Sterling Life August 2023

Sterling Life

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

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

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.

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.

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

Have

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.

Are 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 15th | Documentation Due August 11th

ɖ August 29th | Documentation Due August 25

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

600-4642

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

August 2023

Empty Nester Clubs and Groups

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!

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!

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!

EMPTY NESTERS CALENDAR BY THE WEEK

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

SECOND SUNDAY SOCIALS

BUNCO/Light Appetizers

August 13th - Cost is $12

MARVELOUS MONDAYS

2nd – Kniting/Crocheting (10 – noon LD)

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

Ladies Bridge Merceboling@gmail.com

Ladies American Mahjong lynnagnes625@gmail.com

Mahjong cards have increased to $15

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 Rprobst46@yahoo.com

Men’s Tennis Kenkitt1@att.net

Men’s Golf Boblester@charter.net

NEED A NAME TAG?

Linda Gribbon - lindag2530@hotmail.com

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!!

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

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

• Veteran’s Day

Should you be interested in participating in the next flag placement, please notify the office at:

famaya@cmacommunities.com

Fall Cornhole League

Fall Registration Period: now through August 20

Fall League Dates:

Registration Link:

http://www.peachstatecornhole.com/ flowery-branch/

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!

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

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

◆ 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,

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

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

2023 STERLING SWIM TEAM

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.”

Marcel Proust

Because 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

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”..

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.

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

Save the Date

Friday, September 15

Trivia Night hosted by Peter Truong with The Piedmont Group

September 22-23

Community Yard Sale: Friday/

Saturday

September 30

Fall Fishing Tournament

October 7

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

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

Afternoon “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)

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

What Catches Your Eye in a Summer Garden?

Life 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?!

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.

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

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

ARE YOU SUFFERING from an abundance of mosquitoes in your yard this wet, humid summer?

You 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.