A Human Resources Newsletter

October 2022

Your City at Work

 Hot Topics in this Issue!

—Scroll Down to Read More—


  • New Director, Human Resources 
  • National Arts Month - Cultural Arts Division 
  • Data Security Tip: Help Desk

Director, Human Resources

Linda Goodman Warren is an HR professional with over 20 years experience in human resources, as well as budget and financial management. A proven and polished innovator, she has been a highly effective and collaborative leader during her career in both the public and private sectors.


" I was attracted to Roswell by not only the aesthetically pleasing landscape of the City, but the strategic plan as well. There are three areas within the Outstanding City Services Goal that attracted me to Roswell: Develop a succession plan for each department, recruit and retain the best employees, and offer fantastic customer service. The tasks outlined in this goal aligns with the goals I have to make the City of Roswell employer of choice."


Before her new appointment with the City of Roswell, Linda spent nearly five years as the HR Director for the City of Union City (GA) where she collaborated with senior management on long-term business planning and performance strategies for over 250 employees. In this role, she implemented an employee engagement program that improved morale and retained talent; created recruitment and retention initiatives to help brand Union City as an employer of choice and successfully migrated payroll software systems from multi-use to a more comprehensive single method. Linda also conceptualized and led a

health and wellness program that earned Union City the Cigna Outstanding Culture and Well-Being Award in 2021, among other accomplishments.


Prior to joining the team in Union City, she served as the Business Manager for the City of Atlanta, Department of Planning and Community Development. In this role, she was responsible for HR planning and execution, as well as the financial management for over $86 million for the department’s Governmental,

Proprietary, and Fiduciary Fund budgets. Linda is a current member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Georgia Local

Government Personnel Association (GLGPA), and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). She holds a Bachelor of Science from Mercer University in Organizational Development and Leadership and a Master of Arts from Shorter University in Organizational Development and Leadership.


Linda is happily married living in Dallas enjoying handcrafted jewelry design and home decor. "I’m looking forward to working with my amazing team and our internal business partners." Please contact Linda if you have any questions or concerns at [email protected].

National Arts Month!

The Cultural Arts Division


With October being National Arts and Humanities month, we are highlighting the City’s Cultural Arts Division within Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department. 


This full-time team of eight work to inspire individual, creative expression and deepen community connections through immersive, artistic experiences. The three sections within the division focus on Creative, Performing and Cultural Arts (see more detail below).  Visit one of our creative art centers, including Roswell Visual Arts Center, Art Center West, Art Center at East Roswell Park, Roswell Cultural Arts Center and our Performing Arts studios to learn more and experience something artful this month! 

Beckie Hawkins,

Cultural Arts Manager



Beckie has been with the City, managing the Cultural Arts Division, for over 5 years. Within the Cultural Arts Division, Beckie and a team of seven full-time members oversee the City’s creative, performing and cultural art initiatives, including artistic programs for youth and adults, and cultural events such as Roswell Roots and productions at the Cultural Arts Center. She has a strong background in the arts and community activism, and has served on the boards of several nonprofits - currently for Paint Love. She has been overseeing programs and events, along with community engagement strategies, for nonprofits and public entities for over 10 years.


Beckie earned her BFA in Theatre Studies at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. She lives in Woodstock with her partner, Joey, an elementary school science teacher, with their 2 dogs and flock of chickens. She especially enjoys reading and board games, outdoor adventures from paddling the Chattahoochee to visiting National Parks, and being 'Aunt B' to her adorable nephew. She can be reached at [email protected].

CREATIVE ARTS DIVISION


AJ Argentina

Creative Arts Coordinator

Art Center West


AJ Argentina was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts and raised in Fayetteville, Georgia. He holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Ceramics from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from Valdosta State University. He is a Program Coordinator for the Creative Arts Division and instructor at Art Center West, where he has worked since 2004. AJ currently lives in Roswell with his wife and three kids, and maintains a home studio where he continues to produce functional and sculptural ceramic works in his infrequent, but welcomed, free time.


Roswell’s Art Center West has become a premier, community-based ceramic and metal arts studio. The distinctiveness of Art Center West and the Clay Collective will always lie within its people. Their intuition, vision and hard work set a standard for all communities. As you turn into the drive at Art Center West you are entering a community of artists, friends and forever students, and they are ready to welcome everyone – a unique collaboration has been key in solidifying these things.  The community is welcome to visit this outstanding facility and the beautiful surrounding parkland. He can be reached at [email protected]

 

Upcoming Event:  Art Center West

'Works in Clay' Studio Show and Sale. 

Dates: December 1 - 10

Times Vary

Support local artists and give a loved one a truly unique gift this year. 


Laurianne Love

Creative Arts Coordinator,

Visual Arts Center (VAC)



Laurianne has been employed with the City of Roswell for over twenty years.  During that time, she has organized, planned, and taught multiple youth and adult classes, and camps for children in various disciplines of art for the recreation department.  She has also planned, curated and held numerous exhibitions and workshops featuring local, regional, and international artists. Laurianne has judged numerous art competitions for local schools, congressional districts, and area art centers during her career.  Currently, in addition to her role at the Center, Ms. Love serves on the board of the Atlanta Glass Art Guild as Secretary. 


Before her time with the City, Laurianne worked for a private non-profit arts organization, the Gwinnett Council for the Arts, in Duluth, Ga. Her role was Education Director during the planning, construction and first operating years of the Jacqueline Casey Hudgens Center for the Arts.  She holds a BFA in Arts Education from Georgia State University.  In her spare time, she enjoys her family, gardening, cooking, traveling and reading.


Roswell Visual Arts Center is home to numerous programs and workshops focused on a variety of art mediums for all ages, including paint, drawing, collage, photography, and even glass! With 5 art studios and a rotating exhibit gallery, the VAC welcomes the community to experience creativity!  She can be reached at [email protected]


Upcoming Exhibit:  Visual Arts Center

Roswell Photographic Society Annual Open Juried Exhibit

Dates: October 7 - November 10

Opening Reception: October 7, 6:30 - 8:30 PM

CULTURAL ARTS DIVISION


The Roswell Cultural Arts Center serves as the primary performance venue for the City of Roswell. Both within the facility and throughout the community, Roswell Cultural Arts presents live performance events year round. Programs and events include music, performance, author events, and various lectures and educational events. 

David Crowe

Cultural Arts Coordinator


David has been with the City of Roswell Cultural Arts Division since 2015 but has worked in the arts his entire life.  His lifetime of work as a stage director and arts teacher has encouraged him to approach his job as Cultural Arts Coordinator with an eye towards creativity, collaboration, and service. 


David's background in painting and visual arts, combined with a deep love for literature and storytelling, launched a directing career that spanned three decades. He has a BA in Theatre from the University of West Georgia and attended graduate school at the University of Washington. A longtime member of the Atlanta theatre community, David’s directing work has consistently received critical praise. His production of Our Town from 2019 was recognized, nationally, by the New York Times as one of the “Year’s Best.” David spends his spare time reading, watching way too much TV, doing CrossFit, and spoiling his five-year-old rescue beagle. He can be reached at [email protected]

Corinne Sutherlin

Cultural Arts Supervisor II


Corinne has over 8 years of experience serving the City of Roswell and its community, starting as a front desk greeter at East Roswell Park in 2014, and eventually assisting with camps, special events, and even worked in aquatics! Since 2018, she has been a liaison and programmer for the Roswell Roots festival and National Arts and Humanities Month programs. Bringing cultural programming to the City is a passion for her.


Corinne loves to roller skate, garden, and play with her dog (Robin) in her free time. When it is rainy out, you can find her in the kitchen cooking with her fiancé John or with her nose in a book and a warm cup of tea. She also enjoys visiting as many National Parks and sites as possible!  She can be reached at [email protected]

Susannah Cook

Cultural Arts Supervisor

Susannah has worked for the City for the past four years as an Event Specialist but was promoted and is currently serving as Cultural Arts Supervisor I. She graduated from KSU with a BA in Theatre and Performance Studies, then pursued work at event facilities for the City of Roswell and Cobb County Government. She enjoys pretending to be on Project Runway as she creates new designs while working on sewing projects. Always looking forward to the next great space read and spending time with her partner and cat.  she can be reached at [email protected]

Upcoming Events


A Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist

Geraldine Brooks

Saturday, October 1 at 11:00 a.m.

Roswell Cultural Arts Center


Join Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks as she talks about her newest historical fiction novel, HORSE, a remarkable true story about the greatest racehorse in American History. It’s a novel of art and science, love and obsession, and America’s unfinished reckoning with racism. After her presentation, the author will answer audience questions and sign books.

 

Nathalia & Friends: A Musical Fiesta

Saturday, October 8, 1:30 PM

Roswell Cultural Arts Center


Join Colombian-born singer/songwriter and educator, Nathalia, and her band for a festive afternoon of music celebrating the young and young at heart! This special Youth Day concert features original music in English and Spanish and will have you up dancing in the aisles. Arrive early and enjoy the Art Block Festival on the grounds of Roswell Cultural Arts Center, with booths, food, live music, and interactive art!


Roswell Riverside Sounds

Saturday, October 22, 7 PM

Roswell Riverside Park

Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics


Free Outdoor concert series featuring original artists and bands. 

PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION


This division offers a wide array of different Performing Arts programs in dance, theatre and music for all ages and genders with weekly classes and intense audition based programs of study in dance (Roswell Dance Starz) and theatre (Roswell Youth Theatre). It also provides private lessons in voice, guitar and more. The instructors have a broad background in the arts with professional performance backgrounds and/or university degrees in dance, theatre or music instruction.

Nicole Brook

Performing Arts Coordinator

Nicole began as a Performing Arts Supervisor for the City of Roswell 15 years ago and was recently promoted to Coordinator. She founded the resident Dance Company, Dance Starz in 2009 and theatre program in 2012. Nicole is in charge of managing and coordinating her team of dance, drama, music and camp program directors and instructors.



Nicole has 30+ years of experience in dance, including training, performing, choreographing, teaching, directing and management. While earning her BA at the University of Central Florida, Nicole danced for Disney and was an assistant choreographer for a special event performance of the musical Evita at Disney MGM Studios. Early career, she performed throughout Central Florida with the ballet/modern company East Coast Dance Theatre for 6 years. Some of the performances in her repertoire include: The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Carousel, Serenade, Hansel & Gretel and Goldfinger.  Nicole came to Atlanta by way of the insurance industry where she worked for Assurant Group as a Client Relationship Manager and taught locally for Woodstock School of Ballet and Academy of Dance in Canton prior to coming to the City of Roswell. She enjoys spending time with her dog, hiking, biking, kayaking, traveling and reading in her spare time.

Nancy Brown

Performing Arts Supervisor

Nancy has performed with regional theatres, cruise ships, SixFlags Over Ga, Disney, music videos, industrials, and commercials, voice overs and has sung jingles for TV commercials as well. She has also taught dance to all ages, all styles and all levels for many years and has choreographed professionally for studios and theatres as well as been a guest artist at dance conventions. She was the managing director/choreographer of Roswell Performing Arts Showstoppers which is now known as Roswell Youth Theatre.  


Nancy graduated with High Honors from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Dance and Theatre.  She is currently still singing, dancing and acting professionally in the Atlanta area. Her favorite roles include Lola (Damn Yankees), Ziegfeld’s Favorite (Will Rogers Follies), Maggie ( A Chorus Line), Stephanie Necorphoros (Nine) and Wicked Stepmother (Into the Woods). Nancy’s passion is helping the youth of today reach for the stars and become one!

Upcoming Events:  Roswell Arts Center



Roswell Youth Theatre Presents Shrek the Musical JR.

December 1 - 3, Times Vary 


Everyone's favorite ogre is back in this hilarious stage spectacle, based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical.

 

Roswell Dance Starz presents The Grinch Remixed

December 17, 2022

3 PM & 7 PM


The magic of the beloved Dr. Seuss Classic

“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” comes to the stage!

. . . Benefits/Payroll . . .

2022-2023 Benefits Plan Year

Starts October 1st


If you’re eligible for the City’s contribution to your HSA (Health Savings Account), those funds will be automatically deposited into your HSA account soon. Here are a few ways to make the most of your HSA funds:


  • In addition to the City’s contribution, you can also increase your own HSA contributions to get more tax savings and to save for medical expenses throughout the year. You can start or stop your HSA contributions at any time. Click Here to change your contribution amount.
  • Consider investing. HSA funds can grow tax-free through interest and through investing. Accountholders should consider the investment options their HSA provider offers and decide if investing is right for them.
  • Don’t forget about retirement! HSA funds continue to roll-over into retirement, and HSAs can cover things like Medicare premiums tax-free! An HSA paired with other retirement income can help you with expenses that come in later years.
  • Spending HSA funds on qualified medical expenses is always tax-free! Here’s a list of qualified medical expenses.


Not sure if you’re eligible? If you’re enrolled in one of the City’s high-deductible health plans (not the PPO co-pay plan), you are eligible for an HSA. If you have a 2nd medical plan outside the City, and it isn’t a high-deductible plan, you aren’t eligible for an HSA. This is per IRS guidelines.

 

Don’t forget to update your beneficiaries and your address (you’ll need to contact your HSA bank). 

If you have questions, you can always contact the COR Payroll/Benefits team!

. . . Data Security Tip . . .

Help Desk Tickets

Did you know you can close your own help desk tickets? Once your issue is fully addressed or you no longer need help from the IT Help Desk you can close your ticket by logging in to BOSSDesk. Your login and password are the same you use to log in to your computer every morning.

  • Step 1.  Click the My Tickets icon on the Home page or on the left side panel
  • Step 2. Select the ticket you want to close.
  • Step 3.  Click the green arrow on the top right of the screen.
  • Step 4.  To immediately reopen the ticket, click the unlock icon on the top right of the screen.
  • Step 5.  To find and reopen a ticket that has been closed for a length of time, from the My Tickets screen go to the Status box in the top left and select Closed. All of your closed tickets will appear in the screen below. Select the ticket you want to reopen and follow the steps above.

Any questions or concerns should be directed to: 

[email protected]

. . . Roswell University . . .

Online Training Opportunities

through SmarterU


Time Management


Is time your 'Achilles heel' or are you in control?

Get a better handle on how you can use your time more efficiently!


This eight-part series will help you organize your work and time so you can reduce your stress both in the workplace and at home! It addresses a number of issues, and episodes in the series do not need to be watched sequentially:


  1. Managing the Time of Your Life, Part 1
  2. Managing the Time of Your Life, Part 2
  3. Planning Your Week
  4. Prioritize Your Tasks
  5. Creating Extra Time
  6. Working More Efficiently
  7. Getting Organized
  8. Stop Procrastinating


This course may be found on your Learner Dashboard,

under 'Courses by Category', then 'Time Management'.

If you have any questions or concerns,

contact Maggie Menkus at [email protected]

. . . Celebrations . . .

Welcome September New Hires/Rehires!

Landon Brooks

Police Officer I

Police


Paul Brown

Code Enforcement Officer II

Community Development


Cody Austin Clayton

Police Officer I

Police


Edith Compean

Procurement Analyst I

Finance


Christopher Diss

Police Officer I

Police


Samantha Jackson

Permit Technician

Community Development


Desiree Mathis

Police Officer I

Police

Dominick Smith

Police Officer I

Police


Desiree Thompson-Cash

Police Officer I

Police


Linda Warren

Director

Human Resources

Administration


Odaine Wray

Refuse Collector

Environmental/Public Works

Congratulations on Your Promotion!

Courtney Bourgouin

Police Officer I

Police


James Bradley

Crew Supervisor

Recreation & Parks


Arthur Brechbill

Meter Technician

Transportation


Boyd Collie

Master Police Officer

Police


Stephen Delman

Master Police Officer

Police


Ben Frye

Visual Communication Manager

Administration


Phillip Koutnik

Master Police Officer

Police

Logan Proctor

Police Officer II

Police


Alex Robles

Battalion Chief of Training

Fire


Erik Schenk

Police Officer II

Police


Ahmed Shengeb

Water Distribution Operator I

Environmental/Public Works


William C. Smith

Police Officer II

Police


Kristen Thomasburger

Planner I

Community Development


Sean Thompson

Master Police Officer

Police


Frederick Zigan

Master Police Officer

Police


. . . Wellness . . .

Get Your Flu Shot At the Wellness Center

Starting Monday, September 26, 2022

Your annual flu shot event is here! Flu season is around the corner, now is the time to get your flu shot at the Core Wellness Center.


  • The flu shot can protect you from getting the flu or lessen your symptoms if you get the flu.
  • The flu shot can prevent you from unknowingly spreading the flu to your friends and loved ones.
  • Getting the flu shot helps keep those in your community who are unable to get the flu shot safe.


Please make an appointment by calling 770-817-6070

Masks are required

October is

Breast Cancer Awareness Month,

an annual campaign to raise awareness

about the impact of breast cancer.



Wellness Classes


  • Yoga: Enjoy the benefits of this powerful exercise for the mind and body. This class is offered on Wednesdays, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, at City Hall in R. To sign up, click on this link:  Calendly


  • Boot Camp/Circuit Training: Work with a personal trainer in a group setting at different exercise stations. The class will consist of activities to increase your heart rate and endurance while strengthening and building your major muscle groups. No class will ever be the same! Each class will constantly switch from Hi-Lo cardio to weight training to plyometric to ab work. Classes are Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 to 1:00 PM, at the Bill Johnson Community Building (BJCAB).


 ** NEW! **


  • Cardio Fusion Is Here!:  This class starts on August 25, at BJCAB, Roswell Area Park. It offers high-impact aerobic activity—such as Latin beats, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Line Dancing.  Classes are 1 hour long total, from 12:00 - 1:00. To enroll, contact Hydee Weis (Minimum number of participants: 6)

Update!

We will be walking on

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

 each week!


 Meet us at the “Employee Entrance” at

12:00 PM for a 50-minute walk.

Any questions? Contact Hydee Weis

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. 


Click here for more information. 

Wellness Wednesdays!


Coming to a location near you soon!

COVID-19 Update

Guidance for those exposed to COVID-19

(regardless of vaccine status):


For 10 days after your exposure, wear a high-quality mask when around others.


It is recommended that you seek testing after at least 5 days have passed since your most recent exposure or sooner if you develop symptoms.

  • If you become symptomatic, let your supervisor know and go home at your earliest ability and, if possible, get tested.  



Guidance for those that test positive for COVID-19:


You may return to work if you had symptoms when:

 

  • At least 5 days* have passed since symptoms first appeared and
  • At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
  • Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved

 

You should wear a mask through the remainder of 10 days from when your symptoms first started.

 

You may return to work if you did NOT have symptoms when:

 

  • At least 5 days have passed since the positive laboratory test and you remain asymptomatic
  • You should wear a mask through the remainder of 10 days from when your symptoms first started.

 

*Note, if you later develop symptoms, you should follow the guidance for symptomatic persons above.

 **To determine when 5 days have passed, you can consider that day 0 of isolation defined as either the date your symptoms started, if symptomatic, or the date of your first positive test, if asymptomatic.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Hydee Weis.

SmartDollar: Financial Wellness

Three Money Fears That Are Holding You Back


It seems like there are about a million personality quizzes you can take. They tell you what your strengths are, what your career path should be and even if you're more introverted or outgoing.


That's all fine and dandy—they tell us more about ourselves, right?

But those quizzes don't always get to the root of why, and they hardly ever tell you how to work on traits that may be holding you back.


Check out the Know Yourself, Know Your Money course to learn about the three fears that may be holding you back from making the most out of your money and what you can do about it. Plus, you'll earn an entry for the September Giveaway!

SmarterU and Wellness
SmarterU can help you with your own personal development. Explore the different courses to find one that works for you.

Benefits of Daily Routines


This video lesson describes how a routine can make your life better. This lesson is the first of three in the ‘Creating an Effective Daily Routine’ video course meant to explain how to add structure to your day to improve your organization and productivity. From this lesson, learners will see how routines can help you develop good habits, attain greater efficiency, and reduce your stress levels. If you follow your routine, you will see dramatic improvements in your lifestyle, mental health, and work performance.   


You can find this in "Courses by Category", then "Personal Development" in the SmarterU Learner Dashboard.


If you have questions about training opportunities or the SmarterU program, please e-mail [email protected].

. . . City of Roswell Special Events . . .

Check out the Roswell Special Events Calendar for dates and times of upcoming cultural, historical and arts events happening in Roswell this month!


Here are just a few of the events

coming in October:

  • 72nd Annual Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade: October 8, starting at 10:00; click here for more information on location
  • Youth Day Celebration: After the Youth Day Parade, the celebration will continue on the campus of Roswell City Hall. Guests are invited to park at City Hall to enjoy the celebration, including The Creation Station, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM.  The celebration is free to attend, with food and drinks available for purchase.


  • Free Fitness in the Park:  Classes begin at 9:00 AM-Zumba on October 1
  • Alive in Roswell: October 20, starting at 5:00 PM. Locations: Historic Canton Street, Roswell Antique and Interiors Lot, and Historic Roswell Town Square

  • Mother/Son Halloween Dance: October 14, Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 7:00 - 9:00
  • Boo-Tacular Fun Run:  October 14, Roswell Area Park, 7:00
  • Halloween Fun House, October 21, East Roswell Recreation Center, 4:30 - 7:00

  • The Creation Station: This mobile art studio is on the move throughout the City of Roswell. The Creation Station is loaded with art projects, science experiments, fun crafts, educational exhibits, and more.  This studio joins the following events - Riverside Sounds Free Concert (Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, October 22, 6:30) and (Dia de Muertos Festival, October 29, 2:00)
  • 3nd Annual Día de Muertos Festival:  October 29, City Hall Grounds,  2:00 - 8:00. Visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate this traditional Mexican holiday, which will feature an afternoon and evening filled with fun, remembrance, and community spirit.

Keep up to date with meeting and schedule changes.

Visit the Roswell Special Events Calendar

Want to Receive Roswell Employee e-Notifications?
You can sign-up for Roswell e-notifications or change your e-notification preferences at any time! Navigate to the intranet and click "I Want To..." at the top of the page. Click "Receive Notifications by E-mail," or click here. Simply check or un-check the boxes to start receiving calendar updates, like "City Council Meetings," or news updates, like "Employee Classifieds." You can also click here to change your current preferences.
Reach Out

If you have employee news, events, etc. that you'd like to see in the next newsletter, email [email protected]