Titles and Blurbs

By Julie Senger

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your house, or bringing a dish to someone elses home to share, you or other guests may have certain dietary restrictions due to health concerns or humanitarian reasons. The following recipes are vegan, gluten-free and delicious!

Mac n Cheese

(HappyHealing.com)

9-12oz. / 250-350g gluten-free macaroni pasta
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes OR cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cups cauliflower
1 cups sweet potato, diced
1 cup nutritional yeast
cup almond milk
cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
teaspoon paprika

Procedure

- In a medium pot and steamer, bring water to a boil. Steam sweet potato and cauliflower until soft, (about 10-15 minutes).
- Cook pasta according to packet directions; drain; and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, add everything except the parsley to a blender, and blend until smooth.
- Combine cooked pasta, blender cheese sauce, and parsley in the pot or a large bowl.
- Serve, and enjoy!

Apple, Quinoa and Kale Salad

(NaturalGreenMom.com)

1 green apple, chopped
cup cooked and chilled quinoa
As much kale as you think your crowd will eat
cup extra virgin olive oil
zest and juice of lemon
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

For the dressing
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, mustard, and salt and pepper.

For the salad
- In a large bowl, combine apple, quinoa and kale.
- Toss with dressing, and serve.

Crispy Orange Cauliflower

(VeganRicha.com)

1 small head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
For Flour Mixture to Coat Cauliflower
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2 tablespoons water, allow to sit until it thickens
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup corn starch
1/4 cup gluten-free flour blend or use wheat/other flour
1 teaspoon oil
For Orange Sauce
2 tablespoons oil
3-4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
6 scallion onions, thinly sliced
Zest of 1 orange + juice of orange
2 tablespoons gluten-free soy sauce OR use coconut aminos to make soy-free
2 tablespoons rice-wine vinegar

Procedure

For the Cauliflower
- Blend all flour mixture ingredients together until a batter is formed (should be waffle batter consistency).
- Heat a skillet with cup oil on medium/high heat.    
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure each piece is entirely covered.
- Fry in oil until completely browned.    
- Allow the fried florets to drain on a paper towel- lined plate.
For the Orange Sauce
- In a clean skillet, heat oil and garlic for 1 minute.
- Add green onions, zest and juice. Cook for another minute.
- Add soy sauce and vinegar, and bring to a boil.
- Toss crispy cauliflower florets into the skillet, and coat thoroughly.
- Garnish with scallion onions and orange zest, and enjoy.

Baked Butternut Squash Risotto

(VegNews.com)

1-1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small sweet onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon minced rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Arborio rice
1/3 cup white wine
3 cups vegetable broth, divided
2 cups butternut squash, cooked and pured
1 cup chopped collard greens, stems removed
1 cup vegan mozzarella-style cheese
1/2 cup vegan parmesan cheese, divided
1-1 1/2 cups gluten-free corn Chex cereal, crushed

Procedure

- In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saut onion, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper until onions are translucent (about 10 minutes). Stir often to prevent burning.
- Add Arborio rice, and saut until rice is browned (about 5 minutes). Stir in white wine, and cook until all liquid has been absorbed. Reduce heat to medium-low, and keep a close eye on the rice while you begin the next step.
- In medium bowl, mix 2 cups vegetable broth with the squash.
- Add 1 cup of squash mixture to the rice, and let cook until absorbed, stirring continuously.
- Add collard greens, and stir to combine.
- Add remaining squash mixture to rice, and cook until absorbed (about 20-25 minutes). If rice is not yet tender, add in remaining vegetable broth cup at a time until desired tenderness is reached. Add salt to taste.
- Remove the rice from the stovetop, and preheat your oven to 385 degrees.
- Stir mozzarella and cup parmesan into the rice mixture, and transfer it to a 9 x 12-inch casserole dish. Top with remaining parmesan and Chex cereal.
- Bake the casserole for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Serve hot.

A Spark in the Dark

On April 27, 2016, nineteen-year-old Christina Tini Semeria went to pray off campus with her four best friends before studying for finals. On their return to the University of Georgia campus, the driver lost control of the car. Tini and her three best friends went to be with Jesus, hand-in-hand, together that night.

During her time on Earth, Christinas heartbeat and passion was to reach the least, the lost, the last, the hopeless and the unseen, and she voluntarily gave of her time and talent in many ways to reach marginalized people. She wanted everyone to know that they were recognized, known and loved unconditionally by a God who sees them, no matter where they had been or what they had done. Here are some of the many things that Tini accomplished during her meaningful nineteen years of life:

She and two of her friends began a student-led ministry in high school called Ignite Milton, with the purpose of leading people to Christ and making sure everyone felt like they belonged. This ministry eventually grew to over 200 students meeting each week.

During high school and college, Tini served a week-long summer mission trip with Carolina Cross Connection, which works with youth leaders, churches, and parents to raise compassionate, servant-hearted, next-generation leaders (CarolinaCrossConnection.org). They combine the spiritual connection of a camp experience with the life-changing opportunities that week-long service trips offer.

Tini served at Young Life as a horse wrangler during the summer in order to lead others to experience the best week of their life at camp and to help build their relationship with Jesus.

She served during Youth Give Back Days including the MUST Ministries Summer Lunch Program as well as serving the homeless in downtown Atlanta.

At UGA, Tini was in AXO sorority, which participated in many philanthropy events:
- UGA Greek Grind 2015 - AXO raised over $89,000 for Prevent Child Abuse America.
- Barefoot on the Lawn - All money raised was donated to a local cause supporting the sororitys national philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness.
- Project Safe - A non-profit organization that works to stop domestic violence through educational programs, crisis intervention, and more.

She was on the leadership team for UGA Heroes, which is the only organization in GA that exists to provide quality-of-life care to kids infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.

In the summer following the accident (2016), Tini was set to serve as a horse wrangler on staff at WinShape. She attended WinShape for six summers and wanted to give back.

Finally, Tini was an organ donor. She knew that if something ever happened to her, she would want to give life to others. Through the LifeLink organization, Christina was able to volunteer her organs, allowing her to give the ultimate gift of life to others.

Tinis personality was undeniable. She was fearless, bold, faithful, gentle spirited, and gifted with words and music. She was a woman of great influence and a compassionate heart that beat hard and fast for God. She was little but LOUD. Tini loved her friends, ALL of them. She crossed all lines, always seeking out the underdog, the lost, or the lonely. The day before her death, she was overheard by one of her friends inside a Starbucks, befriending a homeless man, chatting with him at length. That story; her uplifting blog, Spark in the Dark; as well as her original song, Be Still; can be found on her website, ChristinaSemeria.org by clicking the blog and Facebook links in the top, right-hand corner of her homepage.

In closing, it seems most fitting to impart some of Tinis own words, a quote she included in her Spark in the Dark blog entry, in hopes that her life will inspire you, the reader, to reach out and volunteer your talent or your time to be in service of others:

Youre here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. Were going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you dont think Im going to hide you under a bucket, do you? Im putting you on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, youll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 14-16 (MSG)

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at some of the organizations that Tini was passionate about, please visit the following websites:

LifeLink LifeLinkFoundation.org

Passion Conferences 268Generation.com

Young Life NorthFulton.YoungLife.org

WinShape Foundation.WinShape.org

By Samantha Canuel

With each project, you are always starting over. There is an old adage in the theatre that says, You are only as good as your last show. Its true.

So said Robert Farley, artistic director of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre and Conservatory (GET), who has been putting together new shows since GETs inception in 1992. He was a founding member of the theatre and has been an influence in the Roswell community ever since.

Farley founded Georgia Ensemble Theatre together with his wife, Anita Allen-Farley. GETs productions at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center have earned numerous awards for both Farleys, including being named as Public Broadcasting Atlantas Lexus Leaders of the Arts.

Farley stated that one of his greatest passions is selecting GETs season of plays and musicals. The 2017-2018 season is GETs 25th anniversary. Thus, this season will be a celebration of the success and longevity of Georgia Ensemble Theatre throughout the years.

GETs first production of the season, Once on this Island, was a wonderfully successful Broadway musical, and its current production, MorningSide, is a shrewd and very funny new comedy that takes the audience to a sunny spring afternoon in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta, where different generations are thrown together to battle it out. Imagine a baby shower, nine women with secrets, and a case of champagne. What could possibly go wrong?

Farley went on to share that his experiences in the theatre started in high school when he was recruited to operate the light board for a variety show, In the moment, I could see the stories that light, shadow, and color could only tell, and I was hooked, he said.

Farleys suggestion for new actors, sound techs, set designers and all others interested in theatre is simple: Get your education. In the theatre arts, a masters degree is the new bachelors degree. Its through that education that you discover your vision, and never let go of it.

Outside of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Farley spends time with his wife and fellow co-founder Anita. He also spoils their three perfectly remarkable grandchildren.

For details on upcoming shows and ticket purchasing information, or to learn more about Bob Farley and the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, visit GET.org or their Facebook page.

By Annell Gerson

Seeds are often planted in our thoughts at unexpected times. They grow silently, and then one day, there they are, front and center, no longer small and insignificant, but now giants, directing us toward our next endeavor.

As a young boy in the 70s, Daren Wang encountered such a seed when his family purchased an old farm in Town Line, New York. Remodeling began quickly, and a book dealer came to retrieve the many shelves of old books found in the barn. In the packing, the dealer showed Wang a copy of a diary, a womans diary, complete with beautiful handwriting, a broken clasp, old recipes and yellowed news clippings. It is revealed that Town Line, a small city outside Buffalo, is the only town north of the Mason Dixon line to secede from the Union, and Wangs familys newly purchased farm belonged to the family of Mary Willis. Mary Willis was part of the Underground Railroad, and the old barn, where the books were found, was where she hid slaves in the loft or a rear shed until it was thought safe enough for them to travel the fifteen miles to Canada.

As the founding executive director of the Decatur Book Festival, Wang has met quite a few authors and tried fervently to get one of them to tell the story of Mary Willis. Turns out the story of Town Line and Mary was meant for Wang to tell. The result is his debut novel, The Hidden Light of Northern Fires.

Though the novel is set during the Civil War, this is not a novel of military battles. Instead, its a powerful story of the battles of humanness fought in this consequential period of history. And it is Marys courage, heart, perseverance and enduring belief in equality that make this novel an unforgettable.

Daren Wang will appear at the Milton Library on December 12, 2017, from 6-7:30pm, as part of the North Atlanta Author Series Initiative, a collaborative effort sponsored by Bookmiser and
The Milton Library.

By Farris Yawn

Cherokee County is very lucky to be the home of Hall of Fame Santa, Tim Cavender. Anyone who has seen him in character knows how good he is. Its easy to forget that its Tim Cavender in a suit, and you begin to believe in Santa again.

Tims new book, Recollections of My Life as Santa Claus and Other Magical Adventures is, as the title suggests, a collection of stories that shows how he came to put on the red suit and bring joy to generations of children and adults. We also get a glimpse of where his love of Christmas comes from, as he recounts growing up in Canton and Ball Ground and eventually finding his own Mrs. Claus.

He also writes about his encounters with some of the famous figures associated with the Christmas season such as meeting the daughter of Boris Karloff. While best known as Frankensteins monster, Karloff often played Santa for disabled children and was the voice of the Grinch in the classic animated version of Dr. Seusss How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

For his outstanding work over the years, Tim was inducted into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame on December 22, 2014. Along with describing the ceremonies associated with that honor, he also includes a bit of the history of professional Santa Claus work. Additionally, the book includes the Santa Claus oath and Tims own Santa Code of Ethics.

You will thoroughly enjoy reading the stories, memories, and about people that helped shape Tim Cavender into the great Santa he is.

Tim Cavender will be signing his book on the following dates and locations:

Ball Ground Public Library
435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground
Saturday, November 4, 3:005:00pm

Deans Store
8588 Main Street, Woodstock
Saturday, November 18, 2:004:00pm

Whatever Your Story, Forever Begins with Art Jewelers Diamonds & Design

By Cyndi Braun

You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace, Song of Solomon 4:9.

If someone has stolen your heart, its time for a trip to Art Jewelers for a custom piece of jewelry that reflects your special story. Whether youre getting engaged or celebrating an important event, Art Jewelers can help make your occasion extra special.

A young man named Zack recently asked Art Jewelers to create a special engagement ring for Lauren. Here is their story:

Laurens Story

The first time I laid eyes on Zack was about a year and a half ago. I was working for the preschool ministry at Woodstock City Church, and Zack was working for the facilities team. One day when I needed help moving something, facilities sent down this cute blonde boy to be my knight in shining armor. Since Im pretty stubborn, I wasnt going to fall for this chivalrous act. Over the next several months, Zack kept finding reasons to stop by. When it became clear he had a crush on me, I told him, Dont get your hopes up.

What I did not know was that Zack had been doing a lot of praying, and God was telling him not to give up. We eventually became good friends, and I saw all his great qualities. Not only is he funny and extremely smart and sweet, but he is also a man who strives to be the best he can possibly be. He trusts in the Lord and follows him always, and he shows love and kindness to everyone.

I was still stubborn and hesitant. When he hinted at going on a date, I told him he had to ask my dad first. To my surprise, he took my dad to lunch and asked him if he could date me. Later, when Zack asked me to be his girlfriend, I said, No, not yet. However, God had been working on my heart all along, and a year later when Zack got on one knee and asked me to be his wife, I was able to confidently answer with a great big yes!

Zacks Story

Asking Laurens dad to marry his daughter was the scariest part of the marriage proposal. I knew he would say yes, but I was still terrified. We went mountain biking one morning, and after a long ride, I sat down with him and asked if I could marry his daughter. He was excited, said yes, and gave me Godly wisdom towards my future marriage.

I wasted no time in heading to Art Jewelers to buy a ring from Laurens brother, Andrew. We discussed which ring she would like and what I wanted for her. I knew exactly what I wanted. Lauren had showed me a picture of her dream ring a couple months earlier, and I wanted to get her that dream ring. I showed Andrew the picture and asked him if he could make it, and he gladly agreed. Andrew and I texted pictures back and forth of the ring he was designing on the computer. At one point, he sent me a picture, and I knew that was the one.

Next thing I knew, Andrew was slipping me a small box on the family beach trip. I stared at the ring for hours that night. It was so beautiful. I woke Lauren up early the next morning, sustained her morning hatred with coffee and a bagel, and took her to the beach.

I had the proposal all planned out, but when it came time, I started to cry and could only manage to get out the words, Will you spend the rest of your life with me? She started to cry and said, Yes! I am so happy I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend.

Share Your Story with Art Jewelers

From cuff links designed with family crests, to jewelry commemorating the birth of a child, to custom-designed rings for engagements and anniversaries Art Jewelers does it all.

Established more than ninety years ago, this family-owned jeweler is known nationally for its award-winning designs. In 2016, Art Jewelers received three of the top six awards in the Georgia Jewelers Associations annual contest. In the past three years, the store received best of show two times.

Art Jewelers offers other services including repairs, appraisals, polishing, and a wish list.

Art Jewelers Diamonds & Design
136 Woodstock Square, Suite 400
Woodstock
770-924-3133
ArtJewelers.com

Facebook.com/ArtJewelersOnline/

Good Neighbors

When Jim and Mary Beth Devers and Judy and Jerry Prophitt became neighbors at St. George Village, they certainly werent strangers. The two couples, who had previously been neighbors for years in a nearby community of townhomes, along with a fellow neighbor, Darla Auer, became neighbors all over again in their choice of retirement community.

While the group didnt consciously make a joint decision to move to St. George Village together, they found that the community fulfilled the items on each of their wish lists. The Deverses and Prophitts had certain criteria that had to be met by the retirement community they chose.

For the Prophitts, stability and a plan for the future weighed heavily in their decision.

We liked the stability of St. George Village, that it is and always has been owned by the Catholic Archdiocese. Many retirement communities are constantly being bought and sold, said Jerry. Additionally, we liked the fact that St. George Village is a LifeCare community, committed to providing a lifetime of care. We wanted the assurance that if one or both of us need healthcare, we can afford it.

The Deverses were looking for a community that offered an active, independent lifestyle that would fit their needs at this stage of their retirement and beyond.

If we were going to make this kind of change, we felt it was important to do it while we were young enough to adjust and enjoy it, said Mary Beth. Also, it was nice that we could make the decision for our own future and not leave it for our children to make in the event of an emergency.

For Jim, who walks the family dog, Willy, all around the St. George Village grounds, a pet-friendly community was one of the most important items on his checklist. It was important that Willy would be welcome here! he said.

Both couples express their happiness at having a full schedule of activities from which to choose, and that they have enjoyed making friends with their neighbors throughout the community. From hopping on the bus for day trips to destinations like the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers and Tellus Museum in Cartersville, and working out in exercise classes and the fitness center, to volunteering as hallway safety monitors and serving on the activities and grounds committees, the Deverses and Prophitts have quickly acclimated to the community.

And they all say its been pretty easy to do so.
Everyone who lives and works here is so welcoming, said Judy. People are not clique-ish.

Jerry adds that it only takes talking to a neighbor here and there to make new connections.

The people really make this place, he said. The residents have a million interesting stories.

The group agrees that they all appreciate the neighborhood feel of St. George Village.

We have no regrets about moving here, said Mary Beth. It just feels like home.

At St. George Village, we recognize the value of having a strong social network, and that providing an atmosphere that promotes neighbors helping neighbors strengthens our entire community. Part of our mission as a Life Plan community is to encourage our residents to engage fully in life by giving them opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities and events they enjoy, strengthen their existing connections, and foster new friendships. From fitness classes and planned travel, to educational workshops and volunteer projects, there is always something new, exciting, and fun to do with neighbors here who share your interests.

We cordially invite you to come see why life at St. George Village is neighborly!  Experience our warm and welcoming environment; take a tour; and stay for lunch. Call 678-987-0402 for a confidential appointment. 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.com

Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist Who Gives Back to Her Community

By Tina Morris

At fourteen, Kelli Jones, or Kelli J as she prefers to be called, began styling hair for her friends. Little did she know; this hobby would lead to a lucrative career as a hair and makeup artist. Kelli J was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She has always had a love and appreciation for the creative arts, especially dancing and singing. She is a self-described foodie who loves to travel the world trying new things. Staying up to date in pop culture trends is important for this artist who loves reality TV.

Kelli J attended Empire Beauty School with the aspirations of becoming a top-notch stylist. She declined advice to branch into makeup at that time, so she could concentrate on honing her hair styling techniques. She began renting booths as an independent artist. For three years, she owned her own salon, but sold it to concentrate on freelance work. Years later, Kelli transitioned into makeup artistry, stating that it was a natural progression in her career.

Today, Kelli J does it all. She is a stylist for Atlanta & Co on WXIA, fashioning hair and makeup for the hosts and guest. She is an independent stylist offering one-on-one luxury appointments. For a luxury appointment, Kelli J pulls out all of the stops through private, uninterrupted service while performing an image consultation.

She is part of Ted Gibsons artistic team. Ted is a celebrity hairdresser to actresses such as Debra Messing, Anne Hathaway, Renee Zellweger, Kate Gosselin, Zoe Saldana and Ashley Greene among many others. He is based in NYC and was the hair expert for the cable show What Not to Wear. To become part of this elite team, Kelli J participated in a competition where she was one of the top two stylists. Kelli J has also styled for NY Fashion Week, hair conventions, and many celebrities.

As busy as Kelli J is, she also runs a bi-monthly Day of Diva where she works with various local organizations to give back to the community. In the past, she has worked with My Sisters House, the Atlanta Shelter and Jackson Memorial Baptist Church. Day of Diva is centered around giving confidence to women. For one woman who was preparing for a job interview, wardrobe, hair, makeup, and interview preparation was provided.

When it comes to hair, Kelli J loves the cut the most, calling it the foundation of any style. She specializes in cuts, weaves and natural hair. One of her influences is artist Nikki Nelms because of the iconic styles she creates. What is Kelli Js advice to other hair and makeup artists? Stay consistent, and never give up. It always pays off. Based on her own personal success, it seems that she took her own advice.

3rd Annual Milton Literary Festival

By Annell Gerson

November 11 is Veterans Day and the 3rd Annual Milton Literary Festival. The Festival will host 46+ national and local authors participating in panels, workshops and a few out-of-the-box literary experiences.

In gratitude to veterans, the day will begin with a complimentary breakfast in their honor. Brigadier General Tony Tata will speak to veterans as both a fellow soldier and author of eight military thrillers.

At 10:00am, Decatur author Brett Witter kicks off the Festival as keynote speaker. Hes the author of eight New York Times bestselling books. His most recent books include Stronger, the incredible story of Jeff Bauman who lost his legs in 2013 at the Boston Marathon bombings, and Pure Heart: A Spirited Tale of Grace, Grit, and Whiskey, the story of a gritty southern woman and what she did to help her children, which included becoming the first female legal moonshiner in the history of the south.

In all his works, Witter is a masterful weaver. Entrusted to him are threads of stories remembrances, shoe boxes of notes, yellowed pictures long forgotten shared by folks with a powerful story to tell but who arent quite sure how to tell it. So, Witter takes these items and weaves powerful tributes, tenderly scribed and critically acclaimed.

While enjoying lunch, attendees will hear from Atlantas Mary Kay Andrews, as she shares her adventures in writing The Beach House Cookbook. This beautifully photographed book is packed with pictures of both delicious and easy-to-make dishes paired with touching Andrews family moments.

For more information and a full list of authors and activities, visit MiltonLiteraryFestival.com.

Turning Point
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
Car, Compassion, Clinical Excellence

By Thomas Smith

Care, compassion and clinical excellence are the hallmarks of TurningPoint, which is an amazing, 501c3 non-profit organization that helps women overcome side effects of breast cancer treatment and regain an active life.

One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. That means most of us are touched by the disease through someone we know, be it a family member, neighbor, friend or colleague. However, you may not realize that there are several common, long-term and late effects associated with breast cancer and its treatment. These include pain, loss of arm/shoulder motion and function, lymphedema (chronic arm/hand swelling), osteoporosis, weight gain, deconditioning, altered body image, and anxiety related to family and social relationships.

Often, breast cancer patients in the U.S. may not receive rehabilitation and support to address the effects of diagnosis and treatment. This may be due, in part, to limited access to these services and lack of awareness the role of rehabilitation and supportive services can play in managing these issues. In fact, many breast cancer survivors may not be aware of the benefits of exercise and maintaining a healthy weight to improve physical function and reduce the risk of recurrence.

TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is a community-based clinic that plays an instrumental role for breast cancer patients and survivors who may experience challenges with activities that were considered routine, such as lifting a crying baby, hitting a tennis ball, or reaching for an item in a kitchen cabinet. The organization helps them regain their range of motion and strength, allowing them to return to the activities so integral to their lives prior to diagnosis. TurningPoint was founded in 2003 by Jill Binkley, a two-time breast cancer survivor and physical therapist, who saw the void in survivorship care firsthand.

TurningPoint addresses the unmet physical rehabilitation, psychosocial and wellness needs of breast cancer patients and survivors living in metro Atlanta and surrounding counties. It is located at 8010 Roswell Road, Suite 120, Atlanta. Since its inception, TurningPoint has provided care for more than 3,700 women of all socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds facing the long-term and late effects of breast cancer and its treatment. The clinic provides tailored, evidence-based services including physical therapy, exercise, lymphedema management, massage therapy, psychosocial and nutritional counseling to its patients. Additionally, TurningPoint offers monthly educational programs that address the myriad survivorship issues impacting patients and their caregivers.

TurningPoint offers a uniquely integrated approach to rehabilitation and survivorship, serving approximately 650 patients annually. Nearly 28% of patients served received full or partial financial aid, with the goal of accepting all patients seeking treatment.

TurningPoints patients, with their awe-inspiring determination, reflect the encouragement and life-changing support that is provided. Patients served not only receive a range of impactful services and treatment, but are welcomed with genuine warmth and compassion from all the knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

For more information about TurningPoint and its upcoming events, including its signature fundraiser the Pink Affair, visit MyTurningPoint.org.

What is Operation Not Forgotten?

Operation Not Forgotten was created to help veterans and their families achieve a better quality of life. Operation Not Forgotten works through Vet Life Community to connect veterans with other veterans, buddies they can trust and relate with to coach them through any difficulties. Their mission is to measurably enhance and improve a veterans quality of life and functioning in four areas: mental, emotional, social and spiritual.

What is Vet Life Community?

Vet Life Community is a network of local, weekly, peer-based support meetings that offer tools to help veterans as they transition back into life outside the military. Meetings are free for all participating veterans and their loved ones. Each veteran will be offered the opportunity to take a Life Renewed Quality of Life Assessment (QOLA). The results will help determine the appropriate coaching they may need as they transition back into civilian life.

The meetings will also introduce veterans and their families to trained life coaches (all of whom are also veterans) who will help them understand and use the information provided in their QOLA profile. The life coach will help the veteran construct a life plan, so that he/she and his/her family can make necessary lifestyle changes and experience an improved quality of life.

In addition to a weekly community meeting, the life coach and the veteran/family member(s) also meet weekly at a time and location that is mutually convenient. Meetings with life coaches are personal and done one-on-one; men coach men, and women coach women, creating a true community.

Another important aspect of a Vet Life Community is the renewed sense of brotherhood/sisterhood that veterans felt when they were in the military. Vet Life Community is a place where veterans can meet other veterans and form new friendships with people who really understand; people who have been there. Community members can get together for Sunday afternoon ball games, picnics, televised sports, or even just a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. The important thing is to have someone there for veterans to reach out to a place to find support a Vet Life Community.

Vet Life Community meetings are held every Thursday at First Baptist Church Woodstock, Building A, Room 240; 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock.

For more information, please contact Tim King at 678-494-2680, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit OperationNotForgotten.com.

Happy Fall Y'all!

By Jennifer Parker

Autumn is the time of year we think of enjoying afternoons with family and friends in the crisp air, bundling up for the evening by the fireplace with hot apple cider and of course, haunted houses for Halloween.

Whether you are hosting at home for friends and neighbors or at your business for clients and patrons, now is the best time to let APEC Electric design your lighting to give your home or business that wow factor for all to enjoy.

Whole-Home Lighting
For me and my family, we love to open our home for entertaining starting in the fall, which means lighting the stage for throwing the perfect parties throughout the holiday season. APEC Electric specializes in whole-home lighting that encompasses indoor as well as outdoor living and entertaining spaces to create those memorable, photo-worthy events.
Business Lighting

At Halloween, if youve ever been to Americas Scariest Haunted House, Netherworld in Norcross, youve also seen APECs work! In addition to creating your elegant home spaces, APEC specializes in industrial, warehouse and commercial lighting for retailers, restaurants, and multi-use buildings.

LED
APEC Electric has been a trailblazer in upgrading existing lighting with the latest in LED technology as well as new, custom-designed lighting installations.

The APEC team has robust knowledge of LED products and works as a partner with a local distributor to bring you cutting edge UL, DLC and American-made products. They install new or retrofit LED lighting throughout homes and commercial businesses that are ready to update their lighting.

What Makes APEC Different?
Unfortunately, most of us have heard the horror stories of contractors gone wild who have underperformed or left their customers in the lurch. This is not the case with APEC Electric.

In response to stories like these, APEC Electric created a culture that ensures the integrity of the company and its team members, and a process that demonstrates this in all that we do. The team refers to this as The APEC Way.
It is a detailed job process and checklist that each of the electricians follow while on the job, and their willingness to always go the extra mile for their customers and the community.

Supporting the Local Community
APECs clients frequently comment on how refreshingly different APEC is, and they go out of their way to post online reviews to prove it:

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch
APEC Electric has been a great partner to Goshen Valley. They have done excellent work on several projects for us since 2010 and have also supported our mission financially. We appreciate any company with integrity, quality, and a desire to give back to the community. APEC Electric fits all of these with excellence, said Evan Ingram, community engagement coordinator.


Homeowner on Houzz.com
Billy (at APEC) has done several different jobs for us, and we will certainly continue to use him. We wish all contractors were as dependable and pleasurable to work with. He is a great communicator and comes on time, which is of paramount importance to me. Fair pricing and expert work put him tops in our book.

Homeowner on Houzz.com
Let me start off by saying it was an excellent experience.The remodel of our kitchen included extensive rework of the electrical including new can lights, pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and the moving or removal of several outlets and switches. From our very first meeting, I felt as if Billy Adams (owner) understood our needs. Throughout the process, he was always accessible when we had questions and helpful to provide ideas.One of the first things that impressed me was the thoroughness of his quote, unlike his competitors. It outlined in great detail exactly the work that would be done and was later used as a checklist to make sure everything included was addressed. Matt, the electrician who lead the crew, was extremely professional, kept me informed of the work that was being done, and showed up every day, on-time ready to work. He was very conscientious, respectful, and you could tell that he took great pride in his work, something that is almost unheard of in the construction trade these days

Paying it Forward
The APEC Way includes giving back to our community. APEC Electric donates portions of the proceeds of EVERY job to local charity groups like Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, Red Cross and Must Ministries, just to name a few. APEC Electric also spearheaded a community relief effort for south Georgias Hurricane Matthew victims last year, which was an overwhelming success. The APEC Electric team personally delivered all the donations and went to some of the hardest hit homes to begin cleanup efforts for residents.

Check out the companys most recent projects at APECElectric.biz, Houzz.com and Facebook, and call APEC Electric today for local, professional products and services done The APEC Way.

APEC Electric
2845 Holly Springs Parkway
Holly Springs
770-720-0419
APECElectric.biz

Behind the Scenes

Meet the Staff at Woodstock Pediatric Medicine

By Cyndi Braun

A visit to Woodstock Pediatric Medicine (WPM) is more than just a visit with your childs doctor. Staff members, from administrative to medical assistants to doctors, play a role in making sure your child receives courteous service, prompt attention and excellent care.

Independently owned, WPM has served the community since the late 1990s. Six providers offer patients a level of care unsurpassed among other pediatric practices. Doctors, nurse practitioners and medical assistants treat illnesses while promoting good health, wellness and disease prevention.

Each month, the practice sees about 2,500 patients. Appointments are available six days a week, with Saturdays set aside for sick visits. The practice accepts almost all forms of insurance, including Medicaid.

Recently, Woodstock Family Life sat down with some staff members to discuss what makes this practice special.

Our panel included -
Evelyn Francia, medical assistant
Dr. Chinenye Iheme, M.D.
Hallie Jacobson, medical assistant
Kelly Marulanda, practice administrator
Candice Pendergrast, administrative
Daniela deAlba, medical records
Tarsha Strong, medical assistant

How is this practice unique?

Kelly: Since we are not a corporate practice, we can be flexible and customize care to meet the needs of our patients. Our goal is to make every visit a positive experience. We are not a minute-clinic. We want to spend more than a minute with you and your child.

Daniela: From the front desk, to the nurses and doctors, everybody does the best they can to accommodate the parent and the child.

Dr. Iheme: Even when I have a lot of patients on my schedule, everything goes smoothly because the nurses are so knowledgeable that they know what to do before I even get into the examination room.

How do you make appointments easier for parents?

Kelly: Staff members are like the hands and feet of this place. They get paperwork moving and patients ready for the doctors. Theyre the first line of defense, the first voice, the first face of the practice.

Hallie: Were all moms, so we understand. Depending on what the child is here for, well sit and joke with them, laugh and have fun until they smile. We want to make sure they are comfortable.

Daniela: Were confident in what we do, and we love what we do. Parents know we care about their kids. Were going to do our best to make them smile. We might even sneak an extra sticker if we know theyre having a bad day.

What can you tell us about the providers?

Hallie: I like how the providers talk to the child, not just to the parent. That makes children understand that the doctor is listening carefully to what they say. Also, they really care about their patients. They take time with every patient. They know them, and they remember them.

Candice: The doctors are very respectful and mindful of their patients. They are punctual; they keep appointments on time. And they really like what they do.

Daniela: All the providers take an interest in their patients. They remember details about their patients lives. Theyll ask how their vacation was, how a pregnancy is going, how their mom is doing. I am amazed at how the doctors can remember so much about patients and their families. It shows that they have built a connection, and they care.

How does the practice work as a team?

Kelly: We are very family-oriented. We celebrate successes, and we support each other during hard times and heartaches. Its a caring atmosphere from top to bottom. We arent a large corporation with a board of directors, shareholders and a large circle of red tape. When we need to make something happen quickly, we can normally do it very easily with a single line of communication.

Hallie: We all have good relationships with each other. We enjoy working with each other, and we work well together.

Tarsha: The best thing is we get to wake up every morning and come to an amazing place to work! Were like family here. I tell everyone, teamwork makes dreamwork.

Are your children patients here?

Kelly: Yes! The entire staff trusts the practice enough to bring their own children here, and Evelyn will when her baby is born. That says a lot about the practice.

Hallie: My 12-year-old son is a patient and loves all the doctors here. Eventually, he will probably prefer a male provider, and Im glad he has that option here.

Evelyn: People have asked me what doctor my baby will see, but my baby can see anybody here. Each provider has their special touch and interest. All the providers are great.

Why do you recommend this practice?

Kelly: Patients are never just a number or a medical record. We see children from birth to 21. Thats a long time to build relationships, and we want those long-term relationships. Its important for continuity of care. Our goal is not to be the biggest practice. We just want to be the best practice we can be, and that means being flexible, adapting to changes and making those changes when we should.

Evelyn: The doctors are all excellent, and they treat you well.

Daniela: Our interest is in the patient, not in revenue. When my sister had her baby, I told her, you have to bring
her here.

Newest Provider, Dr. Chinenye Iheme

Chinenye Iheme, M.D. joined Woodstock Pediatric Medicine last year.

Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Iheme received an education that spans the globe. After graduating from Georgia State University, she went to medical school at the American University of the Caribbean. She completed her pediatric residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, with a sub-specialty at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She traveled to London to learn more about the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and surgery.

Last year, Dr. Iheme initiated a program to provide newborn packets to new mothers at WPM.

We give new mothers a packet that includes a booklet with information about what to expect, what to do, when to call us. Being a new mom can get overwhelming, and it helps to know when you should call the doctor, said Dr. Iheme. The booklet gives everyone peace of mind. Moms look through the book, and realize, Oh, this is normal, and then they dont worry in the middle of the night.

In addition, Dr. Iheme plans to implement the Reach Out and Read program. This national program incorporates books into pediatric care by encouraging families with young children to read together.

I always wanted to be a doctor. Pediatrics was the obvious choice for me, said Dr. Iheme. Im happy to be part of Woodstock Pediatric Medicine.

Woodstock Pediatric Medicine
200 Professional Way, Woodstock, GA 30188
770-517-0250
WoodstockPeds.com

Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00-5:00pm
Saturdays starting at 9:00am for sick appointments only.

North Metro Litigators

Family Law, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, Divorce

Leads the Pack in Legal Services

If you ever wander the halls of the Fulton County Courthouse and hear the click-clack of six-inch heels, you are likely in the presence of the formidable Elizabeth Lizz Kuhn.

Known for her love of fashionable shoes, fierce defense of clients and success rate in the courtroom, Kuhn is the type of attorney who is not afraid to go to court. Partner attorney and husband, Alexander Hait, and the rest of the team at North Metro Litigators are all fierce in courtrooms across Fulton, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Cobb and Cherokee Counties.

Truth be told, few of us ever want to see an attorney, let alone go to court, until the unthinkable happens your spouse asks for a divorce, a car accident causes life-altering injuries, or a job loss leads to financial devastation. When its time to call an attorney, you need an experienced litigator you can trust.

A lot of lawyers will file a case then sit around and have roundtable discussions. They mediate; the mediation is not successful, and theres no movement in a case for five or six months, and then they mediate some more, said Kuhn. We dont do that. Every case is immediately set for a hearing. We force the case to move. We take the case to mediation. If mediation fails, we have a game plan to proceed in court.

By scheduling court dates in advance, Hait and Kuhn achieve quick results for clients. Often, an upcoming court hearing leads the opposing party to be more reasonable in negotiations.

With offices in Alpharetta and Woodstock, North Metro Litigators has served thousands of clients since 2000. Hait and Kuhn are Milton residents, and the firm also includes two associate lawyers, five paralegals, four legal assistants, and two canines who provide moral support when needed. Someone is always available!
Divorce, Bankruptcy and Personal Injury

From the front desk to the attorneys, the staff works as a team. Every staff member is involved in every case. The firm provides regular updates on cases, so clients are never left in the dark. Free consultations enable clients to meet the legal team before hiring the firm.

When legal services are needed for family issues such as divorce, child custody, child support, visitation and domestic violence, Hait and Kuhn handle each case with care, understanding that every situation is unique.

In the case of a divorce, we take the approach that your life is falling apart. We try to stop the crumbling and carefully put it back together. It doesnt need to be World War III, said Kuhn.

Bad luck or bad decisions sometimes lead to bankruptcy. Whatever the cause of the bankruptcy, North Metro Litigators compassionately guides the client through the process. Before making any financial decisions, such as liquidating retirement plans, Hait suggests consulting with an attorney about filing bankruptcy.

After we meet with clients, we determine whether Chapter 7 or 13 is best for them, said Hait. We give them options. We tell them that they can do things with their life, and theyre not stuck. Thats the key. There are ways to make their life better.

Sometimes, a bankruptcy follows a divorce, especially if one spouse is ordered to pay credit cards, attorney fees and mortgages.

There are ways to unwind an unfavorable divorce in a bankruptcy, said Kuhn. For example, if a parent cant come up with money for child support, they could be incarcerated. Filing bankruptcy keeps them out of jail and gives them breathing room, so they can make payments through a scheduled repayment plan.
For personal injury cases (such as car wrecks and wrongful death), Hait and Kuhn are sympathetic listeners.

We help people get the medical treatment they need, said Hait. We tell clients the #1 thing they need to worry about is getting better.

Unlike other attorneys, their fees to represent clients in personal injury lawsuits never exceed the clients final net amount.

Most personal injury lawyers want to settle cases as quickly as possible and move on to the next. We litigate cases. We squeeze the lemon for those extra thousand dollars from the insurance company, said Kuhn. I took a medical malpractice case that six lawyers turned down, and the insurance company offered $45,000. We settled it for $1.125 million.

Making Happy Endings Possible

Hait and Kuhn empathize with clients because they have experienced many of the same troubles their clients are going through, including divorce, car accidents and domestic violence. They are committed to helping people make it through the worst times of their lives.

We know there is a light at the end of the tunnel, said Kuhn. And we help our clients get there.

Hait & Kuhn
North Metro Litigators

NMLit.com

Alpharetta
11545 Park Woods Circle, Suite C
678-888-0198

Woodstock
185 Stockwood Drive, Suite 100
770-517-0045

The Making of Horror Movie Sound Effects

By Julie Senger

*Disclaimer
Proceed with caution. This feature may not be suitable for little eyes or the faint of heart.

Have you ever stopped to think about how important music and sound effects are to a film? Even if you can hear actors speaking to one another, how might our reaction to a film be different without the underlying music soundtrack or the sounds of the movements and actions being performed? Would the vision of a woman screaming be as scary without your ability to hear the scream? Would the potential threat of Jaws be as unnerving without the sounds of John Williams orchestra playing the Jaws Theme Song, which gets progressively faster in tempo as the shark is about to attack? According to an episode of Its Okay to Be Smart (PBS), There are two ways that sounds can be scary: by being sudden, or by generating a frightful tone. And humans may be hardwired to be more afraid of what they hear than what they see because, Sound information actually travels faster than the information we receive from sight, which suggests that humans evolved to use sound (as opposed to sight) as a first defense against predators, (V Renee).

While we know how music soundtracks are created, how are the sound effects for other actions that take place in a horror film created? Enter, the Foley artist. MOOOWAHAHAHA! A Foley artist creates audio effects for a film by using physical props during post production. This artistic style was named after Jack Foley, who was the originator of many of the sound techniques that are still used today.

Here are some examples of scenes from classic horror films and how some of the sounds were created:

The 180 Degree Head Turning in The Exorcist (1973)

William Friedkins notorious shocker features the famous scene in which Linda Blairs head turns a full 180 degrees on her possessed neck. The sound that accompanies the movement? Foley man Gonzalo Gavira manipulating an old leather wallet full of credit cards, (Williams).

Godzillas Roar in Godzilla (1954)

While the sound effects team on the original 1954 Japanese film unsuccessfully tried to use various animal noises and roars, the films composer, Akira Ifukube, had the idea to use musical instruments to create the monsters iconic sound instead.

It was actually a double bass, using a leather glove coated in pine tar resin to create friction, sound designer Erik Aadahl told NPR of the original Godzilla. Theyd rub it against the string of the double bass to create that sound, (Obias).

Freddys Glove in A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Freddy Kruegers weapon of choice is, of course, that knife-fingered glove. That means you need two sounds in your Freddy Foley kit: leather and blades. For the former, a belt was bent and creaked and generally manipulated. For the sharper end, the effect was emphasized by sliding a surgical steel blade along a machete, (Williams).

Predator Movement in Predator (1987)

The Predators body required several tracks, explains Foley artist Vanessa Ament. One track was a wet chamois. Another was hand lotion on my hands. A third was a wet leather purse. A fourth track was some mouth noises (the voice acting and clicking is credited to Transformers Peter Cullen), (Williams).

The Shower Scene in Psycho (1960)

Although you dont actually see Mrs. Bates slice into Marion Crane, you can hear every stab going into her body. Alfred Hitchcock achieved this by stabbing through countless melons to find the perfect one for the scene. In a recording studio, prop man [Bob] Bone auditioned the melons for Hitchcock, who sat listening with his eyes closed, writes Stephen Rebello in Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho. When the table was littered with shredded fruit, Hitchcock opened his eyes, and intoned simply, Casaba, (Obias).

Now that youve learned the origins of the sounds from some pretty famous movie scenes, no article about horror movie sound effects would be complete without talking about screaming.

Scream Queens

Some actresses are so good at screaming in scary movies that the mere mention of their name causes people to immediately associate them with the horror film genre, earning them the Scream Queen moniker. So, what makes a good Scream Queen? Well, to put it plainly, she must have a great decibel range, (King). Who are some of the best Scream Queens and what are their decibel ranges?

Fay Wray (King Kong) = 10 decibels
Drew Barrymore (E.T. The Extraterrestrial) = 9.5 decibels
Doris Day (The Man Who Knew Too Much) = 9.5 decibels
Janet Lee (Psycho) = 9.5 decibels
Jamie Lee Curtis (Janet Lees daughter
must be genetic!) (Halloween) = 9 decibels
Naomi Watts (The Ring) = 9 decibels
Neve Campbell (Scream) = 9 decibels
Barbara Stanwyk (Sorry, Wrong Number) = 9 decibels

The Wilhelm Scream

The Wilhelm Scream has been heard in over 300 movies. Though many sound editors use it as sort of a joke in contemporary films like the Star Wars series and Raiders of the Lost Ark, it originated in the 1951 Warner Bros. film, Distant Drums. However, the scream didnt get its name until it was used again in a film called The Charge at Feather River (1953), in which, The scream is heard when a soldier named Pvt. Wilhelm (played by Ralph Brooke) gets shot in the leg by an arrow, (Lee).

Sources

King, Susan. What Makes a Good Scream Queen?
LATimes.com/entertainment/la-et-screamapr8-pg-photogallery.html

Lee, Steve. The Wilhelm Scream.
HollywoodLostAndFound.net/wilhelm/

Obias, Rudie. 10 Iconic Movie Sounds (And How They Were Made).
MentalFloss.com/article/75464/10-iconic-movie-sounds-and-how-they-were-made

Williams, Owen. The Secrets Behind 44 Classic Cinema Sound Effects.
EmpireOnline.com/movies/features/cinema-sound-secrets-foley-artist/

V Renee. The Sound of Horror: Why Hearing Stuff is Scarier Than Actually Seeing Stuff.
NoFilmSchool.com/2013/11/why-hearing-stuff-is-scarier-than-actually-seeing-stuff

Its Time for the 51st Annual Roswell Arts Festival

By Julie Senger

On September 16-17, north Fulton families will be gearing up to attend the Roswell Recreation Associations annual Roswell Arts Festival! The festival features regional artists, local entertainment, childrens activities and several food trucks where you can purchase lunch or an early dinner.

Beginning in 1966, the Roswell Recreation Association began the Arts Festival to promote the arts in Roswell while raising funds for additional recreation and parks projects. It has been so successful that it is the only fundraising initiative of the Association. Over the years, more than one million dollars have been raised and subsequently used to help purchase park land, playground equipment, spraygrounds, meditative gardens, and many other projects that have benefitted residents of all ages in Roswell. Visit JessicaCBarker.Wixsite.com/roswellartsfestival/about to see the long list of projects that have been funded by the Arts Festival.

Each year, the Roswell Arts Festival attracts award-winning artists from all over the region in a variety of different mediums. Here are a couple of last years award winners

Brenda Steele

Brenda won an award in the 3-D category at 2016s Roswell Arts Festival. She began her artistic journey in 1984, creating stained glass. Her venture into jewelry designing was literally by chance. She was visiting a lifelong friend in Fairhope, Alabama who had just taken a jewelry class. Her friend showed her how to make a pair of earrings, and she was hooked! What started as a hobby, grew into a small business, which is now Brendas full-time job.

Over the years, Brenda has found her niche in wire, mostly copper. Most of her designs are created through the bending and forging (hammering) of copper wire. Brenda said, The hunt for unique, exotic and unusual stones and beads, and turning them into beautiful creations, is very exciting for me. My goal is to create unique, functional art and some just for fun.

Brenda creates jewelry, wine bottle decorations, bookmarks, key holders and more. She is especially drawn to stones such as agate, jasper and turquoise. You will see the marriage of glass, stones, beads and wire in many of her pieces.

Some of Brendas other awards include the following:

- First Place, Dahlonega Art Council Spring Art Show 2010
- Second Place in the Fine Arts Category, 2010 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, Foley, Alabama
- Second Place in Best of Show, Mountain Flower Festival 2013, Dahlonega, Georgia


Manami Yagashiro Lingerfelt

Manami was a winner in last years 2-D category at the Roswell Arts Festival. She was born in Japan, graduating from Tokyo Musashino Art Junior College in 1985 and earned an additional BFA degree from Kennesaw State University in 2015. Manami began her art career in Tokyo, Japan as a graphic designer and illustrator with major magazines and newspapers. Over the years, she had the opportunity to explore the world, dwelling briefly in places such as India, Nepal, Sweden and other parts of Asia and Europe from 1987-1997. Manami now calls Dallas, Georgia home and has produced paintings inspired by the mystical aspects of the places she visited and of the natural world.

Manami desires to express positive energy through her paintings. She has been featured in exhibits in both the United States and Japan and is a continuing presence at art shows and in publications.
Her most recent awards include the following:

- 1st Place Award, 44th Leaf Festival Arts and Crafts 2017
- Best in Show, 2016 Canton Festival of the Arts
- 2016 Winner of the Cartersville Super Kroger Muralist
- 3rd Place, Art Carnegie Artists of Georgia 2nd Annual Art Exhibit & Competition
- 2016 Best in Show, First Friday Art Walk, Marietta Square

To learn more about Manami or her art, please visit ManamiArt.com/.

These artists are just two examples of the many artists and various mediums you will see represented at the Roswell Arts Festival. So, come on out, and see the wonderful works that this years artists have in store for you! By supporting these artists, you are also helping to build more parks and recreational facilities for the Roswell community. The Roswell Arts Festival will be held in the Historic Town Square at 610 Atlanta Street. Festival hours are 10:00am-5:00pm on both days. Visitors are encouraged to park at Roswell City Hall, which is located at 38 Hill Street, Roswell.

By Julie Senger

On September 23-24, Cherokee County residents will be gearing up to attend the annual Riverfest arts and crafts festival! For the past 33 years, the Service League of Cherokee County has presented this juried show, which features original, creative works and products from artisans who come from all over the region. There will also be concessionaires, a myriad of local entertainers as well as a childrens area with various rides and fun activities!

Riverfest is the Service Leagues largest annual fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting the needs of less fortunate children in Cherokee County. Admission to Riverfest is a suggested $5 donation for adults and children ages eleven and older. The event will take place rain or shine.

Each year, Riverfest awards artisans in three different categories: Fine Arts, Crafts, and
Gourmet Products. Check out last years winners!

Fine Arts First Place Winner - Schulz Pottery

Greg Schulz grew up surrounded by art in central Florida. His artist mother encouraged his desire to explore various art mediums from an early age. He later graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and pursued a career as a creative director in advertising.

Leaving the corporate life behind in 2013, Greg decided to delve into life as a potter. Mesmerized by the essential elements earth, water, wind and fire he fell in love with throwing and hand molding clay and has never turned back. In his studio on the Etowah River, he gets up early to begin creating original, functional pieces of art for your home. A Cherokee County resident since 1990, Greg lives with his wife, Susan, a border collie and six chickens. Their three children are now grown and have flown the coop.

For more information about Schulz Pottery, visit Schulz-Pottery.myshopify.com/.

Crafts First Place Winner - Rustic Roots

Angela Kook, owner of Rustic Roots, said, We specialize in handmade, upcycled, home and garden decor. We take everyday items that have been used and abused and give them a new life.

Angela started Rustic Roots three years ago after her son was born. She began refinishing furniture and making decorative items for her own home/garden. Her friends and family kept telling her that she needed to start her own business, so she decided to give it a try. Angela employed the help of her parents to assist with the woodworking and construction of many items, and she learned how to make most of her products through trial and error.

Gourmet Products First Place Winner - Appalachian Heritage Guild/Country Rhoades Arts & Crafts

The Appalachian Heritage Guild is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and Christina Rhoades of Country Rhoades Arts & Crafts was manning their booth at last years Riverfest. What modestly began as a hobby for Christina has grown into her way of life. She expanded from just a couple of arts and crafts festivals into participating in about 15-20 different events across north Georgia as well as several local farmers markets.

Christina makes preserves, soaps, hand woven scarves, pottery, candles, metal works and photography. She has also developed a relationship with some fellow local food product producers, and she offers their items for sale along with her own. These items include raw honey from Cantons Ross Berry Farms; specialty oils, vinegars and spices from Home Appetit in Cumming; and jams, jellies and pickles from Maxwell Farms in Dallas, GA.

For more information about the items Christina offers, visit CountryRhoadesArt.com/.

So, come on out to the 33rd Annual Riverfest to see the hundreds of talented artisans, and find out who wins this year! Riverfest will be held in its new home at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. It is open from 10:00am-6:00pm on Saturday and from 10:00am-5:00pm on Sunday. For more information, please visit ServiceLeague.net.

By Mary Akers

How do you know what medium of art is right for you? This question is impossible to answer without trying different types of art mediums to discover where your talents lie. Here are some examples of how some artists, myself included, have discovered their preferred medium.

Fred Ellis was a retired highway patrolman who was looking for something to do. His wife enrolled him in a pottery class thinking (hoping?) she might have to take the class in his place. Fred ended up taking the class, and he excitedly came home with all the equipment he needed to start turning pots. He has been making pottery ever since. Fred is now the owner of Something Southern Pottery and the president of the Georgia Clay Council. You may view a sample of Freds art at the Cherokee Arts Center in October. The Cherokee Arts Center often offers pottery classes. If you are interested in seeing clay works or taking clay classes in the north Fulton area, check out the Roswell Clay Collective at RoswellClayCollective.com.

Larry McClish was an engineer who needed a hobby. After exploring several other options, he finally decided to take a woodturning class. After a few tries at the lathe, he fell in love with woodturning. He explained that the wood tells him what it wants to become, and thats how he arrives at his finished piece. Larry was so excited about his new-found craft that he wanted to share it with others, so he became one of the founders of the Etowah River Woodturners. The Etowah River Woodturners work can be seen at the Cherokee Arts Center this month. Another local woodturner, Bill Tyndale, will have his work on display at this months Roswell Arts Festival.

Allen Quandee is another engineer who bought a lathe to turn spindles for the deck he was building, and before he knew it, he became fascinated with the art he could make out of wood. Allen is in many art shows around the area. He is also the vice president of the Etowah River Woodturners. If youre interested in learning more about woodturning, the Etowah River Woodturners meet monthly at the Cherokee Arts Center. If you live in the north Fulton area, you can try out many types of woodworking classes at Woodcraft of Atlanta in Alpharetta.

Jane Wimmer needed an art class in high school, and oddly enough, she decided to take a class using a floor loom twice her size. When she discovered all the wonderful things she could weave, she began her long career in weaving textiles. Her dream was to one day run a weaving studio. Today, Jane runs a weaving studio at the Cherokee Arts Center.

As for myself, I was a performing arts major in college, and I decided to try my hand at set design. My visual arts career was born with painting, drawing, and teaching the love of art and its possibilities.

If you are looking to discover the artist in you, feel free to check out the following locations and the many classes and workshops they offer:

The Cherokee Arts Center
94 North Street, Canton
770-704-6244
CherokeeArts.org

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village
8534 Main Street, Woodstock
678-494-4251
ElmStreetArts.org