North Fulton Family Life 1-21

Take to Heart Some Lessons From Last Year

By Chris Miller, Esq.

[StrategicLife] The challenges of 2020 have reinforced three key lessons in estate planning basics. As survivors of the pandemic, we need to learn to avoid extra costs and delays for the family members we will leave behind some day:

1. Tell Your Family Where To Find Key Documents

Few phone conversations with grieving family members are more trying than those asking if a deceased loved one had hired a law firm to create a will. A signed, original will is worth its weight in

gold because Georgia’s probate law puts an extra burden on proving a will’s validity when only a photocopy is available. That extra burden means gathering affidavits from people who searched for the original or who had possession of it after it was signed, as well as affidavits from people who can testify that the decedent did not intend to revoke the will after it was signed, and that his/her wishes had not changed. If you have a will, make sure your loved ones know where to find it.

2. Update Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives

In 2017, Georgia’s legislature adopted a new standard power of attorney form that is easier to enforce. Banks in Georgia are now required to honor the new statutory form instead of insisting that a new power of attorney on a bank form is signed by an ailing customer. Older powers of attorney

can’t be used as easily as recently signed documents on the latest forms. Please make sure that your powers of attorney are in the statutory format.

3. Prepare Your Executor With a Letter of Instructions

Many tasks that an executor takes on after someone dies are easier if he/she has a list of financial assets, credit card accounts, and a directory of people to call. That list should also include directions about how to distribute personal effects like jewelry, furniture, and other heirlooms. Executors want to follow the wishes of the decedent. Giving them a letter describing those wishes and making it easy for them to contact the people who are important to you is a meaningful way to let them know you care. L

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

Publisher’s Perspective

Growing Gratitude

This past year certainly was interesting. “Interesting” in the way that you might politely respond to a question from an inexperienced chef about your opinion of a meal he/she prepared or in the way a book falls short of its mark due to the writer’s vague plot. For the most part, my year was pretty good. It managed to hit the incredible level a few times, and it was downright amazing on occasion. I was blessed to become engaged to a wonderful lady and marry into a family with two active, polite, intelligent kids. We also managed to do a little traveling while staying safe, healthy, and happy.

But, within our community and around the world, there were some major challenges. As individuals, the biggest hurdle before us is managing our outlook and attitude in the face of whatever rises or falls within our path. We should strive to understand where someone may be “coming from,” even when he/she is not the best at articulating it. Most of us, excluding my wife, cannot read minds. That’s one of the reasons why I married her. Despite my actions, she seems to know my intentions.

Each of us falls short from time to time. We can get held up in traffic and arrive late, or we can fail to perform to the best of our ability and toss it up to any number of excuses. But it is still up to each of us to try to communicate in a more positive manner.

This year, I hope to replace my apologies with thankfulness. Instead of “Sorry I missed my deadline,” I’ll say, “Thank you for your patience.” Instead of “Sorry I failed,” I’ll say, “Thank you for your understanding.” It’s a new year, so let’s stop nurturing negativity and grow gratitude together.

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Tuszynski

Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITORIAL

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Cyndi Braun

ART

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

Candice Williams

Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com

SALES

Janet Ponichtera

Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

State Senator John Albers, Michael Consoli, Lisa Ethridge, Jim Gilvin, Kevin Head, Hannah Hutcheson, Jill Marty, Madelyn McWhorter, Jim Morrow, Christy Noll, Julia Padgett, Michael Ray, John Robison, Tanner Snipes, 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.

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 permission from the publisher.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

© 2020 All rights reserved.

New Beginnings

By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

[InGoodFaith] Well, I am sure most of us are not sad that the 12 harsh months of 2020 are finally behind us. For many, last year was an extremely difficult and trying time. We experienced the hardships of a worldwide pandemic, economic turbulence, disruptions to business, constant virtual meetings, an extremely divisive election, being forced to wear masks in public, and many other unbelievable alterations to normal life. Much of the year, it felt to me as if the world had simply turned upside down with little possibility of correction.

Now it’s 2021 — a year for new beginnings. I realize that the pandemic is still ongoing. I also know that our nation is still fractured and angrily divided. We all recognize that many of the problems of 2020 will follow us into this new year. But still, we have now been given the opportunity to start fresh and have new experiences, even if some of last year’s baggage lingers with us.

I recently read a wonderful description of approaching the newness of life with confidence and enthusiasm. Frank Laubach, a missionary in the Philippines, was committed to education and teaching, and he wrote the following words as helpful thoughts for new beginnings:

“To be able to look backward is a gift. But anticipation! To be able to look ahead and say, ‘The present year can and shall be better!’ — that is even more glorious! We have nothing to do but open windows — God will do the rest.”

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

These words speak to us as Christians, and as we think about Laubach’s words, we may look forward to 2021 with eager anticipation, believing that because of God’s blessings, we venture into a promising future. As we “open the window” to 2021, may we experience the refreshing breeze of God’s presence and guidance, as he does all the rest. L

Calendar

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

JANUARY

1-18

Avalon on Ice — Lace up your skates and glide on the ice at this rink inspired by Rockefeller Center. General admission tickets are $18 and $14 per child under nine, including skates. Admission is limited to 50 skaters at a time, and all participants are required to wear masks. Hours vary by day of the week and for school holidays, so please call or check the website. Avalon, 400 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. ExperienceAvalon.com

1-29

Norman Wagner Art Exhibit

Explore the work of Norman Wagner, who built the printmaking program and department at the Atlanta College of Art. His work includes relief printmaking, lithography, serigraphy, handmade papers, assemblage, and digital photomontage. Admission is FREE. Monday-Thursday 8:30am8:00pm, Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 9:00am2:00pm, Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6165. Alpharetta.Ga.us

ONGOING

Yoga — Each Thursday, these FREE classes are for all levels and are brought to you by the City of Alpharetta and your favorite Lift Yoga teachers. Bring your own mat and a bottle of water. To help maintain social distancing, class size is limited. 10:00am, Lift Yoga + Body Studio, 501 South Main Street, Suite 101, Alpharetta. 470-433-2378. Alpharetta.Ga.us

1-2/28

Enchanted Woodland Trail with Fairy Houses and Gnome Homes — Bundle up and head out to the trails this winter to search for magical houses made from tiny natural objects. Presented by Northside Hospital, this enchanted trail delights visitors each year. Attendees are required to pre-purchase admission and create a member reservation in advance. Monday-Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 12:00-4:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org/special-events/enchantedwoodland-trail

5

Built To Quit Northside Hospital Cancer Institute will begin a six-week course, offering the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program. Participants learn the hazards of tobacco products, the benefits of quitting, and strategies and skills to cope with urges. Registrants receive nicotine replacement therapy (if qualified) and a hard copy curriculum with a meditation CD. Classes are conducted primarily in a group setting, with interaction that allows participants to learn from each other’s experiences. Due to the pandemic, classes are currently offered online. Please register on the website. For more information, call 404-780-7653 or email SmokingCessation@ northside.com. Northside.com/smokingand-tobacco-resources

9

30th Annual Bring

January Is Get Organized Month — Studies show that, on average, individuals waste up to an hour every day searching for things that they have misplaced. Take time this month to consider what areas of your home or office are the most chaotic, then come up with a method to get more organized. Many tools, such as apps, books, websites, and professional organizers, can help you get the job done.

One for the Chipper Roswell residents are invited to recycle their live trees. Be sure to remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel from your tree, and make sure it has not been flocked or sprayed with fake snow made from artificial materials. Please do not drop off trees outside of the event hours. Trees will be chipped into mulch that will be available for delivery to the public by Davey Tree. 9:00am-1:00pm, Home Depot, 1580 Holcomb Bridge Road and also 870 Woodstock Road, Roswell. KeepRoswellBeautiful.org

11-2/11

9 & 23

Open-Hearth Cooking and Living History With Clarissa Clifton Enjoy an open-hearth cooking demonstration, using traditional 19th century southern recipes. Since the cooking process can be lengthy, visitors are welcome to drop in periodically as they explore the grounds and exhibits, and perhaps take a house tour (ticketed price). Visitors may not participate in the demonstration or taste the food due to safety precautions. Free to the public; house tour ticket not required. 10:00am-3:00pm, Smith Plantation, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell. 770-641-3978. RoswellGov.com

Roswell Restaurant Month Attendees can choose to dine at dozens of different Roswell restaurants. This event aims to cultivate and promote the diverse culinary experiences the city has to offer. Enjoy prix fixe menus at your favorite Roswell restaurants or discover a new place to dine. RoswellRW.com

12 Planning for Your Care as You Age — Join realtor Pam Santoro and legal expert Michelle Wilson, as they answer questions and provide solutions regarding downsizing, VA benefits and planning, aging in place, paying for in-home care/ senior living housing, and protecting yourself or a loved one from abusive caregivers. Virtual and in-person options are available for this event. 12:00-1:00pm, Discovery Village at Sugarloaf, 1220 Satellite Boulevard, Suwanee. 770-232-3008. DLetzer@discoveryvillages.com

16 & 2/13

Family Night Hike and Campfire

Explore the sounds and sights of the forest. On the hike, keep your eyes and ears open for owls hooting and bats swooping down to feed on insects. Your evening also includes an animal encounter and relaxing campfire for roasting marshmallows. $12/$10 CNC members. Advance registration required by January 14 for 1/16 and February 11 for 2/13. 7:00-9:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055 x238. ChattNatureCenter.org

20 The Wednesday Social Come on out and enjoy this after-hours networking event. Members $10, nonmembers $20. 5:00-7:00pm, Mercantile Social, 20 N. Main Street, Alpharetta. 404-670-9921. AlpharettaChamber.com

FEBRUARY

5

LifeSouth Mobile Blood Drive

Help others by giving blood! This mobile drive will have limited spots available, with 40 total (running every 10 minutes). Donors must register in advance. All COVID-19 protocols will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. 10:00am-5:00pm, Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. ChattNatureCenter.org

Welcome to

Last year was an extraordinary one for the city of Alpharetta in every sense of the word. As 2020 began, local businesses were booming. Each weekday, more than 60,000 people visited Alpharetta’s office parks, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Tax revenues were strong, and all fiscal year budget projections were in great shape.

When COVID-19 cases started occurring in Georgia in March, everything changed.

As the coronavirus spread around the world, companies began asking their employees to work from home, and much of Alpharetta’s 22 million square feet of office space went dark. Business travelers stopped traveling, and hotels started to close for lack of demand.

People stopped eating out and going to local stores because of safety concerns, so restaurants and shops began to shutter their doors.

Entertainment venues closed. Schools shut down, and thousands of workers lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

As a result, Alpharetta’s sales tax revenues took a dive, and all the work that had gone into our city’s previously healthy financial projections went out the window.

Since the world had not dealt with a global pandemic like COVID-19 in more than

2021!

By Mayor Jim Gilvin

100 years, there was not a clear model for how cities should respond or what the impact would be. Fortunately, citizens, business owners, and organization leaders in our community responded to the unprecedented challenges.

Business owners made the safety of their customers and employees their top priority and facilitated responsible

The citizens of Alpharetta made drastic changes to protect themselves and their families, too. Parents started working from home, and their children adapted to distance learning. People started washing their hands more frequently, and they became more thoughtful about social distancing to avoid spreading the disease among their families and others who may be especially vulnerable.

I believe the adversity we have faced in 2020 has reminded us that we are blessed to be surrounded by heroes who often go unnoticed. The grocery store employees who risked their health and lives to make sure we could continue to feed our families. The health care workers who were on the front lines of fighting COVID-19. The first responders who left their families every day to continue protecting the health and safety of the 67,000 people who call Alpharetta home.

Yes, 2020 was an extraordinary year, and the people of Alpharetta responded in an extraordinary manner.

changes to daily operations.

Grocery store managers changed operating hours and instituted policies to enforce social distancing and limit hoarding of scarce resources like meat, cleaning products, and paper goods. Restaurant managers closed their indoor dining rooms and began focusing on drive-thru and take out options. Church leaders began broadcasting online services for their members.

We should be proud and thankful for how our community responded to last year’s unprecedented challenges, and we should also hope that 2021 will be a little less extraordinary.

Post-Vet Appointment Etiquette in a Home With Multiple Cats

By Michael Ray, D.V.M.

[Home Life] Veterinarians often hear about problems in a multiple cat home after a visit to their office. Humans are often to blame. When we come home from a hard day of work, many of us announce our arrival, as we walk in. Cats do not do this and never appreciate abrupt returns. Not even the matriarch gets to come home loudly.

I have been educated by two girl kitties that have disliked each other for almost 15 years. When one goes to the vet, her return home will be the worst part of the experience. I was doing things all wrong. While watching barn cats in Georgia, I noticed that when one returns after a kill and a solo meal, it will remain on the periphery and “sneak” back into the group as soon as the opportunity presents itself. The most amusing part is that the cat will do it several times a day, and the colony seems to debate whether to accept the departed member on every return.

IIn the past, I used to come in and announce my arrival, causing the cat coming out of the carrier to bolt out of sight and seem very embarrassed. I forced them to break a wellestablished cat code. Now, when I take one of my girls home, I do not make my initial entry with the offender. First, I enter to feed and greet the cat that stayed at the house. After a little time has passed, I will covertly exit the home and reenter through a different door when possible. I will then sneak the offender cat into the home and make the carrier disappear. When the cat is seen next, it is almost like she was stuck in the closet for the day. They still do not like each other, but they are instantly back to normal with none of the drama that used to accompany the return.

In my experience, it is less about smell and more about the presentation into the home, but I do strongly advocate the use of pheromones during travel to minimize adverse smells.

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

Community

City of Roswell Wins Digital Cities Survey Award

The City of Roswell has been recognized by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) as a 2020 Digital Cities Survey Award winner. Roswell was one of 10 winners in the 75,000-124,999 population category.

Now in its 20th year, the annual national survey recognizes cities that use technology to tackle social challenges, enhance services, and strengthen cybersecurity. For 2020, CDG specifically commended cities using technology to better serve citizens despite challenges triggered by the pandemic.

The City of Roswell was recognized for implementing several innovative technologies. Chief among them is Roswell’s Interactive Budget Book, which provides residents and businesses with a digital experience to explore the City’s finances. The City also provides citizen-centric services via social media that engage residents and local businesses. Roswell’s establishment of a Data Governance structure, a Continuity of Operations Plan, an Emergency Operations Center, Global Information Systems services, and the City’s overall goal to be data-driven were also recognized as part of this award.

“Innovative cities are utilizing technology and analyzing data to better serve their citizens, respond quickly to citizen needs around COVID-19, and support digital experience initiatives,” said Phil Bertolini, co-director, CDG. “The Center for Digital Government congratulates this year’s winners for their hard work and efforts to use technology to enhance citizen interactions with government.”

To explore one of Roswell’s digital innovations — the City’s online, interactive Budget Book — visit RoswellGov.com/Budget.

Public To Shape Milton’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Citizens, business leaders, and others who care about Milton can help shape its future through an online social engagement platform, which is accessible at CityOfMiltonGa.us/surveys.

Here, people can share ideas and complete surveys that dive into important issues facing the city. These topics span a wide gamut ranging from “land use” (such as what can legally be built on land in a specific area) to cellular service, from recycling to roundabouts and much more.

Previous Comprehensive Plans promoted Crabapple emerging as Milton’s “downtown,” the Deerfield area serving as the city’s primary commercial corridor, and a focus on developing “active” and “passive” park space. All those goals led to actions now evident around Milton.

People can also learn more about Milton’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and leave a comment anytime by visiting CityOfMiltonGa.us/ comprehensive-plan. And those with questions about the process can contact Michele McIntosh-Ross, Milton’s principal planner, at Michele.Mcintosh-Ross@cityofmiltonga.us.

Milton City Council Honors Young Humanitarian

Milton City Council recently issued a proclamation to recognize the outstanding humanitarian work of Jack Burke, the 15-yearold Milton resident behind CureNFwithJack.

Burke himself has neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that affects about 1 in every 3,000 or 4,000 people. Symptoms include the growth of typically benign tumors on nerves in and on the brain, skin, spinal cord, and other parts of the body.

While Burke has dealt with this condition, he and his family have helped others with NF by raising awareness and millions of dollars. The Children’s Tumor Foundation recently honored Burke with a National Humanitarian Award for his and his family’s extensive efforts to help experts combat NF as well as to educate society about it.

City of Milton’s New Fire Chief

Following a nationwide search, the City of Milton has tapped Gabriel “Gabe” Benmoussa as its next fire chief.

A firefighting professional with extensive experience in four states, Benmoussa will become Milton’s second-ever chief. He previously served as deputy fire chief in Salem, Oregon, where he oversaw training and EMS services.

sure that they will love Chief Benmoussa.”

In Salem, Benmoussa helped lead a 170-person agency while developing and administering training requirements. He also assisted with recruiting and managing entrance and promotional exams; served on the city’s diversity, equity, and inclusion focus group; and developed health and wellness initiatives for the department.

Officer Professional Development Institute in partnership with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

Prior to coming to Salem in 2016, Benmoussa worked for two years as the deputy fire chief in Pullman, Washington, were he oversaw training. He spent the previous decade as a firefighter, captain, hazmat program manager, and fire terrorism liaison officer in metro Phoenix, Arizona. He got his start in the firefighting field at Georgia's DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department in 2000.

“Chief Benmoussa brings expertise, enthusiasm, and perspective that will be tremendous assets for Milton,” said City Manager Steve Krokoff. “People here love our firefighters for good reason, and we’re

Benmoussa made an impact on the state level by founding the Oregon Fire Service Technology Summit and by serving as a board director for the Northwest Fire Diversity Council. He also developed an

“With a passion for transparent leadership, innovation, and strategic planning, my goal is to develop the Milton Fire-Rescue team from within and continue to provide the highest level of service that residents have come to expect,” Benmoussa said. “I plan to continue to enhance and deliver outstanding service to our citizens by working together with both staff and community members to take this organization to new levels.”

City of Roswell Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report Now Available

City of Roswell water customers can find out about the quality of their water by reviewing the January to October 2020 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).

Included in this report is information about where the City’s water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. City of Roswell water customers can view the report online at RoswellGov.com/CCR or pick up a copy at the following locations:

• The Environmental/Public Works and Transportation offices at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, Suite 235

• The City of Roswell Water Treatment Plant, 100 Frank Lewis Drive

Please contact Jessie Cash, Roswell Water operations manager, at 770-641-3816 with any questions.

Also, join your friends and neighbors in making a commitment to save water. Take the “I'm for Water” pledge and use less water year-round by taking the following steps:

• Use WaterSense labeled fixtures to save water and energy.

• Understand the Roswell Water Utility water bill.

• Check for and repair leaks.

• Check for leaky showers and install pipe tape for a tight connection.

• Mulch around plants to prevent evaporation.

• When landscaping, choose plants that require minimal water.

• Ensure your sprinkler/irrigation system is working properly.

• Avoid watering the yard in the middle of the day.

• Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes.

Visit RoswellGov.com for more information.

Fulton County Schools – News To Know

Change to School Calendar

Since January 5 is a run-off election date and more than 60 schools are polling sites, the FCS Board approved changing January 5, 2021, from a regular school day to a teacher workday/student holiday. January 6, 2021, will be the first day of the second semester for students.

Academics Update

Chief Academic Officer Clifford Jones reported on the district’s Advanced Placement exam performance for the Class of 2020 and shared that the district’s average AP exam score is 3.29 (out of 5). Eight high schools have average scores above 3.0: Alpharetta, Cambridge, Centennial, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek, Milton, Northview, Riverwood, and Roswell. Chattahoochee HS has the highest average AP score in the district – 3.83 out of 5.

Textbook Adoption

Virtual School and Program Evaluation Updates

Deputy Chief Academic Officer Dr. Gyimah Whitaker provided an overview of a potential virtual school being developed as an option for students, while Jhanelle Adams, coordinator of the Program Evaluation Department, explained the school system’s process for evaluating the effectiveness of district programs and other research efforts. Video of all presentations can be found on the district’s website (FultonSchools.org).

FCS is hosting an online reading/language arts textbook adoption review for grades kindergarten through second grade. Due to gathering restrictions caused by the pandemic, no school sites are displaying the materials, but they are available virtually. Three FCS administrative locations are housing materials for in-person, socially distanced reviews until January 22 (excluding the winter break).

For questions, please call 470-254-4943 or email Humanities@fultonschools.org. The FCS Board will take the community’s input into consideration before deciding whether to adopt the materials in March, so they can be in place for the 2021-2022 school year.

Students Produce Text4Help Video

Student Government Association presidents from high schools across the FCS system came together to produce a public service announcement for struggling teens. The student leaders lent their faces and voices to a video promoting “Text4Help,” a resource for Fulton County students needing a listening ear, self-care tips for stress and anxiety, or even resources for major crises.

Text4Help enables students to text a number (844-201-9466) then type their unique middle or high school code. Within 3-5 minutes, a licensed clinician from a vetted mental health partner responds and engages in conversation. Using Text4Help is anonymous, safe, and free. Given these challenging times, students need mental wellness resources more than ever.

State Board of Education Withdraws 10% EOC Proposal

After receiving community input, the State Board of Education has withdrawn its recommendation of a 10% course grade weight for Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) exams in 2020-2021. Instead, it will uphold State Superintendent Richard Woods’ original recommendation of a .01% weight, which was proposed after Georgia’s request to waive standardized testing requirements was denied by the U.S. Department of Education.

Board Member Sworn in for New Term

FCS Board Member Katha Stuart was issued her oath of office after being reelected for another four years. Stuart, representing District 1, was sworn in for her second term. District 1 encompasses Alpharetta, Milton, Mountain Park, and Roswell.

Coming Soon — COVID-19 Vaccines

By Jim Morrow, M.D.

[Healthy Life] Recently, good news came out about two vaccine candidates for the coronavirus, Sars-CoV-2, and the disease it causes, COVID-19, are already reporting results from Phase 3 trials — and they are very promising!

Vaccines go through three phases of clinical trials to be tested for safety and efficacy. Operation Warp Speed, a federally funded initiative, has made it possible for manufacturers to speed up the process of vaccine development. What usually takes 10 years or more has taken months to accomplish.

Two companies, Pfizer and Moderna, are reporting more than 90% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19. Pfizer’s vaccine was reported at more than 90% effective and the mRNA vaccine from Moderna was reported at 94.5%. These numbers are much higher than expected or required for licensure.

These vaccines are multiple-dose medicines. A primer dose followed in a short time by a booster. How long the immunity will last is still being studied, but gaining immunity to this virus is on the horizon.

At this point in the trials, both vaccines are also proving to be very safe. If the trend continues, millions of doses of the vaccines should be available next spring. By the fall of 2021, it is believed that life might actually return to something resembling what normal was a year ago.

Ask your family physician about the vaccine and where and how you can receive it. While there will be a method to distribution, you will want to be in line for this as soon as possible.

Senator Speaks

2021 Legislative Plans

By State Senator John Albers

Thankyou for the great honor and privilege to serve you in elected office once again. I am humbled and overwhelmed by this great opportunity. We return to the Senate on January 11, and I will be sworn in for the next legislative biennial at the Georgia Capitol.

A very special thank you to my wife Kari, sons Will and Ryan, daughter-in-law Gabby, extended family, friends, and volunteers for their unending support. You all make the difference in every election, and I am blessed.

It was a long national election cycle filled with emotion and passion. Elections are a profound expression of our great republic and liberty. We should never take for granted our freedom of self-determination.

Running for office is very difficult. Anyone who puts his/her name on a ballot will endure a tremendous amount of stress, as will his/her family, friends, and business. I respect and thank everyone who participated in the process.

Congratulations to those who won an election. I urge you to be magnanimous, build bridges, and serve with honor. After all, the goal of public service is just that – serving the public.

There will be a runoff election in Georgia on Tuesday, January 5, so be sure to make your voice heard. Washington D.C. can be a politically polarizing place. In Georgia, most of our work is bipartisan and working together. Unfortunately, the media tends to focus on and sensationalize two or three divisive issues when thousands of others pass almost unanimously.

I am working on several important topics for the 2021 legislative session. I will continue to work on the Max Gruver Act, which I authored last year. This legislation, in honor of the late Max Gruver and championed by his parents, Rae Ann and Steve Gruver, increases the penalties, transparency, and accountability for hazing.

We need election reforms in Georgia, and I plan to sponsor bills to dramatically improve the current process. It is time to reform the current system and take over that which cannot be properly done as well as provide more transparency and accountability to the process. We must have confidence and trust in our elections.

Georgia shattered the previous record and earned the top business ranking in 2020 for the 8th year in a row. This extraordinary accomplishment is a testament of the partnership between business leaders and government working together for the common good. I am proud of our continued work in the state senate and will be sponsoring legislation to assure we maintain our #1 status. As former President Ronald Reagan said, “The best social program ever created is a job.”

It is time for everyone to take a deep breath and focus on the future. Thank you again for allowing me to serve you. Our greatest days are still ahead – God bless America!

Senator John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of north Fulton County. 404-463-8055. SenatorAlbers.com, John.Albers@ Senate.Ga.gov

SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL for Regulation and Engagement

[Healthy Life] Our world has become very stressful. Now, more than ever, our bodies are perceiving events as dangerous or threatening. When faced with danger, our nervous system goes into a state of defense — either “fight or flight” (sympathetic) or “freeze” (dorsal vagal). When the nervous system is in a state of defense, it can affect both our physical and emotional health including our ability to think and connect with others.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a noninvasive application of Polyvagal Theory, based on decades of research and developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. Listening is connected with the vagus nerve, which is the body’s internal control center for processing and responding to cues and signals from the world around us. The SSP uses specially filtered music to train the part of the brain associated with listening to focus on the frequency range of the human voice.

Through the SSP program, children and adults listen to specialized music for a total of five hours (one hour per day). Research has demonstrated that children with autistic spectrum disorders show improvement in emotional control, behavioral organization, hearing sensitivity, and listening. Specially treated

By Jill Marty, O.T.

music playlists are part of the SSP program and help prime the nervous system by exposing it to different sound frequencies. Listening to these playlists through headphones helps the nervous system to more readily achieve balance and organization.

The SSP is available through an online and app-based platform (available on Android and iOS) that children can complete at home. With digital delivery, the SSP can be administered either in-clinic or remotely and is often used in conjunction with other therapy to help accelerate or enhance results. Access to this program is gained through a trained professional. The only equipment required is a pair of headphones.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact your child’s medical provider to discuss your concerns and whether use of the SSP program may be helpful. L

SOURCE — IntegratedListening.com

Jill Marty is an occupational therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

Get Rowing This New Year

A New Exercise Regime on the Roswell Scene

It’s that time again – January is typically a period of reflection and goal setting. Specifically, those who are striving to get back on the fitness bandwagon after a gluttonous holiday season. Let’s face it, in 2020, we all “ate” our feelings to a certain extent. But, as we venture into a fresh new year, a revolutionary fitness solution has emerged on the Roswell scene called Row House. No matter if you’re an accomplished athlete or just dipping your toe into the workout pond, Row House has much to offer for those looking to leave the weight (literally!) of 2020 behind them.

Founder and athlete Kirk Cunningham and his wife Stephanie, who is a retired schoolteacher, decided to embark on a new adventure to bring the Row House franchise to their friendly Roswell community. Their passion for fitness sparked a desire to provide a rowing-based program designed to burn calories, improve posture, and strengthen the body from head to toe.

“We wanted to invest in a new and innovative fitness solution that will benefit all people, no matter their fitness level,” explains Kirk, and their dream became a reality when they opened Row House Roswell in November.

The Benefits of Rowing

Row House has a total of six programs that produce maximum results by engaging over 85% of the body’s muscles (legs, core, arms, and back), delivering a perfect balance of aerobic endurance and muscular strength combined into one workout. Each program touts benefits backed by science and data, proven to deliver an effective workout unlike any other.

Aerobic Exercise gets the heart pumping while increasing oxygen intake to help meet cardio goals.

Weight Loss is achieved by alternating high and low rowing intensity, boosting the fat-burning process.

Strength is achieved through the classic pulling and pushing rowing motion.

Low Impact rowing is gentle on joints but still gets the heart rate up while breaking a sweat and building muscle.

Increased Endurance develops with short bursts on and off the rowing machine.

Community Engagement fosters fitness goals for growth. It’s all about people, connection, strength, and community.

Six Classes To Build Strength, Endurance, and Confidence

Row House offers six programs for all levels of fitness, created to keep workouts interesting while avoiding plateaus. All classes are specially designed with a music-driven playlist to inspire a smooth flow of movement to various rhythmic beats. Using these fitness programs, members spend around 60% of their time on the rower and 40% on strength and core training with weights.

Signature – The most popular class with rowing intervals and low impact, full body exercises.

Power – Take rowing to the next level with this heart pumping, low impact, high intensity, interval training class.

Full Row – Increase endurance with this calorie burning workout that’s easy on joints and low risk for injury.

Restore – Restore balance to the body and flow through a series of dynamic stretches between rowing intervals.

Express Signature – An efficient and effective 30-minute version of the Signature class.

Foundation – For those just starting their Row House journey, learn the fundamentals of rowing with emphasis on the rowing stroke.

All programs are held in a dimly lit environment and guided by experienced and certified coaches who have group fitness or rowing backgrounds. They readily assist with form and technique while inspiring the class as they move through the program.

Row House Go

For those looking for a virtual option, Row House offers all the amazing benefits of an in-studio session from the comfort of home. Enjoy a tailored, low impact workout that builds muscle and burns calories with a 45-minute full body virtual rowing experience. Row House also has a handful of rowers that can be rented with just one phone call to the studio.

A Clean Rowing Experience

What makes Row House so different is its unique single station setup. When members start their class, they are assigned a rower and equipment that is exclusively theirs throughout the entire workout. After each program, Row House staff members clean all machines and equipment with a high-grade disinfectant that’s extremely effective against COVID-19. They also use a fog machine daily to maintain the highest level of cleanliness for their guests.

“We want our members to feel comfortable knowing they are in a clean environment while having fun and striving to reach their fitness goals,” says Stephanie.

Ready To Row?

Give Row House Roswell a try by signing up for a FREE class. The most popular membership is $159/month, which includes unlimited access to all classes. Other customized programs and membership options are available upon request. Mention this article and receive 25% off the first month of membership. Keep the 25% savings or choose to donate it to a favorite charity.

By Anna Teal

Row House is located in the Sprouts shopping center in between Chipotle and Starbucks, which is at the corner of Alpharetta Highway and Mansell Road.

ADPS Enhancing Quality of Life in Alpharetta

“Protectand serve” and “service above all” are two of the most well-known missions or mantras associated with public safety services. The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety (ADPS), which includes police, fire, and 911, also strives to keep Alpharetta citizens safe through service.

However, ADPS goes beyond ensuring the safety of those living in, working in, and visiting Alpharetta. Specifically, the organization’s mission states:

“The Alpharetta Department of Public Safety exists to enhance the quality of life of those that live, work, and play in the city of Alpharetta.”

The three key words in the ADPS mission statement are “quality of life.” All aspects of the work done by police officers, firefighters, 911 communication officers, and administrative staff are done with the goal of enhancing the quality of life of the Alpharetta community.

By John Robison

ADPS personnel understand and appreciate the high level of support provided by wonderful citizens, business owners, employees, and people visiting Alpharetta. Therefore, Public Safety staff members consider it an honor to meet this mission and serve such a wonderful community.

The organization strives to uphold these three simple — yet vitally important — values:

1. COURAGEOUS SPIRIT

The risks of the job are real: persevere in the face of adversity.

Courage is a necessity in public safety. ADPS employees fully understand the risks that are involved in this type of profession. However, they are expected to demonstrate courage in all scenarios, especially through adversity. This can mean persevering while facing extremely dangerous and difficult situations, but it can also encompass having the courage to do what is right regardless of the circumstances.

2. SELFLESS SERVICE

Put the welfare of the public and the team above all. Add value to others.

The goal is to strive to have an outward mindset, which entails considering the challenges, needs, stresses, and struggles of others. This way of thinking applies to those being served as well as to fellow ADPS employees within the organization.

3. EXCELLENCE WITH INTEGRITY

Do what is right and do it well.

Every task performed by ADPS employees must be executed upon a foundation of integrity. Anything less is unacceptable. The goal is always to be the best. ADPS wants to set the standard for effective and innovative police, fire, and 911 services.

The Department of Public Safety will continually look for opportunities to enhance the quality of life of people in Alpharetta and provide the best service possible for the greatest city in America.

public safety chief for the City of Alpharetta. 2565 Old Milton Parkway,Alpharetta. 678-297-6342. Alpharetta.Ga.us

“Peace is retraining your mind to process life as it is rather than as you think it should be.”

-Wayne W. Dyer

“

The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”

-Russel M. Nelson

“Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.” -Unknown

“No one is you, and that is your superpower.”

-Unknown

“Do not try to fix whatever comes in your life. Fix yourself in such a way that whatever comes, you’ll be fine.”

-Sadhguru

“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.”

-Plutarch

“One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up instead of what they have to gain.”

-Rick Godwin

New Year — New Gardening Tools

By Lisa Ethridge

[Home Life] If you are one of those gardeners whose implements can be archeologically dated to the 1800s, it’s time to update your tools before the 2021 gardening season begins.

Garden work is quicker and more efficient with well-made tools. Sharp blades make clean cuts, which allow the plant to heal faster. New designs add flexibility of use and reduce hand strain, so do some research and buy the best tools you can afford — go for comfort, performance, and durability.

Options abound. In the modern market, garden basics such as shovels and rakes come in small and large sizes. Small sizes allow easy maneuverability and manageability. A variety of materials affect the weight of the implement. Choose “lightweight” or “heavy duty,” depending on the job you’re tackling. Long- or shorthandled tools are available, and both

offer benefits. Most gardeners agree the D-handled designs are game-changers. They are worth a look.

Gloves and hand pruners have come a long way. Buy gloves that are puncture proof, fit properly, and are made of breathable fabric. Invest in a set of bypass hand pruners that allow you to easily make one-handed cuts. Research pruners with features that best suit your needs.

Watering is necessary, but it can be a chore. Flexible hoses are lifesavers. They are easy to store and move around the garden. Watering wands provide amazing flexibility to hydrate everything from seedlings to trees. Buy a tripod sprinkler for larger areas.

Gardening can be a backbreaking endeavor. Updating the toolshed could make life easier and help you “work smarter, not harder.”

“So deeply is the gardener’s instinct implanted in my soul, I really love the tools with which I work the iron fork, the spade, the hoe, the rake, the trowel, and the watering pot are pleasant objects in my eyes.” -Celia Thaxter (1835-1894)

Visit Extension.UGA.edu/publications to find “Stocking the Toolshed” (circular 1027-8), which includes information about carts and wheelbarrows.

Best Medical Practitioner

Family/Internal Medicine

Morrow Family Medicine 12970 Highway 9 Milton, GA 30004

770-781-8004

MorrowFamMed.com

Best Medical Specialist

Georgia Urology

3400-C Old Milton Parkway, Suite 535 Alpharetta, GA 30005

770-772-4427

GaUrology.com

Congratulations 2021 AWARD WINNERS

All winners will receive an award certificate and window emblem to proudly display at their place of business. In addition, the contact information for each winning business will be promoted as a Best of Life winner at FamilyLifePublications.com.

Best Dermatologist

Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases 1265 Upper Hembree Road, Suite 100 Roswell, GA 30076 770-751-1133

Best Pediatrician

Alpharetta Pediatrics

1100 Northmeadow Parkway, Suite 108 Roswell, GA 30076

770-664-4430

AlpharettaPediatricsOnline.com

Best OB/GYN

Peachtree Women’s Clinic

11975 Morris Road, Suite 300 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-521-2295

PeachtreeWomensClinic.com

Best Orthopedist

AtlantaCenterForDermatology.com

Best Podiatrist

Alpharetta Foot & Ankle Specialists – Alpharetta 3400 Old Milton Parkway Building A, Suite 500 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-667-4410

AlpharettaFootAndAnkle.com

Best Audiologist/ENT

Audiological Consultants of Atlanta 875 Mansell Road, Suite B-2 Roswell, GA 30076 678-461-6366

AudioConsult.com

Best Eye Doctor

Roswell Eye Clinic 1190 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 770-992-7620

RoswellEyeClinic.com

Best Dentist

Best Pediatric Dentist

Wonderland Pediatric Dentistry 1570 Old Alabama Road, Suite 104 Roswell, GA 30076 678-878-3711

WonderlandPediatricDentistry.com

Best Chiropractor

Krieger Health Solutions 1570 Warsaw Road Roswell, GA 30076 770-993-4425

KriegerHealthSolutions.com

Best Therapy OT, PT, Pediatric, Music North Fulton Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, Inc. 1355 Hembree Road Roswell, GA 30076 770-442-0727

Resurgens Orthopaedics

1285 Hembree Road, Suite 200-A Roswell, GA 30076

770-475-2710

Resurgens.com

Best Plastic Surgeon

Y Plastic Surgery

3330 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 340 Alpharetta, GA 30005 404-822-4402

YPlasticSurgery.com

Sunshine Smiles Dentistry 1190 Grimes Bridge Road, Suite B Roswell, GA 30075 770-998-8116

SunshineSmilesDentistry.com

Best Orthodontist

James B. Gray, D.M.D., PC 10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 240 Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-6292

CreatingSmiles.net

NFultonPT.com

Best Adult Day Care/Respite

CaraVita Home Care 648 Mimosa Boulevard Roswell, GA 30075 770-643-1712

CaraVitaHomeCare.com

Best Senior/Adult Living

St. George Village 11350 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 770-645-2340

StGeorgeVillage.org

Best Health Food and Herb Store

Your CBD Store – Roswell 555 S. Atlanta Street, Suite A200 Roswell, GA 30075 404-549-6766

CBDRx4u.com

Best Veterinarian

North Roswell Veterinary Clinic

11490 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 800 Roswell, GA 30076

770-442-8733

NorthRoswellVetClinic.com

Best Pet Care

That Dirty Dog

11255 Woodstock Road, Suite 100 Roswell, GA 30075

770-993-7877

ThatDirtyDog.com

Best Attorney

Debra Robinson Law Group

11030 Jones Bridge Road, Suite 208 Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-817-4999

DebraRobinsonLaw.com

Best Financial Institution Bank/Credit Union

LGE Community Credit Union

1010 Mansell Road, Suite 100-110 Roswell, 30076

2855 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta, 30009

770-424-0060

LGECCU.org

Best Financial Planner

Johns Creek Advisors

11138 State Bridge Road, Suite 125 Johns Creek, GA 30022 404-477-4015

JohnsCreekAdvisors.com

Best Insurance Agent

Best Realtor

Berkshire Hathaway, Pam Santoro

33 South Main Street, Suite 201 Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-656-6627

PamSantoro.BHHSGeorgia.com

Best Travel Agent

Cruise Planners

Michael Consoli & Associates

885 Woodstock Road #351, Suite 430 Roswell, GA 30075 770-650-7667

PlanMyCruise.com

Best Auto Care

Crabapple Automotive 12265 Crabapple Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-696-1486

CrabappleAuto.com

Best Gymnastics Center

Alpharetta Gymnastics Academy 175 Roswell Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 678-297-6100

Alpharetta.Ga.Us/Recreation

Best Day Care/Preschool

Crabapple Academy

285 Rucker Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-475-4544

Medicare and Other Red Tape

Steve Aleksandrowicz 7540 Wynfield Drive Cumming, GA 30040 404-642-5188

SteveAZInsurance.com

Best Networking Group

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce

11605 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30009

770-993-8806

GNFCC.com

CrabappleAcademyOnline.com

Best Private School

Crabapple Montessori School 12387 Crabapple Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-569-5200

CrabappleMontessori.com

Best Tutoring

Crabapple Tutoring 270 Rucker Road, Suite 205 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-240-0936

CrabappleTutoring.com

Best Music/Art Studio

Bach to Rock Alpharetta 12315 Crabapple Road, #118 Alpharetta, GA 30004 470-375-3960

Alpharetta.B2RMusic.com

Best Dance Studio

Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance 601 Houze Way Roswell, GA 30076 770-998-0259

TYSoD.com

Best Martial Arts Center

Crabapple Martial Arts Academy 12315 Crabapple Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-645-0930

CrabappleMartialArts.com

Best Fitness/Health Club

55 Fitness Alpharetta 8470 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-676-9211

55Fitness.com

Best Cleaning Service

Two Maids & A Mop Atlanta 11940 Alpharetta Highway, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30009 470-273-5199

TwoMaidsAlpharetta.com

Best Remodeling/Handyman

Mr. Handyman of Roswell, Alpharetta, and Cumming 770 Old Roswell Place, Suite G-300 Roswell, GA 30076 770-467-3943

MrHandyman.com/roswellalpharetta-johns-creek/

Best Interior Design

Black Dog Interiors 1243 Canton Street Roswell, GA 30075 470-514-5414

BlackDogInteriors.com

Best Landscaping Design Installation

The Landscape Group 13120 Arnold Mill Road Roswell, GA 30075 770-649-1155

TheLandscapeGroupInc.com

Best Nursery

Scottsdale Farms Garden Center 15639 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 770-777-5875

ScottsdaleFarms.com

Best Breakfast

Eggs Up Grill – Roswell

4401 Shallowford Road

Roswell, GA 30075

770-559-9057

EggsUpGrill.com

Best Lunch Smokejack BBQ

Best Painting

Five Star Painting of Alpharetta

1031 Cambridge Square, Suite G Alpharetta, GA 30009

770-212-9930

FiveStarPainting.com/Alpharetta

Best Plumber

Pete’s Plumbing

2280 Justin Trail, Suite D Alpharetta, GA 30004

770-442-3934

PetesPlumbing.com

Best Electrician

TE Certified Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

9800 Old Dogwood Road Roswell, GA 30075

770-667-6937

TECertifiedElectricians.com

Best Heating and Air

Milton Mechanical Services

765 Branch Drive Alpharetta, GA 30004

770-765-0622

MiltonMechanicalServices.com

Best Hair Salon

Salon Arcaro

1055 Canton Street Suite 120 Roswell, GA 30075

770-645-0811

SalonArcaro.com

29 S. Main Street

Alpharetta, GA 30009

770-410-7611

SmokejackBBQ.com

Best Family Dining

Brookwood Grill

880 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30076

770-587-0102

BrookwoodGrill.com

Best Dinner

Peach & the Porkchop 12040 Etris Road

Roswell, GA 30075

770-696-5409

PeachAndThePorkchop.com

Best Fine Dining

Best Pest Control/Mosquito Control

Earth Conscious Pest Control

5490 McGinnis Village Place, Suite 119 Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-619-5525

EarthConsciousPC.com

Best Live Entertainment

Altobeli’s Restaurant and Piano Bar 3000 Old Alabama Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 770-664-8055

Altobelis2Go.com

Best Bakery/Dessert

Nothing Bundt Cakes

5230 Windward Parkway, Suite 102 Milton, GA 30004

678-366-1445

NothingBundtCakes.com

Best Day Spa/Massage

LaVida Massage 12460 Crabapple Road, Suite 205 Alpharetta, GA 30004 770-740-0654

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails

800 Mayfield Road Milton, GA 30009

770-817-0161

MiltonsCuisine.com

Best Catering

Savory Gourmet Market

63 Milton Avenue, Suite 109 Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-857-3960

SavoryGourmetMarket.com

Best Wine and Spirits

Deep Roots

Wine Market & Tasting Room 1055 Canton Street, #100 Plum Tree Village Roswell, GA 30075

770-676-6146

DeepRootsWine.com

Best Community Event

Alpharetta Farmers Market

11770 Haynes Bridge Road, Suite 205 Box 264 Alpharetta, GA 30009

678-865-6608

AlpharettaBusinessAssociation.com

LaVidaMassageAlpharettaGa.com

Best Jewelers

Atlanta Diamond Design

3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 107 Johns Creek, GA 30022 770-751-9555

AtlantaDiamond.com

Best Boutique/Gift Shop

Findlay Rowe Designs

Gift Shop & Boutique 1030 Woodstock Road, Suite 3114 Roswell, GA 30075 678-205-3300

FindlayRoweDesigns.com

Best Furniture/Home Decor Store

Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors

670 N. Main Street, Suite 106 Alpharetta, GA 30009

678-297-7571

QueenOfHeartsAntiques-Interiors.com

Best Looney Toons Character Bugs Bunny

Best Unplugged Activity Hiking

Rocky Mountaineer To Launch New U.S. Train Journey

By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] Rocky Mountaineer plans to bring its luxury train journeys to a new route in the Southwest United States this year. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route will be a two-day rail journey between Denver, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Rocky Mountaineer operates multiday, daytime train journeys that feature incredible

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

scenery, regional cuisine, and attentive service in its spacious, glass-domed train coaches. This new route will be in addition to the three rail routes that run in Western Canada between Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies towns of Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.

Rocky Mountaineer will launch the route with a preview season of 40 departures across 10 weeks from August 15 to October 23, 2021. The company is working with local tourism organizations, hotels, and tour operators to curate custom vacation packages that feature tours, activities, and stays in Denver and Moab, so guests can experience even more of the region.

Guests will enjoy the complete Rocky Mountaineer experience, including onboard storytelling, premium cuisine, compelling scenery, and a social atmosphere in a custom-designed glass-dome coach.

Travelers will take in the views through the train’s oversized glass-dome windows from the comfort of their spacious, reclining seats. The onboard culinary experience will feature cuisine and ingredients local to the Southwestern U.S., which will be complemented with beverage service, and served at the seats, so guests can enjoy the scenery as they dine.

The Rockies to the Red Rocks route will showcase views that are unique to the Southwest U.S., as the train travels through Colorado and Utah. Between Denver and Glenwood Springs, guests will journey alongside the Colorado River and through a series of canyons with steep, rugged rock walls. The route between Glenwood Springs and Moab offers a variety of scenery including mountain vistas, desert cliffs, and rock formations. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route will be available to travel westbound or eastbound.

Call 800-913-7245 for more information or to reserve your Rocky Mountaineer experience. L

Community Partner

Concert

for a Cause Inc. (CFAC) began in 2014 as Caroline Buckner’s Girl Scout Gold Award Project. After three years of hard work and community support, her project became an established 501(c)3 nonprofit.

The organization is dedicated to increasing awareness for music therapy through music-centered community events. Events, which are held primarily in Fulton, Cobb, and Cherokee counties, include virtual and in-person concerts featuring musicians across the country, community volunteer initiatives, and educational events that advocate the importance of music therapy.

CFAC partners with high schools, universities, and community service organizations to host events on its behalf. The signature fundraiser is an annual community charity concert and silent auction each June during which sponsors and volunteers are recognized, and grants are presented to that year’s recipients. The concert features a demonstration by a music therapist partner as well as performances by clients.

The very first CFAC event was a concert in Roswell, featuring local musicians and music students. The proceeds from the ticket sales and donations funded a project at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). Buckner worked with music therapists at CHOA to learn how they served different clients throughout the hospital and to identify how she could provide support.

The event provided funding to purchase mountable Bluetooth CD

players for each patient room in the Critical Intensive Rehabilitation Unit at Scottish Rite. Fifty music bags filled with iTunes gift cards and headphones were also donated for newly admitted patients to access music during their stay.

CFAC continued to exclusively partner with CHOA for two more years before broadening their impact by offering multiple grant opportunities.

CFAC offers two grants, available annually to any board-certified music therapist practicing in Georgia. The Resource Grant provides funds to purchase or maintain instruments, sensory equipment, or technology that will assist music therapists in better serving their clients. The Project Grant provides funds to implement new programming for music therapists to offer at their place of employment.

CFAC also collects items through an Amazon wish list to provide supplies such as instruments, books, sensory tools, and maintenance supplies, which can be requested by any music therapist in Georgia to better serve his/her clients.

The success of CFAC is thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and business partners who work tirelessly to further the organization’s mission. CFAC is completely funded by grants, business partners, and generous donors. Prospective community partners should reach out to FinancialAffairs@ ConcertForACauseMT.org for more information about program options.

For more information about the organization, music therapy, or how to get involved, please visit the website or follow CFAC on social media.

MLK DAY JAN 18TH

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

By Christy Noll

[Home Life] Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the leader of America’s greatest nonviolent movement for justice, equality, and peace. He was born on January 15, 1929 into a family of pastors from the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and later served as its co-pastor until his death by assassination on April 4, 1968. In the U.S., Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr. Day will be celebrated on January 18 this year, which is a day to reflect upon all his contributions to the civil rights movement.

Education

After attending segregated public schools, King graduated from high school at 15 years old. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1948 from Morehouse College in Atlanta. Both his father and grandfather also graduated from this prestigious institution. King was awarded his Bachelor of Divinity after three years at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he was elected president of his senior class. He completed his doctorate degree in Systemic Theology at Boston University in 1955. While in Boston, he met Coretta Scott, his wife with whom he raised four children.

Accomplishments

In 1954, King became pastor of a Baptist church in Montgomery, Alabama, and was an executive committee member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He accepted the leadership of the first great Black nonviolent demonstration, which was a boycott that lasted over a year.

On December 21, 1956, the Supreme Court declared that segregation on buses was unlawful, so for the first time, Blacks and whites traveled as equals on public transportation. During the boycott, King was arrested, his home was bombed, and he was subjected to personal abuse.

In 1957, King was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization that provides leadership for the civil rights movement. He used the principles of Christianity and techniques from Gandhi for this organization. From 1957-1968, he spoke more than 2,500 times, appeared wherever there was injustice and protests, and authored five books. TIME magazine named him Man of the Year in 1963.

where he delivered his “l Have a Dream” speech. King worked with several presidents while continuing to risk his and his family’s safety. He was awarded five honorary degrees, became the symbolic leader of Black Americans as well as a celebrated world figure. At the age of 35, he was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and he donated his prize money ($54,123) to the civil rights movement.

In 1971, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a holiday in cities and states throughout the country President Ronald Reagan signed a law making it a federal holiday in 1983.

Celebrate this holiday by visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta. This official memorial dedicated in his memory includes exhibits, the King Center Library, and archives as well as his gravesite, birth home, gift shop, and other facilities. Admission and parking are free. Most of the park is selfguided. Registration is required to tour his birth home.

SOURCE — NobelPrize.org/prizes/peace/1964/king/biographical

King led massive peaceful protests for civil rights. The most well-known of these protests was held in Washington, D.C.,

Iflast year taught the world anything, it just

may be that society needs to find ways to better manage health and stress during trying times, to find a little more calm among the chaos, and to find peace in the pause. A couple ways you can do this is through pranayama (breath control) and meditation.

Think about people who sigh often. While it may seem a little dramatic at first, it’s really an instant release of feelings.

Sighing is also an audible release of carbon dioxide. Audible breath work relays to your body and mind that it is time to relax by releasing feelings and thoughts that were weighing you down. An inhalation is breathing in fresh oxygen to replenish and renew your tired body and mind. Now that it sounds that simple, you must be conscious of doing it.

Breath Control and Meditation Techniques

By Hannah Hutcheson

Breathing is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which means you don’t have to think about it because the body naturally performs. When you make a conscious effort, you begin to practice yoga. The word yoga means to yoke, the union — to yoke the mind and body through the movement of the breath, weaving a beautiful thread of life through the body. Yoga is often thought of as asana (the postures), but just consciously working the breath is mastering yoga.

To truly calm the mind and body through breath, you can practice longer and deeper inhalations and exhalations by following these steps:

 Count how many seconds your inhales and exhales last.

 Try to make your inhales and exhales match in duration.

 Once the inhales and exhales match, make them longer and deeper.

 Next, breathe into the belly first by raising it as high as it will go.

 On the exhalation, pull the belly button towards the spine.

 During your next breath, breathe into your belly, and then move the breath up to your ribs.

 As you exhale, your ribs will release and your belly button will pull back toward your spine.

 On the next inhalation: (1) breathe into the belly, (2) expand your ribs, and (3) add to your heart space (the chest).

Continue with this threepart breathing exercise as though a wave in the ocean comes to shore and leaves, taking with it shells and debris, cleansing the space.

 On the exhalation: release the heart space, the ribs, and lastly, the belly.

Another way to find a bit of peace is through meditation. A common misconception about meditation is that the end goal is to clear out the mind, to think of nothing. While this may sound ideal to some, especially those who suffer with depression and anxiety, it is not the main goal. Meditation is a journey into one’s own consciousness. It’s a moment of peace, and a glimpse into one’s own higher self. Meditation asks the practitioner to be in the present moment, the now, where peace resides. When you are living in the past, you are living in a depressed state. When you are living in the future, you are living in an anxious state. So why not try to live in the peaceful state of now?

For some, the thought of meditating may seem unappealing because they believe the practitioner must sit still for an hour with fingers in a certain mudra (hand positioning), legs in full lotus (a pretzel asana for some), and remain fully quiet and in a state of bliss. In reality, few yogis truly feel that.

Meditation can be quite simple. Find a comfortable seated position with the spine elongated and hips higher than the knees (meditation cushions help with this). If that is uncomfortable, lying down may help. Once comfort is found in the body, you are ready to continue. Eyes can be closed or gently open with no distractions.

To begin, focus on your breath. Practice the previously mentioned three-part breathing exercise. Once your focus is on your breath, thoughts may begin to dissipate or slow down. Some thoughts will still come, and that’s OK. Imagine that there is a door at the front of the mind and a door at the back. As thoughts come in through the front door, you do not have to entertain them or “offer them tea and to sit a spell.” Just politely show them the back door, and they will go. It can be as simple as that — just don’t give negative thoughts any energy. Meditation can liberate you from the thoughts that can consume your life, allowing you to arrive at the destination of relaxation.

Hannah Hutcheson is the owner of Horizon Healing Center. 182 North Street, Canton. 678-631-8797. HorizonHealingCenter.com

New Year, New Content Is It Time to Spruce Up Your Website Copy?

By Madelyn McWhorter

[Strategic Life] Your website is a powerful tool. In 2021, websites aren’t just online business cards, but a direct source for information on your products or services, and one of the first things possible consumers view before they decide if they want to venture further down the sales funnel. It’s your first impression, your voice, your brand, and probably a major contributor to the success of your business – even if you don’t realize it.

Many moving parts go into a website including design, development, search engine optimization (SEO), responsiveness, and last, but certainly not least, content. Since it’s a new year, it may be time for new content. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you review your website.

What’s the word count on each page?

Typically, each page of your website should have at least 300 words. The content needs to be useful to the reader and relevant to the website/page (not irrelevant rambling for the sake of word count). If an entire page consists of 10-50 words, Google likely won’t find any real value in it, causing the page ranking to drop. Brownie points if you have more than 300 words of useful content.

When was the last time you refreshed your content?

If it’s been over a year since your content was written, it has time to revamp it. During the revamping process, update keywords and phrases while making the content as valuable as possible for your industry.

There’s always room for growth. Hopefully, these questions will help you decide whether your website may need some improvement. L

Is

the content visually appealing?

While you want substantial written content, using paragraph form throughout your website is not recommended. Consider adding bullet points, headers, and images. These not only add visual interest to your website but can also help with your SEO.

Are there grammatical errors or typos?

Google doesn’t look kindly upon frequent typos and grammatical errors. Chances are, neither will your customers. To make sure you’re adhering to a high level of professionalism and representing your brand in the best light possible, it’s crucial to carefully read over your content to make sure there aren’t any mistakes you may have missed.

Is everything up to date?

With potential customers looking at your website, you want to make sure as valuable as possible for them. This means keeping any prices, products, or services up to date as well as any other important/ relevant information. Since you know your customers better than anyone else, you will have a good idea of what is important to them.

is a creative content strategist at Technical Resource Solutions. 120 Arnold Mill Park, Suite 100, Woodstock. 678-9289491. TechnicalRS.com

BY TANNER SNIPES

Groovin’ in the Key of R on roper

For Georgia born-and-raised musician Ron Roper, the downtime created by the pandemic last year was used to record and release his new album Groovin’ in the Key of R. He is no stranger to music enthusiasts in the South and beyond, as he has long been a stalwart of the Atlanta music scene.

Roper got his musical start by learning to play the piano in church when he was six years old, but his interest in acoustics has been with him for as long as he can remember.

“I was just born into it,” Roper said when asked about the origin of his love for music. “I’ve loved it for as long as I can remember.”

His everlasting devotion to tunes has taken him far and wide, leading to tours as the keyboardist and vocalist with the Allman Brothers Band’s guitarist Derek Trucks and blues guitar legend Tinsley Ellis. During Roper’s trips abroad, he was able to perform in a slew of cities, from São Paulo, Brazil to Montevideo, Uruguay. He has performed in arenas full of thousands of people as well as small “dive” bars. Regardless of crowd size, the stage is where he thrives.

Groovin in the Key of R is a 10 song, self-produced release of Roper’s originals. He plays all instruments and performs all vocals.

“This has been a long time coming, one track at a time,” said Roper, with a nod towards the gratifying but time-consuming process of recording himself. “By doing this solo, I have had no constraints on creative freedom. These songs are me.”

“Ron is a triple threat on keys, vocals, and songwriting,” blues guitar legend Tinsley Ellis said.

There are hints of Roper’s favorite artist, Stevie Wonder, in “More Than Dreams.” Listeners will hear shades of Steely Dan and Donny Hathaway in “So Many Changes,” and Dr. John is summoned on “Oola Wala Mambo” and “Clyde’s Jig.” Of course, there is a literal bow to Thelonious Monk in “Monk, My Dear,” and “God Thank You” is a song of thanks about triumph and personal tragedy. When all of these influences are combined, the result is uniquely Roper’s.

“Ron is a triple threat on keys, vocals, and songwriting,” blues guitar legend Tinsley Ellis said. “His new album is the culmination of decades as a journeyman Southern soul artist.”

Roper’s goal is to use his music to make people feel something. If his album inspires various emotions when listeners hear it, then he has done his job.

“Ron Roper evokes the spirit of Stevie Wonder, Billy Preston, and Donny Hathaway,” said Phillip Woo, a legendary keyboardist who has performed with artists such as Roy Ayers, Ashford & Simpson, and Roberta Flack. “Well-crafted grooves and melodies abound. Great record!”

Roper’s Groovin’ in the Key of R is available on most streaming and music platforms. To hear some of his songs, visit RonRoper.HearNow.com.

Book Review

BY JULIA PADGETT

THE NIGHT CIRCUS

Occasionally, a book comes along that stays with you. The Night Circus did not change my life, but it definitely unearthed some rare and surreal element of my psyche. Like any good ringmaster, author Erin Morgenstern pulls you into this adventure with anticipation. “The circus arrives without warning.” These first words pull you in, but in no way prepare you for the forces that collide between the two young illusionists, Celia and Marco.

Bound to play a game not of their making, Celia and Marco each become more and more remarkable in their ability as time passes, and their awareness grows. Like most games, this one is meant to have only one victor. However, the competitors are pulled more towards collaboration than conflict. For that beautiful lesson alone, you should pick up a copy of the book. But most of us should read it because it is unlike anything else on the shelves.

People try to categorize all things, especially books. The Night Circus is not one you can pin down. It is a prism of intrigue, romance, magical realism, adventure, and fantasy. Whatever it is beyond a book — it is a true pleasure to read, and it will live in your mind long after you’re done reading it. It is told very well, and it’s full of well-crafted characters that Morgenstern deftly puts in place for a reason. She creates a world that we all want to spend time in while also making it feel like somewhere we might have visited as a child.

Like many other good books, The Night Circus is supposed to be made into a movie. My hope is that everyone will fall into these words well before the movie is released. The spell needs to be cast with paper and ink first, so that you will find yourself longing for the circus

to appear with its black-and-white-striped

unexpectedly, on the edge of town.