North Fulton Family Life 9-20 by Family Life Magazines

Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Sujatha Vivek MD, MRCOG, FACOG

Whitney Cook MD, FACOG

Nicole Sparks MD

Akhila Kothapalli DO

Supriya Rao MD, FACOG

Komal Agarwal MD, FACOG

Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Cumming, & Lawrenceville Family Planning ♦ Preconception Counseling ♦ Infertility Prenatal Care ♦ VBAC ♦ High Risk Pregnancy ♦ PCOS Child Birthing Classes ♦ Menopause ♦ Menstrual Disorders Johns Creek 6300 Hospital Pkwy., Ste. 375 Johns Creek, GA 30097 Cumming 1100 Northside Forsyth Dr. Suite 360, Cumming, GA 30041

Phone: 770.771.5270 www.nawcare.com

Alpharetta 4040 Old Milton Pkwy., Ste. 200 Alpharetta, GA 30005

Delivering at Emory Johns Creek Hospital & Northside Forsyth Hospital

Lawrenceville 771 Old Norcross Rd. Suite Sui 300 Lawrenceville, GA

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Contents

September 2020

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 2

16-17

[16-17]

On the Cover

Sen. John Albers Solutions Oriented

20-23

Golden Guide Resources for Older Adults

30 Artist Profile

Amy Duke

[30]

04 ...........................

Perspective

06.................................Calendar 08 ..................... 12 ..................

Community Life

Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

14 .........................

Public Safety

15 .............................

[20-23]

24.......................Ribbon Cuttings 27 ................

Community Partner

31 .........................

Quotables

Family Life Publications

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Book Review

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Pulling a Family Through Probate By Chris Miller, Esq. [StrategicLife] Losing a loved one is tough to endure, and each family member experiences it differently. A good estate attorney will not just answer questions about the law, but will also take time to hear the pain a client is feeling and be a source of comfort and unity. Law books are filled with cases where families have torn themselves apart in a quest to right some perceived wrong or to achieve a greater inheritance. The path of these challenges is not always through a court of law. Instead, bring to the table a sense of perspective and gratitude for the past. Recognize that future relationships between people are precious sources of support. Money does not fill the hole created by the loss of a family member. The paths of probate and estate administration

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

have been with us for centuries. Tax consequences might change from year to year, but two key actions can hold a family together through the grief and loss. First, be transparent. Too many executors try to minimize suffering by holding onto secrets or keeping the assets or wishes of the decedent under wraps. A good executor takes positive steps to show that he/she is doing things fairly and following the instructions in a will or trust. This means regularly updating beneficiaries on what is being done and what the next steps are. Second, set reasonable expectations. Many people are eager to get closure and reap the financial rewards of an inheritance. However, a calm and methodical approach to estate administration will often be more efficient

and yield greater benefits. The axiom of “measure twice, cut once” applies to dividing an estate just as well as it does to carpentry. Executors have obligations to a decedent’s creditors, but not all creditors get treated equally. Georgia law sets claims against an estate into priority order, and if notice is published correctly, it sets a deadline for creditors to notify an executor of their claims. Sharing information and getting good advice along the way are important. Those tools hold a family together, as they find their way toward accepting the loss. L

Chris Miller is an attorney in Alpharetta. 678-746-2900. NorthFultonWills.com

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Publisher’s Perspective

Solutions

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

Preferred

EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

“Well, we aren’t going to lose the diver connected through the swivel on the weight, so we don’t need that rope,” said the first diver. Our problem was overthinking the means to obtain our goal, which created unnecessary difficulty along the way. We ended up lowering and raising the weight with the same rope used to tether our diver. One less rope, one more problem solved. As we travel through life, let’s be aware of problem-focused reactions and, instead, find ways to reach our goals more productively and efficiently. The next time you’re faced with a problem or negative situation, make sure you first develop a solution. You don’t have to solve the problem immediately, but you need to be able to articulate and execute the first action steps of your plan to change or overcome it. Often, instead of thinking outside of the box, maybe we should just consider getting rid of the box all together.

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. North Fulton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. North Fulton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written E R EC Y C permission from the publisher. AS

Finally, someone said, “So what, again, is the rope to the weight for?” “It’s so we don’t lose the weight,” said another.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Aleksandrowicz, Rich Austin, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge, Kevin Head, Lori Henry, Veronica Jucknies, Lori Kee, Chris Miller, Jim Morrow, Christy Noll, Julia Padgett, Michael Ray, Patti Richter, Ellen Samsell Salas, Pam Santoro, Heather Terry

We tried changing the direction of each rotation to keep the wrap from happening by watching the bubbles. Since bubbles drift in waves and current, that didn’t work. We tried different swivels, setups, and combinations.

ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

A recent example from my crazy life involves a training exercise with the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Dive Team. Our team was practicing a specific search technique in which we explore outward from an anchored point in a circular pattern that slowly increases in radius. The problem was that divers in zero-visibility or “black” water are tethered by rope to a handler on the surface for safety, which travels through a swivel on the anchored point, and that tether line would become twisted around the rope marking that weight.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

PLE

hen we perceive an obstacle standing between us and our goals, we often fear that our overall plan is in jeopardy. That is usually not the case with most of the glitches to which we twitch. What may be the issue is that the way we choose to tackle a wrinkle in our plan can end up being a different and often bigger problem than the initial goal we set out to accomplish. More than likely, we should try to focus on the end game rather than the obstacle.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Accepting God’s Will By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

[InGoodFaith]Hymns are a great source of inspiration and encouragement for many Christians. They teach us about God and about our faith. In good times, hymns aid and facilitate our worship of God, reminding us of his graciousness and mercy. During difficult times, words from many of our beloved hymns support us and encourage us to trust in God and to hold on to our faith. Kathryn Koob was one of the 52 Americans held hostage in Iran for 444 days in the early 1980s. A powerful source of strength was found in the words of her favorite hymn. In the most trying moments of her captivity, Koob would sing the words of the hymn, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord,” to herself:

Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell. 770-587-6980, Kevin@fbroswell.org

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and make me after thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Koob said these powerful words gave her not only peace of mind but also great strength during her stressful ordeal. For Koob, the words of this hymn enabled her to resign herself completely to whatever God’s will was for her life. As she sang these words, she allowed God to mold her and make her, which gave her great peace. Koob’s readiness to accept God’s will invites us to recall times in our own lives when we’ve also had to make a special effort to do the same. Maybe that’s what we need to do now. During this frightening and difficult time of a worldwide health crisis and devastating economic turmoil, maybe what God wants most from us is to become clay in his hands — waiting, yielded and still, for his presence and work in our lives. As we go through our own trials and difficulties, may our prayer always be, “God, give me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” L

GNFCC Emerging Leader Program Member

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Calendar

Due to recent public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details and safety precautions before attending.

SEPTEMBER

4-13

Fall Birdseed Fundraiser Support your feathered friends and CNC by ordering from a great selection of premium birdseed. Purchase online and pick up September 17-19. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

Talk Like A Pirate Day Ahoy mateys! Celebrate this day by peppering all your favorite pirate phrases into normal conversations. But we wouldn’t advise you to tell your boss to “walk the plank” during the next staff meeting, even if you are videoconferencing.

5, 12, 19,

Music Under the Pines Enjoy outdoor concerts in this intimate setting. Upcoming artists include 9/5 Foxhollow Reunion Concert, 9/12 Granville Automatic, 9/19 The Harden Draw, 9/25 Surrender Hill, and 9/26 Stevenson Everett. Bring your own food and drinks. Tickets $27. 8:00-10:00pm, Matilda’s, 850 Hickory Flat Road, Milton. 678-480-6932. MatildasMusicVenue.com

25, & 26

10 & 24

Sunset Sips — Enjoy evening hours at CNC with a side of sunset and music. This fall, the limited and timed admission process will allow for an intimate and socially distanced evening. Masks are strongly encouraged, and this program is BYOC (bring your own chair). Pre-purchasing admission and creating a member reservation is required in advance, $6 child/$10 adult/$7 seniors 65+/$7 students 13-18/Free CNC members and children 2 and under. 4:30-9:30pm, live music 7:00-9:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

ONGOING

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Register on the website and walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s! The walk will take place wherever you’d like (your neighborhood, a park, or even your treadmill!). 9:00am. CLCurtin@alz.org. Act.Alz.org/atl

Back to Your Roots Farm Fair — Join CNC for family fun during one of the best harvesting seasons of the year. Meet live farm animals, bring a picnic, and get down in the dirt! Pre-purchasing admission and creating a member reservation is required in advance, $6 child/$10 adult/$7 seniors 65+/$7 students 13-18/Free CNC members and children 2 and under. 12:004:00pm. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

Alpharetta Art in Brooke Street Park This outdoor artist market features handcrafted masterpieces by local artists. Come enjoy the pottery, woodwork, metal work, jewelry creations, handmade children’s clothing, photography, watercolor, oil, soaps and lotions, mosaic art, and more. 9:00am-4:00pm, Brooke Street Park, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-296-2829. AwesomeAlpharetta.com

Art Americana 2nd Fiber & Folk Exhibit — Through September 18, this FREE exhibit shows works completed by artists from the Southeast. Monday–Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm, Friday 8:30am4:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, and open during classes and events Sunday. Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6135. ArtsAlpharetta.org or Alpharetta.Ga.us/arts

September Is Preparedness Month Spend this month making sure you have plans in place for emergency situations. For example, learn life-saving skills such as CPR and first aid, or check your insurance policy coverage for disasters such as flood, earthquakes, and tornados.

Alpharetta Farmers Market — Each Saturday through October, enjoy farm-fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers, baked goods, health and beauty products, and live music. 9:00am-12:00pm, Town Green in front of City Hall, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. AlpharettaFarmersMarket.com

Roswell Farmers and Artisans Market — Each Saturday through October, enjoy the season’s freshest locally grown produce and artwork created by local artisans. 8:00am-12:00pm, Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Roswell. RoswellFam.com 6

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Community Roswell Inc. Announces Partnership With GHCC Roswell Inc. is thrilled to announce its partnership with Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) to support both aspiring and current Hispanic business owners in Roswell, develop mutual business relationships between Hispanic and non-Hispanic business owners in the city, and strengthen Roswell’s overall business community. “We are excited about our new partnership with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber and look forward to seeing all the positive ways this collaboration will help us better support Hispanic businesses and entrepreneurs in our city,” said Steve Stroud, executive director of Roswell Inc. The partnership will include a variety of events, webinars, special educational programs, and other opportunities to encourage, support, and grow Hispanic businesses in Roswell. Programs and outreach will be developed for both Spanish- and English-speaking businesses. “This new partnership will be a win-win for the City of Roswell and our Chamber,” said Gabriel Vaca, interim president and CEO of the GHCC. “We will provide a variety of educational events and access to resources to Hispanic businesses and especially opportunities to develop relationships between Hispanic and non-Hispanic businesses.”

LGE Installs State-of-the-Art Synexis Microbial Reduction Systems in Branch Locations LGE Community Credit Union recently installed Synexis Microbial Reduction Systems in its branch locations across metro Atlanta. This system uses safe, patented dry hydrogen peroxide (DHP) technology to create a controlled environment that reduces airborne and surface bacteria and viruses (including COVID-19). Additionally, the Synexis system is UL Certified to produce no ozone and works continuously without disruptions to member service. Synexis technology takes what is naturally in the environment, ambient oxygen and humidity (water molecules in gas form), to create hydrogen peroxide gas (H2O2) or DHP. DHP becomes part of the environment and starts to safely eliminate pathogens as soon as they enter the branch location. The implementation of Synexis Systems comes as the latest step among a list of many that the credit union has taken to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus to its employees and its members. For more information about LGE’s response to COVID-19, please visit LGEccu. org/COVID-19. For more information about Synexis, visit Synexis.com.

Fulton County Schools Reopening Matrix The Fulton County School Reopening Matrix shows the district’s plan for the careful and measured move from its current universal remote learning back to face-to-face instruction in schools. The plan is data-driven and dependent upon the level of community spread of COVID-19 decreasing by specific targets over a set period of time. When those targets are met, the district will progress into the next phase and give parents the option to allow students to gradually transition to an in-school learning environment. The plan allows for brief in-person interaction during each phase and building up to more time in school until there is full-day, Monday through Friday instruction. For more information go to https://www.fultonschools.org/ cms/lib/GA50000114/Centricity/Domain/5457/URL_ ReOpeningMatrix.pdf

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Community NFCC Welcomes New Director of Operations North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) recently welcomed Marten Jallad as its new director of operations. In his role, Jallad will oversee all operations and lead the facilities management and thrift shop teams. Jallad has extensive experience in management with big box retailers and thrift stores. His diverse skill set includes the management of both large facilities and teams. “I am so very excited to join such an organization that provides so much to our community and look forward to working

alongside a great team living out the mission every day,” said Jallad. Founded in 1983, NFCC serves as a human services agency dedicated to building selfsufficiency and preventing homelessness and hunger for residents in north Fulton in the cities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, and Roswell.

North Fulton Master Gardeners Announces Virtual Gardening Classes The North Fulton Master Gardeners (NFMG), in collaboration with the UGA Extension of Fulton County and other partners, is providing horticultural education, service, and inspiration through virtual educational programming on a new NFMG YouTube channel (YouTube.com/channel/UCj2zA5vakYZJ4gZAAYYuX4g). NFMG’s Fall 2020 Gardening Lecture Series is going virtual in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Master Gardener Linda Cline leads the first video in the series, “Hydrangeas — How To Plant, Grow, and Prune.” Additional topics will include bulbs, shade gardening, vermiculture, fall vegetable gardening, and fall lawn care. Please subscribe to the YouTube channel to be notified when classes are posted. Additionally, the North Fulton Master Gardeners, in cooperation with Farm Chastain at Chastain Park Conservancy, is producing a series of gardening mini videos to provide horticultural education, service, and inspiration in north Fulton. The “Master Gardeners Educate at Farm Chastain” playlist can also be found on the NFMG YouTube channel. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

City of Roswell Wins 2020 Water Treatment Plant of the Year The City of Roswell has been awarded the prestigious Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) 2020 Water Treatment Plant of the Year Award for plants producing 1-4.99 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The Roswell Treatment Plant produces up to 3.3 MGD per day. This annual statewide award recognizes water treatment plants that operate in an outstanding manner. When determining the award winner, all aspects of the facility are considered including management, operations, safety, maintenance operations, documentation, lab operations, and industrial monitoring. This is the first year the Roswell Water Treatment Plant has received this award. “We are proud of the work our City and staff have done to win this award,” said Roswell Water Utility Manager Chris Boyd. “It’s great to be recognized by our peers throughout Georgia for the quality of work that we do for the residents of Roswell.” The Roswell Water Utility serves approximately 5,600 customers and maintains 89 miles of distribution waterline mains to supply the highest quality water delivered to Roswell residents. For additional information, please visit RoswellGov.com. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Check Out ArtAround Roswell’s Newly Installed 2020 Sculptures ArtAround Roswell is thrilled to announce that two of the three sculptures that were delayed by the COVID-19 shelter-in-place restrictions have recently been installed: Jack Was Optimistic by Chris Plaisted Location: Roswell Area Park A giant sculpture at 20 feet in height and 8 feet in diameter, Jack Was Optimistic resembles the beanstalk and cloud of legend that Jack explores after trading his cow for magic beans. What started off as a dark piece with gnarly roots and black materials changed to a more optimistic and whimsical piece as Plaisted was working on it. Like a maypole, this spire is a celebratory beacon that one could climb up above the world’s troubles to a brighter place. Lunar Eclipse by Hanna Jubran Location: Don White Park Hanna Jubran’s journey in art began when he left his hometown of Jish, a land of olive and fig orchards, under the dome of Mt. Jamak in the upper Galilee region of Israel. Jubran’s work addresses the concepts of time, movement, balance, and space. This sculpture depicts a lunar eclipse and celestial bodies in motion.

Have you explored Roswell’s interactive map of public art? This great tool enables you to plan a new walking trail, drive-by tour, or bike route with creative stops along the way. For more information, visit RoswellArtsFund.org/map.

Tell Your Story to the Milton Historical Society The Milton Historical Society invites people who live, work, or play in Milton to be part of a new documentary film and archival project about this time and place. 10

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

Through this project, individuals can tell their stories about the pandemic’s impact on their lives. The documentary is called Milton Memoirs 2020, and here are four reasons you should take part in this historical compilation:

Enjoy Some Summer Sippin’ in Roswell Summer Sippin’ typically takes place from June 1-July 31; however, in light of COVID-19, the event was rescheduled and is currently taking place through September 30 with a few changes. Even though things will look a little different this year, this event will be a great way to celebrate the end of summer while practicing social distancing and supporting Roswell’s food and beverage establishments. This year, restaurants will offer carryout options in addition to serving their cocktails in-house, allowing patrons to participate in whichever way they choose. Bring your sippin’ experience to your house with options that can be “spiked” at home such as DIY cocktail kits or handcrafted cocktail mixes. Additionally, because your health and wellbeing are the highest priority, all participating restaurants will follow five ‘Sip Safely Standards,’ which are in direct alignment with guidance provided by the State of Georgia, City of Roswell, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For this year’s restaurant and drink lineup, visit SummerSippin.com.

1. Experience the pleasure of telling your story, one-on-one, to a Society volunteer on Zoom. 2. Leave a personal record of living in Milton during the pandemic of 2020. 3. Tell future generations lessons you’ve learned so far during COVID-19. 4. Archive your story with the Milton Historical Society. If you wish to participate in the Milton Memoirs 2020 project, email Jeff@MiltonGaHistoricalSociety.com to schedule a virtual Zoom interview. Add

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Fall Is the Time To Eradicate English Ivy By Lisa Ethridge

[HomeLife] Make it your mission to eliminate English ivy from your property this fall. English ivy and its cousins Atlantic, Algerian, and other ivy species are “invasive,” which is defined by the Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council as “an exotic plant that is a serious problem in Georgia natural areas by extensively invading native plant communities and displacing native species.” If you still need more incentive to keep this plant from taking over your landscape, all manner of disease-ridden insects and animals such as mosquitoes, ticks, rats, termites, voles, and snakes breed and thrive in the web of this villainous vine. Trees are the crowning glory of any property. Ivy weakens and even kills them. This powerful vine deforms branches,

stunts growth, and girdles the tree, which disrupts its ability to transfer life-giving water and nourishment to the canopy. In addition to sucking up water and nourishment, ivy also blocks air and light. Many homeowners work diligently to plant native bushes and pollinator friendly plants. Because ivy deprives plants of moisture and light, they weaken and die. Germination and reproduction cannot take place without water and light. If pollinator plants are smothered, bees and butterflies cannot live.

mortar on brick and damages your home’s foundation. Termites are attracted to the dark, moist environment, and this devious plant covers the infestation and damage until it’s too late. Don’t let ivy wreak devastation on your house. North Fulton homeowners — your mission this fall is to exterminate “the ivies” from your property and spread the message “ivy is evil” to your neighbors and friends. Copious educational information about eradicating ivy is available online.

Lisa Ethridge is a member of the award-winning Roswell Garden Club and a certified master gardener with North Fulton Master Gardeners, part of the UGA Cooperative Extension Service. 404-613-7670, NFMG.net

Besides harboring pests and killing trees, ivy threatens the roof over our heads. Because its stems creep into small spaces and expand, it splits open any structure it is attached to. It weakens the

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EconoRides.com or call (678) 218-7170 Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Mayor’s Message

Working Together for the

Health and Safety of the Roswell Community

By Mayor Lori Henry

say that the last five months have been a challenge for all of us would be an understatement. Though these are unprecedented times for our community, state, and country, I want you to know the health and safety of our residents is and always will be my top priority. The City of Roswell is working to do its part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19. Beginning in mid-March, I formed a COVID-19 internal task force. Those serving on the task force include Fire Chief Ricky Burnett, Police Chief Jim Conroy, City Administrator Gary Palmer, Fire Battalion Chief Pabel Troche, City Attorney David Davidson, Community Relations Manager Julie Brechbill, and Recreation and Parks Director Jeff Leatherman. I meet with this group regularly to review the latest data from the Georgia Department of Health and the Atlanta/Fulton County Health Department, along with Gov. Brian Kemp’s Executive Orders, to guide decisions about what to include in my Executive Orders. Unfortunately, Georgia is a hotspot for the virus, and Fulton is one of the counties with the highest number of confirmed cases. According to the data provided, the numbers of those infected continue to rise, including here in Roswell. We have had to make some tough decisions over the last several months. At the beginning of the pandemic, we closed City Hall and our buildings to the public for almost two months, but that didn’t mean the City shut down. Our employees were still working hard,

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

providing services to our residents. They didn’t miss a beat. We opened our facilities back up to the public in mid-June with safety measures in place. We’ve held our mayor and council meetings, work sessions, and committee meetings virtually through Zoom. I would rather meet in person, but to keep residents, my fellow elected officials, and City staff safe, we will continue to meet virtually until the COVID-19 case numbers come down. For the convenience of our citizens, we livestream these meetings to the public on the City’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and RoswellGov.com. For those who want to address the mayor and council directly, we also take public comment. Much to our disappointment and the community’s, we’ve had to cancel many special events such as Alive in Roswell, Riverside Sounds, the Summer Puppet Series, and Music on the Hill, to name a few. These events attract hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people, making social distancing impossible. I strongly encourage everyone to social distance and wear a face covering when you leave your home. Until there is a vaccine for this virus, we all are going to have to learn to live safely with COVID-19 in our community. I am doing everything I legally can to slow the spread in Roswell. Working Lori Henry is the mayor together, I know of Roswell. 770-594-6288. RoswellMayorAndCouncil@ we can lower the roswellgov.com numbers here. Add

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Five Tips To Keep You Game-Ready By Dr. Veronica Jucknies

[HealthyLife] This season, every game matters! Check out the following tips to make sure you stay healthy and injury-free: 1. Fuel your body with the best possible nutrition. While fast food restaurants and packaged foods are easy, whole foods provide better overall nutrition. Your body is constantly breaking down and remaking its cells. With whole foods, there are generally more micronutrients present, and your body can absorb these nutrients to create new, healthy cells. The adage is true – you are what you eat! 2. Limit your sugar intake. Yes, it is delicious, but it is not helpful in the long term. Refined sugar will cause sugar highs and insulin spikes, which are not beneficial overall. Minimize your sugar intake to maintain steady blood glucose levels.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

3. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Most Americans are chronically dehydrated. When exercising in the Georgia heat, hydration is especially important. An easy electrolyte drink can be made with a pinch of sea salt in water and a squeeze of lemon. While this isn’t as delicious as some ready-made electrolyte drinks, it is cheaper and healthier. 4. Increase your omega-3 fatty acids. You can do this by including more fish in your diet or by adding a high quality fish oil supplement. Most Americans eat a diet too high in omega-6 fatty acids. An imbalance in omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids can promote inflammation.

5. Get your nervous system and muscle function checked. For you to function at 100%, your muscle system (in conjunction with your nervous system) must be functioning at 100%. When you sustain an injury or overuse, you can end up with muscles that have been “shut down” by your nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments and AMIT (Advanced Muscle Integration Technique) therapy will reactivate these muscles to help you perform your best. If you get injured, AMIT therapy will also allow you to recover more quickly.

Veronica Jucknies is owner, chiropractor, and physical therapist at Code V Performance, 12600 Deerfield Pkwy, #100, Alpharetta. 678-687-8023. CodeVPerformance.com

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Public Safety

Burglary Prevention Protecting Your Home While You Travel By Dr. Rich Austin

we slowly begin to return to normal (or at least a “new normal”), many families have decided to proceed with vacation travel plans or trips to visit family. And while time away may be much needed, unoccupied homes are an opportunity for burglars to strike. Remembering the following tips may greatly reduce the chances of your home being burglarized.

Making Your Home Look “Lived-In”

Police Vacation Checks

If you plan to be away for an extended period, remember to stop your mail, or have a neighbor pick up these items on a regular basis. Often, burglars see a driveway full of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox as an open invitation to enter a home without much chance of being detected.

Call your local police to see if they provide routine vacation checks. Departments that provide this service, such as the Milton Police Department, will have an officer ride by your home to check the perimeter and ensure it is secure. Since homeowners register for the service, police officers will have your information on file if they encounter a problem or see something suspicious.

Alarm Systems Consider an electronic intrusion detection system. While there are several reputable alarm monitoring companies, there are also several off-the-shelf alarm monitoring systems available from your local electronics store. If you are a little tech savvy, these systems (both with company-monitoring and self-monitoring options) allow users to have control over basic home functions via a mobile device. Some common functions include video monitoring, remote control lighting and TVs, arming and disarming the alarm system, and automatic text or email alerts if the doorbell rings or if a door or window is opened or broken.

Rich Austin is the chief of police for the City of Milton Police Department. 13000 Deerfield Parkway, Suite 107 E, Milton. 678-242-2500. Rich.Austin@cityofmiltonga.us. CityOfMiltonGa.us

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

If you utilize this service, remember to tell the police if you are expecting any visitors such as a neighbor picking up your mail or service providers like landscapers or pet sitters. While the police will ride by occasionally, the number of checks is typically based on call volume and other factors. Since no police department may absolutely guarantee your home’s safety, it is best to utilize this service in conjunction with one of the previously mentioned monitoring options.

Neighbors Neighbors who look out for each other are a great old-fashioned, but effective, burglary prevention tool. Encourage your neighbors to call 911 if they see anything suspicious while you are away such as a strange car in your driveway or someone walking around your house. Asking good neighbors to keep an eye on your home can help both deter burglaries and provide you peace of mind, so you may more fully enjoy your time away. Add

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Quotables

“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” -Dr. Seuss “Fools reject reality and

“Opening up and sharing all the parts of you doesn’t mean giving any of yourself away. Hope isn’t a dead language. Independence isn’t a lonely journey. I’ve learned that vulnerability is strength, not weakness.” -Mitesh Pamar

“Life will only change when

expect things to be different. The wise accept reality and expect the unexpected.”

you become more committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone.”

-Maxime Lagacé

-Billy Cox

“Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.” -Randy Armstrong “If you only walk on sunny days, you’ll never reach your destination.” -Paulo Coelho “What the mind doesn’t understand, it worships or fears.” -Alice Walker

“The best fighter is never angry.” -Lao Tzu

Photos courtesy of Peg Hussing

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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COVER STORY By Patti Richter

Solutions Oriented C itizenship is an old-school word we don’t hear much anymore. It denotes social responsibility, which adds to the quality of life in our chosen community. For those who serve in the Georgia State Legislature — comprised of citizens — such public spirit is a necessity, especially in times of distress.

Senator John Albers is in his 9th year of representing the 56th District that includes portions of Fulton and Cherokee counties. Albers is also a business owner and executive, so when COVID-19-related issues demanded his full attention, he relied on his deep commitment to public service. The senator’s usual amount of incoming calls and emails from citizens in need of help surged to over a thousand on some days in the early months of the pandemic. “People had concerns regarding unemployment, business paycheck protection, special-needs-child waivers, tuition refunds, and other unexpected needs,” Albers says. Many of these requests required supportive action from the senator. 16

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

Seeing Good Things Come From Bad Things That large demand on Albers’ attention suggests residents of the seven cities comprising his district (Roswell, Sandy Springs, John’s Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Woodstock, and Mountain Park) know they have an advocate in their senator. Many of the approximately 200,000 people in these communities have interacted with him at one of 70 or more local events he has hosted over the years — town hall meetings, homeowner association and community meetings, and other gatherings. Add

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“

Knowing I make a difference is why I do this job.

”

“Knowing I make a difference is why I do this job,” Albers says. “With a yearly salary of $17,000, the state senator position is considered ‘part-time.’ However, during the legislative sessions — 40 days/3 months — this means 80-100 hours per week. But it’s a service I take seriously, and I’m a solutionsoriented person.”

Those hours included work on one big issue that impacts the 56th District. “Roadwork on the I-285/GA 400 highways is the largest transportation project ever in the history of the state,” Albers says. “We are also working to alleviate the east-west bottleneck at GA 400 through improved roads, bridges, and new infrastructure.” Albers was glad to see at least one good thing coming out of the bad pandemic — less rush hour traffic. “This problem in our district could be completely resolved,” he says. “Let’s spread out the congestion by embracing people’s ability to telecommute. This will improve our lives, help our local economy, and allow people to become more engaged in our community and with our charities. Let’s change the question from ‘Why should you work at home?’ to ‘Why should you come to the office?’”

The senator is working with local business leaders to promote this option as good for the area. And there’s evidence that many residents already engage in their communities since this district contains six of the top 10 safest cities in Georgia. These cities rank consistently among the best places in the state. “We all work together without acrimony — with the mayors, city council members, county commissioners, and school board members,” Albers says. “This area has great public and private schools and some of the best charities. There’s also a job network through my church, Roswell United Methodist. This district is an enviable place. People want to come here, live here, and work here.” As a testament to the teamwork, Albers is endorsed by all North Fulton mayors and numerous council members, school board members, county commissioners, and others.

421 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 404-463-8055 SenatorAlbers.com Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

“There Is No Neutral” Sen. Albers serves as chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee. A long-time volunteer firefighter, he has witnessed firsthand the sacrifice so many law-enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, and firefighters make daily. In late May, Albers announced he would donate his legislative salary to benefit first responders and those in need in his district, saying, “It is important now, more than ever, that we look after those who have dedicated their lives to looking after us. In addition, this pandemic has upended the lives of many Georgians.” As COVID-19 continued in late spring, and national unrest moved to center stage, the senator said, “There is no neutral. We’re either going forward or backward, even in challenging times.” In June, Albers joined Georgia lawmakers in returning to the Capitol after the necessary hiatus. One critical piece of legislation especially represented a way forward: House Bill 426 — the Hate Crimes Law. Regarding HB 426, Albers said, “Demonstrating and supporting change is foundational to everything American. In addition, HB 838 passed to assure we support and protect our first responders. I was honored to be part of history in support of these two bills.” That well-focused session further included the passage of Senate Bill 359, the Georgia Pandemic Business Immunity Act, and other important bills to help prevent human trafficking, protect the elderly, and more. “In working together,” the senator says, “we ensure our greatest days are still to come.”

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The Sales & Marketing Academy® Mauldin had an epiphany while chatting with fellow business owners at a chamber of commerce meeting last year, as they were experiencing the same problem. “As I sat there, I listened, and we all were having the same issues,” says Mauldin. “Candidates applying with us, while very business - ‘book smart,’ had NO real-life sales skills.”

hat happens when you’re a business owner in need of a great sales team, but you can’t find one? You train one. Bonnie Mauldin, owner of The Mauldin Group, had this dilemma when she needed to add a new member to her business development team.

It was there at that table that The Sales and Marketing Academy® (TSAMA) was born. With a solution in mind, Mauldin was ready. Harnessing the digital marketing team’s talents at her agency, she communicated her vision — making TSAMA a reality. The team moved forward, designing and building a sales training website with the communication and functionality to meet a student’s schedule online — 24-7. But it was TSAMA’s board of directors and instructors,

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

made up of top Atlanta sales leaders, that really pulled the Academy together and gained attention. “Pushing beyond theory, we harnessed our own real sales experience to train students on the things you just can’t learn in a traditional college setting,” says Mauldin. “We want to inspire all students to embrace their sales acumen and build the confidence that they, too, can close the deal.” It is through this spirit that TSAMA envisions helping college students, new business owners, and entrepreneurs take their sales abilities to the next profitable step. Looking for a career in sales or to “up” your sales game? Contact

The Sales and Marketing Academy® 678-967-0551 | TSAMAcademy.com

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VIKING ANNOUNCES

2021-2022 World Cruise By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] The new 2021-2022 Viking World Cruise will span 136 days, 27 countries, and 56 ports, with overnight stays in 11 iconic cities. Setting sail on December 24, 2021, from Fort Lauderdale, the itinerary will include three new ports of call for Viking, including Phillip Island and Eden, Australia, as well as Yangon, Myanmar. Sailing on the award-winning 930-guest Viking Star, the epic voyage will explore ports of call in Central America; transit through the Panama Canal; journey up the West Coast of North America before crossing the Pacific Ocean and calling upon Hawaii; traverse New Zealand and Australia; and sail through Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean before concluding in London. Guests may also choose a shorter, 119-day portion of the sailing, 2022 Viking World Horizons, which departs from Los Angeles on January 10, 2022 and visits 22 countries and 49 ports before ending in London. All Viking World Cruise guests will also receive

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

the complimentary option to remain on board for three additional days and disembark in the shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home port of Bergen, Norway. Both of Vikingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new world cruise itineraries include business class international air, transfers to and from the ship, all gratuities and service fees, complimentary visa services, the Silver Spirits Beverage Package, and free luggage shipping services for embarkation. Guests who book between now and September 30, 2020, will receive an additional $2,000 per person in shore excursion credit for any optional land programs and $1,000 per person in shipboard credit, which can be used toward optional tours, spa services, onboard shops, and beverages. Viking Explorer Society members who book the 2021-2022 Viking World Cruise or 2022 World Cruise Horizons through September 30, 2020, will receive an additional $1,000 in shipboard credit per person. Both voyages will also have a limited-time period with a reduced deposit at booking. L

Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com

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Timely Resources By Heather Terry

he year 2020 has been like no other year. Due to COVID-19, schools moved to virtual learning, graduations were cancelled, employees were sent home to telework, professional sports came to a standstill, senior centers closed, and senior living communities went on lockdown to outside visitors and loved ones. Through the uncertainty, it is interesting to watch how all generations have adjusted to living life through a pandemic. This year has been tough on all of us, but especially hard on those over the age of 60 who are considered the most vulnerable – those who our leaders advised to “shelter in place.” Senior Services North Fulton (SSNF) has been serving seniors in our community for 30 years, but the agency has never experienced the unique needs that have come from the COVID-19 crisis. “We have pivoted and adapted in order to effectively carry out our mission of safely serving seniors in our community,” said SSNF Executive Director Ron Harlow.

Nonprofit SSNF is the Meals on Wheels provider in North Fulton, offers free transportation to get homebound seniors to their medical appointments, and manages seven local senior centers. For anything senior-related in North Fulton, SSNF is a go-to resource. Early in the pandemic, the primary focus was keeping the agency’s Meals on Wheels program going without disruption. Last year, SSNF delivered about 34,000 meals. This year, the agency estimates close to 50,000 meals will be delivered. Harlow says the increase is due to seniors not wanting to leave home for fear of being exposed to the virus.

During the last several months, a new group of seniors in need has also emerged. “We are hearing from many workforce seniors in North Fulton who are suddenly out of a job and are struggling to pay bills,” said Harlow. “They are servers at your favorite restaurants, store owners, and businesspeople who are having trouble paying their rent and buying food.” As part of its ongoing COVID-19 response, Fulton County allocated

SSNF also implemented a contactless delivery process to keep their clients and volunteers safe. The meals are left on the doorstep, and the volunteer verifies the meal is received and chats with the seniors from a safe distance. Over the years, the agency has learned that the volunteer visits are just as important to its clients as the meal itself.

$300,000 to Senior Services North Fulton for emergency assistance. “In addition to our regular clients, this funding has allowed us to help a population of seniors that has never needed us before,” Harlow said. Most of the funding has been used for rent assistance, utility bills, medications, and purchasing groceries for people ages 60+ who are struggling in light of the pandemic.

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

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for Older Adults In addition to providing emergency assistance, the agency has been working hard to keep seniors in the community from feeling isolated. Back in March, when Gov. Kemp implemented the shelter in place order, SSNF was faced with closing its seven senior centers. Senior centers are crucial to helping older adults maintain their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

So, if we can’t be together, how do we stay engaged? Tanya Morris, the client services director for SSNF, said, “Like so many senior centers across the state, we started virtual programming at the beginning of May when it became clear we weren’t returning to the centers any time soon.” Morris said the first few classes were filled with tears of emotion, as the seniors were able to ease some of their loneliness and reconnect with their friends after months of isolation.

However, virtual programming comes with its challenges. With many seniors having “pay by the minute” phone plans, no internet, and/or little knowledge of technology, senior center managers have had to get very creative with ways to keep people active without video conference apps like Zoom. Materials and worksheets are provided so participants can follow from home. “You would be amazed what our staff is able to do over the phone,” said Morris. Exercise programs, workbook activities, and health education classes are all being conducted via teleconference. With so many seniors living alone and not able to see or hug their families, they are reporting that these classes are the best part Heather Terry is the of their week. community relations director for Senior Services North Fulton, 11381 Southbridge Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-993-1906 x223. SSNorthFulton.org

“We have pivoted and adapted in order to effectively carry out our mission of safely serving seniors in our community.” The SSNF staff members are proud of the work they are doing to ensure our senior neighbors are feeling safe and cared for. If you are 60 or older and need assistance or are interested in participating with virtual senior centers in North Fulton, call 770-993-1906 or email Info@SSNorthFulton.org. Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Confused About

Medicare? By Steve Aleksandrowicz

oday’s Medicare program has several options and costs. There is a lot of confusion, especially when we hear politicians talking about “free Medicare for all,” or retired athletes advertising Medicare plan options with free benefits. By the way, Medicare is for people ages 65 and older or some people under 65 who are disabled or have certain medical conditions. To help clear up confusion, read on to learn more about Medicare programs, options, and costs. There are two parts to the original Medicare program. Medicare Hospital Part A and Medical Part B. The Part A benefit typically is at no cost because you or your spouse has paid taxes into the Medicare system while working. The Part B has a monthly premium (cost) when you join Medicare, hence, “no free lunch.” Once you have Parts A and B, you have deductibles and cost shares. Next, you need prescription drug coverage, which is called Part D. Medicare requires you to join a Part D plan, or you can incur a lifetime penalty if you wait and join a plan later. Part D plans have their own monthly premium and are sold by private insurance plans that contract with Medicare. These plans typically have deductibles and cost shares.

plans are also called “Medigap” plans. Supplements have several choices that cover some or all of the deductibles and cost shares that a member incurs when using their Parts A and B benefits of original Medicare. Supplement plans have their own monthly premium and, depending on the level of coverage, plan premiums can get pricey. Now, there is a whole new way to receive your Medicare coverage, which is called Part C Medicare Advantage. Advantage plans typically incorporate Parts A, B, and D benefits. These plans are sold by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. Most Advantage plans are network-based, typically found in HMO and PPO plans, and most will offer additional benefits not found in original Medicare.

Some plans offer dental, vision, meals, hearing aids, and even transportation to your doctor. Plans vary based on county of residence. They are typically lower in cost as compared to a Medicare Supplement and Part D plan combination. Some plans may have a zero-dollar monthly premium. However, buyer beware. You need to make sure you can see your doctor and receive proper coverage. These plans are not one-size-fits-all. In conclusion, Medicare is typically not free. There are several plan options. Members need to make sure they understand their choices and how the program works. There are special rules and times as to when and how you can join, too. Need help? You can call Medicare directly or use a local broker. The advantage of using a local broker who is dedicated to Medicare is that he/she will be well versed in the local market to help you find optimal coverage.

Steve Aleksandrowicz is a senior health benefits consultant at the Bonnie Dobbs Agency. 404-642-5188. SteveAzInsurance.com

Then comes your plan options that work with your Medicare Parts A and B. This is where choices come into play. Medicare supplement

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

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What’s the Best Way To By Pam Santoro

Deed Your Property? Joint Tenant With Right of Survivorship vs. Tenants in Common

oint tenant with right of survivorship is a type of warranty deed that most married couples have. If one joint tenant dies, the property automatically belongs to the other joint tenant or tenants coequally. This it easier for the surviving spouse to sell the property because rather than having to go through probate court to remove the deceased tenant’s name from the deed, he/she will only need to supply a death certificate to the closing attorney. A tenant in common designation on a warranty deed means each tenant owns a specific portion of the property. It is an individual, undivided ownership interest in the property. He/she can sell, will, or gift any portion of the property that he/she

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

owns. When a person dies who is a tenant in common, his/her will instructs the probate court to convey his/her portion of the property per his/her wishes. Recently, I had a client who wanted to downsize but had not filed anything with the probate court after his spouse’s death. He then worked with an eldercare estate attorney to file the necessary probate court documents to remove his wife’s name from the deed to enable him to sell the home. My advice is to check your documents to see if your property is tenants in common or joint tenants with right of survivorship. Even in the 1990s, some deeds were

written as tenants in common. Currently, most warranty deeds are registered as joint tenants with right of survivorship. It is a nominal fee to have an attorney file the documents to change the warranty deed, which is much easier than going through probate court. Pam Santoro is a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. 33 S. Main Street, Suite 201, Alpharetta. 678-656-6627. Pam.Santoro@bhhsga.com. PamSantoro.BHHSGeorgia.com

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Grand Openings & Ribbon Cuttings

Family Ties — Maintaining Relationships With Older Adults During Social Distancing By Christy Noll

[HomeLife] During the current pandemic, older adults have had more cause for concern than most because a weakened immune system usually comes with age, which makes a person more susceptible to not only COVID-19 but other potential lifethreatening illnesses. So, the focus on senior adults in this issue of North Fulton Family Life is important and close to my heart. My adorable, kind, and loving mother has dementia and lives nearby in a memory care facility. I have only briefly seen her several times since March. She doesn’t understand what is going on in the world or why we can’t visit her in person. Like so many seniors, she is very high risk with multiple health issues, and though it has been difficult, keeping our distance from her has been for the best.

The Hemp Farmacy 5250 Windward Parkway, Suite 116 Alpharetta 770-676-0853 Hemp and CBD Boutique

GNFCC Small Business Success Series Thursday, September 17 9:00-11:00am

This monthly interactive series includes professional presentations, engaging small group activities, and sharing best practices, so you walk away with practical ideas to implement at your business the next day. Contact Kendra Plotkin at 678-397-0554 to sign up or visit GNFCC.com to register online.

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

During this time, families have had to get creative to maintain a close relationship with older loved ones:  Socially distanced visits through a window or outdoors, if possible, are great options. Even though you might not be able to hug your senior family member, you are keeping him/her safe.  Phone calls, Zoom meetings,  Send care packages, cards, food, or a favorite meal to let or Facetime calls also help your loved one know you are keep us in touch. Using thinking of him/her. Sweet these resources allows us notes go a long way when to keep up with each other’s seniors are isolated and daily activities. feeling lonely. Reassure your senior that this is temporary, and that you will be able to resume normal visitation soon. But, for now, it is in their best interest to keep your distance.

Christy Noll is founder of AlpharettaMoms.org, a resource that connects North Fulton families with community organizations, programs, and events.

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“Do I have an

African Wildcat Living in My Home?” By Michael Ray, D.V.M. [HomeLife] Our pet cats were derived from Felis Sylvestrus Lybica, a desert dwelling cat that hunts alone and eats several small meals throughout a 24hour cycle — derived, instead of evolved, because our domestic shorthair cats have almost zero genetic or structural changes compared to their African ancestor. Also, cats were never pack animals, so we cannot become an “alpha” leader in their social structure. Our little wild African cats are one of the most recently evolved of all cat species (10,000 years ago) and that likely contributes to their compatibility with humans. Originally the “mousers” of humans’ grain stores, this species is designed to eat 13-18 small meals per day. Cats eat and drink as separate activities and prefer their water and food not to be in proximity to one another.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

Cats drink very small amounts of water when they are young and healthy and concentrate their urine and have dry feces to compensate. They stay hydrated better than they get hydrated, which is why canned food is essential because hydration is accomplished most efficiently through their diet. Canned food should be offered while cats are very young, or they may refuse to eat it. A dry-only diet is never the best option. How this ties into feeding recommendations for pet cats is crucial. Anything less than five

meals per day is inappropriate for this species. An enlightened feeding program may consist of small quantities of dry food in multiple small portions instead of the one-large-bowl approach. Ideally, these locations change often to encourage hunting or foraging activity. Social dynamics must be considered in the multiple cat home, again referencing their solitary hunter background. Another goal with feeding our cats is the concept of variety. Cats should not be fed just one type of food, so alternate canned and dry and switch brands frequently. Cats eat organs more than what we think of as “meat” (muscle tissue), so do not worry about byproducts or human quality ingredients in their food because those are just marketing tools.

Michael Ray is a doctor of veterinary medicine at The Cat Clinic, 1002 Canton Street, Roswell. 770-552-7877. CatClinicOf Roswell.com

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How to Financially Survive a Pandemic By Lori Kee

[StrategicLife] COVID-19 has affected the life of every American, and for many, it has been an assault on their finances. According to a survey from WalletHub, 67 million Americans anticipate that they will have trouble paying their bills because of the pandemic. This can cause feelings of a loss of control, and anxiety can set in. Whether you’ve lost your job, experienced a cut in pay, or are simply worried about what’s to come, here are steps you can take to gain control and reduce your stress level:

Create a crisis budget, thereby reducing your expenses. Take stock of your income, your savings, and then scrutinize your spending. You’ll likely discover that many of your monthly expenses are not items you truly need to live.

Reduce or eliminate nonessential services. If you’re like many, you subscribe to numerous ongoing services such as cable, streaming services, gym memberships, apps, and more. Review your credit card statements and either cancel or find a way to reduce these

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

services. Some gyms will allow you to pause your membership and restart it at the same rate when your income returns.

There will come a day when the pandemic ends. At that point, you might have the urge to immediately resume previous spending. Try to resist and replenish your savings instead.

Review stay-at-home indulgences. If you’re now finding yourself at home, you might be freeing up money on things like dry cleaning and commuting. Don’t throw those savings away on extravagances like takeout, video games, and online shopping.

Remember the old saying, “The best things in life are free.” Focus on the joy that comes from family time, walking, or experiencing nature. These things are not only good for your wallet, they’re also good for your spirit.

Contact your creditors. If you’ve had a significant loss of income, this is an important step — even if you have emergency savings — because you don’t know how long your loss of income might last. It’s a good idea to let your creditors know your status. Lenders are aware of the difficulties the pandemic is causing and might work with you on your payments.

Finally, we should all be thinking about preparing for the future. Hopefully, we’ll never see another pandemic, but we can’t control what might be down the road. So, take steps now to ensure that the next time you’ll be in better shape. If you don’t have an emergency savings account, it’s time to develop one. Have an idea of how much you need for food, shelter, and transportation, and know the various benefits you might have available if there is a loss of childcare or income or an unexpected illness. Thankfully, this difficult time will end, and life will return to normal. Gain control over your finances now, and you will be stronger when it does. L

Lori Kee is the Roswell Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union, 1010 Mansell Road, Roswell. 770-424-0060. LGECCU.org

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Community Partner

outhern Magnolia Charities (SMC) is a nonprofit organization based in Milton, Georgia, that was established in early 2018 to actively serve the people of north Georgia through fundraising events and donations, making philanthropic grants, and providing services or support that contribute to the health and vitality of the community. The primary fundraiser is the annual Milton Tour of Homes that began in 2016 and transferred to SMC when the tour organizers formed the nonprofit corporation. Through dedication and commitment, SMC is honored to support other charitable organizations in the area that enhance the lives of all citizens. In the two years since its inception, SMC has donated $88,500 to local charities including Canine Assistants, Dream Weavers of Georgia, Meals by Grace, Milton First Responders Foundation, and the Will to Live Foundation. Each year, SMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board of directors reviews many suggested charities and implements a process by which they select the organizations for the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundraising activities. This year, in light of the current challenges created by COVID-19, the SMC board has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Milton Tour of Homes, usually scheduled each fall. Instead, during this time of uncertainty, SMC has chosen to respect the needs of the community, its sponsors, patrons, volunteers and homeowners while still benefiting a local charity. The board has established a GoFundMe account to raise funds for Meals by Grace, which Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

has been deeply impacted by the pandemic due to unprecedented demand and increased need for food pantry and delivery services. Southern Magnolia Charities will send 100% of the proceeds to Meals by Grace in order to help facilitate its mission of providing hungry families with meals, ending food insecurity, and promoting self-sufficiency. SMC welcomes donations from individuals, companies, and organizations at Charity. GoFundMe.com/o/en/campaign/fundraiser-formeals-by-grace-by-milton-tour-of-homes. TOGETHER, we can make a difference! For more information on Southern Magnolia Charities or to learn about the Milton Tour of Homes, please visit their websites.

TO MAIL DONATIONS: Southern Magnolia Charities, Inc. c/o Judy Burds 1165 Bream Drive Milton, GA 30004 678-770-7936 SouthernMagnoliaCharities.org MiltonGATourOfHomes.com Facebook at SouthernMagnoliaCharities or MiltonTourOfHomes WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

It’s Great To

Hydrate! By Jim Morrow, M.D.

[HealthyLife] Dehydration affects every single organ system. If you do not have the proper amount of water in your body, you are at risk for many problems, which could range from simple muscle cramps to kidney failure. Since many people are home more due to the pandemic, lots of yard work is being done right now. Lack of hydration combined with the late summer heat in Georgia is a recipe for disaster. Add to

Jim Morrow is a family medicine physician at Morrow Family Medicine. 12970 GA-9, Milton. 770-781-8004. MorrowFamMed.com

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

that the fact that you cannot hydrate today FOR today. You must do that a few days ahead of time. Often, the fluid you drink contains caffeine. One of the many properties of caffeine is to act as a diuretic, which means you make more urine. So, if you drink eight ounces of a liquid that contains caffeine, you will likely create 12 or more ounces of urine, creating a hydration deficit. Lots of medications also alter the way your body regulates fluid levels. Ask your doctor if any of your medications affect your body’s hydration functions. Many

chronic conditions cause you to lose fluids as well, so be aware of those, too. But the obvious thing that causes dehydration is being out in the heat. If you are going for “Yard of the Month,” choose to work outside before 10:00am or after 4:00pm. Your body will thank you. The best way to gauge your hydration status is by the color of your urine. Your urine should be as clear as you can get it. If it is yellow, you are not drinking enough. Another reason your urine might be yellow is if you are taking a lot of unnecessary vitamins, but that is a topic for another day.

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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Although they are somewhat more detailed, Duke’s paintings of boats and birds also evoke calm. “For me, art shouldn’t be too much. I try to keep my works clean. Now, I’m using white backgrounds and don’t feel compelled to fill the canvas.” Duke says she finds great satisfaction in sharing her art and especially enjoys doing commissioned work.

“When you go to the coast, the sky gets bigger, the city melts away, and as you stare at the horizon, the vistas and colors are ever-changing. There is something about that play of the horizon and the changing sky that draws me,” said Amy Duke. Through her paintings, Duke captures the beauty of the coastal horizon in landscapes that create serenity in their seeming simplicity. Choosing palettes of only three to four colors, and often leaving portions of her canvases white, Duke creates a mood that engages the viewer. “I’m very pleased when I exhibit and hear people say that my work is peaceful and calm,” she says. While Duke knows her subject and palette before starting to paint, once she begins, she tries to relax, not let her brain take control, and paint freely and quickly. “I love acrylics because they make the process fluid. I’m usually working on a few paintings at a time – sometimes a series of boats, small canvasses of birds, and large landscapes. It’s fun to move my brain from one to another,” she says. “Acrylics dry quickly, so I can work on a piece and then move on to another, then return. And, if I’m not happy with what I’ve done, I’ll let it sit a few days, then when I return to it, it works.”

“I try to make my art accessible to people. It’s an honor to paint for someone who has seen your work and enjoys it,” she says. “I like knowing the home where it ends up, and getting to know the people who will enjoy my work.” With grandparents and parents who loved art, Duke found her calling by the time she was in high school. After graduation, she earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art at Hollins College in Virginia where she met friends who encouraged her to move to Atlanta. “My grandfather was an artist, and that’s where my love for art began. Papa would sketch and photograph during his travels, and when he returned home, he would put on slide shows. He was inspiring. And my mother still goes to every museum she can. When she visits, she says, ‘Let’s find a museum!’” Inspired by her grandparents, parents, teachers, and professors, Duke knows painting is her calling. “I can have a frustrating day, and then there are the days when I can’t stop. I love that. That’s when I’m completely in my own world. When you are doing what you are meant to do, it just clicks.”

Duke’s paintings can be seen at AmyDukeFineArt.com 30

North Fulton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2020

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Book Review BY JULIA PADGETT

NEWS OF THE

WORLD I

nvoking an element of True Grit, author Paulette Jiles sends us on an adventure though post-Civil War Texas. Captain Kidd, an elderly gentleman who makes his living by reading news to the public throughout small towns in north Texas, is pressed (and paid) to return a young orphan girl who was made captive by the Kiowa tribe four years prior.

The girl, now 10 years old, speaks no English and wants desperately to return to the only life she remembers — that of her Kiowa family. The Captain’s constant refrain of being “too old for this” is understandable, considering the 400-mile journey not only means crossing terrain of swollen rivers and inhospitable weather, but also navigating raiders, possible attacks by Native Americans, a child sex ring bent on capturing the young girl, potential hunger, and the ever-present fear of a broken wheel on his “Restorative Waters” wagon. As the “Kep-dun” and young Johanna begin to learn to communicate with each other, her fears ebb and her trust in the old man deepens. Jiles has a poetic, sparse hand with the language and description. Flashbacks to Captain Kidd’s previous life help pull you into his story, and your trust in him starts to build with Johanna’s. There is some violence in this book, but it is fitting of the time and place and is not explicit. Overall, this becomes a story of what family can come to mean. Beyond being a tale of Western survival, which it is, the small novel is more about connection, faith, and doing the right thing in the face of staggering odds. There is little dialogue, which quiets the world and journey; you are very much in an introspective space with the Captain and Johanna, as they make Julia Padgett is a their way to San Antonio. This lets you librarian at Roswell soak up the history, landscape, and lives Library, 115 Norcross that News of the World moves though. It is Street, Roswell, a beautiful story that whispers and lingers 770-640-3075. AFPLS.org long after it is done.

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