From Fighting Fires to Uniting a Community

BY MARGARET MILLER

The Ferguson family long has been associated with progress in Cherokee County.

Charlie Ferguson, the patriarch, was instrumental in starting the first African American volunteer fire station in Georgia, the North Canton Volunteer Fire Department, in the 1970s. His daughter, Frankie Ferguson Shepherd, was principal of a local public school. His son, Tyrone Tony Ferguson, was the first African American fire chief in Cherokee Country. And his wife, Eddie Mae, was there to provide support for her loved ones.

Charlie and Tony have been credited with securing the first fire station for their community, Pea Ridge, in Canton. They were able to have land donated for this project, and the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners provided the funds. Thus, North Canton Volunteer Fire Station came into existence. Charlie served as a volunteer firefighter and as chair of the group for a number of years.

He also was active in various religious, political and social organizations. Among the many honors he received during his lifetime are an honorary associate degree from Reinhardt University and The Liberty Bell Award from the Canton Bar Association.

The volunteer fire station was closed when a new, more modern station was opened in the community, across the street from the old volunteer station. A plaque honoring Charlie is at its entrance.

Tony wanted to memorialize his father, who died in 2012, by converting the volunteer fire station (old Fire Station No. 9) into a local community center. He started the process, but he died in 2019, before it could become a reality. So Shepherd began working with local community authorities to complete the project started by her brother.

Renovations have been completed, and the Charlie Ferguson Community Center ribbon cutting is set for July 25 at 3 p.m. Plans are underway for the center to accommodate meetings and social gatherings, such as family reunions, birthday parties and receptions.

Shepherd and various community representatives serve as the oversight board for the center. She said that the Charlie Ferguson Community Center is the only place of its kind for minorities in Cherokee County.

Dale Alexander Canton Resident Reaches 120,000-plus Georgia Students

In April, 120,000 copies of Dale Alexander’s book were sent, in partnership with the Georgia State Board of Education (SBOE), to the students who make up the state’s class of 2023. “‘The Talk’ (About Money), A Young Adult’s Guide to the One Decision That Changes Everything,” outlines tips to help young adults prepare to manage their finances. A certified financial planner, Dale set out to give back by educating the group of people that needed it most.

“The single greatest ‘life’ decision a young adult will ever make is making 70% their 100%,” Dale said. When they get their first real job, it will be the biggest paycheck they’ve ever gotten. And, instead of spending 100% of that first check, they can make a decision to live on 70%, invest 20% and give away 10%.

Originally from south Georgia, the Canton resident has lived in Cherokee County since 1991. He is married to Kimberly, and they have three adult kids, Sophie, Grant and Davis. Because of his training, Dale knew it was necessary to lay a strong financial foundation by instilling the importance of managing money in his kids. Before writing his book, he not only shared his message with his children, he also shared it with a variety of corporations, conferences, school convocations and media outlets.

It was through giving “the talk” to students across the state that he connected with the Georgia SBOE, which, like those in many other states, is placing an emphasis on financial literacy. Dale’s goal is not only to continue reaching youth in Georgia but also to get his message to the 4 million seniors in U.S. public high schools. If you’re interested in learning more about the book or sharing his message with the young adults in your life, visit www.thetalkaboutmoney.com. There also is a free, 55-minute lesson online.

What should students know about money?

Starting off getting money habits right from your first job check is the most important “life” decision you will make. If we don’t get money right, half of our marriages will be gone, and many of the other half won’t be what they could be due to the weight of money.

How can parents prepare children for a great financial future?

Talk to them about money, and get great resources for them to learn about it. Most importantly, model good money habits.

How did your journey of discussing finances with young people begin?

I was fortunate to fall in love with the study of money, and that led me to talk to my children about it all the time. It’s tragic, but it’s something very few parents do today. One night, my son Grant said, “Dad, you need to tell all of our friends this story.” Over 2019 Christmas break, everyone got together — pizza all over the place! That’s where it all began, and now the story has reached millions.

What can students with part-time jobs do?

Begin a habit of investing in the stock market through mutual funds, and give to something that breaks your heart.

What can adults who didn’t start living on 70% do?

Two things. 1) Every “new” dollar — a raise, bonus, garage sale proceeds, funds becoming available after paying off a car loan, etc. — never take more than half of it from now on. If you can take none of it, put it all aside. You’ll be dependent on less and less of your income. 2) Any money you’re saving, get it invested in the right places — mutual funds, the stock market — so the money is working more efficiently for you.

Why should I give money away?

Life gets a new perspective when you start giving. Giving reminds us that our life is more than about us. It instills hope, as the mind doesn’t allow itself to feel hopeless when it is giving hope.