Sterling Life August 2023

AUGUST 2023

Sterling Life

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER FOR STERLING HOMEOWNERS

Check out pages 16-17 to read about the unique bond between these Sterling moms!

Front orch Our

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5875 Peachtree Industrial Blvd #160, Norcross, GA 30092 | 770.623.6220

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www.ourfontporch.net

WHO TO CONTACT Clubhouse Hours & Address Monday-Friday 9am-5pm 7005 Lake Sterling Boulevard

PROPERTY MANAGER Allison VanKirk Totten manager@sterling-life.com Community concerns, matters relating to the Board of Directors, and the HOA ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER Ashley De La Cruz adelacruz@cmacommunities.com Community concerns and modification questions.

PROPERTY ADMINISTRATOR Fanny Lopez famaya@cmacommunities.com General account and community questions ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR activities@Sterling-Life.com Information about activities and events, fitness classes, clubhouse and lodge rentals, marketing, Sterling- Life.com questions, and amenity access cards LANDSCAPE Greenwood Group sterlinginfo@greenwoodgroup.net

Need An Access Card?

Resident Amenity Cards Photo Amenity Access Cards are available to all current residents. They are used to access your amenities, and for access to many of our events (including restrooms). This photo ID should always be kept with you while using the amenities as you may be asked to verify that you are a resident. This protects the investment that you have made in your community, ensuring that only Sterling on the Lake residents and their guests use their facilities.

How To Obtain An Access Card Please email SOTLaccesscards@gmail.com a photo of each person in need of a card, and your closing documents, to receive your amenity access cards. You will be provided two complimentary photo access cards. Additional cards may be purchased for family members living in your home for a cost of $25 per card. A parent must be present when cards are issued to residents under the age of 18 years old. Only minors 13 and over can be issued an amenity card.

LOST OR DAMAGED CARDS CAN BE REPLACED FOR $25 PER CARD. Tenants Must obtain homeowner approval to receive amenity cards. You will have to purchase your cards for $25 per card. Please email SOTLaccesscards@gmail.com photos and your leasing documents to receive your amenity cards.

THE RETREAT Ashley Grannum agrannum@cmacommunities.com For Retreat specific questions or concerns CMA AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY NUMBER 404-835-9100 Please call this number for emergencies involving amenity and common areas such as fire, flood, etc.

STAY INFORMED! Are you registered to receive community email blasts? Are they going to SPAM? Check your SPAM folder and mark them as “NOT SPAM”. To be added to the communications list please email activities@sterling-life.com

CONTACT US TODAY • 770-623-6220 • info@frontporchatlanta.com Sterling Life is a publication of Our Front Porch. Subject matter published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of this newsletter.

Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of the ads placed in this publication. Material published may not be reproduced without the written permission of Our Front Porch.

The contents of this newsletter are provided for the members of the Sterling On The Lake neighborhood as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the neighborhood of such opinions, information, goods or services.

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

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Have you had an opportunity to support the new service project in Sterling? We began in October and are continuing to grow!

Outdoor Modification Requests

You will have the opportunity to be a part of The Sandwich Project and participate in a weekly drop off at the Clubhouse every Wednesday. EVERY WEDNESDAY, we are asking for any residents who would like to be a part of this to make and drop off sandwiches to the clubhouse. This will take place every Wednesday. To participate, check out the QR code to read the instructions on what sandwiches are needed and how to assemble. Then simply come to the Clubhouse during business hours (between 9am-5pm) and place your sandwiches in the Clubhouse refrigerator in the kitchen. On the kitchen counter, you will find a sign up sheet to fill out and a label to label your sandwiches (either peanut butter & jelly or deli).

For questions, please call or text Kristina directly at 678-372-7959.

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re you planning for that new deck or that new pool addition? Please keep in mind that any modification to the exterior of your home must be approved by the Association. Please plan accordingly for all projects, including holiday and birthday gifts. Failure to receive prior approval may result in unauthorized modification

fines.

The Design Review process is outlined below:

1. DRC meetings to review applications are scheduled every 2 weeks. Contact the HOA office to confirm when the next meeting will be held. All documentation (2 copies) must be submitted the Friday before the meeting date.

2. Modification Application- can be found under the documents tab on www. sterling-life.com 3. Supporting Documentation- ensure all required documentation, including but not limited to, paint samples, roof shingles, plat/survey site, material lists, renderings, etc. are included with your application. Failure to provide the required documentation may result in delays in the processing time.

4. Review Fee- there is a $75 review fee for most projects. Please confirm with the checklist if there are additional fees required. All fees must be paid prior to starting the review process. Fees are payable via check or money order.

Meeting Dates: ɖ August 1st | Documentation Due July 28th

ɖ August 29th | Documentation Due August 25

ɖ August 15th | Documentation Due August 11th

If you have any questions, please contact Ashley De La Cruz adelacruz@cmacommunities.com

Paint with Kelly Turley Come join us at the Lodge! Painting: Emerald Lagoon Friday August 25th | 7-9pm | $35 per person Sign up today to reserve you and your friends a seat (678) 600-4642 Venmo: @KellyTurleyart | Cashapp:@infiniteart | Zelle:(678) 600-4642 4

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August 2023 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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Wednesday

2 DRC Meeting

Pool Committee Meeting 6:307:30pm (Lodge)

Thursday

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Friday

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5 Back to School Pool Party

Sandwich Project

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Tennis Committee Meeting 6:307:30pm (Lodge)

Lakes & Trails Committee Meeting 6:30-8pm

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Landscape Committee Meeting 6-7:30pm (Lodge)

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Finance Committee Meeting 5-6pm (Lodge)

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29 DRC Meeting

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DRC Applications Due

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Sandwich Project

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Board Working Session

30 Sandwich Project

Dueling Pianos

Paint with Kelly

Sandwich Project

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Sandwich Project

16 DRC Meeting

Saturday

DRC Applications Due

31 Board Meeting 6-8pm

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

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Empty Nester Clubs and Groups PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE CLUB CONTACT FOR FULL DETAILS! Our Empty Nesters continue to stay engaged and enjoy life and diverse activities thanks to the residents who have volunteered to coordinate the groups! To join one of the groups listed below, either contact the individual noted or attend an upcoming scheduled meeting or activity!

EMPTY NESTERS CALENDAR BY THE WEEK

Register as a user on our Empty Nesters Group page on www. sterling-life.com for updates on meeting times, new groups, activities and additional details for Empty Nester events!

CH = Clubhouse LD = The Lodge TBA = email Register for ALL events at the Main Clubhouse

CO-ED GROUPS/SINGLES Mexican Train Dominoes

Judigritz@gmail.com

Euchre Club

Darlene.Hanson@dgscpa.com

Empty Nesters Travel Group

Oliver.mcclellan@gmail.com

Theater and Music Group

Merceboling@gmail.com

WOMEN’S ACTIVITES Ladies Bunco Group Moving to 4th Wednesday of the month!

We want to give a huge shout-out to Coleen Pecha for her years of service coordinating the Bunco night! She is very much appreciated!

Ladies Bridge Ladies American Mahjong Mahjong cards have increased to $15

amaries1970@gmail.com; sue.barcus@gmail.com

Merceboling@gmail.com lynnagnes625@gmail.com

Ladies Canasta

Pmorel14@verizon.net

Ladies Luncheon

gailgranata@me.com

Ladies Knitting/Crochet

gailgranata@me.com

Ladies Mexican Train Dominos

Pmorel14@verizon.net

Singles Just Want to Have Fun

Amaries1970@gmail.com

SLAP

Lindag2530@hotmail.com

Sterling Reviews Book Club

Zhangmin96@hotmail.com; ginnyretired@yahoo.com

Ladies Sewing and Quilting

curleefo917@gmail.com

Ladies Walking Group

lynnagnes625@gmail.com

MEN’S ACTIVITIES Men’s Breakfast

rmmarzano@gmail.com

ROMEO Lunch

Meet at Main Clubhouse 11:15 am

WEEKLY SPORTS Ladies Social Pickleball Men’s Tennis

Kenkitt1@att.net

Men’s Golf

Boblester@charter.net

NEED A NAME TAG?

Linda Gribbon - lindag2530@hotmail.com

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Rprobst46@yahoo.com

Sterling Life // August 2023

SECOND SUNDAY SOCIALS BUNCO/Light Appetizers August 13th - Cost is $12

MARVELOUS MONDAYS 2nd – Kniting/Crocheting (10 – noon LD) 4th - Kniting/Crocheting (10 – noon LD) Mexican Train Dominos (1-3pm) CH* Canasta (1-3pm) CH* *Mexican Train Dominos and Canasta alternate every other Monday

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS 2nd - Ladies Bunco (2-5 LD) 3rd – Sterling Reviews Book Club (7pm LD) 4th – Ladies Bunco (7pm LD)

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS 1st – ROMEOS (11am CH) 1st – Music & Song Circle (3pm LD) 4th – Ladies Luncheon (TBA) 2nd - ROMEOS (11am CH) 2nd – EN Social Comm Meeting (7:00 pm LD) 3rd – Co-ed Mexican Train Dominoes (6:30 pm CH) 3rd - ROMEOS (11am CH) 3rd – Ladies Walking Group (TBA) 4th - ROMEOS (11am CH) 4th – Ladies Bunco (6:30 LD)

TREMENDOUS THURSDAYS 1st – Ladies Sewing and Quilting Group (9:30-noon LD) 1st – Am Mahjong (1:30 – 4pm LD) 1st – Co-ed Euchre (6:30- 9pm LD) 3rd - Am Mahjong (1:30 – 4pm LD) 3rd – Co-ed Euchre (6:30 – 9pm LD) 5th - Am Mahjong (1:30 – 4pm LD)

FABULOUS FRIDAYS 1st/3rd/5th – Men’s Breakfast (9am Papa Jack’s)

EN PAST EVENTS EN past Luncheon at Fishtales EN Ladies Luncheon group enjoyed a delicious lunch at Fishtales in Flowery Branch!

EN Walking Club In June, SOTL Walkers Club went to Rock Creek Veterans Memorial Park and Longwood Park. It was terrificshady, great people and pooches along the way with some crossing over the highway for a brief visit to see Lake Lanier. Lunch was at Consuelo- a new, “cool” looking upscale restaurant which got rave reviews for delicious food and drinks! As you can see in the photo, a lot of smiles!!

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

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4th of July Flag Placement In honor of the Holiday, the Romeo’s group in conjunction with the Police Explorer Scouts placed 400 flags up and down Lake Sterling Blvd and in front of the clubhouse. This activity added greatly to the appearance of the neighborhood as we celebrate the 4th.

As you may be aware, many of the Romeo members are ex-military; and wanted to honor the many freedoms we all enjoy in this country.

Job well done and thanks to all who participated!

The activity was well received by the residents of SOTL; and the current plan is for flags to be displayed in varying fashion on the following Holidays.

• Memorial Day • 4th of July

Should you be interested in participating in the next flag placement, please notify the office at: famaya@cmacommunities.com

• Veteran’s Day

Special thanks are due the Flowery Branch Police Department; for their assistance in keeping all those placing flags safe.

Fall Cornhole League Fall Registration Period: now through August 20 Fall League Dates: 9/1/23, 9/8/23 9/15/23, 9/22/23, 9/29/23, 10/6/23, 10/13/23, 10/20/23 Registration Link: http://www.peachstatecornhole.com/ flowery-branch/ 8

Sterling Life // August 2023

Sterling Clubs & Groups

Open to Everyone!

CO-ED GROUPS Music and Song Circle gossedward@gmail.com Pickleball ablenke@hotmail.com 60’s and 70’s Music Roundtable kguinn@bellsouth.net

WOMEN’S ACTIVITIES The Fireball Ladies (Intermediate Level Play Pickleball) dmfaer72@gmail.com Sterling Ladies Social Pickleball Group rprobst46@yahoo.com

The Sterling Stripers had a great 2023 Season! ◆ 108 swimmers this season -- including 54 new athletes!

who both placed 3rd overall in their age group division!

◆ Swam in 8 official meets & had many swimmers achieve personal best times across the season!

◆ 20 swimmers qualified to compete in the GRPA State Swim Meet in Columbus, GA July 14 & 15!

◆ 2 swimmers place in our pentathlon meet -Mikayla Chapek & Aaron Pancake, both won 5th overall for their age group division!

Check out the swim team website

◆ Placed third overall in team points during our league championship meet & had 2 swimmers who won a trophy for individual high point placement -- Katie Wilsey & Arden Jensen,

2023 STERLING

Ladies Golf ruthielesser@gmail.com Ladies Bunco 2nd Tuesday kenkitt1@att.net Ladies Bunco 3rd Thursday carrie.kiger@gmail.com Mercy MATTers jepray@outlook.com

for up to date information about registration for next season starting in March 2024. sotl. swimtopia.com

SWIM TEAM

THANK YOU SPONSORS! Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

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Past Events Fathers Day Bourbon Tasting hosted by Peter Truong with The Piedmont Group Thank you to resident, Peter Truong with The Piedmont Group for hosting another great event for the community! In honor of Mothers Day in May, Peter hosted a mothers day Sip & Paint for the ladies of Sterling. In June, Peter honored the Fathers of Sterling by hosting a Bourbon Tasting, courtesy of Remedy Distillery. The men of Sterling feasted on a delicious BBQ buffet provided by Peter.

We hope you will join Peter in his last event for 2023- TRIVIA NIGHT on September 15th! More details to come!

Fireworks We hosted our annual Fireworks event on July 1st! It was the hottest day of the year to date, but an unexpected wind storm came which cooled things off! We were fortunate to avoid rain that evening! Prior to the start of the 14 minute fireworks display, we hosted a variety of food trucks, music and fun for the whole family!

Thank you to our sponsors for making the event special for kids of all ages!

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Sterling Life // August 2023

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

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FROM THE LANDSCAPE COMMITTEE

Holes in your home landscape?

Here’s how to select new plants!

Plants with contrasting or showy characteristics, like this weeping, red, cut-leaf Japanese maple, can provide a clever solution to filling a hole in the landscape. (Photo by Sheri Dorn) Now that the weather has warmed up, many Georgians have found that where their yards once had healthy and full plantings, there are now holes and scraps of plants.

Residents of Georgia and other parts of the Southeast inevitably arrive at the same observation: Cold temperatures this past December and weather conditions in subsequent months wreaked havoc on home landscapes.

A trio of Hydrangea paniculata in my own landscape is now a duo, with a hole in the middle where the plants don’t quite meet. Weeds are finding opportunities that weren’t there before.

Like many others, this has me looking for ideas to restore order and beauty.

Replacing dead plants Speaking of hydrangeas, it seems simple to remove the existing dead shrub and replace it with another of the same cultivar. Since I know exactly what was planted originally, I can easily do this. However, you may not know the exact varieties of the plants in your landscape. It may be a boxwood or a Japanese holly, but if you use a different cultivar for replacement — or even confuse a boxwood with a holly — you will likely end up with an unsatisfactory result as the plants grow and the differences become more obvious.

Instead of replacing like with like, consider something new. Here are a few options: Try a container garden Perhaps the gap in the plant materials allows for an attractive container garden. This will provide 12

Sterling Life // August 2023

a visual point of interest rather than emphasizing that something is missing. Be sure to choose a container that is sized in scale with the landscape around it. Choose a mixture of annual and perennial plants to achieve the visual effect that you desire. Perennial plants that bloom year after year can add color to the landscape while also offering forage for pollinators Install specimen plants If the planting arrangement allows, you may now have space for a specimen plant. These plants are intentionally different from the existing plants, like a plant with a weeping habit, contorted branching or variegated foliage. Specimen plants are planted specifically to draw the eye and command interest in their own right. This allows you to replace fewer items and work with what you have already.

Strategically placed container gardens can fill a void in the landscape with relative ease. (Photo by Sheri Dorn)

Renovate your beds If you have holes where plants have died and the remaining plants are in rough shape, consider starting over. Remove the existing plants and replace with something new. This gives the opportunity to try new plants, reconfigure a bed to better fit the site or choose plants better suited to your conditions.

Making plant selections Once you have an idea of what kind of plant or plants you’re looking for and how they will be used in the landscape, gather some basic information about your site. Know how much sun and shade is present throughout the day. For sites that start sunny and become shady (or vice versa), have a

good idea of the number of hours of sun and shade.

Check your soil to see whether it drains well or tends to be damp. Estimate how much space you have for the plants to fill, including height and width. Make note of any windows or views that you should avoid blocking.

Once you have this baseline information, you can make plant selections. You may want an evergreen, medium-sized shrub to contrast with several deciduous shrubs that change color in the fall.

You may want a weeping specimen or a plant with vibrant foliage. You may want a bed of flowering perennials that provide color and forage for pollinators when the landscape is otherwise green.

Whatever the scenario, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension publications on woody shrubs and groundcovers, trees, annuals and perennials can help you refine your choices.

You may even want to get a copy of the Georgia Master Gardener Handbook, which offers tips for installation and maintenance. For a limited time, you can get the handbook for $20 off with code SUMMER20.

If you have questions or want to verify whether your new choices will work, reach out to a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer for help. Master Gardeners are volunteers trained in horticulture and gardening to help answer your questions, and they are available through many of our county Extension offices. Find a Master Gardener near you at extension.uga.edu.

FOR SALE PICTURE PERFECT HOME IN WALKING DISTANCE TO AMENITIES

Sterling on the Lake Blood Drives July 6th 1-6pm September 7th 12-5pm November 2nd 12-5pm December 7th 12-5pm

Clubhouse – Community Room To make an appointment, please visit www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/finddrive and enter sponsor keyword: SOLC or contact Jackie Pray, Red Cross Volunteer and Sterling Resident Blood Donor Ambassador at Jackie.Pray@redcross.org OR 678-473-9353.

UNDER CONTRACT

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RECEIVE A $250 VISA GIFT CARD!*

CALL 678-780-7556

Remember to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water and get a good night’s rest before donating blood.

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To advertise in a neighborhood publication, please contact us at

Gloria Williams YOUR STERLING NEIGHBOR & REALTOR

OFFICE: 678-318-5000

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770-623-6220 • info@frontporchatlanta.com 5875 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Ste. 160 | Norcross, GA 30092

*Referred buyer must close on this property in order to receive gift card.

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

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Tennis and Pickleball JUNIOR TENNIS Tuesdays and Thursdays: ɖ 4:30-5:30pm ages10 and under ɖ 4:30-5:30pm ages 6 and under This class will focus on strokes and learning some match play Tuesdays and Thursdays: ɖ 5:30-6:30pm middle school age group This class will focus on shot selection and continued match play Class will be divided into at least two different skill levels Tuesdays and Thursdays: ɖ 6:30-8:30pm high school academy Coaches encourage tournament play for the top level of the junior academy All lessons will be taught by USPTA pros Travis Threadgill and Yul Ventor and assistant Bao Dang.

Travis has over twelve years of experience training athletes at all skill levels. There will be no more than an 8:1 player/instructor ratio.

ATTENTION JUNIOR PLAYERS Sterling on the Lake will host a one-day, Level 7, Junior Tennis Tournament on Saturday, August 12.

Register by visiting the QR code or reach out to Coach Travis.

ADULT TENNIS ɖ Tuesdays and Thursdays: ◆ 6:30-7:30pm adult beginner ◆ 6:30-7:30pm adult intermediate ◆ 7:30-8:30pm adult advanced ɖ Wednesday Mornings: ◆ 10—11am all levels ɖ Friday Mornings: ◆ 9:30—10:30am all levels Questions? Call or Email Travis Threadgill @ 678-863-2672; tgilltennis@gmail.com

STERLING ON THE LAKE LADIES TENNIS DROP-IN ROUND ROBIN When: Wednesdays from 9:30-11:30am Where: Courts 7 & 8 Contact: Call or text Kay MacMillan at 706-3082603 to confirm your reservation

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An email will go out each week inviting everyone to come and play. Meet and play with different players and neighbors. This is a fun way to practice without having to make several phone calls to get a foursome together. If you don’t care for playing at night or do not take lessons, this is an accessible alternative!

Reservations are set up to allow 2 courts/day/person making reservation, for 2 hours each, up to 14 days in advance.

PICKLEBALL RESERVATIONS Pickleball court reservations policy now align with current tennis court reservations policy.

Players will be able to reserve 2 courts up to 3 days per week, and for only two weeks at a time.

Reservations will utilize the Reserve My Court app.

This change will create a consistent reservation policy for the community and allow all residents an opportunity to play. As always, if there is need for an additional course and one is open, you may use an open court without reservations.

CO-ED PICKLEBALL ɖ Intermediate to advance level players Tuesdays and Thursdays nights 6-9:30 pm, year-round ɖ All levels welcome for the Monday-Friday play: ɖ December-April 2:00-4:00 pm ◆ May 10:00-12:00 pm ɖ June-November 9:00-11:30 am ◆ Courts 10-11 Contact: Pat Blenke, ablenke@hotmail.com

With the participation in Pickleball increasing rapidly, we need to be aware of court scheduling. When scheduling on Reserve My Court, please be sure that you only reserve two courts for the allotted number of days allowed.

We want to be sure that different groups of Pickleball participants have courts available for play. If there are empty courts when your group is playing, and no one is waiting to use them, please feel free to use the unused court(s).

ATTENTION ALL STERLING TENNIS PLAYERS! OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY: Adult Casual tennis, played Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9-11 AM at courts 4-6 (and Saturdays on courts 7 & 8, dependent on court availability) has primarily included senior men players.

However, players of all ages are encouraged to participate with this group, including female players. Contact: Ken Kittrell at Kenkitt1@att.net

REMINDER FOR ALL If you are the last one playing on the courts at night, please turn off the lights before you leave.

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

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were previously neighbors yet they did not know each other until now. Perhaps this was due to the fact that they admittedly “were not as open to others before they had children”. Let this be a lesson to us all. Openness and vulnerability might just lead us to amazing places.

“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh Regardless of how it occurred, they feel it was supposed to happen. For them there was no randomness; they voiced “we were meant to find each other, now”..

Modern Day Steel Magnolias “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

B

Marcel Proust

ecause of the work I do and what I teach, certain topics are important to me and are worth sharing with others. One such topic is friendship and how important they are to all of us. I feel so blessed to have great friends with whom I share my life. Some of whom I speak with daily. My life is more complete and happier because of them and what we share.

I often see friends regularly walking and talking on the streets of Sterling. For this article I hoped to learn more about those individuals (and others), and their friend connections.

With this in mind, I went to our Sterling Facebook page. I received one response, from Whitney. She was excited to share and I was excited to learn.

Initially, I thought I would simply do my question and answer session over the phone. But, I soon found out that all members of this group were eager to meet.

They had something amazing and could not wait to share. After a bit of scheduling we had a plan .

In preparation for my meeting with this group of friends, I, as any good interviewer would do, prepared a list of questions and talking points. As it turns out, my preparation was unnecessary. These women are an open book and were eager to tell me what this group collectively means to them.

Upon arrival, I was greeted at the door by Whitney.

With a lovely smile and greeting she invited me into Emily’s home. Her welcome was genuine and I could sense she was glad I was there. Emily however was running late and was not home. If this sounds a little

odd, it is not. For these women, I later found out, this is simply a part of who they are and what they do for each other. Emily needed a little help and Whitney was there.

Soon others in the group arrived. Some with kids in tow. Without hesitation the children quickly found their way to the abundance of toys and freedom that were a part of this home. It was not clear to me which child belonged to whom, but that seemed unimportant. There was a sense of freedom here where people and kids could gather to just BE. We soon found our way to the kitchen table where we convened. It all seemed so natural for them. I would suppose that many family meals, friend gatherings and heartfelt conversations also took place at this very table.

After introductions, I posed a few questions/ideas and we were off.

First let me describe the particulars of this group.

They are all working moms who are in their 30s. Each has young children who can and do play together and one has a teenage step child. They also live in close proximity to each other in Sterling. One of the members is relatively new to the group, not quite a year, but the others have been friends for three to four years.

They met each other in remarkable ways and “doors to this friendship were opened”. A garage sale and last minute conversation with a customer led to an invitation to have a mimosa. A facebook post and response for a walking partner led to another friendship and playground encounters spurred more opportunities to gather and learn about each other.

These chance meetings and T-ball brought these moms together.

It was surprising to find out that two of the ladies

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There are many shared bonds for this group. They are mindful of their personal well-being and that of others. Their priorities are aligned and they are in lockstep with their faith. They love to have fun together and one noted “there is the wine too”.

Whitney remarked “we also have diverse personalities and range of interests, but opposites attract and we are stronger and better because of our differences”.

They learn and grow from each other through sharing.

Another bonus for them is that their spouses are also friends. Even though Ashley is not presently married, she never feels alone. Even in group gatherings there is no sense of being a “fifth wheel”. She suggested she might be found with the ladies or having bourbon with the guys. I found this to be remarkable.

They noted, “when we are together, conversations simply flow.” Christina allowed “we can come here with anything”. Yes, before we go further, there may be some loving words of encouragement and occasional “righting of the emotional ship”, but it all seems to work. During our conversation, I noted Sarah’s quieter demeanor, but she was quick to note the importance of these ladies to her life.

As we discussed this, they suggested that other friendships had not always been so easy. The ease with which this group relates comes down to one word, TRUST. In this group they all feel safe. They do something that some can find challenging. That is to be vulnerable and authentic. They accept each other unconditionally. Ashley suggested, “I can be who I truly am here, there is no judgment, negativity or pretense and that is so important”. They can and have cried in each other’s living rooms because they know they are truly loved and have a soft, reliable landing place.

I mentioned what experts suggest, healthier and happier people have very strong connected friend groups. And, asked how this was true for them.

There was an easy response from each: “I never feel that I am alone”.

“Without these ladies, I would not have made it”.

“This is my sanity”.

“This is something that is reliable, I can count on them and this”.

“Here I feel totally safe and loved”.

“We check on and check up with each other”.

These ladies share much of their lives. They support each other in the good times and help others deal

with their losses. They are truly connected in spirit. There is something so powerful about them and their combined truth.

As humans, we need each other and in our world we all need the comfort that great friendships like this offer.

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey There is also great cohesion to this group. They know that they can count on each other. If one needs some Pedialyte someone typically has extra to share. If a mom needs to leave for a bit, someone will step in to watch their child.

They look out for each other,respect boundaries of work and other obligations and are always willing to help as they can.

In their own words “it takes a village”. They truly live their lives with this in mind.

All of this is consistent with traditional friend groups in Okinawa Japan.

In small neighborhoods across Okinawa, friends “meet for a common purpose” (sometimes daily and sometimes a couple days a week) to gossip, experience life, and to share advice and even financial assistance when needed. They call these groups their MOAI. Okinawa Japan is known for those friend groups and longevity. This group of ladies in Sterling is a true American MOAI. I asked each to share what others represent to the group and got the following list. Not surprisingly, this was easy. Each was notably touched by the comments.

◆ Emily: She is a great host. Her home is always open to us. (Remember, this is the home where we met) ◆ Sarah: Grounded in faith and life. The moral compass. There was talk of a possible Bible study. ◆ Whitney: Adds fun and humor. Very creative ◆ Christina: Kindhearted human being ◆ Ashley: Tough and resilient. She is the lecturer and momma bear The meeting ended much too soon for me. But, busy moms have other things to do. Before I left, I asked them to “adopt me” into their group. They laughed and noted there was a tryout on the playground and a two month trial period.

Although this was said in jest, I would guess the ladies, much like members of Okinawa Moais, are very protective of who comes into their inner circle. Due to the self proclaimed perfection of this group, I would be cautious too.

When I posted and later received a response from Whitney, I was not sure what to expect. What I know now is that I received so much more than I could ever imagine. When I left the meeting, I could not decide if I needed to cry or just smile. I felt at peace and joyful knowing that all of this is possible in our lives and in our world. I also felt a sense of urgency to share this story with you and with my friends.

Each of us can have this same magic in our lives. Some of you may have this or something close. If so, you are blessed.

If not, I encourage you to take the time to reach out to others, find those meaningful connections and form lasting bonds of friendship. Thankfully, these ladies provide insight and even a roadmap for how to develop true friendships.

The research on this is clear. Relationships with others who support our mental and physical health are essential. We could all use a little better health and happiness in our lives that can be achieved with a little help from our friends.

Thank you , Thank you, Thank you to Emily, Sarah, Cristina , Ashley and Whitney for sharing your time and your story with me. You are amazing women, mothers and friends. You also convey wisdom and understanding that exceeds your years. I am forever grateful to each of you for the open and honest discussion we had.

Brenda Moore Sterling Residents, I am open to your ideas and suggestions for upcoming articles. Feel free to contact me. brendamoore01@gmail.com

Anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked what she considered to be the first gin of civilization in a culture. Her response was unexpected.

Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food.

You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.

A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery.

Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said.”

We are at our best when we serve others.

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

17

New Fitness Classes!

Classes Fit 4 Gold Mondays at 10am at the Clubhouse$5 per class paid to instructor Splash Aerobics Tuesday and Thursdays from 12-1pm at the lap pool: No cost to attend Weight for It-Chair Edition Wednesdays at 12pm and Fridays at 11am at the Clubhouse: $5 per class paid to instructor ***Sign ups are required for all classes via the sign up genius link provided on our website! Space is limited!

WEIGHT FOR IT This 45 minute class will focus on strength, balance, and stretching...all while seated in a chair or standing behind a chair! Cat has consulted with Orthopedist and Physical Therapists to create a gentle class that will safely enhance our flexibility and range of motion…all while listening to fun, cool music. Bring $5 and a water bottle, the signup link to come out soon with more details on what else to bring to class.

Fit4Gold I am all about having fun and breaking a sweat while dancing and enjoying songs from the 50s, 60s,70s, 80s and beyond! You won’t even notice that in the hour of dancing we will be getting in ½ of your daily steps!

No dance skills are required all you just have to do is move and groove to those familiar songs from the past!

To sign up, please visit Sterling-life.com

18

Sterling Life // August 2023

Happy Feet Ballet Join Us at the SOTL Clubhouse!

2 year old Creative Movement Thursdays 9:30 am - 10:00 am Classes begin Thursday, Sept 7, 2023

3+ year old Preschool Ballet

Wednesdays 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Classes begin Wednesday, Sept 6, 2023

SOTL Ballet Students

For more information please contact SOTL resident teacher, "Miss Kelly" happyfeetbsb@gmail.com or (404) 583-5773 www.bufordschoolofballet.com

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

19

Save the Date Friday, September 15

Trivia Night hosted by Peter Truong with The Piedmont Group

September 22-23

Community Yard Sale: Friday/ Saturday

DUELING PIANOS

Friday, August 25th from 7-9pm We are excited to bring back this great event! We are hosting The Andrews Brothers Dueling Piano Show outdoors at the Clubhouse Lawn Ampitheater! The event is FREE! Please note that the show contains adult content and is recommended for 21 and older.

Grab dinner from the Tex's Tacos Food Truck!

September 30 Fall Fishing Tournament

October 7 Go Green (Paper Shredding, Electronic Recycling, Paint Recycling)

BACK TO SCHOOL POOL PARTY AUGUST 5TH | 12-3PM DJ, GAMES, FOOD & FUN!

GRAB LUNCH & TREATS FROM PREPA PIZZA & KING OF POPS! 20 Sterling Life // August 2023

By popular demand - a new service from KDA & Tlehs to help protect and add value to our Neighborhood:

Our Front Porch Verified

Tired of seeing so many DIFFERENT VENDORS driving through our neighborhood?

How do you know which vendor is TRUSTED? Which is INSURED? Is there a place to find out which vendors OUR NEIGHBORS PREFER?

We Verify And Highlight Our Neighborhood’s PREFERRED, REFERRED, TRUSTED AND INSURED VENDORS For Our Most Common Homeowner Needs.

Look no further!

Our Front Porch Verified

has the answers for you.

Look for the Our Front Porch Verified badge in our neighborhood newsletter

The Hebrew Order of David presents

THE 2023 Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival ~ Open to the entire community ~

SUNDAY OCT 22, 2023 11am–3pm

A fun website to use to help children be more conscientious about handwashing and engaged. Visit:

scrubclub.org

Team & Vendor Registration

OPEN NOW

770-580-3897

PitBoss.AKBF@gmail.com Teams.AKBF@gmail.com

free admission featuring

Kids' Zone Community Expo

Live Music Silent Auction

BROOK RUN PARK 4770 North Peachtree Road Dunwoody GA 30338 www.TheAtlantaKosherBBQ.com

NOW ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR OUR SILENT AUCTION. Advertise your business with a gift card or products. Artwork and craft donations also welcome. PitBoss.AKBF@gmail.com Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

21

Become a 2023 Sponsor!

If you are interested in becoming a community sponsor for 2023, please reach out to activities@sterling-life.com.

Thank you to our 2023 Community Sponsors!

Northeast GA Hospital Georgia Real Estate Group, Gary Nix Peter Truong, The Piedmont Group

22 Sterling Life // August 2023

American Family Insurance, Kristy Cassidy Agency

Dream Homes of Georgia, Colette Dubose

Executive Turf

Dream Vacations, Oliver McClellan

Greenwood Group

Jesses Landscaping

It takes a community to care for our homeless and death row dogs & cats!

PLEASE HELP SAVE A LIFE TODAY! Donate, Foster or Adopt (Donations of Money or Supplies are Tax deductible)

Check us out online to view our “Pet of the week” and all our awesome dogs and cats listed on PetFinder.com.

Green GreenPets Pets America America Rescuing.

Rehoming.

Rescuing.Rehabilitating.

Rehabilitating. Rehoming.

www.GreenPetsAmerica.org /GreenPetsAmerica

Small jobs welcomed Mailbox Repainting

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

23

WEATHER BY CHRISTINA

Summer Pop Up Storms Can Bring Some of the Worst Weather of the Year

A

fternoon “pop up” thunderstorms are common this time of year, courtesy of our area’s warm and humid conditions.

But sometimes, these pop up storms can be strong enough to produce wind damage -including downed trees and powerlines. Some of the worst weather of the year can occur in the late spring and summer months as these storms produce torrential downpours as well as frequent lightning, and winds strong enough to topple trees.

But what makes a storm strong enough to be considered “severe”?

SEVERE STORM CRITERIA A “bad storm” can be rather intense to drive through, and the thunder can be rather loud, but a thunderstorm is considered “severe” if it produces any of the following: Ƚ Wind gusts 58 mph or greater (Why 58 mph? Because the traditional wind speed unit is knots, and 50 knots converts to 58 mph.) Ƚ Hail that is 1 inch in diameter or greater (the size of a U.S. quarter) Ƚ Tornado(es) 24 Sterling Life // August 2023

What are the main impacts from severe thunderstorms?

Lightning: While lightning is not a criterion for classifying a storm as severe, a “lightning jump” or large increase of lightning strikes in a short amount of time can signify a rapidly strengthening thunderstorm. These thunderstorms contain strong updrafts, or upward moving winds, that push water droplets and ice crystals higher in the atmosphere. Along the way, friction between the rain drops and ice crystals produce different static charges in the cloud, and lightning discharges the static electrical build up within the storm cloud. The more lightning strikes within a storm, the stronger the updrafts and more than likely the stronger the winds associated with the storm.

Wind Damage: High winds are the main impacts from severe thunderstorms.

Wind gusts as high as 58 mph or greater have the potential to knock down and uproot trees, down power lines, and cause structural damage to homes and buildings.

Often, in the late spring and summer, damaging winds within a thunderstorm are due to downbursts, which are rapidly-moving downward columns of raincooled air.

Connect with me!

Facebook: Christina Edwards WSB Twitter: @ChristinaWSBwx

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

25

GREEN & GROWING

L

ife moves at the speed of light! But one thing that I have found which slows it down to a nice pace from time to time is gardening. Granted, I host a radio show about the very subject, but it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Taking the time to observe nature’s beauty really gives one a different perspective on things. Maybe whomever said to “stop and smell the roses” really knew what they were preaching!

I saw a meme recently with three male sportscasters all gasping in disbelief, apparently at some sports thing, and the words read “People over 50 watching their bird feeders”! I thought, ‘that’s me too!!’ A bird feeder, bird bath, or hummingbird feeder are simple additions to a popular gathering space outdoors that can add to your relaxation value. Investing in a bird identification book or an app is a great source of conversation for the family. Who knew I could impress my 30 something-year-old friends by identifying birds?!

What Catches Your Eye in a Summer Garden?

And don’t forget a few potted flowering plants, both large and small, in your outdoor space. Pollinators like bees and butterflies, and even hummingbirds, will be by to check them out. Everyone loves summer color, so choose annual flowers that can tolerate the heat. Good choices are geraniums, sunpatiens, petunias, Gerber daisies, and purslane. To ensure these plants will thrive well into the fall, make sure to routinely deadhead them. Simply pinch off the expired blooms with your fingers or a pair of scissors, and you’ll be rewarded with continuous blooms.

As for the yard… who on this earth has ever seen a hydrangea and thought to themselves, “what a plain plant.” NO ONE ever! We love our hydrangeas here in the South, and right now is the best showing of three popular types. Mopheads are the globe-shaped blue, sometimes pink flowered ones, that start blooming in late spring. Then there are Panicle hydrangeas, with cone shaped flower heads in bloom now.

These flowers last into the fall. Thirdly, Oakleaf hydrangeas do well in wooded spots, and right now, their blooms are changing color. Their leaves are a beautiful display of autumn color in the coming months!

Even better news, none of these has to be pruned. What a great staple to add to your landscape.

One of the best parts of my job as a radio host is being able to recommend plants to people. Requests are all very different, but I accept the challenge because it allows me to research and discover new plants! I recently attended Southeast Green, an industry conference and trade show in Atlanta for folks in the landscape and nursery industries, and there, many nurserymen and women displayed their newest varieties of plants. Science is amazing, as growers can hybridize plants to get the best characteristics of each, be it size, disease resistance or even cold hardiness. Right now, many folks seem to be in favor of dwarf varieties.

Offerings of dwarf shrubs are plentiful from growers, so there are many to choose from. They’ve become trendy and desired. If for full sun, consider Kaleidoscope or Confetti abelia. I love the colorful foliage of these, plus their small, white flowers. There are many planted along the walls of Oakland Cemetery. Then there’s Pugster Blue butterfly bush, Diamond Spire gardenia, and loropetalum- Purple Daydream or Dwarf Crimson Fire. Purple Pixie dwarf loropetalum has a weeping form, which is neat. Soft Touch hollies offer soft foliage and resist common pests and diseases.

Ashley Frasca is host of the radio show Green and Growing, heard on 95.5 WSB Radio every Saturday from 6-9:00 a.m. For gardening tips, information, and advice, follow her Facebook page: Facebook.com/ greenandgrowingwsb

26 Sterling Life // August 2023

And what about ornamental grasses? Pink muhly stays a bit more compact, and carex is nice, but prefers partial shade.

Photography by Southern Living Plant Collection

Call us today for a FREE quote 470-922-6151

Call us today for a FREE quote

470-922-6151

Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

27

ARE YOU SUFFERING from an

abundance of mosquitoes in your yard this wet, humid summer?

Y

ou know skeeters can breed in any sized pool of standing water in your yard. In a bucket or pail, in an old tire used for a tire swing or a sandbox, in your gutters, in your yard itself. Anywhere you have standing water, even the smallest of drops, you have a skeeter breeding ground.

And guess what we’ve had an abundance of lately. Right. Water.

Therefore the first step is to keep standing water out of your yard.

To help aid in getting rid of them permanently you will have to enlist the help of a pest control company. They can do a monthly spray (the spray is only effective for about 30 days) during peak skeeter season which will help keep down the population.

You want to make sure that the skeeter folks use a spray that won’t harm the little pollinators in your yard, the bees, the butterflies etc.

(It is also good to go with a company that offers monthly service. Frees you and your checkbook up a little, although a good skeeter company is worth their weight in bat poo...)

The spray will help keep the skeeter population down, but you may not ever be totally skeeter free.

What should you use if you are trying to enjoy your deck or patio?

Do mosquito candles work? Ehhhh. Bug zappers? Not really.

Smoke? Doubt it.

The best thing for keeping skeeters away from you on the patio or deck is a good old-fashioned oscillating fan.

That’s right – a plain old oscillating house fan is probably your best bet. Skeeters are notoriously weak fliers so the breeze of the fan will help blow them away from you.

Extra info.

You never feel the mosquito biting you. You don’t feel them until after they have already had their fill of your blood, which is another reason why they are such a pain in the rear. Or arm. Or leg. Or neck…

One more thing.

Know what keeps mosquito population down?

Bats.

Look into building a bat house and maybe attracting some of those up-side-down sleeping, mosquito eating, guano pooping creatures. Might be just what you are looking for.

Grab your hammer and join the show! In Atlanta, 404.872.0750 or 1.800.972.8255. Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Dave Baker is WSB’s resident household repair and home improvement expert! He provides a multitude of tips and advice on planning, building and fixing up around the house. Follow Dave on his Facebook page: Facebook.com/thehomefixitpage

28 Sterling Life // August 2023

PEST CONTROL

WILDLIFE One of the most destructive pests Georgia homeowners will encounter is TERMITES. Breda Pest Management uses industry-leading technology to locate and eradicate termites from your property, and with BREDA's termite guarantee, you never have to worry with termites and the extensive damage they cause ever again.

TERMITES

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Gift Card good for one home for any new service(s).

470-317-7335 | BredaPest.com Sterling On The Lake // www.sterling-life.com

29

Holbrook/Dogwood Forest Assisted Living Camellia Place Manor Lake BridgeMill Varenita of West Cobb Attorney Daryl L Kidd P.C. Auto Detailing Polished Peach Car Wash Banking A/C & Heating Credit Union of & Georgia Anytime Heating Cooling, Inc. Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Dayco Systems InDesign Kitchen & Bath Jape Services JF Maxwell Heating & Air Cabinetry Neese Heating and Cooling Cabinet Buyers Outlet ShumateServices Air Conditioning & Heating Cleaning Superior Indoor Comfort House Cleaning Specialist, Inc Zen Air Leveling Concrete Accountants Advance Concrete Lifting & Leveling Signature Accounting Services, LLC. Consignment Active AdultKeepers Community Finders Holbrook/Dogwood Forest Uptown Cheapskate-Cumming Assisted Living Uptown Cheapskate-East Cobb Camellia Uptown Place Cheapskate-Johns Creek ManorStudio Lake BridgeMill Dance Varenita of West Cobb CK DanceWorks, Inc. & CK Yoga Attorney Dentist Daryl L Kidd P.C. Acworth Dental Auto Detailing BridgeMill Dentistry (Scott Merritt, DMD) Polished Peach Car Wash Distinctive Dentistry Banking Esthetic Dental Solutions Credit Union of Georgia Family Dentistry at Seven Hills Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Northpoint Dental InDesign Kitchen & Bath Roswell Dental Care Cabinetry Swords & Phelps Dentistry Cabinet Buyers Outlet Design & Build Services Cleaning Services HammerSmith, Inc. House Cleaning Specialist, Inc Doors Concrete Leveling EntryPoint Doors Lifting & Windows Advance Concrete & Leveling Park Avenue Entries Consignment Electrical Service Finders Keepers Arc Angel Electric Corp Uptown Cheapskate-Cumming Mr. Electric of Atlanta-Mr.Cobb Rooter Uptown Cheapskate-East Mr. Electric of Canton Uptown Cheapskate-Johns Creek Rocket Electric Dance Studio ServiceWise Electric, LLC CK DanceWorks, Inc. & CK Yoga Shumate Electrical Services Dentist Eye Care Dental Acworth Georgia Eye Partners/OPAL Aesthetics BridgeMill Dentistry (Scott Merritt, DMD) Funeral Homes Distinctive Dentistry In TheirDental HonorSolutions of Jasper Funerals & Esthetic Cremations Family Dentistry at Seven Hills Northpoint Dental Roswell Dental Care Swords & Phelps Dentistry Design & Build Services HammerSmith, Inc. Doors EntryPoint Doors & Windows Park Avenue Entries Electrical Service Arc Angel Electric Corp Mr. Electric of Atlanta-Mr. Rooter Mr. Electric of Canton Rocket Electric ServiceWise Electric, LLC Shumate Electrical Services Eye Care Georgia Eye Partners/OPAL Aesthetics Funeral Homes In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals & Cremations

Garage Doors 678-606-9020 Platinum Overhead Door 770-919-9509 Golf Equipment & Supplies 404-282-7887 Golf Cars of Canton 678-935-0505 LSV of Alpharetta 678-856-4785 Government 678-584-0880 DeKalb County Board of CommissionersDistrict 7 770-664-9098 Handyman 678-883-7868 Happy Handyman LLC Shumate Handyman Services counting Services, LLC. 770-975-1609 Home Furnishings ommunity ARIANA Home Furnishings & Design gwood Forest 404-445-7777 Home Improvements g GHIR Construction ce 770-876-3039 Hospital BridgeMill 678-990-5055 Northeast Georgia Medical Center West Cobb 470-750-3500 Insurance Allstate Insurance Nancy Wells P.C. 770-499-1274 State Farm-Matt Cresap The Upton Agency ch Car Wash 770-592-8102 Kitchen Housley Enterprises, Inc of Georgia 678-486-1111 Landscaping tchen Remodeling Stone Edge Landscapes hen & Bath 770-865-3632 Medical Clinic 30 Sterling Life // August 2023 Prestige Medical Group ers Outlet 706-972-4480 Military ces United States Air Force Reserve

ting & Cooling, Inc. ms s Heating & Air ng and Cooling Conditioning & Heating oor Comfort

404-445-7777 Home Improvements GHIR Construction 404-922-7379 770-876-3039 Hospital 678-990-5055 Northeast Georgia Medical Center 770-214-4492 470-750-3500 Insurance Allstate Insurance Nancy Wells 404-452-5066 770-499-1274 State Farm-Matt Cresap 770-982-0064 The Upton Agency 770-361-6570 770-592-8102 Kitchen Housley Enterprises, Inc 678-546-2276 Garage Doors 678-486-1111 Landscaping 678-606-9020 Platinum Overhead Door 678-329-3100 Edge Landscapes 678-421-4763 770-919-9509 GolfStone Equipment & Supplies 770-865-3632 Medical Clinic 404-282-7887 Golf Cars of Canton 678-880-1156 678-935-0505 LSV of Alpharetta 678-689-5125 Prestige Medical Group 706-692-9768 678-856-4785 706-972-4480 Government Military 678-584-0880 DeKalb Board of Commissioners404-371-2899 UnitedCounty States Air Force Reserve 860-230-7498 District 7 770-664-9098 770-975-4995 Handyman Mortgages 678-883-7868 Happy Handyman LLC 770-685-8421 Movement Mortgage 404-394-6738 Shumate Handyman Services 678-584-0880 678-208-3426 Nursery 770-975-1609 Home Furnishings Autumn Hill Nursery 770-442-3901 ARIANA Home Furnishings & Design 678-807-7422 404-377-1944 Painting 404-445-7777 Home Improvements 770-844-7600 360 Painting 770-213-5071 Construction 404-922-7379 770-999-1967 GHIR Benjamin Moore Paint Store-Alpharetta 678-404-5511 770-876-3039 Hospital 770-495-1515 Chris Brown Painting & Home Repair 770-323-3148 678-990-5055 Northeast Georgia Medical Center 770-214-4492 Earthly Matters Painting and Contracting 770-346-0203 470-750-3500 Insurance 770-975-7298 Red Oak Painting 678-800-6533 Allstate Insurance Nancy Wells 404-452-5066 Superior Pro Exteriors 470-922-6151 770-499-1274 State Farm-Matt Cresap 770-982-0064 770-974-4146 Verge Painting and Siding 678-331-1102 The Upton Agency 770-361-6570 770-704-1812 Pest Control 770-592-8102 Kitchen 770-445-6606 Breda Pest Management 770-466-6700 Housley Enterprises, Inc 678-546-2276 678-352-1333 Legacy Pest Control 770-423-0160 678-486-1111 Landscaping 678-574-4837 Windward Pest Services 404-545-1651 Stone Edge Landscapes 678-421-4763 678-274-6987 Pet Services 770-865-3632 Medical Clinic 470-288-1363 Soothing Streams Pet Cremation 404-482-1441 Prestige Medical Group 706-692-9768 770-479-3713 Plumbing 706-972-4480 Military Bryan Plumbing Services 770-826-5277 United States Air Force Reserve 860-230-7498 404-377-1021 Mr. Rooter of Atlanta 470-202-8178 770-975-4995 Mortgages Plumb 'N' Plumber 678-725-0042 Movement Mortgage 404-394-6738 770-904-0094 Serv'all Plumbing & Rooter Service 770-917-1852 678-208-3426 Nursery 770-622-0554 Autumn Shumate Plumbing Services 678-584-0880 Hill Nursery 770-442-3901 The Plumbers Guild 404-694-5128 404-377-1944 Painting 470-239-5568 Pre-Schools 770-844-7600 360 Painting & Kindergarten 770-213-5071 770-285-5700 Benjamin Omega Learning Center-Acworth 770-792-7431 770-999-1967 Moore Paint Store-Alpharetta 678-404-5511 678-408-7174 Chris Primrose of Acworth 770-529-3925 770-495-1515 BrownSchool Painting & Home Bentwater Repair 770-323-3148 770-288-5855 Propane ServicePainting and Contracting Earthly Matters 770-346-0203 404-704-4903 Red GasOak Incorporated 770-720-1378 770-975-7298 Painting 678-800-6533 678-584-0880 Real EstatePro Exteriors Superior 470-922-6151 Ansley Atlantaand Real Estate-Jody Tirone 404-451-3125 770-974-4146 Verge Painting Siding 678-331-1102 404-383-0956 PestAtlanta Communities-Carl Hawthorne 404-403-1789 770-704-1812 Control Atlanta Communities-Elizabeth Martin 678-373-9342 770-445-6606 Breda Pest Management 770-466-6700 706-253-5060 Legacy AtlantaPest Communities-Jennifer and Associates 770-423-0160 770-403-5639 678-352-1333 Control Coldwell Pest Banker-Sherry 404-784-8848 678-574-4837 Windward Services Warner 404-545-1651 678-274-6987 Pet Services Compass Realty-Gipson and Co. 404-405-5363 470-288-1363 Soothing Streams Pet Cremation 404-482-1441 Compass Realty-Natalie Gregory Team 404-373-0076 770-479-3713 Plumbing Cory & Co. Realty 404-564-5561 Bryan Services 770-826-5277 DavidPlumbing Cooke-Martin Lake Group at KW 770-652-6270 404-377-1021 Mr. RooterReal of Atlanta 470-202-8178 Georgia Estate Depot-Nix 770-401-4932 Plumb Plumber 678-725-0042 Harry 'N' Norman Realtors-Pam Hughes 404-626-3604 770-904-0094 Serv'all Plumbing & Rooter Service 770-917-1852 JW Collection Brokers LLC-Oslund 678-321-4211 770-622-0554 Shumate Plumbing Services 678-584-0880 Keller Williams Realty-Cynthia Baer 678-358-3369 The Plumbers Guild 404-694-5128 Keller Williams Susan Stanford 678-677-3935 470-239-5568 Pre-Schools & Kindergarten Keller Williams-Linda Jacobs 770-337-2006 770-285-5700 Omega Center-Acworth 770-792-7431 Keller Learning Williams-Williams 678-780-7556 678-408-7174 Primrose School of Acworth Bentwater 770-529-3925 Park Realty-John Morgan & Drew Jackson 877-249-8533 770-288-5855 Propane Service Remax Around Atlanta-Falkin 770-330-2374 404-704-4903 Gas Incorporated 770-720-1378 Remax-Heerema 770-238-6759 678-584-0880 Real Estate Robin Martin and Associates 678-665-0202 Ansley Atlanta Real Estate-Jody Tirone 404-451-3125 Remodeling 404-383-0956 Atlanta Communities-Carl Hawthorne 404-403-1789 Daniel's Home Services 770-598-1379 Atlanta Communities-Elizabeth Martin 678-373-9342 GCI Basements 404-569-8794 706-253-5060 Atlanta Communities-Jennifer and Associates 770-403-5639 Serv'all Plumbing-Remodeling 770-917-1852 Coldwell Banker-Sherry Warner 404-784-8848 Restaurants Kaldi's Coffee 404-727-0405 678-329-3100 Luna Maya 770-720-4999 Norsan Restaurant Group 678-878-2513 678-880-1156 Roofing 678-689-5125 Earthly Matters Painting and Contracting 770-346-0203 Schools-Private 404-371-2899 Atlanta Academy 678-461-6102 McGinnis Woods Country Day School 770-664-7764 770-685-8421 The Friends School of Atlanta 404-373-8746 678-584-0880 Security Systems Classic Entry Systems 678-330-1111 678-807-7422 Skin Care dermani MEDSPA - East Cobb (Marietta) 678-909-1735 404-922-7379 The Beauty Barn 678-824-5466 Spa 770-214-4492 Reve Aesthetics Medspa 678-447-0801 Tree Service 404-452-5066 Gordon Pro Tree Service, LLC 770-282-1616 770-982-0064 Water Heaters 770-361-6570 Serv'all Plumbing-Water Heaters 770-917-1852 Window Replacement 678-546-2276 EntryPoint Doors & Windows 770-904-0094 Visionaire Windows 404-543-9306 678-421-4763 Window Traditions of Georgia 678-672-1963 706-692-9768 860-230-7498

STL11N | HS

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