neighborhood news - St. Ives Country Club HOA

Transcription

neighborhood news - St. Ives Country Club HOA
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
The St Ives Community
Monthly News Magazine
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 11 | FEBRUARY 2013
For all your
skin care needs
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Gabrielle M. Sabini, M.D.
Charles J. Douchy, M.D.
Matthew J. Reschly, M.D.
A. Damian Dhar, M.D.
Anjana M. Patel, PA-C
Sara A. Barr, PA-C
Tracy Friedman, PA-C
Stacey Olivier, PA-C
Scarlett Melton, PA-C
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North Atlanta
DERMATOLOGY
Adult & Pediatric Dermatology
www.northatlantaderm.com
WE WELCOME
Scarlett Melton, PA-C
to our practice.
770.814.8222
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Features
4 | Letter From the Editor
5 | From the President
6 | External Affairs Update
6 | HOA Board Members
7 | Covenant Corner
8 | Stay Safe Guidelines
9 | Locate the Logo Contest
9 | Puzzle Solutions
10 | Around Town
12 | Charity Guild News
14 | Local Talent
15 | My Book Review
16 | Fun & Games
18 | Food Trends & Recipes
19 | Restaurant Review
20 | Health & Beauty
20 | Design Matters
21 | Gardening & Landscape
22 | Real Estate Update
23 | Valentine Cards American Style
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
MAGAZINE
Happy
Valentine’s
Day
February Contributors
Linda Caminiti
Roz Grady & Darlene Hamrock
North Atlanta Dermatology
Katy Purwin & Christine Roberts
Walden Security
Bruce Wells
Suzanne Willet
Rhonda Ziegler
My Book Review
Real Estate Update
Health & Beauty
Food Trends & Recipes
Stay Safe Guidelines
Gardening & Landscape
Design Matters
Restaurant Review
Layout/Design: Think Tank Communications
Printing: LDI
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
3
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
The St Ives Newsletter is looking for a person or persons to help with ad sales. We will offer a sales
commission for ads sold. Please email or call me if you’re interested or know someone who might be a
good candidate.
This month Covenants Corner article is about the Chattahoochee River Corridor. To help you understand
how the Chattahoochee Corridor affects St Ives, you’ll find a St Ives community map inserted into the
newsletter this month with the Corridor marked.
Have a nice Valentines Day and a great month.
Bill Shirk
Editor
stivesnewsmagazine@aol.com
Ad Sales
Help Wanted
We’re looking for someone who can help us with
ad sales for the St Ives News Magazine.
Compensation for all ads sold.
For more information please email: stivesnewsmagazine@aol.com
or call Bill Shirk at 678.473.9055
4
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
LETTER FROM
THE PRESIDENT
As we move into the month of February there is building
activity in the Kilarney section of our neighborhood.
Freeman Capital Group’s builder Tranton Homes is proceeding
with the building of three approved homes. You may have noticed the building
that was being used by the previous developer as an office has been removed.
We are pleased with the relationship we have established with this group and
look forward to seeing this section built out.
In the newsletter we have enclosed a large map of our community. I have been
asked several times if the HOA could provide a map large enough that could
easily be read. Hopefully this will provide everyone a map that can be set aside
and referred to as needed. One may want to look at it and determine if you are
in the River Corridor. There is an article in this month’s newsletter discussing the
River Corridor.
The HOA Board has been meeting and reviewing our 2013 capital needs. We will
be deciding our road and other infrastructure needs going forward. As we make
our decisions we will keep the community informed with our newsletter.
We have ended the football season with the exception of the Super Bowl which
will have the 49ERS facing the Ravens. Unfortunately, the Falcons came up a
little short but still had a good season. Now we can enjoy other sports that
you like. If it’s not too cold there is golf and tennis that I know many of you
participate in playing. Enjoy the winter and lets all look forward to spring.
Happy Valentine Everyone!
Merv Brown
President, HOA Board of Directors
mervtbrown@bellsouth.net
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
5
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
INFO ALERT: JCCA VS. JCHA
We have received a number of queries recently about fliers
from the Johns Creek Homeowners Association (JCHA). . .
This organization is not the same as Johns Creek Community
Association (JCCA). Other than a common interest in the
zoning process of the City of Johns Creek these two organizations have a very different focus and a point-of-view.
The JCCA Zoning Committee exists to aid and assist their
member neighborhoods to understand and navigate the
zoning process and to keep them informed about what might
be of interest to them in the City.
While we cannot speak to JCHA’s purpose, I do know these
flyers were mailed after a rezoning request was denied by the
City and I believe it is organized by that unhappy applicant.
The JCCA is an association of member Homeowners
Associations and Condo Associations in, and adjacent to, the
City of Johns Creek. St Ives Country
Club HOA is a member of JCCA. They
are dedicated to protecting the
quality of life and enhancing the
home values in Johns Creek.
I know because I am on the Board of JCCA.
For any questions or additional information . . .
Ash Thourani
External Affairs
Ash.Thourani@gmail.com
678.357.2325
ST IVES HOA BOARD
2012 ADMINISTRATORS
Merv Brown President
mervtbrown@bellsouth.net
770.476.7657
Ash Thourani External Affairs
Ash.Thourani@gmail.com
678.395.3122
Ray Evans VP/Architectural Standards John Remiszewski Treasurer
johnremis@yahoo.com
678.878.9618
770.813.9743
John Buckett Infrastructure
johnbuckett@comcast.net
770.497.8284
Bill White Security
wtw@clearstar.net
678.910.9460
6
Bill Shirk Communications
bill@thinktankcomm.com
Newsletter e-mail:
stivesnewsmagazine@aol.com
678.473.9055
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Jan Pittman Property Manager
stivescc@aol.com
Jane Schaive Assistant Property Manager
dschaive@aol.com
770.497.0482 • Fax: 770.497.4947
SECURITY
Security Office
Front Guard Gatehouse: 770.497.8292
Front Guard Gatehouse Fax: 770.497.8570
Back Guard Gatehouse: 770.476.8596
Mario Barjon Security Manager
lbarjonn@aol.com
COVENANT CORNER
ST IVES AND THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER CORRIDOR ACT
The following information is addressed primarily to those
residents who live within 2000 feet from the center line of
the Chattahoochee River. Please refer to the foldout map
located in your 2012 St Ives Directory or to larger maps
that will soon be delivered to each St Ives’ home.
The Chattahoochee Corridor Plan was presented to the State
of Georgia in 1972 and later became the Atlanta Regional
Commission’s (ARC) Metropolitan River Protection Act, having
several amendments last dated April 23, 2003. Fulton County
was supposedly enforcing this Act until the City of Johns
Creek took this enforcement over in 2007.
Before construction of any home had begun within St Ives,
there were square footage limits assigned to each lot regarding impervious and clearing areas. These limits were not
enforced by Fulton County and Certificates of Occupancy were
issued to builders and homeowners which contained violations to the Act.
Therefore, do not be surprised when you are informed that
your home or lot is in violation of the Act since most builders,
lenders, attorneys and realtors were, and still remain, unaware
of the rules and regulations of the Act.
The Metropolitan River Protection Act states that no land
(prior to any development) is to be disturbed of its existing vegetation beyond the limits as permitted for each lot
and any impervious surfaces shall not exceed their allowable
areas. Impervious surface is any paved, hardened or
structural surface regardless of material and includes
buildings, driveways, decks, patios, pools, etc.
The ASC has been
instructed by the City
of Johns Creek to direct
any homeowner planning
additions or alterations
to either their home
exterior or lot in anyway
to first apply to the City
of Johns Creek if they
are located within the River Corridor. The City goes as far as
to have each homeowner request even the removal of a dead
tree located on their lot.
The contact person at the City of Johns Creek is Seth
Yurman, Land Development Manager 678.512.3284, e-mail:
Seth.Yurman@johnscreekga.gov.
If a homeowner has exceeded the allowable clearing and/or
impervious areas of their lot then additional land areas may
be purchased from the original developer of St Ives or from
another homeowner who has a lot that does not exceed the
square footage limits.
The developer’s agent for additional land purchase credit is
Josie Baker and may be contacted at 770.963.5313 or e-mail:
redtapejosie@hotmail.com.
Ray Evans
ASC Committee
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
7
STAY SAFE GUIDELINES
WORKPLACE VIOLENCE: WARNING SIGNS AND PREVENTION
Each year there are approximately 2 million reports of workplace violence. Of the 4,547 fatal workplace injuries that
occurred in the U.S. in 2012, 506 were workplace homicides. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
• 43% of workplace violence cases are caused by current employees
• Most workplace violence cases are preventable
• Workplace violence is usually planned
• The perpetrator targets a specific individual or individuals
• Factors build up overtime
Workplace violence can happen anywhere and at any time. Perpetrators are
known to target co-workers, former employees, clients and vendors, as well as
others who may know the intended victims.
Workers most susceptible to a workplace violence encounter are those who exchange money with the public, work alone or
in isolated areas, work late at night, work in areas with high crime rates, work in
hospitals or health care facilities, or work in security or law enforcement.
LOOK OUT FOR THREATENING BEHAVIORS
Warning signs often precede workplace violence; however, because not everyone who exhibits troubling behaviors will
commit a violent act, there is no litmus test to predict who will commit workplace violence or when it will occur.
Rather than focus on the person, learn to recognize threatening behaviors that can indicate potential violent activity,
including:
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Sudden disregard for personal hygiene
• Decreased productivity
• Talk of suicide
• Uncharacteristic problems with tardiness or attendance • Actual threats or veiled threats
• Withdrawal from friends
• Inappropriate statements about weapons, violent
incidents in the news and/or an existing or developing
• Theft or sabotage of employer or co-worker property
fascination with weapons
• Sudden irritation, snapping at or abusing co-workers
Remember to take all threats seriously and report them promptly to the appropriate authority.
Walden Security
Your St Ives Security Team
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ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
LOCATE THE
LOGO CONTEST
In each issue, the St Ives logo crest will be hidden
somewhere in the newsletter (It’s not the cover logo).
The first person who contacts the editor with the
correct location of the logo for that month will
receive a St Ives license plate.
Good Luck! Please contact:
stivesnewsmagazine@aol.com
Our January winner, Jo Anne
Coleman, was the first person to
email us that she’d spotted the
logo on page 7 atop “Sandman’s” Santa hat.
Congrats, Jo Anne – our first winner of 2013!
And many thanks to all of the other readers
who replied.
Keep playing – you just might be our next winner!
FUN&GAMES
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Word Search
Sudoku
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ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
9
AROUND TOWN
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Johns Creek Business Occupation
Tax Certificates Due March 31
Grow Your Own This Year at the
Newtown Community Garden
Businesses in the City of Johns Creek have until March 31,
2013, to renew their business occupation tax certificates
by submitting a business occupation tax return with full
payment of all fees and taxes due. The City mailed renewal
applications the last week in December.
Failure to receive a renewal application does
not relieve a business of its responsibility
to pay its business occupation tax by the
deadline. Late payments are subject to a 10
percent penalty and interest of 1.5 percent
a month. Business occupation tax certificates, commonly
called business licenses, will be considered on time if they are
postmarked by March 31.
As part of the City’s “Choose to Use Johns Creek” campaign,
the Revenue Division business directory can include website
information. When business owners submit their business
occupation tax return application, they can also provide their
business website address, which will help citizens find and
learn more about our local businesses.
For more information, visit the website’s section on
Business Occupation Tax Certificates or contact the
Revenue Division at 678.512.3200.
Open to any Johns Creek
resident interested in
planting and maintaining a
small garden plot,
Newtown Community
Garden features 41 raised
beds for planting flowers,
vegetables and herbs.
The garden space includes 35, 8’ x 4’ raised beds (12”
high); 4, 8’ x 4’ 3-foot tall planting tables (intended for
older gardeners and require less stooping) and 2, 4’ x 4’
wheelchair-accessible raised beds
Applications for garden plots are accepted from February
15th - March 15th each year.
Individuals or groups may sign up. You must be a member
of the Johns Creek Garden Association and agree to abide
by the garden rules to apply for a plot.
The application fee for a plot
is $60 ($25 for seniors over 65)
and the fee to join the association is $10.
Each participating gardener
provides seeds or plants
for their plot. The City of Johns
Creek pays for the water usage.
Located within Johns Creek’s
Newtown Park (near the north
entrance), the Newtown Community Garden is open year round,
starting with spring planting in
April, from dawn until dusk.
Begun as a community service
project by members of the 2010 Class of Leadership
Johns Creek, the garden was featured that year during the
annual conference of the American Community Garden
Association.
Newtown Community Garden
3150 Old Alabama Road
(directly across the street from Fire Station #63)
For more information and application please visit the
Johns Creek Garden Association website:
https://sites.google.com/site/johnscreekgardenassociation/
or email: JohnsCreekGardenA@gmail.com
Fleet Feet Sports Offers
5K Training Program
FREE Informational Meeting
Wednesday, February 6th • 6 PM
Fleet Feet Sports • 9700 Medlock Bridge Road
(Regal Theater shopping center)
Don’t settle for just a “fun run”
when you can join a coached,
non-intimidating & fun Fleet Feet
Training Program.
Beginner & advanced 5K training programs are starting up
again on February 6th. Program cost is $100.
Once you register, you will meet at the Alpharetta
Greenway (Kimball Bridge Road/Rock Mill Park location)
every Monday & Wednesday at 6 pm for group runs.
Every other day of the week you are given a program to
follow to hold you accountable & ready to reach your 5K
race goal in just 10 weeks.
To sign up visit
www.fleetfeetjohnscreek.com/training
10
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
AROUND TOWN
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
3 Easy Ways to Register for
Programs at Park Place
If you were not on team for the 2012 season and want to
receive team emails starting February 19, please send an
email to: Lori Salkin @ lm3219@yahoo.com
Look for more details in the March newsletter and LIKE us
on Facebook St Ives Stingrays Swimteam.
Thanks from The Stingray Swim Team Committee –
Lori Salkin, Eileen Stigers, Tiffany Godfrey, Jennifer
Sobocinski, Amy Baer, Debi Sapp, Tammie Tigner, Connie
Dunmire, Corinne Allgaier, and Misti Howie.
From yoga and art classes to bridge and book discussions,
Park Place, Johns Creek’s active adult center, offers a
variety of fun, helpful, and interesting activities in its
ongoing programming. Park Place programs and activities
are designed for Johns Creek residents aged 62 and older.
Here are 3 easy ways to register for programs:
Check out the monthly program schedule online:
www.johnscreekga.gov/community/parkplace.aspx
At least one week before the program/activity starts,
complete a registration form and submit it, along with any
required fee, one of these ways:
#1 Register in person, Monday to Thursday,
9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, or Friday until noon.
#2 Mail your registration form and check
(payable to the instructor) to: Park Place at Newtown
School, 3125 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022
#3 If the center is closed or you simply don’t want to
get out of your car, drop your form and check (no
cash, please) in the locked drop box, located in the
circle drive in front of Park Place.
Show Your Support for Officer
Jimmy Marshall & the JCPD as they
Raise Money for Special Olympics
Georgia at Polar Plunge 2013!
St Ives Swim Team 2013 Registration
On Saturday, February 16 at 2
PM Officer Jimmy Marshall and the
Johns Creek Police Department will
be “freezin’ for a reason” and they
are asking for your support!
They are participating in this year’s
4th annual “Polar Plunge”
fundraiser held at Lake
Lanier to benefit Special
Olympics Georgia and
the more than 24,470
athletes with intellectual
disabilities.
For more info please visit www.PolarPlungeGA.com
To donate, visit Jimmy’s page today!
www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jimmymarshall/polarplunge-2013
The Swim Team Committee is excited to start the
registration process for the 2013 season.
In-person registration will kick off at the St Ives Country
Club clubhouse on Wednesday, March 13 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
The second in-person registration will be on Wednesday,
April 17 from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm.
After school practices will start on April 29, Monday
through Friday with the exception of club sponsored
events that the pool is not available for swim practices.
Our first meet will be Thursday, May 30.
All specific details such as practice times by age, morning
practice times, interviews for Junior Coaches, and swim
clinics will go out February 19, 2013.
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
11
CG NEWS
CHARITY GUILD OF ST IVES UPDATE
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A FUN & WORTHWHILE PROJECT:
‘LOTS
OF
LOVE’
BAGS
FOR WELLSPRING LIVING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH • 10 AM
On Tuesday, February 12th, we’ll be putting together “Lots of Love” Bags for
the women and girls in Wellspring Living programs.
Wellspring Living is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization focused on
the recovery and restoration of victims of sexual exploitation and
childhood sexual abuse. Through therapy, education, life skills and
spiritual renewal, the Wellspring programs give participants recovery tools
for the body, soul and spirit.
39 “Lots of Love” bags are needed. Items to bring with you to fill each bag:
• Movie Gift Certificates • Travel Coffee Mugs • Chocolate • $5 Starbucks gift cards
• Socks or Slippers • Mini Scented Lotions and/or alcohol-free Hand Sanitizers
• Lip Glosses/Lip Balms • Blank Note Cards or Stationery • Playing Cards
• Other card games (Monopoly Deal, Uno, etc.)
For more information, please contact Claudette Clapper
770.696.1164 or c_clapper@comcast.net
After the project is completed, all are welcome to stay for a soup & salad
luncheon buffet by signature or credit card.
See you at 10 AM on the 12th, St Ives Country Club Ballroom!
SAVE THE DATE!:
MONDAY, APRIL 22ND:
2013 WELLSPRING LIVING
GOLF
CLASSIC
ST IVES COUNTRY CLUB • 12 PM SHOTGUN
Get your foursome together for an afternoon of golf, prizes and
a lot of fun to benefit Wellspring Living!
Open to men & women. To register and for more details visit:
https://wellspringliving.org/events/2013-golf-classic
12
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
CG NEWS
CHARITY GUILD OF ST IVES UPDATE
TUESDAY, MARCH 12th • 10 AM
EASTER BASKETS for STAR HOUSE CHILDREN
At our M
March meeting, we’ll once again be assembling Easter baskets for the
childr
drren
en who attend STAR House programs at Mimosa Elementary and Esther Jackson
children
Elem
men
nt schools in Roswell.
Elementary
eed enough items for 120 Easter baskets!
ee
Wee n
need
ITEMS FOR BOYS & GIRLS
ITEM
EASTE
EASTER BASKETS:
• Baskets • Easter Grass • Crayons or Markers
• Coloring Books • Small Games or Puzzles
• Card GGames, such as UNO • Pencils and Note pads
• Sma
Small Stuffed Animals/Bunnies
• Small Toys or Craft Kits • Healthy Snacks •Plastic Eggs
No Chocolate or Nuts, please.
For more info, please contact Lori Baum 678.641.2849 or
Mary Dunker 770.664.8999
A MESSAGE FROM CGSI PRESIDENT, JOANIE FRAME:
Claudette Clapper, the Charity Guild VP of Projects, will be leaving us next month.
Her husband, Craig, has been working with Ericsson, a mobile
networking and telecommunication company headquartered
in Sweden and he has been asked to join the company
there. Claudette and their son, Ryan, will be moving
to Stockholm next month to join him.
Claudette will be terribly missed by all of us. She
has done an amazing job as head of projects and
has been an
incredible asset to the board.
We hope that when The Clappers return to the States,
she will be joining us once again.
So to Claudette, on behalf of all the CG members,
“Vi önskar dig det bästa.”(We wish you the very best).
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
13
LOCAL TALENT
JOHNS CREEK ARTS, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY
Johns Creek Arts Center News:
Spring Registration
Begins February 25th
The holiday season has passed, so
make a time for yourself and take
advantage of the fun and cultural
enrichment opportunities at the Johns
Creek Arts Center.
Registration for spring classes for both
children and adults begins Feb. 25.
Classes begin the week of March 18.
Whether your interest is visual arts,
ceramics, photography, mosaics, or
jewelry making, JCAC has a wide variety of classes from which to choose.
The center also offers several artist
workshops including collage painting
and an experimental painter’s studio
workshop, which is perfect to try a
new medium or technique.
Several new youth classes are scheduled this spring, including
Polymer Clay Creations for budding sculptors
and Stop Motion Characters for youth interested in animation and film.
3rd Annual“Art in Bloom” Gala
Thursday, March 21st • 7 PM - 10 PM
Gallery Events, 10700 State Bridge Rd
Help JCAC usher in spring by attending the third annual
Art in Bloom gala, an elegant, fun-filled cocktail reception
fundraiser for the center. This year’s event will feature
selected artworks interpreted in floral arrangements by
premier florists, heavy hors d’oeurves, cash bar, silent auction
and prize drawing for “Best of Johns Creek” unique piece of
artwork. Black tie optional.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at the Johns Creek Arts
Center or on the website: www.johnscreekarts.org
Youth Spring & Summer Camps
Stay tuned for more information about the “Beach Party”
spring break camp, April 1-5.and upcoming “Art Rocks”
summer camps Registration for summer camps will begin in
early March.
Be sure to stop by the center to view the annual Georgia
Watercolor Society exhibition, on display through March 4.
For more information on classes and events, visit
www.johnscreekarts.org or phone 770.623.8448.
14
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
JCSO “Baroque & Classical Favorites!”
Program to feature Young People’s
Performance of Vivaldi
Saturday, February 16th • 8 PM
The Theater at Johns Creek HS, 5575 State Bridge Rd
This exceptional night of music
features selections from Mozart
and C.P.E. Bach performed by
our outstanding musicians
under the direction of Maestro J. Wayne Baughman and
spotlights a Young People’s Performance by the violin
students of NATE – North Atlanta Talent Education Music
Academy. These extremely talented young musicians will
be performing the Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor, conducted
by Maestro Baughman and accompanied by the JCSO!
This is the first time the JCSO has invited young students
to perform as guest soloists and is delighted at the
opportunity to feature these aspiring musicians in a
professional setting. The night features repertoire from
the baroque period of music written by composers some
who, in their youth, proved to be musical masters. How
fitting to feature a performance of those who just might
aspire to be the same.
One other aspect of this special evening is the JCSO’s
recognition of North Fulton and Johns Creek civic and
government leaders who have embraced the arts. Their
support of local arts entities contributes to the quality of
life in our communities.
Tickets can be purchased at
www.johnscreeksymphony.org
$30/Adults
$23.50/Seniors (55+)
$16.50/Students
Why not purchase tickets, couple
it with dinner before the concert
and you have the perfect date night
to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Do you have young children? Do you know
some young students? Why not bring them to see some of
their peers perform live, on stage, and with a professional
symphony orchestra as their accompanists!
For additional information, please email
info@johnscreeksymphony.org or call 678.748.5802.
Group rates are available, all credit cards are accepted.
MY BOOK REVIEW
TWO BOOK REVIEWS: ROUTE 66 STILL KICKS AND THE LIFEBOAT: A NOVEL
I at first thought I’d write this as a book
review aimed at men and then another
one at women. And then I asked myself, “ why?” I thoroughly enjoyed the
“man’s” book, Route 66 Still Kicks by Rick
Antonson. I don’t believe The Lifeboat by
Charlotte Rogan is chick lit. Far from it.
So here goes, two book reviews.
Let’s start with Route
66 Still Kicks. The
reason I loved it was
because I love
trivial history about
America. And Route
gives you plenty
of that. Let me set
the map for you.
Rick talks one of his
buddies, Peter, into
taking a drive along
as much of the now
defunct Route 66 that they can find. He
wants to rent a convertible and travel
down memory lane. The road begins in
Chicago and ends in LA. Of course the
book is riddled with references to how
Nat King Cole came upon the song named
after the road as well as tales about the
TV show. But I’m jumping ahead. I looked
on Amazon and when I typed in Route 66
in books, 3,551 references were made
regarding Route 66. 3,551. Now that
means somebody is interested. Once Rick
and Peter get underway, it’s like opening an American history book. We learn
that FDR used Al Capone’s car to make
his speech regarding Pearl Harbor. Why?
While Capone was in the slammer, it
was the only armored vehicle the secret
service could find on short notice. We
learn all about how the hotel industry
started with the Harvey Houses and how
hotels sprung up along the continental
railroad. We learn that much of the Route
is along old cattle trails as well as parts
of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. As they
visit Oklahoma, Antonson talks about the
wonderful humor of Will Rogers and his
tragic death and about the scouting and
hiring of Mickey Mantle by the New York
Yankees. He tells the tale of a notorious
double murder in Oklahoma that still permeates the psyche of the town of Depew.
So as they follow Route 66, we get a
great history lesson.
Rick and Peter soon become like an old
married couple. They bicker; they fuss;
they get on each others nerves; they
argue about directions because
neither wants to use the same map.
Taking the “old” parts of the Route
gets them stuck in red mud, which
has further perilous ramifications,
almost get swept away by a flood
and, of course, the possibility of
running out of gas in the middle of
nowhere. As you would expect, they
have their Lucy and Ricky moments
of seeing sign after sign that promises great food and a great bed only
to find, after driving many miles, to
find the place shuttered. They do meet
some indelible characters
and eat some really awesome food. They did get
their kicks on Route 66 . . .
The Lifeboat by Charlotte
Logan is told in the first
person by a very unreliable
narrator. Grace Winter and
her very wealthy husband
are aboard a luxury liner
5 years after the sinking
of the Titanic. As with the
Titanic, their vessel also
sinks. As with the Titanic, the majority
of the survivors were women. Grace finds
herself in a lifeboat designed to hold 30
but says it will hold 40 and there are 40.
It seems the owner of the ship line is
unscrupulous. What’s interesting about
this book is that it’s not your usual sea
survival story about men and how they
handle the situation. This is a story about
a power struggle between the women and
the lone ship’s mate who may or may not
have taken a gift from Grace’s husband to
get her into the life boat and who may or
may not have the boat’s occupants best
interests at heart. The majority of the
story is taken up with the daily suffering one endures when trapped at sea
in a too small boat with very little food
and water. As Stephen Crane wrote in
The Open Boat: “A singular disadvantage of the open sea lies in the fact
that after successfully surmounting one
wave you discover that there is another
behind it just as important.” As we can
guess, the women are confronted with
special needs that are different than
that of the men’s. As Grace says, all the
men have to do to do their business
is open their fly and urinate over the
side. Women have a whole set of other
issues. There are 4 antagonists in this
novel: Mr. Hardie, Hannah, a strong
willed and seemingly gay (I honestly
don’t know why this is hinted at. It
served no purpose.) albeit married
woman, and Mrs. Grant, who is very
sympathetic to everyone but turns out
to have a will of steel. Of
course the inevitable time
comes when the ship is
taking on water and the
question arises, should
someone voluntarily jump
over the side and drown for
the good of the remaining?
This is the moral dilemma of
the book. And what makes
it even more morally questionable is . . . can we trust
what Grace says after they
are saved? Because once they arrive
back in Boston, Grace, Hannah and Mrs.
Grant are put on trial for murder. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. Having read
enough nonfiction sea survival books as
well as the big daddy, Life of Pi, I know
enough about what they would go
through while in the boat. But throw in
the unreliability of Grace and you’ve got
an interesting story.
Linda Caminiti
ironcheflinda@gmail.com
Check out my blog at
satisfyingmycuriousity.blogspot.com
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
15
FUN&GAMES
SUDOKU, ETC.
3
6
6
8
1
8
5
4
Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and
each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.
By using logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.
If you really get stuck, use the solution on page 9.
2
2
3
8
3
7
9
1
2
7
8
1
8
9
7
5
2
6
6
8
4
9
UNIQUE DAYS IN FEBRUARY
1st: National Freedom Day
2nd: Groundhog Day
3rd: The Day the Music Died - Buddy Holly, Richie Valens
and The Big Bopper died in a plane crash in 1959
5th: National Weatherman’s Day
7th: Wave ALL Your Fingers at Your Neighbors Day
8th: Boy Scout Day - celebrates the birth of scouting
9th: Toothache Day
11th: Make a Friend Day
13th: Get a Different Name Day
14th: Valentine’s Day and National Organ Donor Day
15th: Singles Awareness Day
16th: Do a Grouch a Favor Day - and cheer them up!
19th: National Chocolate Mint Day
21st: Card Reading Day
23rd: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
26th: Tell a Fairy Tale Day
27th: No Brainer Day - this day is for me!
28th: National Tooth Fairy Day
16
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
More Funny Valentines
Q: What is a ram’s favorite song?
A: I only have eyes for ewe, Dear
Q: What is the difference between a girl who is sick of
her boyfriend and a sailor who falls into the ocean?
A: One is bored over a man,
the other is a man overboard.
Q: If your aunt ran off to get married,
what would you call her?
A: Antelope.
Q: What did the light bulb say to the switch?
A: You turn me on.
Q: Did Adam and Eve ever have a date?
A: No, but they had an apple.
Q: What did the boy octopus say to the girl octopus?
A: I wanna hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand,
hand, hand, hand!
Q: What did the valentine card say to the stamp?
A: Stick with me and we’ll go places!
Q: What did the boy owl say to the girl owl
on Valentine’s Day?
A: Owl be yours!
Q: What did the paper clip say to the magnet?
A: I find you very attractive.
Q: What did the bat say to his girlfriend?
A: You’re fun to hang around with.
Q: What did one light bulb say to the other?
A: I love you a whole watt!
Q: Did you hear about the nearsighted porcupine?
A: He fell in love with a pin cushion!
Q: What did the pencil say to the paper?
A: I dot my i’s on you!
Q: Do skunks
celebrate
Valentine’s Day?
A: Sure, they’re very
scent-imental!
FUN&GAMES
WORDSEARCH
Solution on page 9
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
17
FOOD TRENDS & RECIPES
SWEET TREATS FOR KIDS
February can only mean that love is in the air! Valentine’s
Day is a holiday beloved by adults and children alike and,
with a bit of creativity, parents can make this day extra special for children whether at home or in the classroom with
these fun ideas:
♥ Ice cream cones lend a unique twist to traditional
cupcakes that kids will love to make as much as eat. Bake
prepared cake batter in flat bottomed ice cream cones in
lieu of paper liners and frost when cool. Not only are these
treats adorable, they are easy and low mess to eat!
♥ Children love desserts that are their size! Utilize tall or
standard sized shot glasses to layer cake, icing, whipped
cream, yogurt, sprinkles or other treats to create mini,
customized desserts. Served with miniature spoons, these
tiny treats will be a hit and help manage sugar intake.
♥ Helium balloons are easily transformed into floating
ice cream cones when a craft paper “cone” is affixed to the
bottom, making a sweet decoration-turned-party favor.
♥ Heart-shaped cookie cutters can turn any meal into
an edible valentine. Sandwich bread, cheese slices, apple
slices, and even pepperoni rounds all get a fun holiday
makeover when stamped out in heart shapes.
♥ Ordinary chocolate bars transform into charming
valentines perfect for special teachers when overwrapped
with scrapbook paper or decorated craft paper and tied
with a bow. Trader Joe’s has a large selection of chocolate
bars in various varieties and sizes including jumbo
“pound plus” bars!
18
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
♥ As an alternative to sweets, a Valentine’s Day craft
activity can make for a special school party. Have children
paint mini flowerpots that they can gift to parents or set
up a t-shirt decorating station. Of course, making paper
valentines is also a classic and fun way to celebrate the
holiday. Consider scheduling a field trip to drop off extra
valentines at the local retirement home or fire station to
help spread the love within the community.
Katy Purwin and Christine Roberts
Owners of Squash Blossom Kitchens, an Atlanta-based
boutique caterer specializing in corporate and in-home
events. Learn more about their sweet offerings at
www.squashblossomkitchens.com.
RESTAURANT REVIEW
MARLOW’S TAVERN
Marlow’s Tavern features the “Best of the Best” in American
Tavern fare in a modern atmosphere. It is a “scratch” kitchen
where everything is hand made with only using the freshest
of ingredients. Their concept is to provide classic dishes that
have an updated twist and elevate them to the gourmet level.
Chef John Metz wanted to create an approachable neighborhood spot which allow the guests to enjoy great tasting food
in a casual warm environment. The neighborhood feel is also
accomplished by the spacious patios that are open year round
with heaters in the winter and cooling fans in the summer for
outdoor dining enjoyment whenever you like!
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The Shrimp & Crab “Nacho” Plate is their signature appetizer.
They start with a homemade tortilla and top it with an abundance of rock shrimp, crab, pepper jack cheese, and fresh
jalapeno. The melted cheese brings all the flavors together and
the fresh jalapenos deliver just a little heat.
Marlow’s Famous Humus was my friend’s favorite dish. The
grilled toasted pita points definitely tasted fresh and their
homemade humus had a smooth creamy texture. It was topped
with marinated feta cheese and a spicy sauce to give it zing,
and served with fresh vegetables.
The Firecracker Shrimp’s tempura
batter coating keeps it light and
crispy on the outside, tender, juicy
and very flavorful on the inside. It
is served with your choice of a crackling spicy sauce or a sweet
chili sauce.
Marlow’s Tavern is also well known for their French Fries and
they definitely lived up to the reputation! It takes 2 hours to
prepare their fries in a 5-step process. The result is tender
potatoes on the inside and crispy on the outside. My favorite
part was the seasonings – they did not have a strong salt taste,
just an overabundance of flavor.
If you want something a little different from french fries then
you have to try their Asparagus Fries. They start with thin strips
of fresh asparagus coated with panko, deep fried to perfection,
and served with tarragon & citrus aioli for dipping. Years ago
they only served asparagus fries as a daily special but after so
many requests they were finally added to the main menu.
Shrimp
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Being
ffavorite
avorite dish of the evening was their Seared Tuna. It was a
special for the night but one they are considering adding to
their main menu. The ahi tuna was very lightly seasoned and
seared perfectly to allow the true flavor of the tuna to be the
highlight of the dish. It was actually “melt in your mouth”
perfect! It was served with cucumber salad, wasabi aioli, and
some of the best sweet potato fries in town.
We finished off the evening with a NY Classic Crème Brulee. It
is 100%-made-in-house with the best ingredients the season
has to offer for a thick, hearty texture and a wonderful flavor.
It is speckled with vanilla beans which add to the flavor and
presentation with a crispy sweet crust to compliment the taste.
Marlow’s Tavern features a very creative kids menu so the entire
family can enjoy a wonderful evening and leave happy!
I hope you enjoy your experience as much as I did! Visit their
website: www.marlowstavern.com for 3 locations near St Ives.
Rhonda Ziegler
r.ziegler@comcast.net
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
19
HEALTH & BEAUTY
WHAT ARE ACTINIC KERATOSES?
Actinic Keratoses are precancerous lesions that are most commonly found on the head
and upper extremities. They present as scaly patches which often sting.
Actinic Keratosis are caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning. They
are considered precancerous because they can lead to non-melanoma skin cancers.
It is best to treat them before this transformation occurs. A dermatologist can easily treat
them in the office and/or may prescribe creams to use at home.
Actinic Keratosis is preventable by using sun screen and sun protective clothing.
Dr Gabrielle Sabini
North Atlanta Dermatology
www.naderm.com • 770.814.8222
Offices in Johns Creek, Duluth & Buford
DESIGN MATTERS
SO MUCH OF WHERE DO I START
Even with a diverse group of clients, there is
always one kind of clutter I find when I arrive
that might surprise a lot of people – organizing stuff! Containers, bins, boxes, baskets,
you name it.
Most people, at some time or another, have
made attempts at getting organized. Some are able to do it
on their own, but many people get frustrated or overwhelmed
and call a professional organizer.
One of the first things you’ll learn by working with an organizer is that buying the containers, shelving, etc, is one of
the very last steps in the process, not the first! No container
or shelving unit will get you organized. You can’t organize
your stuff until you know what you have!
Here a few ideas to get you started!
Start small. If you’re wondering how to start or feeling
overwhelmed, start with one corner of a room. Even one
drawer. Seeing quick success will help give you confidence
to tackle larger projects.
Give yourself time. Getting organized takes longer than
people think. There is a clear process with lots of decisions
to be made and several mitigating factors – time available,
budget, aesthetic needs, functional needs, safety needs.
Take an objective look at each item – is it in good, usable
condition? When was the last time you did use it? If it needs
repair, is it worth the time, money, and effort to have it
repaired?
20
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
Got your stuff pared down? Now it’s time for containers!
Before going shopping, though, keep in mind the size you
need (take measurements, if needed!), any safety concerns,
and aesthetic preferences.
Got it contained? Label it! A few people have asked me if
the labeling is really necessary. It is. It’s a critical step to help
make sure you stay organized! Everyone in your household
needs to know exactly where things belong.
If you need help and an objective helper, give a professional organizer a call. One of the most common things we
hear is ‘I had no idea! I wish I’d hired you ages ago!’
Remember – anything can be clutter if it hasn’t been
assigned a home and a purpose!
Suzanne Willett
Clutterninja, LLC • 770.927.7497
www.theclutterninja.com
suzanne@theclutterninja.com
http://www.twitter.com/suzannewillett
GARDENING & LANDSCAPE
SMALL SPACE – BIG SLOPE!
Here is another great renovation project we just finished in
Virginia Highlands. My client has a 3 year old daughter and
a Jack Russell and the back yard was very steep and muddy!
There was a decent concrete patio under the existing screen
porch that had a few minor cracks. We veneered the slab
over with a tan flagstone and expanded it out two more
feet to give them a little extra entertaining space. It went
from cold concrete to warm patio in just 2 days!
From the patio edge we cut down two and a half feet and
added a fieldstone wall with built in copper lights and
steps. By doing this cut and fill we were able to produce
approximately 400 sq.ft. of flat area for playing and
entertaining.
Because it was a small lawn in heavy shade and lots of
traffic we went with a synthetic turf that looks and feels
just like a zoysia lawn but with no maintenance!
Small spaces are always a challenge but making the most
of a small back yard is what we have become known for.
It took a little engineering but the result is a yard that is
now usable and interesting with the two level plan.
The synthetic lawn will hold up for years of
garden parties and play time.
Give me a call or drop me an email
and let’s talk about your project!
Bruce Wells
Registered Landscape Architect
Hastings Landscape Design Group
bruce@hastingsgardencenter.com
404.869.7447
3420 Woodhill Drive • Peachtree Corners
Before
After
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
21
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
WORST MAY BE BEHIND US!
Happy Ground Hog Day!
Whoa, February already? The good news is that we can
already see the daylight lasting longer – spring can’t be far
away.
As of January 16th, there are only 10 active listings. One
home has closed so far in 2013. Darlene and I currently have
two houses under contract in St Ives that are selling for over
a million, which is great news for the neighborhood! Though
St Ives did not have any million-dollar sales in 2012, our
average price did increase.
Below are the average number of homes sold and average
sale price, according to FMLS (listed homes), for the past
eleven years.
YEAR
NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
2012
25
$622,447
2011
41
$574,160
2010
41
$588,951
2009
23
$686,782
2008
32
$731,319
2007
33
$830,188
2006
43
$775,187
2005
44
$784,089
2004
57
$710,000
2003
78
$583,300
2002
54
$599,368
As you can see, 2012 was a better year than either 2010 or
2011, further proof that we may have seen the worst!
Even though it’s January, the buyers are out and serious
because interest rates remain low, and they realize that prices
are rising.
Darlene and I would be happy to help you with updating
advice or with a current market analysis. We’re hoping for a
great spring buying season!!
Have a great February and stay warm,
Roz Grady and Darlene Hamrock
roz.grady@harrynorman.com
darlene.hamrock@harrynorman.com
Valentine’s Day
Sweetheart Gift Packages
Men, are you looking for something different for your sweet
heart this Valentine’s Day? Instead of a box of chocolates, why
not give something that will make her feel good all year by
giving a gift of better health and fitness. She will receive
knowledge, accountability, support and motivation. Women,
pass this on to the man in your life so you get what you want!
Valentine’s Day
Mini Sweetheart Package: $110
One goal setting session, two 1 hour in-home
fitness training sessions and nutrition coaching.
Valentine’s Day
Grand Sweetheart Package: $220
One goal setting session, four 1-hour in-home
fitness training sessions, and nutrition coaching.
I offer in-home fitness training and nutrition coaching to all shapes and
sizes of women at all fitness levels. I bring all the equipment needed for a
fun, effective customized fitness program to help you reach your goals.
Lisa Culling
404.388.1380
www.LisaCulling.com
22
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
VALENTINE CARDS AMERICAN STYLE
ESTHER A. HOWLAND: THE MOTHER OF THE VALENTINE
It seems that the writing of special notes and letters for
Valentine’s Day gained widespread popularity in the 1700s.
At that time the romantic missives would have been handwritten, on ordinary writing paper.
Papers made especially for Valentine greetings began to be
marketed in the 1820s, and their use became fashionable
in both Britain and the United States. In the 1840s, when
postal rates in Britain became standardized, commercially
produced Valentine cards began to grow in popularity. The
cards were flat paper sheets, often printed with colored illustrations and embossed borders. The sheets, when folded and
sealed with wax, could be mailed.
Esther A. Howland, a student at Mount Holyoke College in
Massachusetts, began making Valentine cards after receiving
a card produced by an English company. She sold her
first handmade valentine in 1849,
eventually establishing a successful
publishing firm specializing in the
elaborately decorated cards.
As her father was a stationer, she sold
her cards in his store. The business
grew, and she soon hired friends to
help her make the cards. And as she
attracted more business her hometown
of Worcester, Massachusetts became
the center of the American Valentine
production.
By the mid-1850s the sending of manufactured Valentine’s
Day cards was popular enough that the New York Times published an editorial on February 14, 1856 sharply criticizing
the practice:
“Our beaux and belles are satisfied with a few miserable lines,
neatly written upon fine paper, or else they purchase a printed
Valentine with verses ready made, some of which are costly,
and many of which are cheap and indecent.
“In any case, whether decent or indecent, they only please
the silly and give the vicious an opportunity to develop their
propensities, and place them, anonymously, before the comparatively virtuous. The custom with us has no useful feature,
and the sooner it is abolished the better.”
Despite the outrage from the editorial writer, the practice
of sending Valentines continued to flourish throughout the
mid-1800s.
A huge change occurred in 1865, perhaps because the dark
years of the Civil War were ending. New Yorkers mailed more
than 66,000 Valentines in 1865, and more than 86,000 in
1866. The tradition of sending Valentine cards was turning
into a big business.
The February 1867 article in the New York Times reveals that
some New Yorkers paid exorbitant prices for Valentines:
“It puzzles many to understand how one of these trifles can
be gotten up in such shape as to make it sell for $100; but
the fact is that even this figure is not by any means the limit
of their price. There is a tradition that one of the Broadway
dealers not many years ago disposed of no less than seven
Valentines which cost $500 each, and it may be safely asserted
that if any individual was so simple as to wish to expend ten
times that sum upon one of these missives, some enterprising
manufacturer would find a way to accommodate him.”
The newspaper explained that the most expensive Valentines
actually held hidden treasures hidden inside the paper:
“Valentines of this class are not simply combinations of paper
gorgeously gilded, carefully embossed and elaborately laced. To
be sure they show paper lovers seated in paper grottoes, under
paper roses, ambushed by paper cupids, and indulging in the
luxury of paper kisses; but they also
show something more attractive than
these paper delights to the overjoyed
receiver. Receptacles cunningly prepared
may hide watches or other jewelry, and,
of course, there is no limit to the lengths
to which wealthy and foolish lovers
may go.”
In the late 1860s, most Valentines were
modestly priced, and targeted toward a
mass audience. And many were designed for humorous effect,
with caricatures of particular professions or ethnic groups.
Indeed, many Valentines in the late 1800s were intended as
jokes, and the sending of humorous cards
was a fad for many years.
By some accounts, the practice of sending
Valentine cards fell off in the late 1800s,
and only revived in the 1920s. But the
holiday as we know it today firmly has its
roots in the 1800s.
ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013
23
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ST IVES NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS | FEBRUARY 2013