Canton Family Life 5-21 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

May 2021

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 10

16-17 On the Cover

Mosquito-Free

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22-23

Showtime in the Skies 2021 Meteor Showers

28 Artist Profile

Doug Pisik

[28]

[22-23] Follow Us >>>

Family Life Publications

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

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

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

....................... Canton Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

Springing Up T

he late April showers and soft transition of temperatures that set the course for this year’s May flowers were a wonderful blessing. I almost always have a rain jacket or umbrella and never let the weather get me down. Since I can’t change it, I try to control the “controllables” by being adaptable and prepared. There are many things that we have no authority over, but our thoughts and emotions are not on that list. If you think this is a stoic way of thinking, you are correct. In 3rd century B.C., the philosopher Zenos became known as the founding father of Stoicism, which is a philosophy of personal ethics to help one move through life with a smile rather than being overwhelmed by pursuits of trivial pleasures or becoming consumed by fears. One simply does his/her part in the big plan by working in harmony with others and treating them fairly and justly. So, it’s not a bad way to approach things. Other philosophies that may help our happiness bloom this season:

Build strength over worry. Once you realize that you have no power over external events, only your own mind, then you will find your strength. This was one of the musings of Marcus Aurelius, who was one of a half dozen “good” emperors. Accept a heavy burden or failure as a resource to gain strength or wisdom or as a stepping-stone toward what you see as success.

PUBLISHER/SALES Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Vicky Tuszynski Vicky@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS George Anderson, Mary Kay Buquoi, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Karen Jordan, Tim Morris, Patti Richter, Jerry Rick, John Rodgers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson, Shawn Tolan, Peter Wrobel

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

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E R EC Y C

Do what it takes to sow your seeds of happiness and grow into the person you want to spend the rest of life being. Flourish.

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.

It isn’t that we have so little time, but that we waste so much of it on trivial things. Get out of bed and do the work. The birds are doing their job, the ants are building, and the squirrels are gathering. Do your part as a member of society. Reflect on how your time is spent and make the needed changes to realize your dreams.

Family Life publications 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.

M AG A ZI

Prioritize, analyze, and initialize.

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PLE

Seneca stated to be wary of the pursuit of material things, as it is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves too much who is poor. Stuff is stuff, and stuff is temporary. Excessive materialism is often an attempt to replace something that is missing within you with something around you. Be mindful of the deception of “things.” First and foremost, fulfill your heart and mind. Then, buy a fishing boat (sorry, just checking to see if my wife reads these).

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

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Positive Alternatives to

“No”

By Mary Kay Buquoi, EdS

[AcademicLife] Children should begin to learn to respect limits from a young age. Most boundaries are set for health and safety reasons and are a very important and necessary developmental tool. Children are corrected every day, which can lead them to simply “tune out” any perceived negativity or become uncooperative. Regardless of their age, most people respond better to direction that is positively communicated. This is especially true for children. A positive approach ("Grandma is worried about us getting stains on her couch; let's enjoy our snack in her kitchen instead") will generate more cooperation than a negative approach ("No food or drinks in Grandma's living room"). Try telling your child what they can do instead of what they can’t. Practice the positive alternatives below to avoid overusing the word “no” while maintaining reasonable limits.  “Maybe later” can work to delay a request such as snacks or sweets before mealtime.  “Not today” communicates that the timing is wrong but leaves the possibility open.  “When we’ve done (this), then we can do (that).” This method is good for transition times and to help toddlers establish event routines. For example, “When all your toys are put away, we can go play at the park.”  “I’ll think about it” replaces an automatic “no” by allowing yourself time to think about your determination. Parents tend to make better decisions when they take time to think about the request and their response.  “Sure, did you bring your allowance?” This technique allows you to communicate that they may have the requested item if they can pay for it themselves.  “Yes (with qualifier).” This strategy grants conditional permission. For example, “Yes, you may play the game after we eat dinner.” With these positive options to “no,” your children will be more likely to cooperate.

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

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

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

DECEMBER MAY

293

Whiskey Holler

3&4

Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority Presents a Drinking Water Week Program — Come learn about your drinking water, ask questions, and get fun freebies. This is a stroll-through event, so you can drop by for a few minutes. 5/3 11:00am-1:00pm, Frosty Frog Creamery & Cafe, 6205 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 112, Canton. 5/4 10:00am-12:00pm, Reinhardt University Science Building Atrium, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska.

Todd and Marissa

Downtown Canton First Friday With the Whiskey Holler, Todd and Marissa, and 293 — Enjoy live music, a Kid’s Zone, after-hours shopping, restaurants, outside food and beverage vendors, and a cruise in! 6:00-9:00pm, downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/CantonGAFirstFriday

Silver Roamers Mystery Trip — This travel club is for active adults ages 55+. Cost is $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers, which includes transportation, lunch, and a mystery destination! Event ends at 4:30pm. Pick up time is 7:45am at Boys & Girls Club, 1082 Univeter Road, Canton and 8:15am at the Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Suite 200, Woodstock. 678-493-6117.

7 & 21

Parent’s Night Out — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

Masters of Soul Outdoor Concert — This band celebrates the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and soul music. Tickets $35. 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167 Reinhardt.edu Unwind Wednesdays — On the first Wednesday of each month through November, gather your family and friends to enjoy food trucks, live music, and other monthly activities such as axe throwing, bounce houses, cornhole tournaments, archery, and trivia. 5:30-8:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Highway 20 East, Canton. PlayCherokee.org

ONGOING

Free CPR/AED Certification Class — On the last Saturday of each month, this fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org Market at Menagerie — Enjoy shopping at this outdoor artisan market on the first and third Saturday of this month. 10:00am-2:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. MenagerieOnMain.com

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

White Water Kayaking Roll Practice — FREE for veterans of all skill levels. Participants will learn or advance their skills in a safe pool setting. Gear will be provided. 7:30-9:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 706-974-4832. TRRAtlanta. wordpress.com, TeamRiverRunner.org

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MUST Ministries’ Annual Cherokee Golf Tournament Enjoy this championship par 72 course while supporting MUST programs in Cherokee County. Players can sign up for $175 per golfer. 7:30am registration, 9:00am shotgun start, Woodmont Golf and Country Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. MUSTMinistries.org

13-15

Reinhardt Bluegrass Festival — Enjoy a weekend full of great bluegrass music featuring Sweet Potato Pie; Apostles of Bluegrass; Deeper Shade of Blue; Dale Ann Bradley; Unspoken Tradition; Amanda Cook; Hank, Patti & The Current; Rick & Montie; and Barefoot Movement. Tickets Thursday or Friday $35, Saturday $60, Full Pass $90. 5/13 7:30pm, 5/14 5:30pm, 5/15 1:00pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

Angel House Charity Golf Tournament — This annual fundraiser benefits Angel House of North Georgia. $100 registration fee includes golf, coffee, sausage biscuits, lunch, and prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin. Cash donations also accepted. 7:30am check in, 8:30am shotgun start, Lake Arrowhead Yacht & Country Club, 486 Arrowridge Drive, Waleska. 770-721-7902. LakeArrowheadLGA.net. AngelHouseGa.com

Silver Roamers Hiawassee Picnic — Enjoy a picnic lunch and flower walk at the Hiawassee Fair Grounds. This travel club is for active adults ages 55+. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Event ends at 4:30pm. Pick up time is 8:30am at the Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Suite 200, Woodstock, and 9:00am at Boys & Girls Club, 1082 Univeter Road, Canton. 678-493-6117.

Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for only $5. All proceeds support the seniors and senior veterans of Cherokee County. 11:30am1:00pm, Manor Lake at BridgeMill, 131 Holly Street, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

Atlantic City Boys Outdoor Concert — These four dynamic singers lend their world-class vocals to the rock-n-roll harmonies of the ’60s, singing the hits of The Drifters, The Beach Boys, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Tickets $35. 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu

Jukebox Saturday Night Enjoy an ultimate trip down rock and pop music’s memory lane. Tickets $35. 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-7209167. Reinhardt.edu

Railroad Street Legs Through Time Mural Ribbon Cutting Join the talented artists to celebrate their completion of the 540-foot Railroad Street wall that was transformed into a stunning timeline of Canton’s history. Reception to follow at Menagerie on Main Fine Art & Gifts in downtown Canton. 4:30pm, Railroad Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga.gov

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

MAY 31

REMEMBER  HONOR

JUNE

Downtown Canton First Friday With Rupert’s Orchestra — Enjoy live music, a Kid’s Zone, after-hours shopping, restaurants, outside food and beverage vendors, and a cruise in! 6:00-9:00pm, downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga. gov. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/ CantonGAFirstFriday

5-10/16

Canton Farmers Market Each Saturday June 5-October 16, purchase fresh goods from Canton’s local growers and food vendors. Horizon Healing will provide FREE Yoga in the Park at 9:00am on the first Saturday of each month. 9:00am-12:30pm, Brown Park, 251 East Marietta Street, Canton. CantonGaFarmers Market@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/ CantonGAFarmersMarket

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CantonNotes

COMING TO CANTON! New Entertainment Options and Workforce Housing By Shawn Tolan

anton’s City Council recently approved Master Plan amendments and conditional use permits for Crystal Lagoon and Avanta, located just off Reinhart College Parkway.

is the Pictured here located on go La l ta Cr ys The y. cit r he ot in an n is Canton locatio similar. look expected to

The Crystal Lagoon project will consist of a 2-acre freshwater lagoon with a state-of-the-art filtration system designed to minimize maintenance. The project includes an entertainment area with a beach, amphitheater, wedding venue, retail shops, and restaurants. Some of the restaurants will offer rooftop dining. The amphitheater is designed for concerts and other events. The property will also include 150-200 owner-occupied condominiums (a first for Canton). The 1-3 bedroom units will range from 1,200-2,500-square feet and are expected to have a starting price of $300K. The technology for the lagoon will greatly reduce the need for large amounts of chlorine and continuous cleaning by personnel. The water’s clarity will be maintained through a remotely monitored system that utilizes ultrasonic waves and small amounts of chlorine to clean the 8

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

water, 24/7. Chlorine is automatically added, as needed, to supplement the cleaning system. The entire project, which fits within the recently adopted Canton City Roadmap, will be the third smallest of the 800+ Crystal Lagoons worldwide. Conditions placed on the applicant by City of Canton officials include landscaping requirements, noise and lighting restrictions, building façade materials, and other requirements. City staff contacted leaders of over a dozen Crystal Lagoon communities across the country to gain an understanding of the company’s long-term commitment. Most feedback was very positive. The developers for Crystal Lagoon plan to provide 500+ parking spaces for the public, and the project is expected to generate 300 new jobs. Anticipated open date will be in the next 24-36 months.

Avanta will be located just north of the Crystal Lagoon project on the same parcel of land. Anticipated rental fees will fit within Canton’s AMI (affordable median income) index, which will fill a gap that exists in workforce housing in Canton. This community will provide an affordable housing option for people who currently commute to Canton from adjacent cities where rents are more attractive. Conditions placed on the Avanta developer include installing inter-parcel access to the recreational/retail portion of the Crystal Lagoon development, which will consist of pedestrian access (sidewalks) with a minimum of an 8-foot wide access connection. Several other conditions were placed on the developer to align with City standards. Avanta is expected to begin occupancy in 2023.

Avanta rend er

ings

Daily and annual Crystal Lagoon passes will be available. Canton residents will enjoy discounts off regular prices. All other components of the public access areas can be enjoyed at no charge. The other recently approved project, Avanta, is a 270-unit detached home community consisting of single-story 1-4-bedroom rental homes. Residents will enjoy community greenspace and a robust amenity package.

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

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Community

Cherokee County Manager Jerry Cooper Announces Retirement After 20 years of leading Cherokee County, Jerry Cooper will retire at the end of this month. Cooper began his career in public administration in Fayetteville, Arkansas, after serving in the U.S. Navy and graduating from the University of Arkansas. The job market relocated him to Newnan and then to Woodstock as city manager. When he was hired as the county manager, he never thought he would finish his career in one of the fastest growing counties in Georgia.

Jerry Cooper

“The average tenure of a county manager is seven to eight years, so I did not think back then that I would be retiring from Cherokee County 20 years later,” Cooper said. “I have enjoyed working with the best commissioners and employees in the country. We arrive every day to work as a team to make Cherokee County a great place to raise a family, live, work, and play for our great residents.” Over the last 20 years, Cherokee County has grown by more than 100,000, as people find a suburban locale with great amenities, schools, and low taxes. Cherokee County has the lowest tax burden in the metro-Atlanta region, something Cooper – and Commission Chairman Harry Johnston – feel is one of Cooper’s biggest accomplishments. “Other counties in Georgia don’t even come close to the combination of excellent services and low taxes Cherokee County provides,” Johnston said. “Jerry Cooper is the principal architect of the financial management and policies that give Cherokee County its exceptional value.”

MUST Ministries Celebrates 50 Years and Launches Emergency Rental Assistance Program MUST Ministries has grown from a one-room food pantry and clothing closet in 1971 to a multimillion-dollar nonprofit that distributed 2.58 million pounds of food and served more than 180,000 people last year. The actual number of people receiving food, housing, emergency shelter, jobs, health care, and clothing often meant clients came more than once for help, but the record number of those in need has swelled beyond anything imaginable in the early days of this organization. “MUST Ministries exists to serve people, and serve them with compassion,” said MUST President and CEO Ike Reighard. “Every person who comes through the doors of any of our facilities is special and has a story to tell.”

experience the miracles of transformed lives,” said Reighard. On that note, MUST recently launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program on behalf of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. The Board approved allocating $4.5 million received from the U.S. Treasury to MUST Ministries to distribute relief funds to eligible residents. The funds were part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 legislation, which included an allocation of $25 billion to states and local governments to aid with rent, utilities, and other expenses related to housing.

Thousands of success stories have been accomplished over the years, but many steps had to be taken to develop the full, comprehensive, wrap-around services that help pull people out of poverty.

Applicants must reside in Cherokee County and will need to meet requirements highlighted by the Act. Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional three months if it is determined that the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and funds are available. The funding amounts will be determined by household income and total monthly rent and utilities.

“MUST is poised to not only continue helping people in the 10 counties we currently serve but also expand throughout metro Atlanta. We are so blessed that we are able to impact lives and

MUST Ministries is hosting an online application portal at MustMinistries.org/cherokee-co. For more information, call 770-790-3926 or 770-790-3927.

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

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Community Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Presents Check to Goshen Valley Boys Ranch The fire department recently presented a check for $2,244 to Goshen Valley Boys Ranch’s Community Engagement Coordinator Evan Ingram and interim Executive Director Zach Blend. The donation was a result of winnings from February’s Guns and Hoses 5K Run. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services has been donating funding from the 5K to Goshen Valley since 2014, with overall donations totaling $31,858. Goshen Valley provides hope and a family-model home for boys.

Over $145,000 Raised for CCSD High Schools Through Jeep Raffle Cherokee County School District (CCSD) high schools raised more than $145,000 this year selling $5 raffle tickets for a chance to win a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, donated by Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in Canton. After the high schools sold more than 29,000 tickets to hopeful future Jeep owners, Lynn Cole of Ball Ground was the lucky winner! For the past four years, Shottenkirk has donated a Jeep Wrangler to raise money for athletics and fine arts programs. All raffle proceeds go directly to the schools. Of the six CCSD high schools, River Ridge sold the most tickets this year — 6,923, raising more than $34,000 for its programs. In addition to donating a new vehicle for the annual fundraiser raffle, Shottenkirk also provides the CCSD Teacher of the Year with a one-year lease on the vehicle of his/her choice. In all, Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has raised or donated more than $1 million for CCSD schools. CCSD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower thanks Shottenkirk Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram General Manager David Booth for his continued support. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

(L-R): Fire Chief Tim Prather, Assistant Fir e Chief Eddie Robin Goshen Valley Boys son, Ranch’s Community En gagement Coordina Evan Ingram and int tor erim Executive Direc tor Zach Blend, and of Field Operations Ch ief Shane West.

Hometown Strong Initiative Provides Generous Donations The Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club in Cherokee County recently received a generous donation of $5,000 from Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation as part of its Hometown Strong Initiative. Pilgrim’s is focused on meeting immediate and longerterm community needs in three key areas: food insecurity, community infrastructure and well-being, and COVID-19 emergency response and relief efforts. This gift will enable the Club to continue providing healthy meal options for members and ensure that proper health and safety procedures are followed, as the Club begins to expand capacity. Also, Sequoyah High School received $5,000 for its Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) program. FCCLA students learn about careers, participate in career-related competitions at the regional and state levels, and engage in service projects for the community. The national organization’s programs most directly support career pathways in human services, hospitality and tourism, education and training, and visual arts and design. Teacher Molly Miller, who serves as advisor of the Sequoyah FCCLA club with co-adviser teacher Rachel LaChine, said the donation will be used to support community service projects and to provide FCCLA conference and event scholarships to students who otherwise couldn’t afford to participate. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Holly Springs Announces Career Retirement of Chief Carswell The City of Holly Springs announces the career retirement of Police Chief Michael Carswell and thanks him for his years of faithful service to its citizens. Under Carswell’s leadership, the City has topped several “Safest Cities” listings both statewide and nationally. If you ever read his column in the City’s Whistle Stop newsletter, you know that he is serious about being kind to others, values personal relationships, and despite having a career that lends itself to seeing the worst around him, prefers to see the good in others. Carswell is entering retirement with over 30 years of public service behind him. He began his law enforcement career in 1983. He has worked with the cities of Smyrna and Marietta as well as the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. He has supervised SWAT and Critical Response teams, Narcotics/COBRA Units, and field and training units. He joined the Holly Springs Police Department in 2009. Carswell was sworn in as deputy chief in January 2014 and as the chief on December 5, 2016.

CCSD Names 2021 Partner and Volunteer of the Year The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) recently named the winners of its eighth annual CCSD Partner of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Awards. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower surprised the winners, both from Hasty Elementary School Fine Arts Academy. It was the first time in the history of these awards that both winners were from the same school. Mary Ann Laughlin was named the CCSD 2021 Volunteer of the Year, and Revolution Church was named the CCSD 2021 Partner of the Year. “We deeply appreciate all of our partners and volunteers, especially over the past year, as they’ve worked to find ways to support us and serve even though they could not be in our classrooms or at special events. We’re not just a school district, we’re a community and a family, and we’re better thanks to the service of our volunteers and partners,” Dr. Hightower said. “Revolution Church and Mary are outstanding examples of servant leadership. Knowing the pandemic would affect their usual roles, they were quick to ask how they could change their service to best meet our needs, and then they pivoted and delivered with joy.” 12

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

New Reinhardt University President Announced

Reinhardt’s Board of Trustees recently appointed Mark A. Roberts, Ph.D., as the 21st president of Reinhardt University. Roberts assumed his role on April 7. “The Board of Trustees embodies a strong sense of purpose and is deeply committed to the ideals of private higher education and the mission of Reinhardt University,” said Chairman of Reinhardt’s Board of Trustees Ken White. “We are pleased to announce Dr. Mark A. Roberts as our 21st president, a leader who will uphold the values of Reinhardt and who, with great care, will impact the lives of our students and the entire Reinhardt community. Throughout Dr. Roberts’s distinguished career, and during the past several years as Reinhardt’s provost, executive vice president, and interim president, Dr. Roberts has proven to be a highly respected and effective leader.” Roberts’s tenure at Reinhardt has been one of expanding opportunity and leading growth. Since 2013, he worked collegially with faculty and staff to secure grants in support of academic excellence, including grants from the Goizueta Foundation, National Science Foundation, Department of Justice, and National Endowment for the Humanities. In collaboration with faculty, Roberts strengthened and launched the Cauble School of Nursing & Health Sciences, the Etowah Valley Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, the Master of Science in Sport Administration and Leadership, and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning (CITEL). Through CITEL and its Goizueta Foundation funding, Roberts approved the development of the Lightboard Studio, enabling faculty to record visually appealing video lessons. “My goal for the university in the short-term is to steer the university through the challenges imposed by the global pandemic while remaining true to our higher education mission. I am a big picture thinker. When I think about Reinhardt, I imagine what the institution should look like in 2033, at its seminal 150 years of existence. I have my own ideas of how it should grow into its full potential, but I also need the input of the good people who constitute the fullness of Reinhardt’s essence — its students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends, and board members. I am eager to begin defining and then shaping that vision,” said Dr. Roberts. Dr. Roberts’ inauguration will take place in fall 2021. Add

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Book Review BY JOHN RODGERS

he month of May offers plenty of things to celebrate. Each of the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s locations are still happily welcoming the public indoors for in-person services with updated operating hours. Library holds can still be reserved using Sequoyah Sidewalk Service for those who prefer curbside pick-up. The library also recently added Google Chromebooks to the list of items that users can borrow and take home using their library cards. On May 3-9, readers can celebrate Children’s Book Week, which is an annual observance of the joy of reading and the bond between books and kids (and kids at heart). Grade school and early middle school children are encouraged to use their public library cards to check out Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor, which explores the unlikely superhero origin story of 12-year-old Nnamdi — a boy with a strong sense of justice who receives magical powers from an enchanted object. Ikenga offers a memorable setting (modern-day Nigeria) and an appealing cast that children will hold dear regardless of how many books they digest. Best of all, though numerous superhero tropes appear, Okorafor keeps the story grounded with relatable obstacles for her protagonist and a healthy amount of heart. Children who have read Ikenga are invited to join a virtual book club on May 14 at 4:00pm to share their thoughts with other kids and a few of the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s librarians. This book club includes discussion and trivia and takes place over a live and socially distanced video chat on Zoom. To register for this and other free library programs, visit the event calendar at SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org. The library’s annual Summer Reading Program is about to begin, so don’t forget to log into Beanstack at SequoyahRegionalLibrary.Beanstack.org and add Ikenga (along with any other books you read during the program) for the chance to earn badges and win awesome prizes. Adults, teens, and children of all ages can participate.

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

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Change Your Tone It Can Change Your Whole Look By Jyl Craven [Lifestyle] When was the last time someone suggested you “change your tone?” Only in your local hair salon can this phrase bring about feelings of newness and transformation. Yes, choosing a drop-dead-gorgeous hair color is one thing, but choosing the best tone can sometimes be difficult. While hair color is measured in levels ranging from one (darkest black) to ten (lightest blonde), tone refers to how warm or cool the hair appears. By changing the tone instead of the actual color level, you can make hair appear a few shades lighter or darker. Warm tones are lighter and will appear red, copper, or gold, while cooler tones are more blue, green, and violet. There are four main hair colors: blonde, brunette, black, and red, and the tones of these colors can be changed slightly to create a unique, stylish look. Your skin tone and eye color are important features that will help determine the ideal tone for your hair. There are some modern options for each hair color that may leave you thinking it’s time for a change. For blondes who want a change, there are plenty of choices. To warm up your blonde strands, consider adding some golden, beige, or caramel tones. If your complexion is warm, these options will really give you a glowing appearance. To cool down your look — for a softer, more subtle appearance — consider opting for pearl or icy blonde. Brunettes have as many options as blondes when it comes to changing their tone. When brunettes match the perfect hair tone with their skin tone, the results can be stunning. Caramel, auburn, and reddish browns flatter warmer complexions, while rich mahogany and burgundy are fashion-forward looks that appear striking on cooler skin tones. Black hair doesn’t have to be drab. It can appear quite alluring with the proper balance of cool and warm tones. Warm shades of black, ranging from espresso to ash to blue/black, will fare well if your complexion is warm/olive. Cooler tones like matte black and neutral black hues can have a dramatic effect on pale/cooler skin tones.

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

Natural red hair looks amazing regardless of one’s skin tone. But if you want to “test your tone,” warm skin tones can spice up their look with medium-copper or golden-copper options to create a head-turning effect. To cool down your appearance, think about deeper reds or a dark cherry color for another alternative. For your finished look to appear natural and balanced, it’s important that the tone of your skin and hair are in complete harmony. For a quick self-assessment, consider your current look a few shades lighter or darker. Of course, for a more complete recommendation on which tone is best for you, always consult your local salon professional. The next time you hear the words “change your tone,” perhaps you’ll get excited about a beautiful new look coming your way. L

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

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(L-R) Chad W oodall and Jody Wheeler

COVER STORY By Patti Richter

had Woodall and Jody Wheeler are local business

partners, but to say they are local is an understatement since both were raised in Canton and graduated from Cherokee High School. As lifelong residents of the Sixes community, the two are happy to operate their company in the area they call home.

ROOTED AND RELIABLE Woodall and Wheeler are co-owners of Mosquito-Free, the leading non-franchise mosquito control service in Cherokee County. After launching their business in 2016, they’ve experienced rapid, year-over-year growth throughout Canton, Woodstock, and the surrounding areas. Satisfied customers are the likely reason their business earned a title this year. Mosquito-Free recently received Family Life’s “Best of Life 2021” award for Pest Control/ Mosquito Control. 16

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

Wheeler credits hometown roots as a reliability factor in serving customers. In fact, all Mosquito-Free employees live in Cherokee County. “They can reach us directly without dialing into a call center and speaking with someone in another city or state,” Wheeler says. “We’ll pick up the phone 99.9% of the time, and we offer a 100% guaranteed rapid response to any issue they may be having.” Mosquito-Free also gives back to the local community. Each summer, the company offers complimentary mosquito applications for area churches prior to the start of Vacation Bible School. They’re hoping for fewer VBS cancellations this year.

A LONG SEASON

offers treatment “from time change to time change — from March to October.” He adds that this region of Georgia has long retained an undesirable title: “The Atlanta area ranks #1 in the Top 50 Mosquito Cities — for the 7th consecutive year.” Even though Mosquito-Free services are seasonal, Woodall says their business remains busy year-round. “There’s always code-compliance work, advertising, taxes, and training,” Woodall says. “All of our employees are licensed in mosquito control and receive ongoing training through the State of Georgia Department of Agriculture.” The company has a large following of friends via their Facebook page, MosquitoFreeLLC, where Woodall and Wheeler post helpful tips,

Mosquito control is a seasonal business, but it’s a long season for mosquitoes in this part of the country. Woodall says the company Add

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Mosquito-Free serves Canton, Woodstock, Acworth, Kennesaw, Jasper, and surrounding areas. humorous messages, and videos related to outdoor enjoyment. Here are just a few: While taxes may be behind us, mosquitoes have arrived. If you have an outdoor firepit, drill small holes in the bottom to allow water to drain. Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters because they are hotbeds for mosquito breeding. Always empty your kiddie pools. After all, a bottlecap of water can hatch up to 200 mosquitoes.

MAKE THE BACKYARD GREAT AGAIN Long-term travel restrictions due to the pandemic have turned people’s attention and dollars toward making their homes and outdoor spaces more enjoyable. However, Wheeler says, “While homeowners spend more on their backyards these days (pools, grills, firepits, furniture, trampolines, sport courts, and more), they can’t always enjoy them because of mosquitoes.” Luckily for outdoor enthusiasts, MosquitoFree can create a barrier, a “Mosquito-Free Zone,” by applying a synthetic solution to foliage. Though this solution adheres to plants for three weeks, it has no phytotoxicity that would harm plants or growth. Even so, the company further offers an all-natural solution on a two-week application schedule for customers who prefer it.

Backyard and outdoor settings, as in 2020, will most likely remain popular for weddings and social events. Mosquito-Free Zones are a great solution to any worry about mosquitoes when planning outside gatherings such as birthday parties, reunions, or holiday barbecues. If barrier sprays are not a good fit for your landscape, Mosquito-Free is a trained and certified installer of the In2Care® system. In2Care mosquito stations deploy a U.S. EPA-approved fungus that kills mosquitoes several days after infection, effectively preventing disease transmission.

Call 770-704-4560 or visit Mosquito-Free.com and mention code

“CANTON FAMILY LIFE” to receive

$100 OFF

The mosquito-borne Zika virus has become a growing concern in recent years, as the Aedes mosquito has spread north of the tropics, including to the U.S.

Seasonal Service*

“The In2Care system is just another arrow we’ve added to our quiver of solutions in the battle against Aedes mosquitoes, and this system has absolutely zero impact on the surrounding environment,” says Woodall.

Family pets are also at risk since mosquitoes can carry the heartworm parasite. Even though dogs can be protected with preventative heartworm medication, Mosquito-Free’s barrier solution provides peace of mind.

MOSQUITOES OR US

Mosquito season is upon us. To make summertime memories that won’t include mosquitoes, give Mosquito-Free a call.

Wheeler admits that mosquitoes serve a purpose on earth. He loves to fish and says, “Mosquitoes are a food source for fish and frogs.” But, he adds, “Mosquitoes carry diseases, such as the West Nile virus and others that have no preventative vaccines.”

*New customers only. Offer expires 6/30/21.

Safe for People and Pets All Natural and Biodegradable Offerings Locally Owned and Operated 21-Day Service With Complimentary Re-Treats 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

2171 Holly Brook Lane Canton, GA 30114 770-704-4560 • MOSQUITO-FREE.COM WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

BallGroundNotes

Ball Ground Garden Club Celebrates 70 Years By Karen Jordan

he Ball Ground “Anetsa-/ga-Da” Garden Club is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. Anetsa-/ga-Da is “Ball Ground” in the Cherokee language. The Club was organized in 1951 with 29 charter members. Mrs. Charles Malone served as president, Mrs. Frank Quarles served as vice president, Mrs. C. W. Groover served as recording secretary, Mrs. Henry Lyon served as corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Joe Young served as treasurer. When the Club held the election for the position of president, the election ended in a tie between Mrs. Malone and Mrs. Quarles. Because Mrs. Quarles had a Canton telephone exchange, she recommended Mrs. Malone be the president since it was long-distance to call Canton from Ball Ground. The Club currently has 46 members. This group of hardworking men and women take part in numerous community events and projects.

For example, over the past several years, members have worked diligently on an ongoing project known as the Ball Ground Botanical Garden. What began as a vision of creating an honorary and memorial garden in downtown turned into a botanical garden on the grounds of Ball Ground City Hall. When past Ball Ground Garden Club President Jennie Byers and other club members shared the idea of creating a downtown garden with Mayor Rick Roberts, he quickly suggested they turn their thoughts to creating a botanical garden on the grounds of City Hall. Byers and other club members spent countless hours meeting with Mayor Roberts, planning and designing the garden. In 2015, the garden was finally launched. Since then, the Club has worked tirelessly to make it more beautiful each year. The Ball Ground Botanical Garden is located at 215 Valley Street. It is open seven days a week from sunup to sundown. To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Ball Ground Garden Club, a festival and plant sale is planned for Saturday, June 12, from 10:00am-4:00pm in the Ball Ground Botanical Garden. A large variety of native and heirloom plants that have been carefully cultivated and nurtured by Club members will be for sale. Over 20 local businesses and restaurants, including brew pubs, wineries, markets, and other venues, will participate in the celebration. Garden Club President Sally Eubanks invites you to come spend the day and spend some money. The proceeds from the event will greatly benefit the Club and the Botanical Garden. For more information, visit BallGroundGardenClub.com.

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

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

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RAISED BEDS — Take Your

Summer Garden to the Next Level By Joshua Fuder [HomeLife] The ease of use and Georgia’s heavy clay has made many hobby gardeners quick believers in elevating their gardens. Here are a few things to remember when building new or managing existing raised beds.

Also, don’t forget to budget for the cost of soil. For example, a 4x8 foot bed that is 10 inches deep would require 27 cubic feet of soil. There are many websites with soil volume calculators that can make estimating easy.

DIMENSIONS AND MATERIALS Raised beds should be a minimum of 8-10 inches deep — but the deeper the better. Shallow beds often become victims to Bermuda grass. The bed width is generally 3-4 feet, depending on the reach of the gardener. Building materials can range from cinder blocks, metal, decking boards, or wood. What a gardener chooses depends on personal taste and budget. When budgeting, consider the general life expectancy of the material, as even treated wood will only last 5-7 years in Georgia’s climate.

MANAGING FOR YEARLY SUCCESS One of the biggest challenges raised bed gardeners have is the first year their plants do great, but subsequent years become challenging. Soil used in raised beds is often too light and almost completely organic matter. These soils may contain nutrients, but because of the high organic content, the nutrients become unavailable for plant uptake because they are bound up in the decomposition of organic matter. Try removing half of the soil and add a more mineral based native soil to the mix.

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

Gardeners should also rotate plant families to prevent diseases. If a gardener only has one or two raised beds and is growing peppers and tomatoes every summer, then diseases will build up. It would be ideal to have four raised beds, so plant families are rotated out for at least three years. If this cannot be done, then total soil replacement may be required at some point.

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

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Senator Speaks

Who Am I? By State Senator Bruce Thompson

a young boy growing up in a very difficult environment, I often wondered, “Who am I?” I had a stepfather who was ill equipped to fulfill the responsibilities as the head of the house and serve as male role model to those in his care. Alcoholism and other demons controlled his life, leaving little time to cultivate a relationship and invest in others, though I desperately longed for a dad to be my hero.

Who am I, that the lord of all the earth Would care to know my name. Would care to feel my hurt? Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star Would choose to light the way For my ever wandering heart?

I realize my childhood reflects the similar experiences of millions of other children in the world, and the question, “Who am I?” can easily haunt them throughout their lives. Without a secure answer, feelings of being lost and lack of validation can become pervasive.

I am a flower quickly fading. Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean. A vapor in the wind. Still You hear me when I’m calling. Lord, You catch me when I’m falling. And You’ve told me who I am. I am Yours, I am Yours.

The Christian band Casting Crowns wrote a song titled, “Who Am I” that answers the question for all of us. Whether you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior or not, the lyrics provide assurance that someone knows, and it is our choice to accept it, own it, and live it or not:

Not because of who I am But because of what You’ve done. Not because of what I’ve done But because of who You are.

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin Would look on me with love and watch me rise again? Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea Would call out through the rain And calm the storm in me?

I struggled with understanding that my value did not come from whether an earthly man played ball with me, showed me how to tie my shoes, put his arm around me, or said, “I love you.” It was not until I realized my value comes from something — someone — much higher that I was able to begin the journey of becoming the person I was called to be. Is it easy? No. Frankly, it is pretty darn hard, especially in a world that is so broken. I stumble, slip, and fall, as if I am trying to learn to snow ski for the first time. Knowing that I have an advocate who is constantly committed to me provides assurance that I will ultimately arrive safely and removes much of the doubt and fear that permeated my life when I was younger. Just like learning to ski, you will likely get bumps, bruises, and maybe a few scars along the way, but if you stick with it, it becomes easier, and you are able to enjoy the ride. Source - CastingCrowns.com/music/who-am-i/

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

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

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COVID-19 VACCINE Yes or No? By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] When the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, it changed how Senior Services was able to aid its clients. Staff members had to get creative about how to safely provide the services that many older adults had come to depend on. After closing the senior centers, we immediately began food delivery services to existing clients. Due to extra precautions that had to be taken, this was not easy. Though the pandemic is not over, we are grateful to be in a place where we can start to feel hopeful. While I know there has been much debate about the vaccine, I have had the privilege of volunteering to work at the Northside Vaccine Clinic at the Bluffs on several occasions. I wanted

to see how people, especially our senior center clients, reacted to coming in for their vaccines. I was delighted to see thousands of happy and relieved faces. So many had been anxiously awaiting their opportunity to become vaccinated, and many more are still waiting. Though people have the right to believe what they want about the vaccine, as well as to choose whether to get it, my experience and what I have learned during this process has inspired me to be optimistic about the future. Medical experts advise the elderly, individuals with chronic health issues, and those who provide care to these high-risk groups to be sure to get the vaccine, which is now available to everyone ages 16 and older. L

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

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

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The

Guide WAXING CRESCENT

By Jack Tuszynski

NEW

pread out a comfy blanket or pull up a reclining lounge chair and lay back because the sky is the limit for some faraway nighttime phenomena this year. Plan to spend some quality time relaxing with family and friends in the great outdoors while keeping your eyes on the heavens for these stunning celestial shows.

Delta Aquarids

Eta Aquarids Peak Dates

Runs Annually

Peak Dates

Moon Phase

May 6-7 Meteors Per Hour

April 19 - May 28 Second Quarter Best Viewing

After Midnight

July 28-29 Meteors Per Hour

Runs Annually

July 12 - August 23 Moon Phase

Nearly Full Best Viewing

Before Dawn

The Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower can produce about 30 meteors per hour in the northern hemisphere. It is produced by dust particles left behind by Halley’s Comet. The second quarter moon will block out the faintest meteors this year, but you should still be able to catch quite a few good ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius.

The Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour. It is produced by debris left behind by the Marsden and Kracht Comets. The nearly full moon will affect visibility this year since its glare will block most of the faintest meteors, but you should still be able to see some of the brighter ones. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Perseids

Draconids

Peak Dates

August 12-13 60

Meteors Per Hour

Runs Annually

July 17 - August 24 Moon Phase

Waxing Crescent Best Viewing

After Midnight

The Perseids Meteor Shower will be one of the best to observe because it can produce up to 60 meteors per hour, many of which are very bright. It is produced by the Swift-Tuttle Comet, which was discovered in 1862. The waxing crescent moon will set early in the evening, leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

Peak Date

October 7 10

Meteors Per Hour

Runs Annually

October 6-10 Moon Phase

Nearly New Best Viewing

Early Evening

The minor Draconids Meteor Shower is produced by dust grains left behind by the 21P Giacobini-Zinner Comet that was first discovered in 1900. The Draconids is an unusual shower in that the best viewing time is in the early evening instead of early morning like most other meteor showers. This year, the nearly new moon will leave dark skies for what should be a great show. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco.

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FIRST QUARTER

FULL

WAXING GIBBOUS

WANING GIBBOUS

THIRD QUARTER

In addition to the moon’s phase and manmade outdoor light pollution, weather conditions are another factor that will affect the success of your meteor shower viewing experience.

WANING CRESCENT NEW

Sources — AMS.org, EarthSky.org, NASA.gov

Leonids

Orionids

Peak Dates

Runs Annually

Peak Dates

Moon Phase

October 21-22 Meteors Per Hour

Oct. 2 - Nov. 7 Full

Best Viewing

After Midnight

November 17-18

Runs Annually

November 6-30 Moon Phase

Full

Meteors Per Hour

Best Viewing

After Midnight

The Orionids Meteor Shower can produce up to 20 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by Halley’s Comet. This year, the full moon will be a problem because its glare will block out all but the brightest meteors. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Orion but can appear anywhere in the sky.

The Leonids Meteor Shower can produce up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak. This shower is unique in that it has a cyclonic peak about every 33 years where hundreds of meteors per hour can be seen. It is produced by dust grains left behind by the Temple-Tuttle Comet, which was discovered in 1865. The nearly full moon will dominate the sky, blocking all but the brightest meteors, which will radiate from the constellation Leo.

Geminids

Ursids

Peak Dates

December 13-14 120

Meteors Per Hour

Runs Annually

December 7-17 Moon Phase

Waxing Gibbous Best Viewing

After Midnight

The Geminids Meteor Shower may produce up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour. It is produced by debris left behind by the 3200 Phaethon Asteroid, which was discovered in 1982. The waxing gibbous moon will block out most of the fainter meteors, but the Geminids are so numerous and bright that this could still be a good show. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini.

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

Peak Dates

December 21-22 5-10

Meteors Per Hour

Runs Annually

December 17-25 Moon Phase

Full

Best Viewing

After Midnight

The Ursids Meteor Shower produces about 5-10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by the Tuttle Comet, which was first discovered in 1790. The nearly full moon will be a problem this year, blocking all but the brightest meteors. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor but can appear anywhere in the sky.

WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Are Your Legs Ready for

Summer? By Peter Wrobel, M.D.

[HealthyLife] We tend to forget about our legs during the colder seasons. We have all done it. The sun is out, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and you start putting away winter clothes and going through your warm weather wardrobe to see if you can still wear your favorite shorts or sundress from last spring. You stand in front of the mirror and suddenly remember that you had planned to see someone about those unsightly veins in your legs. Of course, they are much more visible against your untanned skin. Nevertheless, here you are again, dreading the stares and questions about what is wrong with your legs. It’s not too late! There are options to help you feel more comfortable in those shorts or the bathing suit you plan to wear to the beach this summer. If you have visible spider veins, you may be a candidate for a procedure called sclerotherapy to help reduce their appearance. Sclerotherapy is a simple procedure used to treat spider veins. The small veins are injected with a sclerosant, which causes damage to the internal walls of the vein and the blood to clot. In time, the body destroys the vein, and it disappears. The solution used is sodium tetradecyl sulphate, which has proved to be the most successful injectable used to treat spider veins. A patient will usually require several treatments and will need to wear a compression stocking and be out of the sun for two weeks following the procedure.

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

However, spider veins may mean you have an underlying issue called venous insufficiency, which is easily treated in a simple office procedure. Treatment for venous Insufficiency has improved over the years. At one time, the only option was complete vein removal, leading to scarring and significant downtime. Now, there are several options available. Once a patient is verified to have venous insufficiency, he/she is scheduled for a consultation with a provider who discusses the findings and best treatment options. Following the consultation, the health insurance company is contacted for approval. The day of the procedure is made simple. Within roughly 30 minutes of arrival, you are ready to walk out the door. Some may have an even more obvious problem, bulging veins that not only look bad but are painful and make standing and sitting for long periods extremely uncomfortable. You do not have to live like this — there is a treatment for your varicose veins that will allow you to be back on your feet with little to no downtime. Call to schedule a screening with a registered vascular technician, so you can get back on the road to the life you love! L

Dr. Peter Wrobel is a physician at North Georgia Vein & Wellness, with offices in Canton and Cumming. 678-513-1600. NorthGeorgiaVein.com

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

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Community Partner

Empower Cherokee provides support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Cherokee County and the surrounding areas. The organization is dedicated to empowering individuals to live life as they define it through employment, social connections, and the resources necessary for each person to achieve his/her hopes and dreams. Empower Cherokee accomplishes its mission through a personcentered approach to service planning. Throughout the year, the staff works directly with the people it supports (along with their circle of support) to help create and implement an individualized plan for accomplishing the goals that each person wants to achieve. Plans are modified, as the desires of the supported person change or as he/she accomplishes his/her hopes and dreams. When looking at the programs concretely, Empower Cherokee currently offers three services from which supported individuals can choose, in combination or individually: Supported Employment, Community Access Group, and Community Access Individual, along with Specialized Medical Supplies if the person also receives other services from the organization.

Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ New Options Waiver (NOW) Program and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP), as well as through Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency’s Supported Employment and Customized Employment programs. Like other businesses and nonprofits, Empower Cherokee experienced some hardships due to the pandemic and had to adapt to the changing landscape of its industry. To continue to provide the highest quality services, the organization is instituting important changes this year. The staff plans to move all in-house services back to the main campus, which will enable the organization to grow in a new direction. Other plans are to add Community Living Support Services, increase services for supported employment, and add after-hours care. Empower Cherokee anticipates that 2021 will be an exciting year of growth and change. As always, the organization invites the community to get involved by donating to its programs, volunteering, and/or employing people it supports in local businesses. Together, we can “empower people to live life as they define it.” To learn more, please call or visit the website.

Empower Cherokee provides services through the Georgia Department of

133 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30114 770-345-5821 | EmpowerCherokee.org 26

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

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CCEF ANNOUNCES

2021 Alumni of the Year Winners By Lisa-Marie Haygood [AcademicLife] Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) recently held its 8th Annual Celebration of Education Gala in a virtual format. CCEF is proud to recognize two amazing alumni for their outstanding contributions The 2021 Alumna of the Year is Carolyn Turner, a 1948 graduate of Canton HS. After graduating from Reinhardt College in 1950, Turner began a 15-year teaching stint at Ball Ground ES before moving on to teach another 26 years at Hickory Flat ES. Retiring after 41 years, she chose to return as a long-term sub after her husband died, spending more than 60 years in Cherokee County’s classrooms. Though Turner is remembered fondly as having a heart for teaching and learning, her compassion for her students is inspiring, going so far as to wrap cold hands in warm towels, which she heated near the classroom radiator for students who were exposed to extreme winter weather on their long walks to school. Many students benefited from her devotion. The 2021 Alumnus of the Year is the honorable Judge Jackson Harris, a 1972 graduate of Cherokee HS. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Emory University and his law degree from Mercer. Harris clerked for Cherokee County’s Judge Marion T. Pope and was the 23rd person to hold the position of superior court judge for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit since its creation in 1851. He served as a juvenile court judge from 1997 until he took his seat in superior court in 2001. Harris became chief judge in 2013. He also maintained a private practice, representing clients for jury trials. Additionally, Harris was a member of the Cherokee Chamber’s Leadership Class, a board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs, a member of the Blue-Ribbon Committee in Cherokee County School District in the 1990s, and an organizing and emeritus member of the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame and the Cherokee County Historical Society. His many contributions have been for the overall betterment of our community.

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

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

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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Master Woodworker Doug Pisik Pieces It All Together M aster woodworker Doug Pisik loves creating things that never existed. As a Georgia Tech-educated engineer, he designed flight simulators and software that routed freight or helped people work more efficiently. Three years ago, buoyed by the positive response to his art, he left the corporate world and became a full-time artist.

Now, in his “sawdust-making room,” using more than 100 hand tools, power tools, and clamps, Pisik creates. “I love it,” he said. “I’m still creative, and in selling my art, I’m still in business, which I also love.” Pisik has taught himself how to make art boxes, sculptures, and wall pieces so arrayed with colors, tones, and textures that the longer one views his works, the more beauty is revealed. Composed of anywhere from 10 to 1,000 pieces each, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, his works invite the viewer to experience them from all sides. Unique to Pisik’s art is his “throughpattern construction,” a technique in

which his intricate, often geometric designs appear not only on the outside surfaces, but also on the insides of his boxes and on the backs of his sculptures. As enticing as is the visual experience of Pisik’s compositions, so too is the tactile experience.

“I use oil varnishes and other oil finishes, and I encourage people to touch and feel my work,” Pisik said. “It’s another element. People like to run their fingers across the pattern, and they’re surprised that there is the feel of one solid surface.” No matter how many pieces, shapes, and varieties of wood are woven into a work, the finished item appears to be a seamless entity. “If there is a gap the size of a human hair, if a piece is off by a hundredth of an inch, you can feel it,” he said. Mostly using hardwoods, Pisik avoids dyes or stains, preferring instead to tap into the natural colors, patterns, tones, and contrasts of natural material. While he does turn to purveyors of exotic options, lumberyards and fallen trees also provide striking additions to his wood palette. Pisik’s pieces appear to have required extensive planning, perhaps even mathematical calculations, but his

process is fairly organic. Starting with an idea, he designs as he works, adjusting when necessary. Sometimes, he notices something isn’t cut right, or the piece isn’t coming together visually. “These pieces usually lead to something that’s much better than my original plan. The pieces evolve, as I find ways to solve challenges,” he said. “I don’t cover up a problem. I let the piece flow where it wants to go,” he explained. Recently, Pisik explored thematic art sculpture in his four-piece collection, COVID-19 Art for Troubled Times, which he hopes will eventually be displayed in a museum for public viewing. Inspired by the joy of creating, Pisik said, “I love the transformation of the material. I love being able to take something that’s solid and convert it to something in my brain. To make complex patterns and fit them together with my hands is truly fascinating.”

You can see Doug Pisik’s art at Robert Kent Galleries or by visiting his website or social media pages:

DougPisik.com • Facebook.com/DougPisikWoodArt • Instagram.com/dougpisik 28

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

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Having Doubts? By Pastor George Anderson [InGoodFaith] Consider this (sort of) hypothetical situation: A 15-year-old is led to Christ by her student pastor. Four years later, she is in college, and she hears through friends that her former student pastor has since left his wife and gotten a divorce, renounced his faith in Christ on Facebook, and now claims to be an agnostic. This young lady feels betrayed. “He’s doing the same stuff he used to preach against!” But then, she thinks, “Since this guy led me to Christ, how can I trust my salvation? If his faith was never authentic, how do I know that my faith is authentic?” First of all, go back to the basics of salvation. How is a person saved? “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:31). “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved,” (Romans 10:9). That is what the Bible says. That is the gospel. The simple question is, “Have you done that?” Now, back to the previous problem. The Bible says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek,” (Romans 1:16). Get that? The gospel is God’s power for salvation — not the person who shares it. When the gospel is believed, it saves. It is not a matter of the personality God may have used to share it. Satan himself could preach the gospel, and someone could get saved. The power is not in the person, but in the message. Again, did you put your faith in Jesus? If so, be at peace. If not, I urge you to do that now. L

Dr. George Anderson is pastor of Rising Hills Church, 3635 Univeter Road, Canton. RisingHillsChurch.org

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

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Reverse Mortgages

PAYING FOR

Assisted Living or Memory Care By Jerry Rick [HomeLife] When families begin their search for assisted living or memory care, many experience sticker shock. Unfortunately, the cost of quality senior care can be quite high. According to the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of assisted living in the U.S. was $4,300 per month in 2020. However, while assisted living is expensive, it does allow many seniors to leave behind other expenses. If you’re living at home now, you may be paying rent or a mortgage, property taxes, utilities, lawn care, groceries, property insurance, housekeeping, and maintenance and repair costs. A move to a senior living community will mark the end of those bills. You’ll enjoy the freedom of a maintenance-free lifestyle along with the many amenities a senior living community offers. 30

Canton Family Life | MAY 2021

For some families, even with the expected savings, the cost of senior living remains out of reach. However, don’t give up too easily. Here are a few options to consider:

Long-Term Care Insurance Long-term care insurance can help make senior living affordable and give older adults more choices. Depending on the policy, policyholders generally choose where they receive care — a nursing home, assisted living, or their own home — and the range of services they are eligible to receive is expanded. However, not all policies are created equal. For those who do have this type of coverage, be sure to look carefully at your policy. Understand what is (and what is NOT) covered. Begin the claim process as early possible because it can be time consuming and require a lot of paperwork.

Depending on the circumstances, a reverse mortgage on a house owned by a senior or loved one provides a means to tap into the home’s equity. This can be a workable option for married seniors who only need assisted living for one person. However, if the owner prefers the home to stay in the family, this option may not work. When considering a reverse mortgage, be sure to talk to a trusted attorney or financial adviser to determine if it’s the best option.

Medicaid Medicaid is an option for some types of care. Many seniors are surprised to learn that Medicare does not pay for assisted living. However, Medicaid is available to those who have exhausted their own personal resources. Choices are limited with this option because not all assisted living providers participate in the state funded programs, and most assisted living communities do not accept Medicaid.

Veteran Benefits For seniors who’ve served in the military, veteran benefits are worth a closer look. The Veterans Administration (VA) offers the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used to pay for assisted living. As of 2021, the program provides assistance up to $1,936 per month for a single veteran and up to $2,295 per month for a married veteran. However, eligibility is complicated, and there can be extensive wait times for approval. Again, ask a trusted financial advisor or attorney for help.

Jerry Rick is the executive director at The Arbor at BridgeMill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton. 770-691-0022. ArborCompany.com

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