North Fulton Family Life 10-20

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Contents

October 2020

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 3

20-21 On the Front Cover

Albers for Senate

[20-21]

14-15 Artist Profile

Preston Goodson

28-29

High School Bands Beyond the Halftime Lights

36-37

[14-15]

On the Back Cover

Jason Hayes for Georgia 04 ........................... Perspective 06 ..............................

08 .....................

Calendar

Community Life

12 ......................... Public Safety 16 ............................ Senior Life 18 ..................

[28-29]

26 ................ Community Partner

[36-37] Follow Us >>>

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Mayor’s Message

Family Life Publications

North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

38 ....................

Ribbon Cuttings

39 .........................

familylifepublications

Book Review

@FamilyLifeMags

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What Is POLST?

By Debra Robinson

[StrategicLife] POLST stands for Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment. The Georgia POLST is a form created by the Georgia Department of Public Health to help seriously ill people make clear what their wishes are regarding life sustaining treatment. The form is completed by the patient in conjunction with his/her physician, and it is signed by both.

In the POLST form, the patient can indicate whether he or she wants CPR, medical interventions including comfort measures or full treatment, antibiotics, and artificially administered nutrition or fluids. The form is usually printed on colored paper, so it can easily be seen by medical providers during an emergency. The POLST form is different from a Do Not Resuscitate order (DNR) because it can include the direction to use full treatment such as intubation or mechanical ventilation.

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The form is intended for individuals who are facing a life-threatening medical condition. It is not intended for healthy individuals wanting to have a plan in place in the event of an accident or medical crisis.

provide direction to medical personnel on what your wishes would be. An Advance Directive allows you to make choices about issues like whether you want to be an organ donor or whether you want to be buried or cremated.

The appropriate legal document for individuals who are not facing a lifethreatening condition, but who want to make their wishes known in the event of a medical crisis, is a Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care, which can be executed by any resident age 18 or older.

Unlike a POLST form, an Advance Directive allows you to name a health care agent who can make medical decisions for you if you are unable to communicate them yourself, giving you an advocate who can access your private medical information under the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and

Because an Advance Directive might not stop medical providers from resuscitating in a medical emergency, a patient diagnosed with a terminal illness should also consider having a POLST form on file.

Individuals not facing a terminal illness do not need a POLST form, but do need an Advance Directive. L

Debra Robinson is an attorney in Johns Creek. 770-817-4999, DebraRobinsonLaw.com

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Publisher’s Perspective

Now, I get it — there’s a pandemic, there’s an election, and there’s social disruption.

If you’ve spent time with me, you’ve heard me say, “Well, there’s that!” in response to something obvious. So, to hopefully add some perspective, I found a long quote from C.S. Lewis that was written at the start of the Atomic Age and made this “Mad Lib.” Fill in the blanks as you wish: “We think a great deal too much of the __________. ‘How are we to live in a/an (noun)

__________ age?’ I am tempted to reply, ‘Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth (adjective)

century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking Age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and __________ your __________ (verb) (noun)

any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of _________,… (noun)

an age of terrorism, an age of addiction, an age of motor accidents.’

“In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to __________ (noun)

…and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways….It is perfectly ridiculous to go about __________ and drawing long faces because __________ has/have (verb) (noun)

added one more chance of a __________ and premature death to a world which already (adjective)

bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty.

“This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be _________ by a/an _________, let that _________ when (verb) (noun) (noun)

it comes find us doing sensible and human things — praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, _________,…chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of (activity)

_________ — not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about _________. (noun) (noun)

They may break our bodies…but they need not dominate our minds.”

ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andrea Cottos, Bonnie Dobbs, Lisa Ethridge, Jim Gilvin, David E. Harrison, Kevin Head, Ryland Johnson, Scott Lavelle, Spencer Lee, Christy Noll, Patti Richter, Debra Robinson, John Robison, Ellen Samsell Salas, Matthew Simmons, Anna Teal

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.

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options. © 2020 All rights reserved.

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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 covers and their 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

TH

We’ve all made it around the sun a few times now, and I might add, at a very high rate of speed while spinning. Let’s now make this the age of caring, appreciating, and praying for each other. We all need more prayer and understanding. Be safe out there.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

E

It is October now, and along with the cooler weather, colorful fall foliage, and pumpkin spice, there does seem to be a lot of fear in the air. Many of my friends know that not much really bothers me, and I’m fairly laid back — but dang.

It is unsettling to see so many affected by so much in such a small span of our time here on this rock.

EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

N

BOO!

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

Well, There’s That!

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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God Can UseYou

By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

[InGoodFaith] More than 500 years ago, in 1517, an important event happened on October 31 — Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church.

Though it seemed to be a rather simple act, nailing this document to the church door sparked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

During those days, the church had several problems. Positions could be bought and sold. Priests who had committed to a life of celibacy openly violated the church’s requirements. Some people paid the church large amounts of money to receive forgiveness or to get a deceased loved one out of purgatory and into heaven. In fact, it was sometimes taught that, “When a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from purgatory springs.” These practices made the church very wealthy.

Martin Luther was far from perfect, but he detested what he witnessed. He spent time praying, meditating, and studying about what should be done to change the church.

One day, while he was studying the book of Romans, Luther had an insight that changed his life and eventually revolutionized the church. As he read the words of Romans, Luther realized that salvation was received by grace alone, not by any actions or works a person could perform.

This new insight changed Luther’s beliefs.

For him, the head of the church was Christ, not the Pope. He decided Christians needed no intercessor other than the Holy Spirit. He affirmed that every believer was a “priest” and began teaching the concept we know today as the “priesthood of all believers.” These beliefs, and many others, gave birth to the Protestant Church and also set the stage for radical changes within the Catholic Church.

What Martin Luther did was amazing, but there’s another important lesson here.

If God can use Martin Luther in such a powerful way, then he can use each one of us, too. Martin Luther was a rather ordinary, common person. What might God do through you to change the world? L

Dr. Kevin Head is senior pastor of First Baptist Roswell.

770-587-6980, Kevin@fbroswell.org

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

OCTOBER

12 & 26 3, 10, 17, & 31

Music Under the Pines — Enjoy outdoor concerts in this intimate setting. Upcoming artists include 10/3 Swearingen and Kelli, 10/10 BJ Wilbanks Special, 10/17 Ben Jarrell Band, and 10/31 Michelle Malone’s album release. Bring your own food and drinks.

Tickets $27.50. 10/3, 10/10, and 10/17 shows are 8:00-10:00pm.

10/31 show 7:00pm, Matilda’s, 850 Hickory Flat Road, Milton.

678-480-6932. MatildasMusicVenue.com

7 & 21

Golf Networking League — Enjoy a round of golf while networking with others. Please call for fee information.

4:30-6:30pm, 10/7 Polo Golf & Country Club, 6300 Polo Club Drive, Cumming. 10/21 White Columns Golf & Country Club, 300 Clubhouse Drive, Milton.

404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com

Punchline Comedy Night at Avalon Enjoy lots of laughs inspired by live comedy acts and drink specials. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Tickets are $15 per social distance ring, with a maximum of 2 guests allowed per ring. 7:309:00pm, Palmer Plaza at Avalon, 950 3rd Street, Alpharetta. 770-765-2000.

ExperienceAvalon.com

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Mars Opposition — A planet is said to be in opposition when Earth lies directly between it and the Sun. As the planet sits in the opposite part of the sky to the Sun, it’s positioned closest to Earth for its current apparition (period of visibility). On this date, Mars will appear larger than usual, making it an optimal time for observation.

This phenomenon only occurs every 2 years and 2 months (or to be precise, every 779.94 days).

14 ONGOING October Evening River Canoe Trips — Each Saturday and Sunday in October, come and take a leisurely evening 2.5-hour paddle down the river with CNC’s experienced canoe guides while learning all about the environment. All equipment is provided.

Ages 6 through adult $30 or $25 for CNC members (price per person). Advance registration is required by the Thursday before each trip.

4:30-7:30pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell.

770-992-2055.

ChattNatureCenter.org

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Women Who Walk the Walk — Enjoy lunch with life coach Tricia Dempsey, as she discusses driving purposefueled careers for women. Tickets are $45 and include lunch.

11:30am-1:00pm, Golf Club of Georgia, One Golf Club Drive, Alpharetta. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com

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

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Halloween Trick-or-treating and other fun festivities may look a bit different this year due to COVID-19. If you choose to celebrate this holiday, please be sure to stay healthy and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands. Have a SAFE and Happy Halloween!

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The Wednesday Social — The Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce supports, promotes, and connects professionals to what matters most. Enjoy conversation with fellow members, meet new faces, and contribute to the collaboration. Members $10/nonmembers $20, includes appetizers and one beverage ticket. 5:00-7:00pm, Ray’s Killer Creek, 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com

23, 24, & 30

35th Annual Halloween Hikes The perfect non-scary alternative to traditional Halloween events. Activities include a trail hike through the forest to meet costumed nature characters as well as music, crafts, a campfire, games, and family fun. $12 per person, free for ages 2 and younger. Tickets available online beginning 10/1 for CNC members and 10/9 for the general public.

6:00-10:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055.

ChattNatureCenter.org

October Is Family History Month — Visit websites and organizations that can help you trace your genealogy. Talk to older relatives and document the stories they tell.

Take time this month to create a family tree and celebrate your ancestors.

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

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

NOVEMBER

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8th Annual Grilling & Gridiron — SEC tailgating is a level above every other conference in the country. Celebrate this longstanding tradition when the University of Georgia Bulldogs take on the Florida Gators.

Attendees will enjoy SEC matchups on the giant LED screen, grilling and other tailgating tastes, beer and wine, and children’s activities. Tailgating bracelets are $20 (kids under 12 are free). All proceeds benefit The Lionheart School.

2:30pm, Phase Family Center, 12150 Morris Road, Alpharetta.

TheLionheartSchool.com/ grilling-gridiron

Alpharetta Restaurant Month Throughout the month of October, with the purchase of a $30 ARM Dining Card, get 20% off food (excluding beverages and gratuity) at over 30 Alpharetta restaurants.

Visit AwesomeAlpharetta. com for list of establishments.

404-670-9921.

AlpharettaChamber.com

Alpharetta Scarecrow Harvest Scarecrows will be on display for all to enjoy from October 5 through November 2. All scarecrows are also eligible for this year’s online People’s Choice Award, which will be hosted on Alpharetta Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services’ Facebook page from 10/6-13.

Downtown Alpharetta.

Alpharetta.Ga.us

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Community

Milton Firefighters Seek Support for Virtual Muscular Dystrophy Association Boot Drive Every year, Milton firefighters hit the streets with boots in hand, asking generous citizens to chip in a few dollars or even loose change for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). No surprise, this year is different due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

What hasn’t changed is the Milton Fire-Rescue Department’s earnest commitment to support the MDA. This time, however, citizens won’t be asked to deposit their dollars and dimes in a rubber boot. Instead, they can donate online and by phone.

“Our firefighters look forward to the MDA Boot Drive every year. While that can’t happen now, Milton Fire wants to do its part to support this great cause,” said Milton Fire Chief Robert Edgar. “And to make a difference, we need our citizens to step up — just as they have, time and again — to help.”

Want to join the campaign and change the lives of those with MDA? Visit FillTheBoot.DonorDrive.com/team/cityofmiltonfd, then click “Support Us.” Money raised supports the MDA, which uses it to:  Fund research for new treatments  Support MDA Care Centers  Send children to MDA summer camp

Milton’s New Public Safety Complex

For more information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, visit MDA.org.

Nearly 14 years after the City’s founding, Milton’s Police Department (MPD) and Municipal Court are in their own spacious, state-of-the-art, City-owned location. Milton’s new two-building Public Safety Complex project was finished on time and on budget.

MPD, Municipal Court, and the Milton Fire-Rescue Department’s administration moved into the new Public Safety Complex last month, and firefighters also began operating out of the new Station 44, which adjoins the administration offices.

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Until last month, the Milton Municipal Court and Police Department had worked out of rented office suites off Deerfield Parkway, which wasn’t designed explicitly for law enforcement and, thus, came with limitations. Their new location has features like an evidence room, showers, plenty of natural light, and much more.

our community in the years to come,” said MPD Chief Rich Austin.

“This facility truly reflects the professional police services that we strive to provide our citizens each and every day, and we so look forward to sharing this space with

The Public Safety Complex was made possible by Milton taxpayers as well as elected officials reflecting citizens’ priorities.

Across the parking lot closer to Highway 9 sits the new Fire Station 44, which contains an expansive kitchen and living room, personal bunk rooms, an exercise room, and bay.

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Community Sen. John Albers Recognized by Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Sen. John Albers recently was recognized by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) for his work as chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee during the 2020 Legislative Session to support Georgia’s public safety officers.

“It was a great honor to be recognized by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police,” said Sen. Albers. “This critically important partnership keeps our communities and families safe. Please join me in supporting and thanking our first responders!”

Take Roswell’s “Come Back Safely” Pledge The health and safety of everyone who lives, works, and visits Roswell is a top concern, as the City of Roswell does its part to slow down the spread of COVID-19. Keeping each other healthy is a shared commitment. Helping local business owners, employees, residents, and visitors remember that mutual obligation and commitment to each other’s health is the idea behind the “Come Back Safely” pledge, a collaboration among the City of Roswell and its economic development and tourism partners, Roswell Inc and Visit Roswell.

“The Come Back Safely pledge is a promise that anyone who lives, works, and plays in Roswell can make to assure their neighbors and the broader community that they will take necessary precautions like washing or sanitizing hands, following physical distancing guidelines, wearing face coverings/masks, and staying home when feeling ill,” said Roswell Mayor Lori Henry.

“By communicating a shared responsibility and commitment to safety and compliance, we can work together to help cultivate a greater sense of care and confidence in public environments.”

Butch Ayers, executive director of GACP was proud to recognize Sen. Albers for his support for law enforcement in Georgia.

“His efforts in the Senate Public Safety Committee and on the Senate floor have helped support Georgia’s law enforcement agencies, which, in turn, helped make Georgia a safer place for everyone,” said Ayers.

The GACP is based in Atlanta and is the largest professional association for law enforcement administrators in Georgia. The Association’s goals are “to promote cooperative, professional relationships throughout the state; to evaluate the standards of police institutions and the profession; to offer quality training and continuing education for administrators; and to provide opportunities for police executives to exchange information and experiences.”

For more information on the GACP, visit GaChiefs.com.

Businesses and organizations can download the pledge toolkit, which includes a pledge badge graphic, downloadable flyers and posters, and other promotional elements to let their guests know that they have taken the pledge and are serious about their commitment to safety. Residents and other individuals can also take the pledge and then download the pledge badge to share their commitment with their friends and family on social media.

For more information and to take the pledge, visit RoswellGov.com/ComeBackSafely.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Community Roswell Maintains Same Property Tax Rate for 2021 For the third year in a row, the City of Roswell’s property tax rate (millage rate) for fiscal year (FY) 2021 will remain at 4.955 mills.

Roswell City Council voted to adopt the millage rate during the special called meeting of the mayor and council on Monday, Aug. 31.

The 4.955 millage rate includes a Maintenance & Operations (M & O) component of 4.705, which goes toward supporting the City’s General Fund services and programs such as those offered

by Public Safety, Fire, Recreation and Parks, Transportation, and other departments. The City’s Debt Service accounts for 0.250 of the rate and is applied to the City’s bonded indebtedness, lowrate loans for special projects that have been approved by voters during previous referenda.

Out of the total property tax that Roswell residents pay each year, City taxes are equal to approximately 15% of their total bills.

Taxes paid to Fulton County Schools and Fulton County account for approximately 54% and 31%, respectively.

For more information about the millage rate and Roswell’s FY 2021 Budget, visit RoswellGov.com/budget.

Roswell Receives AmeriCorps Grant for After-School Program For a fourth consecutive year, the City of Roswell has been awarded an AmeriCorps grant to support local youth in select area elementary schools. This year’s grant for up to $77,099 will be used by the City and nonprofit partner STAR House Foundation to continue a collaboration in support of enhanced after-school programming.

The program builds literacy proficiency as well as provides homework support, assistance with STEM activities, and health and wellness programming.

To meet these goals, the City of Roswell and its nonprofit partner had to recruit 24 new AmeriCorps members in national service at the local level.

These individuals will serve with afterschool leadership and staff to provide

additional instruction and academic support to participating students four days a week during the school year.

Among the benefits AmeriCorps members will receive is a biweekly living allowance of $150. In addition, upon successful completion of service, the members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,311.11 and may be recognized by over 600 Employers of National Service.

“Not surprisingly, this year’s effort is expected to look different,” said Megan Boynton, City of Roswell grant project coordinator. “Our partners at STAR House are working hard, alongside the school district, to determine how best they may serve students safely during the COVID-19

pandemic.

However, we know the need for support remains.”

In addition to providing academic support to students, AmeriCorps members are also expected to engage participants’ parents through meetings and information sessions, enlist additional volunteers to help STAR House where possible, and serve the larger community on nationally recognized days of service.

A core program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 75,000 Americans to meet community needs in areas such as education, the environment, public safety, and health. AmeriCorps works with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and its Commission for Service and Volunteerism to afford service opportunities statewide.

The City of Roswell was the first organization to receive AmeriCorps State funding in the North Fulton area and contributes additional funds annually to facilitate its project. For 2020, the City will contribute up to an additional $43,282.

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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October Is Prime Time for Pansies

By Lisa Ethridge

[HomeLife] Thanks to the amazing pansy, a cool-season annual, it’s easy to add seasonal color to your winter landscape.

October is the ideal month to plant them in beds, hanging baskets, or pots. With a little effort, they will bloom through April.

There are more than 250 cultivars of pansy, Viola x wittrockiana. Some of the new varieties have blooms that are close to 4-inches wide. Colors run the gamut from white/pale pastel to velvety black, and a rainbow of vibrant colors in between.

Pansies should be planted in October to give the roots time to get established.

Well-drained, organically rich soil and morning sun will lay the groundwork for success. Fertilize using a product labelled specifically for pansies. It should contain nitrate nitrogen. Experts recommend nitrate for winter annuals

because it slowly releases to feed the plants more efficiently during the freezing temperatures. For best results, fertilize and deadhead regularly throughout the growing season.

Deer consider pansies a gourmet snack, so you’ll need to protect your plants once they are installed. Google “images for deer netting,” and options abound. Use the ideas best suited to your landscape.

Some individuals employ deer repellent chemical products. No matter which path you take, it’s worth the battle to enjoy these winter wonders.

Visit a local nursery to discover some interesting new varieties. Cool Waves has developed a trailing pansy for hanging baskets and pots. The Cats Mix comes in a variety of colors. Each flower has uniquely veined patterns that resemble cat whiskers.

The best evergreen companion plants for your precious pansies are autumn fern, heuchera, lemon pledge cypress, and ascot rainbow euphorbia. Annuals that pair well with pansies include dusty miller, ornamental cabbage, and snapdragons.

Grasses are a real designer touch that add texture and movement. Try red rooster, toffee twist, or Mexican feather for good results. Some creative gardeners even tuck spring-blooming bulbs, such as daffodils, in pansy arrangements. Make sure all the plants in your design have the same watering requirements.

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

GNFCC Emerging Leader Program Member

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Public Safety

A Cohesive Community

By John Robison

F

or those who don’t have young children, the topic of school starting back usually does not resonate very much. However, the beginning of this academic year, like everything else in 2020, was much different than in years past, so it has definitely caught almost everyone’s attention. One of the unique aspects this year is the different approaches taken by metro-area counties and school boards.

Some counties are having students attend face-to-face classes, just like they always have, with the caveat of social distancing and mask wearing being the new normal. Other counties are offering in-person and virtual options, while other counties are virtual only right now. Along with these different options comes a great deal of debate among parents, teachers, and the general public as to what is the “best” option for students and staff.

Unfortunately, this debate has created a great deal of vitriol, which has become all too common in 2020.

Whether it’s politics, school attendance, or mask wearing, most everyone has witnessed an unusually high level of anger and aggravation, as people profess their allegiance to whatever side of an argument they choose to support. The dissention has even made its way into the sports world where the cancellation of college football in certain parts of the country has created a great deal of frustration and disappointment among players, school administrators, and fans.

Although most people have very strong feelings and convictions about several topics being discussed/debated locally and throughout the state and country, it is crucial to remember the importance of treating people kindly, even when there are differences in viewpoints. Somewhere along the way, it seems that people in our society have lost the ability to agreeably disagree.

The mission of the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety is to “enhance the quality of life of those who live, work, and play in the city of Alpharetta.” One way this can be accomplished is simply by treating people well and exhibiting kindness on a daily basis, even if everyone doesn’t share the same stance on a topic.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with people living their lives based on personal convictions. That approach is appropriate and meaningful. However, people must be cognizant of the importance of respecting their neighbors, even when they don’t share the same convictions or opinions. It is possible to disagree with fellow citizens and still exist as a cohesive community.

The residents of Alpharetta have always done a good job of working through differences for the betterment of the city.

Now, more than ever, we need to strive to treat each other well.

John Robison is the public safety chief for the City of Alpharetta.

2565 Old Milton Parkway,Alpharetta.

678-297-6342. Alpharetta.Ga.us

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Photo courtesy of Ann Borden, Theater Emory

ArtistProfile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Preston Goodson

A ONE-MAN SOUND MACHINE IF

you attend a future production at Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), you won’t see Preston Goodson or hear his voice, but you will hear his work. Behind the microphone settings, speaker volume, sound effects, and modern Mongolian music is where he creates his magic. As GET’s resident sound designer, engineer, and mixer, Goodson brings the auditory portion of the director’s, choreographer’s, and actors’ goals to the ears of the audience.

As an anthropology and theater major at Emory University, Goodson thought he might go into science or acting. Ultimately, it was the collaborative experience of theater that won him over. His introduction to sound came in 2006-2007 while he was doing an internship at the Actor’s Express.

“The need for a sound engineer arose. I said, ‘Sure; I’ll try it.’

That was the first time, and I really liked it. I’ve been doing sound engineering ever since.”

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Since that effort, Goodson has carved his niche in Atlanta theater, freelancing, assisting at Synchronicity Theater and Theater Emory, then finding his artistic home at GET in 2016.

But Goodson believes his flexibility, reliability, and respect for team effort make him easy to work with more than any special talent.

“It’s all collaboration. Greetings, friend, your kind assistance is required,” he jokes. “My first show at Actor’s Express was incredibly collaborative. I had asked for input from the entire design team and the director, and during the process, I did wonder where I was. But I knew that I was not there to be the star of the show. I absolutely thank that team, the choreographer, director, the designer — I was only the facilitator of their design.”

For his first production at GET, Ghost the Musical (2016-2017), Goodson earned a Suzi Bass nomination for Outstanding Sound Design -

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Photo courtesy of Mary Saville, Georgia Ensemble Theatre.

Musical. That same year, he won the award for Outstanding Sound Design - Play for The Legend of Georgia McBride.

“I LOVE MY WORK. I GET TO SEE THE ENTIRE WORLD OF SOUND.”

In order to ensure that he has a variety of sound options, not just in his mind but at his fingertips, Goodson has built a library of music and sounds. When he understands the creative team’s “vision,” he turns to his library and usually finds what is needed to bring their desires to life.

“In theater, you’re going to get shows like Oklahoma or a radio play shows. You have to be willing to go to lots of different styles,” he said. “I’m building a hurdy gurdy, from classical European to modern Mongolian.”

When he doesn’t have the right sound or music, Goodson creates his own.

“I did something really cool for Ghost (the Musical),” said Goodson. “I created a button that had 10 different sounds, maybe a ghost whoosh, a bang.

Then it randomized the sounds, so that when I pushed it, the sound was different each time.”

Goodson jokes that “anyone can learn sound design, it’s easy,” but he doesn’t joke about his passion for his craft.

“I love my work. I get to see the entire world of sound, and I get paid to do it.”

To learn more about Preston Goodson, visit the staff page on Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s website (GET.org/about/about-the-staff) or check out his Facebook page (Facebook.com/preston.goodson).

Note: Due to the public health crisis, the Georgia Ensemble Theater is temporarily closed, with plans to reopen in January 2021.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

15

Senior Life

MEDICARE

What You Need to Know

By Bonnie Dobbs

If you are looking to enroll in Medicare during open enrollment, you may find the following information helpful.

Did You Know?

More Facts

 Medicare pays 80%.  Medicare has enrollment requirements, and if you miss those magic dates, you will incur a penalty. Do you know how long a penalty lasts? For life!  You do not need to start Social Security to be eligible for Medicare.  If you are low income, Medicare and Medicaid have programs to reduce outof-pocket costs and, in some cases, provide additional benefits.  If you have high income, you will pay extra for Parts B and D. This is known as IRMAA (income related monthly adjustment amount).  You must enroll in a drug plan. If you go more than 63 days without one, even if you do NOT take any medications, you’ll receive a penalty. Drug coverage is built into Medicare Advantage plans, or you may purchase a stand-alone plan if you have original Medicare.  You can delay enrolling in Medicare and not incur a penalty if your company has more than 20 employees.  If you are on a plan, you will receive an ANOC (annual notice of coverage) by September 30. It compares your plan’s current year with next year’s cost.

 Original Medicare covers 80% of Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical). This leaves you owing the Part A and Part B deductibles and the uncovered 20%.  There are two ways to get coverage.

The first way is a Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan, which is named by different letters to denote certain coverages. These plans charge a monthly premium. Go to any provider in the nation that accepts Medicare and most have a deductible and reduced out-of-pocket costs. Enroll in a standalone drug plan, which has a monthly premium, copays or coinsurance, and most have a deductible. The other way to get coverage is a Medicare Advantage plan. An Advantage plan combines Parts A, B, and D; has the drug plan built in; a network of doctors; copays or coinsurance; and may offer dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and gym membership.

 Medicare has rules about when to enroll. If you are turning 65, you have three months before your birthday month and three months after. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which is October 15 to December 7 each year, is the time to review, compare, and/or change your plan. The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is from January 1 to March 31 each year. You can test drive your Medicare Advantage plan and change it or go back to original Medicare and enroll in a prescription drug plan. You may also enroll in a Medicare supplement plan but must pass medical underwriting unless you are in your initial or guaranteed issue election period.  Medicare and Advantage plans are paying for COVID-19 tests and most treatments. You must pay the copays or coinsurance. Remember, Part A pays 80% for hospital. You can use your cell phone for telehealth visits.

Bonnie Dobbs is the owner of Medicare and Other Red Tape, Inc. 770-373-7541.

Sources - Medicare and Me 2020, Medicare.gov, and SHIP 16

North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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Children Can Make a Difference!

By Christy Noll

[HomeLife] Make a Difference Day is October 24, and it was established to help encourage us to focus on making a difference in the world. It’s a great reminder for families to find ways to help those in need or do something positive in their communities not just for a day, but yearround. Check out the following ways parents can encourage their children to make a difference.

Make a Difference at Home • Do age-appropriate chores to earn money to donate to a charity.

• Make crafts or write letters to be sent to troops, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.

• Find creative ways to recycle products or items around the house to eliminate unnecessary waste.

Make a Difference at School • Encourage classmates to write letters to send to troops, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.

• Help organize a cleanup day at the school.

• Gather a group of students to volunteer their time and talents or to collect items for a local charity.

• Research ways to conserve items at school, so there is less waste.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

Make a Difference in the Community • Start a canned food drive in the neighborhood to donate to a local charity.

• Perform a random act of kindness for a neighbor.

• Volunteer for a local charity.

• Create a kids’ book club in your neighborhood.

The more we encourage children to bring about positive change in the world, the better place it will be for all of us to live in.

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

17

Mayor’s Message

More Than Just “The Year of the Virus”

By Mayor Jim Gilvin

D

ealing with a pandemic has been every city’s top priority for the last several months. But, in the City of Alpharetta, we have not let current challenges derail our efforts to prepare for the future. And, since many of Alpharetta’s most recent accomplishments may have been overshadowed by other headlines, we would like to highlight them here.

Though it was delayed by bad weather and other construction issues, the transformational project to improve safety and mobility along the entire Rucker Road corridor has been finished. Now, families throughout the corridor can walk or ride bikes safely from their homes to Wills Park and downtown. The roundabouts, bridges, and other operational improvements along Rucker Road have also improved traffic flow while the streetlights and landscaping make it one of the most attractive streetscapes in town.

Over the summer, Alpharetta also completed the much anticipated first phase of the Alpha Loop. This multipurpose trail system will connect downtown Alpharetta to Avalon and eventually reach the office buildings along Haynes Bridge Road all the way to Northpoint Mall, linking to the beautiful Greenway system along Big Creek on the east side of Georgia 400. The first mile of the Alpha Loop connecting downtown to Avalon was completed during the quarantine and immediately became a powerful attraction for families and dog owners seeking some fresh air and sunshine as a break from sheltering in place.

Those are just a few of the wonderful achievements over the last few months.

Other successes include a skate park opening at Alpharetta’s Union Hill Park and Whole Foods donating a beautiful 100-foot covered pavilion behind Wills Park Community Center near Waggy World. There is a new neighborhood park on Windward Parkway and adaptive playgrounds, which accommodate children with special needs, in front of Alpharetta Elementary School and the Wills Park Recreation Center.

Though 2020 may be remembered as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alpharetta has made great improvements this year, which we believe generations of residents will enjoy and remember for years to come.

Another milestone was the completion of Alpharetta’s first indoor facility on the east side of Georgia 400. The City’s partnership with the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA allowed us to open the new Preston Ridge Community Center in time to support programs aiding area families and students with virtual learning programs (which many schools used to combat the spread of the coronavirus). As we continue to emerge from the threat of COVID-19, the Preston Ridge Community Center will become a beautiful new public space our residents can enjoy for meetings, activities, and functions.

Jim Gilvin is the mayor of Alpharetta.

678-297-6010. JGilvin@alpharetta. ga.us, Alpharetta.Ga.us

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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19

Service Experience Leadership Results

O

ur favorite quotes reveal personal aspirations. However, the words that inspire us are not as powerful in shaping our character as the lives of those who nurtured us.

It’s not surprising that Senator John Albers prefers the maxims of political figures and other leaders, past and present. But he acknowledges home as his greater influence: “My wonderful parents instilled in me hard work, faith, and resolve.”

Albers, age 48, still benefits from his parents’ advice. “Their values are fundamental to everything I do — serving my family, church, charities, in business, firefighting, elected office, and more,” he says.

Service The senator further credits his parents as his role models for “giving back” — sharing time and resources with others.

Albers says, “Many generations of my family have served in the military and as first responders. I love to serve people, and for me, it’s a calling, the greatest way to glorify God. I want to be the best husband, father, senator, and community servant.”

COVER STORY

By Patti Richter

This is a paid advertisement.

Photos courtesy of Chris Savas Photography. Some photos were taken prior to CDC Covid recommendations.

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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Albers and his wife, Kari, celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary this year. He says, “We’re proud of our two adult sons, both graduates of Roswell High School. They’re adding to the family’s legacy of public service. Our oldest is a recent college graduate who now serves as a first responder (He will also be married this fall!), and our youngest is just starting college.”

is sometimes obvious but at many times unseen. But one of Albers’ other roles is clearly undercover, in the uniform of a firefighter.

A 4th-generation firefighter, Albers continues to serve as a volunteer in Alpharetta.

“Firefighting and politics have a lot in common — putting out fires and rushing in when others run out,” he says.

The senator’s desk displays the saying that once graced President Ronald Reagan’s desk in the Oval Office: “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” The hard work of a public servant

Experience Senator Albers earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and completed graduate programs at both the University of Georgia and Harvard University.

“We stress formal education in our home, and I believe education is a lifelong journey,” he says. “However, as Julius Caesar said long ago, ‘Experience is the teacher of all things.’”

The senator recalls his lack of experience when first elected: “I needed to learn and develop relationships in order to be successful.” Now, he is thankful for nearly a decade of

experience, especially in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Experience really mattered when demands on my office jumped by 5,000%! One constituent thanked me profusely for the help she received, saying I was the only person to respond and make a difference. She said I’d been prepared for such a time.”

Albers adds, “My years of experience have led to success in passing legislation and assuring that budget dollars come home to North Fulton and Cherokee counties, which is very important for our families and businesses.”

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

Leadership A lifelong student of history, Albers says, “Many issues we face today have been seen before. Author John Maxwell explains, ‘Leaders must be willing to let go of what worked yesterday and learn new ways of seeing, doing, and leading.’”

committees: Rules, Regulated Industry, and Veterans and Homeland Security. Albers further serves in leadership as chief deputy whip, which he describes as, “not driving the car but having my hand on the steering wheel.”

Albers’ leadership roles in the Georgia Senate are extensive.

Serving as chairman of Public Safety is “an awesome responsibility,” he says. The senator is also Appropriation Subcommittee chairman for Criminal Justice and Public Safety, “which constitutes about $3.5 billion of the state budget.”

Regarding critically important decisions that affect nearly 11 million Georgians, Albers says, “I do my homework and listen to all sides, as I process each one. You can compromise on politics but never on principles. This belief has served me well as a senator representing the 56th District and the State of Georgia and will continue to be my guidepost.”

Other roles include vice chairman of Finance and membership on three

Results Nicknamed the “Energizer Bunny” over the years, Albers often works while others sleep. He embraces Abraham Lincoln’s work ethic: “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”

“I’m driven by a results-oriented approach,” the senator says, “with a sense of urgency to solve problems and make meaningful improvements.

When children are adopted, women rescued from human trafficking, special-needs

families receive services, veterans gain support, and schools thrive, I know my mission is being accomplished.”

Albers hopes to someday tell his grandchildren how he helped his community and state. Meanwhile, he says, “I will never slow down.”

421 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334

404-463-8055

SenatorAlbers.com

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21

22

North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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The Difference T

By Anna Teal

hose who visit Southern ENT Specialists are used to premiere service with a smile. After more than 10 years serving north Georgia in a large group practice, Dr. James Courtney French founded Southern ENT Specialists to fulfill his dream of combining the most advanced care in ear, nose, and throat medicine with a healthy dose of southern hospitality.

“It’s a much less invasive option than traditional sinus surgery,” says Dr. French, whose exceptional skill and comfortable, easy bedside manner truly set him apart in the industry.

Southern ENT Specialists provides minimally invasive advanced solutions that are custom-tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The growing staff includes advanced practice providers, nurses, technicians, and support personnel. The practice has also recently added three new providers including an audiologist. Fans of Dr. French and his team will be pleased to know that the office is expanding to a new location in Woodstock to accommodate the growing patient network in that area.

• • • • • • •

COMMON TREATMENTS

HELPING THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS

The practice treats common conditions such as allergies, congestion, sinus issues, nasal drip, headaches, hearing loss, and ear fullness. Dr. French, who is a board-certified otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, especially enjoys treating patients with chronic sinus and allergy problems, nasal congestion, and snoring/sleep apnea. His exceptional patient care, gifted approach to medicine, and utilization of cutting-edge technology recently earned him many awards for top doctor for otolaryngology, including the Castle Connolly Award, GA Top Doctors, and Atlanta Magazine Top Doc for both 2019 and 2020.

Most are unaware that hearing loss can cause depression and early dementia. Treating this condition early can drastically improve quality of life as well as mental health. Karin Lockridge, M.S., CCC/A, FAAA audiologist with Southern ENT Specialists, conducts physical and audiometric testing to diagnose different types of hearing loss in which hearing aids may be a viable solution. With the impact of COVID-19 affecting so many families, Southern ENT Specialists is currently offering discounted pricing on state-of-the-art hearing aids through the end of the year.

“We promise to do our best to always treat our patients as we would want to be treated,” Dr. French states.

VISIT DR. FRENCH AND HIS TEAM

WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE?

Southern ENT Specialists takes great pride in tailoring each experience to an individual’s needs and thoroughly explaining nonsurgical and minimally invasive options. One example of these procedures for chronic sinus problems is balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure performed by an otolaryngologist that is used to treat blocked sinus passages. As a leader in the field, Dr. French has extensive experience in the procedure.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

In addition to balloon sinuplasty, Southern ENT Specialists also offers these advanced services: Allergy testing and treatments Clarifix and RhinAer treatments for chronic nasal drainage Vivaer nasal airway remodeling for chronic congestion Sinuva implants for chronic nasal polyps Audiology and hearing aids Botox and Juvederm injectable fillers Skin Medica skincare products

If you’re suffering from ear, nose, throat, or allergy issues, give Southern ENT Specialists a call to make an appointment. The practice takes all major insurances and offers competitive self-pay pricing as well.

To view a complete list of services and to learn more about the team, please visit the website.

1816 Eagle Drive, Building 200, Suite B, Woodstock, GA 30189 460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 410, Canton, GA 30115 678-786-7430 | SouthernENTSpecialists.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

23

STRESS

How Healthy Habits Can Minimize Its Impact

By Drs. Matthew Simmons and Spencer Lee [HealthyLife] As we make our way through recovery phases of

reduce stress and improve quality of life. Consistent, meaningful sleep allows the body to relax, recharge, and rebuild, improving your energy and hormonal balance.

It also has been found to impact cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for heart disease.

the pandemic, it’s normal to feel stressed, frustrated, nervous, or angry. Stress manifests as increased tension in our minds and body and can disrupt our daily emotions, physical well-being, and behaviors. How do we cope with increased stress while still abiding by national and local public health guidelines?

b

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE Studies have shown a mix of aerobic and resistance activity is best for stress relief. However, when time is limited, any activity will do. Be creative and make the most of opportunities that arise throughout the day. Taking the dog for a walk around the block, using the stairs instead of the elevator at work, doing 30 minutes of parking-lot yoga while waiting for a family member, or enjoying a stroll with your Saturday morning coffee are simple exercise-based activities that can have a big impact on stress reduction and your overall health.

TIP Embrace technology as part of your stress relief.

Fitness podcasts, meditation apps, or exercise coaching software are great ways to help facilitate activity. And fitness trackers are helpful for those who like to follow step counts and calories burned or for encouraging reminders throughout the day.

b

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CONSISTENT SLEEP Sleep is an integral part of stress reduction. If an adequate amount of sleep is not maintained, it will lead to increased feelings of stress and anxiety over time. Getting an average of eight hours of sleep each night has been shown to

North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

TIP Have a consistent sleep schedule. Early riser or night owl, find what works for you. Then, set your alarm to wake up and go to bed at the same times every day (including weekends).

b

ABDOMINAL BREATHING Deep abdominal breathing, even for just 15-20 seconds once or twice daily, has been shown to reduce stress, increase oxygen to the brain, and promote relaxation.

Studies of the benefits of deep breathing have indicated a sharp reduction in stress for patients who practice the task of deep, slow breathing. The technique continues to be recommended throughout the medical community.

TIP Find a point in your day where you can work your way up to 20 minutes of deep breathing as a regular habit.

With the demands of life ever growing, a few minor changes in your daily activities can make an indelible impact on the repercussions that stress contributes to our everyday lives. L

Dr. Matthew Simmons is a fellowship-trained sports medicine physician with Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute Sports Medicine. Dr. Spencer Lee is a fellowship-trained pulmonary disease and critical care specialist with Cherokee Lung and Sleep Specialists. For more information, visit Northside.com.

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Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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25

Community Partner

Groveway Community Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends 100% on donations and in-kind sponsorships to drive the following annual programs, which serve Cherokee County and the cities of Roswell, Milton, and Alpharetta:

GROVEWAY

COMMUNITY GROUP

E

stablished in 1943, Groveway Community Group (GCG) advocates on behalf of community members to ensure their appropriate representation and to advance resident involvement in local matters that directly affect them. Former Roswell Mayor Jerry Woods declared GCG the oldest nonprofit organization in Roswell.

With a desire to strengthen, unify, and make a lasting impact, African American citizens of the City of Roswell and surrounding areas have always organized to initiate dialogue and address disparities to come up with pragmatic solutions. These ongoing, unstructured assemblies sparked the establishment of more formal organizations aimed at providing support services and improving the general welfare of the community and its members. The Groveway Community Organization was birthed from this movement.

GCG has a history of being civic minded as is evidenced by its efforts to provide resources to meet the community’s needs. The group and its members actively seek to fulfill GCG’s mission in a myriad of ways.

Groveway is one of the original and major contributors to the Roswell Roots Festival, which is normally held during the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. Roswell Roots is the largest and most comprehensive Black History celebration in Georgia, featuring a variety of exhibits, cultural events, and music performances.

With the slogan “If We Can Help Somebody,” the mission of GCG is to aid the elderly and youth throughout the community, encourage the preservation of community values, promote good citizenship, and inspire participation in the affairs and issues of the community. GCG seeks to complement the work done by other agencies by identifying unmet — but important — needs.

1. Junior/Senior Brunch for information and senior resource management 2. Youth scholarships to learningbased summer camps 3. Annual Student Scholarship Awards Dinner 4. Financial support to families in need 5. Nursing home support service such as sending monthly cards 6. Free community Thanksgiving Luncheon 7. Community “Day In the Park,” a fellowship celebration in Groveway Community Park 8. School supply provider to children in need 9. Assistance to families in need with household necessities such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and more via essential boxes during the Christmas season 10. Annual fundraising banquet with keynote speakers (past speakers have included Congressman John Lewis, Senator Tom Price, and Fulton County Commissioner Chair John Eaves) 11. United Way Annual Shoebox Campaign partnership 12. Partners with other organizations and churches in the community For more information, call, visit the website, email GrovewayCommunityGroup@gmail.com, and/or follow @GrovewayCommunityGroup on Facebook.

89 Grove Way, Suite 106 Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-4245 GrovewayCommunityGroup.com

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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27

HIGH SCHOOL

BANDS The following feature article was written by David E. Harrison and submitted to Family Life magazines in January 2020 to be published in October.

Sadly, David died unexpectedly on May 2, 2020. In his bio, which would normally appear at the end of the article, he noted, “David E. Harrison (semi-retired, full-time musician) has been a band, orchestra, and percussion teacher for 32 years; 20 years at Sequoyah High School. He was minister of music at Heritage Baptist Fellowship in Canton (20 years) and is in his 11th year at Reinhardt University. Mr. Harrison’s most important job is as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and he writes an occasional blog: ‘Life-According to Harry’ (HarryD-LifeAccordingToHarry.

Blogspot.com).” David’s bio has been left in its unedited full form, so his family and the music community he loved can be reminded of how much they meant to him. From the staff at Family Life, we extend our deepest condolences to all who were lucky enough to know this beloved “Leader of the Band,” and we hope this feature article symbolically stands as a nonmusical portion of “Mr. Harrison’s Opus.”

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Beyond the

BY DAVID E. HARRISON

P

arents of students who are new to marching band are initially overwhelmed by the language, costs, and complexities of this musical world. They hear from the College Board and universities that learning to play instrumental music increases IQ, academic performance, and the ability to build relationships, teamwork, and leadership skills, but is it right for their child?

In Cherokee and Fulton schools, thousands of students participate in band programs each year. Many directors adhere to the philosophy, “Don’t use kids to make music ­— use music to make kids.” This yearlong commitment often becomes a lifelong dedication for students who go on to teach and/or maintain music in their lives.

A Year in the Life…

While those who are not familiar with high school band programs know them mostly for their football season halftime shows, the program is actually a yearround commitment.

With AUGUST comes Saturday and after-school marching band rehearsals. The band director acts as the CEO/manager and is responsible for trying to maximize staff, student effort, parent expectations, and program goals within a manageable budget, which includes instrument replacement and new music.

In SEPTEMBER, the director and students continue their efforts to improve the halftime show in preparation for competition. Planning and implementing the first step in recruitment for the next school year, which is eighth grade visitation night at a high school football game, also takes place.

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Halftime Lights The month of OCTOBER contains multiple performances at band competitions, football games, and parades, all while rehearsing for the indoor fall concert.

Unless your team makes the playoffs, NOVEMBER wraps up football season, and DECEMBER brings the winter concert and all-state auditions.

JANUARY begins the new semester, and band directors settle into concert season.

Directors also start talking to eighth grade students about registration and all the positive attributes of high school band while concurrently beginning a dialogue with their parents on curriculum night. It is important to emphasize that students can take band all four years and meet all requirements for graduation.

In FEBRUARY, directors prepare for the LGPE (large group performance evaluation) and begin tutoring students for district and all-state honor bands. In addition to a regular daily class load, individual student preparation is done after school.

Honor band members must add weekends to an already overloaded schedule.

APRIL brings spring break, and many programs go on trips to both reward current students and generate interest among incoming students. These trips often provide opportunities to perform at renowned places like Carnegie Hall, Orlando theme parks, or the U.S. Capitol.

Directors may also schedule 1-2 weeks of fundamental marching band instruction for incoming students.

MAY wraps up the school year with activities such as concerts and banquets. JUNE brings voluntary summer band rehearsals, and JULY starts with two weeks of band camp (12-14 hours per day), which leads into a new school year and another band season.

While the band program is a never-ending, busy cycle, the truth is that it is a labor of love for most directors, especially at the end of a long and exhausting year when a student delivers a note that says how much he/she loved band and how it influenced not only high school, but also future job choices. Over the course of my career, I have heard from hundreds of students about the many lessons they learned from band (“On time is late� is #1). THAT is why we do it and why this program is so important.

MARCH finds directors busy polishing the final details for the LGPE. This evaluation is conducted by outside, trained evaluators and is considered the benchmark for band programs, as students are pushed to attain yearly goals while being challenged to achieve their highest skill levels. Music is graded based on its level of difficulty. While LGPE is going on, directors are also meeting with the marching band staff to select music and develop show concepts for the following fall.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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29

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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BUY ~ SELL ~ INVEST

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Running a Business Running a Household Running for State Senate It’s 6:30pm on a Thursday, and while many are wrapping up their workdays, small business executive and Democratic candidate for Georgia Senate Sarah Beeson is just hitting her stride.

“The trick to running for office as a working mom comes down to balance, flexibility, and a supportive family. And having two kids who still take naps,” Beeson jokes, as she cooks dinner for her family.

Within the hour, she will be speaking at a virtual event to promote her candidacy while her husband plays with their children in the next room.

Sarah Beeson works alongside her husband, Tommy, and her parents, running the family’s environmental consulting firm, which has been based in Roswell since 1998. She completed her master’s degree in environmental management to help support her family’s work, and she currently oversees operations and health and safety

for the small business. Beeson previously completed her master’s degree in business administration at the University of Georgia and her bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in political science at Georgia State University.

She had originally staked out a career in advocacy, working for the Human Rights Campaign. However, when her parents began assessing what they would do with the family business in order to retire, Beeson stepped in.

“I had the blessing of watching my family grow a four-person business from our dining room table into an award-winning company with more than 50 employees — carrying on the tradition meant too much to me to let that go,” says Beeson.

She continues her advocacy work in a different capacity now, serving as a member of the Leadership Council for the National Small Business Association and as a past board member for local nonprofit Advance Atlanta.

In addition to working full-time, Beeson is a mother of two young sons: Turner, age 3, and Rowan, age 10 months.

“Honestly, being a mom and being genuinely concerned about my children’s

future was the biggest factor in deciding to run for office,” Beeson says.

In April 2019, while early in her pregnancy with her second child, Beeson announced her candidacy for the Georgia State Senate — running to represent Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Mountain Park, and Woodstock.

“There was a flurry of laws being passed that I believed put not only my life, but the lives of my children in danger. Meanwhile, I felt like nothing was being done to address issues like school safety, our state’s staggering maternal mortality rate, or providing Georgians with crucial access to health care,” Beeson adds. “I felt like we needed a mother’s voice at the lawmaking table. Why not me?”

Over the past year and a half, Sarah Beeson’s hard work has paid off. Since launching her campaign, she has secured more than 15 endorsements and is running in what is considered one of the most competitive races in the Georgia State Senate, taking on incumbent John Albers in the general election on November 3.

885 Woodstock Road, Suite 430-241 Roswell, Georgia 30075

VoteBeeson.com

This is a paid advertisement.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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31

Tips for a More Remote Friendly Business

By Scott Lavelle Sharing Is Caring SharePoint and ShareFile are excellent tools for collaboration with both clients and coworkers. SharePoint is owned by Microsoft and is great if you need multiple people working on the same document or spreadsheet. ShareFile, on the other hand, is great for industries that send confidential information, as it takes security a step further. This integrates with Outlook in Office 365 and is perfect for those who rely on internal and client information staying confidential.

[StrategicLife] In what seems to have been a blink of an eye, COVID-19 changed the way we live, interact, shop, eat, and especially how we work. It’s been a time of tribulation, but also a time of accomplishment, as people across the world are doing things they didn’t even know they could do with technology.

While providing IT services to our surrounding business community, we have had an influx of questions about how companies can better accommodate remote employees. With years of experience related to setting up remoteworking environments, these are just a few of the things we recommend investing time, money, and knowledge in, so you’ll be prepared.

Not Quite the Speed of Light Internet connection quality can make or break a workday. The bare minimum doesn’t cut it when it comes

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

to choosing your internet carrier and speed. Get the fastest speed you can afford from an available provider for your business, especially if you have multiple users, streaming media, or voice over IP (VoIP) phones. Though you can’t control internet speed, you should make sure your internet is above average, so employees can perform their tasks as efficiently as possible whether in office or at home.

Your Network Needs a Mask, Too To operate remotely, you need to have the proper tools. For several of our clients, we have been able to set up remote access through software like ConnectWise Control. However, the ideal option is to have a firewall set up with VPN capabilities. A firewall provides better security for your business and offers remote access capabilities. We recommend firewalls to maintain day-to-day operations, not just for pandemics or emergencies.

But Don’t Share Too Much…

For many industries, your office phone system is vital to your day-to-day operations, and living without this communication could cause some serious interruptions to your business. We recommend investing in a phone system like RingCentral that will seamlessly integrate with third-party systems and allow you to stay connected on the go without handing out your personal cell phone number. Whether you need audio conferencing, business SMS, or a mobile app, you will have just about everything you could need at your desktop and your fingertips.

We’re all in this together, so make sure you have all the necessary systems in place to enable you to work from home when needed both now and in the future. L

Scott Lavelle, MCSE is the co-owner/ technical director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-928-9491.

TechnicalRS.com

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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

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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An evening under the stars at Matilda’s is a great way to spend time outdoors with friends in Milton.

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Photos courtesy of Jack Tuszynski

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Social Distancing Survival Tips for Kids

By Andrea Cottos, M.S., O.T.R./L [HealthyLife] After several months of COVID-19 and the novel idea of “social distancing,” the routines that families rely on for emotional and physical well-being have been crippled, which is especially difficult for families with children who have special needs. The lack of structure, decreased access to physical outlets like playgrounds, and the delicate balance of work schedules and hands-on time with their children has left many parents feeling desperate for their “normal.”

Occupational therapists (OT) have the unique role in not only treating the whole child, but also the entire family dynamic. Adding these basic OT strategies may provide a little relief during these days of uncertainty and stress:

Andrea Cottos is an occupational therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542.

InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

1. Visual Schedules Many children crave structure and a sense of control, two components of a predictable schedule.

Providing visuals (pictures of activities/locations/parts of their day) gives them a concrete understanding of what to expect, so they may prepare their nervous system/brain for successful participation. With Velcro, tape, or magnets, individual pictures can be displayed and rearranged as needed.

2. Keep Them Moving — For some, being at home means fewer opportunities to move. Children need movement to maintain endurance, strengthen muscles, and build their brains by planning and executing different actions. Yoga, obstacle courses (i.e., jumping scattered pillows, crawling under a chair, and crab-walking to set the dinner table), exercise videos, and even dancing can be part of a daily routine.

3. Screen Time Cognizance — Between digital learning and parents’ need for five minutes of solitude, additional screen time is inevitable. With American Academy of Pediatrics recommending 1.5 hours (elementary) and 2 hours (middle/high school), excessive screen time can negatively impact sleep, learning, eye health, and behaviors, as its “calming effect” often does the opposite. L

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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A Fresh

New Voice forNorthFulton ——— By Anna Teal ———

Who Is Dr. Jason Hayes?

“I plan to listen to the needs of my constituents because I work for them.”

Alpharetta physician Dr. Jason Hayes is running for the Georgia State House District 49 in the upcoming November election and hopes to flip the script on traditional politics. He is not only a phenomenal physician, but also a small business owner of his practice, Personal Concierge MD. Dr. Hayes’ drive and passion to help others was ignited early in life.

“My grandfather served in the U.S. Army. He trained soldiers, as a Master Drill Sergeant, and fought bravely in WWII and the Korean War. After his military career, he taught in the Louisiana school system. His wife, my grandmother, was a schoolteacher as well.

Their son, my father, was a Navy man and proudly served in the Vietnam War. Not to forget, my mother was a dedicated nurse who provided selfless care in her nursing career.

All of them showed the values of family, public

This is a paid advertisement.

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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Priorities for District 49 Dr. Hayes plans to address health care, education, small business advocacy, and transportation. service, and giving back to the community.

Their leadership has always been very inspirational to me,” says Dr. Hayes.

During high school, Dr. Hayes had an early exposure to politics at American Legion’s Louisiana Boys State where he learned about local and state governments. This experience taught him the impact servant leadership can have on others. It also propelled him to be elected as a state representative by his Boys State peers for his exceptional leadership abilities.

Dr. Hayes’ academic career flourished throughout his education at Xavier University of Louisiana, Meharry Medical College, and Baylor College of Medicine. This was highlighted by a Congressional Internship with Jim Cooper of Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District where he realized the value of representation for constituents.

What He Stands For With a servant’s spirit, Dr. Hayes vows to stand for the American people. He has a strong desire to change the stigmas of traditional politics.

“Politics are often looked at with disdain, and I’d like to change that. Instead of politicians telling the American people what to do, I plan to listen to the needs of my constituents because I work for them,” explains Dr. Hayes.

His plan of approach is similar to that of his current role as a physician.

Health Care Given the COVID-19 crisis, access to quality health care is critical now more than ever. Dr. Hayes’ extensive education and experience in public health and epidemiology makes him well equipped to navigate the current pandemic.

“As a former public health doctor, I have a lot of experience working with Medicare and Medicaid patients. Naturally, I am in favor of Georgia Medicaid expansion because it would provide health coverage to young adults, minimum wage workers, and others who are not eligible for health care,” says Dr. Hayes. “Also, struggling small businesses will gain access to affordable health insurance for management and employees.”

Small Business Advocacy “Small business owners were greatly impacted by the pandemic. As a small business owner myself, I understand the economic impact of COVID-19 firsthand.

So, I support and stand with small business owners in our district and state,” says Dr. Hayes. He plans to:

 Advocate for small business tax breaks  Propose a small business fund for those in need

 Advocate for Georgia Medicaid expansion to cover small business owners and employees with affordable health insurance

 Support programs, like Score, that provide tuition-free mentorship.

Education

Transportation

With great admiration for his grandparents who were teachers, Dr. Hayes always has respect for educators. He plans to advocate for increasing teachers’ salaries and benefits. He also wants to restore funding for the Hope Scholarship, which helps eligible high school graduates attend college. Other plans are to improve the safety of children by championing antibullying campaigns and better security on school campuses.

Like many constituents in District 49, Dr. Hayes has experienced the frustration of congested transportation. He plans to:

 Advocate for more express lanes  Encourage the development of high-speed rail

 Push to incentivize businesses that allow employees to work from home

 Start a dialogue about a four-day work week

For more information about Dr. Jason Hayes and the change he hopes to bring to Georgia State House District 49, please visit his website, email him, or give him a call. You may also follow Dr. Hayes on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn @jasonforgeorgia and Twitter @jasonforga.

“When my patients have a concern or issues, I listen intently, so we can work together toward a diagnosis and treatment. It’s important for my patients to have a voice in their care,” says Dr. Hayes.

In addition to being a vessel for the voices of District 49, he hopes to bring a new level of transparency, honesty, and accessibility to the position.

11770 Haynes Bridge Road Suites 205-305 Alpharetta, GA 30009

————————————

678-310-6311 Info@JasonHayesForGA.com

JasonHayesForGa.com Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations

55 Fitness

Buff City Soap

8470 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 100 Alpharetta 770-676-9211

1145 Woodstock Road, Unit 605 Roswell 678-242-8981

Fitness Center for Adults 55+

Natural Soaps and Skincare Products

Crumbl Cookies

North Fulton Community Charities Thrift Shop (Grand Reopening)

4190 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 2L Alpharetta 470-281-9209

Cookie Bakery

11270 Elkins Road Roswell 770-640-0399

Thrift Store

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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Book Review

BY RYLAND JOHNSON

THE

L

FIRST SISTER

overs of space opera have a new epic to sink their cybernetic teeth into in Linden A. Lewis’ debut novel The First Sister. The book, the first in a trilogy by the same name, is a flashy tale set in the space future on the solar system scale: mankind has colonized the local terrestrial planets where, inevitably, the divergent human civilization has fallen into conflict with itself. Like many titles in the genre, The First Sister leans heavily into romance and military drama, but it’s also a cyberpunky espionage thriller, a cynical exploration of interplanetary realpolitik, an erudite meditation on social conflict and cultural violence, and – above all – a cinematic, sensual feast of speculative fiction.

Good science fiction gives you an enticing alternate world that pulls you in and invites you to stay. Readers will want to explore the future civilization in Lewis’ The First Sister because it is both gritty and shiny, wondrous and dystopian, enlightened and profane.

The primary political conflict of the novel centers on the escalation of hostilities between two warring factions: the Icarii of Mercury and Venus and the Geans of Earth and Mars. The story unfolds through subtly meta-textual first-person and third-person accounts, which ground the overarching political narrative in the perspectival particularities of people in the world.

First Sister, the titular character of the series, serves the Gean theocracy of the Sisterhood and, as such, has attained some small degree of fragile status, but at the terrible cost of her own body and voice. Lito sol Lucius, Icarri Special Forces, survived the mean streets of Venus only to be betrayed by the military he swore to serve and is now tasked with tracking down and killing his former partner.

Characters in Lewis’ story have complex motivations that reveal the struggle of being both in and against society. They demonstrate the complicated relationships and moral conundrums we have entwined within the social fabric, where we are complicit with terrible things, even as we rebel against injustices.

Serving Roswell, Alpharetta, and Milton

Ryland Johnson is a librarian at Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Alpharetta.

770-360-8897.

AFPLS.org/ocee-branch6

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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Advertiser Index Addington Place of Roswell Inside Back Albers for Senate Cover, 20-21 Alpharetta Farmers Market 19 Beeson for Georgia 31 Big Springs Farms 5 Bonnie Dobbs Agency Medicare and Other Red Tape, LLC 17 The Cat Clinic of Roswell 35 Crittertoons 13 Cruise Planners 19 Debra Robinson Law Group 5 DeMercy Dental 30 EconoRides 11 In Harmony Pediatric Therapy Inside Front Jason Hayes for Georgia Back Cover, 36-37 Just For You Gift Box 19 Kitchen Tune.Up Atlanta/Alpharetta 39 Law Offices of J. Christopher Miller, PC 11 LGE Community Credit Union 1 Morrow Family Medicine 25 Mr. Handyman of Roswell, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek 40 Neglia Insurance Group 17 Night Song Native Plant Nursery 40 North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center 27 North Atlanta Women’s Care 33 Pam Santoro - Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Inside Front Pete’s Plumbing, Inc. Inside Back Porch Light Realty 30 ServiceWise Electric 13 Southern ENT Specialists 23 Technical Resource Solutions 34 Tributes by Tracy 3 Vickery Creek Captial Management 13 Vineyard Johns Creek 25 Your Pie 33

Online ads link to advertisers’ websites.

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North Fulton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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Re-opening this Fall!

WWelcome to Addington Place of Roswell A Brand New Senior Living Community

This Fall, Addington Place at The Mills is reopening as Addington Place of Roswell!

We’ve completely remodeled and our community is fresh, bright and new. From the lobby and all apartments to the furniture, wall coverings, artwork and more – we’ve created a gracious new living space you won’t want to miss.

Our person-directed approach to both Personal Care and Memory Care is shaped by respect and understanding of the unique lives of our residents. Our caring, compassionate staff, first-rate amenities and welcoming atmosphere make Addington Place a secure, enriching place to live.

Reserve your new apartment NOW and receive our specially discounted Early Bird package:

• • • •

A portion of the community fee will be applied to your rent ($1,500 value) One year of free monthly visits to our beauty salon/barber shop ($600 value) One year of free personal laundry A total value of $3,000

Call for more information or to schedule a virtual tour. We’re here to help!

Addington Place of Roswell • 550 Barrington Drive • Roswell, GA 30075 • 770-783-3241 • AddingtonPlaceofRoswell.com

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037

POSTAL CUSTOMER

see pages 36-37