Summer Camps Summer CampsRecreational, creative and educational programs promote overall youth development.By Michelle MartinIn this technology-driven age when it seems so much of our kids focus is in some sort of hand-held electronic device and, in many cases, the only social aspect of their lives is social media, its encouraging to know there still are opportunities for kids to unplug and connect for real with the outdoors, with new interests, with other kids, and even with themselves. Thats what the YMCA summer camp programs are all about: disconnecting from the distractions of everyday life and discovering a new world of fun, adventure and life skills. As Nicole Lawson, associate executive director of Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, explains, We have a child-centered focus from planning the camps and activities to selecting our staff, from preparing every detail to carrying out camp each day. Weekly themes, family activities, counselor challenges, skits, camp songs and games all contribute to a summer of wonderful memories. We want each summer to be the best one yet for each child!The YMCA offers a variety of recreational, creative and educational summer camp programs that play an integral role in overall youth development, emphasizing the YMCAs four character values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. At the YMCA, there is a focus on community and our core values that is woven throughout our camp culture, Lawson says. We encourage our campers to display our four character values by modeling those values ourselves embedding our values in small- and large-group activities and communicating our values through different learning opportunities each day.Lawson also says the YMCAs summer camp program is beneficial to kids because it builds their self-esteem. Y summer day camp provides children the opportunity to try new things with the care and support of fellow campers and staff. Whether making new friends, climbing the rock wall for the first time, canoeing, archery, going down the water slide at the outdoor pool, each experience helps children build their self-confidence and self-esteem. Lawson also believes Y summer day camp builds a sense of community. Working together on group projects, supporting one another, and learning how to resolve differences all are skills that will benefit children throughout their lives.What that means to kids, generally ages 5-15, is lots of interactive fun, learning and exploring! Our camp is outdoors, full of adventure and unique experiences, including rock climbing, crawfishing, canoeing, fort building, ropes courses, and so much more, Lawson says. Changing weekly themes keeps the camp experience new and exciting all summer long. She says the Owl Camp for special needs children (ages 5-13) and Crickets Camp for active 5- and 6-year-olds fill up quickly each year. The new Wilderness (grades 2-5) and Survival camps (ages 11-14) teach campers about natural wetlands and wildlife and teach basic survivalist skills through creek exploration, animal track casting, outdoor cooking, shelter creation and other activities. For tech-savvy campers, video production and robotics camps include a technology element that may appeal to their interests. Teens in Grades 8-10 can apply and interview for leadership training camps. Visit YMCAAtlanta.org for complete camp details and registration.YMCA summer camps are open to all children, but, as Lawson explains, they must be a current YMCA member. The annual family membership fee for area residents is $40. Summer camps run all day from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with before and after supervised care from 7:00 a.m. and until 6:30 p.m. Scholarships also are available to qualified summer camp participants, she says. As a nonprofit organization, we fundraise through our YMCA Why It Matters Annual Giving Campaign to provide financial assistance to children whose families cannot afford the full fees of summer day camp.Summer camp counselors play a vital role in the overall camp experience. The YMCA hires and trains caring, honest, respectful, responsible individuals who have a desire to serve and make a positive difference in childrens lives, Lawson says. All YMCA staff must pass a criminal background check and drug test; must be currently certified in CPR and First-Aid; and must complete pre-camp training. In addition, all water sports require a certified lifeguard.As Lawson explains, YMCA summer camps are more than about activities; theyre about relationships, experiences and life enrichment. Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA Camp Big Creek is approaching 24 years of providing adventure, friendships, learning, growing, trying new things, and memories. Campers and camp staff all become family, who look forward to seeing each other at the start of each new summer and then shed tears when saying goodbye at the end. Lawson says many campers become Y Teen Leaders, who go on to become Y Day Camp staff. She spoke recently to one of the Y Teen Leaders (and her mom) applying to be a day camp counselor. It was so much fun reminiscing about summers past, her camp adventures and this new adventure she is pursuing. Her mom said that her daughter is who she is now because of her experience at the Y. The values the family has tried to instill at home also are supported and encouraged at the Y and through Y programs. This Y Teen Leader now wants to be the type of counselor she admired as a child, who encouraged her and helped her become who she is today. She is an amazing young person and one whom I would be proud to be my 5-year-old daughters camp counselor!
Summer Camps Summer CampsRecreational, creative and educational programs promote overall youth development.By Michelle MartinIn this technology-driven age when it seems so much of our kids focus is in some sort of hand-held electronic device and, in many cases, the only social aspect of their lives is social media, its encouraging to know there still are opportunities for kids to unplug and connect for real with the outdoors, with new interests, with other kids, and even with themselves. Thats what the YMCA summer camp programs are all about: disconnecting from the distractions of everyday life and discovering a new world of fun, adventure and life skills. As Erik Bullock, program director for teen initiatives, camp and retreats at the Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA in Woodstock and the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA in Canton, explains, Our focus is providing an enriching camp experience with activities that build on youth development.The YMCA offers a variety of recreational, creative and educational summer camp programs that play an integral role in overall youth development, emphasizing the YMCAs four character values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. These values are demonstrated through the actions of our staff and reaffirmed through their language with campers, Bullock says. By incorporating these values into the summer camp programs, campers learn to overcome challenges, think about their personal decisions before they act, and learn valuable tools that will help them in everyday life throughout their lives.Bullock also says the YMCAs summer camp program is beneficial to kids because it helps them reach their full potential and prepares them to connect to and serve the community. We set them on a course to achieve their maximum potential by encouraging, nurturing, teaching, and assisting them with developing self-esteem, social acceptance and leadership. Youth who participate in YMCA summer camps have the opportunity to make new friends, build self-esteem and engage in activities that are beneficial to them, their parents and the community.What that means to kids, generally ages 5-15, is lots of interactive fun, learning and exploring! The YMCAs most popular summer camps include horseback riding, water sports, mountain biking, fishing, Survivor, and Outdoor Adventure; these camps tend to fill up quickly, so Bullock encourages parents to register their children early. The YMCA also will offer several new camp programs this year to appeal to a wide range of interests. Little Jedi Camp for Grades K-1 and Grades 2-3 teaches campers the art of becoming a Jedi, training with soft light sabers, completing Jedi agility courses, and mastering self-control through Jedi mind power. Also for Grades K-1 and Grades 2-3, Little Princess Camp is a week of fairytale fun! Little Princesses will learn about real princesses around the world, then decorate their own tiaras and wands as Little Princesses in Camp Royal Family. Theyll also learn proper etiquette for a tea party and enjoy a spa day with the royal treatment on their hands and nails! In addition, elite soccer player and YMCA counselor Luke Williams will lead a special Soccer Skills Camp. Other new programs include Leather & Wood Camp, which teaches leather design, wood burning, witling and carving; Trailblazers Camp, which takes campers off property three times a week to enjoy outdoor activities, theme parks, roller skating, etc.; Wranglers in Training, which teaches campers about caring for horses; and Teen Expedition, which promotes teambuilding through ropes courses, backpacking, outdoor cooking and a special five-day adventure trip supervised by male and female YMCA staff. Teens in Grades 8-10 can apply and interview for leadership training camps. Visit CherokeeYMCARegistration.com for complete summer camp details and registration.YMCA Summer Camps are open to all children, but, as Bullock explains, they must be a current YMCA member. The annual family membership fee for Cherokee County residents is $40. Summer camps run all day from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., with before and after supervised care from 7:00 a.m. and until 6:30 p.m. Transportation is available (for an additional fee) at two pick-up and drop-off locations. In recent years, Bullock says a special partnership with Cherokee County School Nutrition Dept. provided free breakfasts and lunches to summer camp participants; he hopes the meal partnership will be offered again this year. Scholarships also are available to qualified summer camp participants, Bullock says.Of course, summer camp counselors play a vital role in the overall camp experience. The YMCA hires and trains exceptional staff who care about nurturing the next generation of children, Bullock says. All YMCA staff must pass a criminal background check and drug test; must be currently certified in CPR and First-Aid; and must complete pre-camp training, he says. In addition, all water sports require a certified lifeguard.As Bullock explains, YMCA summer camps are more than about activities; theyre about relationships, experiences and life enrichment. Each summer is a reunion, as children get to reconnect with staff and campers. It is a very special moment when they can share stories and deepen friendships with new adventures and healthy experiences at camp. Bullock recalls the recent experience of a 12-year-old camper who had gone home from summer camp with a little too much sun on his fair skin. His mother was moved to tears when she learned what had happened, and called to thank the YMCA staff for providing her son such a wonderful experience. He had always struggled with low self-esteem due to weight issues, Bullock says. By participating in activities throughout the summer, he lost some weight and felt more accepted socially. One day while at the swimming pool, he decided to take off his T-shirt it was literally a transformation that helped him feel accepted and proud of himself. His experience at YMCA summer camp was life-changing, and he is more confident than ever in the person he has become!
Green Initiatives Going GreenCommunities eco-friendly efforts promote energy efficiency, reduce waste and improve quality of life.By Michelle MartinEnvironmental conservation has become a familiar concept in recent years. But, do you know what your community is doing to reduce its environmental footprint and increase overall sustainability? You may be surprised to learn that these green initiatives are not only conserving our own natural resources but also improving energy efficiency, reducing costs and creating new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors all of which enhance our quality of life, now and into the future.Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is helping local governments throughout metro Atlanta take a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. As Crystal Jackson, principal environmental planner for the Green Communities program under ARCs natural resources division, explains, ARC developed the Green Communities program to foster greater environmental stewardship by providing technical assistance to local governments and recognizing those communities that invest in programs leading to a more sustainable region. Alpharetta, Milton and Roswell each have been certified as an ARC Green Community.Launched in 2008, ARCs Green Communities regional program was the first of its kind nationwide. In addition, all of the sustainability measures outlined in the manual exceed current regulatory requirements for the State of Georgia. The Green Communities certification measures are not business as usual, Jackson says, and were chosen for their ability to move the sustainability bar and make a positive impact on the metro Atlanta regions environment. Local governments that seek Green Communities certification voluntarily design and implement measures that conserve energy and water, invest in renewable energy, reduce waste, and protect and restore natural resources. Certification is based on points (5 or 10 per measure) in 10 different categories (72 total measures): green building; energy efficiency; green power; water use reduction and efficiency; transportation and air quality; land use; greenspace and tree planting; recycling and waste reduction; education and outreach; and innovation. Each category includes government measures and community measures. As Jackson explains, government measures are strategies that local jurisdictions can implement to increase sustainability within their own facilities, fleets and practices (LEED certification of public buildings, use of alternative fuels, installation of water-efficient fixtures, etc.). Community measures are programs that local governments can adopt to foster greater environmental stewardship among area residents and businesses, such as adopting curbside recycling for all residents and providing space for community gardens, farmers markets and recreation areas.Achievement in each category is not required, but is more likely the higher the certification that communities seek, Jackson says. The four levels of certification are: bronze (175-229 points); silver (230-279 points); gold (280-329 points); and platinum (330-435 points). The platinum certification level was added just this year, so local governments applying for first-time or upgraded certification now can seek this new, highest level of Green Communities certification. The certification is valid for four years; however, communities can submit new documentation of recent measures to earn additional points and a higher certification level at any time.The City of Alpharetta achieved gold certification in 2010, while the City of Milton earned bronze certification in 2012. Last year, the City of Roswell was recertified at the gold level after first earning silver certification in 2009. Feedback from local officials has been positive, Jackson says. Several officials reported that the application process has led to a comprehensive assessment of every policy and practice and its environmental impact, and has served as a framework for implementing sustainability across the board. They have discovered new ways to incorporate sustainability into their practices and value the information sharing about best practices that other local governments within ARCs 10-county region are implementing. In addition, many local officials have found that ARCs Green Communities certification helps foster civic pride, creates a positive image of the community, and sets an example for other governments, businesses and organizations seeking to reduce their environmental impact.ARC also provides technical assistance to local governments, regardless of whether they are applying for certification. Jackson says this includes research; assisting in the development of policies and ordinances; providing contacts at similar communities; meeting one on one to assess current programs and policies; and giving presentations to senior leadership and elected officials. In addition, ARC also recognizes communities environmental sustainability as part of its annual CREATE Community Awards.AlpharettaThe City of Alpharetta values the harmonious balance between the natural and built environment, says Vivian Vakili, zoning administrator. The City is constantly exploring new options to reduce costs and maximize efficiency; therefore, enhancing the quality of life in Alpharetta. One of the newest initiatives is the ePlan Solutions, an online tool for submitting plans that reduces paper usage and saves on fuel. In addition, Alpharetta was named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.Alpharetta Green City Program LEED or EnergyStar certification for all new local government buildings, a green fleet policy, and green purchasing policiesRock Mill Park Demonstrates stormwater best management practices; displays environmental education materials throughout the park; and includes enhanced swales, marsh areas, rain gardens and a green roof pavilionDemonstration Projects Green roof at Rock Mill Park, a solar panel array at Wills Park, a cool roof at City Hall, and rainwater capture and reuse at Webb Bridge Park and other buildingsCommunity incentives for green building and WaterSense homesCommercial recycling requirementInstallation of LED bulbs in all traffic signalsNo-idling policy for government vehiclesMiltonAccording to Cindy Eade, sustainability coordinator for the City of Milton, there is a heightened awareness of conservation, recycling and energy reduction not only throughout City operations but also in the community. Milton has a very comprehensive array of environmental programs, the majority of which are executed by a large number of committed volunteers. Milton Goes Green, for example, organizes Miltons annual Earth Day Festival, Adopt-a-Road cleanup, bulky trash amnesty days and paint/chemical collection days, Rivers Alive annual stream cleanup, and the Evergreen School program to promote sustainability in schools. Milton has been recognized by the Clean Air Campaign, Georgia Urban Forest Council, and National Wildlife Federation for its environmental efforts.Certified a National Wildlife Community HabitatRain Barrels Installed at Providence Fire Station 41, Thompson Fire Station 42 and Birmingham Fire Station 43 to water the stations landscaping and reduce amount of potable waterTree Inventory, Assessment and Management Plan A first step toward a maintenance program for sustaining Miltons lush community forestsReduction in required parking spaces in mixed-use areas or for properties within walking distance of a bus stopNew city-owned buildings larger than 5,000 square feet must achieve LEED certificationLights out/power down policyEnvironmentally preferable purchasing policyAnti-idling policy for fleet vehiclesFirst in the state to implement a Form-Based Code and Transfer of Development Rights OrdinanceRoswellThe City of Roswell is dedicated to making Roswell a premier riverside community, according to Michael Fisher, deputy city administrator. That means tying all phases of our city into being responsible to the environment and with our resources. He says the City is using cleaner and cheaper propane auto gas within fleet vehicles and is studying ways to implement electric vehicles and infrastructure. Quality of life will be impacted by these clean fuel uses and by redeveloping areas to be pedestrian-friendly and sustainable.Build Green Incentive Program Provides incentives for community green building, affordable/workforce housing green building, WaterSense, and solar installation; incentives are permit/fee related and also seek to help market projects via a signage, website and an awards programEnergy Strategy for the Future Commitment to protect the environment through the continuous improvement of its energy performance (replacement of traffic signals and school zone flashers with LED bulbs saves an estimated $62,000 annually)Tree Planting Partnership The public-private partnership is designed to improve tree canopy and density on public lands, resulting in the planting of 816 hardwoods and 4,313 other trees, shrubs and flowers; the Citys no net loss of trees policy requires trees that cannot be replaced on site to be planted on other government propertyCommute Options City employees can take advantage of a flexible work arrangements policy, which provides for telecommuting, compressed work week and flex timeRecycling Government facilities include recycling containers at individual desks and in common areas; curbside recycling at single-family residences; and recycling at multi-family complexesZoning Incentives for mixed-use zoning districts and the Midtown Roswell Overlay District
Green Initiatives Going GreenCommunities eco-friendly efforts promote energy efficiency, reduce waste and improve quality of life.By Michelle MartinEnvironmental conservation has become a familiar concept in recent years. But, do you know what your community is doing to reduce its environmental footprint and increase overall sustainability? You may be surprised to learn that these green initiatives are not only conserving our own natural resources but also improving energy efficiency, reducing costs and creating new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors all of which enhance our quality of life, now and into the future.Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is helping local governments throughout metro Atlanta take a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. As Crystal Jackson, principal environmental planner for the Green Communities program under ARCs natural resources division, explains, ARC developed the Green Communities program to foster greater environmental stewardship by providing technical assistance to local governments and recognizing those communities that invest in programs leading to a more sustainable region. Cherokee County and Woodstock each have been certified as an ARC Green Community.Launched in 2008, ARCs Green Communities regional program was the first of its kind nationwide. In addition, all of the sustainability measures outlined in the manual exceed current regulatory requirements for the State of Georgia. The Green Communities certification measures are not business as usual, Jackson says, and were chosen for their ability to move the sustainability bar and make a positive impact on the metro Atlanta regions environment. Local governments that seek Green Communities certification voluntarily design and implement measures that conserve energy and water, invest in renewable energy, reduce waste, and protect and restore natural resources. Certification is based on points (5 or 10 per measure) in 10 different categories (72 total measures): green building; energy efficiency; green power; water use reduction and efficiency; transportation and air quality; land use; greenspace and tree planting; recycling and waste reduction; education and outreach; and innovation. Each category includes government measures and community measures. As Jackson explains, government measures are strategies that local jurisdictions can implement to increase sustainability within their own facilities, fleets and practices (LEED certification of public buildings, use of alternative fuels, installation of water-efficient fixtures, etc.). Community measures are programs that local governments can adopt to foster greater environmental stewardship among area residents and businesses, such as adopting curbside recycling for all residents and providing space for community gardens, farmers markets and recreation areas.Achievement in each category is not required, but is more likely the higher the certification that communities seek, Jackson says. The four levels of certification are: bronze (175-229 points); silver (230-279 points); gold (280-329 points); and platinum (330-435 points). The platinum certification level was added just this year, so local governments applying for first-time or upgraded certification now can seek this new, highest level of Green Communities certification. The certification is valid for four years; however, communities can submit new documentation of recent measures to earn additional points and a higher certification level at any time.Cherokee County earned bronze certification in 2010, and is currently applying for recertification. The City of Woodstock, first recognized as a Green Community at the bronze certification level in 2010, earned silver certification in 2011. Feedback from local officials has been positive, Jackson says. Several officials reported that the application process has led to a comprehensive assessment of every policy and practice and its environmental impact, and has served as a framework for implementing sustainability across the board. They have discovered new ways to incorporate sustainability into their practices and value the information sharing about best practices that other local governments within ARCs 10-county region are implementing. In addition, many local officials have found that ARCs Green Communities certification helps foster civic pride, creates a positive image of the community, and sets an example for other governments, businesses and organizations seeking to reduce their environmental impact.ARC also provides technical assistance to local governments, regardless of whether they are applying for certification. Jackson says this includes research; assisting in the development of policies and ordinances; providing contacts at similar communities; meeting one on one to assess current programs and policies; and giving presentations to senior leadership and elected officials. In addition, ARC also recognizes communities environmental sustainability as part of its annual CREATE Community Awards.Cherokee CountyLEED certification for county-owned buildingsEnergy Star-rated appliances and equipmentLED bulbs in traffic signalsWaterSense-certified plumbing fixturesHVAC and lighting upgrades, installation of cool roofs, discontinuation of irrigation and replacement of inefficient plumbing fixturesEncourage builders to use solar energy in new projects or achieve LEED, Energy Star, or EarthCraft certification through expedited permitting reviews and reduced permitting feesReduce congestion and idling times with synchronized traffic corridorsComprehensive county recycling program at government facilities for traditional and nontraditional recyclable materials (along with drop-off recycling events for electronics, cell phones, fluorescent lightbulbs and batteries)Commitment to preserve 20 percent of county land as permanent greenspace through the Greenspace Protection ProgramBells Ferry LCI plan promotes smart growth measures, such as mixed-used development, bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly designs, mixed-income housing and diversity of housing types.WoodstockAccording to Katy Coulborn, long-range planner for the City of Woodstock, sustainability is one of the most important qualities of a livable community. Participation in ARCs Green Communities program showcases the City of Woodstocks commitment to sustainability and serves as an incentive to implement additional measures in an effort to achieve higher levels of certification. Our most attractive and visible environmental effort is the award-winning Greenprints Project, she says. The Greenprints Project will continue to impact the community in terms of enhancing quality of life and ensuring the long-term preservation of greenspace and natural resources throughout the city. Woodstock also was named a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2009.Greenprints Project 60 miles of multi-use trails, parks and greenspaceEncourage green building through reduced development review time and fees for projects that achieve LEED, EarthCraft, Energy Star or WaterSense certification6.8kWh solar panel on council chambers roof generates more than 11 percent of needed powerFirst in Georgia to install a municipally owned, free public charging station for electric vehiclesPlan 2040 Working toward ARCs excellence standards, which include a community-wide bicycle and pedestrian transportation plan; alternative vehicle parking at city/county offices; publish crime statistics or maps; require civic buildings to meet LEED, EarthCraft, Energy Star or similar certification standards; develop and maintain a comprehensive community Greenspace/Green Infrastructure Plan; and identify projects that have been recognized for environmental quality in building or site design through a performance-rating system
Book Review - Sycamore Row Sycamore RowThe beloved hero from A Time to Kill returns to Ford County in John Grishams latest legal thriller.By Catherine GrovesThe courthouse in Clanton, Miss., is remembered to readers who followed Jake Brigance through the controversial trial in John Grishams A Time to Kill. In this new bestseller, Jake returns to the courthouse in Ford County and, once again, becomes immersed in racial turmoil turmoil that creates a line that divides the citizens in this small, southern town.Seth Hubbard, a mysterious, wealthy old man dying with cancer, hangs himself from a Sycamore tree. Before this drastic ending of his own life, Hubbard mails a handwritten will to Jake Brigance, leaving the majority of his money and estate to Lottie, his black maid. Jake quickly becomes entangled in a bitter legal battle between Hubbards adult children, their crooked lawyers, and Lottie herself. With no intention of losing their inheritance to Hubbards maid, his children face off against Jake in a fight to overturn the will that they claim was made by their deranged father. Hubbards tippling daughter, Ramona, and pompous son, Herschel, quickly forget their own lack of devotion over the years, and become children wronged and cheated. Justice must be found!Jake knows he must find the answers to so many questions if he is to fulfill his dead clients wishes. He must discover why a wealthy man would leave his millions to his maid. Then, how does Sycamore Row come into play with any of this? Where is Seth Hubbards brother, Ancil? Can he be found in time to shed light on these dark secrets in this county known for its cruel bigotry? Twenty-five years after one of his most popular books, A Time to Kill,Grisham brings back some of his most beloved characters in this new legal masterpiece. From its riveting beginning to the tear-jerking ending, Sycamore Row exceeds any and all expectations from readers. John Grisham renounces himself as to why he is a household name in this No.1 bestseller. Sycamore Row can be purchased at most major bookstores and in e-Reader versions for Kindle and Nook.
Artist Profile - Kimberly Sheldon Scruggs Kimberly Sheldon Scruggs: A Love for ItalyBy Heike Hellmann-BrownOil painter Kimberly Sheldon Scruggs credits travelling and photography as inspirations for her vividly colored paintings. I have been to Italy many times, with Venice being my favorite destination, the artist says. The architecture, the landscape, the water, and, most of all, the colors provide endless inspiration. It was her fascination with colors that brought Kimberly Sheldon Scruggs to creating art in the first place. During the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, there was an exhibition in the High Museum called Rings: Five Passions in World Art. I was amazed by what the artists achieved using different colors. So, I started to look into art classes. With a mom who paints and a dad who does wood-working, including wood duck decoys, Scruggs already had been exposed to the creation of art pieces, but she never studied art before taking a class on the techniques of the old masters. Many years later, Scruggs still attends those classes weekly. With a full-time job as project manager for Hewlett-Packard, those classes provide me with a dedicated space and time to paint, she explains. I receive advice when needed and merge the techniques Ive learned with my own approach to an art piece.Scruggs style is reminiscent of impressionists Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and douard Manet, with a more realistic component. The portraits of John Singer Sargent are also a great inspiration to her. While I like the color schemes of the impressionists, I prefer a sense of realism, she says. Scruggs paints portraits, landscapes, animals and local scenes, mostly using her own photographs for reference. Photography has become more and more important to me to get ideas for my paintings. Apart from oil, she occasionally paints in pastels, charcoals, and pencils as well.Since 2012, Kimberly Sheldon Scruggs has served as president of the Alpha Arts Guild in Alpharetta, a position that allows her to apply her business skills to the art world. The guild is a collaboration of a group of very talented and supportive artists who are contributing to the common cause of promoting the arts. We showcase our work on a regular basis in select venues, and I see such a potential and so many opportunities for us to grow as an organization, she says.Scruggs artwork will be displayed at the Alpha Arts Guilds member exhibit at the Somerby Retirement Community in Alpharetta until April 11. Her paintings of Portofino and Venice are on display through May at Firefly Kitchen & Bar on Windward Parkway. Scruggs is also available for commissions.Facebook.com/KimberlySheldonScruggs
Artist Profile - The Thrillhammers 25 Years of Rock N Roll ... and Counting! By Heike Hellmann-BrownMusic has been an integral part of The Thrillhammers lives for as long as they can remember. All four of us were raised within a few miles of each other, in families full of musicians where sing-alongs were a tradition, says Shannon Bobo, guitarist and bass player of the band. The friendships of the four members of The Thrillhammers date back as far as first grade, and, while they individually joined different bands along the way, the four of them got together for the first time in 1987 to jam and continued ever since. Musical genres have come and gone, but for more than 25 years The Thrillhammers have been right at home on any loud, smoky stage, ripping through a versatile collection of originals, torqued-out covers and the occasional satirical mocker. Their sound has been described as part Rolling Stones, part George Jones, with a nod to the late 60s and early 70s bands. We have a large catalogue; 40-50 originals, plus 250-300 cover songs, explains Greg Brooks, drummer and singer of the band. Along with lead guitarist/singer Chris Chandler, Brooks is one of the bands chief songwriters. Both share credits in their nomination as finalists in the Rock Song of the Year competition by the Atlanta Songwriting Association. Greg and Chris are very unique together in their songwriting, adds Wayne Bagwell, rhythm guitarist. Altogether, the creation of a new song is a fun process where we all draw upon each others ideas from the first guitar rift to the final product.Their latest release is Highway 369. This album is a very cohesive collection of original songs, with the common thread being our immediate area, our history, our story, the people and legends, the Native American history, says Chandler. Blending Memphis soul, Muscle Shoals legacy and Appalachian attitude, the album tells vivid stories of love, happiness and hardship.While all band members have day jobs, they meet once a week to rehearse and then play select venues on the weekends. Their radius spans the entire South, with a focus on the metro Atlanta area. Although we never pursued a professional career in the music industry, we are professionals we get paid, Bobo jokes. We are not in it to get famous or rich; we just want to play good music. Being independent and doing things our way is an added bonus, says Brooks. Lots of bands cant stand each other. But we play with our friends. It all started many years ago because it was fun, and thats still the reason we do it. Bagwell adds that a gig of The Thrillhammers is not just your average concert. We gather as many people as possible and make an event out of it. Their next appearance will be April 12 at the Velvet Underground at Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta. Visit the website for a complete listing of The Thrillhammers upcoming shows.TheThrillhammers.net
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