Canton Family Life 4-23

Celebration of Education Gala Fundraising Success and Alumni Winners

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

[Academic Life] On Saturday, March 11, the Northside Cherokee Conference Center was transformed to a “big top” circus experience for the annual Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) Celebration of Education Gala.

This year’s Gala raised more than $200,000 for Classroom Impact Grants for Cherokee County School District (CCSD). The community supported the CCEF through the purchase of tables to attend the event as well as donations for the silent auction, which featured sports memorabilia, jewelry, travel opportunities, and original works of art by CCSD students.

The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, aerial acrobats and stilt walkers, and performances by local musicians Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee Wheeler. During dinner, guests were treated to a magical performance by Crescent Circus.

The highlight of the evening was the surprise presentation of the prestigious Alumni of the Year Awards. This year’s winners were Cherokee County Juvenile Court Judge Jennifer Davis, a graduate of Etowah HS, and Randy Gravely, who is the president of Tri-State Communications and a graduate of Cherokee HS. Both winners have made significant contributions to the Cherokee County community, making it a better place for all to live, work, and play.

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

(L-R) CCSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian Hightower, Rebecca Johnston, Judge Jennifer Davis, Randy Gravely, Board Chair Kyla Cromer, and CCEF Board President Billy Hayes

Admittedly, I’ve found a little more hope since I quit marking up yesterday’s calendar. My particular revelation is that the days simply flow better when they start fresh, clean, and new. Waking up may or may not be your favorite part of the day, but eventually we all do so — if we’re inclined, and allowed, and blessed with the opportunity.

Of course, we may or may not wake to fortune, good looks, or fame, but we all wake by grace. We awaken to a new beginning and a new set of circumstances that will no doubt fall into place. As days pass into dusks, regardless of daylight savings, time zones, or latitudes, each of us will not become the sum of an array of simple circumstances that we surely will find ourselves in but divided or multiplied by our individual reactions to each of them.

“We are either in the process of denying God’s will or in the process of being shaped and molded by it.”

–Charles Stanley

Our attitude and the choices we make within the given allotment of those circumstances is how we will perceive and thereby define our individual happiness. If we can find a way to acknowledge that the hand we’ve been dealt are the cards we must play, and then do the best we can to make the right choice — that’s something to be happy about.

When given the chance to make a little happiness, create some comfort or peace for someone, I hope I find the courage. A positive moment of your time may be the small difference in someone’s life that they need to shift the balance to the good. We can look forward to seeing lives change for the better, even if only by one simple shared smile.

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

Kelley Archer, Rachel Ashe, Zip Cain, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Tony Craft, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Mo Ives, Barbara P. Jacoby, Kay Kirkpatrick, Tim Morris, Juan Reyes, Patti Richter, Ellen Samsell Salas, Brooke Schmidt

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

VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS What Are They?

By Tony Craft

[Home Life] Diagnostics is the term given to the process of testing a vehicle to determine the cause of a problem. It’s like a patient having a medical appointment to determine the root cause of pain in a limb. Doctors would perform many tests to determine a diagnosis in order to properly address the issue. They would not just start cutting where the pain is located — and maybe cutting isn’t needed at all. Each step in the process is important.

What’s the difference between diagnostics and code checks? A code check gives you a diagnostic trouble code and a definition. The code does not, in most cases, indicate the direct cause of the problem. Code checks are just a starting point in the diagnostic process. Continuing with the doctor simile, a code check can be likened to the part of the process when the doctor verifies the patient indeed has pain as described. Everything following that step is testing to diagnose. As with pain in the body, one warning light (e.g., check engine light) can have many different causes.

Just as you want to choose doctors based on how well they will be able to treat your medical issues, here are some basic things to consider when choosing a place to have your vehicle serviced or repaired:

1. Transparency – Diagnostic charges and what they cover (there are different levels of diagnostics, and some can include a repair or be rolled into one charge)

2. Quality Technicians – Expertise/certifications are a must (there are many levels of technicians)

3. Equipment – Modern cars require modern testing equipment to make a proper diagnosis (manufacturer level software, scopes, scanners)

If your car needs diagnostics to fix a problem, these basic tips will help you make an informed decision.

Tony Craft is a franchise owner at Christian Brothers Automotive. 3745 Marietta Highway, Canton. 678-919-8122. ChristianBrothersAuto.com

APRIL

4 & 6 Log Rolling — Learn how to logroll with certified logrolling trainers. Fee is $10 per person. 5:00-7:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-8804760. PlayCherokee.org

8 BBQ & Brews — Bring the whole family to enjoy delicious BBQ and entertainment options. 12:00-8:00pm, City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 678-454-5075. CityOfBallGround.com

8 Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza — Children

3 and under will hunt eggs on the lawn, and children ages 4-12 will search for eggs underwater. Please sign up for a time slot ($15). Don’t forget your camera to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. 2:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

9 Hopewell Baptist Church Services

9:00-10:00am Sunday Life Service and 10:00-11:00am Easter Sunday Service, Hopewell Baptist Church,78 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-213-1690. HopewellBaptist.com

14 & 28 Parent’s Night Out

Drop off the kids at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids swim, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. Tickets $15 early registration or $20 late registration. 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

15 AHA First Aid & Stop

the Bleed Courses — Learn these basic skills to help someone in the event of an emergency. FREE (donations accepted, First Aid is a $75 value and Stop the Bleed is a $45 value). 9:00am-1:00pm (First Aid) and 1:30-3:00pm (Stop the Bleed), Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org

15

March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement — Participation in this event helps lift up communities for health equity, opening the door for all moms to have access to care and protecting the health of families by pushing for their rights. Please visit the website for more info. 7:00am registration and 8:00am start, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. MarchForBabies.org

15

Peace + Love + Recycle

City residents can recycle electronics, tires, and paint, and can drop off paper to shred. FREE for City of Canton residents only. 7:00am12:00pm, City of Canton Collection Site, 2525 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-7207674. CantonGa.gov

ONGOING

Community Yoga Classes — Mondays, 10:00-11:00am, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

Fresh Start Mornings — The first and third Wednesdays of each month, 9:00am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock (first WED); Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton (third WED). 770-345-0660. CherokeeGa.org/FreshStartMornings

Unwind Wednesdays — Last Wednesday of each month (AprilOctober), 5:30-8:30pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Highway 20 E, Canton. 770-501-8002. PlayCherokee.org

Tuesday Market at The Mill — Tuesdays, 3:00-7:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

15 Garland Mountain Day Hike

Enjoy a beautiful morning hike (moderate 4-mile loop) in the Appalachian foothills. Fee is $10 per person. 10:00am, Garland Mountain Horse and Hiking Trails, 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska. 770-501-8002. PlayCherokee.org

15 Champions: The Music of Queen

Presented by the Georgia Players Guild, this show features the iconic hits of Queen. Please visit the website for tickets. 8:30-10:30pm, Historic Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. GPG.TicketLeap.com/championscanton

16

The University Choirs — Enjoy a FREE performance by Reinhardt University’s Concert Choir, under the direction of Martha Shaw. 3:00pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

MilVet Meetup — First Monday of each month, 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. MilVetCommunity.com

Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — First Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty) — Second and fourth Thursdays of each month, 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969

Live Music On The Green Fridays, 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

19

What’s Up Wednesday:

What’s Up With These Race Cars?

This monthly program is designed for preschoolers and children between the ages of 3-7. Featuring a different theme each month, participants will learn about a museum artifact and enjoy a related story, activity, or craft. Fee is $5 per child plus museum admission. 11:00am, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

20 Headshots and Lemon Drops

This networking event benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Free headshots for the first 25 RSVPs with a $25 donation. Food and lemon drop martinis will be available. DJ Denver Baxter will be providing music. 4:00-6:00pm, The Arbor at Bridgemill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton. Barbara.Bonatucci@ arborcompany.com (headshot RSVP)

21 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC)

Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10. All proceeds benefit local seniors and senior veterans. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Arbor at Bridgemill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

24

14th Annual Fore The Children

Cherokee Golf Tournament

The day includes golf, breakfast, lunch, an open bar, a raffle, and a cigar bar. All proceeds benefit the Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club of Cherokee County. 8:00am registration and 9:00am shotgun start, BridgeMill Athletic Club, 1190 BridgeMill Avenue, Canton. 404-527-7100. BGCMA.org

21-23 German Shepherd Dog Club of Atlanta, Inc. Dog Shows

These shows are SE Futurity & Maturity events plus four specialty shows partnered with the GSDC of North Georgia club. Please visit the website for event times and tickets. Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. GSDCAtlanta.org/events-shows-matches.php

22

Large Works Art Show — Enjoy an evening of viewing oversized and large-scale artwork created by local artists. Light refreshments included. 6:00-8:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

22

An Evening with Mark Twain

Kurt Sutton as Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens will tell the witty stories for which the author is famous. Tickets are $20. 7:00-9:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CantonGa. GovernmentWindow.com/estore/theater/ canton-theatre.html

25 Hear Here Lecture: The Georgia Gold Rush — Join Jose Santamaria, executive director of the Tellus Museum, to learn about the Gold Rush in Georgia. FREE with museum admission. 7:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

25 The University Wind Ensemble

Enjoy a FREE performance by Reinhardt University’s Wind Ensemble. 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

continued on page 8

Canton Business Club Meeting — Wednesdays, 8:00am, Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton. Facebook. com (search for “Canton Business Club”)

Car-B-Que at the Flat — Second Sunday of each month, 10:00am2:00pm, Old Country Place, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. Facebook.com/CarBQueAtTheFlat

Trivia Night — Thursdays, 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

Music at Menagerie — Second Saturday of each month, 7:00-9:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

LIBRARY EVENTS

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

BALL GROUND

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

R.T. JONES

116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090

BEE JAMBOREE

April 6, 4:00pm, Ball Ground

All ages can learn about bees and bee-friendly plants, enjoy a sweet treat and a craft, and see bee and other insect specimens up close using digital microscopes! Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

SEEDS WITH A MASTER GARDENER

April 12, 11:00am, R T. Jones

R. T. Jones has a seed library! A master gardener will go over seeds’ dormancy, proper storage, and germination.

LIBBY 101

April 19, 11:00am, Ball Ground

Did you know the library offers eBooks and eAudiobooks for free? This program will teach participants how to use this awesome resource.

ALL ABOUT YOUR WATER: CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT AND YOU

April 24, 11:00am, R.T. Jones

Learn what a drinking water Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is, where to find it, what to look for, and what its contents mean.

BOARD GAME NIGHT

April 25, 5:00pm, Ball Ground

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

MEDICARE 101

April 26, 11:00am, R.T. Jones

What is Medicare and how does it work?

This educational session is designed to help seniors discover the answers to their Medicare questions.

continued from page 7

26

2nd Annual Touch-A-Truck — During Georgia Cities Week, Ball Ground is hosting a fun and educational event that provides residents with the opportunity to check out work vehicles and learn about the services that are provided by City operations.

6:00-8:00pm, Ball Ground Community Building, 250 Civic Drive, Ball Ground. 678-454-5075. CityOfBallGround.com

27

Taste of Canton

Sample delicious appetizers, entrees, coffees, and desserts from Canton’s extraordinary chefs and restaurateurs. Event also includes live music and a cash bar. FREE admission, tasting tickets $1 each. 4:30-8:30pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga.gov; CantonGa.gov

28-30

MAY Minis at The Mill

3, 10, 17, 24, & 31

Bring your little ones to the Mill for a FREE interactive activity! 10:00am11:00am, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

5 Downtown Canton First Friday: The Return, Beatles Tribute Band Experience a night filled with live entertainment, extended hours for shopping, restaurants, a Kids Zone, and food and beverage vendors. Please bring a chair. 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga.gov; CantonGa.gov

Peaberry Film Festival

This event, which replaces the former Etowah Film Festival, will screen national and international films. Please visit the website for details. Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. PeaberryProductions.com

29

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. HFVA.org

6 Volunteer Clean-up Trail and Maintenance — Help clean and maintain our beloved parks! Tools will be provided while supplies last. Please register, so organizers can plan accordingly. 9:00am12:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

6 20th Annual Kentucky Derby Day

29

Garden in the Park — This event features flowers, plants, and handmade art. 10:00am-4:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga.gov; CantonGa.gov

Enjoy History Cherokee’s signature fundraising event, supporting all historic preservation and education programs for the society. Gather to watch the race, sip mint juleps, dine on gourmet food, and bid on silent auction items. Ladies are encouraged to wear their finest chapeaux to qualify for entry in the Hat Contest. Visit the website for tickets. 4:00-7:30pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

29

Lacrosse Demonstration — The Georgia Swarm Lacrosse team, along with teams from the eastern band of Cherokee Indians (from Murphy, North Carolina) and possibly the Mississippi band of Choctaw Indians, will perform lacrosse demonstrations. The Georgia Swarm is an Eastern Division team in the National Lacrosse League. 12:00-3:00pm, Ball Ground Multi Use Recreational Field, 235 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 678-454-5075. CityOfBallGround.com

7 The Cherokee Music Teachers Association Annual Awards Ceremony Scholarship winners will perform, followed by a recital by guest artist Dr. Jerico Vasquez of Shorter University. FREE and open to the public. 3:00pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Linda@lokey.net

City of Canton Park Updates

By Brooke Schmidt

Oneof the tenets of the City of Canton’s Roadmap for Success is “Connecting Citizens to Parks and Recreation.” Team Canton is proud of the work we’ve accomplished on our expanding and improving parks system:

• Etowah River Park recently expanded eastward, under and across I-575. The park includes a 1.5 mile trail along the river. Events held here include concerts, 5K races (about 35 each year), and the Snack Shack.

• Heritage Park has a plyometric gym addition and new permanent public restrooms along the trail connector. When the weather cooperates, a new playground will be constructed.

• Boling Park, leased from the Army Corp of Engineers, will see resurfacing of the drive and parking this spring. The tennis and basketball courts have been renovated, and the creation of a new mural is underway on the basketball court.

• The trail connector between Heritage and Boling Parks should be open this summer.

• Harmon Park, with additional land purchased using a grant from Atlanta United, will accommodate a new mini-pitch soccer field, basketball court, riverside pavilion, riverside trail, parking and drive improvements, and enhanced baseball facilities. Sidewalk improvements are also planned for connectivity between Sunnyside and Harmon. Please pardon our mess during all this progress.

• NEW South Canton Park! The City has purchased 6.2 acres off Marietta Highway, near Ivey Drive, for a new park. This historically underserved area could see the following concepts: world-

class dog park, playgrounds, walking tracks, food truck area, tree canopy activities, an event green, and/or other options. Concepts were discussed by the City Council at its February retreat. In developing the City’s Roadmap, residents shared an overwhelming desire for a dog park. Thanks to the approval of the recent SPLOST, the plan is for this to be the focus of a new park that also serves as a space the entire family can enjoy.

In addition, the City received a grant of more than $600K for the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Etowah River, connecting the trail currently under construction with The Mill on Etowah. The City has purchased 30 acres along the bend of the Etowah River near the Marietta Highway bridge for continued trails and connectivity.

Focused on providing accessibility options, City of Canton parks offer free public Wi-Fi and Little Free Libraries. As the City refurbishes older parks and creates new ones, all abilities equipment will be included whenever possible.

Y’all get out there and enjoy the great outdoors in the #CoolestSmallTownInAmerica!

Brooke Schmidt is the city councilwoman for Ward 3. 110 Academy Street, Canton. Brooke.Schmidt@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov

Canton City Council Adopts Resolution in Opposition to HB 514 and HB 517

During the March 2 City Council meeting, Mayor Bill Grant and Canton City Council adopted a resolution seeking to keep local control over design standards, development fees, zoning regulations, and decisions related to development moratoriums at the level of government closest to the citizens most impacted.

“Current legislation circulating at the State Capitol (HB 514 and HB 517) would eliminate local powers related to development and building standards and regulations,” explained City Manager Billy Peppers. “These bills would strip enforcement of decisions made through public processes at the City level in an effort to make homebuilding more profitable and faster for builders. This move for profit and productivity comes at the cost of public health, public safety, and citizen input related to the styles and standards of residential projects to be built on neighboring properties.”

Canton Mayor Bill Grant added to Peppers’ sentiments, “Our citizens rely on their local government to control housing standards, quality of development, and the character of our community. House Bills 514 and 517 would undermine the mayor and Council’s control of maintenance and zoning standards in our city and, therefore, give developers an upper hand.”

Among some of the items these bills seek to remove from local control include standards related to building materials, minimum lot sizes, minimum square footage requirements for residential units, and minimum requirements for road frontage for the development of a lot. Eliminating these controls removes local character from design, inhibits safety on public roadways, and impacts the property values of existing residents in favor of profiting national builders.

The City Council will transmit the resolution to the local delegation and encourage concerned residents to reach out to the members of the House and Senate to voice their opinions on this preemptive legislation.

A link to the resolution can be found at CantonGa.gov. Details about House Bills 514 and 517 can be found at Legis.Ga.gov.

CCFES Awarded International Accredited Status

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) has received Accredited Agency status with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. CCFES is one of approximately 300 agencies in the world to achieve this status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE).

“We have been able to use the CFAI accreditation process as a mechanism to plan for the future of our department and identify areas where we can improve the quality of service we provide,” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson.

CFAI is dedicated to assisting the fire and emergency service agencies throughout the world in achieving excellence through self-assessment and accreditation to provide continuous quality improvement and the enhancement of service delivery to their communities. The CFAI process is voluntary and provides an agency with an improvement model to assess their service delivery and performance internally and then works with a team of peers from other agencies to evaluate their completed self-assessment.

Front row (L-R) Division Chief Dean Floyd, Battalion Chief Ricky Collett, Cherokee County Manager Geoff Morton, Cherokee County Commission Chairman Harry Johnston, Division Chief Chad Davis, Lt. Randy Fifield. Back row (L-R) Battalion Chief Marc Liscio, Battalion Chief Chad Arp, Battalion Chief Cheri Collett, Executive Assistant Katie Erwin, Fire Chief Eddie Robinson, CFAI Commission Chair Steve Dirksen, Deputy Chief Shane West, Deputy Chief Kevin Lanier, Battalion Chief Nate Sullivan, Division Chief Mark Orr.

Cherokee County School District Announcements

2023-24 New Online Registration System

The Synergy system provides a simple online registration process that eliminates the need for a visit to the school front office. The system can be used to register new and transfer students. To use the registration system, parents can set up an account at Bit.ly/registerccsd. The transition to the online registration system is the District’s first step toward using Synergy’s ParentVue as its student information system, which will be open to parents in August 2024.

2023 Partners and Volunteers of the Year Honored

CCSD celebrated outstanding school community partners and volunteers at its annual Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year recognition ceremony. From a pool of 78 honorees, one from each individual school and center, the Rotary Club of Woodstock, Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy’s Partner of the Year, was named the CCSD 2023 Partner of the Year, and Britt Parramore, ACTIVE Academies’ Volunteer of the Year, was named the CCSD 2023 Volunteer of the Year.

CCSD Schools Earn Top State AP Honors

For the 13th consecutive year, CCSD high schools earned the state’s top honors for outstanding Advanced Placement (AP) programs and performance.

All six high schools were named 2023 AP Honor Schools for exceptional student performance and participation on AP exams, as well as being recognized as AP STEM and AP STEM Achievement Schools. Five high schools – Cherokee, Creekview, Etowah, River Ridge, and Sequoyah – were also named AP Humanities and AP Humanities Achievement Schools. Five schools – Creekview, Etowah, River Ridge, Sequoyah, and Woodstock – additionally earned AP School of Distinction honors.

Cherokee HS Teacher Selected for NASA Teacher STEM Training Program

Lana Glaus, who teaches astronomy and physical science, will participate this summer in the LiftOff Alumni Summer Institute at the Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The program is sponsored by NASA, its Texas Space Grant Consortium, University of Texas Center for Space Research and industries. Teachers are selected to participate in the nationally competitive program, which offers workshops, hands-on activities, field investigations, and presentations by NASA scientists and engineers working on various missions. The costs associated with participating will be paid by NASA’s Georgia and Texas Space Consortiums.

City of Canton News To Note

• Canton designated as City of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The City adopted a civility resolution in GMA’s new Embrace Civility program during a Council meeting in February. Canton is the third city in Georgia to make this commitment.

• The City of Canton participated in the first ever More Than Murals Workshop. The workshop is a three-day intensive on using art to address community challenges and is organized and sponsored by the Georgia Council for the Arts, the City of Thomasville, the Georgia Municipal Association, and the Thomasville Center for the Arts. Participating community teams left the workshop with a specific arts-based strategy that addresses the challenges that their cities are facing. Canton also received an $8,000 Creative Placemaking Project Grant. For more information, visit CantonGa.gov.

Anna Daily and Paul Hutto of the Rotary Club of Woodstock (right) accept the 2023 Partner of the Year award from Oak Grove ES STEAM Academy Principal Penny Valle (left).

Britt Parramore (right) accepts the 2023 Volunteer of the Year award from ACTIVE Academies Principal Andy Hall (left).

CSO Announces Award Winners

Sheriff Frank Reynolds bestowed the following awards to Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) employees and citizens at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting:

• Life Saving Awards were presented to Deputies Andres Gavina and Tripp Ohar, Steven Parker (not pictured), Brett Hall, and Michael Jones.

• Sheriff’s Commendations were presented to Inv. Benjamin Botzong, Cpl. Tommy Thompkins, and Deputy Jeff Steer.

• Sheriff’s Outstanding Citizen Awards were presented to Mabel Ntiamoah, Brittany Kim (not pictured), and Jill Washburn (not pictured).

Sheriff Reynolds then recognized past and present CSO Reserve deputies and announced the inaugural Eisenbrandt Leadership Award in honor of the late Reserve Capt. Greg Eisenbrandt who served Cherokee County for 25 years as a Reserve Deputy and was the commander over the unit for 15 years. The award will be presented each year to a deserving CSO Reserve deputy. The inaugural award was given to Greg’s wife Peg Eisenbrandt.

Child Abuse Awareness Month and the Importance of “Prevention in Partnership”

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Everyone has a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign, led by Prevent Child Abuse America and its national network of state chapters, is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia and Prevent Child Abuse Cherokee invite community members to help raise awareness and impact through the following action items:

• Share the Find Help Georgia online resource hub with families. Users can search online or talk to trained professionals who will connect them with area programs.

• On April 11, visit Big Dan’s Car Wash (305 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock). A percentage of all proceeds on this day will be donated to The Children’s Haven, a Prevent Child Abuse chapter in Cherokee County, to support child abuse prevention services in our community.

• During the month of April, shop at the Shoe Station (2243 Cumming Highway, Canton) and ask to round up your change. Proceeds will be donated to The Children’s Haven.

• Follow The Children’s Haven on social media and share its posts. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #BuildingTogether, #PreventionInPartnership, and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and communities to thrive.

For more information, please visit CherokeeChildrensHaven.org.

Front Row (L-R) Sheriff Frank Reynolds, Greg Bomeisl, Justin Webb, Peg Eisenbrandt, Deputy Rony Dessaint, and Chief Deputy Tommy Pinyan. Back row (L-R) Sgt. Chris Patty, Capt. Kevin Amason, Lt. Matthew Halstead, and Sgt. Carlos Rubio.

Front row (L-R) Sheriff Frank Reynolds, Deputy Tripp Ohar, Deputy Andres Gavina, Deputy Jeff Steer, Mabel Ntiamoah, and Chief Deputy Tommy Pinyan. Back row (L-R) Michel Jones, Investigator Benjamin Botzong, Brett Hall, Cpl. Tommy Thompkins.

YOUR CANTON AND CARTERSVILLE CHIROPRACTOR

By Patti Richter

Chiropractic care is often associated with only neck and back pain. In reality, it includes far more than just treatment for spinal issues.

“Chiropractic actually extends to extremity pain, athletic improvement, injury rehabilitation, headache treatment, vertigo treatment, and much more,” says Dr. Daniel Turner, owner and director of DT Chiropractic in Canton and Cartersville.

Chiropractic treatment is a noninvasive health care discipline with a hands-on approach, focused on the neuromusculoskeletal system.

SERVICE, NOT SALES

“At DT Chiropractic, we try to treat everyone like they are the most important person that we know,” says Dr. Turner. “We spend time with our patients, gaining insight into their problems, and come up with an individually tailored treatment approach. We want them to recover as quickly as possible, just as if they were a family member.”

Chiropractors are trained as “point-of-entry” doctors, being able to assess and refer out any conditions they see. At DT Chiropractic, the doctors and their assistants use a mix of specialized equipment (electrical stimulation and ultrasound), along with post-isometric stretching, rehabilitative exercises, and other techniques. They combine acute injury care with rehabilitative and performance improvement exercises to return their patients to a level better than before their injury.

“We offer a relaxed atmosphere without selling patients any treatment packages or products like some others do. Our patients receive treatment on day one without being pressured into any longterm commitment. And we never force patients to take unnecessary X-rays (some other offices do) in order to scare patients into receiving care,” says Rhiannon Turner, who is Dr. Turner’s wife as well as the personal injury coordinator at DT Chiropractic.

She adds that most major insurance companies, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and Humana, cover chiropractic visits.

“Patients will have their standard co-pay if their deductible is met. Otherwise, we offer a fantastic cash rate for patients without insurance,” Rhiannon says.

Dr. Daniel Turner, owner and director of DT Chiropractic, and wife Rhiannon, personal injury coordinator

A GROWING PRACTICE

Because of Dr. Turner’s background, he refers to himself as an “antichiropractic chiropractor.” With a father who was a family practice physician, Dr. Turner originally planned to become an orthopedic surgeon. He earned a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology from the University of California, Irvine, before his career trajectory changed.

“I was a national champion in jiu-jitsu, fighting professionally in mixed martial arts, when I was injured. I visited an orthopedic surgeon but had a bad experience,” Dr. Turner says. “Sponsored by a chiropractor at the time, I turned to him for help. After the initial visit, my condition improved significantly. I immediately reevaluated and switched my career path.”

Dr. Turner later received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. He moved to Canton 10 years ago and established his current practice in 2013 after buying the practice of a retiring chiropractor.

The DT Chiropractic treatment team continues to grow. Besides the group of chiropractic assistants and interns, two associate chiropractors have been added. Dr. Ryan Petrini came to the Canton location two years ago, after graduating from Life University in Marietta. Dr. Christopher Davis practices at the Cartersville location and is an experienced chiropractor who has spent numerous years treating personal injury patients.

Dr. Turner is involved with numerous local organizations. He is very thankful for this community and supports it in turn. He is involved with many sports programs and currently serves as the president of the Cherokee Warrior Baseball Booster Club.

Two notable distinctions about Dr. Turner

— He is an examiner for the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, where he is responsible for testing graduating students for licensure; he also serves as an extension faculty member for Life University, training and tutoring chiropractic interns.

SPECIALIZING IN TREATING SPORTS AND CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES

Dr. Turner has worked with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Los Angeles Kings, many Olympic athletes, and numerous other professional athletes.

“Our chiropractic doctors and assistants are experienced in assessing and treating sports-related injuries,” he says. “We offer $20 visits for student athletes whenever needed. Also, county employees (first responders, court employees, and others) can be treated for $25.”

DT Chiropractic further specializes in treating auto accident injuries. Rhiannon is experienced in handling these complex cases, helping to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

The professional staff at DT Chiropractic wants to be north Georgia’s go-to place for the best treatment with the quickest outcomes.

“We are committed to helping clients reach great outcomes,” Dr. Turner says.

Dr. Turner treating a patient.

Dr. Ryan Petrini chiropractor — Canton

Dr. Christopher Davis chiropractor — Cartersville

In Pursuit of Justice for All

By Rachel Ashe

AsDeputy Chief Assistant District Attorney of the Domestic Violence Unit, I am inspired by Lady Justice. She is one of the most compelling symbols of our criminal justice system. With her blindfold, sword, and scale, she exemplifies the idea that justice should be applied objectively, without regard to status, race, wealth, or gender.

Impartiality and fairness in the pursuit of justice benefit both the accused and the victim of crime. Even so, what seems fair to one person may not seem fair to the other.

When crimes occur, the role of a prosecutor is to seek justice within the bounds of the law. Prosecutors like myself ultimately bear the burden of moving forward with charges, making plea recommendations, and presenting cases to either a judge or jury, while representing the State and the citizens of our county. It is a heavy burden.

True justice is often complicated. Much like the scales that Lady Justice carries, prosecutors balance many factors when seeking justice. The decisions we make impact families, offenders, victims, witnesses, and our community as a whole.

Each year, the District Attorney’s Office prosecutes thousands of felony cases. In 2022, our office provided support and guidance to more than 4,000 crime victims. These victims were impacted by crimes ranging from theft and assault to child molestation and homicide.

In every case, our office works to ensure that crime victims know they have a voice in the process, and their rights will be upheld. These rights include notification of case status, education about the criminal justice system, accompaniment and support during criminal proceedings, referrals to resources, and assistance in filing for victim related compensation.

One of the greatest challenges for a prosecutor is speaking for victims when they are not ready or able to speak for themselves. In our Domestic Violence Unit, we often encounter individuals

who still love their abuser. In these situations, those who are victimized see justice differently than the prosecutor does; they may even feel that fair justice would mean dismissing charges and letting their loved one come home.

Fortunately, our community realizes that to keep vulnerable victims safe, the abuser must be held accountable — even if the victim does not agree.

Holding offenders accountable and seeking justice for victims does not begin or end with the prosecutor. True justice means working together with law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and the community to seek just results to keep victims and our county safe.

Victims have rights, a voice, and support and services in the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office. We hope you never find yourself in need of crime victim services. But if you do, we are here to help guide you and protect your rights.

A complete listing of rights you have as a victim of crime in Georgia can be found in § O.C.G.A. 17-17-1.

Rachel Ashe is the deputy chief assistant district attorney for the Domestic Violence Unit, Office of the District Attorney, Cherokee County, Georgia. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/District-Attorneys-Office

Is Your Smile Camera Ready?

By Mo Ives

[Healthy Life] Calling all brides, grooms, graduates, soon to be graduates, anyone planning a trip, important event, or special occasion. Family pictures, selfies, and photo ops — there are so many images being taken and shared these days, and many are noticing that they don’t like the way their teeth look.

As an important event approaches, lots of people visit or call orthodontists to ask them to fix their teeth. They often want it done in six months or less. Though there are a few circumstances when orthodontists can straighten teeth in a short period of time (without finishing treatment) for a special occasion, oftentimes, that it isn’t possible because of the way the teeth are positioned or for various other reasons.

We all know life gets busy and hectic. But, whenever possible, you should plan ahead for your orthodontic care. Moving teeth takes time for you to have the smile you want for important photos. But remember, a beautiful smile isn’t just for special occasions — it’s for a lifetime.

Choose

Mo Ives is a treatment coordinator/orthodontic assistant at Harmony Orthodontics, 149 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 2, Canton. 770-988-6552. HarmonyOrthoStudio.com

FRESH START MORNINGS COED’s Rebranded Entrepreneurship Program

By Cherokee Office of Economic Development

[StrategicLife] If you own a business or have been thinking about starting one, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) would like to invite you to be part of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In February, COED rebranded its entrepreneurship program with a new name, Fresh Start Mornings (formerly 1 Million Cups Cherokee). The rebranded name is a combination of “Fresh Start Cherokee,” the initiative under which the program operates, and the time of day that the event series is held — the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 9:00am.

After five years of successfully impacting over 120 small business owners under the 1 Million Cups Cherokee program, COED assessed the educational needs of Cherokee business owners. This evaluation led to the decision to create a new educational series, providing additional resources and opportunities for Cherokee’s business community.

Besides the name change, the program now incorporates an event series held in two formats:

• Entrepreneurial-focused panel discussions

• Presentations from scaling or startup business owners

• The topic of each panel and presentation is developed organically, as the business community shares suggestions, ideas, and challenges to growth.

Fresh Start Mornings gives participants the opportunity to pitch ideas to a diverse audience and gain feedback through crowdsource solutions. After each panel and presentation, the audience is given a chance to ask questions and provide insight. The ultimate goal remains to help local entrepreneurs hatch startups close to home. Growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem has long been a top priority for Cherokee County. For over five years, COED has created programs that focus on supporting the next wave of innovators and startups.

“We are passionate about educating the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said COED President and CEO Misti Martin. “When we work together to help advance ideas for new companies, it leads to the creation of sustainable businesses and ultimately generates wealth for the owners and their families, as well as our community.”

Participants have commented on how Fresh Start Mornings has helped them to make valuable connections and stay abreast of topics that are relevant to their business development.

“Given the depth of entrepreneurial talent in Cherokee County, the community’s needs are shifting, and the restructuring to the Fresh Start Mornings format will prove to be a better fit for the next generation of startups,” said local business owner Dennis LoPiccolo.

Fresh Start Mornings events are free and open to the public. You can check out livestream recordings produced by partners Gerald Griffith of Corridor Publishing as well as photos captured by Bronson Kurtz of Polar Nite on social media @FreshStartCherokee. Program speakers and topics are announced via CherokeeGa.org/ freshstartmornings and on social media.

On the first Wednesday of each month, the meeting is held at The Circuit in Woodstock. On the third Wednesday of each month, it is held at Reformation Brewery in Canton.

If you’re interested in participating in Fresh Start Mornings as a presenter or volunteer, please contact Program Manager Amanda Sutter at ASutter@cherokeega.org. L

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development, One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org

Live, Work, and Play in Canton

By Kelley Archer

[Lifestyle] Canton is not just a city, but also a vibrant cultural hub. Here, historical and natural sights complement one another, making it a desirable destination to both visit and live. These two elements of history and nature create a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Canton’s combination of “new and old” cultural elements makes the city a unique place to explore and learn, and the Cherokee County Historic Courthouse is a perfect place to start. Built in 1928, the building has been listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places for more than 40 years. Visitors to this beautiful marble structure can not only read about the city’s history but also see the renovated jail and courtroom.

The 120-year-old former Canton Cotton Mill sits on the bank of the Etowah River and

is another popular Canton destination that marries history with modern food, shopping, and entertainment options, now known as The Mill on Etowah.

History buffs can further satisfy their curiosity with a visit to the new Cherokee County History Center, which just opened last November. It contains galleries and exhibits full of interesting artifacts and images of days past. Additionally, the Center hosts many fun and educational events throughout the year.

For those who prefer live entertainment, the historic Canton Theatre is situated conveniently in the downtown area. Although it no longer features the silent movies from more than a century ago, the not-for-profit community theatre now

hosts plays, musicals, and concerts of every kind.

Anyone who has spent time in Canton can affirm that natural beauty exists at every turn. Two of the city’s most wellknown attractions are the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir and the Etowah River Park. The reservoir offers more than 15 miles of shoreline for fishers, kayakers, and canoers, while the Etowah River Park offers walking trails and a boat launch. L

Kelley Archer is the marketing manager for Landeavor, the developer of the Great Sky community, 100 Sun Shower Ridge, Canton. 770-704-0234. GreatSkyGa.com

Let Them Eat Cake!

CONVENIENT, SPRING-INSPIRED POKE CAKE RECIPES

By Julie Senger

Ifyou need a sweet treat to take to an Easter gathering, birthday party, or any other special occasion (or just because!), check out these yummy spring-inspired poke cake recipes, which are easy to transport because they stay right in the same pan they’re baked in. In case you’re unfamiliar, a poke cake is exactly what it sounds like — a baked cake with poked holes filled with glaze, pudding, icing, fruit, or another liquid or cream-based confection to infuse extra flavor into each bite.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING RECIPES

Please use your favorite boxed cake mix in the specified flavor, prepared according to package instructions and baked in a 9x13-inch pan. When finished baking, allow the cake to cool to room temperature then use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes 1-2 inches apart over the entire cake surface, being careful not to poke all the way to the bottom of the pan.

INGREDIENTS

For the Buttermilk Glaze Filling:

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup butter, softened

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 4 cups powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

For the Filling: Add the sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup, and baking soda to a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Continuously stir the mixture for 8-10 minutes until the glaze is a light amber color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool for 15-20 minutes until warm before pouring it evenly over the top of the cake. Allow the cake to sit until cooled completely.

CARROT (carrot cake)

For the Frosting: Mix the butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy with no large lumps. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract then mix until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Spread the frosting evenly over cooled cake.

BERRY CHEESECAKE

(white cake)

INGREDIENTS

For the Berry Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 cups strawberries, mashed

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup blueberries, mashed

• 1 cup raspberries, mashed

For the Topping:

• 8 oz whipped topping

• 4-5 graham cracker sheets, crumbled

• Blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries for garnish

INGREDIENTS

For the Key Lime Filling:

• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

• 3/4 cup whipping cream

• Zest of 1/2 a lime

• 1/2 cup bottled key lime juice

For the Topping:

• 1 1/4 cup whipping cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 3 tablespoons sugar

KEY LIME

DIRECTIONS

For the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine mashed strawberries with softened cream cheese and condensed milk, whisking until there are no large lumps. Fold in mashed blueberries and raspberries, and lightly stir, so the colors of the berries are streaky and not overly blended. Pour the mixture over the cake and let it settle into the holes for about 10 minutes. After sinking into the holes, the mixture should form a thin layer on the top of the cake.

For the Topping:

Carefully spread the whipped topping over the top of the cake. Evenly distribute blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries across the surface and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Chill the cake for at least 3 hours or as long as overnight.

• Fresh lime and strawberry slices and/or grated lime zest for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS

For the Filling:

In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, whipping cream, and lime zest. Next, stir in the key lime juice. Pour the filling over the top of the cake and spread it across the surface, so it fills all the holes. Refrigerate for at least one hour or as long as overnight.

For the Topping:

Add whipping cream to a medium bowl that has been chilled in the freezer. Using a hand mixer, mix the cream until frothy. Add vanilla and gradually add sugar as you continue to mix until peaks form. Spread the topping over the cake and garnish with sliced strawberries, sliced limes, and grated lime zest, if desired.

INGREDIENTS

For the Peanut Butter Banana Filling:

• 2 medium bananas, mashed

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter, melted

• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping:

• 8 oz whipped topping

• 2 medium bananas, sliced

• 1/2 cup peanut butter, melted

• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

DIRECTIONS

For the Filling:

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour the mixture over the cake and spread it evenly to help it settle into the holes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. Some of the mixture will stay on top of the cake.

For the Topping:

Carefully spread whipped topping over the cake. Evenly distribute sliced bananas across the topping, drizzle melted peanut butter across the surface, and sprinkle with roasted peanuts. Chill the cake for at least 3 hours or as long as overnight.

(yellow cake)

(yellow cake)

Senator Speaks

Legislative Update

By State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD

Thisyear’s session seemed back to normal for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020. The halls were full of visiting groups, lobbyists, members of the public, and our beloved young pages. Bills were heard in committee every afternoon, and many moved to the Senate floor.

For the first time, we had a calendar for the entire session, and our last day (Sine Die) was March 29. “Crossover Day,” which is the last day a bill can pass out of one chamber in order to move to the other chamber, was March 6.

In terms of the budget process, we were in a good economic position to fund the priorities of our state (such as education and health care), as well as return money to taxpayers. We worked on many bills related to public safety including several about crime, gang activity, and human trafficking. Other hot topics related to sports betting, infrastructure, electric vehicles, and tax credits.

I had the honor of chairing the new Children and Families committee, which worked on a number of bills about foster care and adoption. I also serve as vice chair of Health and Human Services and secretary of Insurance as well as Appropriations and Veterans/Military and Homeland Security.

I worked to move many bills through the process, including two that have moved out of the Senate at the time of this writing: SB21 regarding the Veteran Service Foundation Board and SB23, which addresses removing a group of inactive commissions and boards from our state law.

Other bills I sponsored that are still in committee at the time of this writing: SB19 deals passport fees being taken by superior court clerks, requiring disclosure and creating a formula; SB20 has to do with insurance network adequacy; SB22 is a public safety bill that requires testing, labeling, and an age restriction on hemp products; SB122 is an election integrity bill dealing with ballot access and chain of custody; and SB155 relates to cruelty to K-9 officers.

All senators and representatives can file bills that are important to them. We had many new legislators and new leadership in both chambers, so it took a while for things to get moving, but the pace continued to pick up all the way to the end.

If you have questions about specific bills, please feel free to contact me at Kay.Kirkpatrick@senate.gov or 404-656-3932.

Kay Kirkpatrick, MD, represents District 32, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-3932. SenatorKayKirkpatrick.com

Signs That You Need a New Roof

By Juan Reyes

[Home Life] Getting a new roof is a big decision for homeowners who might feel hesitant and overwhelmed about such a big investment. To help you make the right decision, here are signs that you need a new roof.

Damaged Shingles

Curled shingles can result from poor attic ventilation, and missing shingles allow water to penetrate inside and cause damage to surrounding shingles and your roof sheathing.

Sagging

Roof sagging can be a sign of improper attic ventilation or extensive water damage. If the sagging covers a large area, it increases the risk of your roof collapsing.

Water Damage

Apart from sagging, signs of water damage include discoloration on the ceiling, bubbling or cracking paint, mold growth, musty odors, and soft or spongy decking.

Storm Damage

The first course of action after a storm has passed should be to check for water leaks and damages to shingles, gutters, downspouts, and metal flashing. Make sure you take pictures of the damage for the insurance adjuster.

Age

With proper care and regular maintenance, the average life span of an

asphalt roof is 20-25 years. To avoid significant damage due to complete roof failure, homeowners should replace the roof when it reaches 80-85% of the manufacturer’s specified lifespan.

High Energy Bills

Your attic is responsible for your home’s energy efficiency. Apart from high energy bills, improper attic insulation can also affect your roof by damaging the shingles, causing the decking to sag, and leading to mold growth.

Flashing Damage

Roof flashing prevents water from entering the openings and cracks of the roof. It’s installed around the chimney, roof edges, skylights, and vents. Rusted or loose flashing can lead to a water leak inside your walls and ceilings.

Light Passing Through

If you see light coming through the roof in the attic, then your roof board has small cracks and holes that need to be repaired immediately.

Missing Gutter Apron

A gutter apron ensures the water goes into the gutters and doesn’t get absorbed by the fascia and soffits. With regular use, the gutter apron can get damaged or can even go missing after a storm.

Juan Reyes is the owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. 2558 Canton Road, Marietta. 770-373-7064. MyProRoofing.com

BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

Teacher Feature Alisha Talley

Arnold Mill ES teacher Alisha Talley is known for the fun she embeds into her lessons, along with learning standards.

The fourth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher is in her 16th year as an educator – a career she decided to pursue because of her love for children.

“I have always loved watching children grow, explore, and learn new things,” said Talley, whose colleagues chose her as the school’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. “Being a part of their journey is such a privilege.”

She keeps education engaging and entertaining for her students. For example, every year she creates the Holiday Starbooks Cafe, a lesson that transforms her classroom into a study of fairy tales and holiday stories from around the world. Her students also experience learning under black lights on Glow Day. And when it’s time to prepare for Georgia Milestones testing, they play the Bean Boozled candy game.

“When students know that we are going to have a fun themed activity or game coming up, they work even harder to master the skills being taught,” she said. “Creating

excitement in English language arts is an important part in fostering a love of reading in students.”

Talley doesn’t hold back her joy during class, as she sees how it sets the tone for her students, especially those who struggle with confidence about their reading skills.

“Showing that I am excited about what I am teaching and more importantly, whom I am teaching, gets my students excited about their own learning. Building a relationship with students and showing them how much I care about them is the first step in gaining their respect and engagement,” she said. “It’s also important to find new ways to teach content. I know that English language arts can be a struggle for some students, especially those who are not confident in their reading ability. By incorporating games, movement, free choice, project-based learning, escape rooms, etc., students are learning the skills and content that they need while having fun.”

Her dedication to supporting students doesn’t stop at her classroom door, as she also volunteers with the school’s Mustang Mentors program.

“This program helps students to be more successful at school through the daily encouragement and support of a mentor,” Talley said. “I provide positive feedback, encouragement, and rewards while focusing on helping students practice the specific ‘Tell the Ten’ school expectations with which they are struggling.”

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

“Parents can help their child be successful at school by modeling a positive attitude about school and showing a real interest in what is going on,” Talley said. “Taking time to read together, talk about school, ask questions, or simply be available to listen shows that they are invested in what is going on in their child’s life. A child’s success at school is amplified when parents and teachers are working as a team in the best interest of the child.”

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

Fred

By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] For the past eight years, I have served as the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. During that time, I have written more than 85 articles for Family Life magazines. In those articles, I’ve written about my childhood and life experiences, especially with my grandmother, as well as things that have challenged me and my staff at the Center. Challenges are not always about the day-to-day services we provide. They are often about heartbreaking situations the staff can be involved in with our elderly clients or strangers who turn to us for assistance — things we are not well trained to deal with but give 100% to try and help.

Homelessness within our senior population has become one of our greatest challenges due to the lack of affordable housing options. We do everything we can, but are unable to help everyone find a place to live. After a year of trying, Sydney Brown, the Center’s information and assistance coordinator, recently was able to help a homeless gentleman find a place in subsidized senior housing. We are happy he now has a stable place to call home.

Our latest challenge is helping an 82-year-old man named Fred who is living behind a Cherokee County shopping center. Fred never asks for anything, and you wouldn’t know he was homeless by looking at him. There are some great people at the shopping center who have helped Fred for more than a year.

It’s difficult to talk to Fred because he is hard of hearing, so we write out questions on paper. He doesn’t want to be homeless and said having a car would be helpful because he walks everywhere. He also told us he got hit by a car crossing the intersection but is okay. If you would like to help Fred, please contact Cherokee Senior Services. L

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

Artist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Philip Gard Your Trash Is His Treasure

Philip Gard says he “can make stuff out of anything” — a lamp out of a purse, wall sconces out of old boots, lights out of discarded bee smokers. Where other people see junk, Gard finds stories or parts of people’s lives, and he carries on those stories.

What began as a hobby has become Custom Pure Grain, Gard’s enterprise to rescue items that he finds in yard sales, old sheds, and abandoned barns. The item might be a trombone or an old pair of crutches tucked in a corner waiting to be repurposed, or it might be discarded lumber from what had been the cabins of a retreat center.

“I’m inspired by discovering forgotten and broken items,” the long-time resident of Cherokee County said.

Gard explained that the name Custom Pure Grain denotes the ingenious pieces he creates, the purity of the items he repurposes, and the lifespan of the wood he often uses.

Although he has no training in carpentry or welding, Gard has an instinct for revealing the story of each item. As a photographer, he strove not only to capture the literal, but also to reveal the essence of places and people. Now, he creates art that becomes part of people’s lives and enhances their homes with the depth of each piece’s underlying life.

Recently, he has turned old ladders and wagon wheels into light fixtures, fashioned rocket ship lights from pipes, and added plumbing to vintage dry sinks. Whether he works with wood, copper tubing, or sheet metal, he lets his imagination have free rein.

Gard not only rescues the items but also seeks to discover their history. He will research the origin of an old sewing machine using the model number. He will quiz people who are discarding items, asking who the owner was, or what work went on in an old shed from which he is salvaging lumber.

“I try to salvage the history of the item, no matter how insignificant it might seem, then turn that piece into a table where families come together. The more scratches, saw marks, and layers of paint, the more story,” he said.

Gard gives back to the community by working with teens in the foster system. As a father to two young boys, he also serves as a scout leader.

While he hopes that people enjoy his whimsical creations, Gard also hopes that they continue the stories of those items, “the desires and efforts” of the people who made them and once had them in their homes.

“All these things had a purpose and now have a new purpose,” he said.

If you would like to see more of Gard’s work, he has items for sale at Menagerie on Main in Canton, or you can send him an email at CustomPureGrain@gmail.com.

Sunday Is Coming!

By Minister Zip Cain

[InGoodFaith] Have you ever heard of the man called Jesus? His story is one of pain, betrayal, brutality, and despair. Sounds kind of like some of the things that happen in our own lives, doesn’t it? The tragic part of his story is that he was brutally killed on a cross (Luke 23:26-49), but we know that even before his death, redemption was promised to be coming soon according to the Bible. We know that the story does not end at the cross. We know what many did not realize that Sunday is coming!

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen,’” (Matthew 28:1-6).

On April 9, people across the globe will gather in homes, buildings of every size, under trees in the desert, and many other places to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. My prayer is that churches will be flooded with people who don’t know Jesus. I pray that when they hear the story of Easter, they would trust in Jesus, and their lives would be changed for eternity. Once they clearly see Jesus for who he is, the Son of God who died for our sins and rose from the grave, they will never be the same again.

So, be reminded of this truth during Easter: God has worked, is working, and will work through all things. He is risen! L

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