The Current Mar. 2013

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OUT & ABOUT24

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PAGE 28

The Man Behind The Building: A Tribute To Larry Collett

Pain Management Specialists Offer MinimallyInvasive Treatment For Back Pain

Rowing Past Obstacles

LUCKYsavings

Justice, Charity Discussed At Interfaith Panel

If Your Home IsGOOD

It’s Gone–For Now

One Brand New, One Of Note, And A Great Friend Turns Ten

Local Musicians Are Breaking Music Boundaries & Thrilling Intimate Audiences

PLUS: SPRINGEVENTS

PAGE 4: SPRING MARKS THE RETURN OF THE

AGENCIES STILL IN DEMAND PAGE 6 LOCAL TRAVEL BUSINESS

CurrentBriefs To have a brief listed here send info to [email protected]

News and information updated allweek: www.thecurrentplus.com

To have an event listed onthe out & about calendar

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PublisherTripp Liles

Sales/Business

Monica McNeeleyAccount Executive

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David WrightAccount [email protected]

Ed MorrisMarketing Coordinator

Editorial & Creative

Tripp LilesEditor/Creative Director

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Carrie KutneyArt Director

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Matthew W. QuinnAssociate Editor

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Rachel BarrePhotography

Contributing Writers

Michael HaddenElaine LaMontagne

Michael FinchHelen KelleyTom Bowen

Lynette HoffmanPhyllis BarronDon Rizzo

Lisa EckmanStacy Shade

Main Phone Number770-810-5943

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theCurrentBusiness

ERNST AND YOUNG TOOPEN GLOBAL IT CENTERIN ALPHARETTA

Ga. Governor Nathan Dealannounced Ernst and Youngwill open an $8.5 million facilityand bring 400 new technologyjobs to Alpharetta.In a Feb. 20 press release, Dealsaid the company, a leadingprovider of assurance, tax, trans-actions, and advisory services,would lease space in SanctuaryPark on Lakewood Parkway tocreate a global IT center. Thisfacility would create a collabora-tive and flexible workenvironment to deliver high-quality services. Over the nextfive years, 400 high-quality jobs

would cometo Georgiathrough acombinationof new hiresand

transfers. These positions willinclude project managers, busi-ness analysts, softwarearchitects, software developers,system analysts, executives,managers, and other supportpositions.

“Tech and IT services are criti-cal to serving our clients andenable our people in our day today work,” said Susan Bell, theAtlanta Office managingpartner of Ernst & Young LLP,an EY member firm. “EY isthrilled to be establishing aglobal IT center in the state ofGeorgia, and we are excitedabout the positive impacts ofthese highly skilled jobs in ourfirm and our community.” The Georgia Department ofEconomic Developmentpartnered with the City ofAlpharetta, the Metro AtlantaChamber of Commerce, and theDevelopment Authority ofFulton County to facilitate thisexpansion project for EY.

Education

ROSWELL,ALPHARETTA SCHOOLSHONORED FOR APSCORES

Several schools from Roswelland Alpharetta were honoredfor their Advanced Placementscores.

Alpharetta High School,Roswell High School, andCentennial High School wereamong the nine Fulton schoolsrecognized as AP Merit Schools,where at least 20 percent of thestudents took AP exams and atleast half received a score ofthree or higher. All threeschools received this honor forthe sixth consecutive year.

The three schools were alsonamed AP STEM schools, a cat-egory honoring schools withstudents testing in at least twoAP math and two AP sciencecourses. They were also namedAP STEM Achievement Schools,a honor given to schools whereat least 40 percent of the mathand science test-takers earnscores of three or higher.

“Having such a high numberof schools named AP HonorSchools is extraordinary,” saidSuperintendent Robert Avossa.“Two of our district’s strategicgoals focus on collegepreparation and work readiness,and these awards show that ourstudents are on the right pathfor success after high school. It’sparticularly encouraging to seeour schools advance in STEMachievement, which is theconcentration area of manyfuture jobs.”

Advanced Placement coursesand their accompanying tests,administered by the CollegeBoard, allow high schoolstudents to take college classes.Those scoring a three or moremay be able to exempt collegeclasses.

Sports

BASKETBALL FUTURE BRIGHT FOR ROSWELL

As the high school basketball season draws to a close there is rea-son for great optimism for Roswell High next year. The JuniorVarsity team just completed an undefeated 18-0 season. A greataccomplishment for head coach Tony Bostardi pictured on theleft. Next year the pressure will be on varsity coach Ty Phillips toduplicate the task.

East Cobb

SMYRNA TO HOST DISTRICT 2 TOWN HALL

Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tim Lee willheadline a District 2 town hall in Smyrna.

The event, which will take place at the Smyrna CommunityCity at 200 Village Green Circle, will replace a Feb. 11 eventcanceled due to illness. Residents will be able to speak to Lee andlearn about projects that will be happening around the county.For more information, call 770-528-3305 or visitcobbcounty.org/lee.

Fundraiser

4-H TO HOLD ANNUAL PLANTSALE

The Cobb County 4-H Club will hold itsannual plant sale March 16.

This year’s offerings includeblackberries, blueberries, raspberries, figs,muscadine, Admiral Semmes azaleas,crape myrtles, edgeworthia, heuchera, for-

sythia, viburnum, and loropetalum. The event will take place atJim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, Ga., 30008, from9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Prepaid orders will be accepted through March 8. The orderform is available at cobbextension.com or by calling 770-528-4076.

Meanwhile, there will be a free seminar on growing and caringfor blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and muscadines from6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 4 at the Cobb County Water Lab, 662South Cobb Drive, Marietta. For more information, visitcobbextension.com or call 770-528-4070.

CONTINUED 12

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By Matthew W. Quinn

Farmers’ market season is approach-ing,with some markets already open.

The Marietta Square FarmersMarket has been held year-round from10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Park Squareand, beginning the first weekend inApril, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdaysand noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays, for thepast 11 years.

“We started out with eight vendors ina Baptist church parking lot,” saidorganizer Johnny Fulmer.

After five years, he convinced the cityto allow the market to be held in NorthPark Square. This has allowed him tohost 60 vendors, most from within 60miles of Marietta, who serve thousandsof customers on Saturdays and 30 to35 vendors serving 1,000 customers onSundays.

This year, the market has two newproducts, mushrooms and Georgiashrimp. Fulmer said mushrooms are al-ways a popular item, but finding a localgrower was difficult. The shrimp dealercame as a referral from another vendor.It took awhile to bring shrimp to themarket because the Department ofAgriculture imposes strict licensing re-quirements, including refrigerationand training programs.

A trend Fulmer has noticed is thatcustomers and vendors are becomingyounger. He attributes this to the popu-larity of locally- and naturally-grownproducts, with the latter being identicalto “organic” products in all but name.

No pesticides and herbicides are usedin their cultivation. When asked why,he said people assume locally- and nat-urally-grown products are healthier.People in general are more interestedin what is in their food and at farmers’markets, the grower is there to answerquestions. The more local the source,the happier people are to buy it.

“It depends on the time of the year,”he said when asked which productswere the most popular.

Milk, honey, and baked goods arepopular year-round, while tomatoesand peaches are most popular duringthe summer when they’re in-season. Asfall comes, lettuces and root vegetablesgrow popular.

Not only do local consumers like theproducts of farmers’ markets, but so dolocal restaurants.

“We have a lot of restaurants that aremixed in with the farmers’ market,” hesaid. “Some of the restaurants are part-nering with the grower to buy productsfor a farm-to-table cooking approach.”

The restaurants prefer locally-growntomatoes to ones brought in fromFlorida, California, or Mexico becausethey retain their “real tomato taste” bet-ter than others. Another grower sellsthe restaurants locally-grown strawberries.

4MAR 2013

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Farmers’ Markets Offer Locally-Grown Cuisine

Some Markets Already Open; Others Coming Soon

CONTINUED 6

6MAR 2013

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“It’s a healthy dining experience,” hesaid.

The Riverside Farmers’ Market,which will begin June 1 and last untilSeptember 14, is in its planning phasesnow. The Fulton County ExtensionOffice works in concert with the city ofRoswell to put on the market, whichtakes place in the parking lot of CityHall on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Fulton County CooperativeExtension Director Menia Chester saidtypically 1,500 to 1,700 people come toeach event, which translates to 32,000people each year. Over the years, themarket has grown tremendously, sincepeople want to know where their foodcomes from and who has grown it. Theitems available at the market areseasonal—at the beginning of theseason, there are lots of leafy green veg-etables and strawberries, while later inthe season, corn, tomatoes, and othercrops harvested during the summerwill take their place.

The Riverside Farmers’ Market willalso feature cooking demonstrationsand educational pro-grams.

“It may not beevery Saturday, butmost Saturdays wewill have someonethere that cananswer questionsabout chronicdiseases and howeating healthy foodcan make thosechronic diseases alittle bit better,” Chester said.

These will include demonstrationson cooking vegetables in a healthiermanner as well as, during watermelonseason, making watermelon salsa.

The program will also include educa-tional programs for participatingvendors, which Agriculture andNatural Resources Extension AgentRolando Orellana estimated wouldnumber 40 this year and number 35 to50 most years.

“We teach them how to betterharvest their vegetables and how to dothings in an appropriate manner,”Chester said. “We have lots of resourcesavailable for farmers.”

As happens every year, the RiversideFarmers’ Market will kick off with a

grand opening celebration. Althoughthe specifics have not yet been decided,elected officials will be invited to comeand speak and there will be activitiesfor the whole family, including face-painting and storytelling. Each marketwill also feature live music.

Also returning this year will be theAlpharetta Farmers’ Market. OrganizerCarol Anderson-Wood said she is nego-tiating with the city for a new location,which will still be in downtownAlpharetta. It will begin April 13 andlast until mid-October. Each Saturday,it will run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“It’s grown from a real small marketto a pretty large one,” she said.

In 2012, she had 60 vendors. Shehopes 2013 will have the same number,but there may be more. She has gottena large number of inquiries.

Not all markets are coming backwith such success. One that will not bereturning this year is the Market on theGreen, traditionally held at MountainPark Park.

Christina Packham, the organizer ofthe market, said when the marketbegan in 2011, it was popular with

many patrons andvendors. However, at-tendance declinedthe following year,leading to fewer ven-dors. It eventuallygot to the point shehad to fund the mar-ket out of her ownpocket. To make mat-ters worse, her fatherwas diagnosed withcancer and she and

her children will be visiting him inUtah for much of this coming summer.Although the Mountain Park CivicClub provided volunteers, she has noemployees to pass management of themarket to.

“It takes a lot of volunteer power andwe don’t have the volunteer power,” shesaid.

She had intended to make themarket a formal non-profit, but therewasn’t even the money for that. This isunfortunate because one of herpurposes for the market was to raisefunds to renovate the park playground.The playground was built in the early1980s using wood that had beenpressure-treated with the poisonarsenic. ��

Farmers’ Markets... continued4

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more travel • out & about • community • music • food • garden • business • health & wellness • life 7

By Elaine LaMontagne

It gives me great pleasure to reportthat indicators and official reportsshow the travel industry is on the rise.

“People are tired of waiting for theeconomy to rebound to where it oncewas, so they are choosing to spendtheir discretionary income and go,”said Danny Fisher, owner of Roswell’sNationwide Cruises & Vacations.

Statistics prove the point. Theairline business is the top determinant

of how well the travelindustry is doing. Arecently released fore-cast from theInternational AirTransport Association(IATA) expectsairlines to welcome

3.6 billion passengersin 2016, about 800 million more thanthe 2.8 billion passengers carried byairlines in 2011. The United States willcontinue to be the largest singlemarket for domestic passengers (710.2million) and largest group ofinternational travelers (223 million).

Travel agencies—whether smallneighborhood boutiques, large corpo-rate departments, or independentconsultants working from home—stillhold an important role in the biz.According to Travel Trade Magazine(NAICS statistics), “The travel agencyindustry is dynamic, and generally in aconstant state of transformation …Employment in the industry issensitive to the economy, perception ofair safety and political crises …

however, travel agencies have provedthemselves flexible enough to adapt tothe ever-changing habits of Americantravelers.”

“After 9/11, the business was dead,”said Rhonda Parks, owner of Aroundthe World Travel Agency. “It was likesitting in an empty church. It took asecond dive later in the decade fromthe economy crash. But we’ve seen afascinating pattern of consumersdeciding that regardless of theeconomy, they want to enjoy theirlives, and travel is a favorite way tomake memories and feel one’s reallyliving. Business is once again showingvitality.”

Travel agents earn their moneyfrom commissions via airlines, hotels,cruise lines and tour operators. Thereare some agencies that charge amodest service fee, similar to theTicketmaster concept. It is not appro-priate to tip agents; their goal is todeliver great travel experiences so thatyou will use their services repeatedly. Ihave personally given restaurant giftcertificates to my travel agent as a ges-ture of appreciation for planning somespecial vacations for me—apparently,this is not expected but notuncommon.

With the start of some positive eco-nomic growth, and consumersovercoming their concerns aboutairline safety, travel is up for bothleisure and business. After the declineof the early 2000s mixed with theexplosion of online travel planning op-

The Local Travel Business Is Going Up

Agencies Still In Demand In An Evolving Industry

CONTINUED 8

Travel is a favoriteway to make

memories and feelone’s really living.

“”

Danny Fisher, NationwideCruises and Vacations.

8MAR 2013

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tions like Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz,Travelocity and Cheaptickets camemany mergers and acquisitions ofagencies. Others closed shop.Consequently, there are fewer brickand mortar locations, and an increasein travel consultants efficientlyworking from home. However, their ex-pertise remains valued and viable.

That was quite evident to me as I re-searched for this article—every travelagent I spoke to was working unbeliev-able hours in order to accommodatetheir clients—so for those working,business is rocking.

So, why use a travel agent ratherthan doing it yourself online? DanielBrowning an agent with East Cobb’sTravel Expo, shares the followingreasons:Less stress – Trip planning can be

stressful because of the vast array ofoptions and details, navigatingwebsites that can be lengthy, vagueand repetitive. Travel agents spendtime researching the various optionsfor you and eliminate hours of stress.

Expert advice and personalizedservice – Although it can be very help-ful and interesting to peruseinformation and possibilities onwebsites, people still like to interactwith experts to get advice oncomplicated and oftentimes expensiveefforts. Agents spend a great deal oftime on FAM (familiarization) trips tolearn details of resorts, hotels, cruiseships, tour options, etc., so they canprovide personal experiences and moreinsightful knowledge.Best value for your money via

resourceful tools and agent network– Agents can make your dollars go fur-ther with the best deals and packagesavailable (and there is no charge foragencies to book packages). Tools andnetwork connections, internally andexternally, enable agents to dig deeperin research and analysis. Convenient one-stop shopping –

Agents can handle all aspects of yourtrip into one package with flights, lodg-ing, transportation, activities, toursand insurance, if that is the client’spreference. Extended customer service – In

addition to the service provided inplanning trips, agents offer their assis-tance while you are on your trip in caseof any questions or issues. Just likedoctors, many agents make themselvesor associates available 24/7.

“Today people like to explorepossibilities online, but they want towork with a travel agent when makingtheir formal plans. It provides securityand confidence,” Fisher reiterated.

Typically, people use travelconsultants when planning larger scalevacations or special event trips such ashoneymoons, destination weddings orfamily vacations and not necessarilyfor those quick getaways to a close-bybeach or lake. It’s interesting to learnwhat seems to be hot on the traveldocket these days when it comes tothose special travel destinations …

“Europe is hot, hot, hot. Italy is thetop European choice, with GreatBritain and France not far behind. ButEurope in general is luring Americansback,” said Parks. She added thatEuropean river cruises on the Danube,Rhine, and Moselle are exploding inpopularity. The ship size of

approximately 125 people is more inti-mate and the excursions includeunlimited wine onboard plus a citytour at each individual stop. The well-maintained ships can pull up veryquickly and close allowing ease andconvenience throughout the trip.

Strongly competing with Europe areMexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica and theCaribbean, according to the agents in-terviewed.

“Those that want a destination witha shorter flight often choose Jamaica,Cancun/Riviera Maya, and theBahamas,” said Browning.“Honeymooner and destinationwedding couples are tending towardsSt. Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica, RivieraMaya, and Punta Cana—lots of varyingbudgets can be accommodated at thesesites. The adventurous prefer CostaRica and Belize. But Mexico is reallydoing well, despite the media attentionat certain crime zones. We knowlocations to avoid, and so manyMexican destinations are completelysafe and fantastic price points.”

Travel... continued7

CONTINUED 28

9MAR 2013

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By Mike Finch

Now that we are safely into themonth of March, Sweetie covertly re-vealed to me that she feels likeFebruary is one of my “darkest”months. For some reason she has

determinedthat this time ofyear is when mynaturallymelancholy dis-positionbecomes themostdespondent.Obviously, likeyou, I was takenaback by thisrevelation andimmediately

delved into this assertion searchingfor even a modicum of truth.

I pondered the possibility that itcould have been the weather, as wedid have an enormous amount ofovercast and rainy days last month.Or possibly it could have been thatthe bills from Christmas finally hitour statement, causing a slight bit offinancial panic. Or perhaps the short-ened length of the month may causeme to subconsciously pack in as muchdespair and depression as I canmuster.

And while all these theories arepossible catalysts, I believe they caneasily be disproven by the smiling pro-file-photograph adorning this column.Admittedly, this shot was not taken inFebruary, but nobody knows that for

sure. No, a more likely culprit to mygloomy disposition would be theHolidays and special occasions“stuffed” within these 28 days (I thinkrehab is 28 days as well—hmmm?).

Think about it! If Valentines Daywasn’t enough, I also have Sweetie’sbirthday to consider. And if that stillwasn’t enough pressure, we also havethe “mac-daddy” of them all—President’s Day! That’s right, how toproperly celebrate George and Abeand our current president takes muchconsideration and purposefulplanning. I know my liberal buddies(both of them) would agree this canbe a very trying occasion.

My initial attempt at celebrationthis year was to go for a little “drop-top” driving in my foreign car tocontemplate many of the freedomsour past leaders fought to maintain.However, after filling the tank with$4.00 per gallon gas, I decided thatfuel was a commodity far too preciousto burn aimlessly, so I quicklydetermined a destination for my“Presidential Appreciation Journey”.

Obviously, I thought the rangewould be the perfect location forreflection. Oh, no, not the golf-range—the shooting range. Thiswould be a great place to show mygratitude for freedom while poppingoff a couple of hundred rounds in mysoon-to-be illegal AR-15 and AK-47—of course, utilizing high-capacitymagazines. Unfortunately, due to un-precedented sales of guns and ammo,each bullet costs $1.00 or more,dramatically reducing the fun oflegally discharging my firearms.

So, I wisely decided to just takeSweetie to a nice commemorative din-ner. But, alas I soon remembered mydisposable income had been reduced2 percent by reinstated payroll taxesthis year. Steak and lobster could cer-tainly wait, but surely there wassomething missing from mycelebratory attempts causing my dark-ened mood. Finally, I received theinspiration I was seeking in mynephew’s Facebook post, aptlypointing out his thankfulness for allof the presidents’ past service to ourcountry and more importantly—thefree President’s Day cookie at Subway.My darkness was suddenly lifted! �Mike Finch can be reached at

[email protected].

Hail To The Chiefs

Miscellaneous Ramblings

MIKE FINCH

““

Obviously, I thought therange would be theperfect location forreflection. Oh, no, notthe golf-range—theshooting range.

CommunityHealthFairNORTH FULTON HOSPITAL’S

Friday, March 8, 2013

9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Georgia StateUniversity’s Alpharetta

Campus 3775 Brookside Parkway

in Alpharetta Free parking; easy access

For registration,directions, or details,

call 770-751-2660.

DOOR PRIZES

FREE PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS � Bone Density � Hearing � Blood Pressure � Foot and Ankle� Total Cholesterol and Glucose—Call 770-751-2660 to minimize wait times; appointments not required for other screenings.

FREE PRESENTATIONS—Attend 3 of the 4 presentations and be entered into a special drawing9 a.m. Michael Litrel, MD | Gynecology | What Women Need to Know About Staying Young and Happy10 a.m. Kenneth Joel, MD | Pain Management | Getting a Grip on Pain11 a.m. Laura Pearson, MD | Breast Health | Breast Cancer Myths and Facts12 p.m. Vijayasudha Gunna, MD | Endocrinology | Diabetes 101: From Prevention to Treatment

FREE CONSULTATIONS � A North Fulton Hospital Pharmacist will be available to discuss your prescription questions; feel free to bring your medications with you.

� A North Fulton Hospital Clinical Dietician will be available to discuss your nutritional needs.� North Fulton Hospital’s Stroke Coordinator will provide a stroke risk assessment.

FREE EXHIBITS AND INFORMATION� Osteoporosis� Diabetes� Pharmacy� Nutrition

� Cancer� Safety� Radiology Services� Stroke

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By Helen K. Kelley

For years, many scullingcrews—from local high schools andcolleges to those of the Atlanta RowingClub—have practiced and competedon the beautiful Chattahoochee River.And now, you can also see people withmany types of disabilities rowing on itsflowing waters.

Southeastern Adaptive Scullers(SEAS), an initiative of the AtlantaRowing Club, affords people with phys-ical and intellectual disabilities theopportunity to engage in the fun andcompetition of rowing. AtlantaRowing Club member Bryce Chung,who helped found SEAS, says his inspi-ration for starting the program camefrom personal experience.

“I grew up in Hawaii, so I spent a lotof time on the water doing things likekayaking, and then I began rowing incollege. I loved it,“ he said. “I also grewup with a cousin who had cerebralpalsy. So the idea of starting a program

for people with disabilities reallystruck home with me.”

Chung, with the assistance of fellowAtlanta Rowing Club members, got theSEAS program up and running lastyear. Currently, more than 30volunteers assist with the training of

the adaptive athletes, helping them tosafely achieve their range of motionand strengthen their bodies on theindoor rowing machine or out on thewater in the rowing shell.

SEAS offers two programs tailoredfor different skill levels. Athletes with

no previous rowing experience can en-roll in the Learn-to-Row trainingprogram, which teaches the basicterminology and techniques of thesport, using an indoor rowing machineand a dock rower before going into arowing shell on the river. The TeamTraining program is for adaptiveathletes who want to pursue the sportcompetitively and recreationally, andpractices are held on the water in everyseason except winter, when the groupmoves indoors.

There are four classifications inadaptive rowing, set forth by theInternational Rowing Federation.Adaptive rowers who wish to competemust meet the criteria in one of theseclassifications:

• ID (Intellectual Disability): includes developmental or cognitivedisabilities and traumatic braininjuries

11MAR 2013

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Rowing Past Obstacles Adaptive Sculling Program Helps People With Disabilities Redefine Their Strength

Adaptive rower Joshua Merryman and friend look out at the Chattahoochee River from the dock at the AtlantaRowing Club boathouse. (Photo courtesy of Bryce Chung)

CONTINUED 14

� Hands-on Math � Experiential Science� Two Language Tracks: Japanese & Spanish� Critical Thinking & Logic Lab � Computer Lab � Enrichment Education � Character Education� Creative Movement �Music � Art � Exploration � Discovery � FUN!

Open House

SaturdayMarch 23, 2013

9:00AM to 11:00AM

Roswell International Math & Science School

Roswell Budokan Educational Center11516 Woodstock Road • Roswell, GA 30075770-649-8383 • www.RIMSschool.com

The idea of starting a programfor people with disabilities really

struck home with me.”

“

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more business • out & about • music • food • garden • community • health & wellness • life12

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Now Enrolling For Summer Camp!

Hardee’sHardee’s District Manager Glenn Postell, holdingthe scissors, with GM Steve Carlson (left) andRoswell City officials open the newest Hardee’slocation on Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.

Appleton Learning Jim Lawlor, holding the scissors, partner and owner of

Appleton Learning at the grand opening of their location inRoswell. Appleton is already actively involved in thecommunity by sponsoring the Hembree Springs

Elementary School “Fun Run” on March 23, as well as theRoswell High School “Senior Seminar Series”

on March 29.

Haarmony Salon and StudioOwners Christina Carsillo and Bran Carl are cutting the ribboninstead of hair with the city of Roswell’s giant scissors at the

salon’s grand opening..

Kia MotorsKia Motors of Roswell General Manager Casey

McBraw with “Hamstar”.

Math Advantage ClubMath Advantage Club Denise Detamore, Director of Math Advantage Club, cuts the ribbon their beautiful new

facility located near the intersection of East Crossville and Crabapple Roads in Roswell.

Briefs... continued2

13MAR 2013

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By Don Rizzo

Last year my wife Diane and Idecided to visit my stepson and hislovely Turkish wife in Istanbul andthen cruise the Greek isles. The onlynegative to visiting Istanbul is the

eight -hourovernight flightto Amsterdamwith a two-hourconnection toTurkey. But Ihad a plan. I gotmy friendly docto prescribeAmbien so wecould sleep onthe flight. I usu-ally take a littleof the hormone,

Melatonin before bed anyway, whichhelps you sleep, so I figured theAmbien would really kick it up anotch. We climbed aboard atHartsfield about 6 p.m. I couldn’t goto sleep at 6 o’clock, of course. I heldmy nose and gagged down the mysterymeat and soggy veggies that passedfor a dinner. Still not sleepy. Settled into watch a movie. Played somecomputer games available on the backof the seat in front of me. Time passes.I check the time. Yikes! We’re onlyabout 3 hours from landing. I needsome sleep. I find my trusty pill vialand shake out my Melatonin and justto be safe—two Ambien.

“Don’t do that,” Diane says. “It won’twear off in time.”

“Oh, pooh, I can handle it.” Iquaffed down the pills.

My next recollection is the planebouncing to a stop. I lifted my head.Wooooh….. I was instantly overcomewith extreme dizziness and nausea.Oh….my….. God….

I can’t stand up. The world isspinning crazily.

“Get up!” Diane says. “We only have45 minutes to make our connection.”

I stagger to my feet, swaying fromside to side. I can barely pull my carry-on. We had two other heavy bags.Diane is handling them both.

I stagger into the terminal, theworld spinning, barely able to walk.

Just inside the terminal, Dianeprops me against a wall and says,“Wait here. I’ll find the gate.”

As she stamped away (furiously, Imight add), I slide down the wall likesome kind of spineless eel and end uphunched over on the floor with myhead between my knees in a nauseous,semi-coma. Needless to say, I began toattract a crowd. One very pleasantDutchman says, “Sir, are you okay? Doyou have chest pain?”

“Nah, I jus tooksomedrugs,” Islurred without looking up.“wife’saroiundsomewherreee.”

“Well I can’t leave you like this,” hesays. “I’ll get help.”

By now, several kind people are hov-ering over me wondering what to dowith me.

Diane storms up, pushing her waythrough the mini-crowd.

“GET UP!” she commands. “We’vegot twenty minutes to get to the gate.”

The crowd is stunned, all staring ather like she’s Attila’s domineeringwife. At that moment a uniformedKLM person arrives.

“Sir, we can’t allow you on a flight inyour condition,” she says. I’ll get awheel chair and get you to theinfirmary.

“No, no,” Diane says. “It’s just asleeping pill. We have to get toIstanbul on this flight.”

“Sorry, ma’am.” The attendant shoe-horns me into the wheelchair, wheremy head slumps between my legs so Ican keep from throwing up thehorrible airline dinner.

She takes off about ninety miles anhour down the concourse. Diane isjuggling all our luggage and runningbehind.

“Slow down,” she screams. “You’lllose me.”

No dice. We screech into theinfirmary where a medical teamdescends on me, stripping off my shirtand hooking me to an EKG to seeexactly when I’m going to get my finalflight on Angel Air.

Diane’s explaining, to no avail, thatit’s sleeping pills.

EKG good. Heart sounds good.Pretty fit body for such an

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Drugged Up In Amsterdam: My Story

Grumpy Old ManDON RIZZO

CONTINUED 14

14MAR 2013

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• LTA (Legs, Trunk and Arms): per-tains to physically disabledparticipants who have the use of theirlegs and can use a sliding seat in theshell or rowing machine; also appliesto visually impaired persons

• TA (Trunk and Arms): applies torowers who are unable to use a slidingseat, such as someone who has had abilateral knee amputation

• AS (Arms and Shoulders):includes individuals who typically have minimal or no trunk function

Rowing has many benefits for people with disabilities. Physically, the sportgives participants a great cardiovascular workout and improves muscle tone.Emotionally, the team aspect offers a sense of community and a chance to workwith fellow athletes.

“Sometimes, an adaptive athlete will accomplish something he or she didn’tthink they could do,” said Chung. “One of our first adaptive rowers wasn’taware that he could use his torso, but he soon learned he could sit up on hisown and use his torso to row. The smile on his face was unmatched.”

In addition to recreational rowing, Southeastern Adaptive Scullers teamscompete against other athletes from around the country at regattas throughoutthe year. Upcoming events include the Sarasota Invitational in Sarasota, Fla.on March 23-24, the Chattahoochee Adaptive Sprints at Chattahoochee RiverNational Park in Roswell on May 18, the Bayada Regatta in Philadelphia, Pa.on August 17, and the Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tenn. on November 2-3.

Southeastern Adaptive Scullers welcomes new participants of all skill levels.If you would like to learn more about the program and how to get started, logon to www.adaptivesculling.org or email Bryce Chung [email protected].��

Hold on to yourcubicle orhome office,because we’re about to take your breath

away. We visit hundreds, that’s right

hundreds, of ports-of-call in some of the

most breathtaking places in the world.

From the rugged beauty of the coasts of

Alaska and Canada/England to the old

world charm of Europe to the lush

landscapes of Mexico, Hawaii, the

Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Bermuda,

or the Bahamas. Okay, you canbreathe now.770-729-1881

Nationwide Cruises1875 Old Alabama Rd

Suite 220Roswell, GA 30076

undisciplined mind.Finally the doc says, “Ok, I’ll give him a shot for nausea. “We get checked out and wander aimlessly into the cavernous terminal. I’m

still staggering and weaving like a hopeless drunk. Our flight is long gone, ofcourse. Next flight: 8:30 p.m. Current time: 9 a.m. Suicide was my only viableoption. That would help Diane avoid a long stint in the lady’s hoosegow forfirst-degree murder.

Diane spots an in-the-airport hotel. Tiny little 8x8 rooms, but clean andrentable by the hour. (Don’t ask questions).

I collapse and pass out. She sits there and fumes. When I come to five hours later, I’m my ole chipper self—except for some

angst over a ruined marriage. God bless that woman. We chatted. We went to a nice restaurant. (If you’re

going to OD on a trip, be sure you’re booked into Amsterdam. Such nicepeople.)

We finally clambered aboard the last flight to Istanbul and cheerily met ouraggravated but tolerant kids at about 1 a.m.

Next trip? I’m on the Queen Mary 2. Much nicer rooms to pass out in.��

Don Rizzo was co-owner of an Atlanta advertising agency before he retiredand is past president of the Atlanta Advertising Club. He currently sits onthe Board of the Horseshoe Bend Community Association and volunteers as acourt-appointed special advocate at the Fulton County Juvenile Court. Donplays mediocre golf, attends yoga classes, and has a small fortune invested infly-fishing equipment. (Although he has only been once.)

Rowing Past Obstacles... continued11

Drugged Up In Amsterdam... continued13

““

“One of our first adaptiverowers wasn’t aware thathe could use his torso, buthe soon learned he couldsit up on his own and use

his torso to row. The smile on his face was

unmatched.”

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Before After

By Debbie Keel

The first day I met Larry Collettwas my first day as CEO of NorthFulton Hospital three-and-a-half yearsago. When I walked into my new office,the Joint Commission walked in rightbehind me to perform its triennial hos-pital survey. In the world of hospitaladministrators, this is a nightmare sce-nario. You know nothing about yourhospital or the people who work thereand a trio of surveyors is there tospend three days asking lots ofquestions to which you have noanswers.

The only good thing about thatmorning was that I would learn awhole lot about my team ratherquickly, particularly Larry.

One of the first things these survey-ors get into is the hospital’s“environment of care,” the physicalplant. Is it clean? Is it safe? Are it andthe people in it well-prepared for disas-ter? The director of plant operations iswho answers these questions, the per-son accountable for the walls and

floors and ceilings and all the wiresand pipes and systems in them. AtNorth Fulton Hospital, that would beLarry Collett.

That day he handled the surveyorswith his usual calm and controlled de-meanor, answering all their questionsably and making sure they enjoyed aflawless tour of a perfect physicalplant. I was impressed. But as I havecome to know Larry day in and dayout, I’m more impressed.

As a hospital CEO, lots of thingskeep me up at night. But I never lose aminute of sleep worrying that themany mechanical and electricalsystems that have to function perfectlyat our hospital will fail. I never worrythat the maintenance won’t becompleted on time and effectively. Inever worry that our patients aren’tsafe and secure. I never worry that thebuilding and the staff aren’t wellprepared for a disaster in our commu-nity or even at our hospital.

I never worry because Larry issimply the most capable and adeptplant operations director with whom Ihave ever had the pleasure to work. Hehas assembled an outstanding teamand they have worked together underhis leadership for 20 years. He mayhave some sleepless nights but I neverdo because I have the utmostconfidence in his ability to keep ourhospital humming safely and soundly,even in the face of things liketornadoes and snowstorms and poweroutages.

Larry has recently been elected pres-ident of the Georgia Society ofHospital Engineers, a professionalgroup of the Georgia HospitalAssociation. They would have beenhard pressed to find a more capableleader. His experience and his wealth

health wellness&presented by North Fulton Hospital

The Man Behind The Building: A Tribute To Larry Collett

North Fulton Hospital Community Calendar March – May 2013

SUPPORT GROUPS Nicotine Cessation GroupEvery Tuesday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Classroom C.Join with other men and women seeking motiva-tion, education and support to live free of nico-tine. The only requirement for attendance is thedesire to start the journey. Contact Pam at 404-428-8799 for more information.

Look Good, Feel Better Wednesday, 3/13, 10 a.m. to noon, Medical ArtsCenter. A cosmetologist will discuss how to carefor skin and hair to combat the appearance-re-lated side effects of cancer treatment. Freemake-up and skin care products are provided.Call Ryan at 404-582-6153 to register.

Taking Care of Me:Loss, Grief &Resolution Third Wednesday of everymonth, Call Beverly at404-843-6500 for moreinformation.

Caregiver Support Fourth Wednesday of every month To focus on caregivers’ stress, community re-sources, and strategies for care giving. Pleasecall Beverly at 404-843-6500 for more information.

Caring, Sharing, and Learning: BreastCancer Support Group Fourth Tuesday of every month, 6 p.m. Cope and connect with others who are facingthe same struggles. Please call Micah Brown,RN, Breast Health Nurse Navigator, at 770-751-2556 to register.

WomenHeart Support Group Second Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m.,Classroom C. WomenHeart, the NationalCoalition for Women with Heart Disease, bringssupport and education to women who are at riskor who already have heart disease and wouldlike to know more about risk factors and symp-toms. We will be addressing different topicseach month. To register, call Nicki at 404-386-6037.

Ostomy Support Group Third Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., Class-room C. This group is open to anyone who has orwill have an ostomy and any friends, family orsupporters. The meeting structure is informalwith group discussion and guest speakers to bescheduled at various times throughout the year.Call John Dorso at 678-694-8726 to registeror to obtain more information.

Teresa Urqhart, Debbie Keel, Carmen Lovinger, and Larry Collett

CONTINUED 16

COMMUNITY EDUCATIONBabysitting Workshop Sunday, 3/3, 3/24, and 4/14, and Saturday5/18, from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Teaches children ages 11-14 how to be preparedand responsible babysitters. Bring a doll orstuffed animal and a sack lunch and drink. $30

American Heart AssociationHeartsaver CPR* Saturday, 3/2, 4/27, and 5/4CPR course for the community. Adult and child CPR, 9 a.m. to noon; $35 Adult, child and infant CPR, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $45 *You may sign up for the adult/child portion only,but infant CPR will not be offered separately.

Healthcare Provider CPR* Saturday, 3/16, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CPR course for healthcare professionals. $55

Diabetes Self-Management Workshop Saturday, 3/23, 4/27, and 5/18The Diabetes Association of Atlanta (DAA) of-fers classes at North Fulton Hospital to teach di-abetes self-management skills. Call Katie at404-527-7180 for more information and toregister.

Childbirth Preparation Saturday, 3/23, 4/20, and 5/11 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Active class consisting of both lecture and dis-cussion/sharing. Topics include anatomy andphysiology; nutrition and fitness; discomforts ofpregnancy; stages of labor and what to expect;cesarean birth; medications; possible complica-tions; postpartum care; and comfort, relaxation,breathing and coping techniques for labor sup-port. $100 per couple; registration required.

Water Birth Thursday, 3/7, 3/21, 4/4, 4/18, 5/2, 5/16, and5/30, 7:00 p.m. For couples desiring to learn about the option ofa water birth delivery. Completion of the class isrequired to be considered for water birth atNFH. $30.00 per couple; registration required.Call 770- 751-2660 for more information andto register.

Maternity ToursPlease join one of our Women’s Health nurses inthe hospital atrium on alternating Tuesdays at 4p.m. and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. for a guidedtour of the Labor and Delivery suites,Mother/Baby Unit and the Neonatal ICU. Thetour last approximately one hour. Please call770-751-2660 for the schedule and to register.

Back To Life: Pain Management Specialists OfferMinimally Invasive Treatment For Back Pain

16MAR 2013

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of knowledge about hospital phys-ical plants and operations willbenefit the entire group and, byextension, every hospital inGeorgia.

Larry does have a life outside ofNFH. He’s a big guy and he ridesa big motorcycle on vacationsaround the country. He has a bet-ter half, Connie, and they havetwo grown daughters. He is a fam-

ily man to thenth degree andmakes sure hisfamilymembers, espe-cially the olderones, don’t haveany needs thatgo unmet. Larryand Connie goevery week tovisit her 99-year-oldgrandfather andhelp him withwork around his

house and other chores. He alsodoes a lot of volunteer work thathe doesn’t think we know about(his motorcycle club does afundraiser for Children’s Hospitalof Atlanta every year at theholidays) but about which we arevery proud.

About the only thing I don’t ad-mire in Larry is his choice offootball teams—he’s an avidFalcons fan, and I’m from NewOrleans and a Saints fan. Theonly other thing he could possiblydo to change my high opinion ofhim is retire—he doesn’t talkabout it, at least not in front ofme, so I have to be hopeful that henever will. When you are blessedto work with a man so smart andgenerous and admired byeveryone who works with him,you just want him to show upevery day.

As we celebrate our hospital’s30 years in this community,remember that of all the fine peo-ple who care for our patients, it’sthe guy who cares for our buildingthat is one of the biggest reasonswe are still here for you. ��

Back pain seems to be a fact of life.Lower back pain affects as many as 80percent of adults sometime during theirlives. Even though back pain is commonand will sometimes resolve on its own orwith the help of at-home therapies likeheat or over-the-counter pain relievers,if your pain is severe or becomes morefrequent, it may mean it’s time ask a doc-tor for help.

“If the pain is intense, debilitating orif the pain is persistent and ultimatelyaffects the quality of one’s life on a dailybasis, it is probably time to see a painmanagement specialist for relief,” saysKenneth Joel, M.D., a board-certifiedpain management physician andMedical Director of the Pain and SpineCenter at North Fulton Hospital.

Pain management specialists are med-ical doctors who take a multidisciplinaryapproach to the treatment of pain withthe goal of improving the patient’s abilityto function and perform their normal,daily activities. Dr. Joel says back pain isone of the most common reasonspatients are referred to the center.

A frequent complaint is low back andneck pain, which begins centrally andsometimes affects one or moreextremities. Low back pain can eitherpresent just in the back or radiate downone or both legs. Neck pain can becentral or radiate up into the head ordown the arms. Thoracic back—or mid-back—pain is also seen quite often andcan be central and or radiate around thechest wall.

There are many causes of spinal-related pain or back pain, which include,but are not limited to, degenerative diskdisease, facet arthritis, and compressionfractures, as well as inflammation of thesacroiliac joint—a joint located betweenthe sacrum (tailbone) and ilium (hipbone) in the pelvis—which can becaused by anything from arthritis orpregnancy to an abnormal walkingpattern. The muscles surrounding thespine can also cause significant pain ifinjured or in spasm.

When a patient is referred to the Painand Spine Center, there is a variety oftreatment options available.

“Our goal is to use the least invasiveapproach possible to alleviate ourpatient’s discomfort,” says Dr. Joel.

Some of thetreatments usedinclude epiduralsteroidsinjections usingx-ray guidanceand IV sedationwhen necessary todeposit long-acting syntheticsteroid. This treatment utilizes the injec-tion of synthetic steroid into an areathat is inflamed within the spine, thus,ultimately reducing pain and swellingand creating an environment of healing,allowing a patient to rehabilitate theirback with core conditioning. Radiofrequency lesioning of the

nerves that carry pain signals to the

spinal cord is a treatment used forpatients that are afflicted with painrelated to arthritis of the spine. Thistreatment denervates the painful degen-erative joints in the spine, providingpatients with four months to two yearsof relief. Kyphoplasty is used to restore height

and stabilize a fracture of a vertebra,thus eliciting almost immediate pain re-lief from the severe pain related to anacute compression fracture. Dorsal Column Stimulation is an

outpatient surgical procedure thatinvolves implanting pain-relieving elec-trodes into the patient’s spine.

“This procedure is used as a last resortfor patients who are in incapacitating,intractable pain that has not respondedto conservative measures, and canprovide remarkable relief,” says Dr. Joel.

The Pain and Spine Center’sminimally invasive approach means thatmost of the interventions are reversibleand will not preclude other treatmentsfrom being performed.

Dr. Joel says these interventions showvery positive outcomes in scientific stud-ies in a majority of patients. However,sometimes surgery may still benecessary, and in this situation, Dr. Joeland the center’s other pain managementspecialists, Ravi Dammanna, M.D., andM. Shazad Wada, M.D., work veryclosely with orthopedic surgeons, neuro-surgeons, or other specialists to come upwith a plan of surgical treatment thatwill work best for each patient.

“Our ultimate goal atthe Pain and SpineCenter is to stay on thecutting edge of painmanagement, stayingabreast of the latesttechnologies and tech-niques and makingthem available to all ofour patients,” says Dr.

Joel. “We want to ensure they get thebest of care to achieve the highestquality of life possible.”

For more information about the Pain and Spine Center at North FultonHospital, visitwww.nfultonhospital.com/pain. ��

Dr. Ravi Dammanna, Dr. Kenneth Joel, and Dr. M. Shazad Wada

““Our goal is to use theleast invasive approachpossible to alleviate ourpatient’s discomfort.

Larry Collett, Directorof Facility Operations, North Fulton Hospital

Man Behind The Building... continued15

17MAR 2013


After almost 24 years of working inhis chosen field of Pain Medicine, KenJoel, M.D., still looks forward to goingto work every day. He feels blessed bybeing able to work in a field where hecan make such an impact in a patient’slife. In addition to being MedicalDirector of North Fulton Pain andSpine Center and a member of NorthFulton Anesthesia Associates, P.C., heis also an active father to six childrenand a dedicated husband. He knowsfull well the importance of helping torestore his patients’ ability toparticipate in their life with theirloved ones.

QWHAT ATTRACTED YOU TOMEDICINE?

ANSWER I feel that I ended up inmedicine because of my passion forhelping others as well as my strong in-terest in science. I had wanted to be adoctor since I was a boy. I didn’t knowexactly what to expect as far as the de-mands on my life or the personal

satisfaction that I would achieve fromthe medical field until I worked atGrady Memorial Hospital as anorderly in the summers while I was incollege.

QHOW DID YOU END UP CHOOSINGPAIN MEDICINE AS YOUR FIELD?

ANSWER I ultimately ended up in thePain Medicine field because of divineintervention. I did not know the fieldeven existed. I rotated through thePain Center at Vanderbilt while in my

Q & A With Dr. Ken Joel

Each year, high school sports teamplayers, cheerleaders, and band mem-bers must have a physical to ensurethat they are fit and healthy enough toparticipate in their chosen activity.

Now in its fourth year, North FultonHospital provides a quick and easyway for students and their parents toaccomplish this through the hospital’sannual High School Physical event. Itwill be held on Saturday, April 13,from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, atNorth Fulton Hospital, 3000 HospitalBlvd., Roswell.

“The hospital is happy to providethis service to support our localstudents and their families,” saidDiane Sanders, R.N., BSN, communityeducation coordinator.

Several different stations are set upthroughout the hospital, and studentsmove from one station to the next toreceive their examinations andphysician clearance. Sports physicalevaluations will be provided byResurgens Orthopaedics; visionscreenings will be provided by AjitNemi, M.D., ophthalmologist; andmedical clearance/general physical ex-aminations will be provided in privateexam rooms by primary care andemergency medicine physicians.

No appointments are necessary. Inan effort to reduce wait time, localschools have been assigned suggestedarrival times. Students should checkwith their schools regarding thesetimes and to ensure they have all nec-essary forms to bring to the event.Free parking is available in theparking deck directly across from thehospital’s main entrance. For more in-formation, call 770-751-2660. �

North Fulton Hospital Offers

FREEHigh SchoolPhysicals

Kenneth Joel and his family. Dr. Joel is a board-certified pain management physician and Medical Director of the Pain and Spine Center at North Fulton Hospital.

residency and was intrigued by the developments in the field of PainMedicine. I was also interested in thetremendous amount of clinicalresearch being done to seek out newtreatments for those individuals in pain.

QWHAT’S BEEN ONE OF THE MOSTREWARDING MOMENTS IN YOUR

CAREER?

ANSWER Identifying one event in mypain practice that has impacted me orhas been the most fulfilling would bedifficult. Heartwarming eventshappen on almost a daily basis.Periodically, I will have patients comeup to me out of the blue and say, “Doyou remember me? Thank you somuch. You gave me back my life!” Itdoes not get much better than thatfrom the perspective of a physician or healer.

QHOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED INTHE ATLANTA AREA? WHAT DO

YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING HERE?

ANSWER I was born in Atlanta and re-turned here after my post-graduateeducation at Vanderbilt UniversityMedical Center, where I completed myresidency in anesthesia and my fellow-ship training in pain management.Being in Atlanta allows me to be close

to many family and friends who livehere. This area also has a very nice climate with the changing of theseasons and easy access to theAppalachian Mountains, where Ienjoy going with my wife and family torelax and enjoy nature.

QWHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTSOUTSIDE OF MEDICINE AND HOW

DO YOU MAKE TIME IN YOUR BUSYSCHEDULE TO ENJOY THEM AND YOURFAMILY?

ANSWER Making time for my outsideinterests is very tough and verysporadic. I enjoy hiking, exercising,rafting, biking, golfing, snow skiing,traveling and coaching. I am also inthe process of learning to play the gui-tar. My schedule is tight, but I try tomaintain a balanced life by getting ex-ercise most days after work andspending time with my family.

My family is a blended family withsix children: Four girls—Hannah,Devan, Sydney, and Emily—and twoboys, Harrison and Garrett. I have pri-mary custody of my four kids, and Imarried my wife Jennifer, who has twochildren, six years ago. My wife is mysoul mate and has been a wonderfulcompanion in this journey. Mychildren are wonderful, smart, caringyoung people who I love and supportto the best of my ability �.

“

“

Identifying one event inmy pain practice thathas impacted me or hasbeen the most fulfillingwould be difficult.

Heartwarming eventshappen on almost a

daily basis.

18MAR 2013


The Man Who Makes It All WorkLarry Collett Celebrates 30 Years At North Fulton Hospital

North Fulton Hospital opened itsdoors in Nov. of 1983. Two weeksprior, Larry Collett started his positionas a maintenance engineer, overseeingthe general maintenance of what wasthen the hospital’s sole building. Overtime the hospital has grown to be a pil-lar of the community and Collett, whonow serves as Director of FacilityOperations, has been a major factor inits success.

Having the responsibility of caringfor such a large facility is a dauntingtask and when peoples’ lives are atstake it’s even more so. Over the thirtyyears Collett has worked at NorthFulton Hospital there have been manychanges to the ever-growing hospitaland the neighborhoods it serves.

“At the beginning, there wasnothing here,” he said. “AlpharettaHighway was a two-lane road, and theintersection of Highway 9 at HolcombBridge Road was a four-way stop.”

The hospital’s technology improvedas it grew in size, becomingincreasingly automated. Keeping upwith a rapidly changing industryrequires constant training and retrain-ing. Collett has more than met thechallenges—in fact he leads the pack.

This year Collett is serving as thepresident of the Georgia Society ofHospital Engineers (GSHE). This isthe pinnacle of a succession ofpositions he held with the GSHE,including treasurer and president-elect.

“Our main goal for the society is theeducation and training of hospital en-gineers,” he said. “We developprograms for training; we are liaisonsfor code changes in the industry suchas life safety codes and JointCommission standards.”

Another key aspect of Collett’sresponsibilities is emergency prepara-tion. During inclement weather mostof us remain safe in our homes. Butwhen you run operations for a hospitalthat is also designated as a traumacenter you don’t seek safety—you pro-vide it. The 2011 ice storm proved tobe one such example, requiring thestaff to be housed at the hospitalovernight. Collett himself spent three

continuous days there, sleeping on amattress in his office. The staff workedto keep the sidewalks, parking lots,and entryways clear of ice. Althoughexhausting, the task went smoothly.More recently, Collett had to deal withthe Jan. 30, 2013 storms that spawnedtornadoes.

“My job is to monitor the weatherand make decisions preparing for tor-nado warnings,” he said. “We willevacuate the patients to the corridorsand try to secure the facility.” And thisis exactly what had to be done on Jan.30, until the weather warnings werecleared.

To help keep the hospital safe,Collett works with closely with theCity of Roswell, which has an incidentcommand center behind the hospital,as well as other hospitals should theneed arise to assist their patients.

“We have mutual aid agreementswith all hospitals in the state ofGeorgia,” he said. “If we needsomething, they’ll send help and vice-versa.”

Rarely is the hospital called intohelp, but during major events, the hos-pital will be on standby just in case.And if that ever happens, Collett willbe prepared to put his 30 years ofexperience to work to protect his community. ��

““Alpharetta Highwaywas a two-lane road,and the intersection ofHighway 9 at HolcombBridge Road was afour-way stop.

Larry Collett has been minding the machines and buildings at North Fulton Hospital ever since the farm (above right)gave way to the 47-acre tract that was to become North Fulton Hospital. Shown in 1983 and 2012, top.

Now

then1983

2012

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more community • out & about • real estate • music • food • garden • business • health & wellness • life 19

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By Matthew W. Quinn

A quartet of local clergy—Episcopalian,Reform Jewish, Muslim, andPresbyterian—discussed issues of charityand justice at St. David’s EpiscopalChurch.

The Feb. 5 panel, whose entry fees ben-efited North Fulton Community

Charities, was thebrainchild of RabbiFred Greene ofCongregation BethTikvah in Roswell. Hedescribed how it beganwith NFCC’s 30th an-niversary “Have aHeart” campaign. The

campaign includes fundraisingrestaurant visits and dinner parties.

“Dinner parties aren’t really my thing,”he said. “But talking about faith and jus-tice and God and diversity and bringingpeople together is a very powerful forumto do good.”

Since so many people of faithvolunteer with NFCC, Greene thoughtbringing his friends in ministry togetherto support the charity would be appropri-ate.

Joining Greene for his panel was St.David rector Fr. Kenneth Swanson,Roswell Presbyterian Church SeniorPastor Lane Alderman, and BassemFokhoury, an active lay leader at the

Roswell Masjid. Thegoal of the discussionwas an interfaith explo-ration of faith, diversity,and justice and whatmotivates people tobring healing, care,and love to a fallenworld.

Alderman said Christians follow theteachings of Jesus, who spent time caringfor the poor and forgotten. He cited theparable of the sheep and the goats fromMatthew 25:31 in which the nations arejudged by how they treat “the least ofthese.”

“For Christians, there’s an almost mys-tical sense that when we are incommunity with those on the margins,we are communing with Jesus,” he said.

He then cited the Epistle of Jameswhich described two aspects of faith—keeping oneself morally upright andcaring for those who cannot helpthemselves. He cited another passagefrom James on how faith without worksis dead.

Fokhoury said in the Koran, there aredozens of passages in which faith and ac-tion are included in the same sentence.He cited several passages, including onethat teaches on Judgment Day, God willjudge people by their best deed. He com-pared this to going to school and havingone’s standing determined by one’s bestgrade.

“This is a great motivator for Muslimsto excel,” he said.

He then cited the Hadiths, the sayingsand doings of the prophet Mohammed,including one where Mohammedsuggested a succession of different waysone could do good if the previousmethods were beyond them.

“Muslims consider that all blessingsare a trust,” he said.

As a result, Muslims care for their bod-ies through exercise and proper diet, theenvironment through recycling, and theirchildren through a proper upbringing.

Greene said the Jewish appreciationfor diversity begins with the creationstory. All people, regardless of their back-ground, are descendants of Adam. As faras justice is concerned, he recounted thestory of the Exodus and how God heardthe cries of the oppressed Israelites inEgypt and sent Moses to lead themthrough the Red Sea to freedom. TheLaw of Moses requires portions of one’sfields be left unharvested to allow theneedy to glean, something reflected inthe modern kibbutzes where if one dropsan avocado, one is to leave it there in casea poor person should come across it. Hethen cited a tradition from Jewish mysti-cism about how during the Creation, avessel exploded and scattered pieces ofcelestial light across the universe. It ismankind’s responsibility to be partnerswith God in reassembling these pieces.

“North Fulton Community Charities ispart of the process of bringing the pieces

Justice, Charity Discussed At Interfaith Panel

Local religious leaders have open dialogue on commonality amongst different faiths

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Rabbi, Fred Greene

Pastor, Lane Alderman

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more community • out & about • real estate • music • food • garden • business • health & wellness • life20

together,” he said.Swanson began by describing how

Jesus is the ultimate authority and howhe passed his authority to his apostles,whose writings formed the Bible. Theyalso began an oral tradition passed downthrough their successors, the bishops. InAnglicanism, the church lives in the ten-sion between Scripture and Traditionrather than hewing too closely to one orthe other and uses Reason as a thirdsource of authority.

Swanson then read the parable of thesheep and the goats aloud and describedthe BBC documentary “SomethingBeautiful for God” about the then-unknown Mother Teresa. The producerMalcolm Muggeridge expressed his dis-gust in mid-filming when Mother Teresa

bathed the sores on the face of a dyingman and was told that whenever shesaw the face of a dying man or woman,she saw the face of Jesus.

“For me as a Christian, that is the ulti-mate importance, for us to reach out andcare for the destitute and marginalized,”he said.

After the event, Green said the panelwas a success. With a $10 entry fee andsome people donating extra, it raisedover $1,000 for North FultonCommunity Charities.

“If we come together, we canaccomplish a lot of good,” he said.“North Fulton Community Charities isthe communal address to support themost vulnerable in our neighborhoodsand community.” ��

““There is a Jewishsaying that a court thatimposes the deathpenalty only every

70 years is abloodthirsty court.

““…although the victimof a crime has the rightto see justice done, it isconsidered godlier

to forgive.

Death Penalty ComesUp At Interfaith PanelThe interfaith panel on charity and justiceaddressed the thorny issue of capitalpunishment.

When they took questions from the audi-ence at the end of the presentation, PennyHolder asked how they felt about the deathpenalty. Fokhoury said in true Islam, thereare strict rules on how capital punishmentcan be imposed and although the victim ofa crime has the right to see justice done, itis considered godlier to forgive. Greenesaid the Torah also allows for the deathpenalty, but later rabbis have imposedextra conditions to make it almost impossi-ble to execute someone. There is a Jewishsaying that a court that imposes the deathpenalty only every 70 years is abloodthirsty court. Furthermore, underIsraeli law, the only capital crime is crimesagainst humanity, for which Nazi war crim-inal Adolf Eichmann was the only oneexecuted.

Alderman said Christians were dividedon the issue. However, the motivation forseeking the death penalty is oftenvengeance, not justice, and God hasclaimed vengeance for himself exclusively.Humans are forbidden from taking life inretribution.

Swanson said there has been an erosionin human rights in recent years, with therights of non-Americans being viewed asworth less than Americans and death asthe penalty for enemies of the state. Godhas laid a great imperative on Christians toforgive as God has forgiven them and hecannot see how vengeance can be weddedto that ethos of forgiveness.

Bassem Fokhoury Active Lay Leader

Rabbi Fred Greene

Fr. Kenneth Swanson

Sr. Pastor Lane Alderman

“

“the motivation forseeking the deathpenalty is often

vengeance, not justice,and God has claimedvengeance for himself

exclusively.

““Vengeance cannot bewedded to the ethos of forgiveness.

Attorney At LawFormer Sta1 Attorney

Social Security AdministrationOver 30 Years [email protected]

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Interfaith... continued13

By Kirsten Ricci

2013 is shaping up to be the year ofthe resale. When it comes to the localreal estate market there is no questionthat the industry is in full recoverymode and those who have listed theirhomes are amazed by the quickness ofmultiple offers and reduced number ofdays on market.

There are several factors that arecreating this opportunity and for thefirst time in 5 years the pendulum is infavor of the seller. The inventory ofavailable homes for sale is shockinglylow. In a balanced market there are onaverage over 45,000 homes for sale inour region, which would consist of the12-county Atlanta market. Today thereare less than 10,000 single familyhomes in that same region. In Roswellalone, there are less than 250 singlefamily homes available ranging inprice from $34,000 to $6.9 million.

Historically, the buyer pool in ourlocal market is a new homes buyer.New Construction starts are up;stocks for building suppliers are up,signaling that next wave. Buyers areanxiously out in the market searchingfor homes, with limited inventory,record low interest rates, and ready towrite offers. The surge in the realestate market is related to consumersfeeling more optimistic about their jobsecurity, low interest rates and the de-cision to move on with their life afterthis multi-year recession. This has ledto an increase in home values in ourmarket on the simple principle of

supply and demand. Not to mentionthe various new corporate offices relo-cating to the area bringing thousandsof high paying jobs. The live, work,and play modelis starting totake hold.

Now is thetime for Sellersto get off thefence and listtheir homes andrealize the idealscenario ofselling in aseller’s marketand buying in a buyer’s market. For ex-ample; homes selling in the $300k to$500k range that are in goodcondition, updated, and show-readywill sell quickly and with little compe-tition for near full price. These Sellersgenerally move up to the $550 to $750price range home where inventory is abit higher and still considered abuyer’s market. Couple that with thelowest interest rates and it is theperfect storm or the next wave.

There is a small window of opportu-nity for these sellers to take advantageof this ever-changing market andachieve their next goal—a new home.Builders are definitely making a come-back, and have become much smarterabout their products and services andtypically can compete at a much moreaggressive price point than a single-family homeowner. We will see newhomes and new neighborhoods thisyear and even stronger into 2014.Buyers will naturally gravitate tosomething new versus a resale.Additionally, interest rates are alreadychanging—we know that they won’tjump to 2005 rates in the near futurebut they are going up.

If you’re thinking about selling, nowis the time. The motto for our markettoday is “If it’s good it’s gone.” The op-portunity has arrived! ��If you would like a market

analysis on your home or if you havesuggestions for future articles, pleasecontact Kirsten Ricci – AssociateBroker - Roswell Towne Realty,[email protected] or678.472.3832.

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more real estate • out & about • community • music • food • business • health & wellness • life 21

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MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more community • out & about • real estate • music • food • garden • business • health & wellness • life22

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SMILE! As we grow older it’s easy to forget to have fun. We get so caughtup in going to work, paying bills, meeting deadlines, and making everyonearound us happy that we forget to enjoy life. But, as this month’s subjectshave shown, we can find happiness anywhere, be it in the park, at the store,or even while sick. Seek out what makes you smile! ~ Lisa Eckman

Jazlyn: Jazlyn just learned to walk a few weeksago. Now she’s running all over the park,greeting everybody with smiles! (Roswell)

Joshua: Despitehaving an earinfection, Joshua wasin a good mood. Me:“You have such apositive attitude!”Joshua: “Yeah. That’sbecause whensomebody says ‘Itcan’t get any worse!”things always seem toget worse!” (Roswell)

Madeline,Vivienne,Henrietta:Madeline was themost outspokenof the group,telling me howmuch she lovesFrench class andgoing to Paris. “Isaw the EiffelTower!” (Roswell)

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MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more community • out & about • real estate • music • food • garden • business • health & wellness • life 23

Welcome Michele Clark, Our New Midwife

www.NorthFultonWomensSpecialists.com

The specialized care you want.The personal attention you deserve.

Michele P. Clark, MSN, CNMCertified Nurse-Midwife

MICHELE JOINS OUR TEAM OF

OB/GYN PHYSICIANS IN OFFERING:

• Preconception Consults

• Waterbirths

• Infertility Screening and Treatment

• Prenatal Care and Delivery

• Family Planning and Contraception

• Preventive and Screening Exams

• Teenage and Adolescent Care

• Menopause and Peri-Menopause Management

• Treatment for Heavy or Painful Periods, PCOS, and Endometriosis

• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

• VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)

• Ultrasounds and Procedures in Office

To schedule an appointment, call 770-410-4388.2500 Hospital Boulevard, Suite 290 in Roswell

Diamond: “Dare to be different. Liveyour life the way you want to live it. Aslong as you make you happy everythingelse just kind of falls in place.” (Roswell)

JStar: “I love my job!” Jstar, a Roswell resident, is the artistic director, founder, and player atThe Basement Theatre (located in Atlanta). I’m currently a student in his Improv I class at ‘TheBasement.’ He has classes for beginners and those who are more advanced. Classes are opento teenagers and adults. JStar also teaches improv at Shenanigans, helping children andadults with Asperger’s, autism and related conditions with social communication challenges.This month (March 6-10, 2013) he’s excited to be hosting Spontaneous Combustion 5, thehottest festival of improvised comedy in the South! (Atlanta)

Laya: Laya (as in Himalaya, not Princess Laia) is abeautiful 10-week old golden retriever pup. Shegathered a crowd of admirers while playing in thepark. It’s impossible to see a playful pup and not smile!(Roswell)

Townsend: One ofthe biggest joys isreading to yourchild. Townsendloved crawling

around picking outbooks for his momand dad to read tohim. (Alpharetta)

Osvaldo: Batmanwent grocery

shopping with hismama. At first hewas a little shy, butwhen my camera

came out heproudly posed for apicture. (Roswell)

see thecurrentplus.com for more out & about • community • music • food • garden • real estate •business • health & wellness • life24MAR 2013

MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS ONLYSunday, March 10th2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

North Fulton Hospital Classrooms

Presents

Join a registered nurse for an informative presentation on puberty and what to expect. { }

For more informationand to register, call 770-751-2660 or visit www.nfu l tonhospi t a l . com

Out&AboutinMarchThis is just a partial list of area events and activities. For more, please visit www.thecurrentplus.com.

If you have an event listing please send it to [email protected].

MARCH 1-24

EVERY LITTLE CROOK ANDNANNYLillie Scones, a sweet retired nanny,owns a boarding house whose oneresident now has a neighbor—Stuart, anold charge of hers who, unbeknownst toher, is planning to rob a nearby bank.Performances 7:30 p.m. Fridays andSaturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Theplay is hosted by Act 1 Theater, 180Academy Street, Alpharetta, Ga. Ticketsare $15 for adults, $12 for children under12 and seniors 60 and over. For moreinformation call 770-663-8989 or visitwww.act1theater.com.

MARCH 1-17

SHERLOCK HOLMES ANDTHE ADVENTURE OF THESUICIDE CLUBIn this thriller put on by the GeorgiaEnsemble Theater, Europe’s mostinfluential men are turning up dead allover London and Holmes and Watsonare on the case. Tickets are $23 to $26.Showtimes vary. For more information,visit get.org or call 770-641-1260.

MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25

AARP TAX AIDEThe AARP will providing free taxassistance and return preparation at theRoswell branch of the Atlanta-FultonPublic Library System, 115 NorcrossStreet, Roswell, Ga. 12:30 to 4 p.m. Thefocus of the event will be those with lowto moderate incomes, in particular thoseover 60. One does not need to be anAARP member to participate, and walk-ins are welcome. For more information,e-mail [email protected] orcall 770-640-3075.

MARCH 6

JONATHAN GALE CONCERTJonathan Gale is a rock and roll singer

songwriter who, after years of travelingthe Southeast playing bars and collegetowns, has returned to what he knowsbest—solo acoustic performance. Theconcert will take place from 6:30 p.m. to9 p.m. at the Velvet Note, 4075 OldMilton Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga. Ticketsare $15. For more information, call 855-583-5838 thevelvetnote.com.

MARCH 7, 14, 21, 28

DROP-IN NEEDLECRAFTGROUPThose interested in needle-crafting(knitting, embroidery, cross-stitching)can gather with the like-minded andsocialize while working on their projectsat the Roswell Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System, 115Norcross Street, Roswell, Ga. 1 p.m. to 3p.m. All ages and experience levelswelcome. For more information, [email protected] or call 770-640-3075.

MARCH 7-9

MITCH FATELThe Punchline Comedy Club in SandySprings will host Mitch Fatel. With hisinnocence and friendly demeanor Mitchquickly engages the audience and thencatches them off guard with his mixtureof mischievous dialog and off colorcomments. While laughing atobservations only Mitch can get awaywith we are left wondering if he trulyunderstands what he just said. Ticketsare $15 for March 7 performance; $20for other performances. For moreinformation and to buy tickets, visitwww.punchline.com.

MARCH 8-9

CARMEN VALLONEWhen spoken aloud, Carmen Vallone’sname resonates as majestically astrumpets blown by the highest choir ofangels in the kingdom of heaven. Don’tworry though, his ticket price usuallyisn’t any higher then about twelve bucks.With his enthusiastic smile, and happilytwisted vision of everyday life, Carmenguides patrons of the Bonkerz comedyclub in Roswell through a night ofentertainment as he talks about being

from Upstate New York, living in Florida,and what life is like on the road. Neverone to “attack” the audience, Carmenmakes you feel right at home, and you’llnever be scared to “sit in the front row.”Tickets are $12.00. Bonkerz is located at11000 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, Ga;performances are March 8 at 9 p.m. andMarch 9 at 8 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Formore information and to purchasetickets, visit roswell.bonkerzcomedy.comor call 770-992-5686.

MARCH 8

JEANNE JOLLY CONCERTJeanne Jolly, a classically-trainedvocalist who has been compared toLinda Ronstadt and Alison Krauss, willperform two concerts, one at 7:30 p.m.and the other at 9:30 p.m., at the VelvetNote, 4075 Old Milton Parkway,Alpharetta, Ga. Tickets are $20. Formore information, call 855-583-5838 orvisit thevelvetnote.com.

MARCH 9-17

31ST GREAT AMERICANCOVER-UP QUILT SHOWThe Bulloch Hall Quilt Guild will host itsannual quilt show at Bulloch Hall, thechildhood home of Teddy Roosevelt’smother. The show will feature as many as200 quilts by local artists. Show ares are10 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday throughSaturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.Admission is $8 for adults, $7 forseniors, and $6 for children 6-18.Bulloch Hall is lo-cated at 180 BullochAvenue in Roswell.

MARCH 9

ED GERHARD CONCERTGrammy-award winning guitarist EdGerhard will regale audiences with a six-string, 12-string, slide and AcousticHawaiian Lap Steel guitar. Gerhard isknown for his virtuosity, generosity, andsly humor. His performance will be from8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at UnitarianUniversalist Metro Atlanta North, 11420Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, 30076 .Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at thedoor. Group discounts are available. Formore information, call 770-365-7738.

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more out & about • community • music • food • garden • real estate •business • health & wellness • life 25

MARCH 9

SHAMROCKIN’ FOR A CURE Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre will hostthe fifth annual ShamRockin’ For A Cureto raise money for the Cystic FibrosisFoundation. The event will feature twobands and live and silent auctions. Thevenue is located at 2200 EncoreParkway, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009. Ticketsare $95 per person. For moreinformation, call 770-905-4310.

MARCH 13

STARLABThe Chattahoochee Nature Center willbring its inflatable planetarium StarLabto lead students on a journey throughoutthe solar system. The event will takeplace from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. and fromthe 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the RoswellBranch of the Atlanta-Fulton PublicLibrary System, 115 Norcross Street,Roswell, Ga. Space is limited to 25children per time slot and registrationbegins March 6. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or770-640-3075.

MARCH 14-16

TIM WILSONPunchline Comedy Club in Sandy Springswill host Tim Wilson, one of the “outlaws”of Southern comedy. Tickets for March 14performance $15; for otherperformances, $20. For more informationand showtimes, visit www.punchline.com.

MARCH 14

TEEN STUDY BREAKHarry’s Farmer’s Market/Whole Foodswill present a teen cooking program withlessons on nutrition and preparing simplemeals and delicious food. The programwill take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. atthe Alpharetta branch of the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library System. Formore information, [email protected] orcall 770-740-2425.

MARCH 15-23

ONE FLEW OVER THECUCKOO’S NESTOut of Box Theatre will present “OneFlew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” a tale ofrebellion and punishment in a mentalinstitution based on a 1962 novel. Tickets$15, $16.52 with fees. Performance timesvary, but will take place at The AlleyStage, 11 Anderson Street, Marietta, Ga.30064. For information or to buy ticketscall 678-653-4605 or visitwww.outofboxtheatre.com.

MARCH 15

WRITING WORKSHOPAuthor Carolyn Wall will be presenting“Characters and Settings That Tingle TheSpine” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. atthe Roswell Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton

Public Library System, 115 NorcrossStreet, Roswell, Ga. 30075. Registrationis required. E-mail: [email protected] or call 770-640-3075.

MARCH 15

WILLIAM HOLLIFIELDWell-versed in jazz, classical, rock, pop,and show music, Hollifield is one ofAtlanta’s up-and-coming musicians.Having performed at Carnegie Hall,various clubs across the country,international jazz festivals, and playedwith greats like Kevin Mahagony andNicholas Payton, he will be bringing hissound to the Velvet Note, 4075 OldMilton Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga., at 7:30p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $20. For moreinformation, call 855-583-5838 or visitthevelvetnote.com.

MARCH 16

FREE PHOTOS WITH THEEASTER BUNNYJoin the Easter Bunny as he makes hisdebut at the Alpharetta Welcome Center,178 South Main Street Suite 200Alpharetta, GA . Stop in from 10 a.m. - 12p.m. for an individual or family photowith the bunny of the hour and have thephoto emailed to you to share withfriends and family. Free event andrefreshments will be served. Noreservations required. 678-297-0102 [email protected]

MARCH 16

WATERDROP DASHThe 1st annualWater DropDash 5K will kick-off nationalWaterSense Fix a Leak Week. The courseis fast and flat along the banks of thebeautiful Chattahoochee River inRoswell. The event will begin with achildren’s fun run at 7:30 a.m., with theadult race beginning at 8 a.m. Runnerswill gather at the Chattahoochee NatureCenter, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, Ga.30075. The race is the last qualifier forthe Peachtree Road Race. See website:waterdropdash.com.

MARCH 17

CELTIC CONCERTThe Alpharetta City Band and the Soundsof Sawnee Concert Band will celebrateSt. Patrick’s Day with concert from 3 p.m.to 5 p.m. at the Sexton Hall EnrichmentCenter, 2115 Chloe Road, Cumming, Ga.Refreshments will be provided. $5.00. Formore information, call 770-781-2178.

MARCH 22

WALDENThe Velvet Note will host Walden, agroup of high-school seniors fromMarietta. All four members of the bandsing. The band’s drummer Andrew

Mendel said the band is influenced byMumford and Sons, Grizzly Bear, andColdplay. The band took its name from aquote from poet Henry David Thoreau.Showtimes 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.Tickets $15. For more information, call855-583-5838 or see thevelvetnote.com.

MARCH 23

EASTER EGG HUNTLocal children are invited to the NorthPark Softball Fields 1-4, 13450 CogburnRoad, Alpharetta, Ga. for a children’sEaster egg hunt. Games and inflatablesopen at 10 a.m., with the hunt beginningat 11 a.m. Children ages 3-10 will beseparated by age groups and parentalparticipation is restricted. For moreinformation call 678-297-6140 or [email protected].

MARCH 24

FARMER SUEThe ChattahoocheeNature Center, 9135Willeo Road,Roswell, Ga., will

bring in Farmer Sue and her animals fromthe Art Barn at Morning Glory Farm.Animals include geese, goats, sheep,chicks, and bunnies. Brushing andtouching is welcome and encouraged.Admission: $6 for children, $10 foradults, $7 for seniors and students 13-18,and free for Nature Center members andchildren ages 2 and younger.www.chattnaturecenter.com

MARCH 29-30

JAMES YONA Florida native and professional chef,James Yon will be bringing hiscombination of stand-up comedy, musicalimpressions, and dance moves toBonkerz Comedy Club in Roswell. Ticketsare $12.00. Bonkerz is located at 11000Alpharetta Highway, Roswell,performances are March 29 at 9 p.m. andMarch 30 at 8 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Formore information and to purchasetickets, visit roswell.bonkerzcomedy.comor call 770-992-5686.

MARCH 29

GOOD FRIDAY ATLANTAVerizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 2200Encore Parkway, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009,will host “a contemplation andcelebration of the Cross” to mark GoodFriday. The event will feature LouieGiglio, Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels,Kristian Stanfill, and David Crowder.Doors open at 6 p.m.; the event begins at7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.www.goodfridayatlanta.com.

CLICK ONthecurrentplus.comfor more EVENTS

see thecurrentplus.com for more food • out & about • community • music • garden • real estate • business • health & wellness • life26MAR 2013

By Frank Mack

Vin 25First, you have to find it. It’s located inan old stone cottage on ground andgravel between Green and CantonStreets in Roswell. Over the years thislocation has been a meadow, a dentalfactory, abandoned often and lastknown as Mittie’s Tea Room. Today, ashidden as hidden gets, on an alley

marked innocu-ously as PlumStreet. Buried inbetween and be-hind HistoricRoswell’s restau-rant district, issomething asrare as naturalcolor or an hon-est man.

Where a fewmonths ago

there were just stones, weeds and bro-ken glass is now a little bit of puredelight. Ohhh my, wait till you see it. Idon’t even want to spoil your surprise.I want you to walk in over the gravellike I did, your curiosity going off scaleas you take it in. What? How? Who?Here?

Grab the handle; open the door andstep, into a tasteful, understated,elegant room, attached to a serious ex-perimental kitchen. Comfort madereal to our personal space. A naturalwarmth and good music on offer. The pro staff, which know the

business cold, smile, say hello andtheir confidence looks you straight inthe eye.

It’s always the people isn’t it? Andthe staff, near one and all, came withthe gentleman of great taste and Vin25 owner Mr. Phillip “Coop” Cooper.Coop’s crew are with him because,and get this in our modern cynicalworld, they all believe in him. He hasearned their loyalty. And that saysmore about the man than anything Ican ever come up with.

You will know it immediately whenyou walk in.

Welcome to an instant star and avery adult, not at all pretentious, Vin25 Bistro & Wine. I frankly can’t getover it. The whole thing should be ona cliff overlooking the sea. It’s likestepping into someone’s really nice liv-ing room. This is serious appreciationof life’s good things, a break from yourday, your troubles, and theaggravation.

You go for the atmosphere. You gofor the food and you go for theambiance. Of course you go for thewine. Wine, wine, glorious deliciouswines.

It’s 5 p.m. and I have my glass. I’mwatching the place fill up. This people,is wine country. And may I add Coopis wine first and foremost. This is aman of great tastes with animpeccable, knowledge in wine.

Accompanied by a trim but out ofsight bistro menu and full bar thatleans towards inventive cocktailing.

One Brand New, One Of Note,And A Great Friend Turns Ten

Dine-In, Take-Out, Delivery, & Catering580 East Crossville Road, Roswell, Georgia, 30075

770-640-0023To see the menu and additional offers, or to order online:

www.brickhousepizzandpasta.com

Family Pleaser!

$19.95

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PIZZA

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Foodie News

FRANK MACK

Your Neighborhood Dining Destination

Now Open

From the owner’s ofPeter’s in Dunwoody�

We o7er the best in relaxed bistro dining, with a wide variety of your family’s favorites.

• Wide array of delicious Appetizers

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• Sandwiches & Burgers

• Traditional Italian entrees

• Kids items & succulent desserts

PETER’S ITALIAN BISTRO

690 Holcomb Bridge RoadSuite 220Roswell, GA 30076770-299-1591

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more food • out & about • community • music • garden • real estate • business • health & wellness • life 27

Conveniently located nearNorth Point Mall and GA 400

770-442-0023

Studio 23 offers Dance and Musical Theater Campsthroughout the summer for dancers ages 3 to teen

Visit us at www.studio23dance.com for a complete camp schedule and additional information!

1050 Northfield CourtSuite 400

Roswell, GA 30076

Your child is a star at Studio 23!

The tastes and snacks range $10-20,the 5 or 6 entrees on offer each nightrange about $18-30. I’ve hit two, bothserious yummy, and everything I amwatching hit the floor is eye smacking‘ohhh look, what’s that!’

This is a perfect spot to end yourworkday or meet friends to catch up.As a date spot, it’s incredible. It’s per-fect for any reason or excuse you cancome up with frankly. It connects andcreates a new reason to stroll over toGreen Street—getting us off CantonStreet and into new possibilities.

Velvet NoteI spent two nights on a stool in thevery back. I was blown away by themusic, by the people, and the room.

Ladies and Gentlemen this place isabout the music, the people, theroom. Or maybe it’s the room, themusic and the people. Doesn’t matter,it’s all three. One without the otherwould just not be the same. And I amhere to tell you, if you like music orlove jazz, your club has come in.

Quite frankly this place should notexist in the suburbs, heaven maybe.Located in Alpharetta off of GA 400at 4075 Old Milton Parkway in a stripmall. Honestly this is something Inever thought would happen.

In my day places like this weresmoke filled attics, Rathskellers andback rooms with sticky floors. No onecared what the joint looked like; theyall had character enough, a liquorlicense, maybe, and hot music.Honky-tonk, jazz, blues, rock, whocares? Great music is great music andtalent always shows out.

Amazing people doing amazingthings surround us. Those people areour neighbors, and it is happeningright here. OTP. Boring suburbs mybutt. It’s getting cool out here!

The most laid-back cool of a greatmusic showcase needs a real sharpoperator with guts and a great ear tomake it happen. In this case she does-n’t want to be named. Modest,intelligent amazing people are likethat. So I won’t.

Musicians didn’t all starve off inthe great recession. Most lost someweight though, that’s a fact. So putthis in your notebook. Great musicplus great jazz equals The VelvetNote.

Make a reservation though.Generally two shows a night at 7:30

and 9:30pm. This is a rare, preciousand limited resource my friends.When calling ahead, take any seat.There are no bad seats. It can onlyhold forty people so intimacy comesto mind. You will probably share atable, which 9 out of 10 times adds tothe fun anyway. The Friday andSaturday shows are usually $20. OnThursday nights they offer “jamsessions” featuring a wide array oflocal musicians for a five-buck covercharge.

Sugo It was just a few months back I did afull column on Sugo. So bringing itup again may seem a bit much. But itisn’t. I do not believe we can ever sayenough about great dining rooms,great kitchens, outstanding socialareas and or the wonderfully talentedfamilies and people who give theirlives to create the spaces we as a com-munity share.

Sugo and the Castellucci familythat owns it are so much more than

ovens and cash registers. This is mysweet spot of happiness. It is now andalways will be.

Sugo is one of my favorites becausefrankly, it is created by one of thefinest restaurant families you willfind anywhere. And their ten-year an-niversary is well worth marking.

So Happy Anniversary to theCastellucci’s. Ten incredible years atSugo in Roswell is worth acelebration indeed. Recession goscrew yourself. �

Full BarLive Music EveryThursday and FridayLocal Favorite Marty Nickel Every ThursdayOutdoor SeatingCatering MenuPrivate Room for special eventsDrink and Dinner SpecialsDelivery

Free Delivery ($l5.00 minimum)Open Everyday:

Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-10:00pmFriday & Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm

$2o�18 inch pizza

$1o�14 inch pizza

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770.594.8118Crossville Commons

550 West Crossville RoadRoswell, Georgia 30075www.bellyspizza.com

[email protected] Dine in or carry-out.Please present coupon at time of purchase.

Not to be redeemed with any other o2er.

��

PHYLIS SIMONIREALTOR�

Cell: 404-456-2683Fax: 678-391-3690

Email: [email protected]

My exceptional service will MOVE YOU!

Fredric and Nancy Castellucci

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more music • out & about • community • food • garden • business • health & wellness • life 28

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Authentic Pub Atmosphere• Award-Winning FoodSunday Brunch • Patio Dining • Live Entertainment

(Thur., Fri., Sat., open mic on Sun.)All shows start at 8pm

4401 Shallowford RoadRoswell • 770-640-1100

Visit our website for daily specials: keegansirishpub.net

Find us on facebook keegansirishpubeastcobb

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By Stacy Shade

Hello, fellow neighbors! My name isStacy and I’m a self-proclaimed localtourist. I’m a recovering travel-holicfrom an airline family, now residing inRoswell. These days, my travels are ona budget and aren’t across the globe.In fact, most of my adventures takeplace right here in theRoswell, Alpharetta, andEast Cobb area. Since I’vecommitted to exploring allthings local, I’m finding thathometown excursions canopen up your heart andsenses to a rich wealth ofculture available right inyour own backyard. So, withthat in mind, I’ll share thegems I find around townand I’ll encourage you to get out andfind your own.

Recently, upon return from a music-filled visit to Asheville, I made a NewYear’s resolution to seek outenlivening, soul-stirring live musicright here in North Fulton. Whenmaking this vow, I envisioned it as achallenge that would take muchresearch and determination on mypart. To my surprise and delight, we’reactually surrounded by many talented,

soulful musicians right here in NorthFulton and East Cobb.

One of my recent live music questsled me to bundle up on a blisteryevening and head up the road inhistoric Roswell to Ragamuffin MusicHall. Ragamuffin is one of thoseplaces that feels instantly familiar,even if you’ve never been there

before—it’s warm, homey,and funky like your favoriteindie coffeehouse. It’s alsohome to a stage so intimatethat, just sitting in theroom, you feel as thoughyou are a part of the showand a part of the music. Myhusband and I ordered cof-fee and snuggled in forwhat we expected to be arelaxing night of music

from the local The Mountain GypsyProject. It didn’t dawn on me, untilthey started to play, that I waslistening to, as my husband puts it,“the best guitar player I’ve ever heard.”

That guitar player, as it turns out, isDahlonega resident Curtis Jones.Jones has been playing the guitar pro-fessionally for the past 21 years.Drawing upon the musicaltechnicality and discipline of his hero,Al Dimeola, Jones and The Mountain

Need Another Reason To Get Out?

Local Musicians Are BreakingMusic Boundaries & Thrilling

Intimate Audiences

Local TouristSTACY SHADE

Travel... continued8

Domestically, California, especially the San Francisco vicinity, and New YorkCity continue to be the most desirable choices. Las Vegas is strong as well.Evidently, traveling in the U.S. is quite expensive, which is one of the reasonsmany are deciding that they might as well travel abroad for the same amountof money.

A few emerging gems that the experts noted include Sedona, Arizona (lovelyartsy town with an easy drive to the Grand Canyon); Charleston, SouthCarolina; the more intimate rustic, true jungle properties in Costa Rica andBelize (as opposed to the large glitzy resorts); and charming Tulum, Mexico(located just south of Cancun).

Despite the recent Carnival debacle, cruises continue to be in vogue. TheCaribbean tours absolutely dominate, but the Mediterranean ports of Greece,Turkey and of course, Italy do very well, too. Based on area agents, Celebrityand Royal Caribbean are the most sought after for upscale-affordable (Royal Caribbean is considered most ideal for families, and Celebrity has reallycaptured the hearts of die-hard cruisers). Those seeking the most luxuriousships cruise Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, and Seabourn. Disney continues to dowell, and Carnival is often the choice of the most price-conscious traveler.

As someone who loves to travel and embraces the little getaways as well asthe big budget trips, I am thrilled to know that more people are once againchoosing to make travel a priority. It gives couples, families, and individuals anopportunity to connect in exciting new ways, creates amazing memories, andgives people new perspectives on many aspects of life. College studentsstudying abroad has become almost standard (where it was a rarity in my gen-eration), and I think it has greatly impacted the desire to experience newplaces and launches people into a lifetime of wanting more. A great contagiousaffliction! It makes the world smaller, more intriguing, and something you cancall your own. � �

Curtis Jones

MAR 2013see thecurrentplus.com for more music • out & about • community • music • food • garden • business • health & wellness • life 29

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Gypsy Project thrill local crowds withtheir energy and world-class skill. Acouple of weeks after seeing himperform at Ragamuffin, I was luckyenough to share a cup of Land of aThousand Hills coffee with him tolearn more about his Georgia rootsand The Mountain Gypsy Project.

Jones has all of the trappings of anartist—long hair, leather jacket, coolhat, and cool glasses. Yet, he’s about ashumble and friendly a guy as onecould hope for. And, his passion formusic and art is effusive andcontagious when he talks. A Mabletonnative, Jones laid hands on his firstguitar at age 11 and hasn’t looked backsince. His first big break was touringwith a theater group putting on“Cotton Patch Gospel.” Reminiscingon his first live gigs, Jonesremembered, “I was so nervous, Ialmost fainted.” That said, he got com-fortable with the stage from there onout pretty darn quickly. Jones traveledin Europe and one of his more forma-tive musical experiences was a trip hetook to Spain when he was introducedto flamenco music. The trip turnedinto a sort of musical study abroad,with Jones sharing his bluegrassroots—and his newly-made Spanishfriends sharing flamenco—two genresJones utilizes heavily.

Jones’ next formative musicalencounter occurred in Nashville just afew years later when he heard MartinNorgaard playing the violin and thefiddle. “It was love at first listen,”recalled Jones. He knew immediatelythat Martin approached his

instrument and music with bothcreativity and soul. Martin Norgaard,a Roswell resident by way of Denmark,New York and Nashville, is a virtuosoon the violin and fiddle. In addition toplaying locally, Martin is an assistantprofessor of Music Education atGeorgia State University. Martin andJones, finding that they were kindredmusical souls, decided that theyshould play together, and that theydid. The Mountain Gypsy Project,started by the two, came together fullyin the spring of last year with the addi-tion of base player Joseph PatrickMoore, Mark Letalien on drums and,when venue allows, Pete Orenstein onpiano. Their music can only bedescribed as a mixture of bluegrass,jazz and flamenco that creates a genreunto itself.

The Mountain Gypsy Project’sdebut album is set to release this May,bringing together traditionalbluegrass as well as acoustic fusionoriginals. “Bluegrass fans and jazz andflamenco fans alike will love thisalbum,” said Jones. The band will alsobe playing at the upcoming Bear onthe Square festival(www.bearonthesquare.org) inDahlonega on April 20 and 21, just ashort 60 minute drive from home. I’vegot it on my calendar—how aboutyou—will I see you there? ��

Stacy Shade authorsGeorgiaandBeyond.com and can bereached at [email protected] oron Twitter @StacyShade.

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EXPERIENCE, GUIDENCE, CARING

678-461-7990700 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy. Suite 140 • Roswell, GA 30076

f i n d u s a t w w w . d p c o v e r s y o u . c o m

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710 Holcomb Bridge Rd.Roswell, GA 30076cityantiquesatlanta.com

Monday thru Saturday 10-6 & Sunday 1-5

Partnered with The Drake House, accepting fine consignments for donation.

Incredible ValueIncredible Beauty

Incredible Things

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City Antiques real ly has it al l !

By Phylis Simoni

Spring is already here and I have acouple of great events to tell you about.

First is an unbelievable yard saleheld at St. Ann’s Catholic Church onRoswell Road (Hwy. 120) right on theCobb/Fulton County line. This yardsale is more than your typical yardsale. The first tipoff is that it’s notexactly in a yard and secondly this

event is in it’sthird decade—the 33rd annualto be exact.

As you canimage they willhave plenty onoffer; seasonalgoods, officeproducts, flatscreen TV’s,computers,

furniture, household items and somuch more. The event is on March 14and 15 from 9am to 2pm. If you wishto make a donation they can beaccepted on March 10th and 11th. Thechurch is located at 4905 RoswellRoad at the corner of Bishop LakeRoad and Roswell Road. Foradditional information call 770-552-6400 ext. 6116.

To keep the spring momentumgoing, on that same weekend the CobbCounty 4-H is holding their AnnualPlant Sale on Saturday March 16th.This year they are offering a wideselection of berries as well as Figs,Muscadine, Admiral Semmes Azaleas,Crape Myrtles, Edgeworthia,Heuchera, Forsythia, Viburnum, andLoropetalum.

The event is located at Jim MillerPark, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta,Ga., 30008, from 9am to 3pm.

Additionally there is a free seminaron growing and caring for blueberries,blackberries, raspberries andmuscadines from 6:30pm to 8pm onMarch 4 at the Cobb Water Lablocated at 662 South Cobb Drive inMarietta. For more information visitcobbextension.com or call 770-528-4070.�

Would you like to have your eventhighlighted? Send your information [email protected], or to meat [email protected]. �Phylis Simoni lives in East Cobb

and is a Realtor with Keller WilliamsRealty, Cityside. You can reach her at404-456-2683 or [email protected] orvisit her website www.psimoni.com.

Spring Is Upon Us

East Cobb BeatPHYLIS SIMONI

BELLY’S PIZZA770-594-8118 at 550 West Crossville Road Roswell GA 30075 Family owned and operated since 2007. Serving a variety of dishes includingsalads, deli sandwiches as well as Roswell’s best pizza. Live music, great food,good times. page 27

KARACHI BROAST AND GRILL 770-643-9553 at 10971 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075American, Italian, Mediterranean and Pakistani. Everything made to order;Kabobs, Burgers, Broasted Chicken, Pizza, Pastas and much more. Monday thru Wednesday, kids eat free. page 29

BRICKHOUSE PIZZA, PASTA &DELI 770-587-4474 at 580 East Crossville Road, Roswell, Georgia, 30075We offer great pizza and Italian dishes and we offer catering services. We also have our own deli. There are daily specials on our menu. page 26

KEEGAN’S IRISH PUB 770-640-1100 at 4401 Shallowford Rd NE, Roswell, GA 30075Keegan’s Irish Pub-East Cobb has a wide selection of draft & bottled beers, wine.and spirits. Enjoy Authentic Irish food in an Old World atmosphere. Non-smoking,family friendly, kids menu, live entertainment and patio dining. Join us every Sunday for Brunch 11am-3pm. page 28

PETER’S ITALIAN BISTRO 770-299-1591 at 690 Holcomb Bridge Rd., #200, Roswell GA 30076Offering the best in relaxed bistro dining, with a wide variety of your family’sfavorites. Wide array of delicious appetizers fresh salads, wraps, sandwiches,burgers, traditional Italian entrees, kids items and succulent desserts. page 26

Restaurant Guide$avings Index

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Think of us as family...close family. We want your pain to go away, so you can get back to living life to the fullest. That’s why our Pain and Spine Center identifies the source of your chronic back pain and then takes a comprehensive approach to alleviating your discomfort. When surgery is necessary, our board certified pain management physicians work together with our orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons to provide the treatment plan that is right for you. That’s how it is with family. We take care of our own.

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The Current Mar. 2013

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