Se e O Our nP S ag ect e 1 ion 7
OCTOBER 2016
Conversations start here.
HEALTH p 18
Fall Festival Season Promises to be Hot PAGE 32
STAT CLINIC FOR BREAST CANCER COMMUNITY p 12
ANGELA REIGN MODERN MOM p 21
DISPELLING (SUB)URBAN MYTHS FOOD p26
THIS IS AMERICA AND IT IS ALREADY GREAT
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>>HE HAS WINGS
>>6 STRINGS APLENTY
Laurence Juber Concert
Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival
October 8 The Six String Social Club Concert Series is honored to present twotime Grammy Winner and former lead guitarist for Paul McCartney and Wings, Laurence Juber, in concert on October 8, 2016. Fusing folk, jazz and pop styles, Laurence Juber creates a multifaceted performance that belies the use of only one acoustic guitar. First internationally recognized as lead guitarist in Beatle Paul McCartney’s band Wings, Laurence Juber has since established himself as a worldrenowned guitar virtuoso, composer and arranger. Juber, known to his fans as LJ, has released 23 solo albums that spotlight Juber’s unique touch and tone on solo acoustic guitar. The latest is Fingerboard Road, featuring thirteen tunes encompassing a spectrum from those that have a deep personal resonance, to others that are representative of particular styles or musical eras, mostly 1960s and ’70s, the period when he came of age as a musician. Woodstock Community Church, 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock GA 30188. The show starts at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $30 and are available at www.sixstringsocialclub.com. Call (770)365-7738 for concert information.
October 7&8 Autumn sets the perfect atmosphere for the Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival in downtown Alpharetta. This music festival features nationally recognized singersongwriters as well as up-and-coming local talent. Artists of country, rock, blues, Americana, and bluegrass music will fill the streets with sweet southern sound on the weekend of Oct. 7 and 8, and all ages are encouraged to attend. Big names in attendance include John Oates of Hall & Oates, Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, and Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel. Visit www.wireandwoodalpharetta.com to see the lineup and schedule.
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Currentchoices The Month in Preview OCTOBER 2016
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Currentchoices The Month in Preview OCTOBER 2016 >>FOR THE YOUNG’ENS
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
October 13 The Roswell Cultural Arts Center will present an enchanting adaptation of two of the most beloved children’s books of all time—Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny— in a special performance by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia on October 13. The Mermaid Theatre is an internationally acclaimed company that combines innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, and original music to provide young audiences with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading. These performances of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny are the cornerstone of Roswell Cultural Art Center’s new Roswell Family Series. The Family Series makes it possible to introduce the community of Roswell to esteemed artists from all over the world and engage children and families with new and thrilling performance disciplines. Individual tickets are $12 for ages 2 and up and can be purchased at roswellcac.com, by calling 770-594-6232, or in-person at the box office. Group rates are also available.
>>HISTORY REVISITED
The Bridesmaid of Barrington Hall
Oct. 22 & 23 Be a part of history and see an original work commissioned by Barrington Hall and featuring a performance by Atlanta actress Holly Stevenson. This one-woman show depicts the real-life event of an interview with Eva Baker, then matriarch of Barrington Hall, and Margaret Mitchell (Gone with the Wind). Performances at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. Call 770-640-3855 for more information. >>GET OUT YOUR LEDERHOSEN
Oktoberfests
October 8 Celebrate October the German way! The first event is Munich on Marietta in the heart of downtown Marietta, grab a stein and indulge in over 18 different German draft beers, bratwursts as far as the eye can see, and live music by the infamous Trans Am Euro Mutts! $10 gets you into the event plus one drink ticket. The event starts at noon and runs until 8 p.m. On the following weekend, Oct. 15, Oktoberfest Atlanta kicks off in Sandy Springs at Heritage Hall located at 6110 Blue Stone Road in Sandy Springs. You will be able to enjoy a variety of deliciously cold beers, German food, live music, and a variety of games and activities!
>>ROCK FOR RESEARCH
Hawk Concert
Countrified Rock For Research
Oct. 21 & 22 Chinua Hawk is an Atlanta based singer/songwriter who does not settle for microwave music. His slow cooker approach explores the intricacies of love through acoustic driven soul. Hawk took the difficult, yet rewarding route of being an independent artist with his own umbrella company, CH Entertainment. Over a span of almost two decades, Hawk has produced 5 albums, including his latest 2013 offering, Waiting on Christmas. Hawk’s mission is to revive the music that shaped his southern New Jersey upbringing. Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston are among his musical heroes. You can see him up-close at The Velvet Note in Alpharetta. For tickets and info visit www.velvetnote.com.
October 20 Roswell based Wilkins Parkinson’s Foundation (WPF) is dedicated to accelerating the cure and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Their strategies include directing funds to research, education and awareness, working to increase collaboration between other PD nonprofits, and advocating on behalf of the entire Parkinson’s community. On Oct. 20 they will host a special concert to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease and research. Headliner, producer, performer and iconic songwriter, Jeffrey Steele, has not missed a year and is back for this 13th Annual Event, which will also include a performance by Patrick Davis and his Midnight Choir. All of the funds donated Team Fox go directly toward Parkinson’s Research. For tickets and more information visit teamcantore.org.
Hot and Spicy Festival November 5
>>OH THAT’S SPICY Restaurants from all over the Southeast showcase their spicy and flavorful foods in a tasting competition for charity. Spicy food won’t be the only thing making you dance—Atlanta Hot & Spicy Festival features live, local music to keep you groovin’ all day long. Chefs and Restaurants from all over Atlanta showcase samples of their signature spicy dishes. Chef’s tasting ticket holders can sample them all from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and vote for their favorite dish. The winning restaurant will take home a check for $2,000, presented to the charity of their choice. For more info visit www.atlantahotandspicy.com.
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>>WATCH HIM SOAR
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APPRECIATE THE MAGIC OF HALLOWEEN By Jessica Diamond
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here is something immensely satisfying about stepping on a fallen leaf and being rewarded with the crackle and crunch that follows. That sound is the sound of October, and it means all kinds of magical things. The entire month is filled with anticipation as we move towards our most mysterious and exciting holiday, Halloween. Of course, you absolutely do not need to be a child to appreciate the magic of Halloween. You may not be trick-or-treating anymore, but there are plenty of opportunities to embrace the bizarre and try on a different version of you for a little while. Halloween is a chance to learn about what you want to do differently. Try on a few of these events
For a more serious Halloween adventure Fear World is incredibly realistic.
and see if one becomes your new Halloween tradition! True thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies, as well as the friends they drag along, will be happy and nervous to know that Georgia’s most terror inducing, nerve wracking, gut liquefying haunted house is back for another Halloween season in Norcross. The infamous Netherworld Haunted House has returned with two brand new themes to terrorize and impress any visitors brave enough and foolish enough to wander in. Newbies should proceed with extreme caution. Netherworld was created in 1997 by film and TV professionals and has been praised each year since for its next level special effects and careful attention to detail. It was deemed not only one of the scariest experiences in the southeast, but one of the top haunted houses in the entire country. Still interested? Should you build up the nerve, Netherworld will be open throughout the month of October. Find details about the themes and get your tickets at www.fearworld.com. Good luck to you, I’ll be on the outside looking in!
Maybe you’re not much for the intense haunted houses but you still love Halloween and want to show off that uncommonly brilliant costume you came up with while perusing your Pinterest page. Well, that, and you want to find a good party and dance your face off with a few new dozen friends. Get ready to celebrate Day of the Dead style at Eclipse de Luna in Dunwoody for Monster Bash 2016. This Latin inspired international Halloween party will feature holiday inspired cocktails, infectious Latin dance music and, of course, a competitive costume contest with a chance to win cash and prizes. Grab your friends, your most inventive costume, your dancing shoes and your sense of adventure this Oct. 29. Doors open at 8 p.m., but monsters only get in free until 10 p.m. Find more details at www.monsterbashatl.com. Okay, time to level with us. Did you make a costume for your dog? If you haven’t, are you seriously considering it? Forget what your family and friends say about it being silly or weird. There’s an entire festival ready to celebrate you, your dog, and the fact that you have a need to put your dog in a Halloween costume. Boxerstock in Marietta is an all day music festival on Oct. 23 and all dogs are encouraged to come strut their stuff. Boxerstock is a fundraiser put on each year by the Paces Ferry Veterinary Clinic to benefit Atlanta Boxer Rescue. So really, your puppy obsession is helping to improve
the lives of countless other puppies in the Atlanta area. If that weren’t enough reason, this festival will feature an impressive lineup of live music, a diverse collection of delicious food trucks, a silent auction, an off-leash dog park for your furry babies to play and even a chance to grow your fur family with dog and cat adoptions. Not to mention the chance to compete in the costume contest and the trick contest. Learn more about the events and resources for Boxerstock at www.boxerstock.org.
Boxer Stock is a great time, even if you don’t have a boxer. Maybe you need one!
Whether you’re looking for a kick of adrenaline, a good party or a chance to let your true colors fly, October is the month to take chances. Should things get out of hand, you can always blame it on that crazy harvest moon. Put on that homemade costume that makes you feel superhuman and go try something you haven’t before! If nothing else, you’re sure to get a good story out of it, if not a few new friends along the way. Happy Halloween! ❍
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The Monster Bash for a lighter Halloween event.
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ARE WE SCREWED? Meaningful Conversations about Money By Robert Fezza and Steve Siders It’s election season, which means the bumper sticker battles are in full swing. Usually, bumper stickers on cars highlight whom the driver supports. I say usually because while driving in Roswell recently, I saw one that was apparently trying to make a statement about the 2016 election. Rather than declaring support for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, this clever, patriotic, red, white and blue sticker simply said “2016—We’re Screwed!” I’m sure many of you can relate to that sentiment.
WE’RE SCREWED 2016
A common theme I hear from many folks around town related to this presidential election is that they’re not very excited about either
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500 and Dow Jones of the main party MONEY Industrial Average candidates and had also risen to they’re worried about what will happen regardless of record highs. That’s quite a turn around in a short amount of time. which one is elected. How will the Here in the U.S. the presidential economy and stock market react to a election hyperbole is in full swing, President Trump or President but let’s take a look at the long term Clinton? This leads to questions results after past elections. Since about whether we should be doing anything with our investments in ad- 1936 there have been 18 presidential elections, and according to American vance of the election. The most recent political vote that Funds “A Review of U.S. Presidential Elections,” the S&P 500 was higher caused concern was Great Britain’s “Brexit.” Remember that? Before the 10 years later 17 out of 18 times. On average, a $10,000 investment grew vote on June 23rd, most experts to $30,263 (or triple the original thought that the “Remain” vote would win. The markets had a posi- value). The one period that was a loss was 2000-2009 which included 9/11 tive view on that position. Lo and and two recessions; the so-called “lost behold the markets crashed when the “Leave” vote prevailed, because decade.” And maybe most pertinent, it didn’t really matter whether the this crash assumed some type of president had a D or R after his economic decline for Europe. But name. The average ending value was within weeks Britain’s top share similar when comparing the 9 index, the FTSE 100, hit 11-month Democrats to the 9 Republicans. highs, and by mid-July, the US S&P
From these examples you can see why a long-term strategy is prudent. Getting caught up in the moment can lead to unnecessary panic, which normally is unwarranted. Focus on the things you can control such as good spending and savings habits, not borrowing too much, and diversifying your investments. Soon the election will be over and normal life can resume. Until then remember—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. 770-992-4444, www.odysseypfa.com. Securities offered through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
OCTOBER... PERFECT TO GET OUTSIDE AND ENJOY FALL By Jon Copsey
October is the start of the magical season. The leaves are turning fiery colors and the temperatures are falling. Nature is the perfect place to experience the wonders of Autumn, from the fragrant woody scents of leaves crunching on the ground to the start of a bite in the air. While North Fulton has many great outdoors facilities, Roswell’s Chattahoochee Nature Center is a Fall hub of activities relishing in everything the season has to offer. The fun begins Sunday, Oct. 16 as the CNC’s Unity Garden is gussied up to receive guests for Harvest on the Hooch. This event is a farm-to-table culinary adventure, allowing about 20 local Roswell and Cobb restaurants to show off some of their favorite dishes for guests to try, while exploring the connections between what grows in the ground and what goes on your plate. No meal would be complete without something to wash it down with—several local breweries such as Gate City, Abby of the Holy Goats. and Unknown Brewery will all have libations for the tasting. Corn hole, hula hoops, face painting, barn animals, and live Bluegrass music make it a familyfriendly event. The event is to support the Unity Garden, a patch of land at the nature center wholly dedicated to growing vegetables and educating people and schoolchildren about where their food comes from. All the produce grown in the garden goes to North Fulton Community Charities’ food pantry to help the needy. At the end of the month is the nonscary Halloween event in the woods—Halloween Hikes. A longtime family tradition for 31 years, this family-friendly event welcomes adults and children of all ages to take guided tours of woodland trails and speak with costumed animal characters to learn all about them and their homes.
HarvestontheHooch.org
Harvest on the Hooch has something for everyone.
A guide will introduce families to friendly forest creatures as they tell their fascinating tales with a dash of improv and humor. After, watch the crackling flames of a bonfire and listen to the lively rhythms of a world music drummer as a parade of imaginatively costumed characters marches past. Kids who come in costumes receive a special treat. Along with the hikes, families can take part in outdoors activities like crafts and face painting. The event is held over four nights in late October. Oct. 21 and 22, 28 and 29, between 7 and 10 p.m. Admission is $9 per person the first weekend and $10 on the second. CNC members can buy tickets ahead of time. Day-of ticket sales begin at 6:30 p.m. Each hike takes about 45 minutes and visitors go in groups.
. ChattNatureCenter.org Many costumed characters will greet visitors Oct. 22, 23, 28 and 29 at the fun, non-scary Halloween Hikes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
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( The Southern Skillet Is Getting Hot Again
of community volunteers comprised of industry professionals, is tasked with overseeing this project. The wheels are finally turning on This is not unique to Roswell as municipalities all the redevelopment of the Southern across the U.S. use DDA’s. Skillet property in Roswell. At a At present they are actively marketing the project heated Sept. 13 Roswell City and requesting proposals from various developers. Council meeting, in a 4 to 3 vote Additionally, the DDA will conduct meetings with the (Mayor Wood cast deciding vote), city’s Historic Preservation Commission to seek their city council agreed to the following input and help ensure developers understand the city’s provisions for the blighted vision for this important piece of property. A book property strategically located at 1037 Alpharetta could be written on the politics involved so I’ll leave Street: that side of this alone. Just an FYI, the city of Roswell • Multi-acre family is not to exceed 30 units per acre. has video of council meetings on their website • The height may go up to 5 1/2 stories with the (www.roswellgov.com.) If you want to get an idea of conditional use. how your taxes are being spent you should give them a • The site plan with the number of residential units watch. must be approved by the mayor and city council. Speaking of politics, you may have heard that there • The mayor and city council will continue to monitor is a Presidential election in November. Here locally the progress of the site but not have the ability to there is an important TSPLOST referendum on the choose any developers. ballot that holds a big key to the future of our Most folks agree that a higher density project will transportation issues. Within the TSPLOST money albe developed at this location and the property will located there is something called the North Fulton serve as a catalyst for other similar developments in Comprehensive Transportation Plan (NFCTP). This is the area so it is vital to get this right. The Roswell a partnership of the six North Fulton Cities—Roswell, Downtown Development Authority, which is a group Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, and By Kirsten Ricci
Sandy Springs—who are working with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to complete an update of the original 2010 plan. If the TSPLOST passes then many of these projects will be jointly funded to solve transportation problems in the area. Local municipalities are asking for public input via an online survey. Please visit www.NorthFultonCTP.com to take the survey and learn more. While local governments cannot issue an opinion on these matters, let me say they definitely want this passed. The allocation of these funds is vital to solve some of our congestion issues and ultimately this does impact the value of our homes. So lets choose wisely and most importantly participate! Finally for you folks in East Cobb, Isakson Living has ended its litigation against the Cobb County Board of Commissioners to appeal the Board’s 2015 denial of CCRC zoning. As a result Isakson Living has terminated their contract with Mrs. Wylene Tritt for the beautiful 54-acre Tritt Property located next to East Cobb Park. So rest easy no bulldozers moving in soon. ❍ Kirsten Ricci is a Roswell resident and a Keller Williams Agent who specializes in residential real estate in the north metro Atlanta area. She can be reached at 678-472-3832, kirsten@roswellrealty.net. Her site is www.klrgrouprealestate.com.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF GREAT SKIN CARE By Duane Goodwin
have a quick question for you. What’s the first thing that someone notices about you? (Hint: It is your largest organ.) The answer is, your skin. And the really big question is—what are you doing to take care of it? When we opened LaVida Massage five years ago I had very little knowledge of the benefits of having a facial. Well it doesn’t take long, when you work with fantastic skin care professionals, for them to show you why this is vital, and more importantly that it wasn’t too late to start. Working with two award winning, professional skin care lines such as Dermalogica and Eminence Organics, our skin care professionals are able to tailor each session to get maximum results for all skin types and skin conditions. Need a reason to get a facial? I’ll give you 10 good ones.
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TOP 10 REASONS REGULAR FACIALS MATTER STRESS RELIEF A good facial treatment given by a highly skilled skin care specialist is as rejuvenating for the skin as it is for the mind. INCREASED CIRCULATION Facial treatments increase blood circulation. Better blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to your skin, and may help your skin produce collagen, which staves off wrinkles. DETOXIFICATION Facial treatments act to decrease waste in skin cells that can cause puffiness, ruddiness and fluid accumulation by working with the lymphatic system that lies just under the skin. PROMOTE NEW COLLAGEN Corrective facial treatments blend the benefits of using active and potent ingredients along with professional facial massage to help smooth fine lines and promote collagen production. PROFESSIONAL EXFOLIATION Corrective facials provide a deeper exfoliation, tailored to and appropriate for your specific skin type and condition.Exfoliation helps to smooth the skin, and very importantly allows for greater penetration of nourishing treatment products. It also helps to unclog and refine pores, lighten pigmentation, and even out skin tone.
PROFESSIONAL EXTRACTIONS Extractions cleanse the pores on a deeper level; they help maintain clear skin, stop acne formation, and refine pore size. Left unchecked, pores can stretch and widen over time with the accumulation of oil and debris. PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION Having a skilled, knowledgeable skin care professional counsel you on the appropriate skin care regimen will help ensure that you get the results you want. IMPROVE SKIN TONE Corrective facial treatments can help even skin tone and lighten dark spots. SLOW DOWN THE AGING PROCESS The use of results-oriented professional products serves to more aggressively manage the aging process. Facial massage coupled with penetration of powerful anti-oxidants head off the damage that can occur from daily stress to the skin. Professional grade products also act to increase cellular turnover to reveal healthy fresh new skin cells. SHORT AND LONG TERM BENEFITS Corrective facials have immediate benefits, but longer-term maintenance is the key to healthy, vibrant skin. Typically, after one session your skin will be refreshed, balanced, better hydrated and healthier. But just as with exercise, the real results come from consistent treat-
ment and proper home care. A good routine of professional facials every 4 to 6 weeks, coupled with the right home care regimen, will result in a noticeable decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, refinement of large pores, and a more even and vibrant skin tone. ❍
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Award Winning Artist ANGELA REIGN IS JUST GETTING STARTED any moons ago, Angela Reign, who lives in Roswell, was a successful business consultant,
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climbing the corporate ladder and building her career. Tough, savvy and smart, Reign was leading what many would consider to be an enviable life. She worked hard and was grateful for her opportunities, but she was not in love with her work. She was not flexing her creative muscles and she spent each day with dormant talents lying tucked away in a forgotten corner of her heart. Like many of us, Reign kept her expectations at a reasonable level. She stuck to a practical job and made the most of it. A career in music was nothing but a dream, and besides, she had probably missed her window anyway, right? Then, one day, Reign’s husband made an observation that changed her entire perspective. “You’re good at business,” he said. “But, you have real talent. You should share it with the world.” Reign began to think. What if a career in music wasn’t about fulfilling some seemingly impossible the star, Angela performs the song inspired by her redream? What if it was a calling to share the talents lationship with husband and manager, Mike Waller and gifts she’d been given? “That spoke to me,” Reign remembered. “Having a while Lipstreu expertly paints her into a stunning talent isn’t about doing things for yourself. It’s about seascape, also inspired by the lyrics of “Obvious.” “The whole experience was mind blowing,” Reign using your gifts to give something back to the world.” said. “I was actually very ill that day. I had a 14-hour From there, hard work crossed paths with luck photo shoot and I was mentally, emotionally and and timing to introduce Reign to a local musician physically exhausted. But, it was playing gigs around the Atlanta area. He “IT ALL STARTS exhilarating at the same time. I was workinvited Reign to perform with him and ing with such talented, well renowned AT THE she was immediately hooked. COMMUNITY artists… knowing they wanted to work “I got the bug again,” Reign said with LEVEL,” REIGN with me and collaborate on such a unique a grin. “I’d been singing off and on since SAID. “THAT’S project was amazing, and a bit surreal. I was 9 years old. Bringing it back into WHERE YOU They’re all kind of superhuman, but also my everyday was like breathing. I couldALWAYS HAVE so laid back. I felt so honored. I mean, n’t… not do it.” TO START. Usher did his last music video in there! Fast forward—Reign is an award-winTHERE IS SO And because of our video, his next one ning artist celebrating the release of her MUCH TALENT will probably have glitter in it… I also had latest music video, “Obvious.” Reign’s IN THIS AREA the opportunity to work with a great hair video was directed by the renowned local AND I LOVE and makeup guy, Steve Hightower. He has director Mil Cannon and featured origiTHAT WE’RE such a philanthropic soul and he made nal work by top body painting artist PROMOTING me feel like a star that day.” Cheryl Ann Lipstreu. Looking every bit
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Reign was introduced to the body paint idea when she was asked to perform at Living Art America, an event that draws body painters from around the world. She tried performing in body paint and fell in love with the medium. Reign was touched by the amount of effort and artistry went into each piece, only to have it all washed away in a matter of minutes. It’s temporary nature and permanent impact spoke to her and the story she wanted to tell. Additionally, it gave Reign the opportunity to promote other talented artists through her work. Reign frequently works with other local artists and collaborates with them for events and performances. Reign’s next performance will be an intimate acoustic show at Red Sky in Marietta on Oct. 13 featuring local pianist Robert Meadows and 14-yearold rising star Haven Burk, a young singer who joined Reign on stage at the Chattahoochee Nature Center anniversary celebration. “It all starts at the community level,” Reign said. “That’s where you always have to start. There is so much talent in this area and I love that we’re promoting it! For anyone out there looking to break into this business, whoever they are, whatever age they are, they need to rely on their community and their support system. Some people, particularly women, are afraid that it might be too late for them to follow their passion. But when you have people that love and support you, it is possible. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.” Reign’s overarching message she communicates with her music is the desire to stay positive, open and loving. She typically focuses on the empowerment of women in general, but it is vitally important to Reign that her music is focused on love and acceptance. In a world that can be cruel, it becomes difficult to stay positive and scary to open oneself up. Despite her own setbacks, Reign believes in positivity and the power that it holds. She would like her music to be known for its hopeful message. In her off hours, few though there may be, Reign spends time with her two teenage stepchildren and takes acting courses. She has sights on the growing film and TV industry in Atlanta and will continue to grow and expand her influence beyond the local music scene while remaining true to her roots. Though originally from Ohio she considers Georgia, and more importantly our little corner of it, her home. To learn more about Angela Reign and her upcoming performances, visit www.angelareign.com.
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celebrated Mermaid Theatre to Roswell,” said Center Coordinator Donna Clayton. “My own children loved these two books by Margaret Wise Brown when they were younger, and I can’t wait to see the characters come to life on stage.” Hailed by the Winnipeg Free Press as “everything family theatre should be” and an “entrancingly beautiful, The Mermaid Theatre is an interna- masterfully designed production,” By Spalding Negron tionally acclaimed company that Mermaid Theatre will perform at 10 The Roswell Cultural Arts Center will combines innovative puppetry, striking a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct. 13. present an enchanting adaptation of scenic effects, and original music to In 2017 the final Roswell Family two of the most beloved children’s provide young audiences with an Series performances will feature books of all time—Goodnight Moon & effortless introduction to the Lightwire Theater’s The Ugly Duckling The Runaway Bunny—in a special perperforming arts and the excitement of and The Tortoise & the Hare on May 6. formance by the Mermaid Theatre of reading. These performances of The internationally recognized Nova Scotia on Oct. 13. Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Lightwire will perform a stunning Bunny are the cornerstone of Roswell interpretation of two classic fairy tales Cultural Art Center’s new Roswell using innovative choreography, glowFamily Series. The Family Series makes in-the-dark puppets and dazzling it possible to introduce the community visual effects. Hans Christian of Roswell to esteemed artists from all Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling is a over the world and engage children and wonderful story celebrating differences families with new and thrilling and transformation, while Aesop’s The performance disciplines. Tortoise and the Hare reminds “We are honored to bring the audiences of the old adage, “Slow and
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FAMILY SERIES AT CULTURAL ARTS CENTER ARTS
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steady wins the race.” This groundbreaking troupe of performers breathes new life into these classic children’s tales. Individual tickets are $12 for ages 2 and up and can be purchased at roswellcac.com, by calling 770-594-6232, or in-person at the box office. Group rates are also available. The Roswell Cultural Arts Center is located at 950 Forrest Street in Roswell, Georgia 30075.
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Roswell Arts fund directors
sity, a city like Roswell needs distinguishing characteristics that The Roswell Arts Fund, along with establish a “cool factor.” The historic the City of Roswell, is taking district has played a major role in groundbreaking steps to ensure that drawing visitors to the city, as have the arts are forever ingrained into the parks. The Arts Fund looks to the culture of the city. Last month, build on these assets to make the Roswell Arts Fund chose a comRoswell a true tourist destination pany called Designing Local to getaway, as well as a wonderfully collaborate on a Public Art Master creative place to live. Plan that will highlight and “When you do the research, public celebrate Roswell’s unique identity art can really drive social vitality, for generations to come. economic development and “We want to set a strategic plan tourism,” Gates explained. “If you’re for the arts in Roswell,” Roswell Arts going to go somewhere for the weekFund Executive Director Amy Gates end, you’ll drive to a cool, artsy said. “We are going to craft a clear town. People are looking for a sense of identity and set the culture reason to go out and explore. People for the arts in Roswell. The Arts in gather around these types of things Roswell 2030 study showed a lot of without even realizing it. People will support for public art, and with the come, eat, shop, stay and the number of parks and development community will benefit.” projects going on, you need a strateThe addition of more public art gic plan and you need experts to may seem like a straightforward unprovide that foundation. It’s much dertaking. The process, however, is more involved than dropping things deceptively complicated and in random spots.” requires great attention to detail. Research has shown that art is a The Arts Fund is essentially writing key element in the success of a city’s the book on how public art will be economy. Strategically placed public integrated into the social fabric of art creates a sense of place and identhe city, and these processes take tity that draws tourism, and for a time to develop. city without a major mall or univerContinues on page 31 By Jessica Diamond
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Roswell Arts Fund Announces Consultant for
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FORMER BROADWAY PERFORMER BRINGS CHRISTMAS SHOW TO ATLANTA THIS HOLIDAY SEASON dancers performing alongside a live orchestra at the Infinite Energy Center (formerly Gwinnett Performing Arts place in Paige Chambers’ heart as it is Center) on Nov. 22. the creation of famed Tony award winThrough the collaboration of Tony ners and husband-wife team the late Award winning lyricist Lynn Ahrens Mike Ockrent and Susan Stroman, and Oscar and Tony award winning who gave Chambers her start on composer Alan Menken (Beauty and Broadway and became her mentors. the Beast, The Little Mermaid) this “It is such an honor to bring this Dickens’ classic comes to life in a wonparticular Broadway show to Atlanta derful full-length Christmas musical. this holiday season,” said Chambers. The cast features local actor John “Mike Ockrent, the co-writer and Evans returning as Scrooge with director of the original production of young up and coming conductor John A Christmas Carol: The Musical hired Burke also returning for a second year. me for my first show at 17 years old. The entire cast consists of both professional dancers, actors and student dancers and actors from ages 5 to15, youth to pre-professional. “This production has a different flavor than Dickens’ original story, adding spectacular production scenes sure to entertain the most avid Dickens fan. It is sure to Paige Chambers, center, with the cast of Christmas Carol: The Musical become a local tradition! A Christmas Carol: The Musical is a During my 10-year career on full-length Broadway musical with Broadway I had the privilege of workhuge dance numbers, beautiful music, ing with both Mike Ockrent and hundreds of costumes, exceptional original choreographer Susan sets, and a live orchestra. The Stroman many times, and I am proud audience will feel as if they have been to represent these Broadway greats by to Madison Square Garden, where this bringing their vision of the show to musical delighted holiday audiences Atlanta audiences. I know that my personal connection to them will shine for 12 years,” said Susan Chambers, who founded the dance company in through, pushing our performance to 1980. outstanding levels.” A Christmas Carol: The Musical You will be able to see the will be performed at the Infinite production in person as produced by Energy Center (Formerly Gwinnett the Susan Chambers Dance Company. Performing Arts Center) on Nov. 22 This is their second season of performwith two shows at 11am and 7pm. Last ing this show and Paige Chambers, year both shows sold out so get your who serves as co-director and instructickets early. Ticket prices are $19, tor, will choreograph and co-direct a $23, and $27. To order tickets go to cast of over 60 actors, singers, and www.axs.com.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical holds a special
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presented by WellStar North Fulton Hospital
THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS By Lindsey H. Petrini, Chief Operating Officer
It was just going to be a small dinner out to celebrate. At least that’s what I thought. I had decided months beforehand that I wanted to celebrate turning 40 quietly. Plans had been discussed with my husband and I was convinced he had kept with that request. But when I turned the corner at the restaurant, I was greeted by the large crowd of my family and friends screaming… as you can guess… Suprise! While a large celebration in honor of my 40th birthday may have been a surprise, other things about turning 40 are not. I, along with most women, understand that 40 is the age where you begin getting many preventative health screenings, specifically a mammogram. And while a mammogram may not be the most exciting thing about turning 40, I know it’s important to not forget to schedule it and to have it at a location with the necessary resources in case the results are surprising. At WellStar North Fulton Hospital, we are educating women on the importance of getting annual mammograms. We are there for women, providing options and treatment to women who receive news of a breast cancer diagnosis. In fact, this October the hospital will begin providing a Breast Cancer STAT (Specialty Teams and Treatment) Clinic. The STAT clinic will provide individuals who receive a breast cancer diagnosis with the opportunity to see multiple specialists, including the medical oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist, plastic surgeon, genetic counselor, and nurse navigator, all in one visit. This is a great benefit to our patients because they can see all their providers collectively, which helps to reduce stress and provides more efficient care coordination. When patients leave the STAT clinic, a plan will be developed where patients have a full understanding of next steps, treatment options and resources. Opening the STAT clinic in October is one of the many ways that we at WellStar are recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. WellStar North Fulton team members will have a pink glove day, we’ll host a community breast cancer awareness brunch, and our outpatient imaging center starts extending hours in the evening to provide better options for working women, like me, to schedule a mammogram. It’s all a part of our mission to deliver world-class healthcare to our community. ❍
WellStar North Fulton Hospital Community Calendar Oct – Dec 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 Classroom C gambling is invited to attend this 12This group is open to anyone who has step program. Anonymity is the or will have an ostomy and any friends, foundation of fellowship in this group. family or supporters. Call John Dorso For more information please call at 678-694-8726 to register or to David at 770-862-2564. obtain more information.
Look Good, Feel Better Wednesday 11/9. 10 a.m. to noon. A cosmetologist will discuss how to care for skin and hair to combat the appearancerelated side effects of cancer treatment. Free make-up and skin care products are provided. Call 1-800-227-2345 to register.
Epilepsy Support Group The third Wednesday of every month, 7 –9 p.m. Classroom A/B People with epilepsy as well as their family and care-providers are invited to attend this support group. The meetings will provide time for attendees to share helpful 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.
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.
Breast Cancer Support Group First Thursday of every month 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Cope and connect with others who are facing the same struggles. Please call Sarah Bentley, RN, Oncology Services Manager, at 770-751-2556 for location and to register.
Lupus Support Group Third Saturday of every month, 11 a.m. –1 p.m. Classroom C. Informal meetings to share experiences and learn from others. Guest speakers occasionally present and we also participate in some Lupus Foundation of America events. Contact Julie for more info: 404-626-2394 or lupusgroup4roswell@gmail.com.
American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR* Saturday 10/22 and 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 10/8, 11/12, and 12/10. The Diabetes Association of Atlanta (DAA) offers classes at NFH to teach diabetes self-management skills. Call 404-527-7180 for more information and to register.
Water Birth Thursdays 10/6, 10/20, 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.
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.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION Babysitting Workshop Saturday 10/1 and 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. Visit www.nfultonhospital.com for more info and to register for classes.
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. Calendar continues on page 18, with Special Events
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CITY OF ROSWELL AND WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON PARTNER TO FIGHT CANCER SPECIAL EVENTS Breast Cancer Brunch 10/5; 10:30 a.m. –Noon. Country Club of the South (4100 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek) This special event is complimentary, and will feature a presentation by Dr. Laura Pearson on breast cancer treatments and topics as well as information about our new Breast Cancer STAT Clinic. We will honor Breast Cancer survivors in attendance, as well as create special ornaments to place on our Breast Cancer trees that will be in the hospital during the month of October. We encourage you to invite your friends and family. Please RSVP to 770-751-2660 or register online at www.wellstar.org under the community calendar section. Join us for the
Hearts of Hope Unveiling & Ribbon Cutting from 2 –3.p.m. in the atrium on Tuesday October 11. Hearts of Hope is a community art and fundraising project used by the City of Roswell’s “Team Roswell” as one of their many fundraisers to benefit Relay for Life this spring. It involves the creation of hundreds of clay hearts that are personalized and dedicated by individuals wanting to honor or remember loved ones affected by cancer. The City of Roswell is partnering with Wellstar North Fulton Hospital to display these hearts as part of a special art installation in the hospital’s Atrium. New hearts can be added to the display for a donation of $5. Beginning October 3, Hearts will be available at Roswell Imaging: 4500 Hospital Blvd, suite 100 Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and at the Wellstar Breast Cancer Brunch & Survivor Celebration Event on Wednesday, October 5 at Country Club of the South. Or, contact Kim Weber at the City of Roswell kweber@roswellgov.com to get yours today. Please view a very special video production regarding this project: https://youtu.be/4608tp2b9nE .
A Relay for Life community art project started last spring by the City of Roswell will now take on new life when it is displayed at WellStar North Fulton Hospital in October. Hearts of Hope is a community art and fundraising project that involved the creation of hundreds of clay hearts that could be personalized and dedicated by individuals to honor or remember loved ones affected by cancer. Each is unique and beautiful. The display will be a powerful representation of many loved ones who have struggled with cancer in this community. The City of Roswell launched this creative project as a fundraiser to benefit Relay for Life in the spring, raising nearly $20,000 towards the fight against cancer. Now, the City is partnering with WellStar North Fulton to bring continued awareness and encouragement for prevention and early detection. Hundreds of personalized hearts will be part of the special art installation in the hospital’s atrium on October 11 at 2 p.m. Members of the community are invited to dedicate a heart for this display. Beginning October 3, hearts will be available at Roswell Imaging (4500 Hospital Blvd, Suite 100, Monday –Friday, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m.) and at the WellStar Breast Health Event on October 5 at Country Club of the South, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Call 770-751-2660 to register. For more information or to dedicate a heart, contact Kim Weber at the City of Roswell at kweber@roswellgov.com. ❍
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WELLSTAR NORTH FULTON OPENS FIRST STAT CLINIC FOR BREAST CANCER
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atients with breast cancer may now be able to start treatment faster, increasing their chances of beating the disease. Patients can expect to meet with a full multidisciplinary team of specialists and make treatment decisions faster than traditionally possible through WellStar Cancer Network’s newest STAT Clinic at WellStar North Fulton Hospital, opening this October. WellStar operates a network of successful STAT Clinics for patients with different types of cancer such as lung and prostate cancer, but this is the first WellStar STAT Clinic dedicated to breast cancer. “STAT stands for Special Teams and Treatments,” Dr. Laura Pearson, Medical Director of the Breast Program at WellStar North Fulton Hospital explained. Laura Pearson, MD “WellStar wants to provide patients with the specialized care using a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, nurses and staff who are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient’s specific cancer.” Essentially, the STAT Clinic will allow patients to fit many appointments into one, saving time, stress and potential confusion. “The healthcare team works together in one location and supports the patient and family from the very beginning of the process,” said Oncology Services Manager and Breast Nurse Navigator Sarah Bentley. “The goal is to really cater to the patient as a whole, understanding their needs and valuing their time. We really want to prioritize that continuity of care.” The Breast Cancer STAT Clinic features a team comprised of a fellowship-trained breast surgeon, board certified plastic
surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a breast cancer nurse navigator and more. Additionally, each patient will be evaluated by a Sarah Bentley, RN genetic counselor to determine the risk for hereditary cancers. Patients will have access to physical therapists, nutritionists, wig and prostheses specialists and other counselors as well. “The typical time from abnormal screening mammogram to initial treatment has always been relatively short at WellStar North Fulton,” Dr. Pearson said. “Less than 3-4 weeks on average. But, because of the nature of breast cancer treatment, sometimes the time from diagnosis until a patient has met with all the necessary providers can take several months as they sequentially go through the elements of their treatment. The huge benefit with STAT Clinic is that a patient and the family meet their entire team on day one. STAT Clinic streamlines their workup, minimizes redundancy in diagnostic procedures, coordinates appointments to minimize delay and keeps the entire team in constant com-
munication. If adjustments need to be made in a plan, it can be done with minimal delay or effort.” Sara Bentley, the STAT Clinic nurse navigator who will help guide patients throughout treatment, says the patient is at the heart of the one-stop approach.
“We want our patients spending less time stressing and lying awake at night. This way, they leave the building with a care plan in hand and know exactly what to expect.” For more information, call 770-751-2720. ❍
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T
he cancer patients at WellStar North Fulton Hospital have access to a number of unique resources. In an effort to give back, nurse and former breast cancer patient Denise Eilers makes blankets by hand to comfort those still undergoing treatment.
“I make blankets because it’s important for me to give something back,” Eilers said. “I was also asked to participate in a fashion show a few years ago to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. It was wonderful, I’m so glad they asked me. What happened to me… it really was the ultimate thing. I can’t even say how grateful I am to the entire staff of WellStar North Fulton. I only wish I’d gone to them first.” Eilers was originally diagnosed with Paget Disease, a type of breast cancer that mainly affects the nipple and areola. In Eilers’ case, it began in the nipple and spread to the areola with some ductal involvement. She underwent several surgeries, removing bits and pieces of her breasts, before the
COVER HER WITH LOVE first surgeon recommended chemotherapy. Trusting her intuition and 35 years of nursing experience, Eilers decided to seek a second opinion. With encouragement from a friend and nurse navigator, Micah McArthur, Eilers found Dr. Laura Pearson at WellStar North Fulton Hospital. “I didn’t have a good feelDenise Eilers ing about the situation. I wanted a second opinion and Micah led me to Dr. Pearson,” Eilers remembered. “Dr. Pearson waited for my test results before making any decisions and ultimately decided that I didn’t need chemo. If I hadn’t switched to her, I’d still be having treatments today. She saved my life and five years of unnecessary chemotherapy. It was a rude awakening, realizing how many women have to undergo unnecessary treatments. Some of them don’t need it!” Dr. Pearson determined that Eilers cancer
could be completely eradicated with a bilateral mastectomy. This meant removing both breasts entirely. Though her cancer was only present in one breast, the chances of developing cancer in the other breast were significant enough to warrant the removal of both. She later underwent reconstructive surgery and is now cancer free. “I can see now that I did go through more than I needed to,” Eilers said. “My only scarring is due to those initial surgeries. But despite everything, it did end up getting me where I needed to go. Something greater than me was at work!” Eilers was thrown by her diagnosis due to a lack breast cancer in her family history. Her diagnosis and initial treatments put untold stress on her and her family. In addition to the pain of multiple surgeries, Eilers struggled with body image issues due to feeling “chopped up,” despite the support of a loving husband. To add insult to injury, Eilers did not feel that her family was kept adequately informed during her treatment process at the previous facility. All of that changed when she reached WellStar North Fulton. “Everything was absolutely phenomenal,” Eilers said. “They talked me through the whole thing, I couldn’t have asked for better. The whole hospital staff… I mean, we were blown away. Everyone along the way was so kind. I can’t even say… they included my husband in everything and showed him such kindness. That was important. I’ve recommended Dr. Pearson to friends, to my Laura Pearson, M.D. daughter, to anyone I can. If you see anything suspicious, you should get to Dr. Pearson as soon as possible. And despite the scarring from the initial surgeries, my breasts look GREAT!” Eilers expressed that no amount of words could summarize the emotion and significance of her breast cancer journey. There weren’t enough ways to explain her relief and gratitude at the conclusion of her illness. She does, however, use her experience to advocate for others and promote the team at WellStar that saved her life. She also continues to make blankets so that others may feel the comfort and support she found during her fight. ❍
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DISPELLING (SUB)URBAN MYTHS AT MUSIC MIDTOWN By Beth Nitschke
When I told my daughter I would be taking her to Music Midtown back in July, which was to be a belated birthday present for her and myself, the world of preteen gossip was all a-flutter. Many of her friends warned her of all the crack-heads who abound in Midtown Atlanta, and the dangers of attending such a raucous event. There were to be derelicts, hippies, pot-smokers and drunks, which honestly scared my sweet daughter into not wanting to go at all, despite her favorite band, Twenty-One Pilots, being the headlining talent. I encouraged her to not judge before she had experienced the event, and conceded that yes, one might smell an illegal substance; but one could not and would not feel the effects of such. She trusted her mother and agreed to go with me to the “Coachella of Atlanta,” as my savvy children deemed it. We spent Friday picking out festival-worthy attire, and devised a plan to take MARTA into town, a mammoth task in itself. My first debunked myth
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MODERN MOM
was in fact the MARTA ride. She kept referring to 21 how clean the “busses” were, in which case I corrected her that the trains are indeed trains. It was a surprise to my suburban kid that mass transit can be not only convenient, but actually comfortable. Then came the actual festival itself. We bravely trekked, (with hundreds of other north-siders) from the midtown station to Piedmont Park; a lovely walk with plenty of interesting sights along the way. Our first order of business was to get food. Food trucks festooned the perimeter of the The joys of MARTA. park, ranging in variety from pizza, to corn dogs, to Louisiana bayou fare. We chose the latter, and waited an hour for a delicious Po-boy, and a poorly executed gumbo. One myth of Music Midtown proven true was that the food situation is intolerable. Then came the music! The myth that bands don’t play their hits, only new stuff they want you to buy is categorically untrue! While waiting to hear Beck, a true troubadour from my high school days, we listened to a cover band who played many eighties hits, (geared to me, a Gen-Xer, I know) including the theme song to “Family Ties,” which I thought was simultaneously entertaining and hilarious. Beck ROCKED! Played all his hits within an hour (very efficient sir,) and then Twenty-One Pilots had my child grooving and happy for the remainder of the night. As to the crack-heads? I cannot report one single case. Though I did tell my kid of the tell-tale aroma that often permeates music festivals, we made it home alive, safe and sound. ❍ 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.
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AN UNDERWEAR EMERGENCY IN OREGON By Di Chapman
I had an amazing adventure in the land of Birkenstocks last month, or Oregon, rather, as most geographers would refer to it. It was a pictureperfect trip to the Pacific Northwest. I say “picture-perfect” because, if you’ve ever lived in western Oregon or Washington, you know darn well that two sunny days in a row are rare, and a whole week of sunshine is downright against the laws of nature. I lived in Seattle for 14 years and when I say that it becomes overcast and rainy nonstop for nine months a year, I
mean it becomes overcast and rainy for nine months a year. But, a beautiful week graced my presence, and my girlfriend, with whom I was visiting, took me for a tour throughout Oregon. We are as different as night and day. She has four children and five grandchildren. I have none of either. She’s a washand-go girl. I wouldn’t be caught dead without makeup. I’ll put the screws to anyone who doesn’t swear to make me up the day I’m in my casket. She married a preacher, and there isn’t one among my three husbands. She wears Birkenstocks. I’d rather die. Perhaps our friendship worked due to our teenage crushes. Her mother once told us, as we talked about how we met: “All I know, Diane, is that when you made friends with my daughter, all of a sudden there were boys.” She laughed heartily. Like most teenage girls, boys and clothes gave us endless, “hours-on-the-phone” conversations. It’ll be no surprise to you that when I say “phone” I don’t mean cell phone. I mean the plugged into the wall device that hopefully had a long cord for disappearing around corners during private conversations that we wanted no parents to hear. It was a rotary dial phone as well, and all phone
People With Memory Loss Thrive At St. George Village
A PAID PROMOTION
t St. George Village, we believe it’s important for people, including those living with memory loss, to enjoy every stage of life.
As part of our commitment to providing an environment that nurtures and supports all of our residents, we practice a person-centered approach to care, based on individual needs. At the core of this approach are the principles of the Eden Alternative, a philosophy based on improving quality of life for senior adults. These principles empower caregivers to address and alleviate issues — such as loneliness, helplessness and boredom — that have a tremendously adverse affect on people who have Alzheimer’s and dementia. “We chose to complete the requirements to become an Eden Alternative registry member because we know the importance of recognizing a person’s unique personality and background,” said Executive Direct Mark Lowell. “The focus of our work every day is to implement the Eden
St. George Village 11350 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075 678-987-0402 stgeorgevillage.com
and comfortably • Delicious, nutritious meals, planned by our executive chef • Superior healthcare, provided by trained staff • A safe and secure environment
• A supportive setting, in which residents are encouraged to make personal choices • A schedule of activities that are fun and engaging, designed to give purpose and meaning to each resident’s life Most importantly, residents of our memory supprinciples by engaging each of our residents port neighborhood have the added bonus of access through interactions and activities that are to skilled nursing services, if and when needed. challenging and fun to them, regardless of their “If you come to our memory support stage of life.” neighborhood, you will have guaranteed access to Currently, St. George Village is the only Eden our skilled nursing neighborhood later,” Lowell Alternative registry member in the state of said. “This significant option is not available in reGeorgia. tirement communities that do not provide a Our memory support neighborhood, known as continuum of care.” Friendship House, offers an unrivaled slate of Come see how people with memory loss are amenities and services, including: thriving and nurtured at St. George Village. Call • A “best friends” philosophy, in which we prom- Dawn at 678-987-0409 for more information about our memory support neighborhood. You can ise to care for our residents as we would a also find more details about our community, family member or dear friend lifestyle and residents at www.stgeorgevillage.com. • Private apartment homes, furnished elegantly
women’s “undies” are probably everywhere, there are places where the jury is still out. “It’s here in town and they might have them. It’s kind of like a hardware store, but they always carry an assortment of things,” she said as we entered the parking lot. “In fact, it’s probably the only place in town to look.” A hardware store with an assortment of things? They could have panties? Dorothy, I’m not in Roswell anymore! We entered the store and faced off squarely with power tools, plumbing supplies, and huntin’ and fishin’ gear. We looked through buzz saws, nail guns and hammers. Sure enough, right there in that hardware store, were women’s undies. It reminded me of the recent revelation that some Walmart stores sold bullets next to diapers. This store even had two different styles, “full coverage” that covered from thighs to waist, and another labeled “bikini cut,” that should have been called “almost full coverage,” both of which I would normally never wear… but any port in a storm. After all, it’s Oregon, land of plaid wool shirts and the aforementioned Birkenstocks. “I wear the old fashioned full coverage,” said my girlfriend. “When my daughter saw them on me she was shocked. What would Dad say? I told her we were kind of past that.” Well, I’m not, so I chose the so-called “bikini” style. I sighed with relief. The panty shortage would not cause a catastrophe. I was covered. Men may not mind turning their underwear inside out, or going commando, but doggone it, we ladies mostly don’t go there. Next time I hit the road I’ll count the undies carefully. Either that or find a hardware store. Who knows? They might be next to the buzz saws. ❍
Men may not mind turning their underwear inside out, or going commando, but doggone it, we ladies mostly don’t go there.
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numbers started with two letters. In our area it was “LI.” Can you imagine how dumb today’s young adults think we must have been, if they even know what the heck we’re talking about? To top it off, because our conversations lasted hours each time, our parents were puzzled. What could we be talking about each night? There was only one phone line in the house of course, which meant constant interruptions by other family members picking up the other lines. Yet, another thing youngsters today will never experience. From “olden days” until now, my Oregon friend and I have pursued a hobby of exploring new places together. We were the original Thelma and Louise before there was a movie. I drove. She read the maps. I shared morning coffee with her husband during this last visit and mentioned our escapades. “Really?” His eyes were full of surprise. “She didn’t tell you?” I asked. “No!” he exclaimed. I happily spilled the beans. I hope it means he’ll dig her even more. When I jaunted up to Oregon, our Thelma and Louise alter egos were on the loose again. But before we left, I made a terrifying discovery. I was matching up outfits I had hurriedly packed, making sure I could grab and run with my clothes to match each day’s destination. I found that I’d only brought four pairs of pants for seven days. I could live with that by doubling up. I had plenty of socks and tops. Good. Then there it was: five pair of underwear for the entire week. Oops. I appealed to my girlfriend. We hadn’t left yet on our whirlwind excursion, so she cheerily responded, “Oh, I know where we can go.” Mind you, she lives in a tiny town an hour from Eugene, and about 90 minutes from Portland. Although you’d think
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GARDEN
( ADDING LANDSCAPE PIZAZZ THIS FALL
Autumn is the Ideal Time to Plant Trees and Shrubs
Beware though, watering is still important! In spring growth spurt. Another reason for fall planting is that it avoids Georgia, October is the month with the lowest Wish you had some fragrant gartransplant shock from summer heat. By October, day recorded rainfall. All newly transplanted woody denias along the front walk? Been and night temperatures have cooled significantly and plants must be thoroughly watered a couple of times meaning to try one of those new each week and the surrounding soil drenched (unless dwarf Crape Myrtles that mature we have a good rain). Keep up this regimen until it to be only as tall as a person? Need to place a young gets really cold in January or February so roots have shade tree so that it will grow and provide seasonal time to reestablish before winter. cooling for the patio during the heat of summer? Before you plant Want a graceful cut-leaf Japanese Maple as a feature • Consider conditions such as sun or shade that are for the front lawn? Crave a Camellia for winter flowavailable where you plan to plant, and match the ers? Hands down, now is the best time of year to plant to your site. plant woody ornamentals in landscapes and yards. • Choose from trees and shrubs that are A great reason to plant in fall is that plant roots recommended for Georgia’s soil and climate. UGA grow whenever the soil temperature is 40 degrees or higher, and this occurs throughout most of the fall Cooperative Extension Service has a huge list of and winter in Georgia. The summer sun has heated suggestions online. Dig the hole 3 feet wide but only as deep as the container is tall. the soil and it is slower to cool down than the air Photo: UGA • Think about mature size and project for future temperature. growth. Provide enough vertical and side-to-side plants lose less water from the surfaces of their leaves Root systems of fall-planted trees and shrubs growing space for the plant—without pruning. in transpiration. In fact, leaves are beginning to develop into the surrounding earth and become • Don’t be shy! When buying plants for your change color and fall from the branches, so established quickly, so that when spring arrives, tree landscape, be sure to get healthy, well-grown deciduous specimens can stand a bit more irregulargrowth surges ahead. The developed root system plants. Check for a good shape and even ity in watering after being transplanted. provides all the water and nutrients needed during branching. by Geri Laufer
• Check that the trunk is perfectly vertical and upright. 25 • Water in thoroughly and gently press down with your foot to eliminate air pockets. • Provide a 3-inch layer of organic mulch on the surface, and replenish seasonally. Special considerations • Slow-to-establish species are best planted in early fall. These include Southern Magnolia, Tulip Poplar, Ginkgo, Hemlock and Bald Cypress. • Broadleaved evergreens such as rhododendrons and tea olive, and narrow-leafed evergreens such as pines must be watered even during freezing weather because they have evergreen leaves that lose moisture the minute it gets above 32 degrees F. and the plant can become desiccated. • In general, plants with shallow, fibrous root systems are more successfully transplanted than those with fewer, larger roots. Get planting! Check online for ArborDayFoundation.org and search for NeighborWoods® Month to find a non-profit tree planting organization that is scheduling an event in your neighborhood during October. Readers in Atlanta can visit TreesAtlanta.org to get help or even free trees. ❍ Geri Laufer lives in Atlanta, and is working on Dig a wide but not deep planting hole, backfill, then apply mulch designing and installing a new landscape for her on top. Diagram by UGA: “Soil Preparation and Planting Procedures new old house. for Ornamental Plants in the Landscape” OCTOBER 2016 THECURRENTHUB.COM
• It’s OK to knock the plant out of its pot right there in the aisle to check that the root system is vigorous before you buy. • Always buy from a reputable dealer. Independent garden centers in the plant-selling business year-round depend on repeat customers, and only by selling customers quality plants can there be assurance of future business. • Unless you are really experienced, beware of bargain plants that can easily turn out to be real headaches. If it dies, it wasn’t a bargain. The cheapest price tag is not the best guide to quality. When you plant • Dig a $50 hole for a $10 tree or shrub! Make it easy for the roots to penetrate into the surrounding soil and “take root.” • Plan to dig up and turn over an area about the size of a hula hoop. • Dig the hole 3 feet wide but only as deep as the container is tall. • My favorite planting/spading/prying/digging/rootcutting tool is my trusty Corona round-point garden shovel. I sharpen its tempered-steel blade with a file. The extended socket adds extra strength, a wide footpad and the long fiberglass handle is virtually unbreakable. • Put soil conditioner or compost on top of the spaded soil, rather than incorporating it into the backfill soil.
THE HEAT IN THE KITCHEN Chef Francois Duquette propels Flatlands into the area’s elite restaurants. jobs just for a paycheck,” Duquette said. “As soon as I heard about this concept I said ‘That’s what I’m talking about.’ I quickly had a clear vision of the menu. We tested a few items with friends, some things got rejected, some things stayed. From there we just made it happen.” That menu is heavily weighted to traditional Cajun with some southern flair thrown in. For starters you can feast on Alligator Bites or Cajun Oysters. The entrees feature several seafood items such as the Blackened Catfish or Shrimp Andouille. They also feature pork and chicken and you can’t miss their signature Cajun Shrimp Pasta. For some lighter fare Chef Duquette prepares Cajun Shrimp Pasta in the Flatlands kitchen. they also offer a wide variety of salads and a few tions,” Duquette said. “Making this restaurant from unique items like tacos, po boys and even a the ground up has been an amazswampwich. For Duquette, the challenge of opening this place Flatlands Bourbon ing journey. The last 3 months have been unbelievable.” from scratch was obvious and the intimidation factor & Bayou If you want to taste Duquette’s was big given the reputation of the surrounding 52b N. Main St. creations Flatlands is open every eateries. Alpharetta, GA day except Monday for lunch and “I had every emotion from butterflies to saying to 470-242-5458 dinner. They feature a full bar a myself ‘I’ve got this.’ I knew that I could stumble and relaxing atmosphere for the fall but I was determined to make the Chieco’s a great flatlands52.com whole family. ❍ restaurant. It’s definitely been a rollercoaster of emo-
PAID PROMOTION
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he North Metro area has gained a regional reputation for fine restaurants over the past decade. This has been propelled by the resurgence of our historic downtowns being revived and rediscovered. A Chili’s or Applebee’s is not going to cut it in downtown Alpharetta, Roswell, or even Marietta. To make it here you need an “A” game and Flatlands Bourbon and Bayou in Alpharetta has just that. As soon as you approach Flatlands, located at 52b N. Main St. in Alpharetta, you will notice the authentic look and vibe. The creative and fitting décor from the front porch through the top dining room take your eyes to Louisiana, and chef Francois Duquette takes your taste buds there in a big way. Duquette, like many chefs, fell into cooking half planned, but after serving under a Cajun chef in South Florida and several more corporate jobs he knew this was more than a career, it was a passion. Finding a way to bring that passion to the kitchen was a challenge until he met Flatland owners Jodi and Vinnie Chieco just as they were planning the new restaurant. Immediately he knew this was going to be his next big step. “I want this to be a fun place. I was tired of doing
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FOOD
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THIS IS AMERICA AND IT IS ALREADY GREAT
Spring is on the right side of the tracks. By Frank Mack
I’ve got two sweet boutique dining rooms this month both surrounded by the America we are all looking to share. Granted you’ll have to drive over to the Chef Brian So Marietta Square for these guys but hey we’ve got to get out of our backyards every now and again. Chefs occasionally sprout from the earth like fresh vegetables. More than a few learned by taking the worst job in the kitchen and working their way up from there and some chefs learned their starter skills from culinary schools. Whatever the educational degree or path, chef is a title that needs to be earned. More than fat has been burned to death in kitchens. Egos, feet, backs and life itself can, and probably will, end up as grist if you choose the path of least resistance. Over in Marietta there are two graduates, one from the legendary Le Cordon Bleu and the other from the growing Atlanta Culinary Institute, earning those titles. Each of these chefs from different schools are plying their trade just yards off the Marietta Square. Two Chefs, two distinct stories, utterly different takes and styles give us two distinctive boutique dining rooms. Spring Restaurant, located at 90 Marietta Station Walk, is the first independent creation of Chef Brian So. The address doesn’t tell you it’s ridiculously well hidden but well worth finding! In this case the discovery is really part of the fun. You almost have to walk the train tracks to get to it. It’s that cool. This place features a simple sign, barely enough tables, tiny kitchen and but big talent. That’s it. That’s Chef So’s plan. His plan is to out cook everything you’ve tasted, challenge your expectations and serve you an unbelievable meal. His menu? He serves a small, ever-changing menu that is dictated by seasonality and sustainability. Let’s not over complicate greatness by putting labels on this mans creations. I had his melon soup, some chicken liver pate on toast, grass-fed steak tartare and an early fall salad featuring tomatoes and figs. Those were the starters, for two, yikes! We followed with grilled Spanish mackerel and a pan roasted quail. Folks, this guy is very good. This is clearly a chef to watch and a room to visit and revisit. His menu is constantly changing so chances are it’s already changed but I doubt you’ll ever be disappointed. This is not a fixed menu type of concept so you have to be in a creative mood but let me say Marietta picked up an instant
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Never board...BJ Shaffer & Chef Stoney Morris. hit, a romantic hide-a-way. Something new! Chef So is a graduate of our own Atlanta Culinary Institute. Love that local boy, local school, and little guy courage with a small business hook to his story. I love his no nonsense understated sincere style of design and the balance his menu shows. Personal showmanship is nothing. The food, service, classic fine dining experiences are everything. Humility infuses his presence, but not his palate, so please, pay attention. A half block south of the square, just past the always-packed Marietta Pizza Company is my second fantastic find. It’s a totally different place, with an even more amazing local story that ends up graduating a Georgia son from the legendary Le Cordon Blue. Chef Stoney Morris leads the Double Take Cafe, located at 34 Powder Springs Street, in partnership with another pure showman, Mr. B.J. Shaffer. These guys present everything in a totally unique manner with massive smiles. They are obviously determined to have fun feeding people really well or die trying. Some partnerships should be. This is one of those. The insanity compliments itself in a dining room like no other. Chalkboard walls tell the menu story. It’s quirky, cozy, and nothing about it is at all shy. Not the plates, not the food, not the staff and not the guys in charge. They insist you leave the frown at the door offering warm, smiling service all the way. I will put this under uniquely inventive southern comfort done very casual
with zero seriousness about anything but quality, excellence and the happiness of anyone coming near their place. These two are seriously connected small town Southerners who’ve got something to say about what we are eating. They intend to upgrade everything from the BBQ, to the
Yum..Double Take does chili right. Mac-n-cheese, to the chili...all the way through the grits. Morris is endlessly inventing almost to the point of saying it doesn’t matter what I loved last time. Because by the time you visit next time it’s gone, and that’s the way it goes, with these monster creative fearless restaurants these days. Also, say hello to a Veteran who earned his degree the old fashioned way with 2 tours and the GI Bill. I can support that! This is the America I love. This is living local and participation by choice. I am very pleased to see more and more of us doing that from the Square in Marietta, to Canton Street in Roswell and downtown Alpharetta. Forget the election folks, this is the already great America and I wouldn’t have it any other way. ❍
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND NOTES By Tricia Morris
EAST COBB/ROSWELL Chris Talley, the Operating Partner at Common Quarter in East Cobb has decided to step away from the business and will no longer be the manager there. Talley spent three years at Common Quarter, since its inception. No worries though. Common Quarter will remain in business and still be a part of the community. A kids new and resale boutique is opening Oct. 29 in the Parkaire Shopping Center on Johnson Ferry. Change It Up is owned by East Cobb mom, Lauren Wallace, who wanted to open a resale boutique in the area. The store will sell new and upscale brand name clothing with sizes from toddler to tweens both boys and girls. The Avenue East Cobb has had a couple changes. Two restaurants closed last month, Cheeky and Brixx. No news as to what will be moving in to the Brixx location at press time. Cheeky, however will become a Tin Lizzy’s and is scheduled to open later this month. Tin Lizzy’s Cantina offers delicious FlexMex cuisine. FlexMex resembles Tex-Mex, but is comprised and influenced by many cultures, and is also an attitude or experience that evokes a feeling of belonging and pure awesomeness. Known for fun food with unique flavors, the Atlanta-born and -based restaurant and bar serves more than 25 soft tacos, quesadillas, specialty skillets and more. Diners can customize their meal with a variety of fresh ingredients and enjoy one of the many specialty margaritas or cocktails from the bar. La Tavola Kitchen on the corner of Lower Roswell and Woodlawn has also closed its doors. But as they say, “as one door closes another one opens.” Family owned Egg Harbor Café will open sometime early 2017. Egg Harbor Café specializes in gourmet breakfast and lunch daily, in a warm, charming, country-style setting with décor that features chickens, eggs and country artwork collected with love and care. Unless you belong to a country club or have a clubhouse to rent in your neighborhood, you’ll find that event space in East Cobb is a little hard to come by. I happen to come across a perfect fix to that need in Cosmopolitan Live. Conveniently located off I-75 on Delk Road, the restaurant can accommodate parties from 10 to 500. In addition to a full service event facility, they’re open for lunch and dinner daily and have live entertainment by way of national and local acts on the weekends. Definitely worth looking into. Isakson Living has ended its litigation against the Cobb County Board of Commissioners to appeal the Board’s 2015 denial of CCRC zoning. Also, Isakson Living has terminated their contract with Mrs. Wylene Tritt for the beautiful 54acre Tritt Property located next to East Cobb Park. Continues on page 30
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Looking for a great family event? The 66th Annual Roswell Youth Day Celebration will be held on Oct. 8 in historic Roswell. Youth Day festivities start at 10 a.m. with the annual parade, which will begin at First Baptist Church on Mimosa Boulevard and end in Roswell Area Park on Woodstock Road. This year’s theme is “Everybody Plays.” Immediately preceding the start of the parade at 9:45am, the 20th Annual Historic Roswell 5K Road Race will begin. The race—which benefits the Friends of the Roswell Parks’ “Play It Forward Program”—starts at the Roswell United Methodist Church and ends at the Roswell Area Park football field. To register, please visit www.active.com or contact Susan Silver at 770-817-6670. The City of Roswell was recently honored with four national awards for projects produced by its Community Relations Division—three for its popular #WhenInRoswell Campaign and one for its “Hearts of Hope” Relay for Life promotional video. The projects were recognized as standouts by the CityCounty Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA)—a professional organization of more than 700 public communicators and marketers from all over the nation—at the group’s annual conference.
ALPHARETTA/JOHNS CREEK With the resurgence of our downtowns, parking has been problematic to say the least. Roswell has been dealing with the issue for years on Canton Street and now Alpharetta is taking the problem head on. Until recently council favored a spot closer to the downtown area but most residents seem to favor a parking deck farther from the downtown area. Most want to encourage more foot traffic. The initial site chosen was located between Old Roswell and Roswell Street. Two other sites are being considered. The first is between Roswell Street and Cotton Alley and the second is on Milton Avenue east of Rest Haven Cemetery. A vote will be taken during October. That magic word in development “mixed use” is being used again as another large scale project is being proposed at the corner of GA 400 and Haynes Bridge Road. Atlanta-based companies Fuqua Development LLC and TPA Group recently submitted plans in the city for a 62-acre project at Haynes Bridge Road and Ga. 400. The development would include 430 apartments, 70 townhomes, 78,800 square feet of retail, 36,800 square feet of restaurants and 500,500 square feet of office. There would also be more than 17 acres of green space, according to documents submitted in Alpharetta. The Alpharetta office market is hot right now with occupancy in the single digits. Transportation is a big topic in the suburbs and local municipalities are looking to work cooperatively to solve traffic issues. The six North Fulton Cities—Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, and Sandy
Alpharetta seeks solutions for parking.
Public Art, continued from page 15 “You want public art to fit the culture of the town and integrate smoothly into the community,” Gates said. “The other big piece of that is creating public art policy. What if someone wants to give a sculpture to the city? It sounds great, but we need to know what the process is for that. Who will take care of it? Who is responsible for it? We are now establishing these guidelines ourselves, with great amounts of consultation and input from expert place makers around the country, as well as the citizens of Roswell. I want people to start thinking in these terms. Yes, you can build a road, but why not design a road with transportation and art working together to create something iconic?” The Public Art Master Plan, which will take around six months to complete, will clearly outline the path that Roswell intends to take in its growing relationship with public art. “Designing Local is looking forward to working with the Roswell Arts Fund and the City of Roswell to solidify continued investment in itself through the creation of a Public Art Master Plan,” Designing Local principal partner Amanda Golden said. “Residents will have the chance to prioritize locations and types of public art they would like to see throughout the city.” The Public Art Master Plan is projected to be completed by March 2017 and will be unveiled soon after. “I’m so excited about the whole process,” Gates said. “We have an opportunity to really distinguish ourselves here by having a strong dedication to public art that would set us apart from the surrounding communities.” ❍
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Springs—are partnering with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) to complete an update of the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan (NFCTP), first adopted in 2010. The NFCTP will consider transportation solutions across multiple modes, including roadway, public transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and freight, in both the near future (5 years) and the long-term (25 years). An online survey is available for all members of the public to provide feedback on future transportation needs. Please visit www.NorthFultonCTP.com to take the survey and to learn more. Beyond voting for the next president the Nov. 8 election has some importance with regards to our roads. In recent weeks, residents throughout North Fulton have been hearing about another transportation-related matter, the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) referendum. Many of the projects in the North Fulton T-SPLOST list were identified as priorities in the 2010 NFCTP. The NFCTP is a communityvisioning effort that builds on the T-SPLOST, which could provide $378 million for transportation improvements in North Fulton County over the next five years should the referendum pass on Nov. 8. The NFCTP helps the region prioritize critical transportation investments beyond the scope of the T-SPLOST and into the next 25 years. Local governments are encouraging yes votes so that funds will be made available to solve some of these large transportation problems. ❍
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Fall Festival Season Promises to be
HOT! Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival
Our Guide to Fall Festivals Lee Gamble at the Johns Creek Arts Festival.
By Jessica Diamond
D
espite a temperature reading that clearly indicates six more weeks of summer, the fall season is officially upon us. This means that cold weather or not, we will wear our boots and flannel with pride, sweating and smiling in the knowledge that colorful leaves, cooler temps and fall festivals are just around the corner… hopefully. Not sure what’s out there? Don’t sweat it! The following is a guide for just a few of the fall festivals we can look forward to in the coming weeks. There is something for everyone, so check it out!
metro FESTIVALS
Few events capture the magic and mystery of the fall season like the Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival in Kennesaw. Spend the weekend this Oct. 21 and 22 in a world where anyone can be anything and birds aren’t alone in the sky. See some of the most creative and elaborate costumes this side of Dragon Con while you enjoy a diverse range of live entertainment, a bit of trick-ortreating, a dash of Oktober fest and of course, tethered hot air balloon rides that give you a stunning view of the illuminated festival and surrounding Kennesaw. Take in the music, watch live performers and acrobats, shop the marketplace, sip craft beer and try a bit of everything you see. Join the Kennesaw Owls for what is sure to be the most photogenic weekend of your year. Find details and tickets at www.owl-o-ween.com. It’s an open secret that Little Five Points is a bit like Halloween year round. On any given day, visitors can find a brilliant array of costumes, personas and spectacles, not to mention stories to last a lifetime. That being the case, you can only imagine this unique little corner of the city when Halloween actually
Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
rolls around and this weird little neighborhood really comes into its own. Naturally, the Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade has been deemed one of the top ten Halloween inspired events in the nation. This event averages more than 35,000 visitors each year and is only expected to grow. This massive party will include dozens of artists and vendors selling what is sure to be one-of-a-kind merchandise, more local food than you can possibly choose from and, of course, the most impressive and engaging Halloween parade you are ever likely to experience. Don’t miss this chance to let your freak flag fly on Oct. 15. Learn more about what’s to come at www.l5phalloween.com.
adoptions. And talk about a unique feature—artists also contribute pieces of artwork that the organizers hide throughout the festival. You find it, you keep it! You’ve heard of door prizes, well this is an outdoor prize. The serene green space across from The Atlanta Athletic Club will come alive for the 5th annual Johns Creek Arts Festival featuring 130 whimsical and fun artisans from around the country. This beautiful and sprawling spot overlooking Medlock Bridge Road is the perfect venue to showcase the talented artisans who will be exhibiting their paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, yard art and many more goodies. There will also be plenty of food, children’s games and pets are welcome. The festival takes place Oct. 15 and 16 at the Atlanta Athletic Club Fields located at 1930 Bobby Jones Drive in Johns Creek.
mountain FESTIVALS
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Nothing says autumn like the beautiful North Georgia Mountains and during this time of the year, with the leaves changing, a short drive north is well worth it. Many of these mountain towns welcome guests with festivals large and small. There isn’t a beer enthusiast alive who hasn’t considered making the pilgrimage to Germany for the holiest of fermented holidays, Oktoberfest. Luckily, Georgia offers a much more logistically friendly option. Transport yourself to a traditional Bavarian village for a surprisingly authentic experience in one of the most unexpected places—the north Georgia mountains. The city of Helen, a faux Bavarian town, is home to the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States and runs from mid-September through October. Treat yourself to countless types of German beer, bratwurst, traditional
Mike Snowden, of Snowden Guitars, at the Chastain Park Arts Festival.
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Need something for the little ones? Look no further than the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park. The Pumpkin Festival stretches throughout the month of October and offers a range of pumpkin-themed attractions. Meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin and enjoy his recitation of classic and contemporary stories and join his friends for the Dance-A-Long Party Parade. Then settle in for an evening on the lawn to enjoy a picnic and the classic Stone Mountain laser show. They also feature many other “wintery” events like the ever-popular Snow Mountain. Now snow is something we could use right now! Learn more about Stone Mountain’s fall attractions at www.stonemountainpark.com. The Chastain Park Arts Festival is held on Nov. 5 and 6. This annual festival features more than 150 artists from across the country, nestled among the colorful tress of Chastain Park. This time of year offers a great picture perfect setting and the event continues to grow. They have a unique children’s area, which features its own music stage and pet
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There’s something inherently romantic about the idea of day tripping to the mountains to pick apples. Why is it romantic? I honestly don’t know… but each fall, Pinterest is covered in photos of cute couples in flannel carrying baskets of apples in front of red and orange leaves. It may sound silly, but it gets to you. Suddenly, you think you smell cinnamon and you have a tugging desire to build a fire. Take advantage of this scenic time of year to visit the 45th Georgia Apple Festival in beautiful Ellijay. Not only will you have access to the sweetest, juiciest apples the Appalachians have to offer, but you can also enjoy shopping over 300 local vendors selling and demonstrating how to make different handcrafted items. Of course, as with any good festival, there will be plenty of apple festival inspired food, drinks and entertainment. Make a weekend of it Oct. 8-9, and if you still haven’t had enough, return for a repeat performance on Oct. 15-16. Learn more at www.georgiaapplefestival.org.
Helen, GA offers the perfect setting for Oktoberfest.
German bands and the most attractive of all Germanic clothing, lederhosen. Throw on a pair of those and you’ll be dancing Polka in no time. The beer will help with that as well, of course. Why spend endless time and money transporting yourself and friends to Germany when the best Oktoberfest in the country is just a short drive north? Load up the car and enjoy a truly international experience just a stone’s throw from home in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Find additional information and schedules at www.Helenchamber.com/Helen/Oktoberfest. Prost!
Fall Arts in the Park in Blue Ridge, GA
Fall Arts in the Park is held in Blue Ridge, GA on Oct. 8 and 9. It features fine art, great food and plenty of beautiful colors on the trees not to mention the canvases. Peak leaf season in the mountains is mid-October so this is a great time to take a drive north and enjoy the splendor of nature with over a hundred of artists from across the nation. Additionally, there are the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Fall Foliage Excursions. These trips start at the depot in downtown Blue Ridge and take you through the great foliage in the area. The downtown area of Blue Ridge has a lot on offer as well so there is the chance to make a weekend out of this trip. Oh, and don’t forget there is a real live Drive-In theater in Blue Ridge. It’s an original built in the 1950s. Take the kids and show them a world before Netflix and HDTVs. And there you have it—a fall festival for every age, taste and interest. If you pencil all of that in and still don’t have your fill of autumn themed events, be sure to check your community calendars for updates and more festivals around the state. Whether you’re hiking through the fall foliage in the north Georgia mountains or curling up in a dark Atlanta theatre with a tense Halloween thriller, there are more than a few festivals to get you in the Great Pumpkin spirit. ❍