Margaret Miller

Shepherd Has Deep Ties to Cherokee

BY MARGARET MILLER

“Great oaks from little acorns grow” is an old adage that could well apply to the life of James Marshall Shepherd, Ph.D., a worldrenowned meteorologist who grew up in Canton. His mother, Frankie Ferguson Shepherd is a retired educator and honored local community and political activist. On Feb. 15, Marshall Shepherd was back in Cherokee County to speak at a History Cherokee event in Canton. His ties to the Canton community run deep. His maternal grandfather, Charlie Ferguson, and uncle, Tony Ferguson, were instrumental in organizing the first black volunteer fire station in Georgia. A former fire station in north Canton is being renovated and has been named the Charlie Ferguson Community Center. Shepherd, like his mother, is an educator. He received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in physical meteorology from Florida State University (FSU). Shepherd was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from the Department of Meteorology at FSU. He began teaching meteorology at the University of Georgia after working at NASA for several years. Shepherd’s interest in meteorology was really by chance. As a child, his first interest was entomology, a study of insects. When he discovered he was allergic to bees, he developed

James Marshall Shepherd, and his mother, Frankie Shepherd.

an interest in the weather. After graduating from Cherokee High School, he enrolled at FSU, which, at the time, had the nation’s oldest and most respected department of meteorology. An atmospheric scientist, Shepherd is in great demand as a speaker at professional events, as well as at college and university graduations. He has received many honors for his work in meteorology, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The multitalented meteorologist is an author of meteorology books for children, and a TV personality who hosts the Sunday talk show, “Weather Geeks” on The Weather Channel. He and his wife, Ayana, recently wrote a book, “40 Days and 40 Nights: Daily Tales (and Lessons) From a Suburban Home During the Coronavirus ‘Quarantine,’” describing their family’s experiences while quarantined due to COVID-19. Follow his journey on Facebook, @DrMarshallShepherd, and Instagram, @marsh4fsu.

Margaret Miller has been a resident of Cherokee County for the past decade. Her writing hobby led her to become a columnist for community and daily newspapers.

Buzz Williams busts a move.

Forever Young!

’80s Adult Prom Night Raises Funds for Local Children

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOLCOMB CREATIVE CO.

On Feb. 5, Timbers on Etowah hosted the Children’s Haven ’80s-themed adult prom night, Forever Young. The fundraising event featured ’80s music, food, drinks, dancing and fun at the Mill on Etowah in Canton. In total, $19,515 was raised for the Children’s Haven and its programs to support children who have experienced abuse and neglect. A portion of the proceeds will support its new site-based mentoring program, Chin Up. The Children’s Haven is a nonprofit organization committed to building successful children through programs that increase their safety and improve educational, social and emotional functioning. Stay tuned for details about next year’s prom. https://cherokeechildrenshaven.org

Prom king and queen nominees, from left: Bobby Stilson, Michele Prance, Kristin Pinyan, Tommy Pinyan, Barbara Nye, Guy Bianchi, Lori Williams and Buzz Williams.

Prom-goers dance the night away.

Couples pose for a remake of high school prom photos. Prom queen and king, Barbara Nye and Guy Bianchi.