Canton Family Life 1-23

Have you driven a vehicle with the type of cruise control that automatically causes you to decelerate when going down hills? During my first time utilizing this technology, the car I was driving wasn’t new; in fact, it was only a couple years newer than the one I’d been driving for several years. The updated cruise control held its speed by acceleration without any “thought” to braking or downshifting to slow down. So, the change was welcome — one less decision to have to make in the moment.

After a few speed zones, I became more at ease and allowed the car’s assistance to help me by letting it perform how it was engineered. I didn’t worry so much and just let the cruise control, well, control. Cruise.

This experience led me to think about what is controlling me and the innate surrendering I thought I’d found, yet sometimes still feel I know better. Many decisions are made that I, as an individual, cannot control. Still, I often find myself worrying about those things anyway.

Once we realize (and maybe get humbled enough) how apparent it is that we aren’t in charge, it’s time to lighten up a little, knowing that “all systems are go,” and everything is going to be as it should. We should just keep our eyes forward, focused, and steer in the right direction.

What drives you?

I wish you safe travels on the road ahead and into 2023. May you have much peace and happiness in the new year.

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Cyndi Braun

ART

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER/ PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Jack Tuszynski

Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Zip Cain, Tony Craft, Lisa M. Grisham, Barbara P. Jacoby, Haley Jones, Karen L. Jordan, Tim Morris, Patti Richter, John Rodgers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Shawn Tolan

Family Life Magazines 6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095

Also available online at FamilyLifeMagazines.com

Family Life Magazines have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine that reaches more than 30,000 homes and businesses via digital subscription and direct mail in Canton including Sixes/BridgeMill, Ball Ground, Hickory Flat, Holly Springs, and Waleska.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

© 2022 All rights reserved.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher Emeritus

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Calendar

JANUARY

9-2/8 Ongoing Project Valentine

1-16

Ice Skating at the Mill’s “Rink on the River” — Bring the family out for this fun winter activity! $10 children/$12.50 adults includes skates. Please visit the website for specific times, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

2-14

Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling

The City of Canton recycles Christmas trees. FREE! Drop off live trees without lights or decorations. There will be NO curbside pickup of trees, so please take advantage of this opportunity. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday-Saturday, 7:00am-1:00pm, Canton collection site, 2525 Ridge Road, Canton. CantonGa.gov

Every year, Cherokee Recreation & Parks collects the following Project Valentine donations: lip balm, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, art or music activities, candy (sugar free and regular), and other holiday related items. Donations are made into goody bags and delivered to Empower Cherokee, which is a nonprofit organization that serves the special needs community. Please drop off contributions to The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

11 & 25

Team River Runner Atlanta Kayaking

Pool Session for Veterans — Military veterans can participate in this free white water kayaking instruction session that covers paddle strokes and rolling. Gear is provided if needed. 7:30-9:30pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Canton. 706-974-4832. TeamRiverRunner.org

13 & 27

Parent’s Night Out — Drop off the kids at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids will swim, enjoy a

pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. Tickets $15 early registration or $20 late registration. 5:3010:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

14

AHA First Aid Course — Learn basic first aid skills to help someone in the event of an emergency at this American Heart Association certified First Aid course. FREE (donations accepted, $75 value). 9:00am-1:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

ONGOING

Meetup — This Cherokee County group was established to build a local community for

veterans. Family members are always welcome. 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. MilVetCommunity.com Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — On the first Thursday of each month, military members past or present, spouses, parents and anyone who has the heart to serve our military gather to support each other with the pressures and struggles that come with being part of the military community. 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

14

Wreaths Across America

Wreath Removal and Cleanup Volunteers will remove wreaths that were placed on 12/17. Please meet at the Public Information Center for instructions. A leaf rake and gloves are recommended. No sign-up necessary; all are welcome. 10:00am, Georgia National Cemetery, 101 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton. 770-479-9300. GaNationalCemetery.org

14 Stop the Bleed — Learn advanced first aid skills to help someone stop bleeding in the event of an emergency at this Homeland Security Public course. FREE (donations accepted, $45 value). 1:30-3:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton.770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

28 AHA CPR/ AED Course

Learn the basic lifesaving skills of CPR and how to use an AED to help someone in the event of an emergency at this American Heart Association certified course. FREE (donations accepted, $75 value). 9:00am-1:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton.770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

14Piano Masterclass — Presented by the Cherokee Music Teachers Association, CMTA students chosen by audition will perform and receive coaching by clinician Dr. Joe Chapman of North Georgia University. This event is free and open to the public. 10:00am, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Linda@lokey.net

28

So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience — This live tribute show celebrates one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, Neil Diamond! Tickets are $35-$45. 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

28

Volunteer Trail Clean Up and Maintenance — Help clean and maintain Cherokee County’s beloved parks! For Cherokee Recreation & Parks Association to provide as many tools as possible, please preregister by 1/26. All ages welcome; minors must be accompanied by an adult. 9:00am-12:00pm, Location TBD based on park needs at time of event. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty)

On the first and third Monday of each month, get together with people who fill grandparent roles to connect and encourage one another to bring honor to Christ in grandparenting. Glean fresh ideas and find a confidential place to share experiences with new friends who can relate. 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.

Canton Business Club Meeting — Each Wednesday morning, network with professionals dedicated to serving their community and clients while providing value to local business owners. 8:00am, Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton. Facebook.com (search for “Canton Business Club”)

Service League’s Annual Gala and Benefit for the Children This event includes a buffet dinner, dancing, and raffles. Proceeds benefit the children of Cherokee County and the Children’s Haven. Tickets are $125 per person. Black tie optional. 6:00pm, The Timbers on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 202, Canton. ServiceLeague.net

28

continued on page 8

Car-B-Que at the Flat — On the second Sunday of each month, come out for this cruise-in and car show. Classic and modern rides welcome. 10:00am-2:00pm, Old Country Place, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. Facebook.com/ CarBQueAtTheFlat

Trivia Night — Each Thursday night, gather your dream team and compete for prizes. 7:009:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

Music at Menagerie — On the second Saturday of each month, enjoy an evening under the lights while local musicians share songs and stories. BYOB. FREE! 7:00-9:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

LIBRARY EVENTS

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

CalendarWiz.com/sequoyahreglib

BALL GROUND

435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground 770-735-2025

R.T. JONES

116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090

GOOGLE SUITE HOW-TO:

INTRO TO GOOGLE CALENDAR

January 18, 11:00am, Ball Ground

The library will be having bi-weekly sessions on how to effectively use the tools in the Google Suite. This week’s topic is Google Calendar — learn tips and tricks to maximize your productivity. This is for ages 18+.

PENGUIN MUSIC AND MOVES

January 19, 10:30am, R.T. Jones

Join Miss Kimberly for a penguin edition of Toddler Music and Moves. This program is best for ages 0-4 years. Participants will dance, sing, play games, and much more. Dress like a penguin and get ready to move!

BOARD GAME NIGHT

January 19, 6:00pm, Ball Ground

A variety of board games will be available, so bring your family and friends! This program is for all ages.

FRIENDSHIP BRACELET WORKSHOP

January 26, 4:30pm, R.T. Jones

Stop by the library to learn how to make simple friendship bracelets to hand out to friends new and old this new year. All materials will be provided as well as take-home instructions. No registration is required, but children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

CRAFTERS’ CLUB

January 27, 11:00am, R.T. Jones

Calling crocheters, knitters, embroiderers, and crafters! Bring your current project and work on it alongside other crafters. All are invited to swap tips and socialize.

SNOWFLAKE SALT PAINTING

January 31, 11:00am, Ball Ground

Children are invited to make snowflake salt paintings and learn some fun snow facts while their creations dry. Registration is not required, materials are provided while supplies last, and all children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

continued from page 7

28Georgia Players Guild Presents “The Sounds of Georgia” — Enjoy the rich musical history of Georgia, featuring songs by James Brown, Otis Redding, The Allman Brothers, Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt, The Black Crowes, R.E.M, the B52s, and others. Tickets are $25-$42. 8:30-10:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. GPG.TicketLeap.com/ soundsofgacanton

FEBRUARY

3

Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes — Enjoy a nostalgic look at Hank Williams and his influence on country music. Tickets are $35-$45. 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

3, 4, 5, 10, 11, & 12

Faith County 2, a Night of Culture — In this play, the community theatre of Mineola County will be producing Romeo and Juliet, even though the cast members don’t know their lines, the set isn’t finished, and a dog is barking offstage. Tickets are $18 adults/$15 seniors. 8:00pm Friday and Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday, Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-591-0282. CherokeeTheatre.org

4

National Sweater Day — Take this opportunity to dive into your closet and pull out your favorite cozy sweater. Perhaps it’s one that your granny worked really hard to make! Also, take time to consider the energy (and money) you might save by turning down the heat in your home since your sweater is keeping you warm and toasty.

4

50s Themed Adult Prom — Dress in your 50s best, eat, drink, dance the night away, and vote for your favorite prom queen and king! You must be 21+ to attend. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Haven. Tickets are $100.

7:00-10:00pm, Timbers on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 202, Canton. TheChildrensHaven. NetworkForGood.com

The Importance of Oil in Modern Engines

By Tony Craft

[Home Life] Oil in modern engines is important for lubrication as well as proper operation. Oil has always acted to lubricate the various components and to remove heat and carbon from important areas in the engine. Modern engines have added another function — to act as a hydraulic fluid.

With the advent of variable valve timing and lift as well as cylinder deactivation, manufacturers now use oil as a hydraulic fluid to operate these components. Many modern engines utilize these technologies to improve fuel economy and engine response. Due to this added function, oil viscosity and maintenance has become more important than ever.

Many manufacturers have moved to longer recommended service intervals, but many field experts report that sticking to a high mileage oil change interval, while saving money temporarily, ends up leading to costly repairs.

It is true that newer synthetic oils can last longer than oil in previous generations, but not all synthetic oil is the same, and driving styles, commute conditions, the environment, your vehicle’s filter, among other things all factor into whether your engine’s oil should or can be changed out at longer intervals without leading to long term repairs. The only way to absolutely know if your car’s maintenance interval can be extended is to have the oil tested. Without testing, you’re assuming.

If you’re not testing, the more prudent approach is using a high quality synthetic motor oil with a 5,000 to 6,000 mile service interval. This can greatly extend the service life of a modern engine and help to prevent costly repairs in the future.

3745 Marietta Highway, Canton. 678-919-8122. ChristianBrothersAuto.com

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Tony Craft is a franchise owner at Christian Brothers Automotive.

Canton Selected for Admission Into Georgia Initiative for Community Housing

By Shawn Tolan

Canton

was recently selected to participate in the next cohort for the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH). Chamblee, Montezuma, Villa Rica, and Gwinnett County were also admitted to this three-year program.

GICH helps communities improve quality of life and economic vitality through the development of locally driven housing and revitalization strategies. The program includes technical assistance, collaboration, interaction with expert presenters, training, consensus building, networking, and mentoring. Community housing teams attend two retreats per year with other communities as well as past participants.

The City’s GICH application was led by Ken Patton, Canton’s housing initiatives director. Patton identified the program as one that would help Canton meet future housing needs through thoughtful planning and implementation. As part of the application process, Patton compiled a list of local stakeholders who would partner with the City on this initiative. Canton’s stakeholders include professionals from building, banking, real estate, housing focused nonprofits, housing authority, faith-based organizations, planners, City board members, and others.

The program aims to:

Identify issues and needs, available resources and partners, and potential obstacles that need to be addressed

Develop creative ideas about meeting housing needs and enhancing community development

Learn about best practices from past participants of the program and identify available resources

Produce a GICH-driven community housing plan with goals and objectives

Begin implementation of the action plan

Past participants have undertaken initiatives including:

Target specific distressed neighborhoods for potential revitalization

Redevelop older neighborhoods

Increase code enforcement

Remove abandoned or dilapidated homes

Explore the creation of a Land Bank Authority or Community Land Trust (county and city collaboration required)

Obtain Community Development Block and Community HOME Investment Program grants to fund identified initiatives

Develop a rehabilitation program

Provide housing counseling and down payment assistance

Write and adopt an Urban Redevelopment Plan

Create a Redevelopment Authority

Canton’s residential codes were updated recently. Through the assistance of the GICH community, the City will have an opportunity to reexamine codes to ensure that Canton is in sync with other cities that have successfully graduated from the GICH program.

One of the assessment tools that has been successfully implemented in GICH communities is a “windshield survey” of homes that need repairs and the development of a strategy to make those necessary repairs. Examples of issues that could be identified in a windshield survey might include cracked foundations, broken windows, rotten wood, missing siding, chipped paint, and deteriorated chimneys.

Canton’s GICH team convened for a kickoff meeting in November and is planning to attend its first semiannual retreat in the spring in Cartersville, as the City begins this exciting journey. Stay tuned.

Shawn Tolan is the city councilman for Ward 2. 110 Academy Street, Canton. Shawn.Tolan@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov

Cherokee County Wins Prestigious Financial Award

Cherokee County is now a Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) Triple Crown Winner. This designation recognizes governments who have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year.Cherokee County earned the prestigious designation for the 2020 fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2019Sept. 30, 2020).

The county Finance Department provides financial reporting, advice, and performance measurement to manage Cherokee County’s financial resources while facilitating the cost-effective funding of agencies, departments, and elected officials. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Marquis said the recognition is reflective of the staff’s time, effort, and knowledge in managing county finances.

Cherokee County School District Announcements

• Two CCSD Leaders Named Region Athletic Directors of the Year

Jeremy Adams, athletic director and a Cherokee HS assistant principal, was selected as the Region 5-7A Athletic Director of the Year, and David Dyer, athletic director and a River Ridge HS assistant principal, was named Region 6-6A Athletic Director of the Year. Both are in the running for the state title in their divisions, which will be announced at the 2023 Georgia Athletic Directors Association State Conference in March.

• Physical Education Teacher Wins Top State Honor

In November, Amy Aenchbacher, a CCSD adaptive PE specialist, was presented with the Georgia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (GAHPERD) Kim Thompson Honor Award. The highest honor bestowed by the Association, this award is presented when a member’s contributions have been “exemplary, sustaining, and far-reaching.” Recipients additionally must be considered by their colleagues as a positive role model and have held leadership positions in the association, presented at state conferences, and/or been published in state publications.

• Cherokee HS Principal Receives Game Changer Award Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower presented the 2022 Game Changer Award for Instructional Leadership to Cherokee HS Principal Rodney Larrotta.

“When you talk about leadership, when you talk about this leader, you think passion, you think care,” Dr. Hightower said as he revealed Principal Larrotta as the winner by describing his character. “You think accountability balanced with grace. You think vision and being able to get into the weeds and work on the details. Rodney has done everything we’ve asked him to do and so much more. I’ve been amazed by the type of person he is.”

• Sequoyah HS’s Performance in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Sequoyah HS Band of Chiefs has traveled extensively, including New York City, Washington D.C., and Orlando, Florida. On Thanksgiving, the band performed at the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago, Illinois.

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Jeremy Adams

Jimmy Marquis

David Dyer

Cherokee’s Brantley Day Selected for National Task Force

Community Development Agency Director Brantley E. Day has been appointed to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Housing Task Force, comprised of 30 county leaders from across the United States. Day is the sole representative from Georgia.

The Housing Task Force will explore intergovernmental partnerships that support housing solutions among federal, state, and local officials, along with private, nonprofit, and homeownership and rental partners. Group members will also examine comprehensive solutions to address the complex conditions that undermine workforce housing availability including supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, land costs, institutional investors, and government regulations.

The Task Force will host in-person and virtual meetings, as well as produce original research, to examine the role of county governments in providing residents with more housing, greater variety of housing, and better housing affordability and value.

Day joined Cherokee County as the Community Development director in October 2021. He has more than 20 years of municipal planning and community development management experience including with the cities of Woodstock, Holly Springs, and Riverdale, as well as the Cumberland Community Improvement District.

Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Offers Scholarships

The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture is offering $70,000 in scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences, or a related field.

Visit GaFoundationAg.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for all available scholarships, applications, and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1, 2023. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application. Scholarship recipients will be announced in the spring.

Additionally, Cherokee County Farm Bureau will award two Cheyenne Heard College Scholarships of $1,000 each to two seniors in Cherokee County who are pursuing a degree in agriculture. Each student who applies will receive a check for $50. Please email Shirley Pahl at SFPahl@gfbco.org for more information about these scholarships.

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Wins Outstanding Program Award

The Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) presented Cherokee Recreation & Parks with the Outstanding Program Award for its Cherokee Youth Basketball program. The award highlights the steps the agency has taken to grow the program from its inaugural season in 2011 to a program that now boasts 556 teams with over 4,000 basketball players playing annually from October to March.

“The athletics division of Cherokee Recreation & Parks has worked hard over the past 10 years to build and provide the residents of Cherokee County with an exceptional youth basketball program,” said Cherokee Recreation & Parks Director Jay Worley. “The participation numbers are an indicator of our success, but the real achievements lie in the individual life lessons experienced by the players, coaches, and all those involved with the program.”

Cherokee Youth Basketball is a recreational basketball league open to county youth from kindergarten through 12th grade. Through partnerships with the Cherokee County School District, K-5th grade students play on teams representing their elementary school, while middle and high school students play on teams representing the high school in which the student is districted or currently attending. Teams are provided a space and time at their local school for practice and games. Each player is given a complete uniform along with an eight-game regular season schedule beginning the first weekend in December.

Additional information and program details for Cherokee Youth Basketball can be found at PlayCherokee.org.

City of Canton News



Funding for New Pedestrian Bridge

Mayor Bill Grant recently accepted a check from the Appalachian Regional Commission for $607,148 that was awarded to the City of Canton to construct a pedestrian access bridge over the Etowah River, bisecting the city.



Abeyance for Residential Public Hearing Applications

In November, the City of Canton entered into a 12-month period of abeyance for public hearing applications related to residential projects.

The term “abeyance” refers to a suspension of a process. In this case, the City staff will not accept applications for public hearings that occur as a course of development of residential projects that include annexations, rezonings, conditional use permits, master plan amendments, or zoning condition amendments. The City accepts applications for the three-month public hearing process on the first business day of each month. Applications that had already been filed with the City prior to the abeyance will continue through the public hearing process.



Manufacturing Facility Coming to Canton

Becker Robotic Equipment, a global cable and robotic machinery manufacturer specializing in individualized robotic equipment, is set to build a new manufacturing facility to house its North American headquarters in the city of Canton. The new facility will deliver more than $30 million in investment and create 137 new jobs in Cherokee County.

 Public Art Master Plan Community Survey

The Canton Public Art Master Plan will help integrate and unite the city through defining and projecting values and unique qualities to the immediate region and beyond.

“The City is quickly moving through items identified in our award-winning Roadmap for Success, and this period of pause will allow the council, staff, and residents the opportunity to review data points to determine our desired growth and development patterns in the coming years,” stated Mayor Bill Grant. “Working in step through this process of transparent discussion about development, land use, and infrastructure is exactly what we agreed to do in the second phase of projects and programs in our Roadmap.”

The plan will create a roadmap for how the City of Canton begins to activate communities to implement and enjoy public art while also celebrating Canton’s spirit and artistic expressions. Anyone who lives, works, or invests in Canton is encouraged to be involved in shaping the Public Art Master Plan. Here’s how to share your vision for public art:

• Take the Public Art Plan survey and share your vision for the future at SurveyMonkey.com/r/7N6KYNL. • Email Kristin Norton Green, project team member and theatre events and facilities director, at Kristin.Green@cantonga.gov.

A Better View

By Patti Richter

Cervical. Thoracic. Lumbar. These words we learned in biology class might return to bite us in the back someday. In fact, back pain is one of the most common causes of emergency room visits. Dr. Chris Meiners is a local chiropractor who established his practice, Canton Wellness Center, 27 years ago. He says this problem averages 2.6 million ER visits annually in the U.S. alone.

“Those with neck, back, and other pain issues should consider a different approach to healing,” says Dr. Meiners. “We compare our patients’ spines to a normal spine curvature and correct it through adjustments, traction, and exercise. Symptoms disappear when the spine curvature is corrected — not only neck and back pain but headaches, migraines, fatigue, and pain that runs down the arms or legs.”

Not all chiropractic treatment is the same, according to Dr. Meiners, who explains, “Our combined skill and expertise span the entire chiropractic wellness spectrum. We’re unique — even compared to other chiropractors. We take before and after X-rays to prove the corrections, and we establish traction and exercise protocols for each patient.”

A Better View — Chiropractic BioPhysics

The main difference in treatment provided at Canton Wellness Center can be summed up in two words: Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP). Dr. Meiners and his staff are trained in CBP, which compares normal to abnormal spine curvature.

“The side view is more important based on 2010 CBP research that changed my methodology,” he says.

Subluxation of the spine is a silent killer, according to Dr. Meiners. It means there’s a gradual shift from normal, which blocks energy to organs, causing them to weaken and degenerate.

“The rest of the spine then compensates by shifting, which affects posture and causes back and neck pain due to inflammation,” he explains. “Then you know something is wrong.”

While chiropractic in general is not research based, Dr. Meiners says CBP is a highly advanced, scientific, and proven chiropractic technique that restores the spine to correct alignment. It combines biology, physiology, physics, geometry, and anatomy to identify root causes of pain, discomfort, loss of mobility, and altered health.

“Every part of you depends on brain function, which sends out messages through the spine,” he says. “We work with the spine like

Dr. Chris Meiners performs traction therapy on one of his patients.

a cardiologist works with the heart. Having correct posture protects the spinal cord and relates to overall health.”

Like Wearing Braces

After receiving an explanation of the unique practice at Canton Wellness Center, patients view an image of a normal spine — both the back view and the more important side view.

Dr. Meiners explains that a straight, misaligned neck decreases blood flow. Postural distortions can cause numbness, pain, headaches, and loss of strength in hands.

While most people come to Canton Wellness as a result of pain, the doctor says having no pain doesn’t necessarily mean good health. Instead of focusing primarily on a patient’s pain, Dr. Meiners is more concerned about a patient’s energy, health and sickness levels, headaches, and migraines.

“These all relate to spine and spinal cord issues,” Dr. Meiners says. “Main culprits are trauma due to a car crash, contact sport, or other activity-related injuries. Resulting

ligament tears do not heal, and they leave behind scar tissue. But, again, with our treatment, the symptoms will disappear when the patient’s spine is realigned to the normal curvature.”

At Canton Wellness Center, patients receive rehabilitation in the gym-like setting, with equipment that gradually restores the spine to correct alignment. The adjustments break up adhesions from scar tissue around damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

“It’s like wearing braces,” says Dr. Meiners. “And most of our patients rehab to achieve 90% of normal within three months.”

One patient, Jason, shares a testimonial of his rehab experience:

I’ve always been highly active and have perpetually suffered from chronic muscle soreness, aches, acute back pain, inflammation….My pain relief was always temporary until I started going to Canton Wellness Center. Dr. Meiners’ unique approach of combining traditional chiropractic techniques while adopting innovative ligament and muscle development movements with cutting-

edge technology has unequivocally delivered the most effective results. Addressing the core issues affecting my spinal health has significantly increased my quality of life!

Canton Wellness Center also treats children with pain from sports or other issues.

Dr. Meiners continually educates himself through post-doctoral seminars and training including sports injury diagnosis and management by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.

The whole-person approach at Canton Wellness Center includes looking for underlying causes that might be related to symptoms and having patients make lifestyle adjustments that will optimize physical function. The staff further promotes lifestyle and dietary changes as keys to long-term health.

Canton Wellness Center

1558 Marietta Highway, Suite 100 Canton, GA 30114 770-720-4090

CantonWellness.com

Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

(L-R) Melisa Mejia, chiropractic assistant; Dr. Chris Meiners, chiropractor; Ingrid Meiners, life coach/massage therapist; Kayla Jordan, office manager

Ball Ground Is Rolling Into New Beginnings

By Karen L. Jordan

TheCity of Ball Ground accomplished much last year, and we look forward to new beginnings and continued progress in 2023.

The work of past elected officials is what has drawn so many to now call Ball Ground “home.” On many of the city’s large green pastures sit beautiful new homes, which is bittersweet for some lifelong residents. But those who are not a fan of growth must realize that without it, Ball Ground would be dead on the vine.

Growth has brought new life to Ball Ground. Downtown buildings that were once vacant are now filled with thriving businesses. It does the heart good to walk down the streets and see restaurants full of families enjoying dinner at a restaurant, dessert at the local ice cream shop, or a warm beverage at the coffee house.

Whether you are an avid runner or out for a leisurely walk, the city’s parks and walking trails provide just the right spot. The Ball Ground Botanical Garden is a favorite for photographers. On any given day, you can find families, wedding parties, and other groups posing for special pictures.

In 2022, Ball Ground welcomed three new councilmembers. Vicki Benefield, a six-year resident, was elected to fill the seat held by Frank Homiller. Dennis Nelson, a three-year resident, was elected to fill the seat held by Mickey O’Malley, and Kristine Rogers, a 15-year resident, was elected to fill the seat

held by John Byrd. Mayor Rick Roberts, a lifelong resident, ran unopposed and retained his seat.

On January 12, Ball Ground will welcome two new city councilmembers. Scott Barnes, a 21-year resident, was elected to fill the seat held by Andrenia Stoner, and Annette Homiller, a one-year resident, was elected to the seat held by Lee Prettyman. Vicki Benefield was reelected without opposition. For the first time since 2010, Ball Ground has a new five-member council except for Mayor Roberts. He has held the office of mayor since 1996, when Calvin Hill resigned to move outside the city.

Under the leadership of Mayor Roberts and the previous administration, many projects identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan have been accomplished. Two additional construction projects, a roundabout at the intersection of Howell Bridge Road and Highway 5 and a bypass to elevate the truck traffic out of downtown, will soon become reality.

It’s true that the wheels of progress turn slowly. If not for the forward thinking, planning, and patience of previous elected officials, Ball Ground would not be what it is today. No doubt the new administration will continue the efforts to make our city the best place to live, work, and play.

Scott Barnes, Newly Elected Official

Annette Homiller, Newly Elected Official

Karen Jordan is the city clerk for Ball Ground. 215 Valley Street, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. CityOfBallGround.com

City Council (L-R) Lee Prettyman, Kristine Rogers, Mayor Rick Roberts, Dennis Nelson, Andrenia Stoner, and Vicki Benefield. Prettyman and Stoner are outgoing council members. Prettyman has served 18 years on the Council, and Stoner 24 years.

A Prayer for the New Year

By Minister Zip Cain

[InGoodFaith] Heavenly Father, thank you for making all things new. Thank you for being in our lives every day of 2022, through the good things that brought us joy, and even the rocky moments that were difficult to endure. I ask that you forgive us for the times we worked so hard to do things on our own last year without asking you for the wisdom and power to accomplish them. And forgive us for the times we allowed fear to seep into our hearts, allowed pride to hinder us from growth, and for any selfishness that robbed you of the gifts you gave us.

As we enter 2023, I pray that each of us are reminded of just how much we need and rely on you every single day. This prayer is that others would be drawn to you by how we serve, how we give, and most importantly — how we love those you place in our paths. I ask that you guide our decisions, guide our words, open doors needing to be opened, and close the ones that need to be shut. I pray for protection over families and friends that only you can provide. I ask that you keep our eyes fixed on you and not be distracted by the things of this world.

Keep your words planted firm within our heart’s Lord, help us stay focused on what is right, and give us the power to be obedient to your word. When Satan tries to remind us of where we have been, may we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, as you remind us of just how much you love us by what Jesus did for each of us on the cross.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come,” (2 Corinthians 5:17). L

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Zip Cain is the missions minister at Revolution Church, 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton. 770-345-2737. Revolution.church

Best Medical Practitioner/ Family Medicine/Internal Medicine

Wellstar Family Medicine at Edgewater 770-479-8040 Wellstar.org

Best Medical Specialist

Marietta Dermatology & The Skin Cancer Center – Canton 770-422-1013 / 770-479-7711 MariettaDerm.com

Best Pediatrician (tie)

Children’s at Cherokee Sports Medicine 404-785-8660

CHOA.org/locations/childrens-atcherokee-sports-med

Wellstar Cherokee Health Park 470-267-0025 Wellstar.org

Best OBGYN

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC 770-720-7733

CherokeeWomensHealth.com

Best Orthopedist

Pinnacle Orthopaedics 770-345-5717

Pinnacle-Ortho.com/canton-office

Best Plastic Surgeon

Marietta Plastic Surgery – Woodstock 678-494-2380

MariettaPlasticSurgery.com

Congratulations 2023 AWARD WINNERS

All winners will receive an award certificate and a window cling to display proudly. In addition, the contact information for each winning business will be promoted as a Best of Life winner at FamilyLifeMagazines.com.

Best Dermatologist

Marietta Dermatology & The Skin Cancer Center – Canton 770-422-1013 / 770-479-7711 MariettaDerm.com

Best Podiatrist

Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute – Sports Medicine – Canton 770-517-6636

Northside.com/locations/northside-hospitalsports-medicine-network-canton

Best ENT

Northwest ENT and Allergy Center 770-427-0368 NW-ENT.com/locations/canton

Best Eye Care

Thomas Eye Group – Woodstock 770-928-4544 ThomasEye.com/woodstock.htm

Best Dentistry

Swords & Phelps Dentistry 770-479-3713

SwordsPhelpsDentistry.com

Best Orthodontist

Kragor Orthodontics

770-485-8827

KragorOrtho.com

Best Pediatric Dentistry

Cherokee Children’s Dentistry 770-626-4407

CherokeeChildrensDentistry.com

Best Chiropractor

DT Chiropractic – Canton 770-580-0123

DTChiropractic.com

Best Therapy (OT, PT, Music)

In Harmony Pediatric Therapy 770-687-2542

InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

Best Adult Day Care

Empower Cherokee 770-345-5821

EmpowerCherokee.org

Best Senior/ Adult Living

The Arbor at BridgeMill 770-809-6761

ArborCompany.com/ locations/georgia/ canton-bridgemill

Best Health Food and Herb Store

Canton Nutrition 770-224-9074

Facebook.com/cantonnutrition1

Best Veterinarian

Cherokee Animal Hospital 770-479-6505

CherokeeAnimalHospital.com

Best Pet Care

Savy Paws Pet Resort 770-704-6433 SavyPaws.com

Best Attorney

Flint, Connolly & Walker, LLP 770-720-4411

FCWLawFirm.com

Best Financial Institute

LGE Community Credit Union – Canton 770-424-0060

LGECCU.org

Best Financial Planner

Griffith & Werner, Inc. 678-901-4167

Griffith-Werner.com

Best Insurance Agency

Providence Insurance – Josh Bagby 770-824-8000

ProvidenceProtects.com

Best Networking Group

Cherokee Chamber of Commerce 770-345-0400

CherokeeChamber.com

Best Realtor

ERA Sunrise Realty – Canton 770-720-1515

ERA.com/era-sunrise-realty-549c/ canton-office-20535d

Best Travel Agent

Marvelous Mouse Travels

Katie Taylor 704-746-1924

MarvelousMouseTravels.com/ team-member/katiet

Best Auto Care

Killian Automotive 770-345-5873

KilliansAuto.com

Best Car Wash

Mr. Clean Car Wash – Canton 470-310-3454

MrCleanCarWash.com/ canton-riverstone-parkway

Best Day Care/Preschool

Primrose School of Sixes Road 770-479-9500

PrimroseSchools.com/schools/sixes-road

Best Private School

The King’s Academy 770-592-5464 TheKingsAcademy.org

Best Tutoring

Canton Homeschool Resources 678-283-7795

CantonHomeschoolResources.com

Best Music/Art Studio

Donley’s Music 678-880-8783 DonleysMusic.com

Best

Dance Studio

Hickory Flat Dance Academy 770-704-7091 HickoryFlatDance.com

Best Gymnastics Center

360 Tumble and Gymnastics 770-704-1750 360Tumble.com

Best Martial Arts Center

Canton Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 678-880-2594 CantonBJJ.com

Best Fitness/Health Club

One Life Fitness 678-752-1400

OneLifeFitness.com/gyms/ atlanta-holly-springs

Best Cleaning Service

Image Maids

Canton 770-627-4670

ImageMaids.com

Best Remodeling/Handyman

Three Brothers Painting 770-928-3667

ThreeBrothersPainting.com

Best Interior Design

Southern Oak Provisions 678-454-2420

SouthernOakProvisions.com

Serving

404-735-0413

Facebook.com/PremierOS1

Best Nursery

Twin Branch Nursery and Landscape 770-926-8566

TwinBranch.com

Best Painting

Five Star Painting and Remodeling 404-969-4602

FiveStarPainting.com

Best Flooring

Cherokee Floor Covering 770-926-7500

CherokeeFloorCovering.com

Best Plumber

Heritage Plumbing 770-735-3855

HeritagePlumbingInc.com

Best Electrician

ServiceWise Electric 404-704-4903

ServiceWiseElectrical.com

Best Heating and Air

Green Heating & Cooling, Inc. 770-479-2844

GreenHeatingAndCooling.com

Best Pest Control

Daniel & Lawson

Pest Control

Ball Ground 470-863-1454

GeorgiaPestControl.com

Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Best Live Entertainment

MadLife Stage & Studios 678-384-2363

MadLifeStageAndStudios.com

Best Bakery/Dessert

Alpine Bakery 404-410-1400

AlpineBakeryAndTrattoria.com

Best Ice Cream/Yogurt

A Cone to Pick 770-274-4695

ConeToPick.com

Best Breakfast Keithsburg Cafe 770-479-0405

Facebook.com/keithsburgcafecanton

Best Italian/ Pizza Restaurant

Perrotta’s Pizza 470-380-2500

PerrottasPizza.com

Best BBQ

Williamson Bros. Bar.B.Q – Canton 770-345-9067

WilliamsonBros.com/location/ williamson-bros-canton

Best Burger

Ball Ground Burger Bus 678-454-2422

Facebook.com/ BGBurgerBus

Best Asian Restaurant

Volcano House Chinese & Thai 770-720-0100

VolcanoHouseCanton.com

Best Mexican Restaurant

Las Palmas BridgeMill 770-479-4099

EatLasPalmas.com/ bridge-mill

Best American Restaurant

Riverstone Corner Bistro 770-704-7325

RCBCanton.com

Best Fine Dining

J Michael’s Prime Steaks & Seafood 770-213-4058

JMichaelsPrime.com

Best Catering

Paula’s Zzerts Catering & Natural Baked Goods 954-226-9498

PaulasZzerts.com

Best Wines and Spirits

Reformation Brewery – Canton 678-341-0828

Canton.ReformationBrewery.com

Best Community Event

RiverFest

President@serviceleague.net ServiceLeague.net/fundraisers/riverfest

Best Nail Salon

Lush Nail Bar 770-213-7093

LushNailBarCanton.com

Best Day Spa/Massage

Holly Springs Chiropractic & Massage 678-880-6616

ChiropractorCantonGa.com

Best Jeweler

Indulgence Fine Jewelry 770-479-4834

IndulgenceJewelry.com

Best Boutique/Gift Shop

Three Sisters Gifts & Home Accents 256-906-1446 GiftShopCanton.com

Best Furniture/Home Decor

Southernite Interiors 678-880-6357

SoutherniteInteriors.com

Best Season Fall

Best Hair Salon

Jyl Craven Hair Design

770-345-9411

JylCraven.com

Congratulations to Brittany Stetson, a valued Family Life reader, who was selected from thousands of entries in this year’s Best of Life voter drawing. She received a $100 gift card.

BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

Kim Harrison

Clark Creek ES STEM Academy teacher Kim Harrison worked in the corporate world for 15 years. She longed for a new experience that would be “personal, creative, and impactful.” Inspired by the idea that teaching would afford her all that and more, she made the switch 17 years ago to great success.

“After a 15-year career in corporate America, I was looking for something that was more personally fulfilling. I always felt a calling to teach and, after the birth of my son, it felt like the right time to take the leap,” she said. “Best decision ever!”

Selected as her school’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, Harrison leads its AIM program for gifted students. She also serves as co-leader of the student morning news crew, the math competition club, schoolwide quarterly creative challenges, and the school’s core STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) committee.

As a leader in the school’s STEM programming, Harrison focuses her AIM lessons on the “4 Cs” crucial to STEM learning success: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.

“Everything we do centers around these 21st century skills,” she said. “When we connect these skills to what we’re doing in school, students begin to understand why they come to school and why they should demonstrate their best when they are here.”

One of her favorite lessons partnered her thirdand fifth-grade students up with Clark Creek

special needs students and the Etowah HS football team. They worked together to raise money for, design, and install a sensory sidewalk at Clark Creek.

The third graders and the football team raised $3,000 for the project through lemonade stands. The football players at Etowah, which is the high school Clark Creek students attend when older, helped the third graders design a business plan, build the stands, and staff them to serve Clark Creek’s 1,200 students. They raised the funds through sales and corporate partner donations.

The fifth graders then used the funds to design and paint the sensory sidewalk in collaboration with special needs students who would benefit from its use. The AIM students are working on additional sensory projects this school year.

“Hands down, I love being a witness to the growth and development of my students. As a homeroom teacher, I was so proud to look back at the end of the year and marvel at how much my students had changed,” she said. “Now, my job as the lead gifted specialist allows me to witness that over many years, which is even more miraculous.”

“Have high expectations for behavior and learning and hold students accountable,” Harrison said. “Be an active collaborator with the teachers your child spends time with. Assume that everyone is operating in the best interest of your child. Raising children is challenging; if we present a united front, only great things will happen for kids.”

What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school?

Barbara P. Jacoby is the chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District. 770-704-4228. CherokeeK12.net

Public Safety

Don’t Get Burned

Follow These Tips To Prevent House Fires

By Lisa M. Grisham, CPSTI

Cherokee County continues to experience a substantial number of structure fires.

From January-October 2022, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) responded to 71 structure fires, which does not include the seasonal fires that usually occur during the winter months. Some of the causes were smoking, incorrect disposal of fireplace ashes, electrical failure, and unattended candles or space heaters.

Nationally, the 346,800 structure fires that occur each year cause an average of 2,620 civilian deaths and $7.3 billion in direct property damage according to National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

What is going on?

Unfortunately, the answers are not simple. For instance, homes are much less regulated than other structures. Open floor plans and flammable materials allow fire to spread faster than ever before. Furniture is made of synthetic materials that not only burns faster but also creates gasses that can be poisonous to humans. When combined, these issues create a situation where we have only two minutes to escape a fire as compared to eight minutes years ago. We need to understand how these fires happen and how they can be prevented or mitigated.

“Fire prevention should be a priority for all families, and practicing a home escape plan is an important step to make sure all family members know what to do in this situation,” said Chief Eddie Robinson.

NFPA says that of the 8% of home fires that started in the bedroom and the 3% that started in the living room, each caused 25% of the home fire deaths. Approximately 35% of those resulted from smoking. Having working smoke alarms can provide valuable escape time. Three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires where either NO smoke alarm was present, or at least one was present but not functioning.

What can you do?

Check your smoke alarm batteries regularly. Even hard-wired alarms have backup batteries. The batteries should be replaced once a year, and the smoke alarm itself should be replaced every 10 years. When replacing your smoke alarms, look for the 10-year lithium battery version. This alleviates the need for changing the battery every year.

Although we’ve made progress since 1980 (home fires are roughly half of what they were), the death rate has increased by 2%.

“This is a reminder that most fires are preventable, and we can each make a difference in our own homes and for the community by being alert and practicing prevention efforts,” says Chief Robinson.

Stay alert, practice home escape plans, check your smoke alarms, practice good cooking habits, don’t smoke in bed, unplug unused appliances, and don’t overload circuits. These are a few simple things you can do to help Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services prevent disaster and save lives.

For more information, call 678-493-6290 or visit CheorkeeCountyFire.org.

County. 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 678-493-6296. CherokeeCountyFire.org

Lisa M. Grisham is the senior fire safety educator for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services and the coordinator for Safe Kids Cherokee

Important Skills and Tasks All Older Adults Need To Know

By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] One day when I stopped to fill my truck up with gas, I heard a sweet but confused voice ask me if I would help her figure out how to fill up her car. She looked to be 65-70 years old and was driving a nice SUV. She told me that her husband had recently died, and he had always filled up their vehicles, so she never learned how to do it.

This nice lady didn’t know where to put her card in or which gas she needed to use. I helped her with everything and took the time to teach her as I went. She was so thankful but also embarrassed, and I told her she’d be surprised how many widows have experiences like this.

For 11 years, I cared for an elderly aunt who had lost her husband. I quickly found

out my uncle must have done everything for her because she didn’t even know how to pay a bill or deposit checks in the bank. She waited two years after my uncle passed before she asked for help.

The first day I arrived at my aunt’s home, I saw stacks of mail with rubber bands wrapped around them. I first thought that she must like to collect junk mail but soon found out they were bills and tax notices. She had not paid anything in all that time. It took me a week to sort everything out, make phone calls, and get everything caught up.

There are many seniors like the lady I helped at the gas station and my aunt who rely on others to take care of day-to-day responsibilities, and when the person they depend on dies, they are lost. My advice

to elderly couples: Please make sure you both know how to do important life tasks like paying bills, making deposits or withdrawals from the bank, pumping gas, etc. If something happens to one of you, you will want your surviving spouse to be able to take care of him/herself without having to ask complete strangers for help. L

Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438.

CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

JANUARY IS National Clean Up Your Computer Month

By Haley Jones

Nowadays, computers are much like humans, with similar needs and functions. Much like a human needs food to operate, a computer needs a charge to run. Just as humans can dirty and bruise their exterior skin, so can computers. Although it may be less visible to the human eye, the amount of dust and micro-sized particles that dwell in the cracks and crevices of keyboards can shorten the life of the device. A report conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona found that “the average human keyboard contains 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat,” (Center4Research.org).

Before discussing how to clean the external components of a computer and the internal software, it is helpful to understand why it is necessary. According to Norton, an American software company that helps users with cybersecurity, one of the biggest reasons to clean the interior and exterior of your computer is to promote the longevity of the device.

“Regular cleaning protects your investment and your data. When you wipe off the screen and empty crumbs from your keyboard, you’re helping your equipment perform better, and you reduce the risk it will break down,” (US.Norton.com).

Additionally, Norton reports that cleaning computer software protects data and acts as a preventative measure for keeping

viruses, malware, and cybercriminals out of the system.

According to Proofpoint, a firewall service that blocks viruses, spam, and phishing, “a computer virus is a malicious application or authored code used to perform destructive activity on a device or local network.”

Users should beware of numerous viruses and software. In fact, DataProt reports that “there are more than 1 billion malware programs in existence, and roughly 560,000 new malware programs are detected each day.” As technology rapidly advances, so does the download and disguise of faulty programs. DataProt also found that “7% of websites through Google held malware, after a detection screening.”

The nine main viruses are boot sector virus, web scripting virus, browser hijacker, resident virus, direct action virus, polymorphic virus, file infector virus, multipartite virus, and macro virus. According

to TitanFile, outside of those nine, there are also malware like trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, and worms. The good news is that for every virus and malware that exists, software engineers have designed programs to detect and delete the imminent threats.

Rest assured — the average computer user does not have to be a software expert to understand how to use a software cleaning program. Computer cleaning applications typically require a download and installation process, which then takes the user through a screening process that highlights any infected files, faulty applications, or privacy breaches a computer may be hiding. However, many free downloaded applications fail to detect viruses and malware, so it is important to properly research a program before trusting it.

Computer Network (CNET), an American website that publishes reviews and articles on technology, lists a comprehensive database of trusted computer cleansing programs. The website lists hundreds of apps utilized for security and sorts them based on “featured,” “most popular,” or “new releases.” Additionally, viewers can see programs for Windows, Mac, Android, and IOS. To access this list, users can google “CNET software reviews” and click the first link.

While data privacy is important, malware and viruses can also affect a device’s processing speed, meaning the computer runs slower.

According to Webroot, malware that is unknowingly downloaded can be responsible for slowing processing speeds and may even cause the computer to shut down entirely.

“Malicious threats such as spyware and computer viruses may be at work, tracking your activities, tampering with your files, and stealing personal information,” Webroot said. “You visit a website, open an email message, or download a picture. Somewhere in your normal online computing activities, malware silently loads itself onto your computer. Once on your PC (personal computer), it sets up shop by installing itself in many places. This makes it difficult to remove and can lead to disruption of all the files and programs to which malware has attached itself.”

Technology is rapidly evolving, leaving users with a plethora of information at the click of a

mouse. However, rapid growth also allows for an expedited exposure to criminal activity that threatens personal and valuable information. Just like the human body fights off dangerous germs and diseases with preventative measures, computer users can do the same by being proactive with computer cleaning programs and using best judgement when downloading and opening new files. It is likely impossible to prevent any malware from ever entering a personal computer, but the more prepared a user is, the faster the safety can be restored, and crisis can be averted. Technology users should treat their software and devices like a patient and be ready to play doctor with the help of software application experts.

Sources — Center4Research.org/ bacteria-computer-keyboards-toiletseats, US.Norton.com/blog/how-to/ national-clean-out-your-computer-daythe-importance-of-clean-computing, Proofpoint.com/us/threat-reference/ computer-virus, G2.com/categories/ disk-cleanup, TitanFile.com/blog/ types-of-computer-malware, Download.CNet.com, Webroot.com/ us/en/resources/tips-articles/ malware-slow-pc

Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Characterizing her animal portraits as “representational” or “abstract” realism, wildlife and pet artist Rochelle Allen captures the unique personalities of the dogs, cats, birds, horses, or even pandas and wolves, she paints. Although she works from photographs, her goal is to portray the quality that makes each animal unique.

Allen has always had two loves: animals and art. As a child intrigued by puzzles and problem solving, she began drawing, attempting to figure out how to create engaging representations of animals. She has taken only one art class, preferring instead to forge her own learning path by studying animal anatomy and the work of other artists. A couple of years ago, she began doing charcoal sketches, which she credits with improving her understanding of fundamentals. A wife and a mother to two young boys, Allen carves out time each day to devote to family as well as painting.

Before starting a portrait, Allen studies photographs of the animal and, for commissioned works, interviews the pet’s owners.

“I want to capture the animal’s personality. It’s not just this breed of a dog,” she said. “It’s my dog; it’s a specific animal.”

ROCHELLE ALLEN For the Love of Animals and Art

Artist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Focusing on shapes and values, she establishes a three-dimensional form then adds those details necessary “to bring my subject to life,” she said. “I love the challenge of trying to capture their spirit and explore the ways animals seem to reflect the universal truths and emotions of our own human experience.”

She sometimes works on the computer, eliminating background elements and focusing on compositional details. Other times, she does pencil drawings or sketches on the computer prior to sketching to actual size. Once she begins her canvas, she uses a grid to ensure that her proportions are correct.

Allen prefers to paint on linen or cradle wood since they are firmer than canvas, which can bounce. With a limited palette of white and a warm and cool version of each of the primary colors, she paints in oils because they allow alla prima, or wet into wet application, as well as the blending that creates the fuller, looser look of animal fur.

“My goal,” she said, “is always to try and paint as little as I can get away with and still convey the animal.”

Determined to create art for the rest of her life, Allen continues to learn and evolve.

“Being an artist is definitely my dream job,” said Allen. “Experiencing the joy it brings to others when they bring it into their homes is a tremendous privilege and blessing.”

For more information or to view Allen’s work, visit RochelleMarieArt.com or Facebook.com/RochelleMarieArt.

Photo by Carley Pilgrim

Book Review

BY JOHN RODGERS

A Wrinkle in Time

Withbooks dedicated to self-help and DIY projects as well as a Library of Things that contains items like sewing machines and musical instruments to borrow, the public library is a paradise for New Year’s resolution makers. But sometimes, the solution is as simple as, “Why not join a book club?” The Sequoyah Regional Library System offers plenty of those, with the R.T. Jones Memorial Library’s Eclectics Book Club on January 9 at 6:00pm, the Ball Ground Public Library’s Adult Book Club on January 10 at 6:00pm, and the Woodstock Public Library’s Themed Book Club on January 28 at 10:30am. But what about younger readers? Tweens ages 10 and older can visit the R.T. Jones Memorial Library’s new Tween Book Club on January 31 at 4:45pm to discuss A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

Decades before the Harry Potter book series, A Wrinkle in Time was a favorite among young readers seeking imaginative and fantastical thrills. The story follows a young outcast named Meg, the daughter of two scientists. When Meg’s father goes missing, she, her brother Charles, and their friend Calvin encounter a mysterious trio who take them on an intergalactic adventure that involves “wrinkling” time and encountering an unexpectedly evil being.

While readers may feel obligated to experience A Wrinkle in Time purely due to its “classic” status, many will be delighted to learn that it holds up despite the hype. It is recommended for the young and young at heart who are more likely to stick with Meg even during her journey’s most confusing twists and turns.

Tweens who have read A Wrinkle in Time (or watched the TV or film adaptations) can attend the R.T. Jones Memorial Library’s Tween Book Club meeting to share their thoughts. To register for this and other free library book clubs (and to view the recommended title(s) for each club meeting), visit the full event calendar at CalendarWiz.com/SequoyahRegLib.

John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. 770-479-3090, x320. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Advertiser Index

Art Jewelers Inside Front

BridgeMill Dentistry 5

Canton Wellness Center Cover, 14-15

The Carpenter’s Shop 3

Chatt Tech 3

Cherokee Floor Covering 5

The Children’s Haven 9

Christian Brothers Automotive — Cherokee Inside Back

Darby Funeral Home, Inc. 17

Great Sky Inside Front

Harmony Orthodontics 23

Jyl Craven Hair Design Back Cover

Woodstock Funeral Home 9

Online ads link to advertisers’ websites.