Titles and Blurbs

Atlantas Most Innovative Home Remodeling and Design Company

By Cyndi Braun

Whatever your remodeling needs, when its time for your next big project or custom job, its time to visit Green Basements & Remodeling.

With a showroom in Roswell and an office in Woodstock, Green Remodeling offers convenience and quality that is unmatched by its competitors.

Established seventeen years ago, this family-based business specializes in basement finishing, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, custom furniture, self-fabricated countertops, outdoor living, commercial remodeling, new home construction, and pretty much any project you can imagine.

Employees refer to themselves as Team Green, and this teamwork mentality is reflected in all aspects of the business, with energetic Owner Laura Green pitching in at all levels.

Why Choose This Company?

Green Remodeling employs more than seventy people including an operations manager, sales manager and staff, showroom manager, project managers, designers, licensed and insured workers, master plumbers, and office staff. Their goal is to keep projects moving smoothly and efficiently by keeping everything in-house when it comes to ordering product and scheduling workers.

The company has a residential and light commercial contractors license, which enables it to pull permits with the county. This means projects are built to code, thus ensuring quality workmanship and reducing homeowner liability.

In addition, the company provides several unique services:

Showroom

When customers are ready to design a project, after meeting with an estimator in-home, the next step is to visit the Showroom in Roswell to meet with designers to select everything needed for the project. Customers appreciate the convenience of the Showroom, which allows them to see multiple products together under the same light without having to travel all over town.

3-D Design

Trained designers work with customers to provide a photo-realistic rendering of the proposed project. After customers select everything they need for their job, the designers enter selections cabinets, countertops, lighting, flooring, even furniture into design software, so customers can see exactly what theyre getting before work commences.

It is so much cheaper to change something in a design drawing than to put it in your house and then think Oops! I thought I was going to like that, but I dont, said Green. Before we get started on any project, customers sign off on the design.

Granite Countertop/Slab Yard

Green Remodeling has in stock more than 250 color patterns of granite, quartz, marble, soap stone, etc. Customers can select countertops in the Showroom, or they can visit the Woodstock slab yard and select the countertop they like. The slab yard also contains remnants for those looking to save money. The service is less expensive and more convenient than ordering a slab from a home improvement store and having the slab cut off-site.

We have a lot of remnants that are very reasonable in price. Our own in-house designers select the slabs on display. We have all the latest colors and styles, said Green.

Custom Cabinet Shop

Located at the Roswell Showroom, the custom cabinet shop offers another level of service for customers with unique design needs. Skilled carpenters are ready to take on a variety of custom projects in homes, garages, and outdoor living spaces. Some past custom projects include a home elevator disguised on the exterior as a chimney, custom barn doors, built-in seating with concealed storage, a mahogany dining room table with a built-in lazy susan, custom coffee tables, and other furniture designed to fit the space and family.

I like to show people stuff they didnt know they wanted until they see it, said Green. Anything custom that someone wants, we can figure out a way to do it, whether its custom cabinets or carpentry. Weve even installed a dumb waiter that provides convenience for an upstairs master suite.

Woman-Owned, Family-Run

Owned by Laura Green, the company is team-focused and family-operated, with Lauras oldest son running granite shop operations, her mother as office manager, an aunt scheduling estimates, a cousin handling countertop sales, and another cousin overseeing accounting.

Originally from Pensacola, FL, Green has lived in Georgia since 1999. She is married with five sons, ranging in age from eleven to 22.

If youre looking for a company to handle your next remodeling project or a special custom job, consider Green Basements & Remodeling.

Green Basements & Remodeling

Showroom
836 N. Atlanta Street
Roswell

Countertop Slab Yard
13987 Highway 92
Woodstock
678-445-5533

GreenRemodeling.com
Facebook.com/BasementsAndRemodeling/

Wedding Facts by the Numbers

By Jim Cheatham

Nobody wants to be the victim of a crime. Sometimes, we make it easy by leaving valuables in plain sight and leaving our doors unlocked.

The act of locking your doors seems pretty straight forward. However, time after time, citizens call about valuables stolen out of vehicles that were parked in their driveway overnight with the doors unlocked. Computers, purses, brief cases, guns, and jewelry left on the front seat. This is not an isolated problem, and we want to encourage better habits for our community.

We utilize social media as a way to engage in a community conversation. Our Facebook page is @AlpharettaPublicSafety, our Twitter account is @AlpharettaDPS, and our Instagram is @AlpharettaDPS. We have a YouTube channel, and we also participate in NextDoor. Social media is a changing landscape, and our eyes are on the horizon, looking for the conversations of tomorrow.

We end many of our social media posts with #BeSafeAlpharetta. Safe is a state of mind that makes one less likely to be harmed. We say this as a salutation, so our community will be aware and conscientious of the actions they can control to prevent themselves or others from being harmed or victimized. This hashtag would include trying to prevent your valuables from being stolen, but it may not be as easy to see the connection, so we are adding #9PMRoutine.

The #9PMRoutine was started by the Pasco Sheriffs Office in Florida. It was started to engage the community in crime prevention. It has become popular all across the country, and if you are an avid social media user, you have probably seen #9PMRoutine numerous times. Some agencies have included the question, Do you know where your children are? This is a throwback to public service announcements from decades ago, which were broadcast to address rising crime rates.

We want you to join us in the #9PMRoutine. We will send out messages regularly on our social media channels reminding the community to secure their surroundings. Lock your doors; put away your valuables; know where your family members are (especially your children); and ensure that they are safe.

Its time to wrap up our day, and sleep easily knowing our community does not make it easy for criminals. When you complete your #9PMRoutine, tell your community by posting it on your social media outlets with the #9PMRoutine hashtag, and feel free to tag the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

Of course, for those criminals who persist, call 911, and we will be glad to help arrange accommodations for them for the night.

#BeSafeAlpharetta #9PMRoutine

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

One of the duties and responsibilities of the sheriff is to be the keeper of the county jail. So, what is a jail, and why is it important to our community?

The Georgia Constitution requires the sheriff to perform certain duties including civil process, issuing warrants, providing security at the county courthouse, maintaining and operating a jail, and providing general law enforcement services throughout the county. Although there are many other duties, this article will focus on jail operations.

First, jail is not a prison. A prison is used to house state-sentenced inmates who have been charged with felony offenses that require incarceration greater than twelve months. However, a jail does house individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, inmates who are serving a sentence of less than twelve months for misdemeanor offenses, inmates who have had their probation revoked, or inmates who are waiting to be transferred to a state or federal facility.

When a person is arrested, if they are seventeen years of age or older, they are brought to the county jail for processing. Once the person is brought into the facility, they are booked in and processed. Depending on the nature of the crime, the person may be given a bond amount, or they may be required to appear before a magistrate judge for a bond hearing.

If a bond amount is given, the person may provide a surety in the form of cash, property, bonding company, or they may be released on their own recognizance. If the person cannot post a bond, or is denied a bond, then the person will be held by the sheriff throughout the criminal proceeding. The sheriff is responsible for ensuring each inmate appears at each court proceeding until the case is settled.

By law, the sheriff is also responsible for feeding, clothing, providing health care, shelter, and security for each inmate as well as the facility.

The current Cherokee County Adult Detention Center (ADC) was built in 2003 for 512 inmate beds and facilities. The older jail, which was built in the late 1980s, is still unitized to house approximately 100 additional inmates.

The Cherokee County ADC inmate population has been growing steadily at 8% over the last several years. The daily population trends have ranged from 650 inmates to 750 during the summer months. Despite proactive attempts to lower the population growth through the use of judicial accountability courts, releasing offenders on citations, and working with probation management the population continues to grow.

Last November, Cherokee County citizens approved a continuation of a special-purpose local sales tax (SPLOST), which will partly be used to build an expansion of the existing jail. This was vitally important because the United States Supreme Courts case, Brown Vs. Plata, sets standards of inmate health care and population capacity.

The architectural and construction plans are underway, with an anticipated project completion in the next thirty-six months. As your sheriff, Im very grateful for your support in helping the Cherokee Sheriffs Office provide a service to you while making our community safe. Our team of professional men and women are committed to serving you with the finest law enforcement services you deserve.

Quadruple Threat

By Tina Morris

A Tennessee native, Brian White has been performing all his life, beginning in church choir and progressing to high school plays and musicals. Brian moved to Georgia after earning a role in a live musical show at Six Flags. While there, he auditioned for the Atlanta Jazz Theatre and was cast in their professional dance company. On scholarship with the company, Brian took thirteen dance classes a week to further develop his talents. During this time, he landed a role in The Music Man at the Alliance Theatre. Originally cast in the chorus, three days before opening, the director asked him to take over the role of Tommy Djilas, the younger male lead, because the original actor became ill and was unable to perform.

While performing at the Alliance, Disney posted an audition notice back stage, and Brian seized the opportunity. After earning a role with Disney, he went on to perform with them for eleven years on eight different stages. Brian participated in a U.S. and European tour with Disney. On the European leg of the tour, he learned and performed the show in German and French. He was also part of some beloved shows including the Hoop De Doo Dinner Review and, his personal favorite, The Diamond Horseshoe Review, which was a lively can-can show.
In 1986 while recovering from torn ligaments in his ankle, Brian obtained his real estate license and began flipping houses in downtown Orlando. Ten years later, he returned to Georgia to pursue real estate full time. However, when the housing market slowed in 2008, Brian had time to return to the stage, performing a couple of shows a year.

Since his return to the stage, Brian has performed in many shows including The Great American Trailer Park, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Lion in Winter. His favorite genre to perform is musical theater. When he is acting, he immerses himself in the role. Brian states that the most difficult role hes even undertaken was King Henry because it was emotionally, physically, and mentally draining. However, Brians most recent role was in the fun, comedic First Date The Musical with the Marietta Theatre Company.

In addition to theatre, Brian discovered a new creative outlet in quilting. He has quickly found success in this timeless folk art, as a pattern of his was recently published, and he was commissioned by a major company to create a quilt for a billboard advertisement.

Brian plans to continue acting, as he is offered roles that he feels would be a good fit for him. He truly is multi-talented acting, singing, dancing, and quilting! Brians advice to aspiring artists is, Dont give up. Push through challenges, and keep doing the work. Thats actually pretty great advice for any of lifes pursuits.

By Jessica Asbell

If you were a fan of the Little House on the Prairie series when you were growing up, youll be delighted to discover Sarah Millers Caroline: Little House, Revisited. And despite the author occasionally waffling between first and third person, Caroline feels like coming home. If youve read Laura Ingalls Wilders view of life on the prairie, youll appreciate the depth of Carolines view as an adult.

Everything is there: the emotions of leaving home and family, truly, for the first time; the desire to be selfish warring with the desire to be strong for her daughters, Mary and Laura; and the harrowing aspect of crossing the country in a wagon, camping along the side of the road, crossing a frozen lake as it was thawing, and crossing swollen creeks where the horses had to swim.

In a time when all you had to do to claim land in the mid west was to settle it, build a house, and plow the land, Charles Ingalls sees adventure. He sees land just waiting to be claimed. Caroline, though, is more apprehensive. Charles sees adventure, and she sees uncertainty. But at the sight of Charles enthusiasm, Caroline says yes. So, they pack the wagon to the brim and say goodbye to their kin in what is perhaps the last time they will ever see them.

Sarah Millers Caroline is much more of a three-dimensional character than Laura Ingalls Wilders Caroline was. From Lauras perspective, Caroline is just Ma. But Miller gives us a rare gift: the ability to see inside Caroline, to hear her thoughts and her feelings, and she is by no means perfect. As she is forced to separate herself from the family she leaned on, she begins to discover who she is.

Caroline Ingalls was a real person, one who made mistakes, loved fiercely, and battled the elements to make a life for her family. In Caroline, Sarah Miller gives her story space to thrive.

Keeping Girls Safe and Free

In a defining moment that quite literally changed the course of her future, Michele Rickett discovered her lifes purpose while working in East Africa as a young woman. Global slavery was still a distant phrase when she began witnessing unthinkable injustices against African women and girls.

In 2002, with her studies behind her and her children grown, Michele founded She Is Safe, which is a nonprofit organization that is headquartered in Roswell. She then began her life-saving work of prevention, rescue, and restoration of exploited women and girls. Sixteen years later, Michele has leveraged her years of international development to equip oppressed women and girls with the ability to break the cycles of abuse and slavery, while also providing leadership to other ministries that are resolved to end human trafficking.


Revealing the story behind her lifes work, Michele thoughtfully shares that she is not just a survivor but a thriver. There was a time when she wondered aloud to God how she could help set vulnerable girls free. There are so many exploited and abused girls, Michele prayed; how can I possibly make a difference? Where do I even start?

Now, with more than three decades of advocating, working, and leading the effective counter-trafficking nonprofit she started, Michele has answers to those early questions. She Is Safes team of twenty country directors, sector specialists, and corporate staff members manage holistic, grassroots initiatives in seven countries: Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Mali, South Sudan, and Lebanon. She Is Safe also provided direct ministry to more than 17,000 women and girls last year. Additionally, the nonprofit equipped more than 50,000 at-risk Indonesian school children with abuse prevention training and established a hotline for help through its Pantaloons, Protection, and Pencil Pouches project.

To help others truly understand what the world of human trafficking is like, Michele drew upon her own heart-rending rescue and transformation and then, along with co-author Kay Strom, she also travelled the continents to procure first-hand interviews with girls who share what it is really like to grow up female in the worlds most dangerous places. These accounts are compiled in their book entitled Forgotten Girls: Stories of Hope and Courage. This book explains why 98% of the worlds sex slaves are female and what each one of us can do to help protect these girls from a lifetime of exploitation and enslavement.

For more information about She Is Safe, or to learn how you can help, visit SheIsSafe.org, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 770-552-1400.

She Is Safe is located at 11095 Houze Road, Suite 100 in Roswell.

By Frank Reynolds

When I was about fifteen years old, my dad bought me my first rifle from Sparks Hardware in downtown Canton. My buddies and I would go camping every weekend during the summer, rifles in hand. When we ran out of ammo, we went back to Sparks and got what we needed. Back then, John Sparks philosophy was, If you could see over the counter, you could buy your own .22 ammunition.

Times have certainly changed.

My goal here is not to debate gun legislation, the mental health crisis, or drug addiction. My intent is to offer you some simple tools to reflect on should you find yourself in a critical incident like an active shooter.

First, let me state that I am pro-2nd Amendment, and as your sheriff, I dont believe having more gun laws will contribute to making our communities safer. I do believe in training and education when it comes to responsible gun ownership. Later this year, we will offer a series of basic handgun familiarization courses to a select group of citizens.

My focus, here, is to talk about what to do in the event of being involved in an active shooter situation or other critical incident. The following three principles are taken from the CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) Training program offered by the Cherokee Sheriffs Office and some police departments.

Avoid
One of your best defenses is being situationally aware of your surroundings. Take note of people and their behaviors. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, there is probably a reason even if you cant articulate it at the moment. Create distance, or leave the immediate area. Often, victims of crimes report that something did not seem right prior to the incident taking place.

Deny
If leaving the immediate area prior to an incident developing (or when a crisis is ongoing), deny the attacker the access to your location. Locking doors, turning off lights, and silencing cellular devices may cause the attacker to move to another location. If you cannot lock a door, try barricading it with furniture and heavy items. Try not to use your body. If the door opens to the outside, use a belt or strap to pull the door closed.

Defend
If leaving the immediate area or sheltering in place is not an option defend yourself and others. Use whatever items are available in the room as improvised weapons. This can be books, chairs, or anything that can aid in your defense.

Firearms
Having a firearm readily available may be a viable option for some. There are many factors to consider when employing a firearm during an active shooter incident. I recommend seeking advanced training from a reputable instructor. Topics to be discussed should include threat identification, collateral damage, legal issues, and being mistaken for the attacker.

I hope you will take some time to reflect on what you can do to better protect yourself and minimize your risk of being a victim during a critical incident. Create a plan with your friends, family, and coworkers about what to do during an attack. Incorporate that plan into your everyday life, and prepare for the unexpected. May you never need to employ these safety principles.

Whether its ants, roaches, termites, mosquitoes, flying squirrels, or snakes, weve got it all in Cherokee County and more. You can try spraying and smashing bugs as you see them. You can set out traps in the attic in hopes of catching whatever is living up there. Or, you can call Tim McWhirter and his team at Canton Termite & Pest Control.

Many of your neighbors already rely on Canton Termite to deliver quality, dependable service at a fair price. Employees treat customers with respect and instill a high-level of trust and accountability.

They are very honest and have worked diligently to help us solve pest issues that we have had. They always follow up to be sure that the problem has been solved, said JoAnne Renfro, one of many happy customers posting on Google reviews.

Their pest control services include the following:
-Free, 58-point pest analysis of your home or office
-Termite inspections, treatments, and bait systems
-Pre-listing termite inspection and report letters for homeowners intending to sell their homes
-Quarterly pest control treatments
-Nuisance wildlife control
-Mosquito control and treatment

All services include a no-risk, 30-day, money-back guarantee.

As a local, family-owned company, Canton Termite hires employees that are part of the community, members of local churches, active in community groups, with children attending area schools. That kind of connection leads to a commitment to provide service that customers trust.

Our employees are more than just bug people. They are the type of people you would want in your home. They treat you with respect and treat your property with respect, said Tim. All employees have undergone extensive background checks and drug screenings along with being licensed, trained, and insured.

Meet the Crew

William Botts
Wildlife Supervisor

Whether its flying squirrels, snakes, or rodents, William is the guy to call. Born in Cherokee County, William married his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth, and worked in management for many years. In 2005, he felt called to ministry and decided to change his career. He served as a missionary and earned a degree in intercultural studies and biblical ministries. Today, besides working at Canton Termite, he is a youth pastor for Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Brent Pickens
Termite Supervisor

With more than fifteen years of experience, Brent is adept at crawling under homes, identifying the tell-tale signs of destructive termites, and providing effective termite treatment. In his spare time, Brent is the head umpire for several of Cherokee Countys youth baseball leagues. Every summer, he heads to Cooperstown Dreams Park to serve as an umpire for talented young ballplayers in the Travel Ball World Series games.

Ed Sullivan
Pest Control Sales

Ed and his wife moved to Canton to be closer to their daughter and to enjoy their much-earned retirement after a 35-year corporate career. But Ed quickly realized he wasnt quite ready for retirement. When Ed joined the Canton Termite team, he jumped at the opportunity to crawl into basements, climb into attics, and do all the dirty work that pest control requires, but his strongest skills are handling sales and customer service and thats where customers usually interact with Ed.

Jacob Baka,
Pest Control Technician

The youngest sibling in a family of six, Jacob is now the youngest member of the Canton Termite team. He has lived in Canton for most of his life and is a Sequoyah High School graduate. Jacob enjoys working out and playing sports, but his real passion is playing hockey. With three years of experience in the field, including wildlife and pest control, Jacob is a hard worker and enjoys getting to know his customers.

Linda Palmer
Bookkeeping

Linda works in the back office and handles bookkeeping, billing, and accounts. Shes a University of Georgia graduate and a homeschool mom. Her youngest two children attend Kings Academy while the oldest two are at UGA. The family lives in Canton.

Robin McWhirter
Scheduling

Robin handles scheduling appointments and customer service. She is married to owner Tim McWhirter. A Canton native, Robin is a homeschool mom and member of First Baptist Woodstock. She and Tim have four kids. The oldest two attend the University of North Georgia and the University of Georgia while the youngest two attend Kings Academy.

Tim McWhirter
Owner

Born and raised in Cherokee County, Tim is a member of First Baptist Woodstock and has served in the community as a Sunday school teacher and a Boy Scout leader. When Tim was in college, he discovered an interest in entomology and began working in pest control part time. He decided to make pest control his career and established the company now known as Canton Termite & Pest Control. Tim is committed to providing excellent service to his customers.

Canton Termite & Pest Control

150 North Street, Suite C, Canton, GA 30114
770-479-1598

CantonTermite.com

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By Joshua Fuder

Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow because they often tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and have few insect and disease issues. Because herbs are relatively carefree, they have an obvious fit in a food garden, but they also work just as well incorporated into your landscape or in containers.

Herb Culture

Herbs prefer a well-drained soil with a pH between 6 to 7.5. If planting in our native soil, plan to incorporate at least two to three inches of compost or well-rotted manure to a depth of 8-12 inches.  A soil test will tell how much lime needs to be added to change the pH to the optimal range.

Like most vegetables and flowers, herbs do best in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Mulching will also help discourage weeds and maintain soil moisture levels.

Classification of Herbs

Botanically, herbs are classified as annuals, biennials, or perennials.  Because of our long growing season and growth characteristics, they can be broken down the following way:

Spring/Fall Annuals

These are plants that do not seem to thrive during our hot, humid summers: chives, dill, parsley, borage, arugula, and cilantro. You can still get fresh dill and cilantro for those summer pickles and salsa recipes by planting in an area that is sheltered from the afternoon sun.

Summer Annuals

Plants like basil, Calendula, and papalo do best once soils have warmed a bit in the spring. Basil should be managed to prevent flowering because leaf quality diminishes once the plant reaches this stage. To delay the flowering stage of basil, simply pinch or cut the tips of stems every so often to keep the plant in a vegetative stage. Papalo is an interesting herb from Central and South America. It has an upright growing habit, and its taste is described as a mix of cilantro and arugula.

Tender Perennials

These plants are not quite perennial, but with a little bit of effort, you can keep them going year after year. Plants like lemongrass and stevia thrive in the summer but will die to the ground with a frost. Dig up a few shoots or half a clump of lemongrass each year, and keep it in the basement. When re-planting, it just takes a few sprigs in a pot or planting area to have more lemongrass than one needs.

Container Plants

Even if you have space, these herbs belong in a container due to their aggressive spreading nature. Any of the mints, catnip, anise hyssop, bee and lemon balm are herbaceous perennials, meaning they will die back to the roots during winter. These are excellent plants for fragrance, teas, and a nectar source for pollinators. However, they are ruthless in their quest for world domination. Many gardeners will plant them in half-buried containers to prevent the spread of roots to unwanted areas.

Perennials

Perennial herbs are favorites because they incorporate well into the broader landscape. Plants like rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, lavender, Stachys or lambs ear, and winter savory have excellent characteristics that help them fit into ornamental settings. All are evergreen and provide blooms that help encourage beneficial insect habitats. Thyme, oregano, and winter savory have spreading growth habits that make them great ground covers. Rosemary has needle-like leaves that resemble a small pine and can be pruned or shaped into desired forms. Keeping all of these plants near the house makes collecting them for use in the kitchen more convenient.

Propagation

A number of herbs, particularly the annuals, can be grown from seed. Direct seeding can be done but beginning plants indoors 4-6 weeks prior to setting out can increase success. Perennial herbs such as lavender and rosemary are best propagated by cuttings in spring and summer. Take a 3- to 5-inch cutting of new growth, remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds, and dip the end in a rooting hormone. Insert the cutting so almost the entire bare stem is in the potting medium. Keep moist, and in three to six weeks, the plant should have a root system.

Harvesting and Preserving

Herbs grown for foliage can be harvested any time, but it is ideal to collect early in the morning after any moisture has dried. Drying herbs can be as simple as tying bundles of stems together and hanging in a warm, dry, dark, area or in a paper bag with ventilation holes. Herbs can also be dried in a gas oven at low heat or in a food dehydrator. Simply strip the leaves, and lay them out, so they do not overlap.

Herbs can be preserved by freezing dry leaves or by placing leaves in ice trays with water. Frozen herbs begin to lose quality after three to
six months.

Getting Fit, Staying Active Can Improve Your Quality of Life

St. George Village resident Laureen Johnson can attest to the fact that its never too late to improve your quality of life with physical activity.

When she moved to St. George last March, Laureen had been suffering from the debilitating nerve pain caused by sciatica for two years.

There were times when the pain was so bad, I almost couldnt get out of bed in the morning. And I was having a lot of trouble taking care of my house and yard after my husband died, she said. Even after moving to St. George, I needed my meals delivered to my apartment for a while.

Laureen kept thinking about her doctors continued suggestion that aqua exercise might help improve her mobility. He knew that water workouts can be adapted to fit anyones needs, regardless of age and activity level, and that water exercise can do the following:

-Build endurance
-Increase flexibility
-Relieve stress and decrease anxiety
-Increase metabolism (and thereby burn more calories)
-Reduce blood pressure

It took a little time, but a few months after getting settled into her new community, Laureen decided to try out the indoor pool and hot tub at St. George.
Thats when my sciatica went away! she said.

Now, Laureen makes good use of the pool five to six days a week. She does water walking, works out with water weights, and participates in water aerobics classes. Also, she says that the hot tub with its water jets has been great therapy for sore muscles.

Just two months after she began exercising in the water, Laureen was able to discontinue the pain medication shed been prescribed for sciatica.

Getting into the pool was the answer for me, she said. I havent had any problems with sciatica since.

With her mobility restored, Laureen is no longer limited to spending time in her apartment and feels she has a new lease on life. She enjoys spending time with her best friend and all the new friends that she has made at St. George. She also loves spending time with her daughter and grandchildren who live nearby in east Cobb and are frequent visitors.

In addition to making good use of the pool, Laureen particularly relishes growing vegetables in her raised garden bed, which she then shares with her neighbors. Last summer, she pickled 22 pints of cucumbers.

I had a garden at my home before I moved here, and I missed it. Theres nothing like a tomato fresh from the garden, she said. Gardening is only one of the many things I can do now that I can be active again.

At St. George Village, part of our mission as a Life Plan community is to encourage and provide opportunities for our residents to pursue a healthy, independent lifestyle. Water exercise is only one of the many activities we offer! From fitness classes and planned travel to educational workshops and volunteer projects, there is always something new, exciting, and fun to do with neighbors who share your interests.

Come see how a retirement lifestyle of active engagement can be yours at St. George Village. Call Stacy Anthony at 678-987-0402 for more information. Find more details about our community, lifestyle, and residents online at StGeorgeVillage.org, and on Facebook and Pinterest.

St. George Village

11350 Woodstock Road
Roswell, Georgia 30075
770-645-2340
or toll free
866-826-3400
StGeorgeVillage.org

"The Best Service Company Ever!"

By Cyndi Braun

Few people are as committed to lawncare as Josh Wise and his team at GrassRoots Tree & Turf Care.

Fifteen years ago, Wise went into business for himself, establishing what would become one of Atlantas premier lawncare companies. Back then, Joshs goal was to offer a different type of lawncare business, one based on quality service and treating customers like people, not numbers.

That business model has helped this family business grow to over twenty employees, more than 4,000 customers, and a service area that encompasses much of north metro Atlanta.

GrassRoots now offers weed control, mosquito control, and shrub care. Technicians address each propertys unique needs based on grass type, topographical conditions, and season. The companys all-inclusive lawncare service ensures that lawns receive the most effective treatments, using the best products and techniques.

The GrassRoots Team

Josh leads his company like hes part of a team, not the CEO. Many of the employees are family members, including Joshs brother, mother, and father; those who arent family are treated like they are.

Technicians are highly trained and make customer service a priority. They participate in regular training opportunities to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and practices in the industry.

We have a really good group of employees, and they treat the customers well. Thats the main focus of everything we do, said Wise. Its important to keep the same technicians going to the same properties, so customers get to know their techs, and techs get to know their customers. It makes for the best service all the way around.

In fact, the companys goal is to be The BEST Service Company EVER!

A Company Unlike Others

By focusing on service, GrassRoots takes care of customers lawns in a way no other company does. At the core of this service is the understanding that each lawn should be approached as if it were the technicians own property.

Technicians move childrens and dogs toys prior to treatments, remove debris and leaves if they are hindering the application of lawn treatment, and double check that gates are closed before leaving. If the customer is home, the technician takes the time to talk to the homeowner and answer questions.

On the drivers side door of every truck, we have GR-360, which reminds our technicians to make sure the property is locked up with gates closed, and to walk around the truck to check that it is secure and safe, said Wise.

Through all-inclusive lawncare services, the company offers sixteen different services (called The GrassRoots Difference). Most lawn care companies charge extra for these services.

If a technician notices a concern on the property, he doesnt wait for the homeowner to inform him. He takes the initiative to take care of it at the time of service then schedules a follow-up to ensure the problem has been resolved.

If we get out to a property and a technician sees a fire ant mound, hes going to take care of that and treat it while hes there. He shows up with what he needs to get the job done for that time of the year, but the truck is also equipped with any other products he might need, said Wise.

Since GrassRoots technicians are not paid by commission, they can make sure they treat lawns thoroughly and provide excellent service without the pressure to rush through as many lawns as they can in a day.

Our technicians show up at a property to do a service, whether its a regular service call, a two-week follow-up, it doesnt matter. It doesnt change their pay whatsoever. It doesnt matter if they do thirty stops a day or fifteen a day. This gives them the ability to focus on doing the right job the first time, said Wise.

If customers notice an issue between treatments, they can schedule another treatment at no charge. No questions asked.

Through the companys website, customers can communicate 24 hours a day with a live-chat feature. If theyd rather talk by phone, they can call the office during regular hours or even call the CEO.

I like being in touch with my customers and being available to them, said Wise. Every month, I send out emails to all my customers with my cell phone number. Im readily available to take a call from a customer at any time.

The GrassRoots Difference

The lawn is where friends gather, where children and pets play, and where first impressions are made. A healthy, beautiful lawn is a source of pride. Through its services, GrassRoots ensures lawns are healthy and beautiful, allowing homeowners to have more free time for the important things in their lives.

GrassRoots

Turf.com
100 Holt Drive, Acworth, GA 30101
770-917-8200
Facebook.com/grassrootsatlantalawncare/

Things to Consider

By Mike Reynolds

A high performance, energy-efficient home may include features like geothermal heating, wind power, and solar panels, but these are not the defining features of green living. They come in second, and some you can even do without. A green home starts with being well designed, well insulated, and if possible, it will have glazing oriented to the south for passive heat gain.

Energy Efficiency, Insulation, and Orientation

An efficient and resilient home is one that uses minimal energy to heat, cool, light, and run appliances. The biggest draw is almost always climate control, so reducing heating and cooling requirements is the best way to reduce operational costs.

Depending upon whether you desire the climate in your home to be warmer or cooler will play a big role in window placement when designing your home, as careful window placement can reduce heating or cooling requirements by as much as 25% for virtually no cost.

A well-insulated, well-sealed, building envelope is imperative to the performance of your home. Windows and walls that leak heat, air, and moisture can quickly negate the positive effects and financial savings of the green, sustainable upgrades you make in your homes design.

A Reasonably Sized House

A smaller house is a more efficient house its that simple. A smaller house means less land to excavate, less materials to manufacture and ship, less space to heat, less space to cool, less taxes to pay, less to clean, and less money to buy or build.

According to Mark J. Perrys article on AEI.org, The average new house in the U.S. is getting larger in size at the same time that American households are getting smaller, the square footage of living space per person in a new U.S. house has increased from 507 to 971 square feet using the median size house, and from 551 to 1,058 square feet using the average size house. In percentage terms, thats a 92% increase for both the median or average house size per person. This square foot average per person can easily be reduced and still allow you to live quite comfortably.

A Flexible House

Your family size will change throughout your life, and a flexible house is one that has been designed to accommodate that change with as little cost and disruption as possible. You can reduce both the financial and environmental costs of a big renovation by anticipating and designing for these changes.

Think about potential layout changes, such as where a future granny suite would be, and during your build, you can run the necessary plumbing and wiring along with framing future door openings. So, when the time comes, rather than a major disruptive renovation, you already have the infrastructure in place to create a new bathroom and kitchen.

Using Reclaimed and Local Materials

By re-using existing building materials and buying locally, you just became part of the green building trend. Knowing what materials you will use ahead of time can save you some headaches, since you can make any necessary adjustments right away. For example, if you have plans to use old doors or a specific flooring material, you many need to adjust framing or floor heights. Old doors dont always meet the standard openings, and its best to know the exact sizes before you start building.

Mechanical Systems

Sadly, a typical sacrifice in home construction is quality mechanical systems. Purchase and installation usually come towards the end of construction, and if you're over budget, there is a strong temptation to look towards downgrades when you really shouldn't. Your heating and cooling equipment is your comfort delivery system, this is not the place to try and save a dollar, and doing so will also probably cost you more in the long run by being less efficient, and your family being less comfortable.

Appliances and Electrical

Don't underestimate the amount of energy that will be consumed by appliances, electronics, and lighting. Read the tags on appliances to see what they consume, and look for those that are ENERGY STAR certified. LED lights will save electricity and money, and they will also help keep your house cooler in the summer. Incandescent bulbs convert 80% of their energy to heat, so turning on eight 100-watt bulbs is like turning on an 800-watt heater.

Who Will Draw Your Plans?

Architects
An architect will provide you with full professional services, meaning design, contract bidding, taking care of all contract documents, and getting all permits and approvals. However, they arent cheap, so plan on spending approximately 10-12% of your total construction cost. Before signing on with someone, make sure you have either a good understanding of what you are looking for, or that there is a good working relationship where you are involved in the process.

Architectural Technologists or Designers
This route can be a lot more affordable than hiring an architect. You will probably pay $5,000-$10,000 depending on size and complexity, and the plans will still comply with municipal regulations. This can be a nice option for smaller projects or renovations. A technologist or designer may approach a project more mechanically than an architect. Once the plans are drawn, they will often relinquish responsibility, and the ball is then in your court.

Purchasing Pre-Drawn Plans
This can be useful if you are looking for a standard house. It's a much quicker process, and it is certainly an affordable option. On the downside, you likely wont find plans that match your vision perfectly, and any changes to the existing plan means the price will be higher than you originally thought.

Drawing Your Own Plans
This can be quite fun and rewarding, and if you do your research, you can get a great product that suits your lifestyle and needs quite well. Keep in mind it will be quite time consuming, and there might be a hefty learning curve if youre new to it.

Some municipalities arent too keen on plans drawn by owners, so check what their requirements are before getting too deep into it. In addition, you may forget some key points, so it can cost you a lot in the long run if you arent really careful in your planning.

Whatever options you choose, take time to do your research to ensure a final product you can be really satisfied with.

By Jim Cheatham

It happens often someone calls an elderly couple on the phone and convinces them that they are a representative from a well-known company that the couple normally does business with. This representative proceeds to tell the elderly couple about a made-up problem and asks them for personal information and credit card numbers to help fix the situation. And before the couple can figure out what has happened to them, a considerable amount of their money goes missing, credit gets ruined, and then the whole mess must be cleaned up by spending countless hours on the phone with banks, credit card companies, attorneys, etc.

The internet and personal technology can be confusing enough, but when its constantly changing and updating, it can be difficult to stay ahead of the curve. Scammers take advantage of everyone, but they specifically target the elderly. Their goal is to confuse people and then appear to be the good guy by helping them out of a bogus situation they created.

It has been reported that as many as one in four people over the age of sixty have fallen victim to technology fraud. The victims are often too embarrassed to tell anyone that they fell for a scam, so the crime goes unreported. The people who commit these crimes are hard to trace because they are often out of state or even out of the country. Investigating technology fraud is extremely difficult. The best defense is to prevent these scams from ever happening.

How can you prevent a scam from happening to you or your aging loved ones? Be an informed consumer. The National Council on Aging has a great website, NCOA.org, which has useful tips on how to avoid being defrauded. It also educates the public on the current trends and popular fraud scenarios that swindlers are using to take advantage of people. Here are some tips on how to prevent technology fraud:

Do not give out your personal information to anybody who calls or contacts you.

Legitimate companies do not call and ask for personal information, and if they do, they will not have a problem with you hanging up and calling them back on a number that you have used in the past (not the one they just gave you).

Be very cautious of the internet, and dont click on things unless you are sure the company is authentic.

Swindlers make their websites look just like the real ones. When in doubt, close the web page, and disconnect from the internet.

By Annell Gerson

At twelve, having graduated from the pages of Encyclopedia Brown and The Hardy Boys, Christopher Swanns grandfather gave him a prized volume of The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes. As an eighth grader, he created a fictionalized diary for a history assignment. Not only did he receive accolades for his project, but writing had been fun. Hard to know which was more influential, but by the time Christopher Swann was a teenager, he knew he would grow up to be a writer.

His adolescent dream became a reality in August 2017, when Algonquin Books published his debut novel, Shadow of the Lions. Lauded as a compelling blend of A Separate Peace, Dead Poets Society, and The Secret History, Shadow of the Lions is a literary thriller complete with page-turning plot lines, believable characters, and heart-twisting social themes.

Fritz Davenport and Matthias Glass are seniors, roommates, and best friends at The Blackburne School, a prestigious boys boarding school in Virginia. In the symbolic shadow of the two concrete lions that flank the entrance to the school, Fritz and Matthias argue regarding a consequential matter. Fritz runs off into the woods and disappears. A decade later, Fritz has never been found.

Although Matthias writes a bestselling novel, life in the fast lane has left him broke and void of ideas for a second book. Since he has no other job prospects, when offered a position teaching English at Blackburne, he accepts.

Returning to Blackburne resurrects buried memories, and Matthias, flooded with feelings of loss, loneliness, and guilt, realizes he will never emerge from the shadow of his past unless he finds out what happened to Fritz. Uncovering the truth leads to stunning revelations about himself, his friend, the adults of his youth, and Blackburne itself.

Shadow of the Lions is a Townsend Prize Finalist for 2018. In addition, Christopher Swann has been nominated for Georgia Author of the Year 2018, First Novel.

The Place to Go for Body Work

By Cyndi Braun

Motor vehicle accident? Fading paint? Restoration of a classic? Whatever your car needs, Howards Auto Body specializes in bringing it back to its prior glory.

Quality body work is something Howard Vallimont has been doing for forty-some years, starting when he was a teenager. In 1996, he set up shop on Marietta Highway in Canton. Since then, the business has grown to include five body shop technicians and a body shop manager. All are I-CAR and ASI-certified craftsmen, and many have been with the shop for more than ten years.

What Howards Offers

We are proud to be a small, local business, said Melissa Vallimont who handles day-to-day operations at the shop. We focus on quality work and service, and value our personal connections with our customers.

Services include the following:
- Auto body collision repair
- Truck body repair
- Paint color matching
- Dent and scratch repairs
- Glass chip repair and replacement
- Full restoration of antique and classic cars
- Towing
- Free estimates while you wait
- Rental car referrals

Collision Repairs

From the moment customers walk in, they can relax, knowing that we will handle all the details related to insurance. We keep in touch with the insurance company and make sure everything is taken care of, said Melissa.

In the case of a motor vehicle accident, Howards warranty is as good or better than any warranty offered by an insurance company.

Building Relationships

We believe in friendly service and building lifelong relationships. We have many repeat customers who come to us if they have another accident or if a family member needs body work, said Melissa. When a car leaves our shop, we thoroughly inspect the vehicle to make sure it meets our high standards. We want our customers to leave happy and satisfied with the repairs.

FAQs

How long will it take to repair my car?
In most cases, repairs usually take about a week to complete. In instances where a vehicle has extensive damage or delayed part delivery, repairs may take a little longer.

Do you color match for partial repaints?
Yes. Before painting a car, Howards painters match the new paint to the vehicles color by mixing it with the factory paint code. The painter then applies an EPA-certified primer/sealer which produces a uniform surface for best paint adhesion on all paint jobs. The shop uses only PPG-certified paint.

I dont have a garage. How do I take care of my new paint job?
After painting is completed, its best to keep your car out of the sun as much as possible. Parking it in a garage or under a car cover would be best. If that isnt possible, you should keep the car clean and waxed, which protects the paint and provides extra shine and luster.

Are you a preferred shop for my insurance company?
Maybe. However, even if Howards Auto Body is not on your insurance companys preferred list, customers have the opportunity to choose the shop in which they would like to have their vehicle repaired.

What does your warranty cover?
As long as you own your vehicle, Howards guarantees the craftsmanship and paint. This excludes defects due to negligence, accidents, or maintenance of the vehicle.

What to Do After a Car Accident

1. Stay calm. Stop your car, and move it to a safe location (if possible).
2. Call 911.
3. Check on the other driver/ passengers, and exchange insurance information. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.
4. Cooperate with police while they document the accident scene. Allow medical personnel to assess you for injuries. If you are injured, seek medical attention.
5. Call your insurance company. If you have a personal insurance agent, call him first. An agent can advise you prior to making a claim. Sometimes, its better to go through insurance; other times, it may be better to pay out of pocket.
6. If your vehicle needs to be towed, request that it be taken to the repair shop of your choice.
7. Take your vehicle to an auto body repair shop for an estimate. You can use a shop your insurance recommends, or choose your own.
8. Repair your vehicle right away. Unseen internal damage may cause future problems with your vehicle.

Howard's Auto Body
2650 Marietta Highway, Suite 180, Canton, GA 30114
770-720-1107
HowardsAutoBody.net/
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Open 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday

Quilter's Handdmade Blankets Honor Son's Memory and Give Back

By Hannah Olson

When her twenty-two-year-old son died, Wanda Richardson looked for a way to honor his memory and restore her mind. That is when she took up quilting with her mom and sister. Together, they took local quilting classes as a meaningful way to spend time together. Since then, Richardson has made hundreds of quilts for family, friends, and neighbors.

Quilting is not just having a blanket, Richardson says. Quilting is a social event, a source of pride for the maker, and a great opportunity for gifting. Richardson has made every kind of quilt from baby blankets and lap quilts to king-sized wedding quilts and decorative wall hangings. Some of her more memorable gift quilts have been the retirement quilts she has made for close friends and retiring teachers.

Richardson, now retired, used to teach middle school science and literature. She now teaches her granddaughters and grandson the exciting craft of quilting. It is good to have something new to learn as we age, Richardson says. Quilting has become a way for Richardson to stay young and give back to her community.

A big way that Richardson gives back to her community is through her membership with the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild, a chapter of the Georgia Quilt Council located in Cartersville, GA. Involvement with her Guild means that Richardson gets to learn more about her craft through Guild-sponsored seminars and classes as well as participate in community outreach opportunities. Richardson and her fellow Guild members donate items for womens shelters, blankets for children who are victims of house fires, conquer quilts for children with cancer, and infant supplies for prenatal units.

When she is not gathering donations for those in need or sewing around the quilt circle with her friends from the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild, Richardson enjoys time at home in the log cabin she and her husband built. Hanging on either side of the door in the entrance to her cabin are beautifully embroidered, decorative quilts, warmly welcoming the season and the friends who gather beneath them.

For more information about the Etowah Valley Quilt Guild, visit EtowahValleyQuiltGuild.com.

By Farris Yawn

There are certain events that are so momentous that they are forever burned in our memory. For those old enough to remember Pearl Harbor or the JFK assassination, they can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing the moment they heard the news.

More recently, the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93 on 9/11 is an event most will Never Forget. For three local Cherokee County residents, that dark day hit closer to home than it did for the rest of us.

Ty Wheeler, Todd Trainer, and Ken Harriss became friends at Woodstock First Baptist Church. They shared a love for baseball, and when they discovered none of them had been to Yankee Stadium, a plan to correct that oversight was hatched. Tickets were procured, flights were arranged, and soon, the friends left Atlanta for New York City on September 10, 2001.

The plan was to do a little sightseeing before the game, and get up the next morning to have breakfast atop the World Trade Center before flying home.

The first sign God was watching over them came when their flight was moved up, so they had to hurry to the airport with no time for breakfast. The second sign was an encounter on their now grounded flight with a lady on her way to Alpharetta. When there were no hotel rooms to be had, she took the three strangers under her wing and brought them home to her and her husbands Bronx apartment.

It took several days to arrange transportation home, but the men finally completed their journey with a much deeper appreciation of Gods grace and mercy. The book details their story and a side of this historic event many have not heard. It also gives full credit to God for their safe return home to their families.

By Annell Gerson

In 2005, Ann Siebert began One City - One Read in her Roswell community.  The program, now called Roswell Reads and propelled by a volunteer steering committee, continues to expand and utilize literacy as a means of sparking conversation. Roswell Reads allows readers the opportunity to collectively examine relevant issues, establish bonds, and forge a better understanding of their community and society.

As 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., the committees current selection, Burial for a King: Martin Luther Kings Funeral and the Week that Transformed Atlanta and Rocked the Nation, is most fitting. Written by Rebecca Burns, former editor of Atlanta Magazine, current publisher of The Red and Black, and part-time instructor at UGA, the book meticulously chronicles the historical sequence of events beginning the morning of April 5, continuing to April 10, 1968. From the perspective of family, civic leaders, celebrities, MLKs inner circle of friends, and SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference) members that spanned the nation including happenings inside the White House, Atlantas Governors Mansion, the King home, Atlantas airport, churches, universities, and the streets of some of the 110 cities overcome by riots,  Burns creates a frame-by-frame recreation of the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated through the day following his burial.

The world aimed its camera on Atlanta, home to the man Walter Cronkite would call ...the apostle of nonviolence. Atlanta would need to navigate its own grief while simultaneously playing host to nearly 150,000 mourners representing the largest funeral ever held for a U.S. Citizen from all over the globe. The city dubbed too busy to hate lived up to its reputation and emerged as a new kind of southern city.

Roswell Reads will sponsor a luncheon with author Rebecca Burns at 11:00am on March 17 at the Roswell Adult Recreation Center. In addition, they have organized a MLK walking tour, writing workshop, family program, and more. Visit RoswellReads.com for details and to purchase luncheon tickets.