Canton Family Life 6-21 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

June 2021

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 11

20-21

[20-21]

On the Cover

Studio 5 Salon

14-15

Short Story Contest Congrats to Our Winner!

27-33

Health and Wellness Guide Explore Your Options

38 Artist Profile

Barbara RowlettRheingrover

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[14-15] [38] Follow Us >>>

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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2021

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.......................... Perspective .............................. Calendar ........................ Public Safety .................... Community Life ............... Derby Day Pictures ................... Senator Speaks ................. Mayor’s Message ....................... Canton Notes ............... Community Partner ........................ Book Review ................... Ribbon Cuttings @FamilyLifeMags

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A Happy Home Begins With a Healthy Marriage [InGoodFaith] “Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself and the wife must respect her husband,” (Ephesians 5:33).

By Rev. Norman R. Hunt

The strength of a nation is dependent upon the strength of our homes. What we are in our church life, civic life, and national life depends upon the home. That is why successful marriage is so important. Marriage and the family affect every American today. The family is important because it is the basis of life. If the home and family are destroyed, America will be destroyed.

If the marriage tie is weak, then the home and the family will rest upon a weak foundation. If the marriage vow is strong, then the home will be upon a firm foundation. Our whole social order stands or fails with the home. The most important decision you will ever make is what you decide to do with Jesus. The second most important decision is whom you shall select as your mate for life. Your home can be a heaven or a hell, depending on whom you marry. L

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

ne of the keys to building a successful future is appreciating the fact that we each have a history that has molded us, causing us to exist as the individuals we are today. Without the broken roads, lost deals, sorrowful times, and storms, we may not have had the opportunities for arrival, success, and happiness that we celebrate, as the person each of us has become. We get hurt, and we heal. At one time or another (and sometimes more often than not), we trip over our ignorance and scrape a knee, bruise an ego, or tarnish a reputation. These are just facts of life.

If you’re reading the print version of this magazine that you received in your mailbox, then you live in Cherokee County. My brother and I were born and raised in rural central Cherokee on Route 8/Toonigh when it was just a gravel road. We were blessed to have been brought up by parents who did the best they could to develop two scrappy boys into fine men. They taught us to be thrifty with our goods and our time, to keep our surplus in savings for the future, and to not compare ourselves to others nor try to keep up. We

learned that the paths we build are our own, laid one stone at a time. Our paths travel in one direction — all the hard bumps, the times where we occasionally get lost, and the annoying cracks and puddles will fall behind us, as a greater plan unfolds. The first thing is to realize where we find ourselves falling short and correct the behavior. I screw up my fair share, and I sometimes get bonus points for “stupid Jack tricks,” often joking about how I “just get used to it.” Yes, when things get all “Jacked up” for me, it’s literal rather than a figure of speech, but this story is mine. Eventually, most of our major fumbles, trials, and even those “stupid ‘you’ tricks” end up not really being such a big deal. We learn to overcome our errors, deal with our shortcomings, and change our ways. It’s always a good time to give yourself some grace, say a little prayer, and be thankful. Every annoying pebble in your shoe finds a home along your way, building a greater path to a better you.

ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Vicky Tuszynski Vicky@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelley Archer, Mary Kay Buquoi, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Norman R. Hunt, Steven W. Miller, Tim Morris, Jessica Oravec, Liane N. Rowe, Ellen Samsell Salas, Brooke Schmidt, Anna Teal, Bruce Thompson, Shannon Wallace, Jacqueline Yokley

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

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FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine that reaches more than 30,000 homes and businesses via digital subscription and direct mail in Canton including Sixes/BridgeMill, Ball Ground, Hickory Flat, Holly Springs, and Waleska. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

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EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

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PUBLISHER/SALES Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

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

JUNE

Family Fun Night at the Oasis Jump into an evening filled with swimming, music, games, and contests for the whole family. 5:00-7:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

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

4, 11, 12, 18, 25, 26

Live at The Mill on Etowah Enjoy FREE live concerts at this great venue: 6/4 The Head, 6/11 The Shag Man, 6/12 Arcside, 6/18 The Relics, 6/25 Will Burke, 6/26 Todd & Marissa. 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

Pet Adoption 101 — The Cherokee County Animal Shelter is coming to the library! Enjoy fun activities that will teach attendees how the Shelter helps the community as well as the best way to care for your own beloved pets. 10:30am, R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-479-3090. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Crazy for Patsy Cline, Featuring Katie Deal — Enjoy this outdoor concert with songs made famous by the beloved country artist, Patsy Cline. 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167 Reinhardt.edu/ falany/tickets

Annual National Cancer Survivors Day This day is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families, and an outreach to the community. For more information or to find local events, visit NCSD.org

11 & 25

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. PlayCherokee.org

Free AHA First Aid and Stop the Bleed Class Learn First Aid skills including how to help someone involved in a traumatic bleeding incident. This fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am First Aid; 1:30pm Stop the Bleed, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org

Ball Ground Festival and Plant Sale — Native and heirloom plants are carefully cultivated and nurtured by club members and offered for sale. Event includes a large selection of plants, gardening presentations, guided tours of Ball Ground Botanical Garden, a bake sale, and raffles. There will also be 20 local vendors (food, drink, shopping) and local nonprofit groups. 10:00am4:00pm, next to Ball Ground City Hall, 215 Valley Street, Ball Ground. Support@ ballgroundgardenclub.com, BallGroundGardenClub.com

Music at Menagerie — Enjoy outdoor live music, featuring local singer-songwriters. BYOB, bring a chair, and enjoy great entertainment! All donations go to the performers. 6:008:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

ONGOING Canton Farmers Market — Each Saturday through 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. CantonGaFarmersMarket@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/CantonGAFarmersMarket

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2021

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 E., Canton. PlayCherokee.org

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15-10/16

The Ball Ground Farmers and Makers Market — Every other Saturday, from May 15-October 16, shop for fresh fruit, garden vegetables, herbs, flowers, baked goods, micro greens, honey, local crafts, unique gifts, and other handmade treasures while you enjoy music and other entertainment. 8:00am-12:00pm, Ball Ground City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. Facebook.com/BallGroundFarmersandMakersMarket

Golfing FORE! The Children Golf Tournament — Presented by the Service League of Cherokee County, play golf for a great cause. All proceeds will go to help children in need in Cherokee County. 7:30am registration and 9:00am shotgun start, Eagle Watch Golf Course, 3055 Eagle Watch Drive, Woodstock. ServiceLeague.net

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. 11:30am-1:00pm, Waterford at Hidden Lake, 3100 Hidden Valley Drive, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

Garden Pests? Attend this FREE outdoor class, presented by Cherokee Master Gardeners to assist in identifying and controlling common pests that are ruining your summer vegetables. Registration is required. Please bring a chair. 10:00-11:30am, Papa’s Pantry/ Encompass Ministries, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Woodstock. 770-591-4730. CherokeeMasterGardeners.com

Ongoing Market at Menagerie Enjoy shopping at this outdoor artisan market. 10:00am2:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga. gov. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/ CantonGAFirstFriday

Canton River Rock Concert Series Presents Rumours Bring the whole family to enjoy Rumours, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, at this FREE event. 6:00-10:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-720-7674. CantonGa.gov

25-26

Summer Plant Sale — The UGA Master Gardeners Extension Volunteers of Cherokee County present this rainor-shine event, with a great selection of unique plant varieties. 9:00am12:00pm, Cherokee Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 404-202-4716. NMcCarthy411@gmail.com

JULY

Downtown Canton First Friday With the GlowBand — Enjoy live music, a Kid’s Zone, after-hours shopping, restaurants, outside food and beverage vendors, and a cruise in! 6:00-9:00pm,

The Market at The Mill on Etowah Every Tuesday night, come out to shop and support the best local makers, creators, bakers, and artists. 5:30-8:30pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

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

Live at The Mill on Etowah Presents Ethan Senger Enjoy fresh originals and fun cover tunes from this up-andcoming, local singer-songwriter at this FREE concert event. 7:009:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EthanSengerMusician.com, EtowahMill.com

City of Canton 4th of July Fireworks Celebration Bring the whole family to enjoy this spectacular display in honor of the birth of our nation. Fireworks will begin at dusk. Riverstone Parkway, Canton. 770-720-7674. CantonGa.gov

July 5th Spectacular! The City of Woodstock invites you to celebrate our nation’s birth with a day full of fun! Enjoy a traditional parade, festival, 5K Freedom Run, and fireworks! 7:15am Freedom Run, 10:00am parade, 11:00am festival, and fireworks at dusk, downtown Woodstock, 101 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-592-6000 x1952. WoodstockParksAndRec.com, WoodstockFreedomRun.com

Free CPR/AED Certification Class — On the last Saturday of each month, this fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org

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Public Safety

Protecting Our Elders From

Scams, Abuse, and Neglect By District Attorney Shannon Wallace

ecently, a friend received an email that she immediately recognized as a scam. The writer claimed to be a banker from another country and told my friend that he would send her millions of dollars from an unclaimed inheritance. But first, he needed my friend to provide very specific personal information, including her bank account number. If you think a promise of millions of dollars sounds too good to be true, you are right. Fortunately, my friend was savvy enough to recognize this as a scam and laugh it off. However, some scams are trickier to spot, and even the savviest among us can be manipulated by these opportunists. Many of these unscrupulous individuals specifically target senior citizens.

Scams Targeting the Elderly Whether in person, by phone, text, email, or social media, scammers often pose as someone you might normally trust. Here are a few common scams: •A n email from someone who says he’s a clergyman asking congregants to purchase gift cards to support someone enduring a tragedy. • A text claiming to be a COVID-19 vaccine scheduler, then asking for personal information and, later, using that information to steal the individual’s identify. •A visit from someone claiming to be a Medicare agent, who informs the victim he/she needs a new Medicare card, then requests his/her Social Security number.

Criminals often target older adults because they believe seniors have retirement savings or are more easily tricked than younger people. In some cases, seniors are so embarrassed that they fell victim to a scam, they hesitate to report the crime.

Elder Abuse at Home Besides this type of financial exploitation, elder abuse also occurs when trusted family members, friends, or caregivers intentionally harm or fail to provide needed services to older adults in their care. Typically, elder abuse is one (or all) of the following: • Physical - Often includes sexual and emotional abuse as well. • Neglect - Failure to provide essential medical care, adequate nutrition, hygiene, or a safe living environment. • Financial Exploitation - Depriving access to financial resources by using force, threats, or deceit. We take elder abuse very seriously and have a prosecution unit within the District Attorney’s Office that specializes in handling these crimes. Members of our office participate in the Cherokee County Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Multidisciplinary Team, which meets monthly. This multidisciplinary team brings together organizations committed to protecting vulnerable adults from situations of abuse or exploitation. Members discuss reports of abuse and collaborate to ensure

Georgia laws related to elder abuse: O.C.G.A. §16-5-101, §16-5-102, §16-5-23.1

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2021

seniors receive the services they need. In 2020, the group reviewed 235 cases of suspected abuse or neglect of elders or vulnerable adults in Cherokee. We also partner with Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T., an organization that works to reduce victimization of older adults by offering programs for seniors and caregivers. More information on these programs can be found at SALTCherokee.com.

World Elder Abuse Day Each year on June 15, communities worldwide draw attention to the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of our elders. The day provides the opportunity to educate people about the unique challenges of our aging population, reach out to elders to help them avoid becoming crime victims, and exchange ideas on how to reduce crimes against elders.

How To Help You can help, too. Visit older adults in your life and make sure they are healthy and safe. Talk to them about common scams and make sure they are making sound decisions. Report elder abuse through the Georgia Division of Aging Services. Aging.Georgia.gov/report-elder-abuse 866-55AGING (866-552-4464)

Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.

Shannon Wallace is the district attorney for Cherokee County. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/ District-Attorneys-Office

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Support a Great Cause

Run This Year’s

“Moove It” 5K By Lisa-Marie Haygood [AcademicLife] The Etowah River Park will once again come alive to a flurry of activity on Saturday, August 14, as the Chick-fil-A “Moove It” 5K Road Race benefiting the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) and Special Olympics of Cherokee County takes center stage. This is the largest 5K road race in north Georgia, so you don’t want to miss it! CCEF is a nonprofit organization that serves the community by raising funds and awareness for continued teaching, learning, leadership, and recognition events for all schools in the Cherokee County School District. The funds raised by this 5K race support students and teachers in Cherokee County classrooms in the form of Impact grants. Teachers are encouraged to apply for Impact Grants from CCEF each year to fund materials, resources, and innovative ideas that will benefit teaching and learning initiatives that ensure excellence in education throughout Cherokee’s award-winning school district. Race registration can be completed at CFAMooveIt.com. Festivities begin at 7:00am, with live music and the Chick-fil-A cows leading prerace festivities and warm-up fun. The 5K will start at 8:00am, and the “Calf Run” for tiny participants will begin at 9:00am. Sponsorship tables are still available. Please visit CFAMooveIt.com, CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org, or call 770-704-4213 for more information or to volunteer.

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

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Community Cherokee County School District Highlights Award Winners The Yes I Can Awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities. The awards also increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities. Each CCSD elementary school is invited to select one student to receive the award, based on achievement in the following categories: academics, art, school and community, self-advocacy, and technology. This year’s honorees are Arnold Mill ES, Kaleb Storey; Avery ES, Jace Runyan; Ball Ground ES, Dylan Moss; Bascomb ES, Jill Cramer; Boston ES, Cameron Moore; Clark Creek ES, Logan Arnold; Clayton ES, Avery Turner; Hasty ES, Baynachi Celestin; Hickory Flat ES, Aiden Office; Holly Springs ES, Logan Wright; Indian Knoll ES, Addyson Watson; Johnston ES, Peyton Wilhoite; Knox ES, Christian Shoemake; Liberty ES, Robert Simpson; Little River ES, Ariana Moss; Macedonia ES, Allie Wentworth; Mountain Road ES, David Whiteside; R.M. Moore ES, Oscar Flores Nandi; Sixes ES, Kaleb Lee; Woodstock ES, Colton Waggoner.

Three Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Semifinalists

Koryn Todd Creekview HS

As semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, Koryn Todd of Creekview HS, Annelise Axelsson of River Ridge HS, and Sophia Abbott of Woodstock HS are among only 700 students from the more than 3 million graduating seniors in the nation’s Class of 2021 selected to advance in this prestigious recognition program. Only 18 students from Georgia were named semifinalists. Established in 1964 by executive order of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the program honors and recognizes extraordinary graduating seniors. Candidates for the invitation-only recognition program are initially selected based on outstanding performance on the ACT or SAT. Semifinalists and finalists are then chosen based on an application that considers overall academic excellence, personal character, leadership, and service activities. Additional recognitions are awarded for students who excel in the arts or in career and technical education (CTE). Axelsson is a semifinalists for the CTE honor.

Annelise Axelsson River Ridge HS

Sophia Abbott Woodstock HS

Last school year, of the 700 semifinalists, 161 students were named scholars and received national recognition and an invitation to an allexpenses paid trip to the White House.

Cherokee HS Teacher Wins Statewide Hero Award Grace Ed Technologies has announced that Cherokee HS teacher and coach Jeremy Law is one of three winners of its 2021 Teacher Heroes Awards. The education technology company accepted nominations statewide of K-12 teachers who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, effort, character, and ability over the past school year. More than 100 teachers were nominated, with 12 finalists selected and then narrowed to the three winners. Each winner receives a $1,000 award. Coach Law, who is a special education teacher and a football coach, is a past CCSD Teacher of the Year, an honor he earned for his service at Teasley MS. An Etowah HS graduate, Coach Law earned a bachelor’s degree in business and pursued a career in banking before he realized his true calling was to teach and coach youth. He taught at Teasley MS and coached football at Sequoyah HS before joining the Cherokee HS faculty and earning a master’s degree in special education and a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction. At Cherokee HS, he has helped lead programs for youth including the school’s FCA club and Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) program. “Jeremy demonstrates servant leadership daily,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower. “He has earned this recognition through all he does to teach and coach his students and support and mentor his colleagues.” 10

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2021

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Community Fore the Children Golf Tournament Winners Sequoyah HS Music Facility Named for Beloved Band Director

The annual Fore the Children Golf Tournament, presented by Kia, was recently held at BridgeMill Athletic Club. The day featured delicious food, gifts for all participants, and a beautiful round of golf with perfect weather.

A crowd of family, friends, former students, and colleagues recently David E. Harrison gathered outside Sequoyah HS for the dedication of the school’s band room in memory of the late David E. Harrison, who launched Sequoyah’s marching band program and directed it for 20 years. “Mr. Harrison was the first band director at Sequoyah High School and extremely instrumental in the phenomenal growth of the band program and the expansion of what is now the SHS band room. The impact he had with our program, as well as other high schools, universities, and community bands and orchestras in Georgia was extremely meaningful and significant. He truly created a legacy around fine arts for children and adults alike,” said Sequoyah HS Principal Robert VanAlstyne in his request to the Cherokee County Board of Education for the naming honor. Speakers for the April 30 dedication event included Dr. Brian V. Hightower, superintendent of schools; daughter, Kason Sams; son, Jonathan Harrison; and friends and band supporters Rick James and Steve Bell. All shared stories and memories of Harrison and his love of his students and the arts. The program closed with the SHS “Ocean Spray” Steel Band playing one of Harrison’s favorite tunes, “Margaritaville.”

Daughter Kason Sams shares memories about her father.

The Harrison family at the dedication ceremony.

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

The competition was stiff, but the real winners are the members of the Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club of Cherokee County! All proceeds go directly to support programming for the club’s members and its daily operations. Thanks to everyone who supported the event, and an extra special thank you to Cherokee County Board Members for all their hard work.

(L-R) Stephen Burroughs, Ben Thornton, and Danny Antonelli, and Tyler Carder (not pictured) were part of this year’s winning team from Capital Mortgage Solutions.

Holly Springs Pins New Police Chief The City of Holly Springs recently pinned Tommy Keheley as its new police chief. Keheley has more than 50 years of experience in law enforcement and 25 years in the military. He has served as the deputy chief of police for the Holly Springs Police Department since 2016. Throughout his professional career, Keheley has served our nation in the Naval Reserves and Coast Guard and has served in the Georgia Air National Guard.

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Community Cool City of Canton Updates A new Visitors Center has opened in the historic Canton Theatre. To welcome visitors and residents alike, the “pop-up” space will provide information about local dining, shopping, activities, events, parks, and accommodations. Canton branded merchandise will be available for purchase. The Center’s normal operating hours will be Thursday-Saturday, 12:00-5:00pm, and during the evening for each First Friday event in downtown Canton. Welcome to Sunnyside! Driving along Marietta Road in south Canton, you may have noticed bright new welcome signs. As development is shifting from downtown to the river, it is important that the entry point to the city along Exit 16 is attractive, clean, safe, and moving forward. The City is working hand-in-hand with the council and the neighborhood to help drive economic investment into the Marietta Road area, known to many as Sunnyside. This will include opportunities for commercial and residential investment, activation of public park space, improvement for transportation and infrastructure, and community pride. Learn more at CantonGa.gov/government/departments/community-development/sunnyside.

CEO Bikes 9,000 Miles Across the U.S. To Raise Awareness Every 11 seconds, a senior citizen is treated in the emergency room for a fall, with treatment costs averaging $30,000. More than 80% of those falls happen in the bathroom. To help change these scary statistics, Jeff Salter, founder and CEO of Caring Senior Service, a national in-home, nonmedical care provider committed to improving the lives of seniors, has embarked on a national bike ride to raise awareness and funds to prevent falls. Salter is biking 9,000 miles cross-country on an electric bike to shine a spotlight on underserved seniors and raise funds to prevent falls, which are the leading cause of fatal injury for seniors. As he visits all 45 Caring Senior Service locations during his four-month bike ride, Salter will launch the company’s “Close the Gap in Senior Care” movement, which focuses on fall prevention through the “Grab the Bars” campaign to raise funds for installing grab bars, which help prevent falls in the homes of seniors who may not have the means or ability to install them. To donate to the campaign, please visit GiveButter. com/grabthebars. To learn more about the Close the Gap in Senior Care movement, please visit CaringSeniorService.com/closethegap.

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2021

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18th Annual Day H

istory Cherokee’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Kentucky Derby Day, was a galloping success! The sold-out event hosted nearly 200 attendees who came together last month at The Mill on Etowah to cheer on the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby while supporting the mission of History Cherokee. From the big hats that were atop the ladies’ heads during the Hat Parade and Contest to the bold bourbons available for tasting, History Cherokee successfully raised nearly $30,000 to aide in supporting educational programming and historic preservation efforts throughout Cherokee County. “Hosting this signature event outdoors at The Mill on Etowah allowed our guests to safely celebrate together once again,” said Jessica Gordy, marketing and communications manager of History Cherokee. “We were lucky to have great weather, be able to work with incredibly gracious vendors, and see new and old friends for this annual tradition.” History Cherokee will break ground for the new Cherokee County History Center later this month and anticipates opening the new museum and research library in Spring 2022.

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S N O I T A L U T A R G CON

INSPIRED BY A DREAM By Liane N. Rowe Easywoods Inspired by a Dream may sound like a thoroughbred racehorse or maybe even a gated community for the silver-haired, but in fact, it is my given name. I speak the language of love and understand two others, and I hold dual citizenship as well as a passport stamped with transatlantic travel. One flight in particular serves as an indelible reminder of why I prefer traveling on foot. I love outdoor sports and indoor heating and air. My tastes lean more toward meat and potatoes, but the older I get, the more I realize that life without cows could add years to my life instead of inches to my waist. And since I enjoy compliments as much as the next guy, I gladly choose organic in exchange for all those looks from the ladies. They seem to like my six-pack and golden red hair, though I can only take credit for chiseling one and keeping the other cut and combed. Dutch by birth and American for work, I strive to follow my parents’ ethic to serve, protect, and love what I do and those around me. With 10 children to raise, Mom and Dad both made careers in world class port cargo safety, instilling a desire in their offspring to succeed wherever we landed. My three sisters decided to remain close to home, but all seven of us boys ventured to various parts of the globe. Dad’s name, Masou, could very well translate to “built like a tank” with his broad shoulders and lean body of solid muscle, passing down his physique to all his sons but me. That led some brothers to join the family business, while others chose law enforcement support. I, on the other hand, inherited Mom’s soft heart of strong compassion and worked diligently to sustain my previously mentioned six-pack abs.

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! E W O R . N E N A LI , R E N N I W R U TO O Being next to last in birth order, chances were good that I would dare to do something different. I have snored on my back since birth, while everyone else quietly slept on their stomachs, so it is highly likely that my trip across the pond was “inspired by a dream” on one of those noisy nights. Leaving the European continent – and Mom – with little more than gumption and grit might be the hardest thing I have ever done. It has also been the most rewarding. Discovered by a Netherlands business opening a new American franchise in need of a Superman/Clark Kent look-alike with big brown eyes and a quiet but alert demeaner, I accepted their proposition and packed light. With the promise of a one-way ticket to my new home, deluxe accommodations including meals, gym privileges, and flexible hours — with time off for good behavior, I was confident with my choice, except for one thing — I wondered what, exactly, in this day and age is a “lady’s companion.” My sisters were all into novel romance, so I was vaguely familiar with the term. I thought it referred to a wealthy woman living in the 1800s who suddenly found herself without fortune and in dire need of financial support. Since my future “lady” was financing this endeavor, none of that seemed to apply. Several questions later and job description in hand, it was clear that I would be expected to provide confidence, surveillance, distraction, entertainment, and undivided attention all while being this lady’s constant companion. Sweet deal. I could do that and add a cherry on top as well. Culture shock and even allergies to foreign trees and shrubs plucked from all over the world and planted in one place nearly had me turning back. Previously living on my beloved Netherland island, an engineering marvel of dikes and canals that keep it from sinking, I was used to life below sea level where it’s flatter than a pancake. Out of a keen sense of national pride and respect, one-third of our houses will always be painted black in memory of their occupants who perished from one plague or another four centuries ago. They stand as eternal memorials

amidst a manmade sea of windmills and vast acreage of rainbowcolored bulbs that ship to spring gardens and fill lover’s bouquets around the globe. My fellow citizens include the likes of Vincent Van Gogh and Anne Frank and her house of temporary refuge during World War II — definitely not the genteel South of mountainous north Georgia. What a delightful surprise it was, arriving at my new home to a burst of yellow sunshine with a bold burgundy front door after driving past row upon row of whites, grays, and tans. It would seem that my lady and I were soulmates in our desire for bright and beautiful. We could be different together. Time has turned our working relationship into a loving friendship built on trust. Perhaps you’ve seen this in action at one of my favorite places where everyone knows my name. If so, you already swing wide, stay silent, and just smile when you see us coming. For all those friends I have yet to meet, allow me to introduce myself. I can claim a 4-foot vertical jump (leap tall buildings); see day or night at an 11-mile distance (X-ray vision); bite through leather, steel, and bone (superhuman strength); and clock 35mph on a short track (super speed). I can, but as previously mentioned, do not like to fly, and I admit to a kryptonite spot on my belly that tickles me senseless. Easywoods is my surname, the physical place of my birth, and the one word that means everything to me, for it represents two precious people I left behind to accept this mission, the ones responsible for my illustrious pedigree and very being. I am all that and more. I am Cherokee County’s own Clark Kent, a.k.a. Brodie – golden retriever PTSD service dog.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SHARED SHORT STORIES WITH US! We received 30 thoughtful, well written submissions that covered a variety of topics, and we appreciated reading each one. We truly enjoyed “visiting” the succinct worlds you created, which inspired us to think and feel a wide array of emotions. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

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Senator Speaks

What’s in a Name? By State Senator Bruce Thompson

a young boy, I would occasionally have the opportunity to leave the farm and spend time with my best friend at his home in town. We would generally shoot hoops, and then he would break out the Swan’s Ice Cream and the A&W Root Beer. In my opinion, there is no better root beer float than one made from these two ingredients. While many things consumed our minds, figuring out where the name “A&W” came from was never one of them. It turns out that a man named Roy Allen set up a roadside root beer stand in California one hot evening when the city was celebrating the homecoming of WWI heroes. Allen later partnered with Frank Wright to expand the concept, and coined the name A&W. In other words, the company is rooted in recognizing others for their service — even featuring a 6-foot mascot called the Good Ambassador Bear at many of its locations. That little stand has now grown to more than 1,000 restaurants in the United States and beyond.

his mission of investing in others. A homeschool dad himself, he became a staunch advocate for this community as well as those without a male role model in their lives. Unfortunately, the Lord called Mosely home just over two years ago, but his legacy of service to others lives on. At a time when our communities are so divided, most people agree that team activities break down barriers by bringing kids together from diverse backgrounds for a common goal. Understanding the need to find common ground, both sides committed to exploring solutions and changes to address the concerns. Before long, Dr. Robin Hines of the GHSA and I proudly announced our endorsement, which ultimately led to the passage of the Dexter Mosely Act. The next time you glance at the name on a product or name of an initiative, consider exploring the heart behind the name.

Over 5 years ago, I began working on a piece of legislation modeled after many other states titled the Tim Tebow Bill. It allowed homeschoolers to try out for extracurricular activities including drama, debate, music, and sports at the public school they would normally attend. The name was to honor the legacy of Tim Tebow, who was homeschooled in Jacksonville, Florida, and was permitted to play football for the struggling Allen D. Neese High School team. He joined the team as a junior, making an immediate positive impact, even rushing for a 29-yard touchdown with an undiscovered broken fibula. Named Florida’s Player of the Year as well as an All-American, he led his team to a state title the following year. Year after year, the Tim Tebow Bill met intense scrutiny and objections from the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and members of the House, preventing a vote on the floor where I was convinced it would successfully pass. Recognizing that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, this year, I decided to change the name to the Dexter Mosley Act to reflect and honor the legacy of a man who devoted his life to serving others in sports. Mosley played football for the Auburn Tigers. Although he overcame several health challenges, including a heart transplant, Mosley finished college, settled in Georgia with his family, and continued 16

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

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The Great Outdoors

at Home By Kelley Archer

[Lifestyle] Residents of planned communities enjoy a lifestyle that is intrinsically connected to nature — a breath of fresh air for those who appreciate the everyday beauty of the great outdoors. These communities are intentionally designed for access and connection to a variety of natural amenities such as ponds, trails, and parks. Communities surrounded by protected greenspace are always steps away from the great outdoors and the many benefits it provides. Residents of communities surrounded by nature…

 Have direct access to greenspace just outside their front      

door, improving moods and often lowering levels of daily stress and anxiety Enjoy the many benefits of living an active lifestyle, promoting health and longevity for families and neighbors Build strong connections with others through outdoor activities, providing a lasting and intrinsic sense of community Have the perfect balance of nature and home, quiet and convenience Enjoy protected areas of nature, which provide a stunning backdrop with beautiful views May have walking trails to explore the natural wilderness around each and every corner May have access to fishing ponds or private bodies of water for canoes, kayaks, and boats with electric motors

Communities where natural beauty and life-enhancing outdoor amenities mingle perfectly to create a peaceful, rewarding life for families, friends, and neighbors alike are wonderful, desirable places to live. L

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

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

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Collaborate To Motivate! Using Music To Facilitate FUNctional Treatment By Jacqueline Yokley, M. Ed., CCC-SLP

[HealthyLife] Music can be a powerful tool to promote attention, motivation, and emotional regulation during therapy sessions. Collaboration with music therapists to incorporate music into sessions can facilitate increased progress toward the patient’s goals. Whether it is within a co-treatment or discussion of a shared client, music therapists can be a wealth of knowledge. During speech-language sessions, music can be used as a means of nonverbal communication, for stimulation of speech, to mirror patterns of speech, to increase repetition, for trials or attention, to increase memory of learned concepts, and to stimulate the brain to cue participation. For example, call and response or fill in the blank songs can work on alternating

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vocalizations, which is a prerequisite for conversational turn taking. In physical and occupational therapy, the use of greeting and transition songs can minimize behaviors when moving between tasks, providing patients with needed structure. Favorite songs can provide motivation for patients to keep moving when gait training, adaptive biking, or other strengthening exercises. Social story songs can facilitate activities of daily living (ADLs), pragmatic skills, and expression of feelings.

Music helps to increase participation and engagement in all therapies, which provides a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to give patients the best experience possible. Research and evidence show that music has an outstanding impact on our brains and development. L

Jacqueline Yokley is a speechlanguage pathologist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy, 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

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Establishing a “School-Day” Routine During the Summer By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S. [AcademicLife] Although it may feel like the break has just begun, you’ll soon be sending your little one back to school. During the lazy, hazy days of summer, routines may become a bit lax. Here are some helpful tips you can gradually begin implementing a week or two before school starts back to help establish a daily “school-day” routine: SET A SCHOOL-NIGHT BEDTIME. Once school begins, the entire family will probably need to start waking up earlier than usual, so set an earlier time for you and your child to hit the sack each night. This will ensure everyone gets the proper amount of rest to be bright and alert for the school/workday. PREPARE THE NIGHT BEFORE. Pack lunches, backpacks, and lay out clothes for the next day. Check notes from the teacher to make sure your child has everything he/she needs for school. Find a location near the door to set shoes, backpacks, and other school necessities, so everything is ready to go when you leave the house in the morning. CREATE YOUR OWN “HAVE A GREAT DAY!” SIGNAL. Involve your child in developing a special way for the two of you to say “goodbye” to each other when you drop him/her off at school. It could be a funny handshake, secret phrase, or even just a wink and smile. Only the two of you will know that you really mean, “Have a great day! I love you.” ALLOW TIME TO UNWIND. Set aside some time for your child to decompress at the end of the day. Children need this, especially during the first few weeks of getting into the back-to-school routine. The change in schedule can be overwhelming, so having some time to relax or play quietly when they get home from school can be beneficial. RECAP THE DAY TOGETHER. Whether around the dinner table or during one-on-one time with your little ones each evening, ask them about their day, and share your news with them. Everyone will benefit from the special time together to listen and share.

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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COVER STORY

STI LL CUTTI NG IT

20 YearsLater By Anna Teal

Some people are born with natural talents, and they move through life to fulfill their destiny. Jennifer Davo is one of those people.

Jennifer started cutting her father’s and brother’s hair long before she was a licensed stylist. So, it was no surprise to her family and friends when she expressed interest in opening up her own salon. Needless to say, she’s a big believer in following her dreams while taking as much family with her as possible on the road to success. A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND LOCATIONS Like most entrepreneurs, Jennifer’s dreams were bigger than her pocketbook. She enlisted the assistance of her parents to get the salon up and running, and with the help of inherited UPS stock from her great-grandfather, she had enough capital to make her dream a reality at 22 years old. Studio 5 was originally located off exit 14 on Highway 5. They’ve moved twice since then and have settled in their newly renovated “forever home” at 136 Archer Street in downtown Canton. “When looking for inspiration for the salon, everywhere I went was either too uppity or not fancy enough. It was important for the salon to be family friendly and meet a certain standard of cleanliness,” said Jennifer. A FAMILY AFFAIR “We preach family,” she said. Her father is known as “Grandpa,” aka “Mr. Fixit,” around the salon, and her mother, known as “Grandma,” is a payroll specialist. Even her 12-year-old son, Julian, is learning spreadsheets to help out. Ezra, her 9-yearold daughter, isn’t left out either. Jennifer and Ezra just completed their third photoshoot for the salon. Another fun fact: Studio 5 currently has five sets 20

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of mother-daughter combos working within its walls including Jennifer and her stepdaughter, Makayla. “We think of it as a growing family,” she said. At Studio 5, the spirit of family doesn’t stop at the staff level — it also extends to the company’s clients. In fact, the salon is known for not only cutting and styling one client’s hair but also providing salon services to the rest of his/her family. Having a family friendly space allows Jennifer and her staff to focus on quality while building relationships with beloved clients. “Our dream team is a group of people who are honest and have the highest integrity in their work and client relationships. They all go the extra mile for one another while creating a happy and uplifting environment for everyone to enjoy,” said Jennifer. ATTRACTIVE ARRAY OF SALON SERVICES Studio 5 has a vast list of salon services available including hair cutting and styling, perms, and color and highlights. One of the salon’s specialties is a Brazilian blowout, which is an anti-frizz and smoothing treatment that lasts up to three months. And if that’s not enough to have their clients looking and feeling their best, stylists can also enhance the look of customers’ hair with extensions. Studio 5 offers a variety of hair extension options that provide extra volume, length, and versatility. For those with thinning hair, Evolve Volumizer and Halo Fall, which are semi-permanent hairpieces, are great solutions for women who have hair loss around the top or crown of the head.

20 YEARS STRONG The past 20 years have been peppered with great achievements including winning Best of Life Salon multiple times, being recognized as Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch, performing in and raising money for the Cherokee County Service League’s Dancing for the Children in 2017, and placing in Canton’s Top 10 Small Businesses. With the help of friends, family, and devoted clientele, Studio 5 will celebrate its 20th anniversary this month. The salon is known to go above and beyond to celebrate big events. On Friday, June 11, the staff will celebrate the memorable past 20 years by having a customer appreciation blowout with fun, snacks, and prizes upstairs at Events on Main. “Twenty years of owning my salon has allowed me to participate in the lives of many families. I’ve watched my clients grow up and become mothers — some have even become grandmothers. I’ve worked alongside many, as they began and ended careers. I’ve participated in every wedding position from stylist to bridesmaid. I’ve become an extension of their families. I don’t know of many careers that could have blessed me so completely,” said Jennifer. To learn more about Studio 5 Salon, please visit the website. For those wishing to schedule a free consultation with a stylist, call 770-345-5000.

And lastly, with wedding season well underway, Studio 5’s team has the entire bridal party covered — literally. This time of year, the staff is busy providing bridal makeup as well as blissfully beautiful wedding styles.

STUDIO 5 SALON 136 Archer Street, Canton, GA 30114 770-345-5000 r Studio5Salon.org Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

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Mayor’s Message

MAINTAINING EXCELLENCE in Holly Springs By Mayor Steven W. Miller

he City of Holly Springs has been awarded funding to complete Phase III of its Holly Springs Parkway Widening Project from the State Road and Tollway Authority through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank. Phase III, identified as a priority in the City’s most recent 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, will widen Holly Springs Parkway from Ronnell Road to Childers Road. Like Phases I and II, Phase III will include the installation of a raised grassy median, with curbs and gutters, 5-foot sidewalks, and pedestrian lighting. At its completion, the Holly Springs Parkway Widening Project will improve pedestrian connectivity throughout the city and will also improve commuter access to local businesses and reduce demand on I-575. In March, the City was notified that its 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) qualified for recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The City of Holly Springs has received this

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recognition annually since 2012. You may view previous years’ awards at any time by visiting the City’s website. Also, Holly Springs has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of its commitment to effective urban forest management. To receive this prestigious honor, the City had to meet the program’s four requirements: developing or maintaining a tree board or department and tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The City has received this recognition since 2018. I would like to welcome the new members of our community boards. In January, Mike Grayeski, owner of SafeWise Electric, began his service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Pamela Shurmantine and Mandy Lynn, both Holly Springs residents, began their service on the Tree Commission in January and April respectively. If you are interested in serving on a community board, please send an email to admin@hollyspringsga.us, and we will send you an application. Applications are accepted on a continual basis. As positions become available, a City staff member will contact you.

Steven W. Miller is the mayor of Holly Springs, 3237 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536. HollySpringsGa.us

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My Childhood Dream Job By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] When I was a child, I always wanted to be a professional football player. My dad didn’t believe in me playing organized sports as a kid because he thought it was a waste of money. He only allowed me to play football once I got to middle school. On the first day of 7th grade football practice, I quickly realized my knowledge and skills were behind those of my teammates. I knew nothing about agility drills or the proper way to tackle someone. I remember the coach constantly yelling at me, calling me names, and telling me I should quit because I would never be a good football player. During the 4th quarter of the last game of the season, that coach turned to me and asked if I wanted to play. After I said yes, he replied, “Maybe next year,” with a grin. After that, many kids would have been too discouraged to ever play again, but I was more determined to prove him wrong. In 8th grade, that coach was no longer at our school, and I had improved enough to become a two-way starter. When I reached the 9th grade, I was asked by the high school coach to play varsity. During one practice, my old 7th grade coach was visiting and watching from the sidelines. I was all over the field that day, and when someone told him who I was, he was speechless. After practice, he walked toward me and put his hand out to apologize for how he’d treated me two years earlier. Though I never played professional football, what I learned by playing football in school taught me so much. My dad would’ve been 90 years old this year, and I’m sure he would still believe that playing organized youth sports is a waste of money. The Greatest Generation was hardworking and steadfast in their ideals, which were fostered by living through the Great Depression and WWII. Because of the way my dad raised me, I didn’t let that coach force me to quit. L

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

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

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GarageExperts of North Georgia installs lifetime warrantied epoxy floor coatings and custom cabinetry and additional storage solutions for residential and commercial properties in north Georgia and other surrounding areas. It is owned and operated by Randy Robinson, who has over 25 years of experience in the medical laboratory and medical sales industry, combined with 30 years of construction knowledge, ranging from general construction, landscaping, concrete installation, HVAC, and property management.

Flooring

Storage

Your garage makeover begins with Garage FX epoxy & polyaspartic flooring. Installation experts specialize in turning old, dirty, or cracked concrete into a beautiful flooring surface that will make your garage the envy of your friends and neighbors. Every garage floor installation starts with a proprietary epoxy coating. With its unique “Fusion Technology,” the GarageExpert coating coating has up to three times better adhesion quality than standard industrialgrade epoxy and polyaspartic coatings. The company’s proprietary epoxy fuses deep into the concrete floor to provide the foundation needed to offer a lifetime warranty. Garage FX epoxy will not peel from the concrete floor — ever.

With pantry style, overhead, and base cabinets in a variety of sizes and configurations to choose from, GarageExperts will customize a cabinet system that fits your storage needs, and with adjustable shelving options, your cabinets will never leave you with unused, wasted space. The company offers eight standard and four premium colors for you to choose from.

While the epoxy begins to fuse to the concrete, the company’s experts apply the decorative media of your choice onto the epoxy, providing a seamless multicolored appearance to the entire garage floor. The final step is the application of the Garage FX Ultra High Solids Polyaspartic clear topcoat that will provide a smooth, mirror-like gloss to your floor. The Ultra High Solids Polyaspartic has fewer solvents, resulting in more build and a less solvent odor than comparable garage floor coating systems.

When choosing garage cabinets, it’s important to select a system that is designed to hold up in any climate and is also able to withstand the rigors of the garage. All GarageExperts cabinets are constructed in its own Made In The USA facility and feature 3/4-inch walls with full backs. This superior grade of construction allows the cabinets to withstand greater weight loads than lesserquality cabinets. Another storage option offered by GarageExperts is slatwalls. The company offers nine color options to match your cabinets, giving you the ultimate custom look. Organize and display just about any item with a large variety of hooks, baskets, and accessories that easily attach to the reinforced T-Channel on the front of your slatwall. Slatwall storage systems allow you to reposition hooks and accessories to accommodate your changing needs.

Call or visit the GarageExperts website to schedule your free on-site estimate.

470-397-3077 | GarageExperts.com/location/north-georgia 24

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

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CantonNotes

Go, Go Golf Carts By Brooke Schmidt

September 17, the Canton City Council approved a Personal Transportation Vehicle (PTV) ordinance, which can be found under chapter 58, article V, section 58 of the City’s Municipal Code. If you don’t want to look it up, here are fast facts at a glance:

What is a PTV? A personal transportation vehicle is defined as all electric- and gasolinepowered pleasure carts (commonly referred to as golf carts) that are not capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour.

Where can I drive my PTV? The ordinance allows City Council to approve certain streets or roads within a specific neighborhood, community, development, or other specific area, to be defined as a PTV district. To be designated a PTV district, the homeowner’s association (HOA) for the development, or at least five property owners within an area not managed by an HOA, must petition City Council. The petition must include statements that indicate: (1) the district has eligible streets with a posted speed limit of 25mph or less, (2) all PTVs will be used only within the confines of the district, (3) PTVs will not be permitted on sidewalks or trails (unless specifically constructed for their use), and (4) PTV drivers will observe all traffic laws. 26

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Currently, only two districts have been approved in Canton: One in River Green and one in Towne Mill. Some streets within these communities are restricted. Authorized streets are listed on the City of Canton website.

Is any golf cart allowed to be registered and used in a PTV district? No. To be registered and legal within an approved district, a PTV must: • Be operated by an individual with a valid driver’s permit • Not be capable of exceeding 20mph • Have a functioning braking system (including a parking brake) • Have an audible reverse warning device when the directional control is in the reverse position • Have head and tail lamps as well as reflex reflectors • Have a rearview mirror • Have hip restraints and handholds

How do I register my eligible PTV? Registrations must be completed and renewed annually at City Hall for January 1-December 31. Cost is $15/year. Applicants are required to sign an affidavit stating that they have read the ordinance and that their PTV has the required equipment. Those operating PTVs without a registration/decal will be subject to fine.

Where can I get more information about PTVs in Canton? For more information, to read the full ordinance, and to view the affidavit and registration form, visit CantonGa.gov or call City Hall at 770-704-1500.

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

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2021

Health Wellness Guide

Practically Perfect Day Spa & Salon

BridgeMill Dentistry

Harmony Othodontics

Southern ENT Specialists

Pinnacle Othopaedics

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

28 29 30 31 32

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Practically Perfect Day Spa & Salon

welve years ago, Lisa Furilla decided to pursue her dream of opening her own spa. After attending school to become an aesthetician, in 2010 she established Practically Perfect Day Spa & Salon at its first location on East Main Street in historic downtown Canton. Born with an innate ability to make all things beautiful, Furilla renovated her half of the small historic home that she was renting for the spa. She worked tirelessly to collect and revitalize antiques and build a relaxing sanctuary for locals to escape life’s daily stresses. From painting to switching out the lighting, Furilla made every part of the space “Practically Perfect” in every way. Quickly becoming a fixture in the community, Practically Perfect gained a loyal customer base, as clients wrote rave reviews about the services they received. Due to Practically Perfect’s success, in 2012, Furilla was able to purchase the salon next door in the same building to expand her business. By 2016, Practically Perfect outgrew the small home and moved around the corner to the significantly larger, historic Teasley House. As she’d done with the previous home, Furilla worked hard to create a wonderful ambience to melt away the cares of the world for her significant clientele. Her involvement with the community and reputation for excellence has made her business one of the most successful, well-known salons and spas in Cherokee County. 28

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Practically Perfect’s staff

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Furilla and her staff worked diligently to make sure that Practically Perfect followed every health and safety precaution. Special equipment and air filtration systems were purchased to ensure that everyone was as safe as possible. This year, Practically Perfect expanded for the third time, becoming a world-class spa and salon at The Mill on Etowah. Once again, Furilla transformed the 120-yearold Cotton Mill, which had been used for warehouse space since the 1980s, into an oasis for her clients. At the new 5,000-square-foot location, Practically Perfect offers a wide array of personal care treatments such as nail, salon, and spa services including massage therapy, an infrared sauna, yoga classes, and wedding parties. The 700-square-foot room for bridal parties and other events was added to make guests feel extra special on their big day. Clients can sip on mimosas while being pampered with services such as facials, professional makeup application, blow-outs and hair styling, up-dos, massages, manicures and pedicures, and even lipo-massage, which can actually contour your body, so you look your very best for your big event.

If your skin needs to be revitalized, your tired muscles need to be relaxed, you need to detox in an infrared sauna, your hair and nails need some extra attention, or you just need a day of pampering, stop by this spa and you’ll leave feeling “Practically Perfect” in every way. Clients can call or visit the website to book several spa package combinations or single services.

Book any three or more services and receive a 10% discount.

225 Reformation Parkway Suite 116 Canton, GA 30114 770-704-5614 PracticallyPerfectDaySpa.com Add

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BridgeMill Dentistry

ridgeMill Dentistry is a comprehensive dental practice with a 19-year history of serving the Canton community. The practice provides patients of all ages with a wide range of important services including preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. While the overall commitment to providing the very best dental treatment has remained constant since Dr. Scott Merritt first started treating patients in Canton in 2002, there have been significant changes since that time. In 2012, the current office was built across the street from the original location. The new facility was specially designed to comfortably accommodate new and long-time patients as well as the growing staff and continued addition of state-of-the-art equipment. It also made it possible for Dr. Michael Cox, who trained

at the Medical College of Georgia, to join the practice. BridgeMill Dentistry welcomed Dr. Matthew Dimassi to the team in 2017. Dr. Dimassi attended Georgia State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and went on to the University of Alabama to earn his DMD degree in 2011. He completed his residency at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2012. “We’ve built a trust with our patients over many years, and I attribute that to our team’s commitment to putting patient comfort and treatment first,” said Dr. Merritt. In addition to three dentists, the team consists of seven hygienists, five dental assistants, and five office support staff. The entire team works hard to provide whatever services patients need including cleanings, digital X-rays, fillings, crowns, root canals, and bonding. Each dentist

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

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also routinely performs cosmetic procedures including porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.

BridgeMill Dentistry has earned a reputation for providing excellent dental care while maintaining a strong commitment to the community. Each year, the practice supports many local organizations, teams, schools, and charitable causes. Drs. Merritt, Cox, and Dimassi also enjoy speaking at local schools as well as donating their services in areas of need throughout Georgia.

3682 Sixes Road Canton, GA 30114 770-704-1812 BridgeMillDentistry.com

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Harmony Orthodontics

armony Orthodontics is a one doctor, one location, privately owned practice founded in 2021 by Dr. Michelle Mathieson, DMD, MSD. The office is beautifully designed to create a relaxing atmosphere for both children and adults who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. The team at Harmony Orthodontics prides itself on greeting patients by name and getting to know each of them like family. Dr. Mathieson is very passionate about orthodontics and dentistry. She became interested in orthodontics during her own treatment when she was a teen, which led to her observing her orthodontist after school and ultimately working in a dental office during college before being accepted to dental school. She decided to specialize in orthodontics after receiving her dental degree because she enjoys watching the transformation that occurs in a patient’s self-confidence as their smile improves. Dr. Mathieson has been practicing orthodontics in Georgia since 2012.

Dr. Michelle Mathieson, DMD, MSD

Harmony Orthodontics is dedicated to providing high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages, from children to adults. Dr. Mathieson recommends seeing kids by age 7 for their first orthodontic exam to evaluate the growth of their jaws and space for permanent teeth. Treatment may not be recommended this young but having an orthodontist monitor jaw growth and permanent teeth coming in helps prevent more complicated procedures in the future. Treatment is customized for each patient, using techniques ranging from traditional braces, to clear aligners (like Invisalign), to braces behind the teeth, or a combination of these options.

Dr. Mathieson values technology and lifelong learning. She created Harmony Orthodontics with the desire to make the orthodontic experience as Harmony Orthodontics’ front lobby enjoyable and comfortable as possible, utilizing

technology from digital low-dose X-rays, digital patient charts, and digital impressions (in-mouth scans instead of messy molds). As a busy mom herself, she wants things to be efficient and convenient at her office. You can schedule new patient exams and complete the new patient paperwork directly from the website, saving you time at your first visit, which is complimentary. Harmony Orthodontics offers no-interest financing and is in network with many PPO insurance plans. When Dr. Mathieson is not creating beautiful smiles in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family (husband, son, and another boy on the way this month), gardening, hiking, fostering animals with local rescue groups, crafting, and sewing. Harmony Orthodontics cannot wait to serve the communities of Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs, and beyond. The staff looks forward to welcoming you to their office and family.

For more information about treatment options, visit the website or call to schedule a complimentary exam.

149 Reinhardt College Parkway Suite 2 Canton, GA 30114 770-988-6552 HarmonyOrthoStudio.com 30

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H 2021 W

Southern ENT Specialists

Dr. Victory Ashmore and Dr. James Courtney French

alking inside Southern ENT Specialists, the first thing patients experience is being greeted by a smile and friendly staff members who make them feel welcome. Dr. James Courtney French founded Southern ENT Specialists to fulfill his dream of combining the most advanced care in ear, nose, and throat medicine with a healthy dose of southern hospitality. His exceptional patient care, gifted approach to medicine, and utilization of cutting-edge technology recently earned him many awards for top doctor for otolaryngology including the Castle Connolly Award, GA Top Doctors, and Atlanta Magazine Top Doc for 2019, 2020, and 2021. “We promise to do our best to always treat our patients as we would want to be treated,” said Dr. French. Southern ENT Specialists provides minimally invasive advanced solutions that are custom-tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Audiologist Dr. Victory Ashmore was recently added to the practice’s team of providers. Dr. Ashmore joins the ranks of advanced practice providers Keevil Helmly and Tayler Mauldin. Patients will be pleased to know that Southern ENT Specialists has expanded to a new location in Woodstock to accommodate its growing patient network in that area.

Common Treatments Physicians at Southern ENT Specialists treat common conditions such as allergies, congestion, sinus issues, nasal drip, headaches, hearing loss, and ear fullness. Dr. French, who is a board-certified otolaryngologist, head, and neck surgeon, especially enjoys treating patients with chronic sinus and allergy problems, nasal congestion, and snoring/sleep apnea. Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure performed by an otolaryngologist that is used to treat blocked sinus passages. As a leader in the field, Dr. French has extensive experience in the procedure. His experience started near the inception of the technology in the operating room over 15 years ago to the office-based procedure it is today. He has served as an instructor for surgeons coming from across the U.S. to learn how to perform the procedure in the safest and most comfortable manner possible. Southern ENT Specialists also offers these advanced services: • Allergy Testing and Treatments • Clarifix and RhinAer Treatments for Chronic Nasal Drainage • Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling for Chronic Congestion • Audiology and Hearing Aids • Botox and Juvederm Injectable Fillers • Skin Medica Skin Care Products

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

Helping Those With Hearing Loss Hearing loss impacts 20% of Americans and 15% of children ages 6-19. Eventually, everyone develops hearing loss as part of the normal aging process, which can impact relationships with significant others, inhibit learning, and cause depression and early dementia. Treating this condition early can drastically improve quality of life. Dr. Ashmore conducts physical and audiometric testing to diagnose different types of hearing loss in which hearing aids may be a viable solution. Dr. Ashmore’s experience in audiology as well as her friendly approach and attentive listening skills make her exceptional in her field. Visit Dr. French and His Team If you’re suffering from ear, nose, throat, or allergy concerns, call Southern ENT Specialists to make an appointment. The practice takes all major insurances and offers competitive self-pay pricing. To learn more about the team, please visit the website.

1816 Eagle Drive Building 200, Suite B Woodstock, GA 30189 460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 410 Canton, GA 30115 678-786-7430 SouthernENTSpecialists.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

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Pinnacle Orthopaedics

innacle Orthopaedics provides quality care, convenience, and assurance that patients are receiving the most advanced and comprehensive orthopaedic care in a professional and courteous manner. Pinnacle has five offices throughout the northwest Atlanta area, including two in Cherokee County. The practice has 16 physicians with a wide range of orthopaedic specialties, including arthroscopic surgery, total joint replacement, surgery of the hand, surgery of the foot, fracture care, pain management, spine surgery, traumatic injuries, limb lengthening and deformity repair, and treatment of work-related and sports-related injuries. The office also offers MRIs, physical and occupational therapy, and an on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) in the Woodstock location.

ROSA Robotic Knee Replacement System

Pinnacle Orthopaedics’ Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners

In the 10 years since its ASC opened, Pinnacle has performed thousands of outpatient surgeries, giving patients the ease and comfort of having surgery close to home. This ASC has fully functioning operating rooms for all types of outpatient orthopaedic surgeries, including total knee and hip surgery, certain outpatient spine procedures, and all orthopaedic sports-related injuries. With 20 employees within the center and several employees on call, more than 400 procedures are performed each month at the ASC. Pinnacle is constantly striving to increase the level of service and convenience the practice offers to its patients. Continuing with that effort, Pinnacle is the first in the Atlanta metro area to have a new robotic technology. ROSA Knee is a robotically assisted

SPECIALTIES AND SERVICES • Orthopaedics • Sports Medicine • Spine • Joint Care and Replacement • Hand and Foot • Physiatry • Limb Lengthening • Deformity • Trauma • Workers’ Compensation • MRI • Surgery Center • Physical Therapy

surgical system designed to help perform total knee replacement surgery. It includes features to assist with bone resections and assessing the state of soft tissues in order to facilitate implant positioning intraoperatively. “ROSA Knee offers a number of key benefits and advantages,” said Karthik Ponnusamy, MD. “We believe these robotically assisted technologies have the potential to make the recovery easier for patients and improve their outcomes.”

720 Transit Avenue Suite 202 Canton, GA 30114 770-345-5717 1505 Stone Bridge Parkway Suite 200 Woodstock, GA 30189 770-926-9112 32

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2021

Total joint replacement is one of the most commonly performed elective surgical procedures in the United States. It is also an increasingly popular outpatient procedure at surgery centers, including Pinnacle’s ASC. The ROSA Robotic Knee Replacement System personalizes the approach to total knee arthroplasty and replacements, which optimizes patients’ recovery. Add

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Fundraiser Event

reated to support families raising children with special needs, Special Needs Respite, Inc. is committed to providing rest for 24/7 caregivers, giving them the opportunity to make timeless memories and reaffirm the bonds that keep families together and give them hope. In 2017, within months of being formally established as a 501(c)(3) charity, Special Needs Respite began funding respite for families. This nonprofit organization started with a small but dedicated crew with little overhead, and its story remains consistent with more than 80% of every dollar going to pay for qualified caregivers.

Community Partner Founder Stacy Georges divorce for such parents. Respite can also provide much needed sleep to parents who have children with sleep disruptions. Sleep deprivation causes lost wages, poor health, confusion in decision making, and car accidents.

The process for parents is simple. After applying for a scholarship on the Special Needs Respite website, each family meets and approves their caregiver (or uses their own established caregiver), which the scholarship funds. That caregiver comes to the family’s home, ensuring that the child can be in familiar surroundings. This is especially helpful for children with special needs who have trouble adapting to new environments.

Now in its fourth year of serving the special needs community and relying solely on the generosity of individual donors, the organization has qualified for grants and partnerships with large corporations. The long-term goal is to keep growing until it can serve those in metro Atlanta who have not been able to get other funding. The state of Georgia offers at least three waivers through Medicaid, but many families who qualify are on years-long waiting lists. The organization’s mission is to stand in the gap to help families get the respite they need.

The benefits of respite are physical, psychological, financial, and emotional. The unfortunate truth is that when parents become hopeless, marriages suffer and, in some tragic cases, murder or suicide occurs. Marriages are strained when spouses have no time to focus on cultivating their relationship, which translates into a much higher rate of

Special Needs Respite’s Valentine’s Day gift to parents this year was a Getaway Giveaway, sending couples and single parents on a weekend getaway in the North Georgia mountains for four days and three nights, in collaboration with “A Mother’s Rest,” a nonprofit located near Helen, Georgia. Childcare was paid for the entire weekend.

It was such a hit that Special Needs Respite offered the weekend getaway again in May in honor of Mother’s Day. If you know of a foundation that would align with Special Needs Respite’s mission, if you’d like to sponsor a mom or couple for a weekend getaway, or if you have a heart to help special needs parents, please visit the organization’s website for more information. A Mother’s Rest

Getaway Winners

Special Needs Respite 2300 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suites 103-218 Roswell, GA 30076 info@specialneedsrespite.org | SpecialNeedsRespite.org 34

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Stranger Than Fiction

Zombie Flies By Joshua Fuder

[HomeLife] If you were out in your garden among your trees and shrubs this spring, you may have observed a dead fly or two attached to a flower stalk or tree branch. Upon closer inspection, you may have observed that the fly’s wings were outspread, and the abdomen had developed a characteristic white striping. Flies exhibiting these traits have most likely been killed by the fungus Entomophthora muscae. The genus name Entomphthora means “insect destroyer.” These fungi are transmitted by airborne spores and only affect adult flies in certain species or family classifications. When the spore lands on an unsuspecting victim, it germinates and begins to penetrate through the fly’s exoskeleton. Fungal hyphae begin growing throughout the body of the fly, eventually reaching the brain. Once inside the brain, the fungi cause a distinct change in behavior. The fly is now being controlled by the fungi and exhibits “summit disease,” whereby it will crawl up to the tip of a branch, flower, or leaf it is on. This behavior is accompanied by specialized fungal structures or a glue-like material secreted by the hyphae for attachment. Before dying, the fly will spread out its legs and position its wings perpendicular to its body. This distinct posture and elevated place of death work to increase the chances that the fungal spores that are produced will find another host to infect. Once the fly reaches this death pose, the fungal hyphae have swollen its abdomen to the point where the light-colored membranes between the dark, hard segments become exposed. When humidity and temperature conditions are right, the fungus produces numerous spore-bearing structures called sporangia. Next time you hear an update about the newest movie or television show being filmed in our area, just remember that what is happening in your own backyard is just as interesting and bizarre.

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

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

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3 Summer Haircuts for Busy Women By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] Today’s woman leads a demanding life, and spending

The Pixie Cut

more than a few minutes on her hair in the morning just isn’t an option. As summer approaches, and the days become longer, our agendas become fuller than ever before. With work, meetings, carpool lines, sports practice and kids’ activities, what woman has time for herself?

Actresses from Mia Farrow to Ann Hathaway have popularized this classic cut, which is perfect for women with fine hair. The cut makes hair appear fuller, while shorter lengths also allow for smooth or tousled styles. Plus, busy women will appreciate that the pixie cut works well even if they only have time to air-dry their hair.

If this sounds like you, never fear. Ask your stylist about one of these three haircuts. With minimal muss and fuss in the morning, any one of these three styles will leave you looking dazzling this summer.

The Curly Bob The curly bob is an easy and versatile look for women on the go. If the word “bob” scares you, don’t worry; the curly bob can vary from shoulder length to just above the earlobes. Active women can wear a curly bob straight or with layers for extra movement and bounce. A curly bob can be a simple, subtle look that conveys urbanity and sophistication without taking a long time to style. For a touch of shine, consider adding a little of your favorite gloss spray. The curly bob can also easily be styled into a beach wave look. To create the look without stiffness or stickiness, use a styling aid like Keratase Spray à Porter. This water-based lotion leaves your hair feeling smooth and breezy all summer long.

Want to create a chic, textured, and disheveled look? Keep some sculpting paste on your vanity. Shape Paste by Shu Uemura Art of Hair perfectly complements the pixie cut because it bonds to the natural protein sites on the hair, reinforcing the structure and style.

Long, Loose Layers Did you think long hair automatically means a long styling time? That’s simply not true! If you embrace loose layers, you can keep your long, thick, or curly hair and still have time to live your life. Long hair with round layers that nicely frame your face will always be in style. Long layers can also be used to shape and contour your face. Women with round faces should ask their stylists for fewer layers, since layers tend to widen the face. For a different look, you might ask your stylist to add side-swept bangs to keep your hair looking modern. The best thing about all three of these simple, timeless cuts is that they can be appropriate for day-to-day life or styled for a night on the town. If your busy lifestyle is keeping you on the go this summer, ask your stylist about a no-fuss haircut today. L

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

Canton Family Life | JUNE 2021

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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC

Surviving Savannah “What do we do when tragedy bursts through the door, trailing smoke and grief in its wake?” And if we are the survivors of that tragedy, how do we “survive the surviving”? Surviving Savannah, a work of historical fiction by Patti Callahan, seeks to uncover what happens to the survivors of tragedy. Do they become better people for having survived misfortune, or does their grief and anger create a prison for them? Surviving Savannah is about the steamship Pulaski, which left Savannah, Georgia, bound for Baltimore, Maryland, in June 1838. It carried some of Savannah’s elite on board including the Longstreet family: Lamar and Melody; their six children; Lamar’s sister, Augusta; and their niece, Lilly, along with her husband, small daughter, and nursemaid. On the second day at sea, a boiler exploded, breaking the ship apart and causing it to sink the bottom of the ocean in just 45 minutes. As the ship broke apart, people scrambled to lifeboats, tried to find their families, and did their best to survive. Some survivors were rescued, and others floated in the sea, desperately praying for a miracle. The story is told by Augusta and Lilly, both fighting for survival, and Everly Winthrop in present day, who is fighting for survival from her own tragedy. As Everly digs deeper into the sinking of the Pulaski, she discovers who survived and how they survived the surviving, which may help her find a way to move past her own tragedy. Callahan deftly weaves the gripping tale of the ship disaster with a modern-day tragedy. She brings the people of the ship to life in rich detail — their hopes and fears, their lives outside the Pulaski, and what happens when they face the greatest trial of their lives. Surviving Savannah is a story of grief, tragedy, and hope that stays with you long after the last page.

Jessica Oravec lives in Cherokee County and is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a B.B.A. from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology.

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

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Putting

Heart in Art

Barbara Rowlett-Rheingrover

culptor, painter, teacher, wife, mother, and grandmother, Canton resident Barbara Rowlett-Rheingrover has lived by her belief that “Life’s a gift, and you have to give it away.” In her 45 years of sculpting and painting, RowlettRheingrover’s mission has been to help all people experience the wonder of art.

Artist Profile

“I pray over my work,” Rowlett-Rheingrover said, “that people will enjoy it, be enhanced by it, be uplifted by it.” Over the years, in both mediums, her work has become more abstract, as she attempts to capture light, energy, and movement and “to stimulate viewers’ imaginations to see not only with their eyes but also with their hearts.” Rowlett-Rheingrover, who studied and had a studio in Italy for 15 years, is perhaps best known for her sculpture Ovation, created in honor of the 1996 Olympic athletes and now on the campus of Georgia Tech. Done in white Carrara marble, the 10-foot sculpture evokes the strength and grace of athletes. Flowing upward like a flame, its curves move the viewer’s eye with them, and characteristic of Rowlett-Rheingrover’s sculptures, Ovation’s contours and planes, curves and defined edges, smooth and rough textures invite touch. Whether they are experiencing her signature heart sculptures or her abstract works, as with Ovation, the viewer wants to move with her works’ lines and feel their sheen as well as their rougher surfaces.

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Rowlett-Rheingrover sculpts in stone, clay, and bronze, hoping to convey “the feeling within me, the joy.” Sometimes, she has a concept in mind, but other times she is guided by the stone. “The stone speaks to you,” RowlettRheingrover said. “It’s so freeing. A stone has never been looked into or touched by anyone. It’s spiritual. Will it be a heart or an abstract?” Although she uses power tools, she is more connected to the stone when working with hand tools. “Power tools make the work go a lot faster, but you lose some of the heart. When you do it slow, you put your whole heart into it.” Now 77, Rowlett-Rheingrover proclaims she has 20 more years of creating. She works daily, moving from sculpting to painting, which she terms “contemporary impressionism with a hint of realism.”

In an array of colors, some canvasses burst with bold brushstrokes that mirror the curves and dynamism of her sculptures; others, while also colorful, more quietly depict flowers and trees in quicker brushwork characteristic of impressionism. Working in acrylics, she engages with the painting as it evolves, “layering, moving from dark to light, light to dark.” Rowlett-Rheingrover gets up each day, has a cup of coffee, and, with her husband, watches the birds and other wildlife in their yard. She then retreats to her studio. “You get going, and cares float away. You’re in your own world — it’s heaven,” she said. “I’ve reached the pinnacle of what an artist hopes to do. I’ve given of my art and life, and now I’m enjoying the freedom to create whatever I want to, when I want. If someone loves it and wants to buy it, that’s wonderful. Life’s a gift, and you need to give it away.”

To view more of Rowlett-Rheingrover’s work, visit

BarbaraRheingrover.com or TaylorKinzelGallery.com/collections/barbara-rheingrover. 38

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations

Cherokee County Young Life 2720 Holly Springs Parkway Holly Springs 470-377-1235 Nonprofit Organization

Timbers On Etowah

225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 202 Canton 470-546-4207 Event and Wedding Venue

Credit Union of Georgia 2873 East Cherokee Drive Canton 678-486-1111 Credit Union

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

2Work Staffing

10150 Ball Ground Highway, Suite 106 Ball Ground 706-503-5063 Staffing Services

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Advertiser Index The Arbor at BridgeMill

BridgeMill Dentistry

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Chattahoochee Technical College

Darby Funeral Home, Inc.

Downtown Canton

Falany Performing Arts Center

Fun Finds & Designs, LLC

GarageExperts 24-25 The Goddard School

Great Sky

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Harmony Othodontics

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In Harmony Pediatric Therapy

Jyl Craven Hair Design

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Killian Automotive

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Mathnasium of Holly Springs

Mosquito-Free 18 Mr. Handyman of Canton and Woodstock

North Georgia Vein & Wellness

Pinnacle Orthopaedics

Practically Perfect Day Spa & Salon

Reliable Built Homes

Results Inc. Weight Loss Centers

Service League of Cherokee County Golfing FORE! The Children Golf Tournament

ServiceWise Electric

Southern ENT Specialists

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Studio 5 Salon

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Volume Hair & Lash Co.

Woodstock Summer Concert Series

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