The Roswell Youth Football and Cheer Association will be hosting an evening with Vince Dooley, legendary University of Georgia Head Football Coach and Athletic Director, on Thursday, August 12th at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center (950 Forest Street, Roswell, GA).  Coach Dooley will begin speaking at 6:30 p.m. He will conclude the evening with a question and answer session and book signing.  Advanced ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 years old and younger.  Tickets may be purchased the night of the event for $25.  The event will include a silent auction of ACC, SEC, and a New Orleans Saints head coach autographed footballs.  For event questions please visit www.roswellrechornets.com or email Heather McCormick at mhmccormick@charter.net.

As an entrepreneur how do you increase your chances of hitting your business goals quicker and more efficiently? You consider hiring a business consultant…someone to work with you on a weekly basis to help keep you on track and focused while growing your business.  In short, he or she will work with you to put four main areas under a microscope to measure and track results to ensure you’re moving closer to your goals. They are:  People, Strategy, Execution and Cash.

People

A consultant will work with you to ensure you have the correct people in their positions within your company.  A consultant is well aware that People challenges impact your happiness and can either be a source of energy or an emotional drain.  Keep in mind that People issues can include conflicts with a partner or a key employee who is disrupting the rest of the organization’s effectiveness as a whole.

Strategy

A consultant will evaluate with you your business strategy…if production is not growing as quickly as you’d like, then it might be time to re-examine that strategy including both internal and external marketing.  A consultant will provide steps for you and he to take to evaluate where you are.

Execution

Execution challenges surface when your increasing production is not generating increasing collections and profit.  A consultant can work with you to both establish and measure your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). In essence, you cannot manage what you do not measure.

Cash

Cash is the “oxygen” that runs the business.  The first law of entrepreneurial gravity is “Growth Sucks Cash”.  A consultant will work with you to calculate your Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) which measures company-wide how long it takes between when you spend a dollar (marketing, equipment, rent, wages, etc.) until you get that dollar back.    The Kurzen Group has a tool which outlines the cash cycle and helps you create concrete ways to double operating cash-flow in the next 12 months.

Your Decision

Now it’s time to choose, which of the four decision areas will be your primary focus?  Through a business evaluation (provided free of charge) we can help you get these four steps right, take advantage of the current economy and grab market share and shore up your market dominance.

Click here for your free business evaluation.

Camp Kingfisher has all the elements of an old-fashioned sleep-away camp. Camp Kingfisher provides kids with the opportunity to get outdoors, get dirty and enjoy great freedom from busy schedules. The frosting on this spectacular camp is that it actually teaches kids about nature and the environment.

Activities at Camp Kingfisher are numerous and there is a pool located on the property that is always staffed with certified lifeguards. With a camper to staff ratio of 6:1, campers get plenty of individual attention. Daily programming is designed to meet the specific needs, interests and development level of the camper.

Session themes include Rolling on the River, Fascinating Forests and Planet Protectors. There is never a dull moment at Camp Kingfisher!

What sets Camp Kingfisher apart from other summer camps is Camp Director, Amy Bram. With over 16 years of camp experience, Miss Amy leads her staff of forty-two counselors with an energy level similar to that of the Energizer Bunny. She runs a tight ship and has the respect of staff and campers alike.

Sign up soon for award-winning Camp Kingfisher, as many sessions fill quickly. At Camp Kingfisher your kid can get back to the business of being a kid!

Go to:  www.chattnaturecenter.org/camp-kingfisher or click on the link below for summer savings!

In a sea of roofers in the Atlanta area, it’s easy for homeowners to become overwhelmed given so many choices.  The one thing for sure that area homeowners shopping for a new roof do know is that: a) it’s time for a new roof,  and b) spring is here in Atlanta and that means thunderstorms and hail pelting on that already damaged roof!

Time to start looking for an Atlanta roofer, but where do you start?  Lee Marcum and Burt Robertson at LB roofing have given us their top 6 targets to look for in searching for a quality contractor to build your roof.  They should know because they have been running a quality roofing business in the Atlanta area since 2008 and have excellent ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Kudzu, Citysearch and other review sources. Here are their recommendations:

Material Delivery: Ensure that the roofing material drop off is scheduled close to your start date so that your property doesn’t look like a war zone for days on end.  LB Roofing recognizes that the job site is foremost your home, and you don’t want a lot of building supplies cluttering up your yard. It is their practice to have materials delivered to your home no sooner than the night before they begin your project.  LB Roofing completes most roofing jobs in a day, clean up the mess, haul off the debris and get out of your way as quickly and quietly as possible.

Payment Terms: Watch for roofers asking for full payment up front.  You’re never at risk of losing money when you do business with LB Roofing. They will never pressure you for payment up front or even after the delivery of materials to your home.  LB Roofing requires payment once the job is done and you, the homeowner, are completely satisfied.

References: Always ask for at least three references from roofing companies you are comparing.  LB Roofing is a company with high professional standards, superb workmanship and superior integrity. They are proud of the reputation they have earned and invite you to check their references. They will gladly provide you with the names and contact information for three recent local clients andencourage you to call them and ask about their experience with them. Warranties: Look for companies that offer the standard warranty in the industry for workmanship of two years.  LB Roofing offers a five year warranty on our work that includes the repair of any damage that resulted from inferior workmanship on their part. The high-quality materials they use have individual warranties which generally exceed industry standards as well.

Licensing: Make sure the company you are reviewing is a roofing contractor in Georgia.   They are required to have a current business license. LB Roofing does, and they are happy to provide you with the business license number so that you can check for yourself.

High Quality Materials: All roofing materials are not created equally although to most homeowners they may look a lot alike. Be sure to check on the types of materials the roofer uses…just because he’s come in with the lowest price, his company may not be the best choice due to the materials that he works with.  LB Roofing uses only the finest materials on the market.  They recommend OwensCorning or GAF/ELK complete roofing systems.

Remember, your roof protects your home and your home protects you and your family.   Taking shortcuts and not doing enough homework when searching for the right contractor could result in outcomes that you would rather not endure.  Do the right thing, take the time to talk with companies that are reputable and have a sincere focus on quality like Lee and Bert do at LB Roofing and you will be safe and dry in your home for many years to come. To contact LB Roofing, visit their website at http://lbroof.com/ or call them at (404) 875-6222.

My dad taught me that kooky little verse when I was a child. The visual images it conjured always made me laugh, but the words also conveyed the notion that loving yourself is silly and narcissistic. And the idea that you might love yourself enough to go to the movies alone was downright pitiful!

That poem still makes me smile, but for a different reason. I have grown to like myself, even to love myself. It has taken years, but now I embrace this truth: to fully receive love from others, I have to give it to myself. Self love may not mean sitting in a movie theatre holding your own hand, but it does mean seeing yourself as worthy of your own tenderness, care and affection.

When I ask myself what love feels like to me, I always think of the word “cherish”. It’s an old-fashioned word, but it resonates with a sense of affirmation and acceptance. It means “to hold or treat as dear.” When you are cherished, you are given innate value and respect. You are treasured. So how can we give ourselves that kind of love? You must begin with the awareness that self-love is essential to full personal development. Low self-esteem is an enormous barrier to giving and receiving love. If you don’t love yourself, you give love from neediness, and you don’t feel worthy of receiving it.

Here are seven practical actions to give love to the beautiful, unique person that you are:

1. Write It Down. It’s so easy to focus on all that is wrong with us or ways we have failed ourselves. We become our own television news program, focusing on the tragedies but never reporting the good. That thought pattern only reinforces a negative self concept. So switch gears. Go buy yourself a beautiful journal and starting writing. Start every day by writing down the qualities that you and others admire about you. Write down your success stories, no matter how trivial. Write down your acts of kindness and generosity. Write down how you forgive yourself. Just the act of writing these things is an act of love.

2. Make It Right. If you have done something wrong, go make it right. It’s hard to love yourself when you haven’t honored your own integrity and values. If you have hurt someone or made a mistake, apologize. If you have taken something, give it back. If you harbor a grudge, release it. Then forgive yourself and move on. Become free of the burden of misguided actions that cause shame and guilt and hold you back from loving yourself.

3. Honor Your Body. Do yourself a favor. The next time you are in a crowd, take a good look at everyone around you. Most folks are not fashion model beautiful. In fact, most have faces and physiques that are far from perfect. We are inundated with images of physical perfection in the media, but the reality is so far from that. In fact, our imperfections make us more real and approachable. You may not adore every aspect of your physical form, but honor it anyway. Treat it with respect through healthy eating, enough sleep, moderate exercise, and self care. If you are feeling particularly loving, take that body of yours for a massage or a facial or a dance class. And stop looking at magazines!

4. Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First. Great advice on an airplane but it applies to loving yourself too. You must put your own essential needs first. For multi-tasking, care-giving women, that sounds extremely selfish, but it is quite the opposite. My essential needs are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, spending time with friends, doing something creative, having time alone, and having a peaceful environment. If those needs aren’t met, then I am depleted and irritable. I have very little left to give to others. Take a moment to define your essential needs and integrate them into your daily life. Make them non-negotiable, even if others moan and complain. They will come to respect you more for respecting yourself.

5. Have Fun! Life can be quite serious and task-oriented. We have our routines. We deal with conflicts and personal struggles. The patterns of life become monotonous and stale. When life was less complicated, having fun was spontaneous and natural. Now you might need to plan it, but work it back into your life. We have a finite number of days on this Earth. Spend them joyfully, with lots of laughter and even some silliness. Life doesn’t have to be so serious. Give yourself the gift of fun!

6. Be Still and Know Yourself. Give yourself time to be still and go within. Whether through prayer, mediation, yoga, or time in nature, find a way to quiet yourself, your busyness, and your constant thoughts. Be still, breathe and listen – for the voice of God, your own inner wisdom, or the sounds of nature. It is during these times that we gain creative insights and deeper understanding of ourselves. At the very least, the practice will bring you a sense of peace and calm and has many positive health benefits.

7. Go to the Movies and Hold Your Hand. So we are back to this. Grow to be comfortable in your own skin. Become your own best friend and advocate. Define your life consciously – what’s important to you, your values, your passions, and your needs. Hold your own hand tenderly, gently pulling yourself forward toward the life you want to live. In spite of all outside pressures and obligations, put yourself first. Fill your own tank. Give love to yourself unconditionally, and then spread it around to others. Now, go enjoy the movie!

by Barrie Davenport

The weather finally warmed up a bit and the Night Out with the Girls attendees came out by the dozens to enjoy a night of noshing and shopping at the new All Y’alls Food and Gourmet Market!

The “Fab Pack” Girls enjoyed great food provided by Relish and a top notch chef’s presentation by local celebrity chef, Hans Rueffert (hanscooks.com)…not to mention lots of fun visiting with girlfriends and enjoying all of the unique local products that All Y’alls has to offer!

The Night Out with the Girls event was the largest ever with over 125 attendees and all of them went home with a FABULOUS “SWAG” goodie bag and 4 went home with additional door prizes that were just “To Die For”!

Be on the lookout for your invitation via email to the NEXT Night Out with the Girls at the Chandlery March 16^th and 18^th…Grab a few of your FABULOUS friends and tell them to join the rest of the “Fab Pack” at the Chandlery!   See you there!

“The purpose of traveling is to get to a destination; the purpose of driving is being on the road.”

–Theodore Heuss

To me, there is no better way to get to your destination than to travel in the new Porsche Panamera, their first four-door sedan. I was fortunate enough to enjoy driving it for a day, and enjoy is exactly what I did. The times I have traveled outside the confines of my current SUV have been few, and I must say, my experience behind the wheel of the new Panamera was truly unforgettable.

As we all know, there are few cars that perform as well as a Porsche, and even though it is four-door, the Panamera shares that distinction. The car absolutely drives like a sports car, but the interior is so unbelievably comfortable and luxurious (not to mention the spacious back seat and trunk). The body style will tell you it’s a Porsche and so much more.

Four Doors and So Much More

Current Porshe owners are welcoming the arrival of this sedan. Gary Fong, Porsche product communications manager, says, “This is what Porsche owners have been waiting for…they typically have one of our sports cars in their garage and then another maker’s sedan.” Now the Panamera is here and ready to take over that spot in the garage; many current Porsche owners are ready to enjoy a four-door luxurious experience that only Porsche can give.

My chariot for the day was the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Even though the exterior of the car was sleek, upon gazing around I noticed a few features that were undeniably performance-based: the calipers, red of course, the 19-inch wheels and the two-piece rear spoiler that extends outward to maximize the aerodynamics of the car. Gorgeous.

Panamera…like no other

You will be pleased to know that this vehicle, like the rest of the line of Porsche cars, boasts the impressive engine power that Porsche owners have come to know and love. With a V-8 engine, the Panamera Turbo can reach a speed of an impressive 188 m.p.h. and can literally go from 0-60 m.p.h. in four seconds. I didn’t go that fast, but the temptation was surely there. I will say that the ride was very smooth as I glided south on GA 400 that beautiful fall day.

The body style is truly one of a kind. At first glance, it is decidedly unique, but upon further inspection, it is unquestionably Porsche. Porsche makers took their time with the design and performance of this car, and it shows.

Porsche – A Part of OUR Community

Six years ago Porsche chose North Atlanta to be their North American headquarters. Not many people realize that the entire North American operation for Porsche is located right by the King and Queen buildings in Sandy Springs. Fong shared with me that Porsche is very committed to giving back to the community and actively does so on a regular basis as evidenced by their commitment to local organizations like The High Museum  of Art, the Atlanta Symphony, Kate’s Club, Camp Horizon and most recently by their worldwide launch of the new Panamera at an event at the Manor in Buckhead. “Porsche is such an important part of our community and they planned the perfect evening to introduce their beautiful new Panamera,” states Sharon Griswold, Sandy Springs resident and attendee of the event. Atlantans were the first to see this exciting new presentation and it truly was an experience they won’t forget.

Driving the new Panamera is an experience I know I will never forget. Now go see for yourself.

By Amber Mette

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For more information, visit www.porsche.com/panamera Photography by Haigwood Studios and Porsche.

1.  Utilize systems and products that fit you and your lifestyle. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to organizing.

2.  Don’t run off to The Container Store (yes, my personal favorite) until you take some time to really think about your organizing goals. Visualize the “after” picture of the space you are reorganizing, formulate a plan and begin sorting and purging the clutter first.

3.  Break all projects down into small steps. Start with one corner of the room, one cabinet, even one shelf. The next day, do one more, etc. Yes, it takes time, but it is much more manageable to execute your organizing plan in 15 – 30 minute increments.

4.  Make a date in your calendar to dig in, honor it as if you were going to the doctor, and have all supplies ready.

5.  Decide to decide. You will inevitably be faced with some difficult decisions. Be in the right frame of mind, be well-nourished, and add Kleenex to your list of supplies if needed.

6.  Know when you need help. Whether it’s your spouse, your children, your secretary, or a friend, sometimes you need extra hands, unbiased opinions and cheerleaders. Consider calling a professional organizer. They bring a large amount of experience, proven techniques and methods, confidentiality, guidance and motivation.

7.  Get your kids involved and make it fun! We teach our children many life skills from walking and talking to riding a bike and doing math. Do yourself and your children a huge favor and teach them to be  organized.

8.  Weed constantly. This is one of the top secrets of well-organized people. Go through your mail daily, straighten up constantly, donate unworn clothing seasonally and clean out your reference file system annually. When done on a routine basis, the job is not nearly as daunting.

9.  Embrace organization and its benefits. The words neat and organized are not always synonymous. They can be and often are, but not always. It is all about efficiency and what works for you. Being organized is not stifling; its liberating.

by Michelle Cooper

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Michelle Cooper is a Professional Organizer, Member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), Member of NSGCD (National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization) and President of Put It There Professional Organizing Services. She can be reached at 404.784.2100 or michelle@put-it-there.com

Roswell United Methodist Church (RUMC) is recognized throughout the metro area for its Sounds of the Spirit Concert Series. As part of that Concert Series, the 2009 Christmas Festival Concerts will be presented in the Sanctuary of RUMC on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 and 6:30 p.m. The 130- voice Sanctuary Choir under the direction of Dr. Michael O’Neal, renowned organist Tom Alderman on the 93-rank Möller pipe organ and the Celebration Ringers Hand Bell Choir, directed by Lisa Stover, join together to present an awe-inspiring concert of holiday music.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season with your family and friends amid the beauty of the candlelit RUMC Sanctuary as the Christmas story is shared through majestic pageantry, scripture and song. “Through carols and songs, both old and new, which remind us what it might have been like at the birth of the Christ Child, we will offer beautiful music, and perhaps a perspective on the Christmas season rarely explored in the midst of our rushed lives,” explains O’Neal, director of worship arts at RUMC. From the opening strains of the processional carol “Joy to the World” through the choral benediction of the Silesian folk tune “Beautiful Savior,” your heart will be warmed by this annual holiday celebration.

The re-creation of the nativity will transport you to the manger scene resplendent with visits from the shepherds, visions of angels and the adoration of the Magi bringing  to life the true miracle of Christ’s holy birth.

by Ann Moore

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Tickets are not needed for the concerts. A preschool nursery is available during each performance. Roswell United Methodist Church is located at 814 Mimosa Blvd. in historic Roswell. For more information, please contact the RUMC Worship Arts Office at 770.594.0512, amoore@rumc.com or www.rumc.com/music

You are cordially invited to EnAble of Georgia Foundation’s 8th Annual Trends & Traditions Fashion Show and Luncheon.The purpose of this exciting event is to help EnAble raise money for its Medical Assistance Fund. EnAble is honored to have Roswell Mayor Jere Wood as a first-time model at this annual event. Also gracing the catwalk will be Nicole Jones, wife of former Atlanta Brave Andruw Jones, Ellen Kozlowski, wife of former Atlanta Falcon Brian Kozlowski, and Donna Lowry of 11 Alive News. A few individuals served by the organization will be featured models as well.

EnAble recognizes the personal gifts, interests, preferences, and needs of each person served, and individualizes the services they provide so that each person is enabled to live and work as a full participant in community life. Several of those served by EnAble require medical and dental care that is not covered by their Medicaid funding. These individuals do not have the family financial support to assist with their care. As a result, EnAble must absorb those costs, which add up to several thousand dollars  each year.

EnAble of Georgia, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that provides residential, vocational, and personal support services to more than 100 adults who have developmental disabilities. These disabilities are attributable, but not limited to: autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and mental retardation. EnAble was founded in 1979 by a group of concerned parents seeking a place in their own community  for their adult children. EnAble is proud to celebrate 30 years of providing excellent service in the community.

by Tish Ford

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Please contact DeAnn Rauth, director of development, at 678.468.9980 or drauth@enablega.org. EnAble’s main office is located at 1200 Old Ellis Road, Roswell, Ga. 30076. For more information, call 770.664.434, or visit EnAble’s Web site at www.enablega.org