North Fulton Family Life 6-20

See pages 16-17

ADJUSTING OUR

sails

Manyof us now look at our life differently than we did several months ago. Our place in the social soup, our position in our career, or how we maintain friendships and other relationships may have been restructured, rearranged, or reevaluated. When our ideal slips away, when we make it to the boat, get settled in, set sail, and the ship returns to port — that’ll catch anyone off guard. Ready yourself for your new normal.

So, the plans you had did not work out like you thought they might? Yes, plans fail, happens all the time. Let us not forget that failure has benefits. When we fail, we learn what didn’t work, which gives us a chance to try something new.

The past has passed, and history doesn’t exist to interfere with what you are destined to achieve. Discouragement happens, but look ahead and know that every shift in your path or pace provides a new position under the stars and centers you in your place on this planet. Every challenge, every adversity, contains the seeds of opportunity for growth.

“It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come, he is ready.” -Theodore

Roosevelt.

Our country became great by overcoming challenges, crafting dreams into possibilities, and fear into hope. The first American pioneers started only with what they brought here — their hearts, their hands, and their knowledge. They didn’t come expecting life to be easy. They weren’t promised handouts or a free pass. When they arrived, they were only limited by their own faith, talent, and courage. They built a nation — a strong nation — to be an example for all humankind.

It is never too late to get started, even if we now find ourselves facing a different direction. The process of starting and stopping, falling down and getting up, is how we figure life out.

Captain Jack Sparrow, one of my favorite naval pioneers, once said, “If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.” So, brush off the dirt, wipe your hands on your shirt, and get back at it. Let’s go this way now, and let’s make this way better together.

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Tuszynski

Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITORIAL

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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Cyndi Braun

ART

Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

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Candice Williams

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SALES

Janet Ponichtera

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Albers, Jeremiah D. Amos, Rich Austin, Michael Consoli, Marcia Divack, Lisa Ethridge, Kevin Head, Tim Henderson, Joe Lockwood, Christy Noll, Ellen Samsell Salas, Anna Skudarnova, Anna Teal, Heather Terry, Katy Wheeler

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.

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

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

© 2020 All rights reserved.

Bronzed Horse Statue Honors Late Arborist and Milton’s Equestrian Heritage

A custom bronzed horse statue now stands tall in the new roundabout at the intersection of Mayfield Road and Charlotte Drive Extension, within sight of the Milton library, paying tribute to the city’s rich equestrian heritage after being purchased at no expense to taxpayers.

The roundabout was funded through TSPLOST, an additional 0.75-cent sales tax for local transportation initiatives approved by voters in November 2016. But the horse statue was paid for entirely through donations made to the Milton Arts Council to fulfill a dream of Mark Law, the City’s late arborist.

Law started working for Milton shortly after its incorporation in 2006, becoming one of the City’s most beloved and respected employees, ambassadors, and stewards

of nature. Whether guiding citizens in the tree permit process, helping beautify roundabouts, or codesigning the City’s first gateway signs, Law always went the extra mile for Milton, its environment, and its citizens before he died in February 2019.

He also brimmed with ideas. One of them was to have art on display in places people were most likely to see it — specifically, roundabouts that have popped up (and continue to be constructed) around Milton.

Early last year, Law’s family teamed with the Milton Arts Council to set up a GoFundMe campaign to create a special memorial to him. They established a goal of $6,900 and soon surpassed it, eventually raising more than $11,000. The remaining funds will be used for other projects Law envisioned.

STAR House Foundation Seeks Community Contributions

STAR House Foundation is a Roswell mainstay, having provided free, educational, after-school care for more than 26 years to some of the most economically disadvantaged children in the community.

The nonprofit hosts programs inside five local schools, providing safe places with access to snacks, homework help, and mentorship to students. When schools closed due to the health threat posed by COVID-19, hundreds of families lost access not only to free childcare, but also to crucial academic support that many parents are unable to provide.

STAR House’s ongoing commitment to the long-term success of these children has led the organization to pivot away, temporarily, from an educational focus and toward ensuring that these children

and their families are getting adequate nutrition in this time of financial crisis.

If you are able and interested in contributing toward the effort, please contact STAR House through its website STARHouseFoundation.org.

Summer Burn Ban

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s annual Open Burning Ban is now in effect in 54 Georgia counties. The ban on open burning prohibits the burning of yard and land clearing debris from May 1 through September 30.

“The summer open burning restrictions help us improve Georgia’s air quality during the hot summer months,” said Karen Hays, chief of the Georgia EPD Air Protection Branch.

Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the open burning ban. To access more information, visit EPD.Georgia.gov and click on “Open Burning Ban” under quick links.

Roswell HS Announces New Football and Baseball/Softball Coaches

Roswell HS Principal Dr. Robert Shaw and Athletic Director Ben Sutter are pleased to announce that Chris Prewett will be taking over the helm as head football coach and Matt McCarthy as head baseball/softball coach.

Prewett is a native of Warner Robins, Georgia, and graduated from Houston County HS. After playing high school football, he went on to play at LaGrange College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in teaching.

Roswell Arts Fund is thrilled to introduce the 10 temporary sculptures featured in the fifth season of ArtAround Roswell, which is a public art sculpture collection, hosted in various outdoor sites throughout the City’s acclaimed park system, historic district, and private businesses.

This free “museum without walls” features sculptures from the City’s permanent collection and temporary pieces loaned by the artists for 11 months (April to March). All the temporary pieces are available for purchase.

The sculptures were selected by a public art panel based on criteria including quality, diversity, and how the art would spark conversation and activate spaces. Visit RoswellArtsFund.org to view these sculptures online or for more information.

Prewett is not new to Roswell HS, having served as the Hornets’ defensive coordinator since 2017, producing some of the top defenses in the state in each of his years at RHS. Before coming to Roswell, Prewett was in the same position at Johns Creek HS for two seasons and one season at Pope HS.

McCarthy is an Alpharetta native and a graduate of Chattahoochee HS where he was part of the 2005 State Championship baseball team. He went on to play college baseball at Jefferson State Community College before finishing up at the University of Georgia with a major in health and physical education. McCarthy also earned a

master’s degree in kinesiology from Georgia Southern University.

Having taught and coached in Fulton County for seven years, McCarthy served as head baseball/softball coach at Centennial HS for three of those years. During this time, he has been part of many summer programs, working with athletes from all over Georgia. McCarthy will also teach physical education at Roswell HS beginning this fall.

Fifth Annual Art Around Roswell Exhibit

2020 ArtAround Roswell Temporary Sculptures and Sponsors

 Fish Tender by Jim Collins, located at Roswell Mill

 Oraiste Agus Liath by Aisling Millar, located at Riverside East Park, sponsored by Van Epps, LLC

 Cloud 9 Under Scrutiny by Justin Desiter, located at Big Creek Park

 Turning Seasons by Mark Kruke, located at City Hall, sponsored by Synovus

 Fold by David Landis, located at and sponsored by Variant Brewing Company

 Continuum by Nathan Pierce, located at East Roswell Park, sponsored by ALDI, Inc.

 Lost Horizon by Mike Wsol, located at Riverside West, sponsored by Carl Black Buick GMC Roswell

 Jack Was Optimistic* by Chris Plaisted, located at Roswell Area Park, sponsored by the Hagan Family Foundation

 Lunar Eclipse* by Hanna Jubran, located at Don White Park

 Earworm Whisper Bench* by Jim Gallucci, location TBA, sponsored by Turner Construction Company

* Installation for these sculptures has been temporarily delayed due to COVID-19.

By Kevin Head, Ph.D.

Grace for Me

[InGoodFaith] Lewis Smedes, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, wrote about his own life saying, “What I felt most was a glob of unworthiness. What I needed was a sense that God accepted me, owned me, held me, affirmed me, and would never let go of me even if he wasn’t too much impressed with what he had in his hands.”

Maybe you have felt that way, too. Maybe you feel like that right now. Maybe you are unsure where your life is going — uncertain about the future. Maybe you find yourself consumed with regrets and missed opportunities. Maybe you sometimes feel shameful about who you are and how you’ve lived. God answers the mess of life with one word: grace.

See, for most people, it’s not a matter of believing in grace — the issue is are we changed by grace? Paul Martinelli says, “All fear stems from either, ‘I am not enough,’ or ‘I don’t have enough.’” We get so focused on ourselves and what we are or are not doing that we forget we belong to God. So much of our self-analysis is critical, harsh, and condemning. We lose sight of who we are and forget about God’s grace for us.

Throughout the Bible, God says, “I will be your God, and you will be my people. You are mine — my child! You didn’t deserve it — you didn’t earn that status — but by my grace, you are my child.”

In Ephesians, we read, “You have been saved by grace and grace alone.” So, you don’t have to keep trying to earn God’s favor. You don’t have to continue performing for God. God loves you!

God says it so clearly, “I will be your God, and you will be my people.” It’s finished. Everything is done. All you must do is accept what God has already done for you, and when you receive God’s grace — you are acceptable and pleasing in his sight. So, let grace happen! L

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

Fraud Alerts

Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Dr. Rich Austin

First,I would like to express my sincere condolences to anyone who has dealt with loss, sickness, or other issues that have widely accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, due to the #FlattenTheCurve movement, the worst that many folks endured was adjusting to sheltering in place and trying to educate and entertain our children in the wake of school closures.

While we may be much less likely to catch this awful virus while sheltered at home, there are other predators you should be aware of. These predators, not unlike the coronavirus, are a threat that is often difficult to perceive. But, fortunately, you can easily do things to protect yourself against criminals who are trying to use this crisis to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Fraud Often Rises in Crises

Unfortunately, the law enforcement community nationwide is seeing similar types of fraud related to COVID-19. The difference is that since the pandemic is worldwide and affects most everyone, the opportunity for this type of criminal activity is exponential. So, what types of crimes are we seeing based on the current situation?

It is widely known among those in the fields of emergency management and law enforcement that fraud becomes more prevalent during times of crises. This has historically been seen in natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. The problem was so prevalent in that era that a federal task force was developed just to address Katrina-related fraud schemes. According to the FBI, even days before Katrina made landfall, schemers propped up fraudulent websites in hopes of misdirecting charitable donations for personal gain, including the collection of personally identifiable information (e.g., credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, etc.).

Scams Promising Federal Relief or Private Aid

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the agency has been flooded with information about fraudulent robocalls, phishing emails, and text messages that promise relief that the victim is supposedly entitled to receive. Many victims may believe the calls are from actual aid they may have legitimately applied for, so consumers should be especially careful if they have an application for aid under consideration such as unemployment assistance.

Many of these calls also fraudulently offer low interest loans, mortgage relief, or even a government relief check. The problem occurs when the victims give their personal information and experience identity theft or provide money upfront in order to receive payment, which never arrives.

Protect Yourself

Government agencies will never ask for your personal information, login information, or any types of payment through gift cards, wire transfer, or Bitcoin. Be especially wary of callers offering goods or services that are not widely available such as COVID-19 testing, remedies, or other medical services.

Often, these scammers will misrepresent themselves as Medicare staff. While most of us want to be charitable and help our neighbors, be sure to thoroughly research any organization before contributing to ensure your donation is going where you think it’s going. Lastly, if you think you have become the target of fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency.

For more information on how to protect yourself, visit Consumer.FTC.gov or CDC. gov/media/phishing.html.

Safety Tips for Seniors

By Heather Terry

We’ve all gotten more practice than we wanted this year in keeping ourselves safe. Many of us spent some quality quarantine time cleaning out closets and finally finishing home projects that had been put off. Though your home may be more organized than ever, is it safe?

June is National Safety Month, and according to HealthInAging.org, falls, burns, and poisonings are among the most common accidents involving older people. The website has a lot of great tips to help make your home safe:

Keep Emergency Numbers by Each Phone

 911

 Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

 Family member or friend to call in case of emergency

 Doctor’s office

Fire and Related Dangers

 If there is a fire in your home, don’t try to put it out. Leave and call 911.

 Don’t wear loose clothes when cooking.

 Install a smoke detector and replace the battery twice a year.

 Never leave burning candles unattended.

 Make sure space heaters are at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn such as curtains, bedding, or furniture. Turn off heaters when you leave the room.

 Never try to heat your home with your stove, oven, or grill since these can give off carbon monoxide — a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell.

 Place a carbon monoxide detector near all bedrooms, and be sure to replace the batteries twice a year.

Avoid Bathroom Hazards

 Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet.

 Put anti-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.

 Consider getting a tub bench or toilet chair if you have a hard time sitting and standing safely.

Fall Prevention

 If you are feeling unsteady or have fallen recently, talk to your doctor about a fall risk assessment. There are exercise programs designed to help prevent falls.

 If you are worried about falling, look into medical alert buttons that can be worn to contact emergency services. Oftentimes, the call buttons are available through your home security company.

 Make sure all hallways and stairwells are well lit and clear of clutter.

 Use rails and banisters when going up and down stairs.

 If area rugs are necessary, tape them to the floor, so they do not move when you walk on them.

Don’t Become a Victim

 Always keep your windows and doors locked.

 Do not let strangers into your home or on your property when you are alone.

 Do not share personal information such as Social Security number, credit card, bank information, or account passwords with people you do not know.

 Do not let yourself be pressured into making purchases, signing contracts, or making donations. Discuss first with a trusted family member or friend.

If you are over the age of 60, live in north Fulton, and find yourself in need of assistance, Senior Services North Fulton is a great local resource. The nonprofit has care managers who can evaluate your needs and determine appropriate support services to help you continue to live independently.

TEEN WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

Upgraded WINNERS!

BY KATY WHEELER

It’d been quite a while since I’d upgraded. A long overdue enhancement, I’m guessing at least five years in the making. Hardly anyone is immune to being enamored by the hypnotic spell that a brand-new cell phone seems to cast. I was no different.

When I plucked the shiny new phone out of its box, I could hardly contain myself. All the latest and greatest technology for me to catch up on, right here in this metal and plastic box. More gadgets, more capacity, more apps, and unfortunately, more money coming out of my checking account. It was OK though. My old phone was out of date, and despite my infatuation with it (and the hard case that saved it from breaking countless times), it was toast.

Yet, as I transferred over all of its data and the other cool functions I associated with my device, I couldn’t help but notice some of the old phone numbers sequentially transitioning into the new phone. Most of them were friends, siblings, or business contacts. However, the last one stood out conspicuously: MOM CELL.

It made my blood turn to ice. Yes, she had a home phone, but unlike others her age, she hardly used it anymore. Just to see that number again tore my soul in half. It made me want to laugh and cry at the same time, as I remembered every little detail about her. You see, she had died nearly five years ago. Pancreatic cancer literally sucked the life

out of her; the once vibrant and hauntingly beautiful baby blue eyes, so blue you’d swear that you could see down into her very soul, became hollow and frail. To witness what that disease had done to her earthly shell, and to know that she now had a perfect body, a heavenly body that is ignorant of pain, suffering, and tears…my mom had upgraded.

I never bothered to turn off her cellular service after she’d passed away. I continued to faithfully pay the bill month after month, even though I knew the phone would never be used again. Many have asked me why, and if you’ve ever lost a parent, then you know why. It’s…it’s because…

Well, sometimes you just need to hear a friendly voice, one bathed in unconditional love. Mama’s voice. When it’s gone, it’s gone forever — from this life — at least in person.

Whenever I call her phone and hear that sweet, sweet voice repeat something as simple as her outgoing message, it gives me peace when I need it the most. It makes me long to be reunited with her one day soon, once my time here on earth is done. And on that day, when I am “upgraded,” our relationship will be made whole again. I will know no greater joy than to be with my family, my heavenly family.

So, for now, I’ll smile, shed a tear, and then dial the first number on my brand-new cell phone: MOM CELL.

ThroughSwingingLife

BY ANNA SKUDARNOVA

ADULT WINNER

My grandfather did not live long enough to know that his wife could build a sturdier swing than he could. It seemed as if every summer when I visited my family in Ukraine, my grandfather spent half his time reconstructing the swing that he built for his grandchildren. He would wrap old rags and attach metal wires to various parts of the swing. But somehow, these solutions never lasted more than a few days before they, too, gave out.

The wooden seat of the swing always cracked, no matter how many times it was replaced, and the rusty iron bars that held up the whole contraption left blue-flaked paint on my blistered hands. The swish of air that the swing provided felt better than any sort of air conditioning on those hot summer days. The swing creaked, our dog Jack barked, the sprinkler noisily watered the plants, and my cousins yelled at me every time I got on that swing.

I ate the freshest kind of cherries, strawberries, snap peas, cucumbers, sand, and blood all while swinging on grandfather’s swing. The vegetation came from my grandparents’ surrounding garden, the blood from being kicked off the swing by my cousins, and the sand from falling in the nearby sandbox.

My grandmother flew to America to visit us the summer that my family bought our first house, and consequently, our backyard. Her main goal for the summer was to make my grandfather turn in his grave by

planting a garden and building a swing that were more successful than his had ever been.

The swing she built was upheld by two sturdy trees that would not rust. She chose plastic ropes from the hardware store that would not blister hands. Traumatized by the many times my grandfather’s contraption had broken while I was mid-swing, I asked my grandmother if her swing would ever break.

“Never in a lifetime,” she stated proudly in Ukrainian.

All throughout my preteen years, I ran to grandmother’s swing when I was upset. With tears streaming down my face, I rebelliously flung off the jacket my mother always forced me to wear. I relished the bite of the air against my skin that the swing provided. The swing creaked, the birds chirped, the squirrels scuttled, and the fallen leaves crinkled in the wind, as I swung myself into dizziness. I liked to see the world that did not make sense swirl around me. Like a mother rocking her child, grandmother’s swing rocked me until I was calm, and my tears dried.

A year after my grandmother died, my family sold that house with the swing still sturdily hung in the backyard. Grandmother was right, her swing could outlast a lifetime, or, at least, her lifetime. And I am sure the first thing she did when she was laid to rest beside my grandfather was tell him all about it.

Thank You to All Who Shared Short Stories With Us!

We received almost 40 thoughtful, well written submissions that covered a variety of topics, and we enjoyed reading each one. With only 500 words to tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end, sentences had to be carefully constructed to be impactful and convey meaning, with no room for verbosity. We truly enjoyed “visiting” the succinct worlds you created, which inspired us to think and feel a wide array of emotions.

Senator Speaks

June 2020Update

By State Senator John Albers

Inaddition to my message at right, I have been working more than 20 hours per day to serve you. I am hosting weekly town hall conference calls, getting supplies to our hospitals and first responders, and coordinating with our cities, counties, schools, governor, task force, White House, federal counterparts, etc.

Please support your local businesses during this time. If you are able, buy gift cards, safely get takeout food, and leave a generous tip. Make donations to local charities; it is

simple and can be done online within a few minutes.

Every Tuesday is an opportunity to give back. Kari, Ryan, and I helped serve hundreds of hot meals at Table & Aid and arrived with donations in hand. Table & Main restaurant was temporarily closed because of the virus and repurposed to feed those in need — no questions asked — just to help others. This is the definition of community and service. My friend, Ryan Pernice, is a real community hero. Light always comes out of darkness. Find your light and let it shine.

Other things you can do:

 Give blood — you can sign up for an appointment at the Alpharetta Red Cross.

 Help neighbors.

 Delay rent payments.

 Help one another.

 Be generous.

 Enjoy some great family time.

 Put down all phones and electronics.

 Play board games and build puzzles.

 Smile and be kind.

I partnered with my friend, John Barber of SpeedPro Imaging, to produce signs to be placed outside of health care facilities and offices of first responders and local governments to recognize

these workers for keeping Georgians safe during the COVID-19 crisis. John generously donated his time and services for this project.

We started with WellStar North Fulton Hospital, then traveled to all the north Fulton and Woodstock police and fire stations to spread our message of gratitude, and the “Heroes Work Here” signs helped to boost morale and keep the positive vibes going. I cannot thank these workers enough for all they do to keep our communities safe and healthy.

Be safe, be smart, be gracious, and God Bless America!

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

Millennials Need Estate Planning, Too

[Strategic Life] Many of my friends are getting married and starting families of their own. Yet, when I discuss my work as an estate planning attorney, the immediate response is, “I should give your business card to my parents.” But, as Millennials settle down, they need to begin planning for their futures to protect their families through life’s changes.

In estate planning, a Last Will and Testament is the first document most people think of – it directs what happens to your estate after your death.

By Jeremiah D. Amos

Without a will, the entire process is left up to the court. In Georgia, for a married couple with children, if a spouse dies without a will, the estate is divided among the surviving spouse and children.

A minor child cannot legally own any property that he/she inherits. Without a good plan in place, the court would appoint someone to manage the assets. The person appointed is supervised by the court and must abide by strict rules.

Once the child turns 18, all assets must be distributed to him/her, regardless of his/her ability to manage those assets. If the child’s parent had a properly drafted will, the assets could have been left to the child in a trust. The will would dictate terms of the trust, who would be in control of the assets, and how and when those assets may be used.

If both parents pass away, someone needs to care for minor children. The best way to ensure that the court appoints the person of your choosing to fulfill this role is to name a guardian in your will. Without any indication, the court is left to appoint a guardian on its own. This uncertainty can result in legal conflicts between family members over who is best suited to care for minor children.

Millennials need to think of estate planning not only for their parents, but also for their own families. Making these decisions now protects your family, provides for their future, and alleviates unnecessary chaos and confusion during an extremely difficult time. L

Embracing A NEWNormal

By Mayor Joe Lockwood

After a spring that, I’m pretty sure, lasted at least 12 years, summer is here. Finally. However, this summer in Milton won’t be like the 2019 version or any version before it. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things — including our perspective, and that’s going to stick for a while.

In City government, we’re used to dealing with emergencies. Still, when you have a winter storm, the snow and ice eventually melt, and in Georgia, it’s usually sooner rather than later. But this pandemic has lingered with constant new developments that have turned our world upside down.

We had to figure out what really mattered. We redefined who is a hero, with doctors, nurses, first responders, delivery workers, and supermarket clerks atop the list. Too many people lost jobs or lost friends or loved ones to COVID-19. Even healthy individuals dealt with the strains of hunkering down, unsure when the ordeal would end.

Working together, we’ll get through this. But, honestly, I don’t know when we’ll fully return to “normal.” Even now, there’s plenty of uncertainty. But there’s plenty of appreciation, too.

More than ever, I’m grateful to City staff – from firefighters to police officers to public works crew members to permit technicians – who kept our government working, and working well, during challenging times. I appreciate Milton businesses that, like many, suffered but still provided so much charm and vitality to our city. I know how special it is to venture out in Milton, whether dining off Highway 9, strolling through Providence Park, enjoying Crabapple, or watching a game at Bell Memorial Park.

And most importantly, I’d like to thank our citizens who chose to act responsibly to help minimize this virus’ risks to everyone.

Now’s the time to step up, in whatever way we can, to pair our appreciation with action. Our restaurants and shops need us to support them, which we’ll obviously do while using responsible judgment. In different ways, our neighbors also need our support. A strong community can greatly benefit both families with bottled-up kids and seniors who have rarely left home.

I’m proud Milton has an incredible, and incredibly important, community. And I’m proud to be its mayor.

Joe Lockwood is the mayor of Milton. 678-242-2484. Joe.Lockwood@CityOfMiltonGa.us

UGA Extension –Education and Enlightenment for All

[Home Life] For over 100 years, the agents at the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension have provided free, reliable information on the latest in scientific research in a language that anyone can understand. As times have changed, the agents’ duties have evolved.

Extension agents and their emissaries, UGA Extension Volunteer Master Gardeners, are called to schools, farms, and local and statewide events to give presentations, answer questions, demonstrate, and consult.

While known for their efforts in the areas of agriculture and gardening, there are many facets of the Extension service, providing a wealth of personalized services in a variety of areas. Expert presenters deliver information via several modes:

 Programs and workshops

 Field days

 Blogs, newsletters, and mass media

 Phone call and in-person consultations

 Print and online publications

Popular Topics

 Weeds, Diseases, Pests, and Parasites

 Blueberries and Beef

 Commercial and Home Food Safety

 Infant, Child, and Teen Development

 Lawn and Garden Ornamentals

 Environment and Natural Resources

 Nutrition and Health and Food Preservation

The website (Extension.UGA.edu) is a wealth of information and resources. Check out the “Topic Areas” dropdown for a full list and view the “Event

By Lisa Ethridge

Calendar” for upcoming national, state, and local offerings.

Two important services provided to homeowners are soil and water testing and plant pathology/identification and insect identification. For more information on purchasing soil test kits and submitting directly to the soil lab, visit AESL.CES.UGA. edu/soiltest123 or call the office.

The UGA Extension has personnel in all 159 Georgia counties, and its team of agents, specialists, and trained volunteers is available to help you. In north Fulton, call 404-613-7670 for more information.

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

CENTERED RECOVERY PROGRAMS

Inbusiness since 2017 and backed by expertise in addiction and behavioral psychology, Centered Recovery Programs wants to share its passion for alternative holistic rehab solutions in the north metro Atlanta area. With locations in Roswell and Marietta, this organization offers a unique mindfulness-based approach unlike the traditional 12-step recovery programs. The approach is so successful and widely received that it has been featured in U.S. News & World Report along with countless glowing reviews on Google

Owners Reed and Krista Smith have a deep-seated desire and dedication to helping humans gain an understanding of themselves mentally and physically, which targets a true need in the rehab community, especially those who have made previous attempts at recovery and continue to struggle.

The unique program helps clients connect to their mental health while becoming more self-aware of what sparks stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to addiction. Helping clients get to the root of their problems and developing a sensitivity to their feelings leads to awareness and helps the mind be more apt to evolve in a healthy way.

“We offer an alternative that is refreshing and logical. Most traditional rehab programs provide the tools for recovery, but we strive to help clients understand themselves and their psychological processes,” explains Reed.

By Anna Teal

“We are in the business of helping people become their healthiest selves by addressing what is preventing it in the first place.”

“We help people understand themselves in a very real way to connect to their own humanity. This method helps lift them out of their story to create a healthier one by removing obstacles and getting clarity of what is causing issues. We encourage them to go upstream in the source of thought to prevent polluting it. This allows them to understand where their stress or anxiety is coming from,” says Reed.

The non-12 step program was designed to help facilitate insightful awareness, which is crucial for effortless lasting change.

Centered Recovery is licensed as an outpatient facility. The founders believe that while inpatient facilities provide invaluable support in early recovery, once the client returns home, their “recovery bubble” often bursts, as stressors occur. This makes it hard to adapt, which causes a greater chance of relapse. Centered Recovery specializes in chronic relapse.

“Reed and I have worked in residential facilities before. We believe outpatient programs are essential for lasting recovery. Working through recovery in the stresses of real life is one of the key elements that makes our program successful,” explains Krista.

“The longer you’re involved in a treatment program, the higher rate of success. We can tweak and adjust as you go to tailor it to your needs,” says Reed, who compares this belief to investing in a gym membership with the intent to work out and get fit. If you stop going to the gym, you will likely see your fitness levels decline.

Mental health should be thought of in a similar light. It takes practice and consistency to keep your mind in good health. Reed explains that they have clients they’ve been seeing for over two years who come once a week to keep their mind fit and healthy.

Their renowned mindfulness approach stretches past the lines of addiction to those who struggle with a wide range of emotions including anxiety, depression, and work burnout. They’ve also implemented programs and ways to accommodate the busy lives of most Atlantans. For example, their Executive Track program focuses on older, career-focused adults who may be dealing with a variety of unique stressors. The combination of group and one-on-one therapy allows them to get the support they need.

Centered Recovery pioneered virtual intensive outpatient programming (IOP) in 2019 to fill a void in rural areas and bring services to the entire state of Georgia. Telemental therapies allow stay-at-home parents, professionals with full schedules or travel schedules, and retirees to get involved in recovery from a distance.

All sessions are offered on secure servers in compliance with HIPPA policies to protect each patient’s privacy. The virtual program provides a full interactive experience where clients can participate just as if they were physically present. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available to provide flexibility and fit a variety of scheduling needs. Most insurance plans are accepted.

“We don’t believe in labels,” states Krista. “Our program includes a unique blend of therapies, education, and counseling that are tailored to each individual client. A byproduct of becoming your healthiest self is having a life free from addictions and habits that limit possibilities. We are in the business of helping people become their healthiest selves by addressing what is preventing it in the first place.”

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Centered Recovery Programs, visit the website or call 800-556-2966 for a FREE consultation.

Tranquility Counseling

Tranquility Counseling Services was established by owner/operator Dr. Shannon Barnes in September 2014. Tranquility Counseling began in Roswell, Georgia, but after Dr. Barnes moved to Woodstock in 2012, she relocated the counseling center there in 2016 to be more centrally located to both Cherokee and north Fulton county patients.

After obtaining her master’s degree from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, Dr. Barnes completed the process of becoming a licensed professional counselor. She then went on to earn a doctorate degree in counseling studies, and that allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of current research in the mental health field, which is significant to treating patients from a solid, evidence-based foundation while avoiding propaganda.

Dr. Barnes’ vision was for Tranquility Counseling to be a safe place for patients to heal and grow. She has accomplished this vision by providing a highly skilled and knowledgeable staff, effective treatment options, as well as offering complimentary marriage motivation events to the community. She also is planning to establish free marriage support groups via her Art for a Purpose program, through which she sells her art and donates money to local service organizations.

Specializing in marriage counseling and first responder trauma, Dr. Barnes recently completed a certification to treat law

Morrow Family Medicine

Now more than ever, you want to know your health care provider will be there for you when you need care.

Since 1998, Dr. Jim Morrow has put his patients in Forsyth and north Fulton counties first and earned a reputation for providing old-fashioned, compassionate care along with expert medical knowledge and state-ofthe art facilities and technology.

“We see our patients when THEY need us, not at our convenience,” assures Dr. Morrow. “We are here for them.”

When Dr. Morrow opened Morrow Family Medicine in 2011, his mission was to build a practice that would be patient centered. Almost 10 years later, “bringing care back to health care” remains the heart of his practice.

To that end, in addition to regular appointments, same-day walk-in appointments are offered at the practice on weekdays from 7:30-8:30am. Dr. Morrow even gives his email address to patients, so they can contact him directly, if needed. And to ensure that no one was neglected during the COVID-19 shutdown, regular practice hours were maintained, and patients were seen via telemedicine.

Emphasizing the practice of preventative medicine, the team of two doctors, three physician assistants, one nurse practitioner, and multiple support staff members provide individualized care in treating conditions

enforcement officers, medics, firefighters, and other first responders for mental health issues that develop due to specific career-related stressors. Her staff specializes in couple’s counseling and treating a variety of issues such as anxiety, major depression, eating disorders, trauma, special needs, adolescent needs, family needs, and addiction.

Most insurance plans are accepted at Tranquility Counseling, and the staff is excited to continue to grow and serve the community.

from high blood pressure to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, GI diseases, and episodic illnesses of all sorts. Full laboratory services are also provided.

A problem solver, Dr. Morrow welcomes the opportunity of finding a different medical challenge behind every door, meeting each challenge, and keeping his patients on the track to optimum health.

Committed to educating patients about important and timely medical issues, Dr. Morrow hosts a bimonthly podcast, To Your Health With Dr. Jim Morrow, at MorrowFamMed.com. Patients also have online access to medical information.

Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Milton

Asall of you, staff members at Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Milton are greatly looking forward to getting back to the routines we have been missing over the past few months. We do not know what the new “normal” will look like, but we are committed to adjusting our office policies to support it.

Some of the changes that we are making include the following:

 Prior to entering the office, all patients and anyone accompanying them will be prescreened and have their temperatures taken.

 Patients will be escorted directly to a private room. It will not be necessary to stop at the front desk on the way in or out of the office.

 Dental office staff members have always followed strict sterilization and sanitizing guidelines. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have elevated their guidelines to further ensure the health and safety of anyone who enters their offices.

 All staff members have gone through updates in training with the latest personal protective equipment to protect themselves as well as patients.

 A mask or face cover is encouraged for patients and parents during office visits.

 All appointments have been extensively spaced out to allow for additional sanitization between patients.

 A limited number of staff members are present to abide by social distancing guidelines.

These changes will allow the staff at Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Milton to adequately support patients’ dental care needs. Though some of these measures may be inconvenient, they are necessary to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

As time goes on, policies may need to change. Even those previously listed may not be permanently in place. Staff members are committed to giving a balanced approach that will both support patients as well as adhere to required guidelines.

Like many other aspects of society during this time, these industry standards are fluid. Your patience is appreciated, as the staff is working diligently to stay informed of the best practices and remaining agile and flexible to make changes as needed.

While Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Milton will always be available to support your dental health care needs, it is more important than ever to do all that you can at home to prevent dental treatment from being necessary. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing each evening before bedtime. It can be especially challenging for children who are out of their routines to remember these important steps each day. As parents, you can best support them by checking in and monitoring their dental hygiene.

As services are slowly amped up, the staff greatly looks forward to seeing the smiling faces of each of their patients. Feel free to call with any questions you may have regarding scheduling an appointment or about dental needs in general.

10930 Crabapple Rd., Suite 106, Roswell, GA 30075

678-352-1090 KidsHappyTeeth.com

980 Birmingham Rd., Suite 506, Milton, GA 30004

678-990-3358

Code V Performance THE EASY WAY TO END PAIN AND JOINT DYSFUNCTION

What do a Navy chief, a professional baseball pitcher, and an airline pilot all have in common? Their careers were all but over due to injury, until they discovered a chiropractic technique called Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT). AMIT is a revolutionary advancement in sports medicine, which cures pain and joint dysfunction that no other treatment can resolve. Continue reading to learn how AMIT can change your life, or the life of someone you love.

Every year, 9 million Americans work up a sweat in physical therapy, yet never fully recover from injury. It is not because patients did the exercises wrong or because their therapist didn’t prescribe the right exercises. Their inability to recover is due to a well-known phenomenon called muscle inhibition, which must first be corrected to fully achieve the benefits of therapy.

Muscle inhibition is your body’s way of protecting a muscle when it gets overloaded or injured. The muscle simply stops receiving signals from the nervous system to prevent further damage. It works very much like a circuit breaker in your house. When the muscle gets overloaded beyond what it can sustain,

the “breaker trips,” and your muscle no longer receives the signal to activate.

While the muscle remains inhibited and weak, your body is forced to compensate by using other muscles around the joint. Therapy then strengthens these surrounding muscles, giving you the impression that the injured muscle has healed. However, your efforts only solidify compensation patterns while the injured muscle atrophies, which causes joint dysfunction and pain.

Since you are now requiring your body to perform the same tasks using fewer muscles with abnormal joint mechanics, you are destined to be injured again. If neuromuscular pathways are not reactivated, the muscle cannot strengthen and heal — no matter how much effort you put into physical therapy.

If you suffer from pain and joint dysfunction, you don’t have to worry. Almost 30 years ago, AMIT was developed to identify and reactivate inhibited muscles. It is the only technique proven to reintegrate inhibited muscles, allowing you to fully recover and return to your active lifestyle. This proven technique has been used for decades on

professional athletes as well as all other active individuals.

To begin your journey to recovery, follow these three easy steps:

1. Schedule an exam: In under an hour, you will have 300 muscles tested to identify which ones are weak and causing dysfunction and pain.

2. Treat the muscles: In under 10 minutes, each muscle will be reactivated in a noninvasive way, using only the chiropractor’s fingertips to reverse muscle inhibition.

3. Experience immediate results: Right away, you will notice your muscles are stronger, and as your body uses these muscles, pain and dysfunction will subside.

Please call or visit the Code V Performance website to learn how AMIT therapy can change your life!

CPR Guide

HANDS-ONLY CPR

CALL 911

PUSH HARD AND FAST IN THE CENTER OF THE CHEST CHECK VITAL SIGNS AND BREATHING

Public awareness campaign to get more people to act when they encounter a cardiac arrest. Starting point to get more people to learn CPR. Will not meet requirements if you need CPR for your job.

Chest compressions are good for the first few minutes someone is in cardiac arrest, pushing remaining oxygen through the body to keep vital organs alive. It buys time until someone with more skills can provide help.

Adults and teens

Offered through online or in-person classes. Provides more in-depth training with an instructor, including CPR with breaths and choking relief.

Often necessary for people who need CPR training for work.

How does it work?

CPR with breaths combines chest compressions and breaths, providing additional oxygen to circulate throughout the body.

Who can I use it on?

Anyone who is in cardiac arrest, including adults, teens, infants and children, and any victims of drowning, drug overdose, collapse due to breathing problems or prolonged cardiac arrest.

How do I learn?

Teaching Teens To Be Smart With Money

By Tim Henderson

[StrategicLife] If there is one thing we can take away from this difficult year, it’s the importance of saving money and having financial security. As parents, you can help your children weather hard times they may encounter by teaching them good financial habits now.

The past two articles have covered the importance of kids making their own money, setting a budget, and spending the money they’ve earned. But what about credit? When your kids reach adulthood, they may want to use credit cards. While these cards can be a valuable tool, they can also be dangerous in the wrong hands.

If you have a son or daughter who is eligible for a credit card, he/she has hopefully already had experience with budgeting and spending limits. If not, the best place to start is with a checking account and a debit card. Teens can begin to learn about handling money, and when the time comes, they can apply for a credit card with a low limit. This will enable them to build credit for future loans they might need.

Part 3 of a 3-Part Series

When it comes to choosing a credit card (and perhaps a checking account), help your child research the options. Teach teens about comparing rates as well as fees. Some credit unions offer checking accounts that pay high dividends as well as credit cards with low interest rates.

Next, make sure your teens understand the dangers of overusing credit – and that the primary source of funds should be their checking account, not their charge card. Teach them to use their credit card wisely, and to pay it on time because a good credit score is valuable. Not only does it make important loans like a mortgage possible, it also leads to lower loan interest rates as well as lower rates on things like utilities.

Beyond credit cards, another valuable lesson is simple contentment. While your kids might see a friend on social media with a new car, instill in them contentment with what they have. Help them see that their six-year-old Toyota does a great job of getting them where they need to go, and

then show them how the extra money in the bank could mean more security when life gets tough.

One final lesson is to save wherever possible. Take your kids grocery shopping with you and show them how to compare the cost of similar items. Introduce them to coupon apps and help them see how much they can save with a little extra effort. Be sure to point out deals on takeout food, clothing, and other items, so they learn early to shop wisely.

Good financial habits can mean the difference between a secure, anxiety-free future and a difficult one. Right now, you can help your kids find the brighter path. L

Tim Henderson is the Alpharetta Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union. 2855 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 104, Alpharetta. 770-424-0600. TimothyH@LGEcuu.org. LGEccu.org

“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

-Robin Williams

“If you lead with curiosity instead of fear, then the whole world can be your oyster.”

-Kimberly Drew

“A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.”

-James Allen

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

-F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives, and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.” -John Wayne

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” -Nido Qubein

“Anyone who tells you fatherhood is the greatest thing that can happen to you, they are understating it.” -Mike Myers

Community Partner

Research suggests that one in four girls is sexually abused before the age of 18 — that’s an estimated 41.5 million adult American women who are survivors.

Think of the women you know and love — your mother, your sister, your college roommate, your best friend, your gym partner, and your co-worker who helps keep you sane when life is scary. One of every four of these women is statistically a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and may have been carrying feelings of shame, guilt, and other post-traumatic symptoms for years, or even decades.

The Younique Foundation exists to help these women find the hope and healing they deserve.

Founded in 2015, The Younique Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that provides healing services through The Haven Retreat, Finding Hope Support Groups, and other online resources.

The organization was formed after founders Shelaine and Derek Maxfield learned that someone close to them had been sexually abused as a child. Both were heartbroken to learn that many survivors of child sexual abuse take blame and guilt upon themselves.

“That’s not fair,” Derek remembers saying to Shelaine. “Somebody should do something about that.”

The Maxfields envisioned a healing retreat nestled in the mountains where survivors could begin or continue — their healing journeys.

Since 2015, more than 3,000 women have attended The Haven Retreat in one of two locations in Georgia and Utah. In 2019 alone, The Younique Foundation facilitated the start of 40 Finding Hope Support Groups in eight countries, including New Zealand, Ireland, and Austria.

Third-party research confirms that The Haven Retreat successfully helps women heal from the impacts of child sexual abuse. Some of the healing benefits survivors experience are comparable to receiving 15–24 weeks of group psychotherapy for trauma.

On average, participants:

• Experience a 23% reduction of PTSD symptoms.

• See a 21% improvement in well-being.

• Feel 9% more confident that they can cope with their traumatic experience.

These positive effects have been shown to be sustained for one year after participating in a retreat.

The Younique Foundation wants survivors of child sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, that they are not broken, and that hope and healing are possible.

The brain is malleable and can learn how to heal. Through recovery, survivors can learn to recognize and manage triggers, discover passions that motivate them to heal, and develop self-compassion.

The Younique Foundation is also dedicated to the eradication of child sexual abuse and focuses prevention efforts through its brand, Defend Innocence.

Education is critical to responding to sexual abuse and preventing it. As such, Defend Innocence focuses on empowering parents, caregivers, and community leaders to protect children through community and online resources. These resources seek to facilitate safe, open discussions and to give parents and caregivers a starting point for these discussions.

You, too, can support survivors in their healing journeys and help put an end to the epidemic of child sexual abuse. Learn more about The Younique Foundation’s healing resources at YouniqueFoundation. org and Defend Innocence’s prevention resources at DefendInnocence.org.

Great Oaks Way, Suite 175

Fun With Upcycling!

By Christy Noll

[Home Life]

June 24 is Upcycling Day, which provides the perfect opportunity to get your creative juices flowing by taking old objects and turning them into something new and unique — from trash to treasure! This day also helps raise awareness about the growing waste problem in our society by encouraging everyone to reuse and repurpose items rather than adding them to their local landfill.

So, instead of going shopping, take a look around the house and bring new life to something you already own. And upcycling isn’t just for adults — here are a couple of children’s crafts to try at home:

1. Milk Jug Organizers: Cut part of the bottom portion of empty plastic milk jugs (quart or 1/2 gallon) to hold colored pencils or other items such as crayons, erasers, markers, and other school supplies. Don’t forget to decorate the jug!

2. Bottle Lid Stamps: Use a strong glue to adhere felt or foam shapes to old milk jug lids or other bottle tops, and then use an ink pad or some washable craft paint to create your own stamp.

Be sure to search the internet for other crafty upcycling ideas. You may find some neat things to make as gifts as well. Happy upcycling!

Book Review

BY MARCIA DIVACK

The Coyotes of Carthage

InSteven Wright’s debut novel, The Coyotes of Carthage, readers get a glimpse of the underbelly of American politics, including dark money, paid operatives, and of course, greed. Wright, a former Justice Department trial lawyer and now an associate law professor and author, provides a razor sharp and dryly humorous view of race, politics, and class in the American South.

The novel’s protagonist, Toussaint Andre Ross, a Washington D.C. political consultant, finds himself exiled to fictional Carthage County, South Carolina, nestled snugly in the Appalachian temperate rainforest, after a mistake embarrasses the firm he works for. Carthage County is undergoing a new gold rush, and a mining company wants ownership of the public land and access to the gold. Government officials in Carthage County are not interested in giving up land to the mining company, so Ross is sent in, with money and questionable morals, to see that the sale of the public land ends up on the ballot, and the county manager ends up under fire.

The Coyotes of Carthage reveals just what dark money can buy: fake social media accounts, phony companies, manipulated polls, slogan-filled political ads, and a staged liberation from the tyranny of local government. This is a dark look at politics as we know it and is likely to give us cause to question every political ad we see and slogan that we hear. It is also an exciting and intelligent political thriller that reveals the “coyotes” at our doors.

Divack is the branch group administrator for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. 404-730-1700. AFPLS.org

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

“I am always chasing something that I find beautiful, no matter what the subject.”

Mavis Manganelly CHASING THE BEAUTIFUL

Although friends and family say they knew she would be an artist someday, north Georgia painter Mavis Manganelly took a circuitous route before embracing her calling.

Born in Cuba, she lived in Russia as a child and again as an adult, then immigrated to the United States, living first in Arizona and later in Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Havana and a master’s degree in economics from Carlton University in Canada before teaching both physics and computer science.

“But I always knew I wanted to paint,” Manganelly said. “That was my plan — to paint when I retired. I didn’t think I would ever call myself an artist.”

It was a chance meeting with a Cuban artist that encouraged her to make art her full-time pursuit. “He told me, ‘Don’t wait. Just do it,’” she said. So, in 2006, she decided to dedicate herself to painting.

Manganelly’s affinity for drawing and color began when she attended elementary school in Russia.

“Russia had strong arts programs,” she said. “I vividly remember my art classes. They were the best place for me — and the best gift for me was a box of colored pencils. I love color.” When she was a teenager, she would sometimes pretend to take notes while actually sketching during class.

Completely self-taught, Manganelly has found her artistic voice through the experimentation that began with those childhood sketches. Through the internet, she visits museums and “meets” other artists. She sees herself as a “young artist” who is still finding her expression.

“I learned to work with mediums, learned the basics of color, light, and shade online,” she said. “I challenged myself to explore different styles because I wanted to learn. I learned portraits, not because I want to be a portrait painter, but as part of my learning process.”

Whether creating still life, landscapes, flowers, or figures, Manganelly said her goal is to create beauty. Done mostly in acrylic, but also in mixed media, her large abstract canvases draw the viewer in through bold color and varied texture, and contrasts of light and dark, black and white, line and shape.

“I like the viewer to rest his eyes on one part of the canvas, not to be overwhelmed. Often, a large part of the canvas will be white; other times, I work in two main colors. Some of my works are minimalist. The parts of the canvas that have color are bright and bold, similar to (Jackson) Pollock’s style.”

Manganelly’s colors and dramatic contrasts draw the viewer from a distance while the textures and layers of the painting reveal themselves when viewed more closely.

Working quickly, Manganelly says she doesn’t know where the painting will go when she starts. Frequently using a palette knife to apply color, she creates layers, changing the painting with

each color she adds. Using acrylics allows her to modify and watch the painting evolve. Sometimes, the layers include stones, paper, mesh, varnish, or gesso — whatever creates texture.

You can enjoy Manganelly’s paintings at MavisGallery.com and on Facebook at Facebook.com/mavis.m.manganelly.

“I might work on a painting for three days and set it aside. That doesn’t mean that I am finished. I will keep looking at it. I find myself adding things and taking away things. So, I work on two or three paintings at the same time. I keep working until I am satisfied. I am always chasing something that I find beautiful, no matter what the subject.”

CRUISING THE Mississippi River

By Michael Consoli

[Lifestyle] Viking recently announced that it will further expand its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new Mississippi River cruises. The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the lower and upper Mississippi, between New Orleans and St. Paul.

“At a time where many of us are at home, looking for inspiration to travel in the future, I am pleased to introduce a new, modern way to explore this great river,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “Our guests are curious travelers, and they continue to tell us that the Mississippi is the river they most want to sail with us. The Mississippi River is closer to home for many of our guests, and no other waterway has played such an important role in America’s history, commerce, and culture.”

Viking’s new Mississippi River cruises will offer several itineraries:

• America’s Heartland (8 days, St. Louis to St. Paul)

The upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey introduces you to the unforgettable experience of the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Hear stories of settlers migrating west; learn about Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, John Deere, and the Amish and Norwegian migrations; experience regional music like polka and Norwegian folk; and taste regional cuisine, including local beer, produce, and Wisconsin cheese.

• Heart of the Delta (8 days, New Orleans to Memphis)

This journey on the lower Mississippi is infused with American history, culture, and heritage. Tour the area where the migrating French and Acadians settled; immerse yourself in the culture and lessons from the American civil rights movement; discover the music of the South — jazz, blues, and gospel; and experience the life and food culture from Cajun and Creole to the famed “dry” Memphis barbecue.

• Southern Celebration (8 days, New Orleans–Vicksburg–New Orleans)

On this exploration of the lower Mississippi, visit the historic homes of Louisiana and Mississippi; learn about Civil War history, touring sites like Vicksburg National Military Park; and discover the excitement and unique flavors of New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

• America’s Great River (15 days, New Orleans to St. Paul) Experience nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River on this incredible journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the U.S. Relax and take in the variety of scenery, foliage, and wildlife. Enjoy southern charm and beautifully preserved homes in Natchez; retrace the steps of Civil Rights leaders in Memphis; ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; and visit the Norwegian Valley in La Crosse.

Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s awardwinning river and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design as well as public spaces that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages.

Purpose-built for the Mississippi, and currently under construction in Louisiana, the five-deck ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows, and comfortable amenities will make it the largest and most modern cruise ship in the region. Viking Mississippi river cruises are now available for booking. L

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