market! Explore over 40 vendors who have unique hand-made and/or eco-friendly gifts for the holiday season. Art, Jewelry, Candles, Children’s Gifts, Bath Products, Food, Nature Gifts. Listen to jazz from Satin Jazz Alley and take time to explore the 127 beautiful acres at CNC. Admission is free but please bring cash as most vendors will not be accepting credit cards. For more info visit www.chattnaturecenter.org.
3 NOVEMBER 2106 THECURRENTHUB.COM
Currentchoices The Month in Preview NOVEMBER 2016
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
4
Currentchoices
>>WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES
NFCC’s Poverty Simulation
The Month in Preview NOVEMBER 2016
Nov. 16
>>HONOR OUR VETS
Service and Sacrifice Concert
November 12 The GSO Chorus reflects on veterans in a stirring program honoring their service. Director Bryan Black guides the audience musically though shared experiences of loss, remembrance, and finally hope with Handel’s triumphant Let God Arise. This performance is held at the Marietta performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. For tickets and info visit georgiasymphony.org. >>TRAVELERS THREE
The Poverty Simulation program by North Fulton Family Charities is a “role play” exploration of the challenges that families in poverty face every day for one month. Participants (that’s you) will be divided into family units, given access to service agencies and assigned a variety of challenges that occur throughout the week. The participants navigate the frustrations of loss of income, caring for an aging parent, burglary, and lack of transportation. At the end of the hour session, the whole group assembles to debrief. The event will take place on Wed., Nov. 16 at Cross of Life Lutheran Church (1000 Hembree Road, Roswell) from 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. To register, contact Sharla Calloway at scalloway@nfcchelp.org.
whimsical play, On The Verge Or The Geography of Yearning, by Eric Overmeyer at the Theatre’s home in the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Brave, willing, and yearning to see it all, three American women explorers begin their trek to Terra Incognita in 1888, taking them through darkest Africa, across highest Himalaya, only to discover they are adrift in time. Our heroines navigate through uncharted Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), North territory populated with pop culture and possibility. Part Twilight Zone, part Back Fulton’s only professional theatre company, to the Future, don’t miss this witty and whimsical safari through place and time. continues its 24th Season with the Nov. 3–20, Wednesdays through Sundays. For more info visit www.get.org.
On The Verge
Nov. 3 through 20
>>ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE
Blair Crimmins and the Hookers Concert
Cyrus Chestnut Concert
November 26 Crimmins brings The Hookers out to blast the room with Dixieland horns, rowdy ragtime piano and gypsy jazz guitar. Crooning and boozing the night away, he delivers everything you would expect from a man who claims to be possessed by the ghost of an old vaudevillian accordion player. Songs jump with a 1920s gaudiness, reminiscent of tawdry, dangerous jazz. While devious lyrics can mirror the sinister Charlestons they accompany, Crimmins also has a grab bag of unjaded torch songs at his disposal, spotlighting the loneliness of a life spent in the shadows. A band from Atlanta, Georgia, Blair shows that the influence of New Orleans jazz has spread across the entire country. 8 p.m. at Matilda’s. 377 South Main Street in Alpharetta.
December 2 An adept jazz pianist, Cyrus Chestnut balances his lithe technical skill with a robust, soulful style that speaks to his deep gospel roots and love of swinging hard bop. He graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in jazz composition and arranging. Chestnut worked with topnotch musicians before recording his first solo CD at the age of 30. He became an Atlantic artist in 1994. A self-titled LP followed in 1998, and Tribute to Duke Ellington a year later. This is Chestnut’s debut performance at The Velvet Note, for which he will be joined by previous Betty Carter band mate, bassist Curtis Lundy, and drummer Montez Coleman of McCoy Tyner’s band. www.thevelvetnote.com. >>FASHION FOR A CAUSE
Fashion Funds The Cure
November 19 Fashion Funds the Cure is a celebration of incomparable strength and courage as girls and boys battling cancer make their debut on the runway. Modeling more than the latest fashions, these models showcase their inner and outer beauty. This event takes place at Dillard’s in the North Point Mall in Alpharetta from 10 a.m. to noon. Rise up and join! Ticketed event. nationalpcf.org.
5 NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
>>THESE ARE LEGAL
h a T g n iiv nks f Good Entertainment
G
GET YOUR BUTTERBEER HERE!
METRO EVENTS(
November may not get as much airtime as its more active neighbors, October and December, but this month is not to be counted out. November offers some of the most pleasant temperatures we see all year and plays host to some of the best pre-holiday events you’re likely to find. Whether you’re looking for a night on the town or more mentally stimulating activity, there is plenty to do and explore this month. One of the most attractive things about living in and around Atlanta is the ability to travel between world-class urban amenities and remote natural beauty in a matter of minutes. Atlanta is the city in Callaway Gardens, just a little over an hour the forest, after all. As a kid, there were a few pockets outside the city, was one of the most magical places around the city that seemed like entirely separate I’d ever seen. I was lucky enough to attend a wedding worlds from the everyday traffic and smatterings of on the grounds, two concerts, and a peek inside the shopping centers. butterfly house. Each time we visited, it was like stepping into a sun-soaked bubble where everything was beautiful, peaceful and waiting to be explored. As it happens, the gardens open their gates twice each year absolutely free of charge in honor of both founders’ birthdays (Cason and Virginia Callaway). Nov. 6 is the birthday of Cason J. Callaway and the grounds will be open to visitors who can enjoy organ concerts in the chapel, walks around the extensive and diverse grounds, the butterfly house, and much more. It’s the perfect day trip. Learn more about Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens Callaway’s events at www.callawaygardens.com.
or
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
6 By Jessica Diamond
Atlanta Potter Pub Crawl is coming to Virginia Highlands this Nov. 18
Though thousands of young children pick up a book from the beloved Harry Potter series each year, it cannot be ignored that author J.K. Rowling’s first generation of fans is as passionate about the wizarding world as ever, despite the fact that they’ve “grown up.” The first generation of Potterheads is constantly inventing new ways to keep the magic alive. In this case, the Muggle-borns of Atlanta are paying homage to the world of Butterbeer with a new
celebrities and advocates with meetand-greets, book signings, forums, panel discussions, community reads and much more. Build your reading list and connect with your fellow fiction fans as you relight the passion you’ve always had for a good book. The festival stretches from Nov. 5-20 with a diverse variety of activities and genres featured. Learn more at www.atlantajcc.org. Back by popular demand, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is returning to the Fox Theatre for two electric performances featuring more than 300 costumes worn by a diverse cast of 30 performers in 20 unique acts that combine the imagination of the holiday season with the thrill of cirque. This family friendly show offers a celebration unlike any other with gingerbread men, toy soldiers, penguins, and snowmen who sing, dance, and soar through the air. If you’re in need of a jolt of holiday spirit, this show is not to be missed. Cirque delivers its world famous brand of heart-stopping acrobatics with plenty of warm holiday wishes this Nov. 2325. If you’ve seen a cirque show before, you know that there is nothing quite like it. If you’ve never seen one… you’ve been terribly deprived and need to buy your tickets immediately at www.foxtheatre.org.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze returns to the Fox Theatre
Jeffrey Toobin, author of American Heiress: The Wild Saga and Kidnapping, Crimes, and Trial of Patty Hearst, will be at the MJCCA book fest on Nov. 19.
Whether you’re stumbling through the highlands in your best wizard wear, expanding your mind at the book festival or just taking in the spirit of the season, there are plenty of things to keep your entire family active this month. Let’s give thanks for all of the wonderful opportunities we have for fun in our neighborhood and as always, be sure to check the community calendars for more can’t-miss entertainment. ❍
7 NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
twist on a classic British pub-crawl. The second annual Atlanta Potter Pub Crawl is coming to Virginia Highlands this Nov. 18 complete with Ministry of Magic, all four houses, themed drinks and snacks, competitive costume contests, and plenty of mischief to manage. It is no coincidence, either, that the pub crawl falls on the same evening as the release of Rowling’s new movie, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. It’s a full day of magic ending in a party to rival the Yule Ball. Tickets are limited and sure to go quickly! Find them and additional details at www.xorbia.com/events/mcp/ppc2. We solemnly swear that we are up to absolutely no good. Even amongst bibliophiles, it is getting more and more difficult to immerse ourselves in the wonder of books. In a world where we are never alone, always connected to the global community by our devices, it’s rare to find a moment when we can shut out all of the noise and devote ourselves to focusing on the page. Be honest, when is the last time you took your book with you to the bathroom rather than your phone, lest you spend 5 minutes separated from your social media updates? This November, the Marcus Jewish Community Center Atlanta in Dunwoody is bringing back the MJCCA Book Festival for its 25 year of bringing lovers of literature together. This festival, open to all, offers visitors the chance to interact with this year’s most exciting and influential authors,
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
8
MONEY (
YEAR-END PLANNING: NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION Meaningful Conversations about Money By Robert Fezza and Steve Siders
It feels like summer just ended, but Halloween came and went, and the Holidays are fast approaching. No wonder we feel we can’t find the time to take care of things we need to do. So, before you eat too much turkey and sweet potato soufflé (you know the one—with toasted marshmallows on top!) we encourage you to take a moment to identify which of our year-end planning suggestions below could provide you with some benefit.
SALARY DEDUCTIONS Verify your tax
RETIREMENT If you are of RMD age, consider an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution and entirely avoid the related income tax. Also, consider a financial gift to loved ones. The annual allowance for 2016 is $14,000 per person without any reporting requirements.
SAVINGS Double-check your emergency savings balance—is the amount right for you? You should have 3 to 6 months of household expenses, earning upwards of 1% interest.
aware of your mutual fund’s Capital Gains Distribution date. Wait until after that date to invest.
HEALTHCARE It’s Open Enrollment season for health insurance plans. If you have a highdeductible plan you should implement a health savings account (HSA). You can deduct the amount contributed to an HSA on your tax return.
withholding to avoid penalties and contribute the maximum allowed to your retirement plan. And INVESTMENTS Have you rebalanced your portfodon’t forget to use up your Flex Spending Account— lio? If you have stocks with losses, consider selling use it or lose it! some for a tax loss to offset gains. Younger investors CHARITY Make your charitable donations before should also consider a Roth Conversion. Be sure to January and get a receipt! Now is the perfect time to take your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) clean out your closets and storage areas. We have a if you own an inherited IRA or are over age 70∏ and lot of great charities in the area. own an IRA. If you have excess cash to invest, be
TAKE ACTION NOW before the Holidays are upon us! Make things as simple as possible. This can include using automated savings, bill-pay and centralized storage of your most important information. Call your tax preparer, as now is the time to plan, not in 2017. By doing a few wise things now you will setup your financial plan for long term success. Life’s a journey, navigate it wisely! ❍ Robert Fezza, CFP® and Steve Siders, CFP® own Odyssey Personal Financial Advisors, 500 Sun Valley Drive, Suite A-6, Roswell, GA. Their firm specializes in working with people who are serious about making progress towards their financial goals. Odyssey manages portfolios greater than $500,000. Phone: 770-992-4444, www.odysseypfa.com. Securities offered through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAYS COME TO ROSWELL
Local businesses come to sell their unique, eco-friendly gifts for the Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Holiday Market on Dec. 3. Photo: Chattahoochee Nature Center By Jon Copsey
With winter comes the holidays. And with the holidays comes time to spend with the family, reflecting on the important things in life. Around Roswell, the historic district is dressed to the nines. Bulloch Hall prepares for its wedding reenactment of Mittie and Thee; the town square has its annual Christmas tree lighting; Canton Street is a-caroling; and genWith festive fun (and plenty of hot chocolate eral merriment is in the air. and marshmallows), Reindeer Day on Dec. 11 Likewise, at the Chattahoochee Nature promises plenty of holiday cheer. Center, the holidays are in full swing, with Photo: Christy Cox several community events to celebrate. On Dec. 3, the CNC will hold its annual “Back to Nature Holiday Market,” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Market is free to the public, as a holiday gift to the community. Forty local vendors will bring their handmade, unique, and eco-friendly gifts. Shop for all kinds of art, jewelry, candles, children’s gifts, bath products, food and more. Guests should note there is no atm on the property, and many of the vendors only accept cash or checks. “Reindeer Day” returns on Dec. 11, from noon to 4 p.m., one of the Family Fun Day series events of the year. Get up close with live reindeer, enjoy performances, winter crafts, face painting, hot cocoa, roasted marshmallows, and more. If you haven’t been… the Chattahoochee Nature Center (9135 Willeo Road) is located on the Chattahoochee River in Roswell and sits on a beautiful site comprised of 127 acres of native plants and gardens that showcase the beauty of Georgia. The property includes a River Boardwalk, Discovery Center, wetland demonstration gardens and woodland trails that are home to over 50 species of injured, non-releasable wildlife. For 40 years, the Nature Center has continued to grow and reach out to citizens as a place to explore new ideas and expand the awareness of the natural world. Visit chattnaturecenter.org or call 770-992-2055. ❍
9 NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
EVENTS (
By Kirsten Ricci
ALPHARETTA LEADS THE WAY IN NORTH METRO DEVELOPMENT
11
New Alpharetta City Hall.
scale but they fit nicely in the area and promise to yet their whole city hall complex and tied it nicely to the again be a part of a plus for local homeowners investhistoric area. Roswell again has been contemplating ments. While other development news in the area is these issues for years with no answers in site. Lets rather dull, Alpharetta is again at the fore on mixedhope for the homeowners in the area, that local governments find the correct solutions. There is one use projects. Presently developers are working on constant in all of this. Good development leads to in- plans for a 62-acre mixed-use project at Haynes creased home prices in surrounding neighborhoods. Bridge Road and GA 400. This project would have 430 for-rent residential units, 70 for-sale units, In both of these historic districts, prices have risen nearly 80,000 sq. feet of retail space and over exponentially in the past 3 to 4 years. Be cautious… 500,000 square feet of office space. Success breeds as quickly as they rise they can flatten out. success and with the row homes connected to Avalon There has been some development beginning in Roswell. There are two mixed-use projects that have going in the $700s and home sites well over a million, look for more of these projects in the future. broken ground. The first is the development on the Alpharetta seems to like big these days and right now corner of Canton Street and Woodstock Road, and they are winning the development game by a large the other is on Norcross just across from the new City margin. ❍ Walk Apartments. Each of these are rather modest in
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
P
arking is, of course, a hot topic in the Roswell historic area. For years Roswell City Council has contemplated a parking deck to ease the congestion on Canton Street. But alas there is not a deck or anything else really. In Alpharetta, the downtown area has been revitalized and much like Roswell, it’s a victim of success. The Alpharetta City Council is in the middle of a debate over a new parking deck for the downtown area. There are two main sites being contemplated. One site, favored by council and business owners, is close to the historic area and would be located at the area where Milton Avenue, Old Roswell, and Roswell Streets intersect. The second site, favored by local residents, is farther away, at Milton Avenue and Rest Haven Cemetery. At present council is contemplating the pros and cons of each location. These are vital problems that need to be fixed if this momentum is to continue. While Roswell has no immediate plans for a parking solution it seems that Alpharetta is moving a more rapid pace. And if you just look at overall development, Alpharetta has definitely passed Roswell. They’ve recently transformed
REAL ESTATE (
MITCH’S MEATS & FISH CONTINUES TO REDEFINE THE BUTCHER SHOP includes the bread. I’ve experienced the pastrami on rye and the corned beef and I’m here to say I would Perhaps you’re like me, and over time stack this against any New York deli. The beef tenderloin on white or the oyster po’boy are can’t you just grew accustomed to the misses and the combo of fresh pasta Bolognese with mediocre food you buy the from the a Caesar salad is to die for. All of this is happening market. I used to accept that my “good right here in this little shop. meals” would come from restaurants But let’s not forget the foundation of this place and that is the butcher shop. His meats and fish are of the and at home—let’s just say that I wasn’t best quality and his list of NOs is impressive; no winning any awards in the kitchen. added hormones, antibiotics, artificial ingredients, All of that changed in the past year when I started steroids, preservatives… well I could go on and on going to Mitch’s Meats and Fish in Roswell. I started but you get the picture. Do yourself a favor. Stop in with his prime ribeye, and if you told me I couldn’t and taste for yourself. You cannot go wrong. Whether Mark Penstone, co-publisher of the The Current Hub and Mitch Manoloff, have meat like this again I would need a rehab it’s a quick, world-class lunch, or the perfect steak for owner of Mitch’s Meats & Fish facility to recover. It’s that good. a fall dinner Mitch is the man. Have a holiday party to tell you this is one of the top lunch places around. “Everything is hand cut, hand trimmed. I’m not planned? He also does catering and will consult with “If you look at my expansion already… in our going to give you something that I wouldn’t eat you on an individual basis to deliver a fantastic meal myself. We go beyond what normal is,” stated owner initial phase we didn’t have prepared foods but they for you and your guests. Mitch Manoloff. “When it comes to what I offer… no- came—two, then three, and so on. Now I’ve got 20, Mitch’s Meats and Fish Mitch’s Meats & Fish body else can touch it. What I have to offer is going to maybe even more.” is located at 30 E. So not only is Mitch my go-to guy for steaks, 30 East Crossville Rd Crossville Rd. (ste 160) be right. I may not have the biggest list but it’s going seafood, and chicken but now I’m addicted to his to be right.” #160, Roswell in Roswell. For a list of Mitch exudes confidence and backs it up with fan- sandwiches, and he cooks a soup you wouldn’t his products visit his believe. Mitch keeps a small lunch board of made-to678-878-2922 tastic quality. But there is more to this story than a site at order sandwiches, pastas, salads, and four to five guy opening a butcher shop. Along the way he starts www.mitchsmeats.com. mitchsmeats.com soups, all of which are made in house and yes, that to offer a simple lunch and it has taken off. I’m here By Mark Penstone
PAID PROMOTION
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
12
GET ANNOUNCES NEW ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR By Spalding Negron
Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), recently announced the appointment of Alan Kilpatrick as Associate Artistic Director. This is a new position at the theatre company and Mr. Kilpatrick will work closely with GET Founders Robert and Anita Farley in shaping the organization’s plans for the 2017 2018 season and beyond. Alan will begin officially in January 2017 on a half-time basis while he continues his work at the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Company co-founder and Artistic Director Robert Farley was effusive in his praise: “I am so excited and could not be happier than to have Alan Kilpatrick join me at Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET) as Associate Artistic Director. Mr. Kilpatrick is without question one Alan Kilpatrick, Associate Art Director of Atlanta’s most highly regarded, talented, and of Georgia Ensemble Theatre
ARTS (
Carla Crowell (Committee Chair), Karen Pilcher and Ken Davis who guided the board through the extensive search to fill this position. For his part, Mr. Kilpatrick commented saying, “I respected theatre artists, and is known far and wide feel extremely fortunate to have been chosen by the as an outstanding actor, director, and teacher. This Board of Georgia Ensemble to be a part of position has been filled by the GET Board of Trustees the theatre’s future in arts and arts education. Robert at just the right time as the theatre’s programming and Anita Farley are certainly two of the metro continues to grow. The programming is expanding in Atlanta community’s most respected theatre producthe breadth and volume of ers. I look forward to working services offered to the community with the Farleys and their staff on including the growth of summer the theatre’s vision for the future productions, more touring shows and it’s continued positive to area schools, and plans for cultural and educational impact.” GET’s future which include the The Georgia Ensemble Theatre creation of a major theatre arts and Conservatory provides quality education center for students, theatre productions and arts eduteachers, and parents. Mr. cation to the north metro Atlanta Kilpatrick will be a great partner area. The Company annually proto the staff, board, and volunteers duces five mainstage productions, of GET and is a most welcome adattended by more than 30,000 dition to our great company.” patrons, as well as four Theatre GET Founders Robert and Anita Farley Janet Kincaid, GET Board for Youth productions and yearPresident, said that the Board voted unanimously to round classes for all ages. For more info on their appoint Mr. Kilpatrick as GET’s Associate Artistic current season visit www.GET.org. ❍ Director. She gave special thanks to GET Trustees
HOW DO YOU CONVINCE A BMW OWNER TO BUY THE NEW VOLVO S90? By Mark Penstone
PAID PROMOTION
T
he answer to this question is not as simple as it sounds! It’s true, I’ve only owned one Volvo in my life and that was a 1980 Volvo 240SL and except for the dented rear quarter panel and the boxy shape I really liked it. A few years later I purchased my first BMW 325 and ever since I have owned one, so now why would I ever consider buying a next generation Volvo? I think we humans fall in to two categories, wanting to be accepted for doing the “status quo” or wanting to “standout” for doing something different, which is kind of how I’m looking at this scenario. If you look around our community you’ll see hundreds of BMWs on the road exactly like mine and rightly so because it’s a good car but there’s nothing unique about my car other than I’m the one who’s driving it. When Volvo called me up and asked me to take a look at the new S90 I jumped at the chance because I
absolutely loved the new XC90 so I was curious to see what they had come up with next. What I was expecting and what I saw were to very different things, their next gen sedan was nothing like they have ever done in the past at least not on the outside. For me the real surprise was when I opened the door and slid inside their new ultra-luxury cabin and immediately thought to myself this was a game changer! Volvo has now set its sights on Mercedes, Lexus, and my always trusted BMW. One of the first things I noticed was every material in the vehicle was of top quality and beautifully laid out in typical Swedish design. Everything had a purpose and nothing was added to make it over the top. At this point all I wanted to do was take this puppy
out and put it through its paces and that I did. The supercharged T6 model was quick, responsive and a blast to drive but what truly blew me away was the 1400 watt, 19 speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo. In my opinion this is one of the top audio systems in the automotive world and worth the entire price of the car. I hate this part because I’m running out of space… so before you consider buying your next ultra-luxury sedan check out the Volvo S90 at North Point Volvo. This long time BMW owner has now been convinced that there’s now a new and well deserved player in the luxury sedan category. Do we now strive to be one of many or one of a select few? Choose wisely! For more info give North Point Volvo a call. They’re located at 1570 Mansell Road in Alpharetta or on the web at www.volvocarsnorthpoint.com. ❍
North Point Volvo 1570 Mansell Road Alpharetta, GA 678-365-0600 NorthPointVolvo.com
COMMUNITY (
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
14
Rachel M. Ewald, founder and chairwoman of Foster Care Support Foundation, Inc.
LET’S NOT FORGET THESE CHILDREN Local Non-Profit Changes the Story for Foster Children By Jessica Diamond
n 1996, foster parent Rachel Ewald made an important decision. After participatingin the foster care system for a number of years and learning about the needs of its children, she and her husband transformed their garage into the headquarters and donation center for the Foster Care Support Foundation. This organization works tirelessly to provide basic, yet often unattainable items for children coming into the foster system from unfit homes. “They need clothes, toys, baby items and things for everyday life,” Ewald explained. “They normally come to us with nothing more than the clothes they’re wearing. They’ve lost everything that’s familiar to them and we want to send the message that the community does care about them. Not everyone can be a foster parent, but there are plenty of other ways to help that many don’t know about. These are invisible kids. If you hear about them, it’s probably because something bad
I
has happened. We have found a way to help them when they need it and provide them and the families with things they need. We are also providing the community with a way to reach out and contribute.” The non-profit incorporated in 2000 and has since served more than 48,000 children and families. It boasts a full time staff of 20 and averages between 6,000 and 7,000 volunteers annually. Completely funded by donations and sponsorships, the Foundation provides $8 million worth of supplies and services. “Having been a foster parent myself, I know the system,” Ewald said. “I know what’s needed and what is typically provided. These kids need love so badly. They are products of their environment and people don’t realize how much they can help and make a difference just by donating their time as well as money and other items. For example, we are working to get a program off the ground called the Hope for Tomorrow Mentoring Continues on page 31
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
16
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS AWARD FOR LOCALS Ovation team members from FootNotes Dance (pictured back row, from left to right) Helen Wamey, Mackenzie Madison, Kami Hewitt, Sage Guyer, Anna Cangelosi, Erin Horel, (front row, left to right) Katie Wilson, Sofia Coppola, Eleanor Rocha, and Jessica Rappaport gather to perform a hip hop dance routine at a national competition in Charleston, South Carolina. By Spalding Negron
FootNotes Dance and Acrobatics’ competition dance team, The Vibe Performance Company, recently won several awards at Applause Talent’s 2016 Nationals Competition in Charleston, SC. FootNotes, which opened 16 years ago in Roswell, had eight top-five finishes and four dances that qualified for the “Best of the Best” competition. The studio’s Bravo team was crowned National Champions for their tap The Elite dance team members with FootNotes Dance perform their routine Back to School. This is a “Best of the Best” Contemporary routine, “Where We Were.” significant achievement for a Pictured: Rebecca Meline, Brooke Worley, Catherine Fisher, Meriah group that began dancing Grove, Lily Jorgensen, Sarah Traub, Corinne Martinides, Ellie Schmidt, together competitively just this Teagan Woodson, Kaley Shooter, Gianni Bove, and Haley Walden. year. The Ovation team qualified for the “Best of the Best” with their hip-hop routine, The Real Housewives of Hip Hop. The Elite team won their category and qualified for the “Best of the Best” with their contemporary routine. The full company team qualified for the “Best of the Best” with their spectacular Viva Carnival production routine. “I am so happy for everyone, from the instructors to the choreographers, to the parents and, of course, our dedicated dancers. Everyone put in a lot of hours to have this success. All the time spent together bonds us as an extended dance family, and when one of us is successful, we are all successful,” said proud studio owner Cheryl Pozzuoli. FootNotes also had one of the elite group’s contemporary dance routines nominated for a People’s Choice Award at the recent Industry Dance Awards in Hollywood, CA. Cheryl Pozzuoli, along with FootNotes teacher Brian Mason attended the awards ceremony to be recognized for this honor. Have a dancer in your household? FootNotes Dance and Acrobatics is accepting registrations for this season’s classes, open to students ages 3 and up. They offer acrobatics, ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and musical theater. Please contact footnotesdance@comcast.net or 770.992.5026 to learn more. www.footnotesdance.net. ❍
health&wellness
17
presented by WellStar North Fulton Hospital
’TIS THE TIME OF YEAR FOR THANKS By Lindsey Petrini, WellStar North Fulton, COO
Each year in November, we are all reminded about the things in life for which we are most thankful. As we come together with family and friends to celebrate these blessings in life over a delicious feast, and some exciting football games, it’s important to consider one of the biggest of these blessings: our health. In April, North Fulton Hospital became WellStar North Fulton Hospital and became part of the largest health system in the state of Georgia. With 11 hospitals and hundreds of health care providers, the access to the care that is needed to keep us all healthy is even greater. When you consider the new programs and equipment and providers that are now available to the patients that we serve as a result of this exceptional network, we hope you will add that to your list of things to be thankful for this year. We at WellStar North Fulton Hospital are also thankful to you. You are our patients, our supporters, our neighbors in the community that we serve and we would not be able to provide the exceptional level of care that we do without you. So, during this busy, festive and sometimes overwhelming season, take some time to think about your biggest blessing, your health. Always remember that we are here for you—and that we are thankful to be your community health care provider. ❍
WellStar North Fulton Hospital Community Calendar November–December 2016 SUPPORT GROUPS
Gamblers Anonymous
Every Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Ostomy Support Group Classroom C Third Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., Anyone interested in stopping gambling is Classroom C invited to attend this 12- step program. This group is open to anyone who has or will Anonymity is the foundation of fellowship in have an ostomy and any friends, family or this group. For more information please call supporters. Call John Dorso at David at 770-862-2564. 678-694-8726 to register or to obtain Breast Cancer Support Group more information. First Thursday of every month 10:30 Look Good, Feel Better a.m.–11:30 a.m. Cope and connect with Wednesday 11/9. 10 a.m. to noon. others who are facing the same struggles. A cosmetologist will discuss how to care for Please call Sarah Bentley, RN, Oncology skin and hair to combat the appearanceServices Manager, at 770-751-2556 for related side effects of cancer treatment. location and to register. Free make-up and skin care products are Lupus Support Group provided. Call 1-800-227-2345 to Third Saturday of every month, register. 11 a.m. –1 p.m. Classroom C. Informal Epilepsy Support Group meetings to share experiences and learn The third Wednesday of every month, from others. Guest speakers occasionally 7 –9 p.m. Classroom A/B present and we also participate in some People with epilepsy as well as their family Lupus Foundation of America events. and care-providers are invited to attend Contact Julie: 404-626-2394 or this support group. The meetings will lupusgroup4roswell@gmail.com for more provide time for attendees to share helpful information. information and resources from their own experiences. Educational presentations by professionals will sometimes be offered. Please contact Tim for more information at 770-667-9363.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION Babysitting Workshop Saturday 12/10. 10 a.m –3 p.m. Teaches children ages 11 –14 how to be prepared and responsible babysitters. Bring a doll or stuffed animal and a sack lunch and drink. $30.
American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR* Saturday 12/3. CPR course for the community. Adult and child CPR, 9 a.m. to noon; $35. Adult, child, and infant CPR, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $45.
Diabetes Self-Management Workshop Saturday 11/12 and 12/10. The Diabetes Association of Atlanta (DAA) offers classes at NFH to teach diabetes self-management skills. 404-527-7180 for more information and to register.
Water Birth Thursdays 11/3, 11/17, 12/1, 12/15, and 12/29 at 7:00 p.m. For couples desiring to learn about the option of a water birth delivery. Completion of the class is required to be considered for water birth at NFH. $30.00 per couple; registration required.
Stroke Support Group Last Wednesday of every month from 6:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m. North Fulton Hospital; ACE Dayroom. Please join Stroke survivors, caregivers, and families to share and support one another. The group is facilitated by the Stroke Program Coordinator, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. RSVP to Keisha C. Brown at Keisha.Brown@wellstar.org or call 770-751-2649. Please call 770-751-2660 or visit www.nfultonhospital.com for more info and to register for classes.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group Every Fourth Saturday of the month from 10 a.m.– 11 a.m. Classroom C. Please join our monthly support group for caregivers and family members of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related disorders. The support group offers a place to share information, support each other and learn about resources in your community. Call Christine at 404-786-3433 for more information.
Maternity Tours Please join one of our Women’s Health nurses in the hospital atrium on alternating Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a guided tour of the Labor and Delivery suites, Mother/Baby Unit and the Neonatal ICU. The tour lasts about one hour.
* AHA Disclaimer: The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS, and PALS and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the AHA, and any fees charged for such a course do not represent income to the Association.
HEALTH (
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
18
WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON HOSPITAL TRAUMA CENTER REMAINS STATE’S ONLY AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SURGEON’S VERIFIED TRAUMA CENTER Hospital Earns Prestigious Designation upon Verification by the American College of Surgeons
W
ellStar North Fulton Hospital recently became re-verified as the only hospital in the state of Georgia with a Trauma Center meeting the rigorous verification criteria of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). This achievement recognizes the WellStar North Fulton Hospital Trauma Center’s dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients and is the culmination of a two-year initiative focused on excellence in trauma care. WellStar North Fulton has been a statedesignated Level 2 Trauma Center since 1987, one of only three such centers in the
Atlanta area. ACS verification is an important additional distinction, indicating that each trauma patient at North Fulton has access to comprehensive means of treatment that ensure the highest quality of life and best possible outcomes. Only 435 hospitals across the United States have received the ACS Trauma Center verification and WellStar North Fulton Hospital now finds itself amongst this elite group of institutions. Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance as outlined by the American College of Surgeons’
Committee on Trauma. Each hospital selected to receive this designation must have an on-site review conducted by a team of experienced site reviewers. Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the Committee on Trauma Consultation/Verification Program promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the pre-hospital phase all the way through to the rehabilitation process. ❍
O
n Tuesday, October 11, the City of Roswell and WellStar North Fulton Hospital came together to celebrate and officially unveil an impactful art exhibition in the hospital. The Hearts of Hope is a continuously evolving and growing display of purple clay hearts, each dedicated by an individual to honor, memorialize or celebrate the life of someone who has lived with or lost their battle with cancer. Proceeds from the purchase of a heart to be added to the display benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. â?¤ Roswell City officials, including Mayor Jere Wood, came out to show their support and celebrate the inspiring hope this display provides. Local musical group Eloquent Stranger was on hand to provide beautiful accompaniment and several speakers were featured, including Dr. Laura Pearson of WellStar North Fulton Hospital and Kim Weber with the City of Roswell.
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
20
Feast! By Tracy Stark, RD, LD, CDE, a registered dietitian at WellStar
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to avoid that extra holiday weight gain. Did you know that the average person consumes close to 5,000 calories on Thanksgiving Day with nearly 3,000 of those coming from the actual Thanksgiving meal? Average gain during this festive season is one to five pounds, with overweight people gaining more toward the upper end. Although most people resolve to deal with the weight gain after the holiday season is over, research also shows that holiday weight gain is typically accumulated year after year. Let’s take a look at some common Thanksgiving nutrition myths and tips for dodging those unwanted extra pounds while still enjoying the special dishes of the season: We have all heard that the Turkey culprit for the post makes you Thanksgiving meal naps is due to tired. the tryptophan found in turkey. This is based on the theory that the amino acid tryptophan is converted in the body to serotonin, and then into melatonin which can affect our sleep cycles. Cheese, eggs, and other meats contain just as much tryptophan and in some cases, more than turkey. The more likely cause of sleepiness is the overindulgence in the amount of carbohydrates (and perhaps alcohol) that are commonly consumed at this meal. TIP: Enjoy the turkey while being mindful of food choices and portions during this feast. Smaller portions of the calorie-dense items and larger amounts of vegetables will help avoid that after-meal sleepy time and some of those extra calories. Unfortunately, all brown bread is not healthy! Brown Multigrain bread which claims to be bread items are more nutritious can often healthy. involve marketing tools to get us to purchase. Multigrain simply means that there are multiple grains in the item. This could include a host of refined grains and absolutely none of the whole grains we believe we are getting. Things like food coloring,
HEALTH (
Myths busted & tips to avoid tipping the scale
molasses and corn syrup can also be added to provide the brown color we associate with healthy. TIP: Always check your ingredient list. The first ingredient should be whole—such as whole grain or whole wheat. When you see “made with whole grain,” this could still include refined grains. Ounce for ounce, skinless white turkey meat does contain less fat and calories than skinless dark turkey meat, but the difference is minimal. A four-ounce portion of white meat without skin consists of about 158 calories and half a gram of saturated fat. Compared to a four-ounce portion of dark meat without skin, you’re looking at approximately 183 calories and 1.6 grams saturated fat. Dark meat also has some additional benefits as it contains more iron, zinc, riboflavin, thiamine and vitamins B6 and B12 than white meat. The bottom line… both white and dark turkey meat still have less fat and calories than most cuts of red meat, so you can’t go wrong when choosing turkey over beef. TIP: Whether you choose white or dark, keep portions in check. The noted calories are for a four-ounce portion, doubling the portion to eight ounces of turkey will jump to a caloric range of 316 for the white meat and 366 for the dark. This is before we start adding all the side items. As a registered dietitian, I often Fresh pumpkin encourage people to eat fresh vegetables over canned as is healthier they tend to be healthier. This is than canned. not necessarily the case with pumpkin. As long as you are purchasing canned pumpkin which has no additional unhealthy additives or preservatives, it is just as healthy as fresh. In fact, because canned pumpkin is more concentrated than fresh, it has two to three times more fiber, vitamin A, iron and potassium. Canned pumpkin is typically much easier to use than fresh pumpkin. TIP: Be sure you are buying the canned version that is 100 percent pure pumpkin. Read ingredient lists and also be sure you are not buying the pumpkin pie mix which will also contain added salt, sugar and additives/preservatives.
Dark meat is unhealthy.
In a head to head comparison, sweet potato would win over white potato. With approximately the same number of calories, carbohydrate and protein per Always choose serving, sweet potatoes come out on top with more fiber, sweet potatoes and vitamins A and C. over white TIP: White potatoes win potatoes. over candied potatoes. Preparation of these two tubers make all the difference. The sweet potato most frequently served for Thanksgiving dinner is the candied version. Here’s an example of the impact of candied potatoes: One Cup Candied Sweet Potato 320 calories 64 grams carbohydrate 56 grams sugar
One Cup Mashed white potatoes made w/chicken broth 120 calories 33 grams carbohydrate 0 grams sugar
Here are a few extra tips to help you be successful at enjoying the holiday without regretting it: • Be selective with your food choices • Watch portions and be careful not to fall into the trap of the all-out food binge • Get back on track the very next day, instead of waiting until the New Year The bottom line… we all know Thanksgiving only comes once a year and is highly anticipated by most. It is a holiday composed of favorite foods, family, and football! With some mindfulness and planning ahead, you can make this a healthy holiday season! Tracy Stark is a registered dietitian who works with Mitzi Rubin, M.D. to support patients undergoing medically supervised weight loss at WellStar Family Medicine. To make an appointment with a primary care provider or to learn more about medically supervised weight loss, call 770-973-2272.
BEFRIENDING A REAL WONDER WOMAN By Beth Nitschke
Now that Halloween is behind us, we can all attest to the fact that “Wonder Woman” is a perennial favorite, maybe even more so this year among the kiddie set. (Alas, none of them know of the classic representation so perfectly executed by Lynda Carter.) The status of being a true life “wonder woman” weighs heavily on all who are called “mom,” especially in our active, affluent world wherein any activity we choose to engage in is available. I believe that many women strive to attain wonder woman status, and I myself have been in this mindset most recently, since going back to school. At 40, divorced and still rearing and home-schooling my three children, I found the immediate need to reinvent my life: how am I going to spend the next 30 years of my working ability? And so, I decided to go back to school to obtain a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, (i.e. ultrasound technology.) As I’ve geared up for this newest experience in education, my children have been truly enthusiastic and supportive, one of them even referring to me as “supermom,” and I started to buy into it. It felt great that one of my daughters was so proud of me, and so eager to encourage me to try my best and move forward. I was really feeling special: “Look at me! I’m starting all over again!” Then I met Sally. Sally is a classmate of mine. She’s about my age, and has
two children of her own, one high school (I’m not sure of her age, because her mother proudly touts that she is ahead in her educational goals,) and a twelve-year-old son, who she regularly talks about with our little study group, as he has some learning issues. She spends countless hours advocating for him at his school so he can achieve all she dreams for him. While we have several things in common, Sally is set apart from women like me by this: she is a full time truck driver. Yes, an eighteen-wheeler driver. She works twelve-hour shifts starting at 1:00 a.m. on her days off from school, (and in this program, we don’t really have “off ” days, as we’re all taking online courses as well,) and hasn’t missed one minute of classes. Some days, she comes in, dog tired from a long night of driving, and asks us to nudge her if she falls asleep! She constantly puts forth her best effort, never makes excuses, and even when she feels discouraged, she keeps coming back with her head held high. She’s not only keeping up with the rest of the class, but excelling ahead of many other students. Did I mention that she’s a single mother, and always has been? Or that she’s taking care of an ailing mother? The determination of the human spirit and the desire to start over for a new kind of life that I have found in this new friend is the most inspiration any student, like me, could ever ask for. I have met the real Wonder Woman. ❍ Beth Nitschke is a native of the Roswell area. She is a mother of three, a home school mom, and a writer. She lives with her kids and their family dog in East Cobb.
21 NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
MODERN MOM (
LIFE… 50+ (
OCTOBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
22
I’M THINKING “INSIDE THE BOX” THIS THANKSGIVING By Di Chapman
They say that time accelerates faster and faster every year the older you get. That certainly explains two phenomenon to me: why every morning in front of the mirror I see a new line or droop in my face; and why every January through October goes by in a snap of the fingers, and the winter holiday season comes ’round again. Zoom.
So, here we are. Can it be that it’s here again? We know that once the children are put to bed Halloween night, our seasonal candy binge begins, and lasts two more months. Year after year, we abscond with the kids’ candy, and find ways to hide and hoard it. I don’t even have kids, but I make sure I withhold enough candy from the little devils as they come knocking at my door to pad my pantry for sneaking sweets at midnight. Halloween is the starting line for the season of delectables that mostly only appear from November through January. I absolutely love the fact that families and
friends gather for Thanksgiving and the calendar of holidays that follow. They bring out the nostalgia, the newborns, the newlyweds, and the celebrations of long marriages with them. There are the teens we’d all love to see, who come along screaming, kicking and texting. We love them anyway for reasons only a mother can explain. She wants them present at the table, sneering or not. Since the dawn of time, gatherings at feasts have been a human ritual. They were symbolic of a plentiful harvest, and were celebrated by entire communities. This still goes on today, both with small cultures that hunt their meat and tend
Ah, yes, the thought of a fully-cooked traditional meal ready-to-go was heavenly.
SINGLES’ CHOICE
PAID PROMOTION
Y
ou like to cook but are tired of doing it all the time. You’re tired of spending your free time on chores like housekeeping and yard work. You’re at a point where you’d simply like to enjoy life. Does this sound familiar? If you’re an active, independent and single senior, we have the answer to your dilemma. Located on 20 beautifully landscaped acres close to Roswell’s historic district and popular Canton Street, St. George Village is a place where you can experience small town cordiality along with invigorating opportunities to delight your mind, body and spirit.
Our community offers an energetic, carefree, and independent retirement lifestyle, enhanced by an unrivaled slate of fun and interesting activities and cultural offerings. Everything in the community has been designed exclusively for the enjoyment and comfort of our residents, from our warm and welcoming staff who provide housekeeping and maintenance to a 24-hour security service and scheduled transportation. Our wellequipped fitness center, indoor pool, putting green, walking trail and exercise classes beckon to those who like to stay fit, while a meticulously planned schedule of activities and travel offers something of interest to everyone and provides opportunities for educational, social and intellectual engagement. Our upscale apartments with first class amenities and services offer a hassle-free lifestyle—let us take care of the everyday chores while you do all the things you enjoy most! Come
and go as you please, enjoy dining, travel, golf, bridge and more with other on-the-go neighbors who share your interests. And while you enjoy all the comforts of home plus the services and amenities offered at St. George Village, you’ll also experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have guaranteed access to specialized care if your health needs should change in the coming years. We invite you to learn more about how you can live well in retirement— with a variety of choices, plus peace of mind—at St. George Village. Come for a tour, stay for lunch. Call Stacy at 678-987-0402 for a confidential appointment. You can also find more details about our community, lifestyle and residents at www.stgeorgevillage.com. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest, too!
www.pinterest.com/stgeorgevillage
St. George Village 11350 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 678-987-0402 stgeorgevillage.com
to his trunk, brought back a simple tool, and unlocked the door. I was both thrilled and distressed at the same time. I could head home and stage the food, but was shocked to see how simple it could be for a thief to steal a car. I made it home with 10 minutes to spare. I staged everything rapidly. To this day, I haven’t spilled the beans, so to speak, about my plot. I have to say, though, my ordeal was nothing compared to the
Thanksgiving meal my mother slaved over, only to have mistakenly put the bird into an oven set on “Clean.” Hours later, as she ceremoniously opened the oven for all of us to behold the turkey, there, at the bottom of the oven was a lump of coal. We all laughed hysterically, even Mom. We’re well aware of how goofy we are. Yes, I speak of episodes with food today because, well, don’t we all look forward to it at Thanksgiving, breaking bread with loved ones and friends? It’s the ultimate caring and loving cooking ritual, placing the feast on the decorated table. It’s also the commiserate moaning at the office coffee pot with our comrades the following Monday. So, ladies and gentlemen, step on your scales. You still have time to lose a few pounds before you start lovin’ those goodies at Thanksgiving dinner, and sliding into football food January first. Like the appearance of lines on my face, the food just keeps on coming. Let the holiday eating begin. Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers! ❍
23 OCTOBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
crops to keep their villages afloat, and we American working folk who celebrate jobs and paychecks. All humans love to feast after slaying the fatted calf, the fatted pig, and the fatted fowl, even if it’s metaphorical to us as we score big wins at work, and a job well-done no matter what our occupation. Thanksgiving is our way of celebrating our bountiful lives with an enormous amount of food. For years I followed tradition and prepared the Thanksgiving turkey like my mom did, and yours did, too. I dressed and roasted the turkey, made homemade gravy and baked candied yams and rutabagas. I’d throw in the obligatory Lutefisk and we were all set. Gag if you will, but they’re Scandinavian traditions and my mom was of Norwegian Icelandic heritage. Then, after years of hard labor in the kitchen, I decided to stealthily buy a complete “grocery store to table” already prepared meal. Take it home, warm it up, act like you slaved in the kitchen, and no guests are the wiser. I ordered the meal and looked forward to a wonderful dinner without so much as basting the bird. Ah, yes, the thought of a fully-cooked traditional meal ready-to-go was heavenly. Unfortunately, rutabagas and Lutefisk were not included. Sigh. I had to prepare those myself. Family members were my guests that year. Little did they know I was at the market picking up dinner. It was in a big warm cardboard box, freshly cooked and ready to go into the fake scenario. It was the perfect scheme. I secured the box, locked and closed the passenger door, and then I saw them. My keys were sitting on the seat. This was before self-locking and unlocking doors. I died a thousand deaths. I was locked out of the car. My panic was noticed by a gentleman in the parking lot, conceivably doing the same thing as I. As a damsel in distress, I had to rely on the kindness of strangers. He asked, “Locked out of your car?” Within minutes he went
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
24
GARDEN (
BRING SPRINGTIME TO YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH FORCED BULBS Easy to force and grow, flowering bulbs add a creative, green dimension to winter. By Geri Laufer
Sometimes it feels like there is little we can control during the holiday season, but you can force bulbs to flower at your will! Be a little more creative than choosing the ubiquitous poinsettia. Outwit those pricey florist shops by economically forcing your own flowering bulbs in time for the December holiday crush. What party or dinner table isn’t enhanced by the huge flowers of Amaryllis or the fragile-looking, fragrant Paperwhites? In independent garden centers and big box stores alike, garden plants and spring flowering bulbs are marked down each November in order to make way for Christmas trees. Scoop up the biggest, most perfect Amaryllis, Hyacinth and Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs you can find, along with a bag of potting soil, and plant them in decorative pots now.
How to Force Hyacinth Bulbs in Water While Hyacinths can easily be forced in a pot of soil using the same steps as for Amaryllis, special “Hyacinth Glasses” are sold for forcing. Sit the bulb on top, add water and let the roots grow down into water. That’s how easy it is to force them! This is quite the cool gift for kids, shut-ins, or the elderly. It is virtually fail proof. All that is needed is a Hyacinth Glass, a large, unblemished Hyacinth bulb, and a sunny windowsill. Hyacinths come in colors from blue and lavender, through rose and pink, to Hyacinth forcing vases come in several shapes and white, yellow, and orange. sizes, but the idea is to keep the bulb high and dry, and the roots in the water.
How To Plant Flowering Bulbs to Force for Christmas and Hanukkah
25 NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
❶ Find a decorative 6-or 7-inch pot
with drainage holes in the bottom, or spray silver or gold paint on one to match your holiday decor ❷ Put an inch or two of moistened potting soil in the bottom of the container ❸ Situate the Amaryllis bulb so that the nose (pointy bud) is a couple of inches above the rim of the pot, and there is about a half-inch all around the sides ❹ If forcing Paperwhites, group 5 or 7 bulbs together in a pot. It’s fine if the bulbs touch on the sides (shoulders), so pack them in! ❺ Poke potting soil down around the bulb(s), then water in ❻ Patience is a virtue ❼ In 1 to 3 weeks indoors, the bud(s) will begin to grow, signaling that it is time to find the coolest, sunniest spot to force the flowers. ❽ Keep the potting soil moist but not wet by watering a few times each week ❾ The cooler and the more sun, the shorter the flowering stem (scape) will grow ❿ Conversely, the warmer and darker the spot you choose to force the flowers, the longer the flowering scape will grow, possibly flopping over or requiring a stake to hold it up Forced bulbs make great presents, and hostess gifts, and look terrific when grouped together or nestled in an arrangement with greenery. If kept alive in a frost-free location and watered occasionally, you can plant these forced bulbs outdoors in April for a second life in your garden!
Fragile-looking Paperwhite Narcissus or Daffodils can be easily forced and are extremely fragrant indoors.
Caring for your Holiday Plants after the Holidays In the days or weeks after the holiday plants have finished blooming, you can toss them out or compost them, similar to cut flowers. But if you’re up for the challenge, many holiday plants, from poinsettias to cyclamen, kalanchoe, Christmas cactus, Jerusalem cherry to primrose, and from azaleas, hydrangeas to gardenias, can be cared for indoors and ultimately be moved to the garden. While they cannot be put outside into freezing weather, the immediate goal is to keep them alive until the warm temperatures of April return. Keep in mind, most of these will be best summered outside, with the hardy ones planted out in the landscape for years of enjoyment. Choose a sunny window in a cool room or (frost-free) garage. Did you know? The most common cause of failure is overwatering. Keep them damp or moist but not wet for a few months. Show some creativity, and green up your Holidays starting this month. ❍ Geri Laufer lives in Atlanta, where she, graphic designer husband David, and English Coonhound Lily are working on designing and installing a new landscape for their new old house.
FOOD (
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
26
A COMFORTING NEW DINER IN ROSWELL
At Metro Diner in Roswell, they allow their chefs to “chef” and every employee can chime in on quality and standards at any time. By Frank Mack
The diner in America is a thing of legend and lore. Done right it’s a combination of Mom’s home cooking, value, and community. Diners serve the working class. It’s where you go to get a meal that sticks and a smile that understands. Such a simple concept is unbelievably hard to pull off right. When done right, a diner can be an incomparable dining asset, like say, The Marietta Diner. Those guys are by far the reigning king of the genre OTP and possibly in Atlanta. I don’t know of a better one. That may be changing. Roswell now has a diner of its own worth talking about, recommending, and even going out of your way to get to. This place is called Metro Diner. Based in Jacksonville with a history going back to 1992, they have nearly a dozen locations in Florida with this being their first in Georgia. Father-and-sons founders John Sr., Mark, and John Jr. Davoli purchased the original Metro Diner in 2000. In 2010, after the restaurant was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the restaurant went from $900,000 in annual sales to nearly $2 million annually. Growth was definitely in the cards.
A Bright Spot On The Roswell Square If you read this column regularly you know I like our town squares. Whether it’s Marietta’s or Alpharetta’s, we’re going back to our roots and what’s not to like about that? In Roswell we forget that
27 NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
But this is not just some “corporate” joint. All of these guys have real restaurant experience and they also see a place for America to return to good simple food done right. In a world of increasingly tight, highly specific menus, it is refreshing to see folks investing in a simple concept, in all honesty I think they’re on to something. And if their start in Roswell is any indication these guys can pull it off. They serve fresh cooked from scratch food every day all day. Its true, I saw it for myself. Amazing feat on this complicated menu. They allow their chefs to “chef ” and every employee can chime in on quality and standards at any time. The menu is good old-fashioned diner. They offer breakfast throughout the day and a large menu for dinner and lunch. The menu includes such items as Pittsburgh Steak Salad, featuring a generous portion of NY Strip Steak and their “famous” Meatloaf, which was the featured dish on Diner’s, Drive-Ins and Dives. The value is exceptional. Half the plates can feed two easy. The kid’s menu is about $5 and you can feed two really well for about twenty bucks. That’s incredible these days. Success is grounded in turn time. They expect you in and out in about a half an hour. I know it’s early but at first glance this place is a winner and they’ve picked a great location, 880 Holcomb Bridge Rd in Roswell, right next to Brookwood Grill. These guys are definitely going to give places like Flying Biscuit Café a run for their money. They are open 7 days a week starting at 7 a.m., closing at 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Stop in. See if you don’t find exactly what I see and then I hope it makes you as happy as it makes me.
Metro Diner’s meatloaf dish was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Canton Street is not the square. The square in Roswell is actually up the street where Hwy 120 and Atlanta Street intersect. This area is on my wish list of places I want to “take off.” One place that is a torchbearer on this front is the Mill Kitchen and Bar. I’ve had several great meals there over the past few months. When the weather is right and the patio is full open it’s really a wonderful place. Last visit I had venison beef wellington. This is not a dish I let any kitchen try but the chef nailed it. Just perfect medium rare, flaky, savory and succulent. Everything it should be with an incredible venison flavor and all local note to finish on. These guys are making farm to table the right way. Done incredibly fresh, incredibly delicious and minus a bit of extra butter, incredibly healthy dinner. Plus too much for me to finish! Cool… is exactly what The Mill works to be. Let’s hope others follow and the real square in Roswell can truly take off. These guys are also having a fall wine festival on Nov. 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. They will feature over 100 wines from over 30 wineries with of course food from the kitchen and yes live music. Should be a great time. For tickets see their site themillkitchenandbar.com. Lets support these guys and get the Roswell square up to speed! ❍
DEVELOPMENT (
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
28
LESSONS LEARNED FOR ROSWELL’S LEADERS? By Theo Keyserling
Recently, Roswell INC, the city’s economic development arm, embarked on its third trip in six years to study another city’s successes and perhaps learn a few lessons. Roswell INC carefully assembled a roster of 60 city leaders, business people, and community advocates for the trip. Previous trips have been to Greenville, SC and Ashville, NC. This year’s destination was Franklin, TN. Franklin, which sits just outside of Nashville, was the perfect destination for Roswell to visit given its proximity to a metropolitan area and overall demographic makeup. Franklin’s leadership presented a cohesive story of the town’s past, current, and future identity. This message was clearly echoed by the town’s elected officials and citizenry. Franklin and Roswell have many similar issues, but they are solved differently. Franklin approaches opportunities fearlessly and with a strong sense of pragmatism. Franklin’s leadership recognizes they are unable to please everyone, however, they move forward with a sense of stewardship to the community. “It’s always the last person that builds here that throws up their hands and says ‘no more development’. Yeah, well we didn’t want your happy ass here, either,” said Mary Pearce, who is the head of Franklin’s Historical Foundation. It was a strong statement from the individual charged with preserving the integrity and culture of Franklin. But Pearce understands that having a healthy community means having a healthy economic component. She also understands that listening to a chronically unhappy minority is the path to a chronically failing community. Franklin has smart, well thought out development while preserving its down home feel. Smaller livework-play spaces are perfectly placed in its historic district along with suitable parking. Yes, Franklin has a parking deck, it is downtown and it is appropriate. Larger commercial developments and class A office space stick closer to the highway. Those developments are just as important as the intimate, purposeful developments in and around the historic district as they serve the community as its economic heartbeat. Developers collaborate with the government in an open door, monthly meeting. These meetings are open to the public and force developers and elected leadership to approach issues from the top. Franklin is not that different than Roswell. We have all of the pieces of a functioning community that they do and then some. Where Roswell is falling short is overall vision. We no longer have a sense from leadership about who we are as a community. We need to empower our elected officials and our boards and commissions to do the job they were elected and appointed to do—make good decisive decisions. Those decisions should not be based out of fear of backlash from a chronically unhappy minority, but decisions based on proven methods to grow and sustain a healthy community. Historic Roswell is at a critical juncture; let’s hope our officials learned some lessons. ❍
CHARITABLE (
Mickey Deaton, Judy Semones, Rusty Grant, Jerry Orlans, Jennifer Cassidy, Nancy Diamond, Jeff Bridges and Monica Oliveira (Executive Director, STAR House). By Tripp Liles
Poverty is a hidden problem in many north metro neighborhoods. But it is real and children are often the ones hit hardest. There are many great charities that do tremendous work in the area but STAR House Foundation in Roswell is unique. They provide after school tutoring and mentoring programs for at-risk children to over 250 kids in four area schools. Recently they were recognized for their great efforts by the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN), which is a public-private collaborative that envisions a day when all communities in Georgia have the resources to provide exceptional afterschool programming. “We were honored to be chosen by GSAN as one of three statewide partners for their Lights On Afterschool recognition events for 2016. GSAN felt that STAR House well represented the impact and value of afterschool programs, as well as the importance of our services to North Fulton students and families. This acknowledgement of our efforts to serve and benefit North Fulton children during after school hours helps to increase community awareness and garner additional support for STAR House’s programs,” said Monica Oliveira, executive director of STAR House. As most non-profits will attest, raising money is the biggest obstacle. Throughout the year STAR House holds numerous fundraisers to raise money and highlight the needs of local children. Their signature event is the Roswell Beer Festival held in the spring of each year. Big Hat Bingo, Fore The Kids Golf Marathon, and smaller events at local restaurants like the Metro Diner in Roswell are some others, in which proceeds go to their programs. “When you support a STAR House fundraising event, you are directly impacting the life of a child and providing them with educational opportunities that they otherwise could not access. Community engagement and support is a necessity in order for our after school and summer programs to thrive. By offering a variety of fun events that appeal to the interests of all types of audiences, it gives everyone an opportunity to find their niche and enjoy themselves, while supporting STAR House and giving back to their community at the same time.” Oliveira stated. “For example, support of our brand new Big Hat Bingo event from the Circle for Children organization not only seamlessly aligns with both of our missions, but also generates a new group of STAR House advocates.” This is the time of year we all think about charity and STAR House is a great cause to consider. If you would like to learn more about their programs visit their website at starhousefoundation.org. ❍
NOVEMBER 2106 THECURRENTHUB.COM
THESE STARS SHINE
29
COMMUNITY (
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
30
COMMUNITY NEWS By Trisha Morris
East Cobb/Roswell Can you believe it’s November already? Thanksgiving is in a few short weeks and then the mania of the holiday season begins! Just over a month ago, a little gem of a restaurant, Catfish Hox, quietly opened on the corner of Sandy Plains and East Piedmont in East Cobb in what used to house Café 33. I have not found an area restaurant to serve country cooking of this nature. Their motto is “Down from the South” and the menu reflects good ‘ole southern cooking offering regional fresh produce, meats, and catfish within the local Southern regional areas. Open for lunch and dinner, their entrees consist of such goodness as catfish and waffles, a dirty south burrito (smoked chicken, cheddar, grilled onion and a peach habanera salsa), a southern BLT, BBQ quesadilla and smoked wings. Side dishes include fried okra, tater tots, hush puppies, mac n’cheez, fried green tomatoes, and watermelon cubes. Soups, salads and sandwiches (catfish and shrimp po’boys to name a couple) round out the menu. And don’t forget the desserts… homemade on premise. A worthy addition to the area. Local East Cobber, Joshua Forman, lost his seven-year-old brother Ian to a malignant brain tumor. Joshua is in 7th grade and for his bar mitzvah project he is hosting a concert for the Ian’s Friends Foundation. Ian’s Friends Foundation helps fund the research of pediatric brain tumors. “Rock for a Reason” will be Sunday, Nov. 13 at the Five Seasons Brewing Company in Sandy Springs from 3:30-6:30 p.m. This is a family event for a great cause. For more information, contact 404-272-4261. The development of Alpharetta Street in Roswell continues to evolve, as the Lady Bugs and Lizards consignment store is gone. This is an iconic building in the area as the mid century look as a has a very retro feel to it. Back in the day it was a restaurant and now it looks to be returning to its roots, as American Pasta Factory will be moving in sometime in 2017. Restaurants are of course hot in this part of town and are a main reason why homeowners have seen significant upswings in the past few years. All the great folks at the Roswell Rotary Club (pictured) have been busy in the last few months. In September they had their 13th Annual 9/11 Tribute. Over 1,000 were in attendance for this solemn event featuring Seven bagpipers, the Holcomb Bridge Middle School Chorus, Roswell’s finest Police, Firefighters, EMS and First Responders attended this event at the Mike Gann Lake in Roswell Area Park. In addition, the Roswell Rotary Club celebrated their best fundraiser ever in their 66 years of
Alpharetta/Johns Creek The North Fulton Rotary club recently held their annual Concert in The Park at the Equestrian Center at Wills Park. The event featured music from Bogey and the Viceroy’s and had a silent auction with proceeds benefiting area first responders, pet and vet charities. The club would like to pay special notice to their generous sponsors and club committee members who made it a rousing success. The Alpharetta Fire Department has pulled their support for a local family going through tough times. Raven Nell Raines was born in December of 2015 with a heart defect. This has caused the family exceptionally difficult financial problems, and the members of the fire department used their off hours to perform improvements to the Raines’ house. Raven spent 7 months at Egleston Children’s Hospital where she received excellent care. She has been stable enough to be home with her family for about 3 months and requires critical care there. The family will soon be visiting a specialist in Boston for treatment. There is a crowd funding page at www.youcaring.com/raven-nell-raines-502835 if you would like to offer support. ❍ Let’s Not Forget These Children, continued from page 14 Program. For this to work, we need adults, particularly men, to keep up with these kids and be consistent with them. It doesn’t take much, just someone to call and check in so that they know they can depend on someone. There are so many ways to make a difference.” Children in the foster care system lack consistency in their environment and are often affected negatively by what can seem like a revolving door of caregivers. Young children are robbed of the security that comes with a stable home and are forced to grow up too quickly. “We once had a girl who was seven years old,” Ewald remembered. “She kept asking me, ‘How is Santa going to find us? Are you sure he can? How do you know?’ I told her not to worry and that he would find her. She kept asking me and asking me. Finally, I said, ‘You’ve asked me that question every night, why do you keep asking?’ Then she looked at me and said, ‘He never found us before!’ It was hard to hear that. They don’t need a lot of stuff for Christmas. They just want to have one.” The Foster Care Support Foundation continues to grow and expand as quickly as possible and is constantly in search of more funding, more volunteers and raised awareness. Find out how you can help at www.fostercares.org. ❍
31 NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
serving the community at their annual golf and tennis tournament. They would like to give a special thanks to committee chairs; Theo Keyserling, Pat Rains, and Adele Hamilton. The event featured 250 volunteers and sponsors totaling over 5000 volunteer hours in order to generate $275k in gross revenue. A record $206,000 will go to nearly 30 local non-profit organizations. Great job guys! The Roswell and Sweet Apple Farmers & Artisans Markets, in collaboration with the Cherokee County Farm Bureau, are pleased to announce their first annual Grits Fest, to be held Sat., Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held on the campus of the Cottage School in Roswell. Grits Fest will bring chefs and farmers throughout Georgia together, as local corn for grits is being harvested and ground. The mission of the event is to promote and increase awareness of culinary and agricultural educational endeavors. This year the festival will be held to benefit The Cottage School and their developing culinary and technical skills programs for their High School students. Tickets are $10 per person or $25 per car (max 4 adults and 6 people per carload ticket) and will allow for unlimited tasting at the participating chefs and restaurants. With the list of participants continually growing, the restaurants and chefs that have already committed to participate including Mel Toledo of Foundation Social Eatery and Woody Back of Table and Main.
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
32
By Jessica Diamond
The holiday season is fast approaching and this means very different things to different people. Sure, it means most of us have rather ugly credit card bills to look forward to, but it also means that fall festival season is becoming holiday event season and that is something to celebrate. The Atlanta area is increasingly diverse, and that is a beautiful thing why? Because it means we have more holidays to celebrate, of course! Oh, yes, mostly the holidays. No matter what your religion, background, creed, temperament, or food restriction, there is absolutely a holiday event in your neighborhood that is sure to pique your interest. Thanksgiving is a holiday that rarely draws media attention. It could be due to the fact that Thanksgiving requires us to contemplate our own abundance, and is therefore not much motivation to hit the stores. It could also be due to the fact that we based the holiday on a somewhat idealistic story that highlights our one bright moment in Native American/European relations… before things went decidedly south. Fortunately, Thanksgiving has developed its own identity in the modern era and now stands for family, humility, grace, and of course, gratefulness. It is a
holiday that unifies Americans and reminds us that we are all family and we are all lucky to be here. Nothing upholds the values of this holiday quite like the annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta. At this unique gathering, congregants and visitors from more than 17 different religions will gather together on Nov. 17 to celebrate everything that unifies us as Americans and as human beings. Faith leaders from religious groups all over town will speak, give thanks, tell jokes, play music, and share stories as they would with their own families. There will be a reception fol-
lowing the service that gives visitors the chance to mingle with new people, learn about their religions and try delicious new foods. This event is not to be missed! Stuck at home that night? Don’t sweat it, the entire service will be live streamed on the Temple Kol Emeth website. Check out www.kolemeth.net for more details. When it comes to holiday magic, we in the south don’t depend on Jack Frost to set the mood. We may not have snow, but we can always count on finding fantastic displays of holiday lights. Few do lights quite like the Atlanta Botanical Garden with Garden
MARIETTA The award-winning ecumenical celebration hosted at Temple Kol Emeth will be highlighted with people of all faiths giving thanks, sharing humor, and counting blessings. Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7p.m.
33 NOVEMBER 2106 THECURRENTHUB.COM
ATLANTA
Lights, Holiday Nights, a six-year tradition that will return this year with the Despite the fairly long run of the exhibit, most wondrous electrical spectacular yet. Wander through the luscious gardens, tickets always go quickly and are best which remain amazingly vibrant in the purchased in advance for Garden Lights, cold night air, and visit old favorites like Holiday Nights. the Orchestral Orbs, the Glittering Galaxy, and the Radiant Rainforest as well as new additions like the Walk of Flames and the newly expanded Tunnel of Light. Many of the light displays are set to holiday music for a show that appeals to all of the senses. Add a dinner reservation at Linton’s or stop at the bar to make it a completely indulgent evening. The exhibit will kick off on Nov. 12 and carry on through Jan. 7. Ticket prices vary on peak nights. Visit www.atlantabg.org to plan your visit. No one does the holidays quite like Roswell. Throughout the months of November and December, join this historic old town for Christmas in Roswell & Other Holiday Events in a wide reaching menu of holiday themed gatherings that include old world parties in the historic homes, Thanksgiving dinners, holiday bazaars, Santa’s Secret Gift Shop, caroling on Canton St., Reindeer Day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, musical performances, open houses at local boutiques, Chanukah and Shabbat dinner, and so much more. This also includes, of course, the stunning annual performance of The Nutcracker by the Roswell Dance Theatre. Whether 28th annual performance of The Nutcracker you’re in need of a big family outing, a by the Roswell Dance Theatre. Performances spontaneous night of fun with friends, a begin Nov.25 and run through Dec. 3 date night or a date with yourself, there are more than enough happenings in Roswell to keep everyone occupied during the holidays. Visit www.visitroswellga.com for more information. Continues on page 34
ROSWELL
NOVEMBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
34 Merry Thanksmus, continued from page 33 The Alpharetta Christmas Tree Lighting is unlike any other in the area. This city takes tree lighting to another level with the addition of a big celebration in Downtown Alpharetta that draws hundreds of residents and visitors alike. In addition to lighting the 45 ft live spruce with more than 10,000 white lights, this event offers a chance to visit Santa and Mrs. Clause, enjoy live performances, shop a Christmas farmer’s market, roast marshmallows around a big community fire, and indulge in some of Alpharetta’s most popular restaurants and food trucks. Drop the kids off at Snow Playground and get all of your Christmas shopping done early! Then pick them back up for a special reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas by Mayor Belle Isle and family. Make an evening of it this Dec. 3 from 5 p.m.–9 p.m. with the official tree lighting at 7 p.m. If that isn’t enough to get you in the holi- “The woman in charge of day spirit, add a trip to Avalon on Ice for an costuming assigned us our outfits evening of Rockefeller Center style skating. and gave us a lecture on keeping The Alpharetta Christmas Tree Learn more at www.awesomealpharetta.com. things clean. She held up a Yes, of course, the holidays are a magical Lighting is unlike any other in the time of year… but among the sugar plum calendar and said, "Ladies, you area. This city takes tree lighting to fairies, holiday parties and endless know what this is. Use it.” another level with the addition of a advertisements that leave sleigh bells ringing —The Santaland Diaries in your head for days and weeks at a time, it big celebration in Downtown can all get to be a bit… much. Luckily, this Alpharetta that draws hundreds of town has so many fabulous holiday events that residents and visitors alike. there is an event for the holiday burnouts! There truly is something for everyone.
ATLANTA
ALPHARETTA
The Santaland Diaries, a play by famous satirical writer David Sedaris, shares the story of a disenchanted, down-on-his-luck Macy’s Department Store elf named Crumpet as he navigates the sickly sweet world of commercialized Christmas with entitled children, overly indulgent parents and a costume that rips away all sense of dignity. An out of work writer by day, Crumpet decides to make his experience more of an investigative one into the world of Christmas elves. Though fabulous and hilarious in its execution, this is one show that is not family friendly, so leave the little ones (or any less mature friends and relatives) at home. This show runs from Nov.18-Dec.31 at the Horizon Theatre in Atlanta. Get your tickets now at www.horizontheatre.com. When it comes to weather, there is no doubt that Northern Georgia is one of the most attractive places to live. Warm summer nights and mild winters make for an outdoor lifestyle that can’t be beat. Some neighbors to the north, however, boast that their winters feature the one Avalon will turn The Plaza thing much of Georgia can’t offer… snow. As if into an ice-skating rink the that would stop us from making our own fun! size of Rockefeller Center. Each year, Stone Mountain creates the Atlanta Mid-November to mid-January, area’s own winter wonderland with Snow Mountain. Snow Mountain (front cover picture) the rink will be surrounded by uses artificial snow to create opportunities for twinkling lights and other tubing, snowman building, snow angel making holiday decorations, creating and some of the most intense snowball fights south of the Mason Dixon. So, all due respect to a magical experience for kids our neighbors to the north… of all ages. (See page 3 for but y’all ain’t got nothing on us. Grab the family and information and prices.) make your way to Snow Mountain starting Nov. 19 and stretching into the new year. Learn more at www.stonemountainpark.com. And there you have it. A holiday treat for every taste. If I haven’t yet hit on something that piques your interest, you can find plenty more holiday festivals and gatherings on your community calendars. If you’re not sure, give one of these a shot! You just might find your favorite new holiday tradition. Merry Thankmus, Happy Festivus, and Good Tidings! ❍
ALPHARETTA