Issuu

A P R I L 2 02 1

LI F E + C U LTU R E EC O - C O NS CI O US G I F T S HOME + DESIGN D IS C OVERI N G RE Y N O L D S L AK E O C O N EE SH H , I T 'S T H E SEC RE T G ARD EN T O U R

Nurture with Nature

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com

Hello friends,

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@lifestylepubs.com

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS, MY MOM WOULD PROMISE AS SHE

Darce Richardson | darce.richardson@lifestylepubs.com

HELD UP MY GALOSHES AND RAINCOAT. Of course, growing up in Michigan, those showers might be frozen, one last snowfall to trudge through. Here in Alpharetta, we wait for the tulips, azaleas, lily of the valley, peonies and crocus to pop up to reward us after months of bare branches and cooler temperatures. SPRING is here! A season of promise, reminding us to get outdoors, tidy our yards, take stock of all we are blessed with. On Easter Sunday, April 4, families will gather, and maybe your worship will take place outdoors, socially distanced, but ever full of thanks. I'll be standing on the steps of my church where we just started worshiping outdoors again, pausing to share our gratitude and promising to pass it along. Perhaps this month on Earth Day, April 22, you'll make a pledge. Check out the ideas at EarthDay.org. 1. Passionate about certain environmental issues? Volunteer at EARTHDAY.ORG and

SENIOR ACCO UNT MANAGER

MARKE T ARE A ADMINISTRATOR

ACCO UNT E XECUTI VE

Colleen Nilan | colleen.nilan@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Molly Collins | molly.collins@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Maggie Chidester, Stacy Conde CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jenn Cardinell, Stacy Conde

participate in initiatives, both local and global, to Restore Our Earth. 2. Tune into our Earth Day Live series to learn firsthand from experts about our campaigns and ways that you can help from a grassroots level all the way up to your state officials' office. 3. Unsubscribe to catalogs and donate to The Canopy Project to save the trees! For every $1 that is donated, one tree is planted! 4. Enjoy spending time outside? Support the Great Global Cleanup and pick up trash

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

while enjoying your outdoor activities. It is a great way to save that plastic bottle cap

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

from the landfill while you are on your morning walk!

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

5. Be a part of the change. Change your diet to fight climate change! Try participating

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

in meatless Mondays! Check out some plant-based recipes. 6. Try a foodprint calculator to find out exactly how your meals impact the planet. Enjoy this ECO issue. 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

We are thankful for YOU. xo ON THE COVER Reynolds Lake Oconee

has become a full-time sanctuary for many

who previously used it as a second home or vacation destination. The enormous amount of green space with trails, golf courses, tennis and pickle ball courts, parks and leisure space makes lake life even smarter. ReynoldsLakeOconee.com 4

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

Sue G. Collins, Editor

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Proverbs 3:5-6 Alpharetta Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Alpharetta area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Alpharetta Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 22 Let Nature Nurture Lake Life, outdoor living and community make Reynolds Lake Oconee unique.

26 See you in the Secret Gardens From COVID-19 dormancy to full bloom in 2021.

34 22

30 Furkids' runs on giving Shawn and Ann Leveto walk the walk.

26 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locals Only

26 Hometown Hero 30 Artist’s Palette 34 Culinary Creations

live in your world, relax in ours...

Come and enjoy our outdoor dining!

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GOOD TIMES

LifeHope Celebrates Women New to the community, LifeHope Healing Med Spa safely hosted their first annual Galentine’s Day Event with Alpharetta Housewives, colleagues, and friends. LifehopeHealingMedspa.com/

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AROUND TOWN

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GLOWING SKIN IS JUST A 30-MINUTE TREATMENT AWAY

Webb Bridge Middle students and staff added

LifeHope Healing Med Spa is proud to introduce

250 daffodil bulbs to the 1500 bulbs already planted

the latest in Skin Resurfacing for patients. Meet Opus

in their Holocaust Memorial garden in partnership

Plasma™ by Alma Lasers. Opus is truly the next gener-

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ation in skin rejuvenation. As the first fractional plasma

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duction and rejuvenate the skin providing some of

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the best results available for treating fine lines and

a leading education partner serving over 10 mil-

wrinkles, scars, uneven tone, pigmentation and tex-

lion U.S. teachers and students. Lake Windward

Elementary

kindergarten

teacher

ture. Consultations are complimentary. 770.755.1505

Elementary fifth grader Evan Schloerke has col-

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lected 150 donated clean blankets and sleeping

NEW SKEWERS IN TOWN

bags as well as jackets, sweatshirts, underclothes and socks for the Midtown shelters where his

Passador Brazilian Steakhouse is now open in

family volunteers. Alpharetta High (AHS) Choral

Alpharetta. Passador, which means “meat server,”

Director Michelle Levesque received the statewide

will offer a traditional Brazilian steakhouse experi-

“Volunteer of the Year” award from the Georgia

ence with passadores coming to tables with skew-

Music Educators Association for GMEA members

ers of delicious meats and carving pieces onto

who have gone above and beyond in their vol-

plates as guests make their selections. Passador

unteer work for the association. AHS Orchestra

comes to Alpharetta courtesy of partners and

Director Charles Laux was named Educator of the

brothers Nelcir and Marcio Muller, who have more

Year by the American String Teachers Association,

than 40 years of collective experience working in

Georgia Chapter.

Brazilian steakhouses—Nelcir most recently at Chama Gaucha in Buckhead, while Marcio comes

HANDBAGS GALORE APRIL 22

to Passador from Chama Gaucha’s Chicago loca-

Supporting families of sick and injured children

tion. “I’ve seen the growth that’s been taking place

never looked so good. On Thursday, April 22, Atlanta

in Alpharetta for some time and thought that I would

Ronald McDonald House Charities will host its 4th

like to be a part of it,” says Nelcir Muller. Guests can

annual Handbag HULLABALOO Home Edition

expect the array of high-quality meats—lamb, pork,

fundraiser, where guests will have the opportunity

beef, sausage and chicken—as well as a selection

to win up to 50 luxury handbags by playing a series

of unique side dishes and a traditional salad bar,

of Handbag HULLABALOO raffle games. Jenn

all presented in an immersive, exciting atmosphere

Hobby, host of Star 94.1’s “Jenn & Friends” show,

while strictly adhering to the CDC’s safety guide-

will host the virtual event. ARMHC.org.

lines. 2355 Mansell Road, in the former home of Galeto Brazilian Steakhouse. 10

SCHOOL NEWS

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

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LOCALS ONLY ARTICLE LIFESTYLE PUBLICATIONS STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

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She Is Safe MEET MICHELE RICKETT

AMONG THE MANY EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN THAT STAND OUT AS BEACONS OF LIGHT IN OUR COMMUNITY, WE FIND MICHELE RICKETT, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, FOUNDER AND CEO OF SHE IS SAFE – A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT, FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES, HAS BEEN DEDICATED TO RESCUE, RESTORE AND EQUIP GIRLS AND WOMEN VICTIMS OF SEX-TRAFFICKING AND OTHER FORMS OF SLAVERY IN SOME OF THE COUNTRIES WHERE THE ISSUE IS MOST PREVALENT: INDIA, INDONESIA, MIDDLE EAST, MYANMAR, NEPAL AND SOUTH SUDAN. It all started when Michele and her husband served as missionaries in Africa. While engaging her work, Michele witnessed the pervasive mistreatment and sale of girls. Michele had personally transcended commercial sexual exploitation as a child before being rescued as a teen. She was alarmed to see that families were offering up their girls into many forms of slavery. As she witnessed the repeated pattern of abuse, Michele started asking the local leaders, “what is being done to save these girls and women?” Those leaders connected her to a few African women who were advocating for girls and women to be free from abuse and slavery. Linking arms with local women became the solution.

ARTICLE PATRICIA HOLBROOK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 18

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

That solution lit a fire in her heart. Someone needed to organize efforts and bring awareness at home and abroad about the prevalence, high risk locations and root causes of modern slavery (aka human trafficking). She dedicated herself to being a voice for girls and women. She Is Safe was born with the vision to see every at-risk girl safe and free to become what God created them to be. Since 2002, She Is Safe’s mission has been to prevent, rescue and restore women and girls from suffering abuse and exploitation in high-risk places, equipping them to build lives of freedom and faith for a strong future. She Is Safe currently works in places where women and girls are most often sold: India, Indonesia, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal and South Sudan. The ministry partners with

indigenous denominations and

parachurch organizations, confronting the pervasive issues of sex trafficking and abuse of young girls and women. This results in a ripple effect of change for families and communities toward valuing girls

as God’s image-bearers.

These changes span generations rather than offering temporary

fixes.

Last

year, She Is Safe programs directly benefitted 25,871 lives. Michele has a special bond with the generous community of Alpharetta. It is here that many of the friends, supporters and staff of She Is Safe reside.

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Likewise, supportive members of the Alpharetta business community such

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5965 PEACHTREE CORNERS EAST CONTINUED >

NORCROSS, GA 30071 (DESIGN DISTRICT)

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

SHE IS SAFE (CONTINUED)

Volunteers are essential in the community of She Is Safe. Whatever your skills may be, you can put them to work to rescue and restore girls. Volunteer Opportunities are in the US only, with emphasis on advocacy, birthday fundraisers and other forms of influence/advocacy for women and girls. SheIsSafe.org

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

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Among the many volunteer and fundraising activities She Is Safe offers the Alpharetta community each year, a stunning fundraising gala included a rooftop butterfly release at Avalon in October 2019. “It was a beautiful moment!” Michele’s broad smile translates her passion for the cause. “As the butterflies started flying to freedom, we invited our friends and supporters to ponder how their love for these women

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and girls across the world gives them new life. We cannot wait to do it again!” For more information about their projects and find out how you can support and vol-

Classic Blinds & Shutters Design Center 488 N Main St Ste 109 Alpharetta, GA

unteer, visit sheissafe.org. CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

ARTICLE ARIEL TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE MAKES COMMUNITY A PRIORITY

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

Let Nature Nurture

ON MARCH 17, 2020, WHEN THE COLLECTIVE WORLD

Simultaneously, the community’s leadership was equally as con-

HALTED, THE LAKE AND CLUB COMMUNITY OF REYNOLDS

cerned with the need to keep members and employees safe and

LAKE OCONEE DIDN’T PAUSE FOR LONG.

healthy. With all of those factors in mind, the #ReynoldsTogether

With around 3,000 members, many of whom would make their

initiative was launched to keep the community connected safely

Reynolds vacation home their primary residence in the coming

and virtually. Now, a year later, many of the tactics have led to

months, the club’s leadership assessed the sudden pandemic-in-

permanent changes in club offerings.

duced need to cease most in-person gatherings without sacrificing the connectedness of the club culture.

Grocery sourcing and easy pick-up became an initial priority as local grocery store shelves emptied and members were hesitant

“How are we going to continue to provide the sense of commu-

to spend much time in potentially crowded public spaces. Through

nity and lifestyle our members enjoyed up until today? How do we

the club’s relationship with restaurant supply company Sysco,

do that now?” says Reynolds COO Tim Hong about those first few

Reynolds was able to keep members’ pantries and refrigerators

days evaluating the new normal.

stocked. Members loved this option so much, it has remained,

As with most clubs, Reynolds’ member benefits lean heavily

with more than 34,000 items sold since last spring. Hong says

on social activities – 10 dining options on-site, dozens of workout

this is one of several services the club will continue to offer as a

classes, concerts, food, and wine events – in addition to golf, water

membership benefit moving forward.

sports, biking, tennis, and numerous other outdoor activities. With

This summer, the community is looking forward to the return of

the elimination of many of those, Reynolds had no choice but to

regular activities when it’s determined to be in the best interest

get creative in order to keep members engaged.

of member health and safety. Families, especially, are anticipating CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

LET NATURE NURTURE (CONTINUED)

A s w it h mo s t clu b s , R ey nold s’ mem b er

b enef it s le a n he av i ly

on s o ci a l act iv it ie s – 10 d i n i n g opt ion s on- site,

doz en s of workout cl a s s e s , concer t s , fo o d , a nd w i ne event s – i n add it ion to

gol f, water sp or t s , bi k i n g , ten n i s , a nd nu merou s

ot her outdo or act iv it ie s .

ReynoldsLakeOconee.org

Work spaces for members are par for the course at Reynolds Lake Oconee.

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

a season full of children’s outdoor activities that have become a main membership draw, such as sunrise paddleboarding on summer Saturdays, swim-in movie nights at The Landing pool, and themed summer camps. And while many of the annual holiday celebrations may eventually be able to return as in-person events this year – like the Father’s Day Shoot at Sanding Creek Sporting Grounds and the 4th of July 5k Fun Run & Walk for the whole family – the club learned last year how to rework many of them as virtual to provide a sense of normalcy. Hong says the success of this effort has propelled the club into looking for additional ways to engage members virtually who don’t live at the club full time but still want to remain connected or benefit from the amenities. Aside from the Reynolds Together effort, the community’s location and natural environment made it the ideal escape for many members and their extended families looking for refuge from their primary residences in larger cities across the country and Atlanta. The outdoor elements and amenities also provided members a necessary outlet away from the constant stress of working from home and e-learning. Hong says a young family he recently spoke to found themselves scrambling last spring when school went from in-person to online while the parents were both working, but the ability to access tennis, pickleball, basketball courts, virtual tennis tips, and virtual fitness classes in the early days of the pandemic gave them, physically, the engagement they needed as a family. Another member had waited until his

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children were grown to take up golf but still hadn’t until the pandemic hit. Finding himself with more time, he took a golf lesson. A lesson has turned into multiple lessons and playing nine holes in the afternoon. Having access to a safe, outdoor sport encouraged his wife to ride along. She then took lessons, and now the couple connects with multiple neighbors/couples for afternoon golf outings. Now, that’s Reynolds Togetherness.

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HOMETOWN HERO

ARTICLE CHIP DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

SEE YOU IN THE

SECRET GARDENS FROM COVID-19 DORMANCY TO FULL BLOOM IN 2021

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

THE SECRET GARDENS OF JOHNS CREEK RETURNS MAY 1 WITH A DRIVING AND WALKABLE TOUR OF THE COMMUNITY'S REMARKABLE GARDENS. While the tradition of the annual garden tour was interrupted last year, volunteers committed to a spectacular revival as soon as possible. All involved agree, an extra year for the gardeners to primp and prune, and an extra year for the event organizers to prepare has made for the greatest Garden Tour yet. Even amidst the panic of a global pandemic, participants of previous tours asked when the next time Secret Gardens of Johns Creek would occur. Johns Creek Beautification’s (JCB) board knew there would be a future because of the understanding from the community when it announced that the annual tour was canceled. Hard times bring a community together in ways no one can predict. JCB added more passionate volunteers to the team and doubled its efforts. The consensus was that Secret Gardens of Johns Creek was naturally aligned with the evolving needs of the public. Event organizers have restructured the tour to occur on a biennial basis and implemented safety measures to fit the needs of the Johns Creek community.

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Secret Gardens is a drive-yourself and walking tour of six homes and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve; each stop has its own unique features in store. Homeowners share

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the joy of their efforts at the residential sites,

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CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Alpharetta

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

and Autrey Mill Nature Preserve is home to splendid woodland gardens. Autrey Mill also hosts the rare Pink Lady Slipper flowers in their gardens and buildings saved for history on their property, including the old Warsaw Chapel. Performances from harpists, guitarists, singers, and even a flute choir will perform on-site for your enjoyment! Come witness the talent of visual artists from our community as they paint, sculpt, sketch, and mold something exquisite while you take in the splendor of a stroll in the garden. Sounds crowded, but, fear not there is plenty of breathing room to stay socially distanced. Participants inherently start from different places and, because there is no set order to visit tour sites, traffic is evenly distributed to each stop. In addition to greeting and directing the flow of guests in each garden, volunteers will pace the flow of visitors through each site to encourage breathing room and space to enjoy the surroundings.

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

This year there are planned activities and crafts for visitors to take part in while awaiting their botanical adventures. Patrons can enjoy a moment to paint daffodils on landscaping rocks that JCB will use to beautify and commemorate Daffodils4Hope Gardens. Daffodils 4Hope is an awareness campaign for CanCare Atlanta, the premier organization for emotional support serving

AUTHENTIC, FLAVORFUL, DELICIOUS,

cancer patients and survivors. Johns Creek Beautification identified the Daffodil as the symbol for Cancer Survivorship because of its regenerative properties. Daffodils grow

OPEN NOW FOR DINE IN & CURBSIDE PICK UP

from bulbs and once planted can regenerate each year for hundreds of years, bringing hope for the future to all that see them. JCB has planted over 5000 bulbs around the city of Johns Creek at Newtown Park Veterans Memorial Park and The Wall That Heals, Johns Creek City Hall, Emory Johns Creek Hospital Winship Cancer Center, and has also committed to planting over 60,000 bulbs in beautiful places all around town. Proceeds from Secret Gardens of Johns Creek and the art created will go to support JCB’s efforts to beautify Johns Creek. Johns Creek Beautification is dedicated to enriching the beauty and prestige of the city by enhancing the landscape, preservation of old and installation of new art displays in public areas. JCB believes that beautiful surroundings leads to a sense of comfort that can’t be replicated any other way. Consider your time at Secret Gardens of Johns Creek a mini-vacation and a respite from the hurry of everyday life. Don’t miss the Garden Tour’s positive effects on your mental health and stress level. Our city is a rose by any name, the talent and passion our town has for beauty and exceptionalism are truly on display at Secret Gardens of Johns Creek. Johns Creek Beautification invites the public to the 2021 Garden Tour to make new friends, to get inspired, to feel the comfort and, to celebrate pride in our hometown.

2100 Ray Moss Connector Johns Creek, GA 30022

Information and volunteer opportunities at

770.674.2779

JohnsCreekBeautification.org

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

SHAWN AND ANN LEVETO WALK THE WALK

ARTICLE MAGGIE CHIDESTER PHOTOGRAPHY JENN CARDINELL

Furkids' runs on giving ORIGINALLY MOVING FROM DUNWOODY TO ALPHARETTA’S WINDWARD SUBDIVISION IN 2001, SHAWN AND ANN LEVETO WERE LOOKING FOR A BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH TOP-RATED SCHOOLS NEARBY TO RAISE THEIR SON, AN AREA WITH WONDERFUL FRIENDS, NATURAL BEAUTY, AND NEW CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS THEY COULD ENRICH THEIR LIVES WITH. That’s when they stumbled upon Furkids. Furkids, headquartered in Atlanta, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for cats and Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs.

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

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houses more than 1200 animals through its shelters and foster programs today. Shawn, the President/CEO of Realty Atlanta, Inc. real estate agency headquartered in Alpharetta, and Ann, an antique &

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adopted their dog Marley from Furkids in 2017. With Marley’s long wavy hair and

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infectious personality, it was love at first

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sight. But, their relationship with the organization started long before that. Ten years ago, Shawn and Furkids founder Samantha Shelton chatted about a potential Furkids property in Alpharetta. While the original property didn’t pan

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out, Shawn and Ann began volunteering at Furkids. After adopting Marley, Ann was reading a story in a newspaper where Samantha was quoted describing her future aspirations for Furkids and her desire to find a property filled with CONTINUED >

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ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

walking trails and natural beauty. Shawn and Ann knew just the place and shared the old Wakoola Water Gardens property. Fast forward to 2018, Furkids embarked on its biggest endeavor and purchased the massive 9-acre sanctuary located near the Big Creek Greenway. The vision is to eventually consolidate all the cat and dog operations at this new campus. The new headquarters not only houses hundreds of animals, but also offers additional land to build a new dog shelter, state-of-the-art medical facility, event space, and more. This move for Furkids would not be possible without the Levetos, who officially signed onto the Furkids Advisory Board in 2018. For more information on Furkids, their adoptable animals, volunteer opportunities and ways you can donate, please visit Furkids.org.

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

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CORE 57 BOWL FROM CHIRINGA AT ALPHARETTA CITY CENTER

CULINARY CREATIONS

A BOWLFU L O F H E A LT H Y CORE 57 INGREDIENTS: + 2 cups of cooked brown rice + ½ avocado (medium) + 2 fried sweet plantains + 1/3 cups of arugula + 1/3 cups of pico de gallo + 1/3 cups of black beans + ½ tsp sea salt

CILANTRO DIPPING (SAUCE) INGREDIENTS: + 2 cups of cilantro + ½ cup of olive oil + 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

+ 1 jalapeno (no seeds)

DIRECTIONS 1. For the Cilantro Dipping Sauce, mix all ingredients in food processor and blend. 2. Place cooked brown rice into bowl and layer on additional ingredients and enjoy!

Alpharetta Lifestyle | April 2021

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