Canton Family Life | April 2024

Can You Stand the Rain?

On a perfect day, I know that I can count on you When that’s not possible Tell me, can you weather the storm?

If you’re a fan of ‘80s and ‘90s R&B music, you probably recognize the above lyrics, which were made famous in a song first recorded by New Edition in 1988 and again by Boys II Men in 1997. And since most of us have heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” it seems like a fitting time to explore the metaphoric meaning of “rain/showers” in these instances.

While flowers certainly need rain to grow from seeds into beautiful blooms, if we equate rain with adversity, hard times, or uncomfortable situations, the same could be said for human beings. And though we must overcome difficult things to learn necessary lessons, it’s often our perspective during tough situations that can help or hinder the process of weathering life’s storms.

A friend of mine recently lost his dog of 14 years. During the last two years of his dog’s life, she went from being a 50 lb. lively animal that loved to go on long hikes, swim at the lake, and chase squirrels to eventually losing the use of one of her back legs and needing to be picked up and carried from place to place.

Though caring for his beloved dog became more demanding in the end, and losing her broke his heart, my friend said that the immeasurable amount of joy she brought to his life was “worth every challenge and every tear.”

When we choose to see the blessings in difficult times, it helps to shift our focus from pain or displeasure to gratitude. And, on a brighter note, we should also remember that flowers need plenty of sunshine to help them grow, too. So, may this spring bring lots of warm rays during the extended daylight hours, with just enough rain to help everything (and everyone) grow.

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

ART

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Tuszynski

PhotoJack.Net@Gmail.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright

David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cherokee Office

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 publishes the only monthly magazines in Cherokee County that reach more than 30,000 readers in print and digital formats — each issue, every month, with more direct-mailed copies sent to Cherokee County homes than any other local magazine.

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The Heart of Canton

By Farris Yawn

Duringa meeting with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, early in the process of creating the Canton Main Street Program (maybe even the first meeting with them), one of the presenters said something that has stuck with me all these years: “Downtown is the heart of a city, and you can’t have a vibrant city without a strong heart.” I may be paraphrasing, but the sentiment is correct.

Downtown Canton has come a long way in the years since that meeting. There are many new restaurants, retail outlets, an active downtown theater, and great events for the whole family. With spring right around the corner, it is almost time for the Farmers Market and First Friday events to begin again.

On the first Saturday in June, the Canton Farmers Market will resume in Brown Park. Visitors can look forward to another great lineup of local growers and craftspeople. I’m always impressed by the variety of items available for purchase. It’s a great place for the entire family to enjoy, and it’s pet friendly. My pugs, Pugslee and Wednesday, always enjoy an outing to the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. I am sure your family would, too. It is held each Saturday through the end of August.

In addition to the increased shopping hours and world-class restaurants, as usual, First Friday has a great musical lineup this year:

• May 3, The Rupert’s Orchestra

• June 7, A1A

• July 5, Mark Wills

• August 2, The Troubadour Project

• September 6, DEPARTURE:

The Journey Tribute Band

• October 4, On The Border — The Ultimate Eagles Tribute

As far as downtown has come, it still has a long way to go to reach its full potential. To take it to the next level, the Downtown Development Authority commissioned the group that developed our Transportation Master Plan to help us create a Downtown Master Plan. The group has gotten input from citizens, business leaders, and City officials to learn what these stakeholders would like the heart of Canton to look like in the years to come.

The City of Canton had an open house on January 10 that drew a large crowd. Attendees were very engaged with the consultant group that heard and reviewed their ideas for downtown. There was a lot of good input and out-of-the-box thinking.

If you didn’t make it to the January meeting, there will be other opportunities to share your vision for Canton. Two pop-up events are being planned, and one more open house meeting will occur in the coming months. It’s exciting to hear the plans and ideas that attendees present.

To learn about these or any other upcoming events in Canton, sign up for the “City of Canton Newsletter” at ExploreCantonGa.com, view our events calendar at CantonGa.gov, or follow our City of Canton GA Facebook page.

What would you like to see in downtown Canton? What would you like to see in other areas of the city? We would love your feedback. You can send me an email at Farris.Yawn@cantonga.gov.

Farris Yawn is the city councilman for Ward 3. 110 Academy Street, Canton. Farris.Yawn@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov

Calendar

APRIL

1-5/26 Serving Up History

This exhibit illustrates historic foodways in Cherokee County and the broader South through cookbooks, recipes, kitchen implements, and food cultivation practices. 10:00am-5:00pm

Wednesdays-Saturdays and 12:00-5:00pm

Sundays, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

6 3rd Annual BBQ and Brews Ball Ground Festival — Enjoy live music all day, over 100 retail vendors, BBQ pitmasters from all over Georgia, and an amazing Kids Zone. There will be fun for the whole family! 12:00-8:00pm, Calvin Farmer Park, 235 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. CityOfBallGround.com

6, 27, & 5/4

Cherokee Master Gardeners Programs

Vegetable and Fruit Gardening (4/6); Cut Flower Gardening (4/27); and Herbs, An Aromatic and Savory Harvest (5/4). $5.00 per person/ class. 10:00am-12:00pm, Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. CherokeeMasterGardeners.com

April Is — National Couple Appreciation, Decorating, Garden, Jazz Appreciation, and Poetry Month as well as Active Dog, Adopt a Ferret, Autism Acceptance, Parkinson’s Awareness, Poetic Earth, Straw Hat, Stress Awareness, Summer Tire Changeover, and Tornado Awareness Month, and it’s also the Month of the Military Child.

11 Grease Sing-Along — Join the Cherokee Players for a sing-along showing of the film Grease! This event is a fundraiser for the Cherokee Players. 7:00-9:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. CantonGa.gov

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

13 Homeland Security Stop the Bleed Course

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

ONGOING

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

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

13 Peace + Love + Recycle City residents can recycle electronics, tires, paint, and also bring paper for shredding. FREE for City of Canton residents only.

7:00am-12:00pm, City of Canton Collection Site, 2525 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-720-7674. CantonGa.gov

13 Masters at The Mill — Meet friends on the green for golf games, Master’s-themed food and drinks, golf vendors, and The Masters on the big screen. 12:00-6:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

13 Relay For Life of Cherokee County Community members take turns walking around a track in this fundraising event that benefits The American Cancer Society. 4:00-8:30pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. ExploreCantonGa. com/events/relay-forlife-cherokee-county

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

BINGO for Charity! — Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 7:30pm Wednesdays/Fridays and 3:00pm Sundays, Canton Family Moose Center, 278 Moose Loop Road, Canton. 770-479-8300.

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

14 Sensory Friendly Sunday

Designed for visitors with autism spectrum disorders and sensory sensitivities, museum-goers will experience the museum in a more sensory friendly way. 12:00-5:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

16 Hear, Here! Georgia Textile Trail

Join Heather Rodriguez and Jarrett Craft of the University of West Georgia’s Georgia Textile Heritage Trail to explore its path from Columbus to Canton’s own Roosterville and beyond. 7:00pm, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

17 & 5/1

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

Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10. All proceeds support local seniors and senior veterans. 11:30am-1:00pm, Cedarhurst of Canton, 3100 Hidden Valley Drive, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

19 Earth Day Recycling Event Paper documents to be shredded, electronics, gardening containers, children’s car seats, athletic shoes, and aluminum cans will be collected for recycling. Visit the Chamber’s website for a complete list of recyclable items. Nominal fees will be charged for computer monitors and televisions. 1:00-4:00pm, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

Fresh Start Mornings — This program features entrepreneurshipgeared educational discussions along with presentations from startups seeking crowd-sourced feedback on challenges they are facing as new business owners. FREE!

9:00am networking and 9:15am program begins; (4/17) Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton; (5/1) The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org

Minis at The Mill — Wednesdays, 4/10-6/19. 10:00-11:00am, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

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

Friday Night Live Music at The Mill — Fridays. 6:00-8:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

Karaoke Night — First Friday of each month. 8:00-10:00pm, The Mill on Etowah/Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

20 Garden in the Park — This event features flowers, plants, and handmade art. 10:00am-3:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. GardenInThePark@cantonga.gov; ExploreCantonGa.com; CantonGa.gov

21-27

National Crime Victims’ Rights

Week — This week-long event is a call to action to offer support, services, and hope to those who are victimized by crime. During the week, communities across the country honor crime victims and survivors, recognize individuals who provide services, and raise awareness about crime victims’ rights. The 2024 theme is “How would you help?” OJP.gov

continued on page 8

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

Adults With Aging Parents Seminar — Third Thursday of each month. 6:30pm, Covenant Presbyterian Church (Kapperman-Williams Hall), 2881 Canton Road, Marietta. CobbCherokee@acapcommunity.org, ACAPCommunity.org/events

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

ECLIPSE WATCH PARTY

FAMILY STORYTIME

April 4, 11, & 18; 11:00am; Ball Ground

This program supports early literacy with books, songs, and fingerplays and is followed by a craft activity. All children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Craft materials are provided while supplies last.

April 8, 2:30pm, Ball Ground

Eclipse glasses and refreshments provided while supplies last. Bring a blanket or chair. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.

D.E.A.R. CELEBRATION

April 12, 4:00pm, Ball Ground

Drop Everything And Read! Celebrate reading and the joy it brings. Enjoy treats and fun times! All ages are welcome.

SAFETY TRAINING WITH BARON AND CHARLIE

THE THERAPY DOGS

April 13, 2:00pm, R.T. Jones

Join Baron, Charlie, and their handlers for a hands-on course on how to safely approach and ask to pet a dog, as Ms. Kimberly reads from “May I Pet Your Dog” by Stephanie Calmenson. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

ADULT ECLECTIC BOOK CLUB

April 15, 6:00pm, R.T. Jones

Gather with other attendees to discuss the classic To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

SUMMER DISCOVERY HYPE NIGHT WITH CCSD

April 23, 5:00pm, Ball Ground

In partnership with the Cherokee County School District, the SRLS will be hosting this event for students to drop in and get excited for the upcoming summer at the library with fun stations, games, and more.

AGRICULTURE STORYTIME WITH SEEd: COWS!

April 30, 10:30am, R.T. Jones

Enjoy a special storytime and activity with Ms. Rebekah from SEEd! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Calendar

continued from page 7

22 Teen & Young Adult Job & Volunteer Fair

If your business/organization needs to fill part-time, full-time, summer, or volunteer positions, then this is a great event to find candidates in one place. 3:00-6:00pm, Canton City Hall, 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov

24 What’s Up Wednesdays — This monthly program is designed for children between the ages of 3-7. 11:00am, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

26 Cornhole Under the Lights

Enjoy cornhole under the lights with friends, $25 per person to enter. 6:00pm boards down and 7:00pm bags fly, American Legion Post 45, 160 McClure Street, Canton. 678-689-8149. Facebook.com/LegionPost45Canton

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

27 Street Dog Dash 5K — This 501c(3) nonprofit charity event raises funds for local and international animal rescue organizations. It is a Peachtree Road Race qualifying event that is family friendly, dogs included! 9:00-10:00am, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. StreetDogDash5K.org

27 Goshen Valley 5K and Upriver Fest

After the 5K run/walk, enjoy three talented local artists. All proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Goshen Valley Foster Program. 4:00pm 5K and 5:00-9:00pm live music, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com, RunSignUp.com/Race/GA/Canton/ UpriverMusicFestand5KRunWalktobenefitGoshenValley

28-30

Peaberry Film Festival — This event replaces the former Etowah Film Festival and will screen national and international films, connecting filmmakers and audiences. The festival will also connect filmmakers to the government resources available to them, specifically as it pertains to location scouting. Tickets are $20-$50. Please visit the website for event times. Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. PeaberryFest.org

30

Tuesdays in the Park — Enjoy an evening in the park. The Children’s Entrepreneur Market will also be at the event selling crafts and goodies. 5:00-8:00pm, JJ Biello Park (the valley playground), 175 Brooke Boulevard, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

Tornado Awareness Month

By Tim Morris

MAY

2 Get Down and Derby Gala — Enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, a silent auction, and a Derby “Lineup” competition at this Stand Up for Seniors fundraising event. $75 per person. 6:00-9:00pm, Timbers on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 202, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

3 Downtown Canton First Friday: The Rupert’s Orchestra Bring the whole family for a fun 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; ExploreCantonGa.com; CantonGa.gov

4 21st Annual Kentucky Derby Day — 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, and dine on gourmet food. Ladies are encouraged to wear their finest chapeaux to qualify for entry in the Hat Contest. There will also be a pony pull and a silent auction. Visit the website for tickets. 4:30-7:30pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

[Lifestyle] April is Tornado Awareness Month, and since I grew up in central Georgia, it got pretty scary at times. If we were at home, my dad would take the family to my grandmother’s farm because our house only had one level and no safe place to take shelter. My grandfather built a fruit cellar next to their farmhouse, so my grandmother could store her canning and some of her plants to keep the frost from killing them. Occasionally, we took shelter there during severe weather because it was six feet below ground and had sturdy doors and a solid foundation.

Once when my daughter was 5 years old, she and I were at home when a tornado warning was issued. Since our home didn’t have a basement, we sheltered in the bathroom closet. I could see she was scared, so I quickly got her bike helmet from the garage and put it on her head, which made her feel safer.

Nowadays, you don’t see a lot of storm shelters. Please be sure your senior friends and loved ones know the following information:

 Seek shelter in an interior room of your basement.

 If you don’t have a basement, seek shelter in an interior room away from windows. Use a mattress or bike helmet for extra protection.

 If you’re outdoors, seek shelter in a flat ditch, cover your head, and make sure you are away from power lines.

 Avoid taking shelter in auditoriums, parked cars, and buildings with stairs.

 If you see a tornado in the distance while driving and cannot make it to a shelter, drive at a right angle toward the movement of the tornado.

 Make sure you have a battery-operated weather alert radio or a fully charged smartphone to stay abreast of weather updates.

 Be sure you know the difference between a tornado watch (conditions are favorable for a tornado) and a tornado warning (a tornado has been sighted). If you receive a warning, take shelter immediately. L

City of Canton Proposes Historic District Expansion and Adoption of Residential Design Guidelines

The historic district will double in size under the newly proposed expansion, and if adopted, homes within this area will go under Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review for any future exterior work.

An open house was held on March 4 for public discussion on the expansion and guidelines, which was followed by an HPC meeting. A public hearing will be held at the April 4 Canton City Council meeting at 6:00pm, with discussion and possible action on the expansion and guidelines at their meeting on April 18 at 6:00pm.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Community Development Director Kevin Turner at Kevin.Turner@cantonga.gov or Planning.Zoning@cantonga.gov.

Commissioners Approve Concept Plan for Future Hickory Flat Park

In April 2022, Cherokee County purchased about 40 acres for a future park in Hickory Flat and engaged Lose Design to prepare a concept plan. County officials and Lose Design held three public input meetings and online public engagement during the process, yielding feedback from area residents.

The concept for the park, located on East Cherokee Drive in the heart of Hickory Flat, shows plans for an open lawn area, recreation center, concessions and restroom building, a multi-purpose field complex, paved trail network, dog park, playground, interactive fountain, community garden, and 12 pickleball courts with spectator seating. Plans for the recreation center show a gymnasium, indoor walking track, fitness center, classrooms, meeting rooms, and administrative offices.

Canton Police Department Welcomes New Chief

City Manager Billy Peppers has named Martin P. Ferrell as the next leader of Canton’s Police Department. The hire comes after former Chief Stephen Merrifield’s retirement last December.

Mercer Group Associates conducted a national recruitment effort in December and early January to assist Peppers with narrowing the applicant pool to a selection of candidates for formal review. Mercer Group utilized stakeholder feedback from the department to assist in developing the recruitment brochure for the position.

Chief Ferrell joins Canton Police following a career with the City of Marietta Police Department. Ferrell began his law enforcement career as an officer with Marietta Police in 1990, eventually serving in narcotics and as a departmental training officer. Rising through the department, he became a lieutenant in 1999, leading a variety of programs including criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, crime interdiction, Police Explorers, drug education, SWAT, and the City of Marietta’s school resource officer program.

In 2005, Ferrell was promoted to major, leading outreach, uniform patrol, administrative services, and homeland security, among other duties. He served as deputy chief of the department from 2013 to 2022. During that time, he established a pastor’s academy for community outreach, introduced the department’s body warn camera technology, incorporated the agency’s crisis intervention team for officer support, and filled in in the absence of the chief. He attained the office of chief of police with Marietta PD in 2022, serving until he retired from that local government at the end of 2023.

The dog park is expected to feature shaded structures, bench seating, and a water fountain with a dog water bowl. The open lawn is a place for families and friends to gather for picnics and enjoy each other’s company. It will also feature a playground, pavilions, splash pad, ADA loop trail, and a restroom building.

The multi-purpose field complex is expected to feature two 300-foot baseball diamonds, four 215-foot baseball diamonds, two rectangular sports fields, pavilions, and restrooms.

The project will be phased in in three segments with a total expected cost of $43.3 million. The first phase is estimated at $15.9 million, the second phase at $9.7 million, and the third phase at $17.8 million. The next steps for the project include identifying funding and establishing a development timeline.

In addition to his work experience, Ferrell holds postsecondary degrees in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University. He is a graduate of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police Chief Executive Training Program, International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations, Senior Management Institute of Police, Police Executive Research Forum, Carl Vinson Institute of Government Management Program at the University of Georgia, FBI National Academy, Dale Carnegie Management Program, and the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy.

The Canton Police Department includes 61 employees, both sworn law enforcement personnel and civilian administrative staff. Canton Police Department is a State Certified Law Enforcement Agency.

Community

Cherokee County School District Announcements

New Class of Educators Inducted Into Hall of Fame

The CCSD Educators Hall of Fame recognizes retired educators who made significant contributions during their careers in CCSD and left lasting positive impacts on the lives of students, colleagues, and the community.

The Class of 2024 inductees are Letitia Cline, Marguerite Cline, Jackie Hopkins, Pete Jones, and the late Lee R.

Superintendent Davis Begins Her New Role

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Davis, CCSD’s freshly hired superintendent of schools started her new role last month by visiting schools and meeting students, teachers and staff, families, and community partners.

“My commitment to education extends beyond a career choice — it is a profound dedication to creating environments where students thrive, educators are empowered, leaders excel, support staff make significant impacts, and families confidently invest their trust,” said Davis in her statement to the community upon accepting the position.

Education Gala Fundraising Success and Alumni of the Year Winners Announced

This year’s 70s-themed Cherokee County Education Foundation (CCEF) black tie event drew a record crowd of more than 400 attendees and raised just over $200,000 for Classroom Impact Grants, which benefit students, classrooms, teachers, and staff in the 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.

The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as well as performances by local musicians Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee Wheeler. Guests were then treated to dinner and a concert by Beatles tribute band the Liverpool Legends.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2024 Alumni of the Year awards to businessman and philanthropist Ken White, Cherokee High School class of 1959, and Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, Cherokee High School class of 1970. Both winners have made significant contributions to the Cherokee County community, making it a better place for all to live, work, and play.

Retiring Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower was also honored.

For more information, visit CherokeeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org.

Cherokee County Purchases Former Buffington School Site

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved purchasing the former Buffington ES site from the Cherokee County School District for $1.2 million. The 9.8-acre site paired with the adjacent nearly 3.2-acre site the county already owns is slated to house a replacement for Fire Station 29 and possibly a future site for the Fire Safety and Education Village and Fire & Emergency Services Headquarters.

During a work session discussion, Chairman Harry Johnston confirmed with fire officials that the county’s intention is to preserve the original building and its historic look.

Ken White

Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison

Dr. Brian V. Hightower

Tippens.

Letitia Cline

Marguerite Cline

Family of the late Lee R. Tippens

Pete Jones

Jackie Hopkins

CATS Launches Micro-Transit, Rebrands

The Children’s Haven Raises Funds at 70s Prom Event

The Children’s Haven recently held their 3rd Annual Adult Prom fundraising event, and this year’s theme was a throwback to the 70s. Nearly 200 guests attended, dressed in groovy costumes from hippie to glam prom wear. The event raises much-needed funds for the nonprofit’s support and prevention programs for children in foster care and families facing challenges in our community.

The evening included dancing, a silent auction, a live auction, and a wine pull. Chris and Amber Harden were crowned this year’s Prom King and Queen for helping to raise funds and awareness for the needs and the work of The Children’s Haven. Chad and Rachel Davis and Gregg and Heather Shelton were also on the prom court for providing much-appreciated support.

Funds from this year’s event will support these specific Children’s Haven programs: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), the WellStar Family Visitation Center, Prevent Child Abuse Cherokee, and the Chin Up mentorship program.

To learn more about The Children’s Haven or to get involved, please visit CherokeeChildrensHaven.org.

Resurfacing To Begin on I-575 in Cherokee

Interstate 575 is about to get a major makeover. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recently awarded C.W. Matthews, Inc. a $56 million contract to resurface approximately 20 miles of I-575 from I-75 in Cobb County to the Etowah River in Cherokee County.

Resurfacing is expected to get started in the next few months. Along with the highway, all the on- and offramps will also be resurfaced. Motorists can expect lane closures during the project. However, there will be no lane closures between 6:00am and 6:00pm. The resurfacing is slated to be completed by December 31, 2024.

Cherokee Area Transit Service (CATS) has undergone changes including a more efficient service for riders, a new look, and an updated name. Previously, CATS offered Fixed Route and Demand Response services. Fixed Route ran on a standard schedule, while Demand Response allowed riders to schedule their transportation ahead of time.

“The traditional fixed route system is being replaced with micro-transit, which translates to shorter wait times and a larger service area for our riders. While this is a pilot program to replace the former fixed route system in Canton, the plan is to further expand micro-transit to other areas of the county in the future,” said Transit Director Greg Powell.

The current micro-transit service area expanded on the area previously served by the former Canton fixed routes. It stretches from the Canton Marketplace shopping center to Knox Elementary on Highway 20 west of Canton. It includes downtown Canton, the Laurel Canyon Village shopping center on Reinhardt College Parkway, the Riverstone Parkway area, Northside Hospital Cherokee, Empower Cherokee, the Cherokee County Senior Center, the Cherokee County Health Department, and the Cherokee County DFCS office on Univeter Road.

Fares will remain unchanged from the October 2023 update. General fare is $2 per person for 0-5 miles and an additional $1 for more than 5 miles. Reduced fares, which apply to seniors ages 60 and older, veterans, and Medicare/Medicaid cardholders, are $1 per person per trip for up to 5 miles and an additional $1 for anything over 5 miles. Children ages 15 and younger ride free.

Cherokee County partnered with Ecolane USA last September to purchase the software for both micro-transit and Demand Response, which services all of Cherokee County. The CATS micro-transit app operates much like private rideshare company models but for public transit systems.

Micro-transit not only streamlines the process for riders, but it also gives them access to the GPS location of their bus, so they will be less likely to miss their ride. Additionally, trip reminder notifications will provide a friendly nudge for people to cancel their rides if they no longer need them, and residents can schedule their rides even if the CATS dispatch office is closed for the day.

Residents can download the app from the App Store and Google Play store. Simply search “Cherokee Area Transit Service.”

In addition to the launch of micro-transit, CATS is getting a new look and an updated name to better reflect the operation. Over the next several months, riders will begin to see the new look on the CATS fleet and signage.

For questions or more information, call (770) 345-6238 Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.

Josh Wise, founder and owner

“Good Enough” Is No Longer Good Enough

At GrassRoots, old-fashioned service means delivering premium customer care and lawn expertise.

“Being satisfied with a lawn that looks ‘good enough’ is not good enough for our customers,” Wise says. “We want our customers to have peace of mind, to know that the job was done and done correctly. We go the extra mile to ensure that peace of mind. Whether that means picking up toys left in the yard, closing gates, or bringing in trash cans, our technicians serve our customers.”

Family owned and operated, the GrassRoots team includes expert technicians who provide service tailored to their customers’ lawns and their property.

“We love it that our customers know their technician’s name. That means we’ve made an impact,” said Greg Beaubien, director

By Ellen Samsell Salas

Delivering Old-Fashioned Service and Beautiful Lawns

Josh Wise, founder and owner of GrassRoots Turf, is happy to say the company is a little old-fashioned when it comes to customer care and service. With a team of 33 employees in their Acworth operation and franchises in not only Georgia but also Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and North and South Carolina, the company remains dedicated to providing the personalized lawn care and expertise that have defined the business since its founding in 2003.

of customer experience. “With 25 years in the industry, if a question does arise, I’m available. I’m here to provide solutions for our customers,” he added.

Creating a Win-Win Partnership Videos, Alerts, and Emails

Going “the extra mile” includes videotaping each service visit — a feature unique to GrassRoots. Wearing cameras, technicians record their visits to customers’ properties. Uploaded daily, the videos allow customers to view their technician, their property, and the service provided to their lawn.

“Our customers don’t have to worry if we did the job right. They can see exactly what their technician did,” Wise said. “This is a win-win feature. Our customers are happy, and therefore, we’re happy.”

Customers also receive pre-visit alerts that let them know when their lawn will be serviced and after-service emails that detail the treatments completed.

Custom Discounts Fit Customer Needs

This year, personalized care also comes in custom discounts that allow all customers to choose where they want their savings to be.

“It might be in aeration, it might be in pest control, our customers, new and old, can choose what fits their lawns’ needs,” Wise said.

Ongoing Education Makes Certain Each Lawn Gets What it Needs

To ensure that they deliver appropriate and environmentally friendly treatments, Wise and his team stay abreast of developments in lawn care products and practices and make certain that GrassRoots technicians are also up to speed on industry changes.

Each January, the company hosts a fiveday Roots University where experts in the field discuss the latest developments in turf grass care. This ongoing education means technicians are better informed and better able to respond to environmental and other changes, from drought to pest infestation.

“You can’t predict the weather, the supply chain, changes in EPA regulations, or advances in lawn care products. We educate our technicians, so that they are ready for these unforeseen changes,” Wise said.

Individualized and Environmentally Sound Solutions Create Healthier Lawns

Technicians are also able to assess the condition of each lawn and provide the treatments that best suit that property, whether it is lawn care or pest control. They consider the unique features of each property — the amount of sun and shade, drainage issues, as well as soil conditions — and decide which treatments will create healthy soil and a thriving turf.

Never one-size-fits-all, treatments are dictated by each lawn’s unique needs. The goal is to create vibrant, beautiful lawns.

“We don’t apply the same fertilizer to every lawn or decide treatments according to the time of year,” Wise explained.

Treatments also reflect GrassRoots’ commitment to being environmentally conscientious. GrassRoots’ liquid aeration system allows fertilizers to be absorbed rather than washed into local water sources. Technicians create microscopic holes that help the soil better absorb water, nutrients, and oxygen.

“We want to create a healthier environment that creates healthier soil and healthier roots,” Wise said. “We want lawns that are creating their own nutrients.”

Taking Care of Customers, Employees, and the Community

GrassRoots also goes the extra mile in its commitment to its employees and the community. Providing perks that include 401K plans, birthdays off, and impromptu barbecues, Wise and his management team ensure employees know they are valued.

Engaged in the local community, GrassRoots supports education through it's give-back program that allows customers to donate 5% or their bill to the local school of their choice. A frequent sponsor of Cherokee and Cobb youth sports teams, the company also partners with Green Care for Troops and provides free lawn care to active-duty service personnel and retired veterans.

“It’s about giving back. It’s about taking care of people,” Wise said. “If we take care of our employees, they’ll take care of our customers, and in turn, our customers and our community will support us. It’s a continuing circle.”

NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK: Meet Parker

By District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway

Providing a multitude of services to crime victims is the core of any effective prosecution unit. That’s why when I first learned of courthouse canines, I knew that someday I wanted one for our team.

“Someday” came last fall when we were introduced to Parker, a puppy at Tails of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides training and support for service dogs. Parker was perfect for our team and pretty much hired on the spot. Parker has the unique ability to quietly listen, provide a calm presence, and console someone who is going through a traumatic experience.

Many people who come to our office are dealing with trouble beyond human understanding, and a sensitive, welltrained staff member like Parker knows just how to comfort them.

Parker and his handler, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Rachel Ashe of the Domestic Violence Unit, have attended ongoing classes on everything from advanced obedience to specific tasks typically performed by service animals. In October 2023, Parker obtained the AKC Good Citizen certification. In January, he completed a twopart training class on advanced obedience.

He has mastered deep pressure therapy and is now working on behavior interruptions for anxiety. These skills are important since many individuals experience anxiety and stress while navigating the criminal justice system.

Every day, Parker works with our entire staff to deliver support and comfort, relieve stress, and bring joy wherever his four legs take him. He has also become quite popular with courthouse personnel including the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office deputies, bailiffs, defense attorneys, judges, staff in other departments, visitors, and pretty much anyone else he encounters.

While Parker travels through the courthouse, he occasionally stops to interact with children and families, allowing a pet and offering a paw. He brings happiness to people who are likely dealing with incredibly stressful situations.

His main purpose, however, is to serve vulnerable individuals victimized by felony crimes in Cherokee County.

In the past few months, Parker has demonstrated a propensity for understanding exactly what a victim needs. He recently sat with a traumatized young woman when the jury returned its verdict. Afterward, she tearfully hugged Parker and said, “Thank you, Parker. You are exactly what I needed today.” During another trial, he comforted individuals who had to testify, using behavior interruptions for anxiety, and ending their day with a good, solid Parker lean that provided the support they needed.

Another very special thing about Parker is that he has a canine brother named Reggie who also serves our community. In fact, Reggie paved the way for Parker to join the team. After Reggie became part of the Marshal’s Office last summer, I spoke to Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala who shared his agency’s success story with Tails of Hope. Reggie was an amazing addition to the Marshal’s Office, so I knew that his brother would be perfect for us.

We are so excited to have Parker on our team. He is already making a difference!

The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

By Pastor Gary Lamb

[InGoodFaith] It has been almost 15 years since I wrote an article for a local magazine. In my previous life, I wrote a monthly column for another magazine, and my last one was entitled, “I Just Don’t Like Most Christians.”

All these years later, I’m now the pastor of a different church, and I’m sad to say, I still feel the same way. I want to like Christians, but we make it so hard to be liked. Bono, the lead singer of the rock band U2, said, “Christians are hard to tolerate, I don’t know how Jesus does it.” I get it.

I know it hurts our feelings, but as Christ’s followers, we must do better. Many people think we are judgmental, hypocritical — and let’s be honest — downright weird

sometimes. Folks seem to know everything we are against but rarely mention what we are for.

I’m not trying to hurt feelings, but I am trying to give all of us a reality check. We have been left here to spread good news. But instead, we are on social media fighting about politics and whatever we are planning to boycott next.

John 13:35 sums it up for me: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Our job on Earth is very simple — we are to love. We are to love people regardless of their skin color, sexual preference, or social standing. We are to love people even if they sin differently than we do. We are to love people no matter what they do. So, for my first article in 15 years, that is my simple charge to you: Let’s just love people. L

Gary Lamb is the pastor at Action Church, 271 Marietta Road, Canton. 770-345-3030. ActionChurch.tv

Teacher Feature

BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

Cody LAMANAC

Thegreat care shown to Cody Lamanac by his teachers while he was a Cherokee County School District student inspired his decision to become a teacher.

“School was a daily challenge for me as an elementary student, due to my being in a traumatic head-on car accident when I was in first grade. The accident impacted me physically and made learning especially difficult. As time progressed, school became less and less of a struggle due to the tremendous support of the teachers that I had in Cherokee County. Their involvement impacted me so much that as a senior in high school, I decided to go to college to earn a degree in education, so I could provide the same support and encouragement for students that I received,” said Lamanac, who began teaching math at Teasley MS five years ago and was selected by his peers as the school’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Lamanac, who graduated from Sequoyah HS and continued his studies to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, is known for following his teachers’ lead in showing great care to his own students. He’s also known for using innovative instruction strategies to make learning more engaging.

“I ask myself, ‘How can I expect students to be excited about learning if I don’t show enthusiasm for not only what I am teaching but also how I am teaching it?’ I encourage students to be excited about learning!” he said. “I make sure that I am zealous while delivering various strategies, activities, tasks, projects, and teaching practices that I utilize in the classroom. I also encourage students to seek and find a personal connection to the content, which helps improve comprehension and retention.”

One such example is using Math360 boards, which provide opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration and feedback. The boards also allow Lamanac the ability to provide real-time feedback that’s impactful in the moment.

“Math360 proved to be a powerful tool that allowed my students to see and express the ‘why’ behind the math,” he said.

Beyond the classroom, Lamanac is involved in the Teasley community by volunteering his time after school and during evenings and weekends to run the sound system for student performances, club programs, and other activities. He also assists with the school’s student news crew and volunteers at his church.

“I enjoy being active within my school and community,” he said.

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

“Student success is a product of the partnership between students, teachers, and parents. When parents are aware of and support school expectations such as having school-appropriate behavior, completing and turning in assignments on time, and preparing for tests, their students are more successful at school. When parents and teachers are on the same page, it makes a stronger network of support for students and aids in equipping them with the tools they need to be their most successful selves at school,” said Lamanac.

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

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

Offer Beauty and Versatility

By Joshua Fuder

[Home Life] Karl Foerster, the famed horticulturalist, once said, “Grasses are the hair of Mother Earth.” Just as a well-coiffed hairstyle can make the difference between an average or inviting visage, ornamental grasses can transform a landscape.

From low-growing ground covers to options that grow to be 15 feet tall, there are many varieties and options of ornamental grasses. Their forms can range from low mounds to spilling fountains to tall and upright verticals. Grasses are also easy to grow, as they have relatively few insect or disease issues and are drought-tolerant once established.

Additionally, grass provides needed shelter and food for native wildlife. The seeds of many varieties provide fall and winter food for birds. Clump-forming grasses also provide a habitat for ground-nesting bees.

Ways To Use Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

• Containers — Either as the center of a potted arrangement, mixed annual planting, or by itself.

• Erosion Control — Cherokee County is full of slopes, and grasses are one of the best tools for holding the ground and filtering sediment.

• Screening — Unsightly views and landscape features, like propane tanks or A/C units, can be easily hidden by some of the taller ornamental grasses.

• Ground Covers — Blue fescue is a small-sized, silvery-blue variety that fits anywhere. Liriope or lilyturf is versatile in sun or shade and comes in variegated colors as well as deep purple.

• Specimen Plant/Focal Point

• Background for Landscape Beds — Medium to taller grasses at the back of a bed will add dimension and help focus the eye on the seasonal color in front.

Be aware that some ornamental grasses are listed as invasive or undesirable due to their ability to spread via seed and escape into the natural environment. Try to avoid using maiden grass, pampas grass, Japanese blood grass, giant reed, and weeping lovegrass.

Begin Your Genealogy Journey No-Cost Library Resources

By Sarah Childers and Lisa Fowler

Researching your heritage can be a wonderful hobby to help better understand your family’s story. Have you ever wondered what life was like for your great-grandparents? What about their great-grandparents? Genealogy research can help you connect to your ancestors and feel closer to your family. The Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS) has a variety of no-cost tools available that can help you begin your genealogy journey.

Types of Genealogy Resources Available at SRLS:

Digital Resources

Community members can visit any SRLS library to use Ancestry.comLibrary Edition. While this resource can only be accessed on site at the library branches, it provides many of the same experiences and features as a premium Ancestry website account.

At home, community members can access HeritageQuest.com with an SRLS library card. Like Ancestry.com, this resource offers access to the United States Federal Census Collection, the United States Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files 18001900, Family History Books and Directories, the Canadian Census Collection, and the United States Freedman’s Bank Records 1865-1874

Additional digital resources available to you at home through SRLS include the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database, which has introductory maps, 3D video reconstructions, timelines, and timelapses as well as many other databases to help you trace your ancestors. The Digital Library of Georgia includes multiple collections on various subjects including the Vanishing Georgia collection, which focuses on photography throughout the state over the years. Another digital database that can assist you in your research is Georgia Historic Newspapers, which allows you to search through the content of select newspapers in Georgia including some newspapers dating back to the 1800s.

Other Library Resources

Georgia Room Special Collections

SRLS has Georgia Room Special Collections at three of its branches: R.T. Jones Memorial Library in Canton, Pickens County Library in Jasper, and Gilmer County Library in Ellijay. These collections include genealogy and Georgia history as well as some resources from neighboring states.

One of the most popular resources in the Georgia Rooms is the Heritage Books, which include details, information, and pictures about local families that were written and provided by members of the community. Other Georgia Room resources include microfilm readers, annotated obituaries, neighboring state histories, maps, and other documents.

Handbooks and Manuals

Some books available for checkout that can help you become more comfortable with genealogy research include Organize Your Genealogy: Strategies and Solutions for Every Researcher by Drew Smith, A Genealogist’s Guide to Discovering Your African-American Ancestors: How to Find and Record Your Unique Heritage by Franklin Carter Smith, and The Family Tree Problem Solver: Tried-and-True Tactics for Tracing Elusive Ancestors by Marsha Hoffman Rising.

“Ask Us!” Sessions

These sessions allow community members to get genealogy help from a library staff member. To book an “Ask Us!” session, visit the “Contact Us” form that is available at SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org. From there, select “Ask Us!” as the topic of your question. Once you complete the form, a staff member will contact you to provide further assistance.

The Sequoyah Regional Library System is your dynamic destination for discovery. To access these resources and more, visit one of the SRLS branches to sign up for a library card, which is available at no cost to anyone with a valid ID who resides or owns property in Cherokee, Pickens, and/or Gilmer counties.

To learn more about all the no-cost services and programs available at SRLS branches, please visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org.

Genealogists Wear Many Hats:

• Researcher – Researching your ancestors requires looking through many resources to find information about your family’s history.

• Historian – When you’ve discovered an ancestor that lived before you were born, you learn more about what the world was like during that family member’s lifetime.

• Translator – Occasionally, documents can be written in a foreign language, requiring further research to translate them into your native tongue.

• Cartographer – Studying maps of the places where your ancestors lived can help you understand more about their lives.

• Archivists – Many documents can help tell the story of your family, so it’s important to collect and organize them for future reference.

• Storyteller – Discovering information about your family and ancestry helps you tell and preserve your family’s history for generations to come.

Sarah Childers is the marketing manager for Sequoyah Regional Library System, and Lisa Fowler is the branch manager at R.T. Jones Memorial Library

UPCOMING ELECTIONS Voting Information

By State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, MD

By the time you read this, the legislative session will be over for this year. We are accomplishing some great things related to taxes, education, healthcare, child welfare, and many other important topics. I am particularly proud of the work we are doing on behalf of kids in the foster care system.

Many state representatives, senators, and congressional representatives who want to hold onto their seats are running for reelection this year, so they are currently busy campaigning. Since this is also a presidential election year, you can expect to be bombarded with campaign ads.

Here are some important dates to mark on your calendar:

• May 21 — Primary Election

• June 18 — Primary Runoff

• November 5 — General Election

• December 3 — General Election Runoff

Early voting is typically three weeks before the actual election date (two weeks before runoff elections).

To be eligible to vote in all these upcoming elections, you must register to vote now. In-person voting, early in-person voting, and absentee ballot voting are all available options in Georgia. If you choose not to vote, you are giving up your most important way to influence policy decisions at all levels.

Most people running for public office are doing it as an opportunity to serve. Even in primary elections, where things can get contentious within the same party, I am hopeful that candidates and supporters will follow the Golden Rule, treating others the way they want to be treated.

Cherokee is an amazing county that has been blessed with quality leadership for many years. As the population grows, there will be headwinds related to traffic, crime, development, and quality of life. This has happened in other counties, and it has changed the politics as well as the priorities. Thoughtful and effective leadership will become even more important, as we rise to meet the challenges that could impact Cherokee over the next few years.

For more complete information on voting in Georgia, please visit MVP.SOS.Ga.gov. Meanwhile, your elected officials are still working, even while we are not under the Gold Dome. For assistance or more information, please contact me at Kay.Kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov or call 404-656-3932.

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

Laurie Litke Seeing With the Eyes of an Artist

Ifyou’ve been in your favorite local coffee shop on a Saturday morning and spotted a woman sketching, it may have been Laurie Litke. From the time she was a small child, Litke has loved to sketch.

“It might be buildings, or people, or animals,” she said. “I really try to carve out my time to just draw.”

Seeing with the eyes of an artist, she uses pencils or sometimes watercolor to capture whatever catches her attention. Even as she drives to work, she looks at the scenes she passes and thinks about what she wants to depict in her art.

With a degree in graphic design, Litke has designed works for the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. She also worked as a graphic artist for Family Life Publications for several years. Now, Litke sketches and paints for herself, sometimes doing commissioned work. She finds pet portraits especially fulfilling because they allow the animals to be remembered by their owners.

Litke doesn’t aim to create a specific message in her sketches and paintings. She is open to what intrigues her.

“I see a beautiful bouquet, and I try to paint what I feel,” she said. “I paint whatever moves me.”

For example, she has been inspired by water towers and barbershops, and once, while on a drive, she spied an old Coca-Cola machine, so she stopped and took photos of it. She later painted a close-up of the machine that depicts only a small bit of the faded red metal and the much-used buttons, yet it immediately evokes memories of hot summer days and cool, refreshing sodas.

Artist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Just as her subjects are “all over the place,” Litke’s palettes also vary, though she usually opts for rich hues. Admiring the work of Maxfield Parrish, she has tried to emulate the energy created through his interplay of hot and cold tones. She prefers to work in oils because although oils demand more time, their rewards are robust colors and the ability to blend as well

as depict details. She relies on brush strokes to create movement and texture that evoke emotion.

A people person, Litke also teaches a Sunday afternoon class at Woodstock Arts.

“There’s no pressure — just having fun,” she said. “Art doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to make you feel something.”

To see more of Laurie Litke’s art, follow her on Instagram @LaurieLitke.

Get a $1,500 Bonus To Work Closer to Home

By Cherokee Office of Economic Development

[StrategicLife] Coaching your child’s soccer team, catching up on your favorite show, taking a stroll with your dog through the park — these are all things you could be doing instead of sitting in five o’clock traffic. Why listen to your radio play the same three songs when the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) is helping you forget the commute with its Work in Cherokee initiative?

As part of the Work in Cherokee initiative, aimed at giving residents their time back, COED is offering a $1,500 hiring bonus to those who are new to the Cherokee County workforce – whether you are a fresh graduate, currently commuting to work outside the county, or are reentering the workforce after being unemployed.

Visit COED’s “Find a Job” page (CherokeeGa.org/jobs) to browse open positions in Cherokee County and apply today.

To qualify for the hiring bonus, you must find a Cherokee County job on COED’s Find a Job page, make an hourly wage of $17.25 or more, be a full-time employee, and be a new hire to the Cherokee workforce. Get hired no later than June 21 and work for 120 or more days to apply.

Cherokee County residents, on average, spend more than an hour a day commuting to and from work. You could get $1,500 to get a job closer to home and enjoy sleeping in, relaxing after work, extra time with family, or other hobbies and interests – the possibilities are limitless when you have more hours in your day.

The heart of COED’s Work in Cherokee campaign is allowing residents to find fulfilling employment close to home, so they can spend less time commuting and more time on the things that matter. Learn more about the hiring bonus and the Work in Cherokee initiative at CherokeeGa.org/hiringbonus. L

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

STRESSED? How About Your Hair?

By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] Have you ever thought your hair might be more stressed out than you? Is that even possible? Many of us frequently bleach, highlight, tone, and color our hair, not realizing that these treatments may have consequences.

Repeated trips to the salon might keep your locks in vogue, but overstepping your hair health could cause unnecessary stress for your tresses.w Maintaining healthy, color-rich hair certainly doesn’t require expertise, but it does require knowing a few basics to keep your strands stress-free.

Stress Factors

How often should you color your hair? If your hair fiber is strong and your scalp is less sensitive, then coloring every 4-6 weeks is fine. Hair that is more fragile and prone to damage should wait a little longer between color services.

When lightening your hair, be mindful, as this process is harsher than simply adding a deeper color. Lightening your locks removes healthy fatty acids from the hair shaft, which can weaken the strands.

If you like to frequently change your hair color, consider a semi-permanent or demipermanent option, as these color solutions place less stress on your hair.

Stress Signs

Permanent color works by swelling the hair cuticle, lifting the pigment, and depositing new color. Coloring too frequently can lead to damage by causing the hair to become more porous, thus losing valuable proteins. When this happens, strands become stressed and noticeably more brittle, dull, and frizzy.

These lackluster strands can also become harder to comb out, leaving you in a tangled conundrum. Additionally, if your hair is drying much faster than normal, it could be from its increased porosity, yet another unwanted signal of hair stress.

Stress Remedies

Hair is made of approximately 91% protein. Since coloring your hair can cause the loss of these valuable proteins, it’s important to replace them as quickly as possible. For the fastest, most concentrated boost, consider a protein treatment from your local salon. You should shampoo two or three times a

week and use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week. A protein-rich masque is preferred over a daily conditioner, since the masque will reach the cuticle of the hair shaft rather than resting on the outside of the hair. The masque will add back much needed moisture and protein, leaving your hair feeling stronger and looking stress-free.

Yes, you could regrow your hair back to its original condition, but who has the time for that? Just follow these few simple tips, and you’re sure to have color-rich, stress-free hair, which is truly the best of both worlds. L

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