Canton Family Life 3-21

Contents

March 2021

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 8

16-17 On the Cover

ServiceWise Electric

[16-17]

20-21 How To Be a

Happy Camper

28 Artist Profile

Patrick Taylor

[20-21]

[28] Follow Us >>>

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Family Life Publications

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2021

04

.......................... Perspective

06

.............................. Calendar

08

................. Mayor’s Message

10

.................... Community Life

14

................ Ball Ground Notes

18

................... Senator Speaks

22

........................ Public Safety

26

............... Community Partner

27

........................ Book Review

31

................... Ribbon Cuttings

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Publisher’s Perspective

Actually, the idea of “spare time” is ridiculous. Time, unlike money, cannot be saved for a rainy day nor hidden away like a tire in our trunk to be used in an emergency. However, if we don’t use it wisely, or if we don’t carefully choose who we spend it with and what we spend it doing, time can lose its value and become “flat” before we know it. So, we should start asking ourselves more about the quality of our lives, as we never know the quantity of our days.

Thank you for your time today, and remember, it never takes more time to choose to smile.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS John Ballard, Mary Kay Buquoi, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Bill Grant, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Perry Houck, Norman R. Hunt, Karen Jordan, Tim Morris, Frank Reynolds, Jerry Rick, John Rodgers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson, Peter Wrobel

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

Also available online at

FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, Hickory Flat, 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.

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© 2020 All rights reserved.

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

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Have you considered discovering ways to live a little at your job? A good brisk walk or a few minutes spent in a nearby sunny place can be refreshing. I recommend a 10-minute fresh air break for my staff each day. Or maybe you can take a few moments to get lost in a magazine article or a chapter from a good book. Even a simple phone call to your spouse or children to let them know you’re thinking of them and will see them soon can be a welcome reprieve for all involved. These are just a few of the little ways we can make a big difference in our personal happiness and, in turn, those whose lives we touch.

EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

N

The notion of “having time” to spend as we choose is becoming fleeting both in our society and culture and through the course of nature. When we spend our time making money, we often don’t make the time to enjoy it.

When and if we get older and have less work, many may no longer have the resources or good health to enjoy that extra time. But it’s more important that our “living” takes control of our lives instead of our jobs.

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

Spring

is right around the corner, and many of us are starting to wonder how to spend our warm sunny days. Though a change in season doesn’t mean we will have more hours in the day to enjoy the company of family and friends, the warmer weather and longer periods of daylight and sunshine make it easier to connect with loved ones and spend quality time.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

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Calendar Due to ongoing public health concerns, please confirm each event’s details and safety precautions before attending.

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DECEMBER MARCH

1-29

Some Bunny Special Cherokee Recreation and Parks Association collects Easter baskets each year to be delivered to children in need throughout Cherokee County.

9:00am-8:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-5:00pm Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm Saturday, Recreation Center (South Annex), 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

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Night Hike — Take a night hike through the trails of a local park (approximately 1.5 miles). Snacks and water will be provided. $10 per person.

6:30pm, Lewis Park, 200 East Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

5, 19, & 4/2

Parent’s Night Out — Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie.

5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-8804760. PlayCherokee.org

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Kayaking for Veterans — Learn how to kayak with certified instructors provided by Team River Runner.

Equipment and kayaks will also be provided. This activity is FREE for veterans and current military service members.

7:30-9:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. TRRAtlanta@ teamriverrunner.org. TeamRiverRunner.org

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Free AHA First Aid and Stop the Bleed Class — Learn First Aid skills including how to help someone involved in a traumatic bleeding incident.

This fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am First Aid; 1:00pm Stop the Bleed, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-4066657. HFVA.org

March Is Women’s History Month Celebrate the many courageous women who have stepped forward to fight inequality and champion causes for the benefit of society.

ONGOING Unwind Wednesdays — On the first Wednesday of each month, MarchNovember, gather your family and friends to enjoy food trucks, live music, and other monthly activities such as axe throwing, bounce houses, cornhole tournaments, archery, and trivia. 5:30-8:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Highway 20 E, Canton.

PlayCherokee.org

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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2021

8th Annual Celebration of Education Gala — This Cherokee County Educational Foundation fundraiser, which is presented by the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation, will be a virtual event. The CCSD Alumni of the Year Awards will also be presented. For more information or to attend, please visit the website. Silent auction countdown clock begins at 6:30pm, Virtual Event, CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org

13-21

9th Annual CASA SuperHero Run This run benefits Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, a program of The Children’s Haven, advocating for the best interests of Cherokee’s foster youth. You will be able to submit your 5K time anytime between 3/13 and 3/21. Please visit the website for additional details regarding packet pickup, time submission, and awards. Virtual Event (run/walk a 5K anywhere, even on a treadmill).

Bit.ly/CASAsuperherorun2021

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Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a wonderful lunch for only $5. Pick up to-go or bring a friend, coworker, or family member, and enjoy a tasty lunch while 100% of the proceeds go to support the seniors and senior veterans of Cherokee County. 11:30am-1:00pm, Benton House, 3385 Trickum Road, Woodstock. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

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GET READY FOR A VIRTUAL GOOD TIME

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The Cherokee Music Teachers Association Meeting and Presentation — Attend this FREE educational meeting, which will be followed by a program on Russian Romanticism, presented by Dr. Raffi Besalyn, assistant professor of piano at Georgia State University. 10:00am, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Linda@lokey.net.

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Flashlight Egg Hunt — Children will be separated into different age groups. Flashlights and some Easter baskets will also be available. There is no preregistration. Ages 12 and younger, $10 (cash only) per child on the day of the event. 6:00pm event/ 8:00pm hunt, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Highway 20 E, Canton.

PlayCherokee.org

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2021 Georgia Has Talent — Each year, the Beat Out Cancer Club at Cherokee High School brings premiere talent from all over Georgia to the stage to raise money for cancer research. Performances will include singers, dancers, drum lines, a comedian, and a martial artist. The talent winner is selected by judges. Voting for the Audience Choice award is via donation, which is ongoing on the website through 3/20. For more information, follow @georgiahastalent on Instagram and “Georgia Has Talent” on Facebook. The show will be prerecorded and streamed online on 3/20.

6:00pm, online platform TBD. GeorgiaHasTalent.com

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Free CPR/AED Certification Class — On the last Saturday of each month, this fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton.

770-406-6657. HFVA.org

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Scavenger Hunt: Easter Hike — Come out and hop through the trails during an Easterthemed scavenger hunt! $10 per person, minors must be accompanied by an adult. 6:307:30pm, Lewis Park, 200 East Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock.

PlayCherokee.org

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

While Celebrating Great Educators

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

[AcademicLife] Love your teachers? Proud of your child’s school?

We are, too, and we invite you and your family to join us for our annual Celebration of Education Gala on Saturday, March 13. The virtual event is open to the entire community, presented by the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation.

Beginning with a countdown, a livestreamed silent auction and 50/50 raffle opportunity will occur at 6:30pm. The 90-minute Gala kicks off at 7:00pm and will feature a performance by The Swinging Medallions, exceptional student highlights from each Innovation Zone in the Cherokee County School District, a special recipe preparation from the kitchen of J. Michael’s Prime, and the announcement of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation’s (CCEF) annual alumni of the year awards.

The virtual Gala is designed for safety and family fun. To make the event a special affair, prepared dinner with wine parings can be preordered from J. Michael’s Prime for pick up on March 13.

The CCEF staff would like to encourage families to share photos of their Gala celebration activities on social media by typing #CCEFCelebrationOfEducation in their posts.

Teacher shout-outs can be purchased for $10, and videos celebrating teachers and students can be submitted for $50. All entries will be shared during the livestream event, and teachers with shout-outs will be entered into a drawing for $250 and $500 gift cards for their classrooms.

Silent auction donations from families and businesses are welcome, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Details can be found at CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org.

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213.

CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org

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Mayor’s Message

CANTON’S 2021

State of the City Address

By Mayor Bill Grant

In

my 2020 State of the City, I reported that Canton was strong and making great progress. A few weeks later, we began dealing with a global pandemic. However, our City Council, staff, and police department responded by going above and beyond to move Canton forward. Together, we survived a challenging year while continuing our quest to become the “Coolest Small Town in America!”

Even while responding to the pandemic, we achieved our goal of adopting our Roadmap for Success in December.

This strategic plan will guide our city’s development for the next 15 years, and the input we received from our citizens was invaluable. Now, the challenging, yet exciting, work of implementing the Roadmap begins, as we adhere to eight guiding tenets. Last year, we were able to move Canton forward in these areas with some major accomplishments.

Select Accomplishments From 2020 1. Creating Great Neighborhoods • Completed Canton’s Citywide Housing Assessment • Completed top-coating of streets in Great Sky, Laurel Canyon, Towne Mill, Iris Park, Norton Lake, and Park Village • Issued 481 Residential Construction Permits • Issued 459 Residential Certificates of Occupancy

2. Celebrating the Diversity of Our Community • Launched the Diversity & Inclusion Task Force • Created a Citizen Participation Application for board and commissions appointments • Translated key documents to Spanish including the City budget, Roadmap for Success, and “New Business Guide” • Launched the Public Safety Citizens Advisory Board

4. Enhancing Historic Downtown Canton • • • •

Retail, restaurants, and offices opened at The Mill on Etowah Invested $40,000 in downtown due to Downtown Gift Card match Continued growth in downtown film projects 18 new downtown businesses opened during the pandemic

5. Sustaining Natural Resources • Completed design and awarded a bid to construct a new sewer plant • Encouraged planting native species for new development • Established LAMA software for online submission of building plans, licenses, and permits

6. Connecting Citizens to Parks and Recreation • Completed the Etowah River Trail eastward from Etowah River Park and under I-575 • Received a grant from Atlanta United Foundation for a mini-pitch soccer field at Harmon Park • Received a grant for an outdoor plyometric gym at Heritage Park • Purchased park land for future trail expansion

7. Improving Infrastructure for Future Demands • Improved inflow and infiltration of stormwater into the sewer system • Awarded contract to upgrade the Water Pollution Control Facility from 4MGD to 6MGD • Received design funding for improvements on SR-140 at Riverstone/Marietta Highway • Added free public Wi-Fi at City parks

8. Leading With Excellence • • • •

Completed the Roadmap for Canton’s Future Held two Council retreats Continued operations with the lowest millage rate in the area Received excellent bond ratings for $9 million in interest savings for the new sewer plant • Created new monthly newsletters and weekly COVID-19 updates • Canton Police achieved 26% reduction in crime

3. Advancing Regional Economic Success • Continued the expansion of Northside Hospital Cherokee • Cherokee Office of Economic Development approved a new 50-acre corporate park • State to perform an upcoming Canton Tourism Study • License to Recovery program refunded $175,000 to 250 locally owned small businesses • Issued 95 Commercial Certificates of Occupancy • Updated “Guide to Starting a Business” • Issued 166 new Business Licenses

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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2021

For more details regarding each of these tenets, as well as upcoming plans that are on the horizon, please visit CantonGa.gov. There will be challenges ahead, but we now have a clear vision to guide the collective hopes and dreams of our citizens, businesses, and leaders. As always, it’s an honor and privilege to serve as your mayor.

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Bill Grant is the mayor of the City of Canton. 110 Academy Street, Canton.

770-704-1500.

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City of Canton Secures Financing for Expansion of Municipal Water Pollution Control Plant

Community What Is the Downtown Canton Cash Mob? The Downtown Canton Cash Mob is a group with one goal, and that is to help support small businesses through focused group spending.

Once a new business is announced and dates are set, participants agree Studio 5 Salon and Spa to spend $20 during the two-week was a Canton Cash Mob Mob experience. This type of cash location in February. influx can be a BIG boost for a small business, and stimulating small businesses helps our economy.

A Cone to Pick, Downtown Kitchen, and Studio 5 Salon and Spa were some of the past Cash Mob selected businesses.

Please invite friends to join in on the fun! When you visit a Cash Mob business, share a photo on social media with the hashtag #CantonCashMob and get your Cash Mob passport signed to be entered into prize drawings happening through April 16. Search for the Downtown Canton Cash Mob group page on Facebook for more information or to join.

The City of Canton has successfully secured financing for the expansion of its municipal Water Pollution Control Plant by issuing 30-year bonds with proceeds totaling $67 million. The bonds were sold with an all-in true interest cost of 1.87%. Canton is fortunate to take advantage of some of the lowest interest rates in recent history because of favorable bond (Aa3 and AA) and City (Aa2) credit ratings.

When the bond offering was issued, City management and financial advisors expected rates of 2-2.50%. All were pleasantly surprised to see bids coming in under 1.9%, indicating a savings of millions of dollars in interest charges over the life of the bonds. By the time bidding was closed, 14 major investment banking firms had submitted offers.

With financing now secured, the City can move forward with upgrading and enlarging the footprint of its existing Water Pollution Control Plant to manage current and future sewerage operations, which will serve Canton’s growth for many years.

Local Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidates Three students from high schools located in Canton have been named candidates for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program: Nathan Davis and Koryn Todd of Creekview HS and Jeremy Jeong of Sequoyah HS. The seniors are among the 4,000 best and brightest of more than 3 million 2021 graduates. They can now advance in the academic competition.

Nathan Davis “We’re incredibly proud of these students for their academic achievement and this national recognition they have earned,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.

“We look forward to seeing these students advance in the competition and will be rooting for them to earn the highest honors.”

Koryn Todd

President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Presidential Scholars Program in 1964 to honor and recognize extraordinary graduating seniors. Candidates for the invitation-only recognition program are primarily selected based on outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT exams.

The next level of recognition is semi-finalist, and the pool of candidates will be narrowed, as the applications they are required to submit are reviewed for overall academic excellence, personal character, leadership, and service activities. Last school year, 700 semi-finalist Scholars were named, and from that group, only 161 students were honored as finalists. Scholars receive national recognition and are invited to an all-expenses paid trip to the White House.

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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2021

Jeremy Jeong

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Community Sheriff Frank Reynolds Charity Success and Legion of Merit Award

Sequoyah Public Library Branches Now Open With New Service Hours

The 2020 Hawks Ridge Charity Golf Tournament, a fundraising event for Sheriff Frank Reynolds Charities, recently raised $10,000 for the Anna Crawford Children’s Center, $3,000 for The Children’s Haven, and $1,500 for Goshen Valley.

Each of the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s locations has reopened with limited hours and new guidelines to keep visitors and staff safe. Library holds may still be picked up with a pre-arranged appointment time by using Sequoyah Sidewalk Service.

This month, readers can take part in a Women’s History Month Reading Challenge, and creative patrons can enjoy pick-up library crafts while supplies last. This year’s tax forms are also available at all library branches.

Sheriff Frank Reynolds Charities is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps fulfill the needs of charitable organizations in our county. To learn more, visit FrankReynoldsCharities.com.

In February, the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office awarded Sheriff Reynolds with the agency’s Legion of Merit, in recognition of his accomplishments and superior leadership skills during his first term as sheriff.

“I was very surprised and humbled when the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Command Staff bestowed upon me our agency’s Legion of Merit. Those signatures mean the world to me. Thank you. I am blessed to work for an amazing community and the best team in law enforcement. I’m honored,” said Sheriff Reynolds.

Cherokee Chamber Names New Board Chair The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Adam Smith is the organization’s 2021 Board Chair.

Each location is also offering special events, so please visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org or call 770-479-3090 for more information.

Electronics Recycling Event Draws Large Participation Numbers Despite the cold temperatures this winter, many residents participated in the Cherokee County Recycling Center’s electronics recycling event.

“We nearly doubled the recyclable material received from 35,125 pounds in December to 58,117 pounds in January,” said Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds.

Roughly 540 cars were seen at the 4-hour drive-through event. County employees, community service workers, and Keep Cherokee Beautiful volunteers filled two tractor trailers and two box trucks with collected recycled items.

For more information, call the Recycling Center at 770-5164195 or visit CherokeeGa.com/recycling-center.

Smith, who follows 2020 Board Chair David Simmons, has been actively involved with the Chamber for the past nine years. He and his wife, Laura, reside in Canton with their two children.

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11

Community COED Announces Filmed in Cherokee App The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) recently announced the launch of a new Filmed in Cherokee app, developed in partnership with Woodstock-based Black Airplane. This free mobile app offers an interactive experience that takes users on a behind-the-scenes tour of fan-favorite film locations. The app features on-set photos, insider stories, and fun facts on why each location was selected.

“Georgia has quickly become one of the top film locations in the world, and when film enthusiasts come to explore Georgia by visiting their favorite sites from television and movies, they also increase Photo courtesy of Black Airplane tourism dollars in our communities,” said Lee Thomas, deputy commissioner of Film, Music, and Digital Entertainment. “We appreciate the Cherokee Office of Economic Development for their work on this innovative Filmed in Cherokee app. Combining film locations with nearby business establishments will not only accommodate fans, but spur interest in local small businesses and help the economy.”

Once downloaded, users can learn about each film’s storyline through bonus, behind-the-scenes content, discover tips for connecting with Cherokee’s film community, and snap a selfie while visiting the locations of these fan-favorite movie and television productions: American Made, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, Champion, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, Doctor Sleep, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, Hidden Figures, MacGyver, Noelle, Ozark, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, The Founder, The Outsider, and The Resident.

The Filmed in Cherokee app is available to download for free on Google Play or through the Apple App Store. For more information on filming in Cherokee, visit COED’s film page.

MUST Ministries Chooses Senior Director To Lead Executive Women Yvonne Byars, MUST Ministries’ senior director, was selected as the 2021 chairwoman of Cobb Executive Women.

Byars, who has been senior director for four years, oversees MUST Ministries’ Neighborhood Pantry program that serves more than 100 schools in Cobb and Cherokee counties. Through this program, Byars has helped over 20,000 clients by distributing more than 1 million pounds of food to students and families. She also developed the concept of MUST Ministries’ new Neighborhood Mobile Pantry.

The Cobb Executive Women’s mission is to inspire women to achieve success personally, professionally, and within their community. The group hosts monthly luncheons and community outreach events.

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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2021

Cherokee Fire Station on Sugar Pike Road To Be Expanded Land to expand Fire Station 32 – and possibly build a new station in the future – now belongs to Cherokee County after the board approved a $104,000 land purchase on Sugar Pike Road.

With the purchase of the adjacent property, the county will be able to increase the living space of the existing station, leaving room to grow in the future.

Fire Chief Tim Prather said Station 32 was built many years ago by volunteers and was never intended to house career firefighters.

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Learning Is Imperative of

True Happiness

By Rev. Norman R. Hunt

[InGoodFaith] There is a difference and a relationship between joy and happiness. Joy is a spiritual quality, while happiness is an emotional expression of that quality. There is a sense in which joy is the constant state of a spirit-filled life, whereas happiness is often contingent upon the pleasures or problems of daily happenings. This does not rob happiness of its reality or radiance. On the contrary, the words “blessed” and “happy” occur hundreds of times in the Bible. In the Beatitudes, our Lord set his seal upon the genuineness of heaven’s happiness for life upon Earth.

Solomon introduces eight imperatives to know true happiness, but the first is the imperative of learning. He says, “Now therefore, listen to me my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise and do not refuse it,” (Proverbs 8:32-33).

There are two basic elements of learning. The first is the happiness of the spiritual relationship that comes with knowing Jesus, without which it is impossible to understand and obey God’s word. The second is the happiness of a personal discipleship (“Hear instruction and be wise and do not refuse it”). The evidence of a spiritual relationship is that there follows a willingness for personal discipleship. Disciples are learners who bring themselves under the discipline of their master’s instruction.

Discipleship involves three things. First, there is the acceptance of instruction (“Hear instruction”). We cannot understand the will of God until we are prepared to inculcate truth. Secondly, there is the experience of instruction (“be wise”). This means applying the truth already received.

Wisdom is the right application of knowledge. Lastly, there is the obedience of instruction (“do not refuse it”). Happiness is invalidated where there is no obedience.

Jesus said, “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them,” (John 13:17). There is only one way to be happy, and that is to trust and obey. L

Rev. Norman R. Hunt is the pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church, 78 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-213-1690. HopewellBaptist.com

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13

BallGroundNotes

DISCOVER BALL GROUND AND MEET ITS Elected Officials

By Karen Jordan

C

ity of Ball Ground Mayor Rick Roberts and City Council held their first meeting of 2021 on January 14. Though the meeting was in a different format, it was business as usual. This year marks the 25th consecutive year that Mayor Roberts has called a Council meeting to order. He is Ball Ground’s longest serving mayor on record.

Mayor Roberts was first elected as a council member and took office in 1986. In 1988, he was appointed to fill the office of mayor when Mayor John Segars vacated his seat to run for Probate Judge of Cherokee County. Mayor Roberts served five years before deciding not to seek reelection. Calvin Hill then served one term and had just begun his second term before resigning when he moved out of Ball Ground. Once again, Rick Roberts qualified (without opposition) to fill the vacated seat, which he has held ever since.

In addition to Mayor Roberts spending much of his life as a dedicated public servant, Ball Ground has five council members who have done the same. Frank Homiller began his career in local government in 1995, Andrenia Stoner in 1999, John Byrd in 2003, Lee Prettyman in 2005, and Mickey O’Malley in 2010.

O’Malley previously served on City Council in 2001 and 2002.

These dedicated men and women have worked tirelessly to make Ball Ground a destination for all to enjoy.

Our historic downtown is filled with locally owned businesses.

On any given day, Barrell House Coffee has customers working on their laptops or meeting old friends for coffee. Scooped on Main is another family operated business where visitors come together for a sweet treat. When looking for a locally brewed cold beer, the 21+ crowd visits Rock Solid Brewing Company, which is downtown Ball Ground’s newest business.

Besides offering plenty to do in the downtown area, Ball Ground features lots of entertainment options just outside the district.

Wildcat on a Wing/Feathers Edge Vineyards offers a wide selection of local wines and a nationally sourced selection of fine crafts, too. On some weekends, customers can enjoy a glass of wine while listening to live entertainment. Also, the city is now home to Wilkes Meat Market of Ball Ground, which is a fullservice meat market.

Small towns like Ball Ground do not always make the latest and greatest “best of” lists, but don’t miss out on coming to discover for yourself why “Ball Ground Rocks!”

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

(L-R) Mickey O’Malley, Lee Prettyman, Andrenia Stoner, Mayor Rick Roberts, Frank Homiller, and John Byrd 14

Canton Family Life | MARCH 2021

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SPRING FORWARD WITH A

Fresh Hairstyle

By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] Spring is in the air, but what about your hair? This season is synonymous with new beginnings, not only for Mother Nature but also for us. Here are some tips for refreshing your look, as the weather warms up: BLONDES Natural tones of blonde like golden, caramel, and dirty blonde were practically made for the spring and summer seasons.

If you are looking to keep more of your natural highlights but also want some depth and contrast, try balayage, which is a French hair coloring technique that is an excellent way to achieve a soft gradation of color. The gradual contrast from darker to lighter shades creates a perfectly sunkissed look. If you want to make a bolder statement without high drama, ask your stylist about subtle strawberry highlights.

some auburn lowlights for a flattering contrast. Tired of drab winter hair? Try carefully placed highlights, which can make any shade of brown appear thicker and fuller.

BRUNETTES If your hair is a rich dark chocolate color, consider softening it with some milk chocolate highlights. If your locks are already a milk chocolate color, then add

REDHEADS Skin tone and eye color are important considerations when choosing the ideal hair color, especially for natural redheads.

First, keep in mind that the cooler your

Subtle ombre is another great option for anyone looking to achieve an elegant contrast without harsh color lines. This coloring technique allows for a soft, flattering color transition from dark to light.

One slightly more daring option is reverse ombre, where hair graduates from light at the crown to dark at the tips.

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skin tone, the cooler your red should be.

Likewise, the warmer your skin tone, the warmer your hair color should be.

If your hair is a naturally soft red, consider kicking it up a notch by adding some golden color throughout. This especially works well if you have a light to medium complexion. If your hair is a deeper red, consider adding a drop of violet for depth and richness. The result will be a striking rosewood color that will make your already vibrant tresses stand out even more.

A SEASON OF DARING Spring is all about renewal, so now is also the perfect time to experiment! To really jump into the season, why not consider a pastel color for your hair? Pastels aren’t just for Easter eggs! Hues like candy pink, lovely violet, or purple punk can give your overall look a fun, theatrical effect. And don’t worry — temporary looks will wash out by the time the flowers start drooping. L

Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411.

JylCraven.com

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15

COVER STORY

By Ellen Samsell Salas

Discover 21st Century Electrical Expertise at

Thomas Edison might have invented the light bulb, but since 2004, ServiceWise Electric of Canton has been reinventing topnotch customer service and delivering expert electrical know-how. Whether it is updating a light switch or doing a total rewiring, the dynamic duo of owners Maggie and Michael Grayeski and their team of certified technicians and apprentices have earned customers’ trust and loyalty. Maggie says she is “all about happy customers,” while Michael, who holds an unrestricted Class II Master Electrician License and has 25 years of experience, calls himself “the hands-on problem solver.”

Serving residential and commercial sites, ServiceWise technicians have the experience and training to provide a wide range of services, from upgrading outlets to installing Z-Wave technology. Whether a customer needs traditional services such as lighting installation or wants to upgrade to a “smart” home or business, ServiceWise can handle the job. Skilled in the latest technology, technicians install smart home cameras and doorbells, three types of electric car charging stations, and other home and business automation features. Additionally, as an authorized Briggs & Stratton dealer, ServiceWise installs and services generators, so customers remain powered up at all times.

Your Search for Great Customer Service Is Over At the heart of ServiceWise’s success story is a dedication to providing the highest level of professional service with a personal touch that begins the moment the client contacts the company.

“We want to make the customer’s experience as easy as possible,” Maggie said. “Our care starts with the very first phone call. We aim to accommodate our customers’ needs, preferences, and schedules.”

Recognizing that some customers prefer digital communication instead of making a phone call, ServiceWise offers the options of texting, emailing, or booking online.

And, if customers do call, they speak with an in-house staff member who knows the business, not an answering service that simply takes their number.

No matter how they make initial contact, customers can depend on ServiceWise to meet their needs quickly and efficiently. In fact, for those who wish to receive a free estimate prior to committing to any work, a technician can usually be dispatched to their home or business within 24 hours.

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Keeping the customer in the loop every step of the way is key to ServiceWise’s attention. As soon as an appointment is booked, ongoing, frequent communication begins. Customers immediately receive both a text and an email confirming the time and date of their appointment as well as the name and photo of the technician who will be completing their work.

Customers receive a reminder email within 24 hours of the appointment, and technicians send text messages when they’re on the way.

The staff at ServiceWise knows that customers are busy, so they provide a more accommodating two-hour window rather than the standard four-hour window for arrival.

LIFETIME WARRANTY on all parts and labor

See website for details!

“We want our technicians to stay ahead of changes,” Maggie said. “Any classes we can find to educate them, we make certain they participate.”

Once a technician arrives on site, next steps are to ascertain what the customer wants, what is needed, and, importantly, what works within the customer’s budget — each proposed service and cost are specified.

Maggie and Michael are so confident in their technicians that ServiceWise offers a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor — a guarantee that is unique in the industry.

“We line-item each service and offer free estimates,” Maggie said. “Our techs are seasoned, knowledgeable electricians who communicate with the customers and educate them on their options. We want our customers to understand their choices and be able to make informed decisions on what fits their budget.”

“Because our technicians are professional and well-trained, we stand behind all of our work,” Michael said.

While ServiceWise helps customers in a broad area, including Cherokee, Cobb, and North Fulton counties, the company maintains its small-town heart. For all first responders, military personnel, and senior citizens, the company offers a 10% discount. Customers can also take advantage of 20-month, interest-free financing.

“Our customers are always in the loop,” Michael added. “They know exactly what they are getting and how much it will cost.

They feel confident their needs will be met.”

ServiceWise also guarantees that their technicians are current on the rapidly changing advancements impacting homes and businesses. Weekly meetings with technicians and apprentices include discussing new technologies, and all technicians complete continuing education hours as well as online and in-person classes.

“I just love a happy customer,” Maggie said. “I love getting emails and texts from satisfied customers who say ‘It’s so nice to work with you.’ That just makes my day.”

For a complete list of services and current specials, please visit the ServiceWise website or call/text for more information.

2845 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton, GA 30115

404-704-4903 (call or text)

ServiceWiseElectrical.com

servicewiseelectrical

Winner of the 2020 and 2021 Best of Life Best Electrician Award

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

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17

Senator Speaks

By State Senator Bruce Thompson

B

ack when my daughter, Faith, was nine years old, she was a strong-willed child, but she was mostly compliant, which sometimes made it hard for me to say “no” to her. For some time, she begged my wife and me for a dog. “If only I had a puppy to love, play with, and care for…” became a common utterance. After much discussion, we surprised Faith with a miniature dachshund, Bella, that Christmas.

It was hard not to fall in love with this new addition to our family, so when Faith lost interest after about six months, Bella took a liking to me. Why? Because I paid attention to her and ensured she was fed and cared for. Before long, it became clear that I was Bella’s favorite.

She would greet me at the door when I arrived home each day, and she ignored others to get into my arms.

Often in life, we wonder why people make certain choices that may seem so out of character for them. Maybe they involved themselves with the wrong crowd, or fell victim to alcohol, drug, or physical abuse.

People are not much different than our pets in that they will migrate toward individuals who show interest in them or make them feel valued. Each one of us has an innate desire to be noticed

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and appreciated, and we are vulnerable to the influence of others who are willing to extend that to us.

I was fortunate to recognize the incredible potential in a young lady named Hannah Harding, and my leadership team and I equipped her to become a star. This young lady had a desire to become a teacher but struggled to see where God wanted her to serve. She was passionate about influencing young women, especially high school seniors, so with our support, this 21-year-old created a program called Hannah’s Garden, which is aimed at mentoring these young ladies, as they navigate struggles and the pull from a world that is aggressively trying to grab their attention and lure them.

Harding develops strong emotional bonds with these young ladies, instituting and reinforcing their value as individuals and creations of the Lord. She helps them develop life skills that boost their confidence, such as public speaking, interviewing, and financial responsibility.

As each grows, she learns that she has a voice, and that voice is worthy of sharing.

Another aspect of Hannah’s Garden is finding people within area schools who

are otherwise unheard. These students are usually identified through school counselors as those who are not given the same opportunities to shine as others.

They can easily become lost in the system and fall prey to the world, but Hannah’s Garden validates these students and tangibly and emotionally invests in them.

At our leadership meetings, Harding has shared that it is amazing to watch these students transform from a bud struggling to emerge into a beautiful flower, once they break through adversity.

It’s awesome to see what happens when we follow the principles taught in Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Bruce Thompson represents District 14, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-0065.

BruceThompsonGa.com

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST

Summer Learning Program

By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S. [AcademicLife] According to research conducted by the National Center for Summer Learning, which is based at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Baltimore, Maryland, summer learning loss accounts for about two-thirds of the difference in the likelihood of a student pursuing a college preparatory path in high school. As these findings indicate, keeping children's brains challenged throughout the summer is crucial, since the lack of learning activities during these months has both shortand long-term consequences.

Keeping a child's day consistent throughout the summer months keeps the brain focused and helps prevent learning loss during the school break.

In addition, it can potentially ease the anxiety that often accompanies transitioning into a new classroom or school in the fall.

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

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SUMMER PROGRAM  Choose a program that is based on each child’s interests and natural curiosity, which allows children the opportunity to direct their own learning.  Ask for the credentials, experience, and training requirements of the teachers/counselors.  Check the health and safety practices of the program. Make sure you are comfortable that your child’s unique needs will be met.  Inquire about the daily schedule of the program. Does the program combine songs, stories, exploration, art, physical activities, and learning adventures in a safe, nurturing environment? Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.  Request references.

Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311.

GoddardSchools.com

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19

By John Ballard

“Let’s go camping!”

I can remember my mom saying this to my sister and me when we were little. It meant loading the car with a tent, quilts and blankets, grill, and our bathing suits. It also meant Mom’s chili. I remember she told us what gear to gather, and we toted it to the car, helped her pack it, and were on our way. We usually headed to Fields Chapel — long before it had a gate, parking lot, and designated campsites.

Today’s camping is a little different. It involves reservations, a supply list, lounge chairs, Coleman stove, fuel, and, in most cases, bottled water, not to mention sunscreen. Whether you’re camping overnight at a campsite or heading out for three or four days on the Appalachian Trail, the first important steps are planning ahead and preparing. Your list should include everything you need to make you comfortable and safe.

Remember, if things go wrong, your campout could become a matter of survival. If you have planned and prepared, you should be fine until you make it home or help arrives.

Planning involves deciding where, when, and how long you will be gone, as well as what you are going to bring. The first three items on your list should be for safety. Always let someone else know where these items are stored. Cell phones are great, but a dead or lost phone could hamper the trip, and service might be unreliable if you’re in a remote place. Be sure to check the weather forecast in the area you are camping. Do you have a first aid kit? If not, get one. The size and type will depend on the number of people in your group and any special medical needs.

In Boy Scouts, I learned to always have 10 essentials whenever I was on a hike or camping: 1. Pocketknife 2. First Aid Kit 3. Extra Clothing 4. Rain Gear 5. Water Bottle 6. Flashlight 7. Trail Food 8. Matches and Fire Starter 9. Sun Protection 10. Map and Compass

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Toilet paper is another great thing to add to this list. I keep these items handy in a small backpack for any time I’m out and about. There are also more extensive “essentials” lists available online or in library books.

Regardless of whether your campsite has a fire pit, a grill, or if you brought a camp stove, you’ll need fuel. If you choose a fire, bring your own wood for a public site; in the back country, use only deadfall.

Obviously, you must bring whatever fuel your stove uses. Bring charcoal to use in an on-site grill. Don’t forget to bring something to light your fire.

Decide what you want to use for a light source after dark. Whether it is a flashlight or a lantern, you will need extra batteries and/or fuel. Never have an open flame inside your tent.

As for bedding, take whatever makes you comfortable: a sleeping bag, blankets, sheets, and quilts. Your choice will likely depend upon whether you sleep in a camp trailer, on the ground, a mat, an air mattress, or a hammock. I recommend testing out your options in your backyard before you try them at the campsite.

place to bed down until it rains — then water stands. A ground cloth (inexpensive tarp) should be spread out in your selected area to go under your tent.

Check for a water source, which can be found at almost all public sites. Most people bring water in plastic bottles, which should be reused or recycled (some campgrounds have on-site recycling). In the back country, you must bring your own water or have a way to purify water from natural sources (springs or creeks).

Be sure to research water purification materials and filter systems to select an option that works best for your needs.

If previous campers have left garbage behind, please pick it up. For more information about how litter negatively affects our outdoor spaces, visit Leave No Trace at LNT.org.

After all your proper planning and preparation, along with successfully setting up your campsite, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a happy camper!

Once you’ve made it to your campsite, choose a spot to erect your shelter. A public campsite usually has a specific place for tents. If in the woods, pick a spot that has been used before (if possible). A perfect level spot is a fine

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

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21

Public Safety

Successes of the

Cherokee Sheriff’s Office

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

F

our years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to begin my first term as your sheriff. Upon reflection, I am reminded of Cherokee Sheriff’s Office’s (CSO) many successes as one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the U.S. Every day, our citizens recognize CSO deputies with words of encouragement, letters of appreciation, and other countless acts of thankfulness.

These tokens of sincere gratitude remind our deputies why they chose to be civil servants and why they choose this community above all others. While many law enforcement agencies struggle to hire and retain qualified peace officers, CSO attracts stellar applicants and is nearly fully staffed.

CSO is grateful for its meaningful and professional relationship with our Cherokee County Board of Commissioners (BOC).

Citizens deserve the very best in public safety (law enforcement, fire/EMS, Marshal’s Office, and E-911), and the BOC makes every effort to ensure they receive it. I talk with other sheriffs from across the state, and I can assure you this relationship is extraordinary. We are the envy of many counties.

Let me take a moment to highlight a few CSO successes we have achieved together:

 Reduced opioid-related overdoses and deaths through

education, rehabilitation, and enforcement, and raised awareness through the Cherokee-Pickens Multi Agency Narcotic Squad (C-MANS) Created an inmate workforce program to keep our parks and recreation areas clean and beautiful throughout Cherokee County Awarded the “Triple Crown” by the National Sheriff’s Association by becoming accredited through the National Commission of Correctional Health Care (NCCHC), TO PROTECT & SERVE Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), and the American Correctional Association (ACA),



a distinction held by fewer than 3% of all sheriff’s offices nationally Increased the size of the agency by 36 sworn deputies and 17 civilians to meet the needs of the fastest growing county in Georgia Enhanced an established partnership with Reinhardt University to assist deputies and staff in obtaining their bachelor’s and master’s degrees Began an inmate housing expansion project to serve the needs of our community for the next 20 years Opened the inmate video visitation center and remote capabilities (just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic) Created the annual Sheriff’s Citizens Academy Changed the agency uniform to a more modern and contemporary look at no extra cost to taxpayers

     

As I begin my second term as sheriff, I am excited about the opportunities to continue to serve you in new and innovative ways. In the future, CSO will explore how to best leverage technology to combat fraud, child exploitation, and traffic violations. This year, there are plans to open the Ball Ground precinct in an effort to better serve the citizens of Ball Ground, Nelson, and Yellow Creek.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Cherokee County citizens for allowing me to serve as your sheriff for a second term. I am committed to protecting all your constitutional rights.



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Frank Reynolds is the sheriff for Cherokee County.

678-493-4100. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org

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Music Therapy Groups and Skills for the Workplace

By Perry Houck, N.M.T., L.P.M.T., M.T.-B.C. [HealthyLife] Over the years, great minds have sought to define what it means to “thrive” in society. In addition to basic life needs, people must also have their basic social needs met in order to be flourishing members of their communities.

These social needs require a balance of independence and dependence — receiving and giving care while benefiting and contributing to society.

The opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society through gainful employment continues to be a challenge for members of the special needs community. Computer and other technical skills are important in most workplaces.

However, soft skills like emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and effective communication are often overlooked, yet they are just as important.

Music therapy groups are indicated to

help those with neurological differences and developmental delays improve soft skills to facilitate access to opportunities in future work environments.

Music therapists address soft skills through interventions based on evidencebased research. One intervention involves creating a musical ensemble. After assessing the abilities of each group member, the music therapist creates a musical arrangement with an adapted part for each person. To perform the piece of music, each member must demonstrate focused and selective attention while practicing his/her part; exercise impulse control while others practice; and demonstrate sustained, divided, and focused attention to perform the piece.

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

The music therapist provides musical structure and cueing to facilitate the intervention. When it comes time to present the piece, each group member experiences a microcosm of meeting his/her social needs — receiving the benefit of the work of others around him/her, but also making a meaningful contribution to others as well.

These soft skills of listening, being aware of others, motivation within the group, and effective teamwork are paramount to being successful in a work environment. L

Perry Houck is an occupational therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542.

InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

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23

MIND

Follow the To Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

By Jerry Rick

[HomeLife] Most people have heard the adage, “You are what you eat.”

Researchers believe that our brain function is also closely linked to what we eat, meaning a healthy diet can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

A study led by nutritional epidemiologist Martha Clare Morris at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurogenerative Diet (MIND) may lower Alzheimer’s risk by 35%-53%, depending on how rigorously participants followed the diet recommendations.

The MIND combines elements of two very popular eating plans, the Mediterranean diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and it is focused on improving brain health and delaying the onset of dementia.

In general, the MIND encourages eating leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, beans, poultry, and a moderate amount of wine (preferably red wine), while limiting butter and margarine, cheese, red meat, fried food, pastries, and sweets.

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Some tips to consider if you want to follow the MIND plan:  When following the suggested nutrition guidelines, you can eat until you feel full — no calorie cutting necessary.  Alcohol is allowed in moderation.

No more than one glass per day.

 Swap butter with olive oil when cooking veggies for your meal.  Skip frying. Grill or bake your proteins for a healthier choice.

 Try snacking on nuts and berries instead of processed, prepackaged snack foods.  Exercise is not addressed on the MIND plan, though adults should aim to get 2-3 hours of moderate activity each week.  To increase the positive effects of any diet and exercise routine, consider not smoking, getting adequate sleep each night, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

It’s important to remember that the link between the MIND and the delay or prevention of Alzheimer’s is observational – that is, the data shows an association between the two, but cause-and-effect has not yet been proven.

However, you can’t go wrong by incorporating the recommendations of the MIND into your own eating habits. Most medical professionals also agree that the Mediterranean and DASH diets are two of the healthiest ways of eating for overall good health.

Even if you cannot strictly follow all the recommended servings for the foods in the MIND, the research shows that even a moderate amount of the targeted foods can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

This is good news for anyone actively seeking to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia, or for those trying to lead a healthy lifestyle in general. In addition to these foods being healthy, they are also delicious, which makes it easier and more enjoyable to stick to the diet.

Jerry Rick is the executive director at The Arbor at BridgeMill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton.

770-691-0022. ArborCompany.com

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Patiently Waiting

By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] As of this month, it has been a year since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States, which brought many lives, especially those in senior communities, to a standstill. Many older adults have hardly left their homes for anything other than a doctor appointment since March of last year, opting to have groceries and medication delivered by local delivery services and wonderful volunteers when possible.

Earlier this year, the COVID-19 vaccine was made available to those 65 and older. It has been difficult for seniors to schedule appointments to get vaccinated because of the limited quantities. The Georgia Department of Public Health has worked hard to increase the vaccine supply in our state. But it’s difficult to ask seniors to be

patient when so many are succumbing to this virus.

I recently spoke with a nice lady about the problems she was having with scheduling an appointment. As I tried to explain the current issues, believing things would get better each week, she told me a story about someone she knew who had to be patient while standing on a battleground in Vietnam, waiting his turn to board a chopper to leave. He watched helicopter after helicopter pick up his fellow soldiers, not knowing what would happen to him. When it was finally his turn to board a chopper, he started to feel safe for the first time since he entered the war. This is how many seniors feel about waiting for the vaccine; they will finally be able to relax and breathe a little easier once they receive it. L

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

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

CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services

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25

Community Partner

D

istinguished Young Women is a national scholarship program that seeks to enrich the lives of participants across the nation by encouraging leadership, volunteerism, and education. Each year, thousands of young women are provided with the opportunity to partake in local, state, and national showcases that demonstrate their talents and, in turn, provide them with the opportunity to earn some of the $1 billion in scholarship funds made available through the program.

Georgia has at-large programs throughout the state, allowing any young woman the chance to qualify for state finals. Ladies from Atlanta and its surrounding areas are encouraged to sign up for the Greater Atlanta At-Large for a once-in-alifetime opportunity to learn new skills, meet lifelong friends, and get help paying for college.

It is always completely free to participate.

Participants are evaluated in scholastics, interview, talent, fitness, and self-expression, and they must be a junior in high school to sign up. Each year, the state showcase finals are held in Marietta, Georgia, where one representative is selected to represent Georgia in the national finals held in Mobile, Alabama.

During the national finals, the Distinguished Young Woman of America is named.

Distinguished Young Women, formerly Junior Miss and often lovingly referred to as “DYW,” has been a part of the formative years of many notable women, including Diane Sawyer, Deborah Norville, and Debra Messing. Equally as impressive are the countless participants who found a home with DYW and went on to excel as doctors, business executives, teachers, and philanthropists.

Shelby Burnette, class of 2016, is a current business graduate student at Vanderbilt University, has been a lifelong program volunteer, and participated in the Georgia program.

“I grew up with the participants of the program as role models. I was constantly in awe of their confidence and talent,” Burnette said. “When my junior year of high school approached and I got ready to participate in the Georgia program, I wasn’t sure if I lived up to the incredible women that came before me. As I participated, I quickly realized that DYW is not just a way to celebrate women who are already accomplished, but a way to empower women to fulfill their potential. I pushed through fears of performing on stage and the interview process, and I was able to transform into a person that I felt was as accomplished as the women that came before me. The lessons I learned and the confidence I gained in the process were something that I took with me into college interviews, and it truly changed my viewpoint of myself and my abilities. I am so thankful to this program, and I am grateful for the person it has shaped me into today.”

Burnette continues to volunteer with various state programs and even interned in the national office. Her testimonial is representative of countless young women who have seen themselves flourish through the DYW of Georgia program.

Distinguished Young Women of Georgia is always looking for participants and volunteers.

For more information on how to get involved, please call, visit the website, or email DYW of Georgia’s state chairman, Kim Storey, at Georgia@Distinguishedyw.org.

Distinguished Young Women of Georgia 412 Bennett Farms Place Acworth, GA 30102

204 Peachtree Boulevard Bonaire, GA 31005

229-366-0869

Ga.DistinguishedYW.org 26

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Book Review

BY JOHN RODGERS

S

pring is just around the corner and so is National Library Week (April 4-10), which is an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on the essential role that libraries play as safe spaces devoted to open access and continuous learning. The theme for 2021, “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries offer unlimited resources and opportunities for each member of the community, whether they prefer to visit in-person or virtually. From books and movies to technology or free family programming, the library has something for everyone.

FABLES

This year’s National Library Week honorary chair is actress, author, and activist Natalie Portman, who celebrated the publication of her debut picture book Fables last year.

Illustrated by Janna Mattia, Fables revisits three classic stories – The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse – and plays with them just enough to make these retellings feel justified without betraying the spirit of the original tales. Fables is best enjoyed when read aloud as a family, as early readers may require help adjusting to the rhythm of Portman’s rhyming.

Sequoyah Regional Library System is celebrating National Library Week with a fine forgiveness program and a new reading challenge on Beanstack. People of all ages can sign up on Beanstack, individually or as a family. Complete different literacy activities, explore what the library has to offer, log finished books, submit reviews and recommendations, and earn digital badges along the way. Digital badges allow participants to enter a prize drawing to be rewarded for their reading.

Additionally, readers familiar with Overdrive/Libby can now borrow eBooks and audiobooks from SimplyE, a separate app that gives library cardholders the option to borrow from a different catalog of more than 100,000 titles in just a few steps. SimplyE and Overdrive/Libby each have different selections, so feel free to browse both using a library card. Visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org to get started. Happy reading!

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

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

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

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27

Photo by Chris Lowe

ascinated by the qualities of light and its play on colors, painter Patrick Taylor says that when he was younger, he would drive around chasing it. Now, he is more patient.

“I’ll take hundreds of photos when I’m hiking or driving, then when I revisit those moments through the photos, I’ll see an effect that is so interesting that I want to paint it,” said Taylor. An adherent of the Buddhist wabi-sabi view that there is beauty in impermanence, he attempts to recreate the magic of moments.

The scenes that captivate Taylor are found in the Appalachian Mountain region that he fell in love with as a child.

“When I visit, it hits me all over again. Whenever I drive through the Smoky Mountains, recently the Shenandoah Valley, it’s stunning. The north Georgia region is absolutely gorgeous, with beautiful sunrises and sunsets,” he said.

Now a resident of Woodstock, Taylor portrays those settings, their sunrises and sunsets, rivers, forests, farmhouses, barns, and animals in a style he calls “contemporary impressionism based in realism.” Working in oils, he layers and blends tones and hues found in nature, creating hazy atmospheres that conjure possibilities of memory, mystery, hope, and peace.

“I’m trying to evoke a story that is behind the scene; it’s a romantic idea, a distant memory,” he explained.

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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2021

Artist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Key to the mood of mystery and ambiguity is the translucency Taylor achieves. Light filters through trees and bounces off streams, mist rises off a mountain, and the viewer “peers through a veil of light at a memory or a calling” and enters those evanescent yet sublime moments.

“I find the light first,” Taylor explained. “I’ll do very bright Indian yellow or thin washes of French ultramarine for sky and shadow. That gives the sky depth. Those become the light areas of the piece. Then I paint shadows, very translucent. Then I go back in with turpentine or minerals, and I pull my lights back out, so that they almost blend. It creates a spiritual sense, a softness to the piece. It’s easy on your eyes, an escape from the craziness of the world.”

Taylor enhances mood by brushing out hard edges and merging colors and tones, light and shadows. Recently, he has experimented with adding layers of cold wax mixed with pigment to add depth while also adding texture.

“It creates an ethereal quality that I love,” he said. “And it quiets the busyness of scenes. Everything to me is about the feeling, the calming nature, the peace we get at first light when there’s steam on the river, or mist, or dew, or fog in the mountains. I love that peacefulness.”

You can experience Taylor’s art at High Country Art in Blue Ridge, Georgia; Bennett Galleries in Nashville, Tennessee; or virtually at TaylorKinzelGallery.com and PatrickTaylorFineArt.com.

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Good Turf Is All in the Timing [HomeLife] Every March, the airways begin to fill with commercials for various lawn products “guaranteed to save you time and money.” My favorite ads are the ones with the red-bearded Irishman ensuring us how simple it is to achieve “yard of the month.” One of the main “wonder products” that is advertised is weed and feed, which contains a preemergent herbicide and fertilizer. This sounds great in theory, but with warm season lawns like Bermuda and zoysia, the timing usually isn’t quite right for the herbicide, fertilizer, or either.

Summer annual weeds, like crabgrass, will germinate when soil temperatures

reach the mid-50s, so it is best to get your preemergent down from late February to early March. A good indicator for when to apply this product is to look for the flowers of redbuds or forsythia.

Early fertilization of warm-season turf can lead to destructive fungal diseases like large patch, which is difficult to control once established. Early fertilization can also lead to frost damage from a late cold snap. A warm season lawn should only be fertilized after it has turned fully green, and it is best to wait until after the second mowing. Application of a half of a pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet is generally recommended in our area.

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

By Joshua Fuder

As your lawn starts to wake up, begin mowing it to a height of 1-1.5 inches.

It is recommended to mow frequently enough to never remove more than one-third of the leaf height in one cutting. Follow up fertilization at the rate previously described is also recommended around mid-June and again at the beginning of August.

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830.

CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee

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Optimize and Balance Hormones Using

BioTE Hormone Pellet Therapy

By Peter Wrobel, M.D.

[HealthyLife] Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Because of their essential role in the body, even the smallest hormone imbalance can cause side effects throughout the body. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a hormone imbalance and/or low testosterone:  Chronic Fatigue  Increased Body Fat  Irritability  Mood Changes  Hot Flashes / Night Sweats  Brain Fog  Depression  Lower Mental Capacity  Loss of Muscle Mass  Decreased Bone Mass  Low Sex Drive  Erectile Dysfunction (ED) The BioTE method of hormone replacement is a time-tested means of hormone optimization. BioTE pellets are bioidentical hormones, not synthetic, and mimic the hormones that your body naturally produces. This therapy was created from hundreds of studies performed on hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide to successfully

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optimize the hormone levels of women while they experience perimenopause and actual menopause. It was also created for men, as they traverse the season of andropause, a syndrome associated with a decrease in sexual satisfaction or a decline in a feeling of general well-being with low levels of testosterone.

After monitoring outcomes for tens of thousands of men and women who have benefited from BioTE, results show that more than 96% of patients are satisfied and experience very few side effects.

Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve sleep, improve libido in women and sexual performance in men, decrease muscle loss, and reduce body fat. It also has been shown to reduce irritability, anxiety, and depression. The symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are also significantly reduced. Long term, men and women will have reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Testosterone and estradiol improve lipid profiles by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol, which has positive benefits

on the cardiovascular system. The pellets also prevent bone loss, actually increasing bone density.

Your hormone optimization therapy will be customized to fit your specific needs.

Your treatment is completely based on your lab work and is tailored your body’s needs. As each patient’s symptoms are unique, so is each patient’s path to hormone optimization.

The goal of hormone pellet therapy is not just about feeling better. HRT also helps you sleep better, possess more energy, have mood stability, and experience weight loss while increasing some muscle mass. But, along with some symptom improvement, things are also improving on a physiologic level. These hormones protect the bones, heart, brain, and breasts.

Experience relief from your symptoms and age healthier. Live happier. Hormone balance is crucial to leading a better life. L

Dr. Peter Wrobel is a physician at North Georgia Vein & Wellness, with offices in Canton and Cumming.

678-513-1600. NorthGeorgiaVein.com

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