Skip to main content

Perimeter North, GA November 2020

Page 1

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

T H E B E S T O F D U N W O O DY & S A N DY S P R I N G S

Giving Thanks LI F E + C U LTU R E T H E H O O C H S AVED BY VO LU N T EERS T HAN K I N G T H O SE WH O G IVE WARM T H D EL IVERED: L IVE OAK CAREG IVERS


LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Jim Newman | jnewman@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Sue Collins | scollins@lifestylepubs.com

Happy November,

Darce Richardson | darce.richardson@lifestylepubs.com

WHEN I ASKED MY THREE GROWN CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE

Molly Collins | molly.collins@lifestylepubs.com

THANKSGIVING MEMORY, THEY EACH REPLIED WITH A DIFFERENT STORY. One waxed poetic about the time we rented out a small nightclub so we could have a family jam session on the stage. A few years later, we puzzled together every table in the house to seat more than 20 shoulder to shoulder, little ones included. The kids made place cards out of 3 x 5 cards and dried flowers (my mom’s idea). When we moved south to Atlanta 10 years ago, my daughter stayed behind to finish her senior year (the graduation requirements were dramatically different here) and she stayed with family friends, my heart breaking all the way. We drove north through snowy Ohio and Michigan for Thanksgiving, spreading out across ping pong tables and card tables and included my extended family and theirs. I sobbed my way through the blessing, overflowing with gratitude and probably some guilt for having to sepa-

MARKE T ARE A ADMINISTRATOR

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

SENIOR ACCO UNT MANAGER

Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Miranda Williams L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dennis Malcolm Byron, Rhiannon Johnson CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sunny Bailey, Dennis Malcolm Byron, Patrick Collins, Tim Lowe, Lydia Mayfield

rate from Jane. Now, those friends are closer than family. We won’t be spending Thanksgiving with anyone this year, just my husband, college-aged son and me around the table. I’ll be thankful to unplug and let my husband work his magic with a turkey on the Big Green Egg. I’ll make a pie (or three) and likely a few mini pumpkin bread loaves for neighbors.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Where ever you are this month, I trust you’ll find sweetness and joy. Give it to get it!

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Xo,

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Sue G. Collins, Editor

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER This beautiful porch was styled by Candi Miller, Candi Miller Staging + Design,

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN

404.295.0466

MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | SOUTH CAROLINA

CandiMillerDesign.com

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

The home is listed by Lindsay Levin, 404.667.3232 AtlantaRealEstateInsider.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYDIA MAYFIELD 4

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

Proverbs 3:5-6 Perimeter North Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Perimeter North 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 Perimeter North Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


l

A C C E P T I N G N E W PAT I E N T S | A D U LT S & C H I L D R E N

Take care of your health this fall and book your annual physical check now.

Flu vaccines available! Call

470-299-3991

C O V I D A N T I B O D Y T E S T AVA I L A B L E . P L E A S E W E A R M A S K F O R S A F E T Y.

D R . S UDH A CH A L LA , M D FA A F P Dr. Challa and staff are dedicated to serving the community and providing compassionate care for you and your family. Board Certified in Family Medicine and Geriatrics. Both locations offer personalized care for pediatrics, adults and seniors. We accept most major insurances. Our staff speaks Spanish, Vietnamese, Hindi, English, Bengali and Nepali.

Welcoming DR. SAMUEL DEUTSCH, MD TO OUR PRACTICE!

SERV ICES P R I M A R Y C A R E • P E D I AT R I C S • P H Y S I C A L S G E R I AT R I C S • M E D I C A L W E I G H T L O S S D E R M AT O L O G Y • L A S E R T R E AT M E N T S VA C C I N AT I O N S • I V F L U I D H Y D R AT I O N

Newtown Park Medical Clinic & Geriatrics

Dekalb Family Practice & Geriatrics

2880 OLD ALABAMA ROAD, #300, JOHNS CREEK, GA

4961 BUFORD HWY NE, #100, CHAMBLEE, GA

SUDHACHALLAMD.COM

SUDHACHALLAMD.COM

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 9AM - 6PM

MONDAY-SATURDAY: 8AM - 6PM

470-299-3991

770-458-8497

Facial Facial

Facelift

Facial

Facelift

Facelift

Facelift


INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 26 Cheers to These Givers We love how they make generosity a priority.

30 Kicking For Kids Martial arts mentoring program creates community through self-confidence.

26 30

34 Volunteers Take it to The River The Chattahoochee gets a clean up.

18

34

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

18

Driver’s Notebook

22 Renovate & Refine 26 Giving Back 30 Inspired By 34 Our Town


Making client’s lives better one project at a time.

Make Your Home the Destination

DREAM | DESIGN | BUILD Turnkey Solutions Kitchens / Baths • Basements / Additions Covered Decks / Sunrooms • New Home Construction

(770) 642-1002 | D B AT L A N TA .C O M


GOOD TIMES

Sweep the Hooch More than 1,000 volunteers from throughout the Chattahoochee watershed gathered at 43 parks, trails, and creeks to fight litter pollution. Some 73,646 pounds (36.8 tons) of garbage were removed from the waterways we all share. Of that, more than 19,288 pounds (9.6 tons) were recycled. Chatahoochee.org Photos Erik Voss, Chattachoochee Riverkeepers staff, Horace Hamilton, Clay Fisher, Randy McDow.

1.

2.

1. Jones Bridge | 2. West Point Lake. Photo by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. | 3. Proctor Creek 8

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020

3.


GOOD TIMES

Sandy Springs Farmers Market The Sandy Springs Farmers Market continues through Saturday November 21, open 9 a.m. - noon at City Springs. Come explore and enjoy the local bounty. Please wear a mask and respect fellow marketer's space! PHOTOS BY TIM LOWE.

10

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


Cars, cars, cars. And Caffeine Caffeine and Octane, the outdoor car show that attracts thousands of fans the first Sunday of every month at Perimeter Mall. continues. Chrome, detailing and back stories make this show special. PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK COLLINS

COMPLIMENTARY PRIVATE OFFICE FOR A DAY

Welcome to Your New Worklife Discover a more productive way to work close to home but not at home. Providing contactless check in, socially distanced workspaces and continuous cleaning so you can focus on work.

Contact us to reserve your private office SERENDIPITY LABS ATLANTA Buckhead | Perimeter | Cumberland | Alpharetta

866.907.7832 | serendipitylabs.com/atlanta

Redeemable Monday – Friday, 8:30-5:30. Registration required 24 hours in advance. Valid for New Members Only. One time use only. Offer must be claimed by 12/31/2020.

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

11


AROUND TOWN

NORTHSIDE VASCULAR SURGERY WELCOMES DR. SAMUEL VICTORIA IN SANDY SPRINGS Northside Vascular Surgery is pleased to welcome Dr. Samuel E. Victoria, Jr. to the practice's Sandy Springs and East Cobb locations. Dr. Victoria is a vascular surgeon who specializes in limb salvage, pedal access, hemodialysis access, venous disease, and minimally invasive cutting-edge procedures. He is among a few vascular surgeons in the state with the expertise to perform the FEVAR procedure, for patients with an aortic aneurysm near the kidney and mesenteric arteries. Northside Vascular Surgery has locations in Atlanta, Canton, Cumming and East Cobb, Lawrenceville and Johns Creek. NVS-GA.com

BUY ART, SUPPORT AFRICAN STUDENTS An Atlanta-based charity, Art For Art, has teamed with an international charity to bring Atlantans a unique opportunity this fall: purchase your favorite works of art produced by talented student artists from underserved communities in Africa and 100% of the proceeds will directly support the students’ visual arts classes. The Art Exhibition continues online through November 25. On display is artwork from Africa, as well as pieces created by children in the U.S. Meet the student artists who created them, through short bios that are included with each piece. ArtForArt.world/current-exhibit.

SCHOOL'S IN SESSION Riverwood International Charter School senior, Amanda Solomiany started a nonprofit organization called The Osteosarcoma Society to raise money for expansive research for this cancer with which 12

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


she was diagnosed in December 2019. She hopes the organization will spread awareness of the disease, the most common form of bone cancer in children and adolescents, though not well known. Standard treatment has not been refined since the 1980s and she wishes her fundraising will help with comprehensive, cutting-edge research. High Point Elementary is on track for consideration as an FY21 National Distinguished School by the Association of ESEA (Early and Secondary Education Association) State Program Administrators. This distinction is only awarded to two schools from each state. North Springs Charter High School was one of five high schools in the Fulton County School district that made gains in SAT scores for 2020 in the two categories of Evidence-Based Reading/Writing and Math.

BECAUSE: A BIG HEART When

Glengarry

Elementary

School kindergarten teacher Rachel Helling in Nashville was planning for the new school year during a pandemic, she knew the $200 budget that teachers are allowed wouldn’t go far. So Helling turned to crowdfunding to provide more resources for her students, and to her surprise an Atlanta-based cosmetic dentist responded. Dr. Hugh Flax, a fellow UGA alum, donated $500 worth of school supplies to Rachel's classroom, including multicultural books, games to help her students learn math in a more engaging way, expo markers, chair pockets and a giant classroom set of markers and crayons. "I was so surprised an Atlanta dentist helped me out because even though I used to live in Georgia, I now live in Nashville,” says Helling, "Dr. Flax and I talked about how he could always support a UGA alum.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

13


AROUND TOWN

Creating a Culture of Exceptional Care

DIAMOND SKULPT NOW OPEN Atlanta

Esthetician,

Kanysha

Williams proudly opened the doors to celebrate the grand opening of Diamond Skulpt in Doraville. And with extensive research and experimentation she is honored to share her knowledge, skills and experience with each and every client. She says “age is timeless" and helping people discover their skin's true

• Caregiving by Certified Nursing Assistants

experienced with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Cancer, Depression and Mobility Issues

• Assistance with activities of daily living,

including bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders and personal errands

beauty is her goal. Offering a wide range of skin and body treatments from both women and men’s facials, dermaplaning,

chemical

peels,

microdermabrasion, microneedling, ombré brows, microblading, and the latest in body contouring treatments. 678.392.7560, DiamondSkulpt.com

Home Health and Caregiving Services Supporting the Vital Activities Of Daily Living

TREES, DELIVERED! Yes,

Virginia,

there

will

be

Christmas this year, and you don’t

Bill Falconer • David Ingram • Bill Izlar 3076 Maple Drive • Atlanta, GA 30305 404-205-5655 • www.LiveOakCaregivers.com

have to do a thing. Matt Bowman of Tradition Co. acquired several leases to grow Fraser firs in North Carolina more than a decade ago. This holiday season, Tradition Trees will deliver, set up, then later take down and

14

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


recycle your Christmas tree. You select your tree online, either with or without lights, and his team will do the rest - - in masks. They also offer full-service décor installations, inside and out. Don’t forget the wreath. TraditionCompany.com

PENLEY AND DOOLEYS CHAIR EVENING OF ELEGANCE The Sandy Springs Society will proudly feature Vince and Barbara Dooley and artist Steve PENLEY as honorary chairs for The Evening of Elegance, Thursday, Nov. 5, a fun way to make spectacular purchases this holiday season. It will feature a live and silent auction, with items such as vacation homes and experiences,

artwork,

golf

packages

and jewelry, including an original painting by Steve PENLEY. All proceeds will be reinvested in the local Sandy Springs community. To date, The Society has awarded grants totaling more than $4 million. Visit SandySpringsSociety.org

EQUALITY SERVED AT CAFE SABA A

grassroots

movement

born

Your Family is Our Business and Your Business is Our Family. Family Law and Business Attorneys No matter how complicated your case may seem, our attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the legal process, paperwork, motions, discovery, depositions, hearings, mediation, trial and appeal. Give us a call today with any questions.

in Georgia, Equality Lives Here, is reaching out to businesses and individuals nationwide, offering them a simple ELH decal to place in their window to say, “all are welcome here.” “During one of the most turbulent periods of our country's history, it is incumbent of all of us to support one another. Having restaurants like Café

201 Swanton Way Decatur, Georgia 30030 www.jgibbsfirm.com

Call Us: 404-692-5846

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

15


AROUND TOWN

Saba

on

board

to

wholeheart-

edly support this initiative underscores the importance of developing and growing Equality Lives Here,

says

Kramer.� Rd,

ELH

4639

Dunwoody.

Founder N

Billy

Shallowford CafeSaba.net

EqualityLivesHere.com

Helping clients who are facing financial difficulties get a fresh start. Saedi Law Group is a top ranked Atlanta bankruptcy law firm that specializes in filing Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. We stop foreclosure, repossession, tax liens, support warrants, garnishments, lawsuits, and other creditor actions.

3006 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329 Email Us: info@saedilawgroup.com Call Us: 404-919-7296

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com /PerimeterNorth using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

16

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

2020 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve

Family-Friendly Vehicles

TWO SOLID CHOICES FOR A FAM ROAD TRIP

THE YEAR 2020 HAS UNDOUBTEDLY BEEN AN EVENTFUL ARTICLE DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON

ONE TO SAY THE LEAST, SO GETTING AWAY WITH THE FAMILY

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AUTOMAKERS

TO SIMPLY WOOSAH, GET SOME FRESH AIR AND EXPLORE SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA ESPECIALLY DURING THE HOLIDAYS. Here are two impressive autos a family of four or more will enjoy hitting the road in. Safe travels!

18

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


2020 BUICK ENCORE GX ESSENCE

and in 2020 they prove to stay relevant in style, tech-

Buick has done a commendable job addressing the

nology, and elegance with the all-new Corsair small

compact SUV market by attractively refining the Encore

luxury SUV. While a responsive turbocharged 2.0-liter

inside and out in 2020. They also generously provide a

heart, 8-speed transmission, five drive modes, mar-

plethora of advanced safety features, 18-inch wheels,

ket-leading safety rankings, a cloudlike ride and curvy

extensive LED lighting, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

exterior gratefully come standard, numerous options are

integration and ECOTEC 1.3-liter turbo engine with a

available to upgrade this automobile. The Reserve trim

punchy response. One the major draws is the exceed-

flaunts a 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 engine peaking at

ingly popular Alexa Built-In functionality as an infor-

280 horsepower and panoramic vista roof with a power

mative driving companion without giving up a seat in

shade. The Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Plus package with a

Encore’s already roomy cabin. Coming in three trims, the

360-degree camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Speed

Essence comes highly recommended enhanced with

Sign Recognition, Active Park Assist Plus, Evasive

the Advanced Technology Package. The wallet-friendly

Steering Assist and Reverse Brake Assist is a strongly

31 miles-per-gallon average is certainly another bonus.

recommended option. Whatever the customization, the

Base price: $28,500

result will be more than satisfactory in the Corsair for

Visit Buick.com for more information.

you and the family. Base price: $44,830 for the Reserve model

2020 LINCOLN CORSAIR AWD RESERVE

Visit Lincoln.com for more information.

The iconic Lincoln brand has represented the American automotive sector for more than a century

2020 Buick Encore GX Essence CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

19


20

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


RENOVATE & REFINE

FRIENDS MAKE CARE THEIR BUSINESS

FEW SERVICES ARE MORE ESSENTIAL THAN HELPING

necessity. “In 2014, my mother-in-law and father-in-law

OLDER ADULTS AGE IN PLACE, IN THE COMFORT OF

had reached an age where they needed help with activities

THEIR OWN HOMES. We recently caught up with the lead-

of daily living. When I saw the issues they were facing with

ership of Buckhead-based Live Oak Caregivers, which pro-

under-performing home health agencies, I knew it could be

vides home health and caregiving services. The company has

done better. Our business began with my in-laws as our first

been in operation since 2014, and its owners - Bill Falconer,

client. Since then, we have served nearly 350 clients through-

David Ingram and Bill Izlar – have built a reputation of provid-

out metro Atlanta, and delivered over half a million hours of

ing exceptional personal care.

in-home care.”

The trio has a local, family-oriented focus. Bill Falconer

Falconer’s 25 years in business consulting enabled him to

describes how the company was founded partly out of

build Live Oak Caregivers from the ground up, with the help

22

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020

ARTICLE PERIMETER NORTH LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

W h e n C a re C o m e s f ro m t h e H ea r t


and expertise of two longtime friends. David Ingram brought 25 years of technology development and operations experience to the company. He is tasked with managing day-to-day operations and making sure each assignment is a success, for caregivers as well as clients. Bill Izlar, a 25-year veteran of the real estate finance industry, oversees Live Oak’s financial, accounting and risk management operations. All three work together on business development, recruitment and performance management. “Home care is a people business,” says David Ingram. “From the start, we wanted to

David Ingram, Bill Falconer and Bill Izlar operate Live Oak Caregivers with the approach that caring for the caregiver results in exceptional care for clients.

create a culture of exceptional care - for both clients and caregivers. For our clients, the objectives are to deliver compassionate care and make the experience stress free. We assess the needs of the client and put a lot of thought into choosing the right caregiver for the assignment. It’s important to make the match work well for both parties.” When Falconer discusses reasons the company has grown so rapidly, “caring for the caregiver” is at the top of the list. “It’s our secret sauce. It’s what makes us different” he says. “When our caregivers are happy because of how they are treated, they aren’t focused on their next job. They’re focused on providing great care for the client. Each month we recognize and reward caregivers who go the extra mile for our clients. With this strategy, we have created a loyal workforce and a sense of responsibility for the community we serve.” Bill Izlar agrees that caregivers are the face of the company. “We are very selective and only hire about 30% of the caregivers we interview,” he says. “The ones we do hire are state certified nursing assistants and personal care assistants who are thoroughly screened and background checked, and who we feel will represent our company well when they work in your home.” Live Oak Caregivers supports healthcare related non-profit organizations, including CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

23


RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

Daughters Against Alzheimer’s. The company is a sponsor of the Battle

Live Oak’s three partn­­ ers say they love what they do, and

For The Brain fundraising event benefiting Alzheimer’s and dementia

appreciate being in the business of care. “Providing care to aging

research, and is committed to helping drive awareness and fundraising

adults, disabled persons or those in recovery is a rewarding pro-

to accelerate discovery for Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention.

fession,” says Falconer. “We have a great team of compassionate

Ingram describes the company’s primary responsibility. “Because we’re coming into your home, it’s our duty to deliver a high-quality

caregivers, and it’s a privilege to serve families and individuals who need some assistance.”

experience. We are there to make life easier for our clients, and help them realize the best possible outcomes in their homes, whether they are recovering from an acute illness, managing a chronic health condition or just need a little support.” 24

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020

LiveOakCareGivers.com 404.205.5655


SPECIAL

fall

SALE

for Lifestyle Readers:

S AV E 4 0% O F F * S TO R E W I D E

plus...

Take an additional 10% off your entire purchase!* All floor merchandise available for immediate delivery. Expires 11/30/20. Discount off MSPR. See store for details.

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

COMPLIMENTARY INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE By appointment only.

770-575-5012

793 N. Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 homefashioncenter.com


GIVING BACK ARTICLE PERIMETER NORTH LIFESTYLE STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY SUNNY BAILEY, SHOT ON LOCATION AT HISTORIC NAYLOR HALL

GIVERS

MAKING GENEROSITY A PRIORITY

Mallard Holliday Giving back: I serve as Chairman of the Board for the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce. Strong communities are built on strong businesses. Most people don’t know how to find the right people, resources, or the best opportunities to grow their business. The chamber helps connect businesses with the people, places and events that matter most. When you gain influence and access through the chamber, word starts to spread about your company, strangers become customers, and your business and reputation grows. I also serve as a Trustee for Dunwoody United Methodist Church and as a co-chair for the Black and African American Employee Resource Group where I work at Cox Communications. Pivots: Businesses have been in the fight of their life during the pandemic. We serve as a resource to help companies navigate new state and local requirements, apply for government stimulus loans and to share best practices during this evolving business climate. Giving thanks: I’m thankful for the life lessons that Covid has taught me. I won’t take for granted again the privilege of working with colleagues in an office or visiting with friends and family. Around my table: I’ll spend Thanksgiving with my wife Pam and our children Alex, Jane and Tori. This year will be very different from previous Thanksgivings spent at my parents’ farm east of Atlanta where they usually host more than 30 extended family members. Mallard lives and works in Dunwoody. 26

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


Heyward Wescott Giving back: I own a retail sign company in Atlanta that has been in business since 1997. Many organizations come to us for signs. Dating back to when we opened my store, we have been supporting a national organization called No Kid Hungry. 1 out of 4 kids struggles with hunger every day in this country. I fell in love with this organization and have donated signs for a wonderful fundraiser they do called “Give Me Five”. After many years of donating signs, I wanted to do more. So, I started to do small fundraisers within my community. in 2018 I was able to raise $15,000 for NKH by doing 3 small but separate events. I got businesses to donate restaurant gift cards and we would raffle them off. Not only did it create a fun evening but it was great awareness for the NKH organization. NKH relies a great deal on their events and they do them across the county. Their biggest event is called Taste of the Nation. Atlanta’s Taste of the Nation usually raises over $800k. 1 out of 4 children doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from. Now is the time we all should act and try to help end childhood hunger. Giving thanks: There are many things I am thankful for this thanksgiving. One is seeing people wanting to help organizations like No Kid Hungry. Around my table: I am very fortunate to have my parents joining us (social distancing of course) this Thanksgiving as well as my two daughters home from college. Heyward lives in Dunwoody and owns Customs Signs Today in midtown Atlanta.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

27


GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Biviana Franco Giving back: I am honored to have served these past 10 years as the founder and executive director of Feel Beautiful Today (FBT), a non-profit that provides arts in health programs, free-of-charge, for cancer patients and survivors to reduce the stress associated with the disease. After witnessing the physical and emotional impact from cancer on close friends and loved ones, including my mom, I wanted to take action. FBT’s mission was born from this desire to humanize the cancer experience for patients and their caregivers, in the hopes that it would improve their quality of life. Pivots: We are unable to visit the infusion rooms and cancer centers during this pandemic, but cancer patients, more than ever, need this support. With art as the vehicle and hope still the purpose, FBT now looks forward to transitioning to a more digital presence in hospitals, designing our online platform to complement our creative programs. Giving thanks: With COVID, I have become even more grateful for family, health, friends, and faith. Around my table: My two sons and my husband. Bivi spends her days at Feel Beautiful Today, based in Roswell. 28

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020


PRODUCTS & SERVICES commercial & residential painting · gutter installation power washing · deck & fence staining holiday lighting installation

HOLIDAY LIGHTING “YOU DREAM IT, WE DO IT”.

20% OFF

exterior painting

15% OFF

interior painting

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

678-809-2739 | colorworldhousepainting.com

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

29


INSPIRED BY

KICKING FOR KIDS

MARTIAL ARTS MENTORING PROGRAM CREATES COMMUNITY THROUGH SELF-CONFIDENCE

ARTICLE RHIANNON JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BRENT RIVERS PHOTOGRAPHY

SCOTT AND JENNIFER TASKER OF NORTH METRO

All children are welcome to attend Kicking for Kids, but

MARTIAL ARTS IN SMYRNA ARE FOCUSED ON

kids who lack confidence, struggle to fit in team sporting

CHANGING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN AND FAMI-

activities, and those who need structure and discipline

LIES IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THEIR NON-

especially benefit from this program’s specialized environ-

PROFIT

FOR

ment. Students with special needs, including ADD, ADHD,

KIDS, PROUDLY PROCLAIMING, “WE ARE BUILDING

autism spectrum, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, sensory

STRONG ROOTS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND LOVING

processing, and Down syndrome thrive through regular

EVERY MINUTE OF IT.” Serving a wide spectrum of stu-

class integration and training with all other students.

dents, this program focuses on improving self-confidence,

At-risk students who previously exhibited aggressive or

decision-making,

communication

disrespectful behavior tend to curb their negative behav-

through a virtual learning academy, an after-school pro-

iors and actually excel in leadership roles after becoming

gram, and evening martial arts classes.

enrolled in the program.

MENTORING

PROGRAM

accountability,

and

KICKING

Kicking For Kids’ virtual learning academy offers an

Nickajack Elementary School counselor, Nicole Pfleger

alternative to at-home schooling and the after-school men-

Weber, praises the program. “We have seen a 100%

toring program (NOT a curriculum-based martial arts pro-

decrease in the number of behavior referrals from the

gram) focuses on building confidence through mentoring

mentoring students participating in Kicking For Kids pro-

and developing pro-social life skills through team-building

gramming. In addition, the reading inventory scores of the

exercises. Kicking For Kids recently got creative with their

mentoring students have increased by 40% from the begin-

program availability during the shutdown by offering their

ning to the end of the school year.” The Kicking For Kids

students video and Zoom class options. They still offer Zoom

program also provides structure for students who simply

classes to those who prefer that option but their in-person

need an opportunity to participate but face financial bar-

classes are once again in session, with Kicking For Kids

riers, are homeless, or are living in shelters, extended stay

following all of the CDC guidelines for COVID-19 including:

hotels, or subsidized housing. This all-inclusive community

temperature checks, social distancing, masks, hand san-

program provides positive mentoring relationships for

itizer, and rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of the facility

students in a safe and structured environment that fosters

throughout every day.

30

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >


“WE ARE BUILDING STRONG ROOTS IN OUR COMMUNITY AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT.”

CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

31


INSPRED BY (CONTINUED)

social, emotional, and physical growth as well as a safe haven where parents and kids can come together for social networking and support. The Taskers see positive results with the program, pointing out that “Given the opportunity to participate, the kids are realizing that they do have a future and the confidence that comes with that realization filters into all parts of their lives.” For more information about Kicking for Kids or to make a donation to this amazing local non-profit, visit KickingForKids.org, call 404.500.9701, or email info@KickingForKids.org

32

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020

Scott and Jennifer Tasker and family


CityLifestyle.com/PerimeterNorth

33


OUR TOWN

ARTICLE JULIA REGESKI | PHOTOGRAPHY ERIC ROSS

WHAT 34 TONS OF TRASH LOOKS LIKE VOLUNTEERS PULL TRASH AND RECYCLABLES FROM THE HOOCH

IN AUGUST, MORE THAN 1,000 VOL-

tenth anniversary as volunteers gathered

announce more litter removed from our

UNTEERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE

a record-setting amount of trash removed

waterways than ever before.”

CHATTAHOOCHEE WATERSHED GATH-

from the Chattahoochee River and its trib-

Last year, more than 1,154 dedicated com-

ERED AT 43 PARKS, TRAILS, AND

utaries, despite the cleanup being resched-

munity volunteers gathered a record-setting

CREEKS TO FIGHT LITTER POLLUTION.

uled from its original spring date.

32 tons of trash and tires from and along the

As a result, approximately 73,646 pounds

“The results of this year’s Sweep the

(36.8 tons) of garbage were removed from

Hooch speak volumes about not just our

the waterways we all share. Of that 73,646

volunteers, but how our community is rec-

In honor of Sweep the Hooch turning ten,

pounds, more than 19,288 pounds (9.6 tons)

ognizing the importance of caring for the

CRK is encouraging everyone to fundraise on

were able to be recycled.

water we need for hand washing, outdoor

behalf of their favorite spot on the river using an

Sweep the Hooch is an annual water-

Chattahoochee River and its tributaries in just one day.

recreation, and more,” said Tammy Bates,

online donation platform. All funds raised will

brings

Outings Manager with Chattahoochee

support the organization’s year-round cleanup

together hundreds of volunteers each

Riverkeeper, who coordinates the cleanup.

efforts, including volunteer opportunities and

year at dozens of parks, tributaries, and

“Every year, we hope for more volunteers,

in-stream trash collection devices.

access points along the Chattahoochee

more trash collected; and this year, despite

River. This year, the event celebrated its

numerous

shed-wide

34

trash

cleanup

that

PerimeterNorth Lifestyle | November 2020

obstacles,

we’re

thrilled

to

More information at Chattahoochee.org


Sp rin gs

d! N

es bi

tF er ry

Ln

-S

an dy

Ju st So l 47 50

Trusted Real Estate Professionals

Helen Hernandez Archer helen.archer@compass.com

404-668-6621

1-833-GET-LUXE

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.


Leah Atkins Design have you thought of working with an interior designer? we can turn your house into your HOME.

www.leahatkinsdesign.com

(770) 676 - 2796

leah@leahatkinsdesign.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Perimeter North, GA November 2020 by City Lifestyle - Issuu