5-23 Around Canton webfinal.pdf

LIVING WISER IN RETIREMENT

Never underestimate the impact that a wise decision can have over time. Even in retirement, our choices can determine how well we continue to live in the future.

If you’re considering moving to a retirement community, it’s never been more important to make a wise decision — one that takes into consideration all of the aspects that contribute to a happy, healthy lifestyle. At St. George Village, we take pride in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, with a wide range of activities, services and amenities to address individual needs. Additionally, our LifePlan structure offers the peace of mind that comes with protection of financial assets, as well as the assurance of continuing care. A decision to move to St. George Village is a choice to live confidently and independently in retirement.

Learn more about how St. George Village can be a wise investment for your retirement. Call 678-987-0409 for details. (Visit us at stgeorgevillage.org, and on Facebook to get a closer look at our lifestyle of active engagement.)

Advertise With Us

Our business is your business.

We succeed when you succeed. And our goal is to help community businesses thrive. Our marketing experts have experience on the national and international level. They’ll help you put together an advertising program that targets your market, and fits your needs, style and budget. Let us put our experience to work for you!

Why choose us?

• Publishing in Cherokee County since 1996.

• Won Excellence in Customer Service and Small Business of the Year awards from the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce.

• Marketing experts with national, international account experience.

• Editorial team with 50-plus years’ experience with major metropolitan newspapers.

Get Started Today!

Around Canton

Readers’ Choice 2023!

What’s Open

School of Rock Woodstock has opened at 5947 Holly Springs Parkway, Woodstock. The music school offers lessons in guitar, drums, bass, keyboards and singing. One-on-one lessons are combined with group band practices. 470-795-6995. www.schoolofrock.com/locations/woodstock

The Cherokee Humane Society Thrift Store has reopened in a new location: 12156 Highway 92, at the intersection with Trickum Road. Hours for donations and limited pickups are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays. The original store has been a Cherokee County fixture, operating on Bells Ferry Road for the past 17 years.

Gekko Kitchen has opened at The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway. The Japanese restaurant offers hibachi bowls, sushi bowls, ramen and more. 678-880-8434. www.gekkocanton.com

What’s Coming

This fall, Thrive Coworking will open in the refurbished Jones Building in downtown Canton. Thrive will be the building’s main tenant, occupying 19,000 square feet of the 42,000-square-foot building (some of which will be used for storage).

Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters at 193 Lamar Haley Parkway. The facility was purchased for $1.5 million by the Board of Commissioners in August 2022 to comply with Georgia State House Bill 202, which requires increased viewing areas, parking capabilities and storage.

www.aroundcantonmagazine.com

If you noticed some digging at Heritage Park, there is a playground coming soon in the area between the mounds! The new inclusive playground will feature two play structures with slides, climbing apparatus, bridges and shade canopies. There will be a swing set with six swings for all ages and different abilities. A turf carpet will cover the area of play, and a sidewalk will circle the playground. It is expected to be open by the start of summer.

Cherokee Recreation and Parks had its designation as a Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider renewed by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, a 501(c)(3) organization. This designation, valid until Dec. 31, 2024, indicates that Cherokee Recreation and Parks has met key requirements in five categories, including Written Policies and Procedures, Volunteer Screening, Coach Training, Parent Education, and Accountability.

Your advocate for safe senior-living care.

What we do:

• Help you find safe assisted living and memory care communities.

• Negotiate costs on your behalf.

• Offer guided tours, assess state reviews of facilities.

• Make suggestions based on your care needs.

Kielly Brew-Chann Senior Living Advisor

kiellybc@cedarsoflifeconsulting.com

www.cedarsoflifeconsulting.com

Letter From the Editor

Ithink it’s time for Bertie and Ellie to make a reappearance! If you remember, they are the precocious 2-year-old pups who wear out Glenn and me as only a blue heeler/Australian shepherd mix can. I’m hoping by the time this issue arrives in your mailboxes, we’ll have the girls enrolled in a training camp.

At the heart of our decision to adopt them is our desire to be more active: take walks, travel with the girls, explore fun places around us. As it turns out, walking dogs that pull has accelerated the need for a knee replacement and caused me to have a dozen or so physical therapy visits to straighten out my shoulder. I didn’t anticipate that.

Oh, did I tell you Bertie gets car sick? So much for travel plans. But, that’s OK. We will make sure their rambunctious rumps are whipped into shape, and we’ll start all over again. BTW, Dramamine works pretty well for dogs, in case it helps someone to know that.

I’m eager to try a few recipes that Jessica, our content editor, included in her pet treats feature. We hope you and your fur babies enjoy them. See Pages 38-39. If you find a few that you like, let us know. We love photos, too! If I’m successful at making treats for the girls, Glenn will catch on to the fact that our oven works. So far,

it’s been a great storage area. I might need to rethink that.

The Speed for Need feature on Pages 34-35 brought tears to my eyes. I love reading how impactful this nonprofit is for those with mental and physical challenges. My first cousin, Suzanne, had Down syndrome; she was so special to our family. Suzanne’s mom, dad, brothers and sister doted on her and treated her like a queen. I have no doubt my cousins would have signed her up for a 5K or taken her to a Night to Shine prom, if these events existed when she was with us! In her 50 years on earth, she was well loved.

I’m particularly grateful to Rebecca Johnston for honoring Shirley Pahl (Pages 16-17), who was the face of the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for the past 30 years. No doubt, many students — as well as our legislators — learned much from her about the importance of farming. She has impacted most of us, whether or not we realize it. Thank you, Shirley! I pray you have a relaxing and fun retirement. You deserve it! Closing the computer now. It’s time for another session of pulling, barking and barking. I mean, walking the dogs! If you have tips for taming these two, I’d love to hear from you!

America’s Community Magazine

Volume 10, Issue 13

PUBLISHER

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. www.aroundaboutlocalmedia.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Jennifer Coleman | 470-263-8414 jen@aroundaboutmagazines.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Candi Hannigan | 770-615-3309 candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Donna Harris | 770-852-8481 donna@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTENT EDITOR

Jessica Forrester | 770-615-3318 jessica@aroundaboutmagazines.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Michelle McCulloch | 770-615-3307 michelle@aroundaboutmagazines.com

CONTROLLER

Denise Griffin | 770-615-3315 denise@aroundaboutmagazines.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Laura Latchford laura@aroundaboutmagazines.com Savannah Winn savannah@aroundaboutmagazines.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Kathryn Holt kat@aroundaboutmagazines.com

MARKET & ADVERTISING SPECIALIST | Michelle Smith michelle.smith@aroundaboutmagazines.com

COPY EDITORS

Bill King, Eliza Somers

Aroundabout Local Media, Inc. (ALM) publishes five hyperlocal magazines serving the communities of Canton, Woodstock, Towne Lake, Acworth and Kennesaw. Approximately 16,000 free copies are distributed monthly in each community, through direct bulk mail and first class mail; approximately 500 copies are available in magazine racks placed around each community.

Around Canton welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. Editorial deadline is the first and advertising deadline is the fifth of the previous month. Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to: Around Canton, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, PMB 380, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. The viewpoints of the advertisers, writers and other submissions do not necessarily reflect those of the editor/publisher. And the publisher makes no claims

to the validity of any opinions expressed by charitable, business or civic organizations mentioned, or statements made within the editorial content. The cover and inside related article, and other editorial-type submissions labeled SPONSORED CONTENT, are paid content. The publisher neither guarantees nor supports any product or service mentioned in this magazine, nor does it guarantee any assertions made by the manufacturers or providers of such products or services, or claims regarding the status of such businesses.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

Candi Hannigan stays busy as executive editor of Aroundabout Local Media when Bertie (left) and Ellie aren’t keeping her on the go. She’s lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Email her at candi@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

Oak Grove Reunion Connects Students From 1930s-90s

High school reunions are common, yet you rarely hear of elementary school reunions. The Oak Grove Reunion, however, was started in 2009 and typically has a couple hundred attendees. This year marks the sixth reunion, to be held 2-5 p.m. May 7 at the Oak Grove Elementary School gym.

The event is free to attend and is open to anyone who attended Oak Grove Elementary School from the 1930s through the 1990s, as well as teachers, staff, parents or neighbors of the Oak Grove community.

In 2008, Linda Bennett Futral and Linda McPherson Stanton, who attended the school in the ’50s, came up with the idea to reunite friends who hadn’t seen each other in decades. They also created a website, which houses more than 1,400 photos of previous reunions, the school through the years, classmates, staff and more. (If you have photos to share, you can post them at https://oakgrovereunion.myevent. com.) A list of who’s coming to this month’s reunion, a page where you can RSVP, interesting facts, memories and alumni comments also can be found on the website.

On the Memories page, Herschel Reaid posted: “I went to school in the ’30s. When I was about 8 years old, I got paid (5 cents per fire) to go to school early in the mornings to start the fire in the heaters before the other kids got there.”

The first Oak Grove School was a one-room schoolhouse located across the road from Oak Grove Baptist Church. In 1933, Orlando Morgan donated the land on which the school was built. Georgia Power Co. gave the timber, and the patrons of Oak Grove cut the trees and hauled them to the sawmill, according to Martha Chapman. Jones Mercantile Co. also offered bricks. In 1935, the school opened with approximately 100 students. It originally consisted of grades one through nine. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/3Kry6dX.

The 2015 reunion was the fourth opportunity for former students and staff to reminisce.

The inaugural Oak Grove Reunion in 2009.

Former students chat at the 2011 reunion.

The original Oak Grove School at the old Oak Grove Church.

IN town

Canton

MAY

Minis at The Mill

Wednesdays in May, 10-11 a.m.

Bring your little ones to The Mill on Etowah for an interactive activity. www.etowahmill.com/events

Tuesday Market

May 2, 3-7 p.m., The Mill on Etowah

Every Tuesday, shop products from local creators, bakers, butchers, farmers and more. www.etowahmill.com/events

Trivia Night on the Green

May 4, 7 p.m., the Mill on Etowah

On Thursdays, gather your dream team and compete for first-, second- and thirdplace prizes. www.etowahmill.com/events

Cherokee Chase 5K

May 6, 8 a.m., Etowah River Park

Registration begins at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8 a.m. and a 1-mile fun run at 9 a.m. http://bit.ly/3Tdh6e7

Kentucky Derby Day

May 6, 4:30-7:30 p.m., The Mill on Etowah, Canton

Enjoy gourmet food, specialty cocktails, bourbon tastings, a silent auction, pony pull and more. https://historycherokee. org/events

Upriver Fest

May 13, 4-10 p.m., The Mill on Etowah Benefiting Goshen Valley, the event kicks off with a 5K at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., a set of Cherokee County artists will perform. There will be food, drinks, vendors, a kids corner and more. http://bit.ly/3mTNbeC

PoBoys Car Club

May 20, June 17, 3 p.m., The Mill on Etowah

https://poboyscarclub.weebly.com

JUNE

Georgia Players Guild

June 3, 8:30-10 p.m., Canton Theatre

http://bit.ly/3zSNPMR

Farmers Market

June 3-Sept. 2, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays, Brown Park

For updates, follow the Canton Farmers Market Facebook page.

Summer Nights Concerts

June 10, July 1, Aug. 5, 7-9 p.m., The Mill on Etowah

Jam out to your favorite ’80s hits with Guardians of the Jukebox. www.etowahmill.com/events

“A Bad Year for Tomatoes”

June 16-18, 23-25, Canton Theatre

A comedy directed by Nancy Jensen. Performances will be 8 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. www.cherokeetheatre.org

First Fridays

Great food and live music downtown. Check for updates at www.facebook.com/ CantonGAFirstFriday.

The Return - May 5

The Troubadour Project - June 2

The Rupert’s Orchestra - July 7

Elton Live - Aug. 4

Purple Madness - Sept. 1

On the Border - Oct. 6

Summer Movie Series

See a $1 movie at the Canton Theatre, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursdays in June and July. www.cantonga.gov/events

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” - June 1

“Encanto” - June 8

“Strange World” - June 15

“Wakanda Forever” - June 22

“Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile” - June 29

Live Music on the Green

7-9 p.m. Fridays, The Mill on Etowah www.etowahmill.com/events

Ezra Jacob - May 5

The Hearsay - May 12

Niro Simon & The Sunsetters - May 19

Derby Day: History Cherokee’s 2021 Kentucky Derby Day.

Canton Farmers Market. Photo courtesy of Bill Grant.

Around & About

MAY

BridgeMill Farmers Market

Through Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, 1190 BridgeMill Ave., Canton

Open to the public. Watch for updates on Facebook: @bridgemillfarmersmarket. Vendors can contact bridgemillfarmersmarket@ gmail.com.

Holly Springs UMC Yard

Sale

May 5-6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 2472 Holly Springs Parkway

On Saturday, hotdogs, chips, cookies and drinks will be sold. Proceeds will be used to fund church outreach projects.

Community Yard Sale

May 6, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Little River Methodist Church, Woodstock

Food will be available for purchase, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., supporting church missions.

Makers Market and Family Fun Day

May 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 208 Moose Loop Road, Canton

Shop more than 30 local vendors. There will be treats, talented artists, a kids zone and more. www.popinshopcrafts.com

Seis de Mayo Pub Crawl

May 6, 2-6 p.m., downtown Woodstock

Visit participating bars and restaurants to enjoy themed food and beverage specials. www.visitwoodstockga.com

Rock for a Reason

May 6, 6-11:30 p.m., Delta Flight Museum, Atlanta

Benefiting the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, the black-tie event will have live and silent auctions, a five-star buffet, open bar and more. https://rockforareason.org

CMTA Awards Ceremony

May 7, 3 p.m., Falany Performing Arts Center, Waleska

Student scholarship winners will perform at the Cherokee Music Teachers Association event, followed by guest artist Jerico Vasquez of Shorter University. This event is free and open to the public. For details, email linda@ lokey.net.

Charity Golf Tournament

May 12, 7 a.m., Fairways of Canton

The third annual Every Link Matters tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Registration opens at 7 a.m. https://birdease.com/everylinkmatters

Reinhardt Bluegrass Festival

May 12-13, 5:30-9 p.m. Friday and noon-9 p.m. Saturday, Waleska

Visit Reinhardt University’s Funk Heritage Village for music, food trucks, craft vendors, kids activities and more. https://bit.ly/3ZPJCow

Plant Sale and Festival

May 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 215 Valley St., Ball Ground

Ball Ground Garden Club’s sixth annual community celebration will feature native and heirloom plants, more than 30 local vendors, raffle prizes, live music and more. www. ballgroundgardenclub.com/plantsale

Running His Race 5K

May 13, 8 a.m., First Baptist Woodstock

Proceeds from the 5K, 1-mile and tot trot benefit Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes. https://bit. ly/43cuB25

Mother’s Day Powwow and Festival

May 13-14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Boling Park, Canton

The 32nd annual festival features a Native American dance competition, hoop and Aztec dancers, a living Native American village, Cree and Creek encampments, vendors and more. https://rthunder.com

Family Fun Night

May 18, 5-8 p.m., downtown Woodstock

Stop by downtown for themed, family-focused activities on the third Thursday in May, June and July. www. visitwoodstockga.com

Rope Mill Trail Run

May 27, 8-10:30 a.m., 690 Old Rope Mill Park Road, Woodstock

https://mountaingoatadventures.com/ ropemillrun

Spring Plant Sale

May 27, 9 a.m.-noon, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton

The Master Gardeners’ spring sale features a variety of plants, shrubs, trees, garden accessories and art, and expert advice. https:// cherokeemastergardeners.com

Memorial Day Ceremony

May 29, 10 a.m., downtown Woodstock

https://woodstock.recdesk.com

Randall and Yetive Simmons participate in a trail run at Rope Mill.

JUNE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Books With Bennett Bear

June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, 10 a.m., Funk Heritage Center, Walkeska

Storytime and activities designed for children ages 2-4 and their grownup. Free for members. Included with general admission. Reservations welcome: 770-720-5970.

Georgia Flames Golf Tournament

June 12, 9 a.m., Towne Lake Hills Golf Club

To register, visit www.golf2grow.com, or email william@golf2grow.com.

Safe Sitter Classes

June 15, 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 2001 Professional Parkway, Woodstock

Registration is open for Northside’s babysitting classes for tweens and teens. Contact Lana Mayfield at lana. mayfield@northside.com or 678-3886401.

MadLife Stage & Studios

Events listed are held monthly at 8722 Main St., Woodstock. http://madlifestageandstudios.com

Homegrown: The Zac Brown Band Experience, 7 p.m. May 6

A Tribute to the King (Elvis) by Travis LeDoyt, 2 p.m. May 21

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band

7 p.m. May 27

Vegas McGraw: Tim McGraw Tribute

7 p.m. June 10

Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters

7:30 p.m. June 14

Woodstock Summer Concert Series

The free concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Northside HospitalCherokee Amphitheater. www. woodstockconcertseries.com

Craig Morgan - May 13

Rick Springfield - June 10

Uptown Funk: Bruno Mars Tribute

July 8

Completely Unchained: Van Halen Tribute - Aug. 12 Drivin N Cryin - Sept. 9

Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency

www.playcherokee.org // Recreation Center: 770-924-7768, Aquatic Center: 678-880-4760

Spring Into Summer Fest Talent Show

May 26, 5-8 p.m., Cherokee Veterans Park, Canton

Golfing Fore the Children

June 16, 9 a.m., Fairways of Canton

The annual golf tournament benefits The Service League of Cherokee County. https://bit.ly/43e30xD

Cherokee County Bruins Golf Tournament

June 23, 9 a.m., Fairways of Canton https://golf2grow.com

Stop by The Buzz to enjoy an evening with raffles, food trucks, crafts, a magician, dance party, games and more. $10 per person.

Unwind Wednesdays

May 31, 5:30-8 p.m., Cherokee Veterans Park, Canton

The last Wednesday of each month, through October, bring your lawn chairs and blankets for dinner and special activities.

Reinhardt Piano Festival

Concerts are general admission at the Falany Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 per concert or $60 for the series.

www.reinhardt.edu/pianofestival

Alexander Wasserman, 7:30 p.m. June 5

Michael Schneider, 7:30 p.m. June 7

Julia Siciliano, 7:30 p.m. June 8

Frank Huang, 7:30 p.m. June 9

Michael Finlay, 3 p.m. June 10

Zsolt Bognár, 3 p.m. June 11

Cherokee County School District

https://bit.ly/3CeUdPf. Contact the school’s front office for information. Performances are at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

“Clue”

May 5, 6, Etowah High School. Tickets: to be determined

“The Drowsy Chaperone”

June 1-3, Academy Street Theatre Group performs at Cherokee High School. Tickets: $5

Women’s SemiProfessional Soccer

Games are 7-10:30 p.m. at Cherokee High School. www.cantonga.gov/ events

Georgia Impact vs. Nashville Rhythm

May 26

Georgia Impact vs. FC Birmingham

June 3

Georgia Impact vs. Charlotte Eagles

June 17

Georgia Impact vs. Atlanta Fire United

June 21

The Service League’s 2022 Golfing Fore the Children tournament. Photo by Holcomb Creative Co.

Alexander Wasserman

In the Spotlight!

Graduating and Rising Cherokee High School Seniors Rake in Drama Awards

The 2022-23 school year has been one to remember for the Cherokee High School drama program. Theatre Director and Fine Arts Department Head Jodi Burn and her students brought home several awards from the one-act statewide competition and the state literary meet.

At regional and state competitions, seven to eight schools perform one-act plays. Each school has 55 minutes to set the stage, act out the performance and remove the set from the acting area. Students rehearse the performance and timing of the show for months prior to the competition. Both region and state are judged by three judges, using a rubric provided by Georgia High

School Association. If awarded the top school at the regional competition, the school continues on to state competition.

This year, 10 Cherokee High drama students performed "Charley's Aunt," taking first place at the Regional One Act Competition, and runner-up at the State One Act Competition. The performance marked the first time the high school has placed at state since the early '80s.

In addition, junior Wyatt Darnell was named Best Actor (region and state), and senior Lily Richard took home the honor of regional All-Star Cast.

The regional and state literary meets are similar to a track meet. Many different disciplines come together, including writers’ narrative, argumentative and literary analysis; two students mastering the art of speech, domestic and international; choral groups with male and female solos; a men’s quartet and a women’s trio; and comedic, dramatic and duo interpretations. In dramatic interpretations, each set of students performs an eight- to 10-minute memorized script, with multiple characters being interpreted.

At the Regional Literary Meet, Lily, Wyatt and junior Emmanuel Mwangi, along with more than 10 other peers,

Cherokee High placed first overall at the Regional Literary Meet.

Cherokee High School drama students and Jodi Burn return with the runner-up trophy from the One Act Play State Championships.

thrived. Lily and Wyatt performed “Pinocchio,” a duo piece. They left their hearts on the stage, performing more than five characters between the two of them, and placed first. Emmanuel, state comedic winner for 2022, did a dramatic monologue called “Cassius Clay,” performing more than five characters himself, and also placed first for region.

Cherokee High placed first overall for the region, bringing home the trophy. Lily, Wyatt and Emmanuel moved on to the state competition. State was held at Buford High School, where the three performed again. Emmanuel placed third, and Lily and Wyatt placed first — Wyatt’s second state acting achievement this year. Read on to learn more about Emmanuel, Lily and Wyatt and the awards they’ve received.

Wyatt Darnell

• Best Actor — Regional One Act Competition

• Best Actor — State One Act Competition

• First place in Duo Interpretation — Regional Literary Meet (with partner Lily Richard)

• First place in Duo Interpretation — State Literary Meet (with partner Lily Richard)

• Runner-up Male Soloist — Regional Literary Meet

“

To me, these awards, especially best actor at state, prove that I am capable of possibly fulfilling my dream: being on Broadway someday. The title alone is nice, and all. But, to me, the weight that comes with the titles and the potential they hold, the opportunities they create — one act, literary meet — are more important to me than anything.”

Lily Richard

• All-Star Cast — Regional One Act Competition

• First place in Duo Interpretation — Regional Literary Meet (with partner Wyatt Darnell)

• First place in Duo Interpretation — State Literary Meet (with partner Wyatt Darnell)

“I’m incredibly grateful to have spent these past four years with Wyatt, Emmanuel and the other members of our troupe, to work toward these achievements. As I move into a new stage of my life, I look forward to pursuing education at Kennesaw State University, while still valuing the lessons and blessings I’ve experienced through the stage. I am thrilled to have been selected to be an intern at Church Hill Theater’s summer program in Maryland. The program introduces young actors to performance and improves their confidence, on and off the stage. This opportunity is special to me, as I wish I would’ve had an outlet like their summer program to feel more confident with myself as I grew up.”

Emmanuel Mwangi

• First place in Humorous Interpretation 2022 State Literary Meet

• First place in Dramatic Interpretation

2023 Regional Literary Meet

• Third place in Dramatic Interpretation

2023 State Literary Meet

“Performing my own little show makes me feel amazing. I do it because it feels like a way of sharing my talents and my opinions with an audience who doesn't know me. Whether I'm telling jokes or telling a heartwarming story, I'm loving every second of it.”

Photos by Daniel Hopson.

Wyatt Darnell on stage.

Photo by Daniel Hopson.

Planting Seeds

Shirley Pahl’s Dedication to Volunteering Continues Into Her Retirement

BY REBECCA JOHNSTON

Shirley Pahl was the face of the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for the past 30 years, making sure residents understood the importance of agriculture to our community and economy.

Pahl recently retired from the Farm Bureau, where, as program coordinator, she helped schoolchildren see that there is a bright future in the agricultural industry — through the fun and rewarding Agriculture in the Classroom initiative.

“It has been an absolute blessing to work at the Farm Bureau for 30 years. I have made so many friendships and relationships. It was fun to go to work every day,” Pahl said. “I have loved working with the children in the garden and in the classroom, and with seniors, as well. Being able to work with so many people has been amazing. I couldn’t have asked for 30 better years.”

She also helped elected officials grasp the importance of farming to Cherokee County — as well as to act in their roles as leaders and policy setters to promote agriculture — by holding legislative breakfasts and candidate forums, and by providing legislative updates.

On Feb. 23, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners honored her with a proclamation for her work. She also was honored at a reception in January, with a resolution from the Georgia General Assembly and a proclamation from the city of Canton.

“We are pleased to honor Shirley Pahl for her work in our community, educating us about the importance of agriculture to our economy and helping make Cherokee County a great place to live, work and play,” Commission Chairman Harry Johnston said.

Prior to joining the Farm Bureau, Pahl worked for 22 years at the Cherokee Training Center, providing services to those in Cherokee County who are developmentally disabled or have special needs. While there, Pahl, along with Director Mary Hall and Beverly Pitts, started the Special Olympics in Cherokee County, with just five athletes. Now, the Special Olympics has around 1,000 participants in Cherokee County each year.

Horace and Shirley Pahl, with their daughter, Paula; son, Bill; daughter-in-law, Nancy; and grandchildren, Kathleen and William.

Shirley Pahl reads “Cows Can Moo! Can You?” by Dr. Seuss to students on

2020.

Seeds for the Future

Pahl was a member of the Service League of Cherokee County for 10 years, as well as the League’s president in 1985, its 50th anniversary year. During her year as president, the League began work on the cookbook “League Legacy” and on the Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival, the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser.

In her spare time over the years, Pahl served as president of the Canton Jaycettes, was in the Rotary Club of Canton and was on the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce board of directors. She also volunteered with the American Cancer Society and with A Day for Reinhardt.

Pahl has been a member of Canton First Baptist Church since moving to Cherokee County in 1969, taught the children’s Sunday school class in the 1970s, and was the teacher for adults with disabilities for many years. “I will continue to attend First Baptist Church and thank Jesus for all the blessings for my 79 years,” she said.

In retirement, Pahl continues serving others and looks forward to traveling with her husband, Horace. She volunteers by helping raise funds for InCommunity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Atlanta that provides community-based services and support to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Currently, she is working on the nonprofit’s 34th annual gala, to be held at the Georgia Aquarium May 20. Pahl also has joined the Hickory Flat Optimist Club and is planning to volunteer with the Farm Bureau.

Rebecca Johnston is a Cherokee County native, with more than 35 years of experience as a community journalist. She served 10 years in the Service League of Cherokee County, 1982-92, and now is an honorary member.

Shirley Pahl and teacher Paige Chandler celebrate Farm City Week with students Elizabeth Isaacs and Maddie Ragsdale in 2019.

Hello Summer

7 Fun Activity Ideas for Adults and Kids

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

Summer is just around the corner, and it should be a time of relaxing, enjoying family and friends, and trying new activities. Here are seven ideas to consider, whether you’ll be home all summer or have a couple of days to fill here and there.

1. Join an adult athletic league.

Cherokee Recreation & Parks (CRPA) offers a variety of activities each month, and not just for kids! Summer leagues for ages 16-plus begin in June and July. Be sure to register this month if you’re interested in kickball, as registration ends May 21. For more information, email Lakia Langston at ldlangston@cherokeega.com.

• The Summer Kickball League begins June 5 at Twin Creeks Softball Complex in Woodstock. The schedule consists of a sixgame season, Monday and Wednesday nights, with all teams making the playoffs.

• One-Pitch Softball begins June 19 at Hobgood Park in Woodstock. The schedule consists of a six-game season, with the men’s league on Mondays and the coed league on Tuesdays. All teams will make the playoffs.

• Summer Men’s Basketball begins July 10 at 7545 Main St. in Woodstock. The schedule consists of an eight-game season, with A League on Mondays and B League on Tuesdays. All teams will make the playoffs.

• CRPA also will hold Parents Night Out/ Parents Afternoon Out — May 12 and 16, June 16 and 30, and July 14 and 28 — at the Aquatic Center in Canton. For more details on summer camps, classes, workshops, therapeutic recreation programs, outdoor recreation opportunities and more, visit playcherokee.org.

2. Volunteer at a local nonprofit.

If you’re looking for ways to give back this summer, look no further than the MUST Ministries Summer Lunch program. MUST will continue the time-honored tradition of partnering with churches, schools, corporations and volunteers to feed thousands of kids in the Atlanta metro area, June 1-July 29. The goal is to provide breakfast and lunch to at least 6,000 children for nine weeks. To sign up to volunteer or donate supplies, visit www.mustministries.org/summer-lunch. For more volunteer opportunities in our area, check out www.justserve.org.

3. Have a backyard camping adventure.

If you’re in the mood to go camping, but all the best spots are fully booked, pitch your tent in your backyard. You can take glamping to another level by setting up a projector to watch movies, stringing lights overhead and ordering food from your favorite restaurant for delivery (or raiding your fridge at midnight). Plus, who doesn’t love having their own bathroom just a few steps away … and their bed. I won’t rat you out if you sneak in to sleep in the air conditioning!

The MUST Ministries Summer Lunch program began in 1995 and serves thousands of kids each season.

4. Spend quality time in our parks.

Cherokee Recreation & Parks offers an activity book to help kids get outside and into nature. The Exploring Through the Parks adventure journal includes pages to complete at seven parks and facilities in our county, with information, activities, scavenger hunts, drawing prompts and more. The 23-page journal gives kids guided activities, sending them around parks on missions. Through the activities, they’ll gain a greater appreciation for the parks in our county and the natural world around us. Print the book at https://bit.ly/41bo2ef, pack a picnic basket and spend the afternoon exploring a local park.

5. Try a new restaurant.

Cherokee County has no shortage of great places to eat. Make a list of restaurants you’ve never tried in Woodstock and Canton, and visit a new one each week. Share some love with our advertisers! Neighborhood favorites include:

• Gyro Aegean Grill, Woodstock

• Dive Southern Coastal Kitchen, Canton

• Susto’s Taco Bar, Woodstock

• Eggs Up Grill, Canton

• MadLife Grill, Woodstock

• 7 Tequilas, Canton and Woodstock

6. Register for a golf tournament.

If running a 5K isn’t your speed, take it slower on a greener course, while still supporting great causes. Riding in a golf cart, or even walking a hilly course, makes it easier to socialize than running on flat ground — at least for me! Round up some friends and register for the Every Link Matters Charity Golf Tournament, May 12, or The Service League’s Golfing Fore the Children Tournament, June 16, both to be held at Fairways of Canton. https://birdease.com/ everylinkmatters; https://serviceleague.net/fundraisers/ golfing-fore-the-children.

7. Explore The Mill on Etowah.

Boasting a variety of retailers and restaurants, the development in downtown Canton has something for everyone. Make sure to browse the booths at Cotton Mill Exchange, which feature a collection of antiques, furniture, jewelry and gifts. Then, head outside for Screen on the Green — a free movie will be playing 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday, June 7-July 26. For more details, visit www.etowahmill.com/events, or keep an eye on our calendars for a list of what’s playing.

Executive Editor Candi Hannigan tries the fajita nachos at Susto’s Taco Bar.

Booths at Cotton Mill Exchange are filled with antiques and handcrafted gifts.

Photo courtesy of Fairways of Canton.

Educational Empowerment Nonprofit Helps Families Learn at Home Without Limitations

BY SUSAN BROWNING SCHULZ

Nobel Prize in Literature recipient

W. B. Yeats said: “Education is not the filling of a bucket but the lighting of a fire.” Numerous flames are aglow, thanks to the nonprofit Unite Homeschool. Its mission is to connect, equip and support homeschool families in north Georgia and beyond. The network accomplishes this by helping home-school parents spark a love of learning in their children — through field trips, parties, outdoor events, transcript help, mentor support and more —

via an online community of caring families.

“Our services are designed to enrich and support the efforts of all types of home educators, regardless of style or learning methods,” founder Angela Pilcher said. “As a home-school mom of two boys, I started to build the Unite community to support home-schooling families more than two years ago. After exponential growth in our community, I knew that I had to make a way for this

incredible group of people to stay connected, even after I was done home schooling. The best way to do that was to become a nonprofit organization. Unite Homeschool became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit in March 2023.”

Unite Homeschool offers a private, resource-rich, online community that has the feeling of social media without any of the drama found there. Its network is focused on creating intentional encouragement and connection for the busy homeschool educator.

“I love to encourage parents who desire to home-school, and believe, with help, anyone can do it,” said Jennifer Henn, local author and mentor for Unite Homeschool. To help her mentees, Henn wrote a book called “Take the Mystery Out of Homeschooling.”

“Now that my children are grown, I want to help the next generation of home-schooling families,” Henn said. Her roles at Unite Homeschool include answering parents’ questions, developing and writing how-to content, holding teaching seminars and sharing helpful posts.

When asked what makes this new online community any different from what exists on Facebook, Pilcher answered with seven reasons:

1. Big Tech is not watching or censoring our interactions.

2. We are a large network with local groups — all home-school focused.

3. We connect people with new friends — lots of them

4. No trolls allowed.

5. We have special-interest clubs, such as Outdoor Hiking and Cherokee County Weekly P.E.

6. A topic index and search.

7. A full calendar of events and field trips.

For full-access members, yearly plans are available online, along with

From left, Addison Mitchell, Adel Sampson and Abby Davis enjoy a landfill tour bus ride.

mentoring, a high school coaching club and more.

Unite Homeschool members are excited to be a part of the network. “I feel like I have stumbled upon a treasure trove of friendships and resources,” Becca Carson said. “I like that the Unite Homeschool network isn’t on a mainstream social media platform,” Michelle Paul said. Katie Warner shared: “It’s such a great resource for connecting with the local homeschool community.”

Unite Homeschool recently held its first high school prom, Once Upon a Dream, which took place at Pleasant Union Farm in Canton. The community is welcome to attend future events:

• North Georgia Homeschool Resource Fair, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 20 at the Cherokee County Recreation Center in Woodstock.

• Homeschool Sports Camp, May 15-19 at Cherokee Veterans Park in Canton. Register at unitehomeschool.com/camp.

• Homeschool Field Day, June 7 at Swift-Cantrell Park in Kennesaw.

• Teens in the Driver’s Seat safe driving program, 5:30-7:30 p.m. June 9 at Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge of Woodstock.

For more events, scan the QR code.

To learn more, visit unitehomeschool.com, or email info@unitehomeschool.com.

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher and mentor who lives and plays on the Etowah River in Canton. Connect with her on social media or at susanbrowningschulz.com.

Hayden Hobby, proud winner of a Unite Homeschool science fair event.

Students meet to complete assignments together, from left: Ben Flores, Benjamin Pilcher, Christopher Pilcher, Jo Jo Soverns and Christian Russell.

The Complicated Legacy of Georgia Gov. Joseph E. Brown

From Secession to Reconstruction WANDERER

BY THE WANDERER

Growing up in Missouri, I had to memorize the state motto — Cicero’s famous “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto.” Translated: “The good of the people should be the supreme law.” The term populist is used to apply to a politician who strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are being ignored by established elitist groups. The presumption therein is politicians in positions of power are corrupt and selfserving, whereas the general public, taken as a whole, is much less so.

In the United States, politics are dominated by a two-party system. Populists find it hard to survive over any extended period of time as they do not receive strong support from the established powers in their own party. Instead, they rely on the support of the common man. Cherokee County’s most famous politician, Joseph Emerson Brown, was such a man, with a successful political career spanning nearly 50 years, to the consternation of most of the politicians of his day.

Populists often are self-made, and Brown was no exception. Originally from South Carolina, he moved to Georgia with his parents in 1829, at the age of 8. At 19, he left the family farm and went back to South Carolina for an education, paying his own way and borrowing when he couldn’t. In January 1844, he moved back to Georgia and quickly repaid his debt to the academy by teaching in Canton. Once his debts were paid, he tutored Dr. John Lewis’ children (also in Canton) while studying law in 1844-45. By August 1845, he was admitted to the bar. He briefly attended Yale Law School on a loan from Lewis, but soon left to begin his practice. He joined the Democratic Party, and by 1849, he was in the state Senate representing Cherokee and Cobb counties.

He had little experience, but he was outspoken and emphatic. By the end of the first session, he was becoming the Democratic leader in the Senate. At that time, Georgia politics were under the

firm grip of the “Georgia Triumvirate,” composed of Robert Toombs, Alexander Stephens and Howell Cobb, who were serving in Washington, D.C. In 1857, when Brown was nominated as a darkhorse candidate for governor, perhaps the most famous quote about him was uttered. Toombs, upon hearing of the nomination, said, “Who the devil is Joe Brown?” The statement says everything you need to know about just how quickly Brown rose from obscurity to prominence within the party and the state, and without the assistance of any political machinery. Brown would win that election, become governor, and remain so throughout the course of the Civil War, until he resigned in 1865.

Brown believed fervently in the rights of the states to run themselves as their people saw fit. He believed that bringing prosperity to his state was his first responsibility as governor, and would have strongly agreed with fellow Georgian James Carville’s 1992 catchphrase: “It’s the economy, stupid.” As slavery was important to the economy of Georgia, Brown supported it, further charging that if slavery had proved profitable in New England, it would’ve become firmly rooted there also. He was a secessionist, but proved vexing for the Confederacy. Brown believed in secession from federal authority on the basis of states’ rights. Yet, he was equally wary of the Confederate authority in Richmond, Virginia.

Brown’s popularity in Georgia was such that he could raise large numbers of volunteers for the militia in defense of his state. As the Confederacy continued to request (and later demand) his militia for Confederate service, Brown grew concerned he would not be able to defend Georgia from assault. He asked for some of these Georgia-supplied men to be returned; Jefferson Davis diplomatically declined. In response, Brown raised a large additional army of militiamen. When it came time for Davis

Joseph E. Brown, Elizabeth Grisham Brown and family. Photo courtesy of History Cherokee.

to ask for them, Brown declined, and far less diplomatically. He had come to view Davis as a “dictator,” and Brown reasoned that without the defense of Georgia’s industry and transportation infrastructure, the South had no hope of success. So, its defense was paramount. The Union Army felt similarly about the critical role of Georgia in support of the Confederate cause, and Gen. William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea was prompted by this

belief. History has proven them right, and the war ended shortly thereafter.

Ultimately, Stephens of the Georgia Triumvirate would come to respect and support Brown; Toombs and Cobb never would come around. In early May 1865, as the Civil War ended, and at the urging of Cobb, Union Gen. James Wilson forced Brown to sign a surrender and parole agreement. Prior to signing, Brown had called for a special session of the Georgia Legislature to convene on the 22nd of the month. Such an act was in violation of that agreement, and despite the timing and Brown’s lack of awareness about it representing a violation, it would get him arrested and sent to Carroll Prison in Washington. What followed next must have rankled Cobb immensely. Brown managed to arrange for an audience with President Andrew Johnson, saying it would be better to discuss in person the state of affairs in Georgia and the actions he had therefore taken. When they met, President Johnson saw in Brown a fellow “common man of the

people.” Johnson himself had risen through the ranks despite the efforts of what he considered the political aristocracy. Brown was quick to admit he had erred in 1861, and he fully accepted the results and outcome of the war. The two parted as friends, and by the end of that month, Johnson pardoned Brown. Brown’s entire incarceration lasted less than a month; he even returned home to his pregnant wife using transportation furnished by the federal government. (Watch for Part 2 in our June issues.)

• www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=21891

The Wanderer has been a resident of Cherokee County for nearly 20 years, and constantly is learning about his community on daily walks, which totaled a little more than 2,000 miles in 2022. Send questions or comments to wanderingga@gmail.com.

• “Joseph E. Brown of Georgia.” Louisiana State University Press. 1977.

Joseph Emerson Brown. Photo courtesy of the Etowah Valley Historical Society.

Celebrations!

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE!

Email: edit@aroundaboutmagazines.com

June deadline is May 10.

Please specify Around Canton. Word limit: 25.

Graduating from Woodland High School. Her future plans are to be in the U.S. Army and be a medical assistant.

Congratulations! We love you! Family first. From, all of us

Class of 2023

We’ve enjoyed traveling this road with you. We pray God’s hand would rest on you, and that your heart would rest in him. Congratulations, Avery! You are deeply loved, Mom and Dad

May 19

Happy birthday! We love you, strong girl.

Alec, Mom and Dad

Happy sixth birthday!

Thank you for your love of life and free spirit. We love you!

Mommy, Daddy and Rylee

Elijah “Eli” Day just celebrated his second birthday and a full year being cancer-free from neuroblastoma! Happy birthday to the most courageous and brave little boy we know. You fought hard your first two years, and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for your future!

Love, Mommy, Daddy and Bubba William

Avery Smith

Misty Payne Blair

Nyanna Johnson-Bell

Bodhi

Happy fourth birthday, Buddy!!

Your family loves you very, very much!

Love, Grami and PopPop

Age 28 on May 2

Happy birthday to my dearest husband! You bring me the most wonderful joy knowing you are your best self.

Love, your adoring wife

Luke

Age 12 on May 4

Happy birthday, Luke!

Love, Mom, Dad, Kaya, Scout and Peanut

Age 4 on May 15

Happy birthday, sweet girl! We are so proud of how beautiful and courageous you have become!

Love, Dad, Mom and Andrew

Octavia

Age 2 on May 3

Happy birthday, Octavia!

We love you, you special little giggler. We can’t wait to hear you sing “Finger Family” another 100 times. Mommy, Daddy and Scarlett

Oliver Caldwell

Cody Minzer

Ellie Kate Calvert

4 Ways to Share Love With Seniors Year-Round

BY SUSANNAH MACKAY

We often talk about caring for seniors around Grandparents Day (the first Sunday after Labor Day) or during the holidays. But, this special group of people needs love year-round.

One in five Americans is aged 60 or older. By 2030, the number of adults needing nursing home care is expected to double! However, the hardest and most personal aspect of life for this growing age group is that more than 40% of seniors feel lonely, according to ConsumerAffairs.

Fortunately, we can do something to help. Here are four options on justserve.org to get you started serving seniors:

1. Deliver meals with MUST Ministries. This morning commitment in Kennesaw/Acworth only takes an hour or two on the last Friday of the month. Open to ages 12-plus, it’s a great service opportunity for older homeschoolers, too (http:// bit.ly/3G2RYRI).

2. Share your talents. Play music or bring other performances to seniors in Agape Hospice Care (https://bit.ly/3KOzVly).

3. Play bingo. Thursdays at 2 p.m., visit Legacy Ridge in Kennesaw and enjoy playing bingo with seniors. Residents love the extra company, and it helps promote activity and social

interaction for those needing it most (http://bit.ly/3G5CYCJ).

4. Help prevent fraud. By volunteering with the Senior Medicare Patrol, you can educate and support seniors. (https://bit.ly/3ZsPi6K).

Be sure to check out these great opportunities — and more! — on the JustServe website. Or, for additional ideas, join the JustServe Georgia Volunteers public Facebook group. You can show some much-needed love to our local senior citizens with simple acts of service.

Justserve.org is a free, nationwide website and app that works to match volunteers with nonprofit organizations and service opportunities. If you run a nonprofit, or are looking for ways to make service a regular part of your life, check out justserve.org. You can sign up for regular updates and learn more about organizations nearby, too. JustServe makes it easy to just go out and serve!

How to Keep It Together When Things Fall Apart

BY KENNY OTT

The Bible tells us about a man named Elijah, whose story can teach us how to keep it together when everything is falling apart. Elijah was a prophet who faced down an evil king. For three years, the king tried to destroy Elijah, but God protected him. After a showdown with 850 false prophets, things went from bad to worse, and the king’s wife vowed to kill Elijah. He couldn’t take it anymore, so Elijah went off by himself and asked God to let him die.

Maybe you have been there before. Maybe you are there right now. Elijah’s story shows us that there always is hope.

“As he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, ‘Get up and eat!’ He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So, he ate and drank and lay down again. Then, the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.’ So, he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel 40 days and 40 nights to the mountain of God.” — 1 Kings

19:5-8

(New Living Translation)

There are three takeaways from Elijah’s story to give us hope. First, when it feels like life is falling apart, don’t isolate yourself. Elijah pulled away from everyone and everything he knew.

We tend to do the same thing. Maybe we think no one will understand, or our friends somehow will think less of us, but Jesus calls us to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Second, don’t obsess over the negative. We are inundated with news reports of violence, political battles and culture wars, because the sensationalized sells advertising. Social media is filled with bullying and “cancel culture,” because the perpetrators face little or no consequences. It is easy to be negative.

Most important, even when you have given up on life, remember that God has not given up on you. God had been with Elijah in every moment and every situation. When Elijah forgot, God didn’t rebuke him. God didn’t preach at him. God didn’t say, “Where’s your faith?” God met Elijah in his need and God provided all that he needed.

God will do the same for you today.

Susannah MacKay is a local JustServe specialist. She grew up in Marietta and loves helping strengthen her community through service! Follow her on Facebook @JustServeGeorgia.

The Rev. Kenny Ott is the lead pastor of Canton First United Methodist Church. He and Cathi and their Labrador retriever, Ben, live in Waleska.

Life at Camellia Place Full of Activity, Purpose

Thegoal at Camellia Place, a senior living community built in a homestyle environment, is to make each resident feel at home, with friends and staff members who care about them.

The emphasis on making each resident feel loved, important and an integral part of life is at the core of the Live WHOLE program, led by Director Chelsey Heinz.

“I am passionate about the residents and their well-being. I aspire to bring purpose to the lives of our residents and create opportunities where they can become involved and engaged in the community,” she said. “I lead programs that encompass the mind, body and soul, to give our residents a meaningful and fulfilling experience.”

Situated on 8 acres, the community resembles a neighborhood of six Southern-style cottages — three devoted to assisted living and three to memory care. Each home has up to 16 residents, who share a living and dining space that opens to a front porch and back patio. The cottages maintain a comfortable, homey feel, with large windows drawing in natural lighting, and gathering spaces. A total of 96 apartments are available for residents living on campus.

The community house, the main hub for programs and events, is an easy stroll from the cottages; the clubhouse has a large gathering room for residents to come together for family events and engaging programs. The design of Live WHOLE promotes community and purpose for all who visit — not just residents.

“Team members, family members and visitors join residents in gatherings on Grandmother’s Park, barbecue cookouts, music, laughter and even some friendly sports team rivalry on football Saturdays,” said Mark Reisman, CEO and founder of Empower Living, which purchased Camellia Place in May 2022. There always is something new and creative to experience, even if it’s just enjoying the simplicity and comfort of a sunset with friends from the front porch.

PHOTOS BY JOYFUL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Residents Bonnie S. and Jay B. enjoy the beautiful weather with employee Gency Roth on a stroll around the neighborhood.

Chelsey helps memory care residents

Active, Meaningful Living

Since Chelsey joined the staff as the Live WHOLE director in December, she has worked diligently to plan meaningful daily programs to help residents avoid isolation, which can lead to a decline in physical and mental health.

“Connectedness is the opposite of isolation. Our Live WHOLE team ensures that, everyday, we address the WHOLE person,” she said. “We get very creative, and communicate with residents, learning about their personal goals and interests.”

If a resident hesitates to participate in group programs, Chelsey makes sure they still can take part somehow. One resident who is an artist was shy about painting in front of others, so Chelsey brought art supplies to her room, where she could continue to enjoy her favorite hobby.

As she serves the residents, Chelsey also spends time networking, and informing local residents and businesses about opportunities to volunteer. Just as she’s trying to bring the community to the residents, she’s working to take them out on adventures, starting with reinstating pre-COVID-19 outings, such as trips to nearby restaurants for lunch.

“The Live WHOLE program is successful because our entire team at Camellia Place is dedicated to bringing the program to life,” she said. “It takes all of us working here to make sure everything happens. We are continually learning from residents and teaching others.”

On a recent visit, Mark said he met a resident who, for the first time since she’s been part of Camellia Place, came out of her room, participating with a smile on her face. The program itself is individualized and, at the same time, addresses the community as a whole.

Mark is part of a team from Empower that has more than 30 years of experience in senior living management. In addition to Mark, Rose Saenz is Empower’s president and chief operating officer,

Live WHOLE Program Director Chelsey Heinz builds a full schedule each month, incorporating residents, family members, community businesses and civic groups. Here are a few examples:

• On April 9, residents and their families enjoyed an Easter family event with children and laughter while searching for eggs and enjoying face painting activities. Residents light up with the life and laughter in the houses!

• National Gardening Day was celebrated on April 14. Residents enjoy gardening activities and watching the results of their work bloom and grow.

• The out-to-lunch bunch is a popular activity for residents.

• Members of the Art Club meet routinely and contribute decorations for special events.

• Every Friday, residents gather for happy hour and enjoy live entertainment

• Everyone was a winner and enjoyed lots of laughs during a riveting game of “The Price Is Right.”

Kiley Webb is on-site as Camellia Place’s executive director, and Kristin Lowery is the community liaison.

“We’re giving (the residents) the tools they need to join the programs, feel confident and be a part of the community. Stimulating your mind is so important,” she said. “We want our residents to constantly gain something, whether it’s happiness, knowledge, a new skill, a new friend. We’re proud of the program that’s unfolding.”

Resident Helen H. paints a canvas with friends during Art Club.

residents make pickles on a sunny afternoon.

Smallest Birds on Earth

Visiting Your Backyard

BY SUE ALLEN

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the tiniest of birds — measuring 3 to 3.5 inches long — with iridescent feathers. Males have a black throat patch, which reflects bright ruby red in the sun and during aerobatic movements. Ruby-throated hummingbirds began migrating to our area in early spring. If your feeder is not already out, now is a great time to place it in your yard.

You don’t have to limit yourself to one feeder — you can put out multiple. Just be certain to keep the feeders filled with fresh nectar. When placing feeder stations, keep them close to plants and away from other bird feeders. Hummingbirds are very territorial.

In conjunction with the hummingbird feeders, there are an array of plants that can provide a habitat, giving hummingbirds shelter, food, shade and security. Plant flowers, shrubs, vines, perennials, biennials and annuals. You want something blooming all season long, to provide the nectar and insects hummingbirds need to maintain energy levels.

Great options include:

• Perennials — bee balm, salvia, columbine, butterfly bush, coral bell, daylilies, hibiscus, cardinal flower, Turks cap hibiscus, red-hot poker, verbena and weigela.

• Biennials — foxgloves and hollyhocks.

• Annuals — four o’clocks, cleomes, impatiens, lantanas and petunias.

• Vines — native honeysuckle, crossvine, scarlet runner-bean, canary creeper and purple passion flower.

Bright, tubular flowers hold the most nectar, as well as attract soft-shelled insects — a bonus feast for our tiny, feathered friends. If you plant in tiers, with plenty of room, the birds can hover from one plant to another. Before you start planting, contact the Cherokee County Extension Office, 770-721-7803, to get the acidity of your soil tested.

A hummingbird’s vision is excellent. Bright colors, such as red, orange and yellow, can be seen from long distances. Once they discover your garden, they will partake in flowers of other colors, as well. To attract hummingbirds to a newly planted garden, hang red ribbons in different locations. Or, just wear red when working in your garden — but, beware, you may get hummed!

If you want to treat your children, grandchildren or yourself, mark your calendar to visit a local garden, such as Smith-Gilbert in Kennesaw, to attend a hummingbird banding event. (Check smithgilbertgardens.com to see when the garden’s banding event will be held.) Local bird supply stores may have information on other banding events and locations.

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

When first attracting hummingbirds, use one part sugar (by volume) to two parts water. Once you have attracted the hummingbirds, switch to a weaker solution — one part sugar to four parts water. Boil the water, add sugar, stir, cool and fill your feeders. Refrigerate the remaining nectar.

Did You Know?

Hummingbirds must eat at least half of their body weight each day to replace the approximate 12,000 calories they burn. This means they need to eat from sunrise to sunset, visiting at least 1,000 flowers every day. As such, it is important to provide hummingbird feeding stations when there are not enough flowers to supplement their daily calorie intake.

Sue

Allen inherited her passion for gardening from her grandmother, who taught her to designate areas of her yard for nature, providing shelter, food and water.

Female ruby-throated hummingbird shown with fruit fly feeder and nectar feeder. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ruscilli.

Hummingbird banders work quickly to record weight, measurements and more. Photo by Sue Allen.

Alan Fowler from Louis Lloyd Golf reached out to me to donate pet food to Rob’s Rescues. He was invited to give a motivational talk to the Woodstock High School boys golf team, and the whole team did a community outreach project — collecting pet food for those in need in our community. The collected food will go to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter for its pet food pantry, and it will be used to help Meals on Wheels seniors in the shelter’s PAWS program, for those who struggle to afford to feed themselves and their pets. If any other teams or companies want to collect pet food for people in need, email robsrescues@gmail.com.

Rob’s Rescues

These animals are at Cobb County Animal Services, waiting for homes.

This dog’s name is Mimi. She is a 9-monthold, medium-sized, white/brown dog. For how young this dog is, she behaved very well on a leash and was very happy. She knows how to sit, and she must have already been trained by a previous owner. She would be a nice dog to have in your family.

This cat’s name is Tico. He is a 4-year-old who was found as a stray. He is a mediumsized cat who is very friendly. He would love for people to spend time with him, and he is looking forward to a loving home.

From left, front row: Eli Southerland, Joshua Tomberg, Brennan Butcher and Dan Comeau. Back row: Dalton Triplett, Alan Fowler (Louis Lloyd Golf), Keeton Nelson, Rob Macmillan, Landon Broaded, Mason Addington, Rackly Ade (team support volunteer), Walker Ade, Mike McGinn and T.H. Marovich.

Rob Macmillan is on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. On Facebook @robsrescues. www.robsrescues.com

School News

Canton-Area Girl Scouts Give Back to Service Members

The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta's Miss Media program recently gave Hickory Flat Elementary fifthgrader Risa Pratish and Dean Rusk Middle sixth-grader Portia Landon the opportunity to make a gesture of gratitude toward the United Service Organizations (USO) and the troops the nonprofit serves. Boxes of Girl Scout cookies were donated to the USO and handed out to soldiers with thank you cards.

The Miss Media program is a unique experience for Girl Scouts that offers hands-on learning in media and journalism. As part of their community outreach, Portia and Risa (pictured) chose to donate cookies to show their appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice of our military members.

Hickory Flat Students Succeed at Science Olympiad

The Hickory Flat Elementary School Science Olympiad team recently placed first in the regional competition, in which 23 Cherokee County School District elementary schools competed at River Ridge High School. The team is made up of Devin Ayral, Brieley Darling, Jules Kennery, Ethan Lawson-Body, Mikayla Lawson-Body, Joseph Lenyszyn, Ethan Lindsey, Max Losner, Ashley Mathew, Logan McCarthy, Jaxson Montgomery, Ava Murray, Holden Oliver, Graham Plousis, Risa Pratish, Devadarshan Ramprabu, Maddie Ruotolo, Max Silverman, Grayson Swenson and Couper West. Coached by teachers Colton Christian, Michelle Kozak and Chris Phillips, they move on to the State Science Olympiad Competition, May 6 at Kennesaw State University.

Roberts and Turnage Win Best Overall Film

Ava Roberts and Lauren Turnage competed in Woodstock Arts’ 48-Hour Film Festival, in which they had 48 hours to write, film and edit a short film. The Sequoyah High School students won Best Overall Film for their submission, “Silent Film.” The festival was open to production teams of all ages, and they were the only student group to win an award. In March, Lauren accepted the award from Woodstock Arts Managing Director Brian Gamel at the inaugural Film Festival Screening and Awards, held at the Woodstock Arts Theatre.

The girls were excited to be able to share a small token of their appreciation, and hope that the cookies and thank you cards brought smiles to the faces of the soldiers who received them. Portia is a Girl Scout Cadette, and Risa, a junior, will bridge to be a cadette this month. For more information, visit www.gsgatl.org and www.uso.org.

Students Win at Georgia Technology Competition

Cherokee County School District students recently earned honors at the annual Georgia Student Technology Competition. The program offers students in grades 3-12 the opportunity to showcase their skills through 16 categories. Four students won first-place in their events: Creekview sophomore Ryan Cartmill for Graphic Design, Etowah juniors Nicholas Knerr for Digital Game Design and Marissa Migneco for Graphic Design, and Indian Knoll fourth-grader Dominic Roppo for Productivity Design. Arnold Mill fourth-grader Dylan Patel secured third place in Mobile Apps.

Woodstock Middle Places at State Science Bowl

After competing in nine rounds against teams from across Georgia, the Woodstock Middle School team finished third overall at the National Science Bowl event in Carrollton. The team is made up of seventh-graders Alessia Colby and Michelle Garcia, and eighth-graders Connor Grieshaber, Grayson Hunter and Devan Parameswaran. Coaches are eighth-grade teachers Rosa Frederick and Brandi Miller.

High Schoolers’ Artwork Selected for Atlanta Exhibit

Six Cherokee County School District student-artists’ works were selected for the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition. They are: Etowah senior Scarleth Cantarero Murillo for “Childhood,” Woodstock freshman Maggie Fielder for “Fallen Leaf,” Sequoyah sophomore Jacey Frye for “The Vibrance of Music,” Creekview senior Connor Vitak for “Blossom and Bloom,” Etowah sophomore Madison Fowler for “My Face” and Creekview senior Gabrielle Palzewicz for “Self-Contemplation.”

More than 800 entries were received from 83 high schools. The main show was displayed April 14-15 at Piedmont Park, and a satellite show was displayed April 2-May 1 at the Limelight Gallery at Binders.

Gabrielle Palzewicz shows off “Self-Contemplation.”

Jacey Frye displays her art, “The Vibrance of Music.”

Connor Vitak’s piece, “Blossom and Bloom.”

Ryan Cartmill Dominic Roppo

The Riders’ Perspectives

“For the last two years, the amazing Speed for Need team has pushed our daughter in the Next Step Ministries 5K. (She) has developmental disabilities, so her ability to participate in events like this is limited. The guys that push her are incredibly patient and make sure all those they push are engaged and having a great experience. It means the world to Christina (aka Tink) and brings joy to us, her parents. Can’t say enough good things about the organization and what it stands for.”

— Angela and Bubba Cooper

“Appreciated the way the Speed for Need volunteers made it possible for Erin to participate in the Next Step Ministries Run, Walk or Roll 5K. Speed for Need made it possible for Erin to be present and experience the satisfaction and accomplishment of completing the 5K event.”

— Tom and Stacy Peters, parents of Erin Peters

“As a Track Commander, Nick beams with enjoyment while spending time with others and riding with the team.”

— Jennifer Heitert, mom of Nicolas “Nick” Medina (an F3 Cherokee member)

Who Pushes

Speed for Need Raises Awareness, Fosters Inclusion

SUBMITTED BY SPEED FOR NEED

The Cherokee County chapter of Speed for Need, a nonprofit that supplies customized racing wheelchairs and a team of trained “pushers,” allows people with special needs to participate in fitness events — experiences they would not be able to have on their own.

Who Can Be a Rider (Track Commander)?

Participation in a Speed for Need event, such as 5Ks, 10Ks or marathons, is available to all those unable to complete a race on their own, regardless of their special need. It could be a 96-year-old who lost his or her mobility or a 7-year-old who was born with a condition. Regardless of the reason, we want to make it happen for them.

Why Does Speed for Need Exist?

The mission of Speed for Need is to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need through participation in local fitness events, supported by the men of F3 Nation (Fitness, Fellowship and Faith — a free men’s workout-fellowship group — https://f3cherokee.com).

In July 2017, Will Farr, a father in North Carolina, along with the men from his local F3 group, raised funds to purchase a specially designed racing wheelchair, so he and his son, Owen, could run a 5K road race together. Everyone involved benefited from the experience and wanted to share their joy with as many others as possible. Today, those involved with Speed for Need have been privileged to run with nearly 300 Track Commanders in 83 races. They also have led or attended more than 30 community events. None of this would be possible without the help of hundreds of volunteers that run, push and cheer on Track Commanders.

Dennis Jones, John Roark and Chris Chapman push Track Commander “Tink.”

Pushes Who? The Drivers’ Perspectives

How Can You Help?

We need Track Commanders. We want to include as many riders that we can find, so they can experience the joy and excitement of participating in events they might have thought were closed to them. We also need volunteers to be trained as “pushers,” to help make up the team for each rider. Finally, we need funds to continue our mission and expand our reach. Your generous donations have allowed our local Speed For Need chapter to purchase six specialized racing wheelchairs, a custom trailer and other equipment. Help us spread our message and reach those in our community who can benefit and experience the joy of participating, as riders or as volunteers.

What Does It Cost?

Nothing. Zilch. Nada. All costs are covered for the Track Commanders through donations of time and money from awesome servant leaders in our community.

Upcoming Events

• Max’s Moon Run 5K, 7:10 p.m. May 5, Suwanee

• Bub’s Run 5K and Fun Run, 7:30 a.m. May 6, Marietta

• Mother’s Day 5K, 8 a.m. May 13, Kennesaw

• Summer Sun Run 5K, 8 a.m. June 10, Kennesaw

• Harvest Hustle 5K, 8 a.m. Sept. 9, Kennesaw

• Run, Walk or Roll 5K, 8 a.m. Oct. 7, Woodstock

• Nightmare on Main Street 5K, 8 a.m. Oct. 28, Kennesaw

• Dream Big 5K, 8 a.m. Nov. 11, Ball Ground

• Holiday Lights of Hope 5K, 6 p.m. Nov. 19, Canton

“Seeing the joy on the Track Commander’s face as they get cheered on by everyone is the best part.”

— Bryan Reynolds

“Serving others actually helps us to work on ourselves. The smiles we receive from the Track Commanders nourish my heart!”

— Troy Ellenburg

“I have had the privilege to push my friend, Eve Mabry, at several 5Ks, thanks to these running wheelchairs. The joy she gets from crossing the finish line is so contagious. I will participate in anything that brings Eve joy, especially where others are cheering her on!”

— Valeria Lobo, ministry director of Thrive Special Needs Ministry at First Baptist Woodstock

“I love being a part of Speed for Need because I can take my joy for running and participating in races and share that with someone who may not be able to on their own. It’s a great feeling to provide a way for them to participate in races.”

— Kevin Pellum

F3 members Zach Taylor and Brandon Nunnaly push Track Commander David.

technology. The media specialists also teach research skills, help students find resources, and keep the students up-todate on the school’s technology. “Media lets me help students use technology to become better readers and writers,” Dutton said.

Encouraging students to use the media center is Dutton’s main goal. She enjoys designing and decorating the book displays, and hopes the media center will inspire Creekview students to read. Dutton and Landford also sponsor the Tome Student Literacy Society, for students who love to read. The Tome Society is a Georgia-based nonprofit, which serves students in grades 2-12 with digital student competitions, a list of new, clean, fun-to-read children’s and young adult books, book club activities and more. www.tomesociety.org.

“We enjoy planning activities that bring students into the media center to create, collaborate and communicate,” Dutton said.

Meet Kimberly Dutton

There’s

a New Face Managing Creekview’s Media Center

BY REECE GRAMLING

Once upon a time, libraries were a place for quiet study and reflection. Now, the media center is a hub of activity for Creekview High School students and staff.

The media center stays busy, with monthly open mic mornings, the weekly Lazy Bear Cafe (Creekview’s coffee shop, run by special-needs

students) and daily study hall. Students can visit in the mornings before school, or with a pass during their lunch period.

At the center of it are the school’s media specialists, Nan Lanford and Kimberly Dutton, who is the newest addition to the staff. Dutton is no stranger to the position; this is her first year at Creekview, but her 12th year as a media specialist.

“I love technology and reading, and I think media lets me combine both of those loves,” Dutton said.

Her job requires her to keep the library in check, while also helping students with the school’s newest

Before becoming a media specialist, Dutton, who graduated from Troy University in Alabama, worked as an English teacher at West Forsyth, teaching mostly gifted students. She made the move to Creekview when the opportunity presented itself. “I was just ready for a change, and I had heard great things,” Dutton said.

Outside of school, Dutton enjoys reading, especially historical fiction, hiking, listening to podcasts and playing with her dog. She also enjoys getting to know the students at Creekview. Drop by the media center to meet her and check out her latest display.

Reece Gramling is a junior at Creekview High School. This is her second year on The Clawprint staff. She is excited to share her articles with the community.

Other Local-Option Sales Taxes: Yes or No?

BY HARRY JOHNSTON

Cherokee County is one of just three counties in Georgia without a local-option sales tax (LOST), or a similar additional 1% sales tax used to drive down property tax rates directly. Yet, property taxes set and controlled by the Cherokee Board of Commissioners (BOC) are the lowest in the metro Atlanta region, and the 28th lowest of all 159 counties in Georgia.

Like all other Georgia counties, we do have a specialpurpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST), used for roads, parks, buildings, equipment and other capital items. And, the Cherokee County School District has an education SPLOST.

However, the county does not have a transportation SPLOST (TSPLOST). I’m not pressing for either a LOST or a TSPLOST. I’m just asking — would you want to implement either one?

Georgia sales tax is 4% statewide. A LOST would push our total sales tax rate up to 7%, like most other counties. If this was implemented, our BOC-controlled property taxes would drop to the fourth lowest in Georgia.

Some people have advocated for us to implement a LOST. It would require voter approval in a referendum. The 2024 election cycle is a once-in-10-years opportunity for such a referendum, because neither the education SPLOST nor the county SPLOST need to be renewed.

An advantage of a LOST is that it causes everyone who spends money in our county to contribute to county operations, not just our residents. Remember that renters pay property taxes indirectly, through their landlords. So, a LOST would save most residents some money. However, I’m afraid they might be disappointed in the amount.

A LOST would cut our county Maintenance & Operation (M&O) tax rate from the current 4.995 mills to about 1.888 mills. The owner of a $400,000 home in unincorporated

Cherokee County, with the minimum $5,000 homestead exemption, would see their county M&O tax drop from $774 to $293. That’s an impressive 62% cut. (City residents also would see some additional savings on their city taxes.) However, the LOST wouldn’t cut the other parts of our tax bills. That same homeowner’s total tax bill, including fire and school tax, currently would be $4,144. The $481 savings off the total bill is a much less impressive 12% cut.

In some ways, a TSPLOST might be more beneficial than a LOST. It could be up to the same 1% additional sales tax, but instead of lowering property taxes, all the money would go to road improvements. If we really want to catch up and keep up on roads, a TSPLOST would do it. Cherokee’s annual road improvement budget is about $30 million. The county’s annual share of a 1% TSPLOST would be about $43 million, allowing us to more than double the road-work budget.

We’ve just completed an update to the county’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. It shows that we probably have enough road funding to meet basic local road needs over the next 30 years. But, we won’t be able to build some helpful projects, and some we need now won’t be funded for 20 years. That’s especially true of needed state highway projects, for which state funding is expected to lag. A TSPLOST would accelerate planned local road projects, add others, and allow us to contribute to state highway projects, in order to get more of those moving.

Harry Johnston is chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. He’s a retired CPA and accounting manager, and a former district commissioner. Email him at hjohnston@cherokeega.com.

Round of A-Paws Recipes That Get a 7

BY JESSICA FORRESTER

When my husband and I started dating in 2017, we shared six family pets — two cats and one dog in each household. Our parents have only three pets total now, but we still love visiting them — and our families, of course! One of my favorite things to do as content editor is trying new dishes for our recipe spreads. I love experimenting in the kitchen and making themed fare, and that’s not exclusive to food for humans.

May is National Pet Month, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade treats? Owners know their pets best, and making their treats ensures control over what ingredients dogs and cats ingest. When making treats for dogs, make sure to never use products (like some peanut butters and yogurts) that contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. The best practice is to research ingredients before you try any recipes; there are great articles on the American Kennel Club and Purina websites about what human foods are and are not safe for dogs and cats. And, if you don’t have pets but love baking, file some of these recipes away as a gift idea for someone who does.

Howl You Doin’ Biscuits

Ingredients

• 2 cups quick oats

• ¾ cup peanut butter (no sweeteners or preservatives)

• ¾ cup chicken or beef bone broth, no salt added

• 1 egg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine ingredients in a large bowl until dough forms. Press into a shallow silicone baking mold. Bake for 25 minutes. Store for up to two weeks in a resealable container.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Dog-tor Away Pupsicles

Ingredients

• 2 small apples

• 1 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt (no sweeteners or preservatives)

• Water

Directions

Cut up apples, removing seeds and cores. Combine with yogurt and a splash of water in a blender. Process until smooth. Add to molds. Freeze until set. Keep frozen, up to two months.

Paws-itively Produce Packed Treats

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweet potatoes, mashed

• ½ cup blueberries

• ½ cup green peas, frozen

• ¼ cup beef or chicken bone broth, no salt added

Directions

Add ingredients to a blender and mix until smooth. Add more broth to thin, as needed. Pour into molds and freeze until set. Keep frozen, up to eight months.

Paws-itively Produce-Packed Treats fully set after 24 hours in the freezer.

Buddy can’t wait to try the Howl You Doin’ Biscuit.

Bone Appetit Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup quick oats (or plain white rice, cooked)

• ½ cup mashed sweet potatoes

• ¼ cup peanut butter (no sweeteners or preservatives)

Directions

Mix ingredients and form into balls. If the dough is too wet, add more quick oats. Refrigerate up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

Pawsome Pet Treats

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast

• 1 cup quick oats

• ¼ cup chicken bone broth, no salt added

• 1 egg

Directions

Boil the chicken breast and shred into small pieces. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine ingredients to form dough. Press into a silicone baking mold. Bake for 20 minutes. Refrigerate treats for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.

Friends Fur-Ever Pupsicles

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (100% peanuts, no sweeteners or preservatives)

• 1 banana (not overripe)

• 2 cups plain, nonfat Greek yogurt (no sweeteners or preservatives)

Directions

Peel and cut up the banana. Add to a blender or food processor with the yogurt and peanut butter. Blend until creamy. If the mixture looks too thick, add water to dilute. Spread into molds or ice cube trays. Freeze until set. Pop out of molds and keep frozen in a resealable bag or storage container, up to two months.

Note: Bone and paw print silicone baking molds are available on Amazon for less than $10.

Tickled Pink Pet Treats

Ingredients

• 6 strawberries

• 4 ounces pure pumpkin (not pie filling)

• 4 ounces chicken bone broth, no salt added

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Directions

Cut off the strawberry stems and add ingredients to a blender. Pour mixture into molds. Freeze until set. Keep frozen, up to six months.

Buddy patiently waits to taste-test the

Tickled Pink Treat.

Above, Friends Fur-Ever and An Apple a Day Pupsicles set quickly, taking only about 2 hours to freeze. Left, Bone Appetit Balls.

Cherokee Photography Club

Congratulations to the winners of the March competition, “From Above or Below”

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North St., Canton. Please contact Kim Bates at 770-617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net for more information.

Monochromatic

First Place: Howard McNeely “Pop the Hood”

Color

First Place: Eillene Kirk “I Spy”

Second Place: Elfie Early “Look Out Below”

Digital Projection

Third: Peter den Boer “Summerville Courthouse”

First Place: Martin Longstaff “Cosmic Leaf”

Reel Community Connection

The Cherokee Film Summit was established by The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), to provide practical instruction, inspiration and community connection for business owners, film professionals and creatives. In March, more than 350 people gathered to connect, celebrate and be inspired by presentations, panels and more at the YANMAR Evo Center in Acworth.

COED is the leading organization for business and film recruitment as well as industry retention and expansion in Cherokee County. To learn more, visit cherokeega.org/film-media.

Cheryl and Chris Price of Stone Impact Media, second and third from left, tell the panel and audience about “These Stones,” a faith-based streaming TV series, filmed across Cherokee County.

Molly Mercer with Jimmie Bullis, left, who was assistant location manager on “Ozark,” and Sheriff Frank Reynolds.

Cherokee Office of Economic Development Project Manager Molly Mercer presents at the fourth annual Cherokee Film Summit.

PHOTOS BY KANNON STUDIOS.

Recap of the 2023 Legislative Session

BY CHARLICE BYRD

The 2023 Georgia General Assembly legislative session came to an end March 29, on day 40. Before we adjourned, the legislature approved House Bill (HB) 19, or the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024) budget.

Effective July 1, the FY 2024 budget is set at a revenue estimate of $32.4 billion, which is $2.2 billion, or 7.4%, more than the FY 2023 budget. More than 50% of this state budget is dedicated toward funding our K-12 and higher education systems. The budget includes 100% tuition coverage for HOPE Scholarship recipients, a $2,000 salary boost for certified teachers and school employees, a $6,000 raise for state troopers and a $4,000 raise for corrections officers.

Notable bills that passed and failed include:

• Senate Bill (SB) 140, barring transgender procedures on minors, passed.

• SB 1, permanently banning state and local governments from discriminating based on COVID-19 vaccination status, passed.

• SB 204, barring school accreditation agencies from considering things other than the quality of the school, passed.

• HB 189, increasing the legal truck weights for agriculture and timber products, passed.

• HB 520, to serve as Part 2 of last year’s HB 1013 — which sought to expand the government and use the resources thereof, along with reforming existing law to address mental illness and substance abuse — failed.

• SB 222, barring private funding of elections, passed.

• HB 48, to make district attorney and county solicitor races nonpartisan, failed.

• HB 200, a bill to enact ranked choice voting, failed.

• SB 133, to establish a uniform process when the Division of Family & Children Services assumes custody of a child in delinquency hearings, passed.

• HB 162, to grant state income tax refunds of $250 per person, $375 per head of household or $500 per married couple filing jointly, passed.

• SB 92, to create an oversight commission for district attorneys and solicitors-general, passed.

Over the next 40 days, Gov. Brian Kemp will sign or veto measures that received final passage during this session. Any bill the governor signs will become law, and any legislation not signed or vetoed within this period also will become law automatically. House bills that did not receive final passage have been sent back to their respective committees, to be eligible for consideration next year.

Rep. Charlice Byrd represents Georgia House District 20. If you have any feedback, call 404-557-2218, email charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov or engage on Facebook.

Artist Spotlight

Sterling Barrett

SUBMITTED BY GREG SHADDIX

Over the past few years, and through hundreds of live performances, Sterling Barrett has been rising steadily in the north Georgia music scene.

Whether performing as front man of his party band, Chess, or delivering heartfelt original songs with country band Georgia Standard, Sterling has become known and loved for his soulful vocals and rock/blues guitar prowess.

Sterling also is the band leader of the Checkers, the house band that performs at MadLife Stage and Studio’s Live Band Karaoke nights (third Tuesdays).

I recently caught up with Sterling to discuss his journey, and to discover what inspires him to pursue a life and career in music.

Keep an eye on Sterling’s social media platforms to find out where and when you can catch one of his upcoming shows (Instagram: @sterlingbarrettacoustic and Facebook: @thebandchess).

What started your musical journey?

My father began teaching me to play the guitar when I was 10. I took some lessons, as well, but not for long. The rest, I picked up by ear or from other musicians. I never actually wanted to sing. But, when I was in high school, I couldn’t find anyone to sing the songs I wanted to play. I started singing them myself and realized quickly that I had my own unique voice.

How has performing in Woodstock influenced your evolution as a musician?

MadLife has been incredibly important to my career! Most of the friends and connections I have made in the business were connected to (the venue) somehow. It feels more like a community than simply a venue.

Which artists are your musical influences?

I am a massive Bruce Springsteen fan. I pull a lot of influence from him when writing songs. Lately, my biggest influences include Turnpike Troubadours, Blaze Foley, Tyler Childers and a ton of classic country singers. All of these groups have a way of relating to normal people that I don’t really see in many other genres.

What songs represent your most influential music?

“Roll on Sun” is a song I wrote when I was working 16-plus-hour days at a company that was less than fair to its employees. I feel like it clearly expresses the feelings that someone in that situation experiences, especially when they feel like they will never escape the cycle.

“Just the Type of Person That I Am” is a song I wrote about my daily life, after I began playing for a living. It touches on the simplicity of the lifestyle, while still acknowledging some of the uncertainties in the industry.

Both songs are on my acoustic EP (extended play), “Songs for Outlaws and Day Drinkers.” Though I have not seen much impact from the releases, I am optimistic about the future and continue to write and record.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Stay humble! Most musicians have something to teach you, even if they don’t play the same genre as you do. You will find the most success if you look at (the industry) as a community, as opposed to a competition. Though there undoubtedly is a need for a competitive mindset, it is far more valuable to be teachable and collaborative.

What advice would you give younger artists?

Start now! I began taking music seriously at age 27, which makes me older than a lot of my contemporaries. While it is never too late to start, you will find that you have to catch up with other artists the later you start. If I could do it over, I would have started right out of school. It takes a lot of time and hard work to succeed, and you will be thankful for the extra years!

What is next on your musical journey?

I (recently began) playing with a country band, Georgia Standard, which I co-front with local favorite Shane Byous. This is a new direction given my work with Chess, which is more rock- and bluesfocused. Be on the lookout for upcoming music from Georgia Standard!

Greg Shaddix is responsible for local artist development and relations at MadLife Stage & Studios, a premier concert venue and restaurant in downtown Woodstock.

PHOTO BY JUST A FAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Welcome Summer at Your Local Library

BY SARAH CHILDERS

The Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) has exciting programs for all ages as staff prepares for the summer. Whether you’re looking for after-school activities or a fun way to escape the heat, SRLS has something for everyone.

Start your month by celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, with a special performance of Chinese classical and folk dancing by the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, May 2 at R. T. Jones Memorial Library. Next, get to know authors in our community at the Local Author Market, May 6 at Woodstock Public Library.

Are you looking for a fun way to express your creativity? Visit Rose Creek Public Library for a Lego Lab on May 13. If you’re interested in discovering more about your ancestors and family history, visit Ball Ground Public Library on May 15 to learn about the genealogy tools available. For more programs this month, view the calendar at www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org.

If you’re looking for a space to hold your next meeting or event, look no further than your local library! You can book a variety of spaces at each of our SRLS libraries. Rooms can be booked as empty spaces, with chairs, or with chairs and tables. To reserve a room, visit

the website and select Community Rooms. Rooms may be requested up to 60 days in advance from the desired use date. Up to three room requests can be submitted at the same time.

Summer is on the horizon, and library staff members are excited to make the most of the warm weather with you. Through SRLS, you can enjoy a storytime at the Woodstock Arts Event Green on May 9, relax with a certified yoga instructor at Yoga at Woodstock Public Library on May 13, and celebrate the end of the school year at the School’s Out Summer Bash at Ball Ground Library on May 26.

No matter the adventure you choose this summer, SRLS is here to help you on your journey. Whether you’re a longtime cardholder, a new cardholder or you haven’t thought about the library until now, it is our privilege to serve you. We’re proud to be your dynamic destination for discovery!

Sarah Childers is the marketing manager of the Sequoyah Regional Library System.

Three children check out Pokemon cards on the first day of Sequoyah-Con at R.T. Jones Memorial Library.

Olivia McKinley, a third-grade student at Boston Elementary, and the oldest daughter of Mark and Pat, always has been drawn to Formula One racing. She watches every race, as well as the post-race interviews, and is a big fan of British driver Lewis Hamilton. She dreams of becoming a Formula One driver one day and spends her spare time karting (go-kart racing) with her younger brother, in preparation. However, Olivia’s dreams have been temporarily sidelined by a rare diagnosis.

Last spring, Olivia began complaining of pain in her right hip area. “When the pain did not subside, I took her to the pediatrician, who took an X-ray and referred us to an orthopedic doctor. We were referred to physical therapy, but despite her constant pain, we were not getting answers,” Pat said. “Her pain was sometimes so severe that it would wake her from her sleep. She began falling behind in school and losing weight. I felt like no one was taking us seriously.”

Pat understands the importance of advocating for your health. “Due to the fact that I suffered for decades with a misdiagnosis — anxiety and panic disorder that resulted in POTS — I have learned firsthand that I must advocate for myself as well as my loved ones. I knew I must seek a second opinion for my daughter.”

“When school was out (last) summer, we had planned a trip to San Diego to visit family. During the trip, Olivia’s pain continued, so I drove her to Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego, with her medical records in hand. They took another X-ray, which now revealed a large round area in her femur bone, exactly where she had indicated all of these months,” Pat said.

Olivia immediately was admitted to the hospital, and surgery was performed the next day to remove the area in her leg for pathology. “My husband, who was home working, booked the first flight to California. It took several days for the pathology reports to come back. When the results came in, we were led into a room, but they didn’t have to say anything. The look in their eyes terrified me. They explained that her pathology reports revealed Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). We finally had our answer, but there were so many questions,” Pat said.

LCH is a rare, cancer-like disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 200,000 children. It happens when too many immature Langerhans cells are produced, causing tumors, damage to tissues, bone and organs.

“The next step was a full body scan, to make sure no other tumors were present. Her body scan revealed a second tumor on her spine. There was no more time to waste. We flew home on July 12, and continued our journey at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where we met our

new oncology team. Olivia immediately needed a port inserted to prepare for six months of chemotherapy and medications,” Pat said.

“Olivia has had to endure chemo for seven weeks, as well as steroids. After that, chemo is necessary every three weeks, with five days of steroids afterwards, as well as antibiotics on the weekend, to prevent illness. This has become our new normal.”

Mark and Pat have three children. Mark works two jobs as a firefighter for two counties, and Pat’s health issues prevent her from working outside the home. When we asked what their family needs, Pat humbly responded: “We have never been a family of means — we are happily modest. My husband works hard to provide, but something like this has been financially devastating for us. Considering the 20% of our insurance along with the spending increases in our daily life (gas, parking, food, wheelchair, child care, medication, etc.), we are struggling. But when your child is sick and suffering, these things never matter.”

Everyday Angels would love to encourage this sweet family as Olivia’s treatment continues. Let us rally behind them, and help them get through these health challenges and the financial consequences. We also ask for prayers for Olivia as she continues treatments.

We cannot wait to one day watch Olivia on Sundays in that Formula One race car.

Olivia with her younger brother, Mark Jr.

15 Postpartum Depression Causes

BY CHEROKEE WOMEN’S HEALTH SPECIALISTS, PC

The birth of a child is a time of joy and excitement. For many new moms, it also can be a time of anxiety, stress and inexplicable sadness. Approximately 70% to 80% of new moms may feel depressed, anxious or even angry a few days after giving birth. However, these feelings usually go away within a week or so without treatment. Having anxiety or depression after giving birth certainly does not make you a “bad mom.”

Postpartum depression (PPD), however, is a serious condition that can develop in the weeks after birth, or even as late as six months or more post-labor. PPD usually requires medical care.

Signs of PPD include:

• Difficulty bonding with your newborn.

• Feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood.

• Withdrawing from your spouse, family members and friends.

• Guilt about your shortcomings as a mother, or feelings of shame and worthlessness.

• Loss of appetite or increased eating habits.

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.

• Fatigue and loss of energy.

• Feeling numb or disconnected from the world around you.

• Inability to enjoy activities you used to love.

• Cloudy thoughts and an inability to concentrate.

• Anxiety and/or panic attacks.

• Mood swings.

• Feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts.

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

• Fear that if you reach out for help, your baby will be taken away.

PPD does not occur because of something a mother does or does not do. While the cause is unknown, it likely results from a combination of physical and emotional factors. After childbirth, the levels of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in a woman’s body quickly drop, which leads to chemical changes in the brain that may trigger mood swings. Sleep deprivation or lack of rest also can lead to body pain and exhaustion, which can trigger PPD. It’s important to know that PPD is temporary and treatable. There is no shame in PPD, so don’t be embarrassed to reach out for help, for the sake of you and your baby. Contact your OB-GYN if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, or become a barrier to living life normally. If you have thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself or your baby, seek immediate assistance or call 911.

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC has seven OB-GYNs and five advanced practice providers, with offices in Canton and Woodstock.

Always Wear Your Life Jacket on Allatoona Stay Safe on the Lake!

BY CHRISTOPHER PURVIS

It’s late spring, and the lake and recreation programs are beginning to heat up. May also is National Boating and Water Safety Month, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers takes water safety very seriously. There were 178 water-related fatalities at Corps projects nationwide in fiscal year 2022. The Life Jackets Worn … Nobody Mourns campaign was created by the Corps to target adults — primarily adult males — and educate the public on the importance of wearing personal floatation devices (PFD).

The Corps’ public recreation fatality statistics between 1998 and 2022 show that 88% of fatalities at its lakes were male. The worst part is that in 89% of the fatalities, the victims were not wearing a life jacket. Additionally, 47% were swimming in undesignated swimming areas. In fiscal year 2022, there were seven water-related fatalities on Allatoona Lake. This included six adults — four males and two females — and one child. Not one was wearing a life jacket.

Allatoona Rangers and volunteers made more than 33,000 water safety contacts with the public last year and expect much the same this year. There are many steps the public can take to stay safe on the lake, including:

• Take a boating safety course.

• Learn to swim.

• Swim with a buddy.

• Swim only in designated areas.

• Wear a life jacket.

The Corps offers several water-safety programs at the lake that are geared toward adults and stress the wearing of life jackets. For the past two years, the Corps has promoted an “I got caught” program, sponsored by the Corps Foundation, which awards beach towels and dry bags to adults who were caught wearing their PFD when not required. Some paddle sports visitors also received a waterproof phone pouch, with a whistle and other safety information, when wearing their life jacket while paddling on the lake. The pouches are provided by the Corps’ National Water Program, as part of a partnership program on Allatoona Lake created by Cherokee County Safe Kids, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Corps.

The Corps also offers 21 Life Jacket Loaner Stations on the lake, and there are numerous other stations provided by partnering agencies and organizations.

Christopher Purvis is lead ranger at Lake Allatoona over partnerships, volunteers and project security. He has been a ranger on Allatoona Lake since 2005.

Stay Afloat! 9 Drowning Warning Signs

BY GREG FONZENO

Drownings usually are very silent events without the noise and splashing seen in movies. There are several reasons for this:

• Drowning people are in a state of panic and usually have trouble breathing, which must take place before speech occurs. Their mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the water’s surface and are not above the surface long enough to exhale, inhale and call out for help.a They exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink again.

• Drowning people cannot wave for help. They instinctively extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface, which permits them to leverage their bodies and lift their mouths out of the water to breathe. People who

are struggling on the surface cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements, such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer or reaching out for rescue equipment.

• Drowning people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, they can only struggle on the surface for 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs.

Look for other signs of drowning when people are in the water:

1. Head is low in the water, mouth at water level.

2. Head is tilted back with mouth open.

3. Eyes appear glassy and empty, unable to focus.

4. Eyes are closed.

5. Not using legs.

6. Hyperventilating or gasping.

7. Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway.

8. Trying to roll over onto the back.

9. Appears to be climbing an invisible ladder.

This doesn’t mean someone who is thrashing and yelling for help isn’t in real trouble. This is a case of aquatic distress. Not always present before the instinctive drowning response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long. Unlike drowning, these victims can assist in their own rescue by grabbing lifelines, reaching for throw rings, etc. If in doubt about whether a person in the water is in trouble, ask them if they’re all right! If they can answer, they probably are. If they return a blank stare, you have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents, children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you need to get to them and find out why.

And always remember life jackets save lives. Wear them!

Greg Fonzeno is the public education officer and commander of the local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Unit (Flotilla 22) at Allatoona Lake.

BY JAIME STONE

National Doughnut Day is annually recognized on the first Friday in June. While many retailers will offer a free doughnut on June 2, here are a couple recipes to help you prepare, if you’re interested in celebrating at home this year.

Doughnuts didn’t start out as preservative-filled food. In World War l, the Salvation Army sent members to Europe to feed and lift up tired, lonely soldiers with (you guessed it) doughnuts! They found it so effective for boosting morale that, in World War II, the Salvation Army again made its way dangerously close to front lines to fight the war against hunger with doughnuts. It is those brave bakers and Salvation Army members that we celebrate by observing National Doughnut Day, so I pledged to honor them with something fresh and scratch-made from my home kitchen.

The easiest way to make doughnuts at home is to use a doughnut-cavity baking pan, available at various retailers. This pan allows you to make a basic cake batter turn out looking like doughnuts! My glazed chocolate doughnut recipe is simple, and will yield a wonderfully moist treat.

My family has been celebrating Doughnut Friday at home since the pandemic began, thus offering baking lessons for my kids and something fun to anticipate! They absolutely love the cake-style doughnuts referenced above, but their favorite is a filled doughnut. It’s a touch more timeintensive, as a yeast-raised dough requires a double rise. However, filled doughnuts have a wonderful, soft texture that won’t deflate, and a nottoo-sweet cream filling that your taste buds will thank you for.

Don’t forget your neighbors, friends and first responders when you bake! It’s a great way to portioncontrol your own household and spread joy through the community. Happy Baking!

Glazed Chocolate Doughnut

• 1½ cups flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup cocoa

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 6 tablespoons melted butter, cooled

• ⅓ cup strong coffee, cooled (to enhance the chocolate)

• ⅓ cup buttermilk (or milk and a splash of vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 large egg

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray your doughnut pan with nonstick spray. Sift or whisk your dry ingredients together in a large bowl — flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, baking powder and soda. In a separate bowl, whisk together coffee, buttermilk, butter, oil, vanilla and egg. Slowly stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Let sit for a minute and stir just a bit more, making sure to scrape the bowl and ensure no dry lumps remain. Do not overmix.

Transfer batter to piping/zip-top bag (cut the corner off when ready to use). Fill each doughnut cavity ¾ of the way up to allow for rising while baking. Bake for 11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into doughnut comes out clean. Cool doughnuts in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove and place on a baking rack to cool. Optional glaze: Mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk and splash of vanilla until smooth. Dip cooled doughnuts halfway into glaze and top as desired with nuts, sprinkles, fruit or enjoy as is!

Buttercream-Filled Doughnuts

• 2½ cups flour, divided in half

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 packet of instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)

• ⅔ cup warm milk (110 degrees)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 egg yolks

• ½ teaspoon vanilla

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar for dusting

• buttercream; recipe follows

In a large mixing bowl (preferably a stand mixer), whisk together sugar, packet of yeast, salt and half the flour. Add milk, yolks, vanilla and 3 tablespoons of butter; mix to just combine. Cover with plastic wrap and leave for 10 minutes at room temperature until bubbles form on the surface. Add remaining flour and mix with a dough hook on medium speed for about 4 minutes until the dough is no longer sticking to the bowl. If the dough continues to be sticky, add ⅛ cup flour at a time until the texture is correct. Cover the bowl again and leave to rise in a warm place for about an hour, until doubled in size.

Dump the dough onto a clean floured surface and roll into a half-inch thick circle. Cut circles using a biscuit/cookie cutter or a glass, getting as many doughnuts out of the first roll as possible. Reroll scraps to complete. Allow the doughnuts to rise again, under a tea towel on a parchment-covered baking sheet at room temperature for 30 minutes, until puffed up.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Remove the towel and bake the doughnuts for about 11 minutes; do not allow them to get brown. Quickly dip the warm doughnuts into powdered sugar to coat.

Make buttercream; add 1 stick of butter and 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar to a mixing bowl; beat until combined. Add 1 tablespoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon salt and beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl, add 2 tablespoons of sour cream and mix until just combined. Fill a piping/zip top bag with buttercream.

Using a small sharp knife, cut a slit into the side of the cooled shells and fill with buttercream; fill until the sides slightly puff out.

Jaime Stone is a New England native, but feels blessed to call Georgia home since 2015. You can find her in the kitchen or garden with a cup of coffee.

This wonderful publication is brought to you by these local businesses. When using our advertisers’ services, please let them know you found out about them from the Around Canton magazine!