Back to School! AUGUST 2023
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Back to School?
Hey y'all! I know it seems like we were just having end of year parties and graduations! But it’s August in the ATL area and many schools have already gone back to class! Here in beautiful #SoFu, we love to shine a bright light on our local teachers and educators. From Dr. Gyimah Whitaker to Crystal Flowers and Tomanekka Irving to Roz Benjamin, our teachers and school leaders are excelling! Read about a few of them in this issue!
Additionally, we are happy to showcase our young employees and interns in this issue. Our Publisher Michelle Taylor Willis has a big heart and loves serving as a mentor. We are especially lucky to have these guys on board working for Gagnant Media. Find out why in the feature articles.
As for me and Astro, we are glad about school starting and the house being quiet and full of groceries again. (You would think I have 10 kids rather than one.) I am a new pet parent but it has been nice having a co-worker for the past year as I work from home. While he’s not exactly a pandemic puppy, he is a delightful addition to our little family! It has been a pleasure bringing you this issue, #SoFu! Love,
August 2023
PUBLISHER
Michelle Taylor Willis
michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Kyra Hatter | Kshatter@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stevie Peterson, Jada Garner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kim Ohara, Hardman Portraits
ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Proverbs 3:5-6
New #DogMOM
Scan QR code to visit our Instagram LIFESTYLE LETTER
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SOFU | SOFU Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SOFU Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. 4
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inside the issue The Kids & Pets Issue AUGUST 2023 ON THE COVER DEPARTMENTS 4 Lifestyle Letter 8 City Scene 10 Business Monthly 12 Local Experiences 14 Inspired By EDUCATION 18 Must See LIFE + CULTURE 22 Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE 24 Local Limelight LIFE + CULTURE 28 Locals Only LOCAL SERVICES 30 Expert Help LIFE + CULTURE 34 Education Corner EDUCATION 14 24 18 34 Photography: Becca McCoy Thank you to the Southside Theatre Guild for hosting this shoot. Located in Fairburn, STG is Metro Atlanta’s oldest continually running all-volunteer community theatre, having just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Learn more at stgplays.com FEATURED 14 Understanding the Assignment Crystal Flowers and Tomanekka Irving Are Leveling Up Fulton County Schools 18 Meet the Willis Brothers! Gagnant Media's Youngest Employees Take the Stage 24 South Fulton AKA Chartering Alpha Beta Omega Omega's Dream Becomes Reality 34 Welcome to the Neighborhood! #SoFu Resident Roz Benjamin Heads The Children's School 6
city scene
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @southfultonlifestyle
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1-7: Jack & Jill GMAC Leadership Program and Modern Beautillion. Greater Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc. held its Inaugural Leadership Program and Modern Beautillion. Photography by Kim Ohara
AUGUST 2023 CITY SCENE
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Join Union City for its first-ever LIGHT UP THE NIGHT FESTIVAL! A night full of lights, local vendors, and fun, this event is FREE and open to all. Just bring your lawn chairs! AUGUST 12TH, 2023 6:30 - 10 PM | HWY 29 BALLFIELDS 5027 DIXIE LAKE RD UNION CITY, GEORGIA 30291 9 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SOFU AUGUST 2023
business monthly
A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Dr. Gyimah Whitaker Sworn in as Decatur City Schools Chief
Dr. Gyimah Whitaker was sworn in as the new superintendent of schools for the City Schools of Decatur. With more than 20 years of experience, she has served as Area Executive Director, Area Superintendent and Deputy Chief Academic Officer for Fulton County Schools.
Dr. Whitaker developed the name “ Thriving Thirty ” to represent the 30 schools in South Fulton during her time as Area Superintendent for Fulton County Schools and is credited with improving outcomes.
BronzeLens Film Festival: A Creator's Wonderland
The 14th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival will be a hybrid festival held in-person on August 23-27, 2023, and virtually starting on August 28. The line-up includes daily screenings of new works by independent filmmakers from across the country and around the globe, including workshops and panels from industry insiders, conversations with former BronzeLens winners, Women SuperStars Honors, and Sunday Brunch with the Brothers. For tickets and more info, visit bronzelens. eventive.org/welcome
Bert’s Big Adventure Applications Are Due September 6
Bert’s Big Adventure, a nonprofit organization that provides a magical, all-expenses-paid, 5-day journey to Walt Disney World for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families, is excited to announce that they are now accepting applications and nominations for their 2024 trip. There is also an option to nominate anonymously. For more information on nominating a child and/or family or applying for your own family, please visit bertsbigadventure.org/ nominate-a-child-or-apply.
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/SOFU
BUSINESS MONTHLY AUGUST 2023
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1 865 Project Cigars LUXURY CIGARS FOR A LUXURY LIFESTYLE Ask for 1865 Project Cigars at your favorite cigar spot! Available at Atlanta locations like Burn by Rocky Patel and The Patio. 10% of all proceeds go toward HBCU Student Scholarship Funds. 1865PROJECTCIGARS.COM • San Andreas Wrapper • Double Binder Nicaraguan & Honduran • Nicaraguan Filler • Medium to Medium Plus LIFE WAS MEANT TO BE ENJOYED In Partnership with Rocky Patel
local experiences
BECCA MCCOY
Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end of summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly adventures that will do everything including raise your heart rate, excite the little ones, and create lasting memories together. Squeeze in a little more summer fun as you head back to school!
Our Picks for Family-Friendly Fun
SEA! GEORGIA AQUARIUM is the largest aquarium in the United States, 11 million gallons of water hosting hundreds of species.
SPRINT! BEAT THE BOMB is an Escape Room where you choose the paint bomb or foam bomb. Bring the kids, ages 8 and up!
SHADE! SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL Atlanta’s beloved end-of-summer tradition for 20 years, benefitting Grant Park Conservancy.
SCREEN! FOX THEATRE August at the Fox includes a Summer Film Festival, featuring a “Frozen” sing-a-long and “The Wiz.”
SPLASH! PERKERSON PARK is part of the Atlanta Beltline and features a Splash Pad, game facilities, and loads of park amenities.
Scan
MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR
Becca McCoy
Becca McCoy is the Creative Director at SoFu Lifestyle.
AUGUST 2023
Georgia Aquarium
more
and the
list. LOCAL EXPERIENCES
for
photos
full
The best places and things to do in our area.
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LAWN
Understanding the Assignment
CRYSTAL FLOWERS AND TOMANEKKA IRVING ARE LEVELING UP FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
A LESSON IN COMMUNITY
Crystal Flowers is a proud Spelman College alumna, who credits the university with opening her eyes to Black excellence, namely authors. Flowers, who serves as social studies coordinator for Fulton County, wants students to share this experience.
“We all rely on one another,” Flowers believes, noting that she ensures this message is delivered through various school programs such as Junior Achievement. A signature program, Junior Achievement is a financial literacy course providing students with hands-on practice in navigating a realistic budget via a shopping simulation. The program also educates students about real-world financial concepts such as the difference between services provided by banks and credit unions.
Another program, Hometown Heroes, entails community civil and public service personnel, including police officers, mayors, firefighters, and military service members, sharing about their daily duties. Students are encouraged to explore the various career paths for these positions.
ALTHOUGH MANY STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE ENJOYING THE SUMMER BREAK, FLOWERS SUGGESTS A FEW ASSIGNMENTS TO COMPLETE:
Assignment 1: Determine your involvement: Parental involvement looks different depending on the school; parents can provide monetary donations or choose to give of their time through volunteering and acts of service.
Assignment 2: Venture outside: Visit local government offices and introduce yourself
ARTICLE BY STEVIE PETERSON
INSPIRED BY | EDUCATION
E le mentary S Teacher of t he Year 2023 anekk a I r vi n g
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Tomanekka
and your student to the people working there. Help students understand how they make decisions and how those decisions impact the community. For example, investigate how traffic lights are controlled during peak hours to minimize traffic blocks.
Assignment 3: Tour a museum: Check out the High Museum and/or the Carlos Museum to view the displayed artwork.
Bonus Points: Challenge someone: If you or your student have questions about a “fact,” be empowered to ask clarifying questions. Still don’t like the answer? Contact the Georgia Historical Agency for confirmation; the agency works with historians to determine factual information about events and locations.
Flowers also has a few assignments of her own this summer. In addition to summer school, she will be monitoring how the political climate might impact Georgia students as well as working to expand and protect the new African American Studies program. Finally, she will be gearing up for the next school year by expanding the Funding the Future program and partnering with the Secretary of State’s office to educate students about building generational wealth.
Learn more about Hometown Heroes at https://www.neighborhoodtv.com/vod/hometown-heroes-at-school-05-09-2023-northmetro-atlanta-ga.html.
JUST DO IT 101: DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Oakley Elementary School has bragging rights of being the home school for the Elementary School Teacher of the Year 2023, Tomanekka Irving. An agricultural program teacher who recently completed her first full year, Irving was nominated by her peers and interviewed by a panel before being declared Teacher of the Year.
Irving shares that the opportunity to teach agricultural and sustainability has renewed her passion for teaching, noting that it was a blessing in disguise for her when the position became available. Agriculture students are introduced to possible careers in farming, veterinary service, soil science, and chemical engineering.
Irving suggests a few lessons to complete before school is back in session:
Lesson 1: Laugh often. Irving starts each day with a joke; one of her favorites is “Why are sports stadiums so cold? Because they are always filled with fans!”
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15 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/SOFU AUGUST 2023
Lesson 2: Check out the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB). Collect stamps in a Farm Passport (gfb.org) from 90 participating farms in the GFB Certified Farm Markets program. Trips to these farms allow visitors to see where food is grown, meet farm animals, and talk to local farmers. It is an exciting experience to visit a working farm in person, and maybe even sample some farm fresh fare. During the school year, students can take virtual tours of farms.
Lesson 3: Face your fear. On any given day, Irving might be seen handling a bearded dragon, petting a rabbit, checking on a chicken, or solidifying her role as a beekeeper—she was once stung three times!
“You cannot call yourself a beekeeper unless you’ve been stung,” she notes. Although she is a pro now, she was not always as comfortable around small animals. For students who are apprehensive about working with small animals, Irving has a clever method—she places the student’s hand on her own while touching the animal. The student is always encouraged to move at their own pace, which works well for both students and animals.
Lesson 4: Shop at school. Oakley Elementary sells honey—that is correct! The school has their own honey, and this year it is flavored with a bit of lavender (due to the environment). The labels are designed by students, making this a true student enterprise. Shop on the school website: fultonschools.org/oakley.
Bonus Points: Dare to be different and try new things. Find that thing or things that make you happy. Go after your dreams now; there really is no better time. DO IT NOW!
This summer, Irving interviewed and wrote essays in hopes of receiving a district award; while she wasn’t declared a winner this time, she is not deterred. In fact, she plans to work even harder to expand agricultural programs to other schools. Irving says she wants incoming students to have more hands-on experience with animals and take on the responsibilities of building cages, feeding, and growing more food sources. The 20232024 school year is already on track to be an educational and sustainable experience.
INSPIRED BY | EDUCATION
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Crystal Flowers
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MUST SEE | LIFE + CULTURE 18
Gagnant Media's Youngest Employees Take the Stage
MEET THE WILLIS BROTHERS!
ARTICLE BY JADA GARNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BECCA MCCOY
Back-to-school season is typically a time of new beginnings, and here we honor three employees who are positively impacting the next generation!
Braedon Willis is a rising high school junior at Westminster Schools in Atlanta. A Christian who attends Buckhead Church on a weekly basis, Braedon is also a leadership team member comprised of high school students who assist high school programs continue to thrive. He participates in football and track and field and interns at SOFU Lifestyle Magazine and his mother’s media company, Gagnant Media. Through his internship, Braedon has mastered a variety of talents and gained event-planning experience from Sheila Mants, owner of “Added Pizzazz”®. Braedon plans to attend Georgia Tech to study mechanical engineering in the future. He wants to work in the automotive industry developing or creating new and improved technologies for vehicles. Braedon’s ultimate goal is to launch his own exotic car company, “Willis Motorized Vehicles.”
Triston Willis works as a researcher for the “According to Michelle Radio Show,” as well as for some distinct clients directly under publisher Michelle Taylor Willis. His work entails handling media content, videography, and photography. Earlier in his profession, Triston gained skills in learning how to find every piece of information about people of interest. He hopes to achieve the best results in media creation and research development over time and aims to discover
relevant information that is thorough and deep enough to provide a complete history of persons. He plans to assist with any and all tasks required to establish a strong work foundation and gain skills that he can apply in a variety of careers.
Pace Willis is a student at Sutton Middle School who works at SOFU Lifestyle Magazine and Gagnant Media. At SOFU, Pace has learned valuable skills, including creating spreadsheets, effective communication, and proofreading, that he can take into his future career. He aims to be a better addition to SOFU Lifestyle in the future by always growing and expanding his experiences. Pace’s next career move is to focus on his craft and make it to the NBA. He aspires to play in leagues from high school through college.
Author Jada Garner is a junior English major at Spelman College. This past and ongoing semester, she has had the most amazing experience working for the award-winning PR Agency EpiMediaGroup as a communications coordinator and at SOFU Lifestyle Magazine as a writing intern. She aspires to perfect her craft in the broadcasting journalism field and pursue her passion of researching and writing about third world countries and raising awareness.
Southside Theatre Guild in Fairburn is Metro Atlanta’s oldest continually running all-volunteer community theatre, having just celebrated its 50th birthday. Learn more at stgplays.com
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ARTICLE BY JADA GARNER
Jalen Henderson is the owner of Sol1d Clothing and a fourth-year Business Administration student at Florida A&M. He was born in New York and reared in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and is an intern with SOFU Lifestyle and Gagnant Media. He’s been able to use his real-life experience and knowledge to be innovative and resourceful because he comes from two incredibly influential locations. He launched his clothes line in 2020 during COVID since fashion has always interested him and it allowed him to freely express himself. He honed his skills in Graphic Design, Online Marketing, Personal Selling, and Public Affairs. Every day at SOFU and Gagnant Media, he has the opportunity to hone his networking abilities as he meets famous people willing to give guidance and share wisdom. “SOFU and Gagnant Media have a family culture; everyone there helps each other and puts their best foot forward to make all events a great experience,” says Jalen.
His next professional steps are to network as much as possible during this last year of school, then to go on and drop garments on a regular basis. His long-term objective is to own one of the world’s most popular streetwear brands and create many storefronts. “I also want to start and invest in other enterprises.”
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY HARDMAN PORTRAITS AND PROVIDED
#SoFu Community CELEBRATES NEW AKA GRAD Chapter Chartering
The City of South Fulton Professional Pearls Interest Group became the Alpha Beta Omega Omega chapter on June 11 at the Hilton Atlanta Airport in #SoFu in Hapeville. Celebration was in the air! The community was excited to be a part of the day when the first chapter this year was chartered in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s South Atlantic region.
Thirty-two charter members stand united and ready to “Soar to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood” in the City of South Fulton. The chartering is historic as they are the first National Pan-Hellenic Council Sorority chapter chartered in the City of South Fulton, Georgia. They look forward to collaborating with civic organizations in their service area and the greater Atlanta area respectively. The celebration luncheon boasted an audience of about 400 attendees.
In the Spring of 2020, Catherine Rowell and Trina Nkhazi began researching the idea of establishing a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, that would have a service area footprint aligned with the boundaries of the City of South Fulton, Georgia.
Recognizing the magnitude of the road ahead, seven Alpha Kappa Alpha women were asked to join the official interest group resulting in 32 potential Charter Members committed to undertaking the work to become a chapter in the City of South Fulton.
LOCAL LIMELIGHT | LIFE + CULTURE
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Alpha Beta Omega Omega is Here and Ready to Serve!
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South Atlantic Regional Director The Honorable Tiffany Moore Russell, Esq. leading the charge for the newest chapter in the South Atlantic Region
The group has served diligently at many community events including the Divine Nine 5K/9K, Fill Your Bag Fill Your Mind, Lion’s Foundation Eyeglasses Drive, Soles4Souls shoe drives, combating childhood hunger, chemo clothing drive, enhancing our environment and conserving natural resources by taking the Bottles for Britta challenge, and the beautification of Sandtown Park.
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Board of Directors approved the City of South Fulton Professional Pearls application to charter on February 17, 2023, and the official ceremony was held on June 11, 2023.
QUOTES FROM VISIONARIES AND CHAPTER PRESIDENT
“I thought it fitting to establish a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated because of its proven track record of community service. I knew our presence and community service would be impactful now, and in the future, for the 108,000 residents who live, work, play and worship here,” said Dr. Catherine Foster Rowell – Visionary and Group Organizer
According to Trina Nkhazi, Visionary and Group Organizer, there was a “definite need for AKA sisters in the community to connect and serve.” She went on to add that her “continued prayer is for all our hearts to gel and to make us a sisterhood to be looked upon as a Godly model of service to all mankind and to do so with love in our hearts.”
“As a 45-year Life member of the sorority, I have always served in the city/community where I lived. I was so very excited to learn that an interest group was forming in the hopes of establishing a chapter in the City of South Fulton. I could not be prouder to be a member of the 32 Charter members, moreover of being president of Alpha Beta Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Incorporated®, lovingly known as the COSF AKAs. I will be eternally grateful for our visionary organizers, Councilwoman Dr. Catherine Rowell and Mrs. Trina Tolliver Nkhazi, without whom this would never have been realized,” said Ruth “Peni” Webster-Lewis, President .
CHARTERING MEMBERS
LaToya KaVon Arnold, Shan’tell Boyce, Teresa Laverne Carter, Jaci Z. Edwards, Anjanette Fountain, Miranda Freeman, Sojourner Marable Grimmett, Carmalitha Gumbs, Anissa Hackett, Sandra Hall-Lay, Kenya Johnson, Felicia Key, Shelbia King, Monica Nelson Manning, Angela Miller, Nichelle Miller, Andrea Morgan, Trina Tolliver Nkhazi, Penny Brown Reynolds, Catherine Foster Rowell, Tiffany Carter Sellers, Malaika Marable Serrano, Jaclyn Beamer Showell, Chata Spikes, Tara Surratt, Deidre Thomas, Ericka Jones Thompson, Tuesday Henry Thompson, Franchesca Warren, Ruth “Peni” Webster-Lewis, Lanita Williams, and Nikema Williams
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Beta Omega Omega Chapter with International Leaders
SFL Editor Erikka Searles Mitchell and Publisher Michelle Taylor Willis with Visionary Catherine Foster Rowell
LOCAL LIMELIGHT | LIFE + CULTURE 26
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Beta Omega Omega Chapter President Ruth 'Peni' Webster-Lewis
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ALL ABOARD!
• Reimagining the large rural area, which the board is visualizing becoming vineyards. Imagine visiting a locally-owned winery right in your backyard!
• Multi-use developments! Can you envision a place where you live, shop, work and play?
• Preserving greenspace: Do you enjoy a nice walk after dinner? One of the goals for new neighborhoods is to have walking trails where neighbors could meet for walks, or a time to go for a stretch while walking the dog.
SOUTH FULTON DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SEEKS DESTINATION OF MAKING #SOFU THE CITY OF OPPORTUNITY
ARTICLE BY ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL
If College Park, home of the world’s busiest airport, is known as the “City of Hospitality,” the new members of the South Fulton Development Authority (SFDA) are hoping the City of South Fulton will be known as the “City of Opportunities.”
In April 2023, seven dynamic individuals became the newest SFDA board. The board is diverse, dedicated to the community, and laser-focused on establishing a foundation where legacies can be realized in the City of South Fulton. Artie Jones, Economic Development Director, and Mercedes Mitchell, Board Chairperson, took some time to share the plans for the city.
Director Jones proudly listed City of South Fulton stats: population: 113K, 91% African American (the largest African American population), 93.7 square miles, and it contains the location of Fulton Industrial Blvd (the largest industrial district east of the Mississippi). Chairperson Mitchell fondly recalled a time Old National was THE spot to live and hang out.
The SFDA has set a goal to make City of South Fulton one of the top ten places to live in Georgia. This will be achieved by the following:
• Encouraging entrepreneurs to set up shop: Are you thinking about launching a new business or do you have a business that needs a brick and mortar? City of South Fulton could be the answer you have been looking for. Jones has a team ready to partner with businesses to help them be successful, including marketing and networking.
• Fortune 500 invitations: There are a number of Fortune 500 companies that have already established locations in City of South Fulton but the board is working to attract more companies which translates to more job opportunities to the residents.
• Let’s eat: Georgian’s love to eat! Why not have a variation of restaurant selections in the city?
Even if someone does not call City of South Fulton home it doesn’t mean that they cannot economically support the businesses in the area. The board is dedicated to determining what can attract neighboring city residents into the area.
The board is working diligently to bring great things to fruition, however, they are adamant that it must be done in excellence with a focus on quality. The board needs your support and would be open to your suggestions. Consider attending a board meeting! The board meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6385 Old National Highway, Suite 210, 30349.
For more, visit cityofsouthfultonga.gov
LOCALS ONLY | LOCAL SERVICES
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The Basics of Life Insurance
ARTICLE BY ERIC WIMBUSH OF SERAPHIM WEALTH ADVISORS
Many individuals think about life insurance in a negative way and therefore avoid having critical discussions that protect their loved ones as a result of an unforeseen event. Truly, it should be considered one of the most essential building blocks of any sound financial plan. Life insurance can be used to provide support for family members after a person passes, the creation or transfer of wealth, estate planning, and many other functions. An understanding of a household’s financial picture is critical to selecting the right type and amount of life insurance.
There are a number of life insurance types to be considered and each has different benefits and limitations. The five main types of life insurance for any individual are term life, whole life, universal life, variable life, and burial life. Individuals need to ensure that they are selecting the right type of life insurance
and the right amount of coverage. A few of the main factors that impact the amount of coverage to select would be the amount of debt in a household, the size and age of the family, and the financial needs of family members (health care, education, etc.). While many find the discussions about life insurance and mortality daunting, it is imperative to have the discussions early in the financial planning process as waiting impacts the cost. Additional factors that impact the cost of insurance are the age and health of the insured individual, the type of coverage needed, the family history regarding health issues, the planning time horizon, types of additional riders/benefits, and coverage limits. Families should talk with a financial professional about their specific considerations and ensure that they have adequate protection.
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WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD!
Roslyn Benjamin says that education runs in her family! She is the wife of André Benjamin, former educator, the mother of Maya Benjamin, educator in training (senior at Syracuse University) and Michael Benjamin, graduate of The Children’s School (class of 2021), sophomore at Woodward Academy (class of 2025) and stepmother of Marlon Benjamin (graduate of San Diego State University, class of 2021). She is the daughter of Mary Evans, a former educator in San Francisco Bay area schools. Beginning on July 1, 2020, Roz took the helm as Head of School at The Children’s School.
“I have been an educator for over 30 years in the San Francisco Bay area, Phoenix, and Atlanta, focusing on the cognitive and social-emotional growth and development of children, aged 3 to 14. I have been a classroom teacher to middle school students and an administrator for the larger range. At The Children’s School, I have led several mission-aligned initiatives, including creating a new 6-day rotating schedule and expanding our learning services program so that we can better serve all of our students.”
Roz has served on various boards, including the executive committee of Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools and Episcopal Day School of St. Matthew’s in San Mateo, California. “In both roles, I serve on committees that push the work of these nonprofit organizations forward, whether that is educating my fellow heads of school and/or students in the community. For AAAIS, I recently moderated a conversation about mental health in schools for my fellow heads of schools and school counselors. We hosted three experts in the field, who shared ways to foster resilience in students and their families as well as school employees. For Episcopal Day School, I serve on the diversity committee, where we are crafting a mission statement and strategic plan.”
Several women have inspired Roz. Her mother is a retired educator who believed in the importance of a good education. “My parents made sacrifices so that I could attend private schools, beginning at age 2 through high school. Although there were many challenging moments, particularly as I was the only Black or one of a few Black students in my class, I learned some important social-emotional skills, which allowed me to navigate any situation, whether I was one of many who looked like me or one of a few.
I have had to use these throughout my career. My mother juggled many pieces—wife, parent, and career—with style, patience, and grace, which I try to do as well.”
Her former heads of school (Jessie-Lea Abbott, Kim Wargo, and Virginia Paik) definitely paved the path for her as well.
ARTICLE
"IN MY ROLE AS AN EDUCATOR," SHE SAYS, "I SERVE AS A 'MIRROR' TO MY STUDENTS OF COLOR, SO THEY SEE THE VALUE AND POWER OF EDUCATION AND A 'WINDOW' TO OTHER STUDENTS AND STRIVE TO DISMANTLE STEREOTYPES, WHILE HELPING ALL OF MY STUDENTS REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL."
“I believe that education is the key to making change in our community, which is why I am passionate about the work I do.”
“I graduated with a BA in International Relations and an MA in Secondary Education. In my various schools, I have been both inside and outside of the classroom. In all of these roles, I strived to keep the needs of students at the center.
My colleagues and my church community are something outside myself that makes what I do possible!”
WHAT PIECE OF EARNED WISDOM WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF?
“Believe in yourself!”
EDUCATION CORNER | EDUCATION
BY ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL
#SOFU RESIDENT ROZ BENJAMIN HEADS THE CHILDREN'S SCHOOL
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