Canton Family Life 7-21 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

July 2021

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 12

16-17 On the Cover

Woodall Construction Company, Inc.

[16-17]

24-25

Summer Olympics New Sports

30 Artist Profile

Ethan Senger

ds o

[30] [24-25]

Photo cour te

f sy o

vin De

ar ch Ri

04 06 08 10 13 14 18 20 22

.......................... Perspective .............................. Calendar ................... Senator Speaks .................... Community Life ........................ Book Review ....................... Canton Notes ................ Ball Ground Notes ........................ Public Safety ................ Cherokee Office of Economic Development

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LANDSCAPE REVIVAL — Supplant Junipers By Joshua Fuder [HomeLife] Juniper’s characteristic low-growing, spreading, evergreen foliage and relatively maintenance-free upkeep make it a popular ground cover choice. However, when used en masse without some kind of focal point, it can leave a landscape bland. Below are some plant options that fit the evergreen, low-growing niche while providing more curb appeal than the local strip mall or highway roadside. Hypericum Calycinum/St. John’s Wort — This evergreen plant grows 1-2 feet high and wide and spreads from stolons. Showy yellow blooms July-August that will send pollinators into a frenzy. Dr. Allan Armitage calls the species “one of the finest ground covers available.” Linnaea x Grandiflora “Prostrata”/Prostrate Abelia — This plant grows 1-2 feet high with a 3-5 foot width. Its fragrant, bell-shaped flowers bloom midsummer to fall and attract pollinators and birds. It’s also resistant to deer. Trachelospermum Asiaticum/Asian Star Jasmine — This plant grows 1-2 feet high with a 10-12 foot width. Its fragrant, showy blooms in spring/summer will attract songbirds. It is resistant to deer and will also do well in containers.

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

Delosperma Cooperi-Ice Plant — This plant grows 6 inches high with a 2-3 foot width. It is a vigorous, spreading succulent that is native to South Africa. Daisy-like, bright pink blooms will cover the plant in late spring. Iberis Sempervirens/Evergreen Candytuft — This plant grows 6-12 inches high with a 2-4 foot spread. A woody sub-shrub, it benefits from being cut back every couple of years after blooming but is otherwise easy to grow with few problems. Small, white flowers appear in clusters and are quite attractive to pollinators. Diversity is the spice of life, so also consider a mixed planting with other low growers to extend seasonal interest. Traditional herbs like oregano and thyme will add flavor while sedums provide delicate blooms and textured foliage. Other easy-to-grow options include daylilies, dwarf mondo grass, and creeping phlox.

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

ne Sunday last month, I was visiting a different church than the one I typically frequent. The Hedberg quote was on the front of the bulletin, and it was familiar to me because I’d pondered it in the past. I found it satisfying to realize that something as simple as an escalator may have inspired me. Initially, I thought to myself, “Yes! Escalators lift people up.” However, that was more than likely just my “glass-half-full” attitude putting a happy haze on general reality. That’s not typically a bad thing, but the teenagers in my house find it annoying at times. Of course, the opposing observation is that escalators also let us down half the time (albeit gently) or if not working as expected, step after step. Most have had times when we couldn’t wait to get somewhere or finish a project, and we just weren’t satisfied by the end result. Those are the times when we realize that what we thought was the finish line was actually the end of a lap or just another marker on our way. Despite what we think may have gone wrong, it’s important to remember to embrace even our most difficult lessons as opportunities to become more adaptive, to react positively, and to build directives that lead us to success. God promises us a safe landing, not a calm passage. Eight years ago this month, building upon decades of a trialand-error lifestyle, I and a half dozen others opened the doors of Family Life Publications in historic downtown Canton and began publishing this magazines for our community to enjoy. I’m very thankful and blessed to work with such a diverse and wellintegrated work family. Our editor, Julie, along with her assistant, Cyndi, make us look smarter; Tiffany and Stephanie in the art department make us look pretty; and my wife, Vicky, keeps the records straight and me focused. Building relationships within my community, helping businesses thrive and families discover how much this county has to offer is so rewarding. I can honestly tell you that I never thought I’d love publishing as much as I do! Thank you for enjoying our success with us, and we look forward to the years ahead with you.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Vicky Tuszynski Vicky@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Kay Buquoi Zip Cain, Will Carlan, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Karen Jordan, Tim Morris, Frank Reynolds, Jerry Rick, John Rodgers, Bruce Thompson

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 Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

-Mitch Hedberg, comedian

PUBLISHER/SALES Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

“An escalator can never break; it can only become stairs.”

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

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Get Off Your Donkey By Minister Zip Cain

[InGoodFaith] There’s a parable in the bible that comes from Luke 10:25-37 known as “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.” It talks about a man who is beaten, humiliated, and left lying on the ground within his community. Community leaders and neighbors look away, as they pass by him. But a stranger (a good Samaritan) sees the broken man lying on the ground, gets off his donkey, and takes pity on the man. The stranger goes out of his way to help him get back on his feet. We live in an incredible and thriving community, but there are many people who we intentionally, or sometimes unintentionally, pass by who have been beaten down due to addiction, job loss, divorce, domestic violence, immigration laws, etc. But each person has a story about how he/she got into a situation of brokenness. The good news is that we have some amazing nonprofits and churches full of good Samaritans in our area who take the time to serve those who’ve been beaten down. But the great news is that our community has you to help those who are broken to get back on their feet, if you are willing to “get off your donkey” and help those who God has put in front of you. So, my question to you is, “Are you ready and willing to get off your donkey?” If you are, then do some research to see which churches, nonprofits, and businesses are in your area that you can get involved with to help serve the folks who need it. And my prayer is that if you are passing someone on the street who looks like he/she needs help, that you won’t turn the other way and keep walking. Stop and see how you can be the good Samaritan that he/she desperately needs. L

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

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

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

JULY

2 & 30

Family Fun Night at the Oasis Jump into an evening filled with swimming, music, games, and contests for the whole family. On 7/30, bring a school supply for $2 off admission. 5:00-7:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

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

7, 14, 21, & 28

Screen on the Green Movie Night Bring the whole family to enjoy FREE movies. 7/7 The Secret Life of Pets, 7/14 celebrate Christmas in July with Elf, 7/21 Shrek 2, 7/28 Trolls World Tour. 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com

An Evening With Tim Tebow Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host this event, which includes inspirational speeches from several top college and professional athletes. This event is designed for families, coaches, and athletes in the Cherokee County community. Tickets $10. 7:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 770-789-7150. CherokeeFCA.org

9 & 23

Parent’s Night Out Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids will swim, 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

J U LY PLASTIC FREE This month (and always, really), avoid single-use plastic items such as straws, water bottles, and plastic produce bags. Instead, substitute storage containers like washable/reusable plastic containers or glass jars and bowls. Share this theme month with your friends online by using the hashtag #PlasticFreeJuly and see if you can convince them to join you in your efforts. For more info, please visit PlasticFreeJuly.org.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

Music at Menagerie — Enjoy outdoor live music, featuring local singer-songwriters. BYOB and a chair! All donations go to the performers. 6:00-8:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

10-11

Southern Traditions Car Show — Enter your awesome vehicle to compete for prizes, or check out all the cool cars and trucks. FREE to attend, $40 to compete. Saturday 8:00am-5:00pm and Sunday 8:00am-2:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Facebook.com/events/67016405 6908654/?ref=newsfeed

ONGOING Friday and Saturday Live Music at The Mill — Enjoy FREE live concerts at this great venue: 7/2 Ethan Senger, 7/3 Guardians of the Jukebox, 7/9 Levi Ransom, 7/10 Chi Town Chicago tribute band, 7/16 Steve Baskin, 7/17 Too Many Peachtree Streets, 7/23 Daniel Toole, 7/24 The Manly Hero, 7/30 Brennan Johnson, 7/31 Erin Kirby, 8/6 Cody Matthews Band. 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com Canton Farmers Market — Each Saturday through October 16, purchase fresh goods from Canton’s local growers and food vendors. 9:00am-12:30pm, Brown Park, 251 East Marietta Street, Canton. CantonGaFarmersMarket@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/CantonGAFarmersMarket

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Inaugural First Responders 10th Annual Collins Dixon Bend Your Knees 5K — Collins lived fully Golf Classic while battling a rare and aggressive cancerous brain tumor. His faith, Golf for a great cause. Proceeds strength, and courage inspired those who loved him and even those who support the Stephen Siller Tunnel didn’t know him. Please join other participants in honoring his life while to Towers Foundation and bringing awareness to a disease that is the second largest cause of Kennesaw State University’s death in our precious children. 8:00am, Etowah River Park, WellStar School of Nursing. 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. RunSignUp. 8:00am registration and 10:00am shotgun start, Woodmont com/Race/GA/Canton/BendYourKnees5k Golf & Country Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. 404-632-6102. CherokeeChamber.com/first-responders-golf-classic

30-31

Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $5. All proceeds support seniors and senior veterans of Cherokee County. 11:30am-1:00pm, Merrill Gardens, 12730 Highway 92, Woodstock. VAC-CherokeeGa.org Market at Menagerie Enjoy shopping at this outdoor artisan market. 10:00am-2:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. MenagerieOnMain.com

Canton River Rock Concert Series Presents A1A — Bring the whole family to enjoy A1A, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, at this FREE event. 6:0010:00pm, Etowah River Park Amphitheatre, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-720-7674. CantonGa.gov

Hot to Trot Race This 8-hour adventure race loop is approximately one mile, crushed gravel and some grass. It’s a flatter, more level course with no significant elevation change. There is also a 4-hour option that begins at 9:00am. 8:00am, Boling Park, 1200 Marietta Highway, Canton. UltraSignUp. com/register.aspx?did=82979 Canton Explorers’ Rodeo — Enjoy bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, cowgirl’s barrel racing, and saddle bronc riding. 8:00-11:00pm, Boling Park, 1200 Marietta Highway, Canton. NCPRARodeo.com

Ball Ground Farmers and Makers Market — Every other Saturday through October 16, purchase fresh goods from local growers and food vendors. 8:00am-12:00pm, Ball Ground City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. Facebook.com/ BallGroundFarmersAndMakersMarket

Downtown Canton First Friday With On the Border (Eagles tribute band) Enjoy live music, a Kid’s Zone, after-hours shopping, restaurants, outside food and beverage vendors, and a cruise in! 6:009:00pm, downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga. gov. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/ CantonGAFirstFriday

Lake Allatoona Poker Run Proceeds from the event will benefit Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. 11:00am-3:00pm, card games at multiple locations with card turn in at JD’s on the Lake, 6979 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. Registration@allatoonapokerrun.com, AllatoonaPokerRun.com

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

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

AUGUST

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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Senator Speaks

Maintenance Is Key

By State Senator Bruce Thompson

ow that summer is in full swing, and the temperatures are soaring, it is time to ensure our sprinkler systems are working correctly. Actually, if I’m honest, I should have done this back in late spring when it was cooler, but I forgot about it until the grass started to turn brown in spots.

caused the delay. He responded that a Jeep ran out of gas and was subsequently hit by a semi-truck. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, but if the Jeep owner had paid closer attention to the operational needs of the vehicle, the entire mess could have been avoided.

So, last Saturday, I proceeded to fire up the sprinklers by turning on the valves and setting the timer to manual in hopes everything would operate perfectly. I waited, and I waited, until I finally could wait no more. I examined the sprinkler heads of the first zone, and they looked fine at first glance. So, why wouldn’t they pop up and shower the grass, as they were programmed to do?

Unless it is disposable, nearly everything we own requires some level of maintenance to ensure consistency. Our health, cars, lawn mowers, air conditioning units, computers, and even our septic systems require periodic attention to prevent untimely disruptions or complete failure.

Puzzled and a bit frustrated, I inspected the sprinkler heads and eventually unscrewed them from the risers. Once the heads were unscrewed, water began spewing everywhere. As it turns out, the sprinkler heads needed maintenance to remove the dirt clogging the orifice that allows the water to emerge.

Relationships are no different, and without periodic attention and intentionality, they become stagnant, unproductive, and ultimately broken. Just as water is designed to spray out of the sprinkler, the outpouring of love and communication is designed to be evident in a healthy relationship. When those things become restricted and no longer freely flow, it is time to do a tune-up before ultimate failure occurs.

Recently, I was heading home from the Capitol in Atlanta, and traffic was ridiculously slow. I mean, we are all used to crawling north, as the time approaches 4:00pm, but when people are exiting their cars, you know it is going to be a long commute. After nearly two hours of barely moving, a Georgia State Patrol officer pulled up on the apron of the road, so I asked him what

As believers, it is easy to put our spiritual lives on autopilot and forget how important regular evaluations and intentional maintenance are to avoiding stagnation. Through disciplined actions, our spiritual relationships can remain vibrant and free of the debris and clutter that prevent the Holy Spirit from being effective in our lives.

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

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

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Community City of Canton Special Project Updates  Laurel Canyon and Amos Road Booster Pump Stations Identified as part of the City’s water master plan, these projects will enhance water distribution services in the northern part of Canton. This is Canton’s greatest range of topographies, and the booster pumps assist in making sure there are not low-pressure areas. These projects are on schedule. The new pump station building for Laurel Canyon recently arrived and was placed on site. Part of Laurel Canyon the Amos Road project included the installation of two new valves. booster pump station  Harmon Park Improvements This project includes upgrading facilities at Canton’s oldest recreational fields including a rebuild of bleachers, roof and siding replacements, new picnic tables, playground improvements, and new efficient fixtures in the restrooms. This project will be completed this summer.  Etowah River Trail Westward The connecting trail project between Heritage Park and Boling Park continues. This project includes an upgrade to the sewer line in this stretch. As the sewer line is installed, a new trail will be built within this easement area. The line installation is completed at Heritage Park. Trail repairs in that area of Heritage that were disrupted are being made, and sod will be installed. The pad for the outdoor plyometric gym will be poured, so that this new amenity can be installed.  Water Pollution Control Plant Work continues on the upgrade to the Water Pollution Control Plant (sewer) near the entrance of Boling Park. Concrete pours for new basins are occurring. This project is a $65 million investment, taking the City from a treatment capacity of 4-million gallons per day to 6-million gallons per day.

Canton Youth Completes Successful Reign as Miss Georgia “Small but Mighty” certainly describes 10-year-old Canton resident Tia DiMartino who is ending her reign as Miss Georgia for the National American Miss (NAM) organization this month when she crowns her successor. The NAM organization is one of the largest youth pageant systems in the world, and it focuses on building confidence in young women.

CCWSA Coloring Contest Winners Mauvick Carlson

DiMartino caught the judges’ attention during her personal introduction, interview, and evening gown competitions. She stood out as being a young leader through her creation of “VolunteerKid,” which aims to inspire youth volunteerism. She also won the talent and actress competitions for Georgia. After being crowned Miss Georgia, she went on to place in the Top 10 at NAM Nationals in Orlando last November. DiMartino has big plans to continue competing in the NAM system and to continue to advocate for youth volunteerism through her website, VolunteerKid.org.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

Rylee Morris

Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority is pleased to announce the winners of the Drinking Water Week coloring contest. “There When You Need It” was this year’s theme. The contest was open to kindergarten through third grade Cherokee County students. Out of almost 1,000 entries, winners for each grade plus two honorable mentions were awarded: Kindergarten Avery Clanton, Johnston ES 1st Grade Mauvick Carlson, Arnold Mill ES 2nd Grade Rylee Morris, Clayton ES 3rd Grade and Grand Prize Riley Turner, R.M. Moore ES 2nd Grade Honorable Mention Felicia Untung, Johnston ES 3rd Grade Honorable Mention Grace Hanner, Ball Ground (homeschool) Add

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Community CCSD Students Selected for Georgia Governor’s Honors Program The four-week summer instructional program at Berry College for rising high school juniors and seniors is designed to provide students with academic, cultural, and social enrichment “necessary to become the next generation of global critical thinkers, innovators, and leaders.” Students live and study on the campus from June 20-July 17. Students apply for a specific area of study and are screened and interviewed locally and at the state level as part of the selection process for the prestigious program. The Cherokee County School District (CCSD) students selected for this honor, with their area of study noted, are Cherokee HS’s Sarah Liebert – music, Douglas Mwangi – music, Bradon Velueta – mathematics, and Carly Waugh – music; Creekview HS’s Kylie Buchanan – science and Phoebe Feibus – music; Etowah HS’s Bryanna Cali – music and Ryan Lofland – music; River Ridge HS’s Isabella Espinal – dance, Ava Henager – music, and Madison Park – music; Sequoyah HS’s Lily Carras – communicative arts, George Chemmala – mathematics, and Taryn Mareau – communicative arts.

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

Johnson Honored as Distinguished First Responder of the Year Isaiah Johnson, a paramedic with Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, was recently honored by Northside Cherokee as the Distinguished First Responder of the Year. The award was presented to Johnson during National EMS Week, which recognizes the contributions of those who work on the medical front line. Northside Hospital Cherokee honored Johnson at an outdoor event on the ambulance ramp at the hospital. The plaque will be placed in the EMS lounge.

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Community Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award Announced Cherokee County Manager Jerry Cooper was presented the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia's (ACCG) Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award at his recent retirement ceremony. “I have been blessed to have the opportunity to work with outstanding chairmen and commissioners, agency directors, employees, and community leaders, who for 20 years have made Cherokee County a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Cooper. Created in honor of ACCG’s previous executive director who served as the association’s leader for more than 23 years, the award recognizes an individual who has worked toward achieving a lasting positive impact on his or her community. Cooper has served as Cherokee County manager for 20 years. Prior to his time with the county government, he served as the city manager for Woodstock. He is credited with keeping Cherokee County’s tax burden the lowest in the metro-Atlanta region as well as doubling the parks and green space, enhancing fire and emergency services, and helping Cherokee achieve the lowest crime rate in the metro-Atlanta region.

Cherokee Chamber Announces Award Winners

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The Chamber of Commerce presented the 46th Annual First Citizen of Cherokee County recognition to longtime resident Jim Lindenmayer. Additional accolades went to Killian Automotive, 2021 Small Business of the Year; In Harmony Pediatric Therapy, 2021 Excellence in Customer Service Award winner; and Cherokee FOCUS, Nonprofit of the Year. Out-of-town judges chose all recipients. Jay Street with ASC Group received the Chairman’s Council Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year Award since he best exemplified ongoing dedication as a Chamber ambassador while contributing dozens of volunteer hours on the Chairman’s Council. This award, bearing the name of longtime Chamber volunteer Joan McFather, has been given in her name since her death in 2019.

 Angie King (L), director of marketing and communications at Killian Automotive, and Tim Lanier (R), owner of Killian Automotive, accept the 2021 Small Business of the Year Award.  Kristi Estes (L) and Jennifer Puckett (R), co-owners of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy, accept the 2021 Excellence in Customer Service Award.  Mike Zenchuck, immediate past chair of Cherokee FOCUS, accepts the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year Award.  Jay Street (L), ASC Group, accepts the 2020 Chairman’s Council Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year Award from David Simmons (R), 2020 Chamber chair and VP of facilities at Chattahoochee Technical College.  Jim Lindenmayer is the 46th Annual First Citizen of Cherokee County. The Chamber also announced this year’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals To Watch, which recognizes residents under age 40 who are considered to be Cherokee County’s up-and-coming leaders over the next 10 years. Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals To Watch (Front Row, L-R): Jeremy Adams, assistant principal and athletic director, Cherokee High School; Anna Teal, owner, Teal Marketing, LLC; Lindsay Bowley, coordinator of recruitment, Cherokee County School District; Elizabeth Lanier Evans, clinical nurse manager, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Robert Capovilla, founding partner, Capovilla and Williams. (Back Row, L-R): Angela Glowcheski, deputy director, Sequoyah Regional Library System; Brian Albrecht, president and CEO, Credit Union of Georgia; Christopher Brazelton, executive director, Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, Inc.; Coty Thigpen, assistant city manager, City of Woodstock; Savannah Holcomb, school library media specialist, River Ridge High School.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

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Book Review BY JOHN RODGERS

he Summer Reading Program is going strong at Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS). To log reading and earn rewards, download the free Beanstack app or visit SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org/SRP to create an account. Speaking of free, SRLS is going fine-free to celebrate summer reading, which means items returned to the library this month won’t have any overdue fines. So, swing by the local library in July to enjoy tons of no-cost programming, featuring a visit from Zoo Atlanta and chances to meet exotic animals up close. Be sure not to miss the Teen Summer Book Club, which meets twice this month and focuses on the first book in Joseph Elliot’s Shadow Skye series, The Good Hawk.

A historical fiction mixed with fantasy elements, The Good Hawk stars two unlikely heroes: Agatha, an outcast with a unique origin who nonetheless takes great pride in her role within her clan, and Jaime, an angler who is unsure of the fate his clan has assigned him. Cue adventure. When the clan is kidnapped, Agatha and Jaime must team up to save them and, thanks to the rich world crafted by Elliott, readers will eagerly be along for the ride. The novel switches between Agatha’s and Jaime’s points of view throughout, giving insight into their individual struggles and perspectives. While some may be put off by its status as a young adult novel, adult readers (especially those who enjoy the genre) are encouraged to embark on this adventure as well. Teens in grades 6-12 who enjoy The Good Hawk are invited to join the library’s virtual book club meetings on July 6 and July 20 at 3:00pm to share their thoughts with other teens and Mrs. Mary, the teen services specialist at SRLS. This book club includes discussion and takes place over a live video chat on Zoom. To register for this and other free library programs, visit the event calendar at CalendarWiz.com/ sequoyahreglib.

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

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

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CantonNotes

This Article Is Not About Cookies By Will Carlan

this article was titled “Planning and Zoning,” you wouldn’t have read this far. But please continue — it will be worth your time.

If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you may have also read a recent headline proclaiming, “Canton May Scrap Planning Commission.” When the article is hidden behind a paywall, people understandably react to the headline. While planning and zoning are not titillating topics, they are a function of city government that impacts every citizen. Every parcel of land in Canton has a list of ways the owner can use it. Owning property is like having a bundle of sticks — some sticks are not in your bundle. The zoning designation is one of those sticks, which is why your neighbor can’t just decide to turn his/her lot into a landfill. If a landowner wants to change the way the property is zoned, so it can be used for a specific purpose, he/she must submit a request to change the zoning designation. Previously, this request came to a board or commission made up of citizens appointed by the city council. The public would have an opportunity to speak at a hearing in front of the planning commission. After the hearing, the planning commission would review the request, make suggestions, and offer a recommendation to approve or deny it. A second public hearing would occur before the city council’s vote to approve or deny the landowner’s request. This process is sometimes problematic because the public usually finds out about zoning requests from the media, but the media’s coverage often occurs after the second public hearing. Due to Georgia law, the council cannot accept any more testimony from the public after the second public hearing. Also, even if a resident spoke at the first hearing, the project may change before or after the second hearing, and the resident may not be aware. In response to these concerns, the City of Canton decided to develop a new process that eliminates the step of presenting to the planning and zoning board, but it does retain the notice requirements the public is accustomed to seeing such as the yellow “notice” posters around the property and notifications 14

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

to neighboring property owners. The process still takes three months, but the public will now have more opportunity for input. Under the new process, landowners or developers submit their plans to the City. Before the plans can move forward, they must advertise the proposal, hold a public informational meeting, and keep meeting minutes. Then, the request will come to the city council as an “informational item” during a regularly scheduled meeting, which should get the info out to the public via the local media. The expectation is that this will better notify citizens about these requests. During the weeks between the “informational” council meeting and the official public hearing, the developer, council, staff, and public have an opportunity to revise the request. The official public hearing would allow residents to speak for or against it. At the following city council meeting, the council may vote to approve or deny the request. Under the new plan, the public has three opportunities to be heard instead of two. Also, concerned residents can easily track the project and any changes, as it progresses. If the landowner or developer meets with any councilmembers after the informational meeting, a record of that meeting will memorialize the discussion. This adds an additional layer of transparency to the process. When it considers a plan of action, the city council relies on input from the public. This improved process gives residents more agency and opportunity to know about and influence how property is used in Canton.

Will Carlan is a city councilman for Ward 2. 110 Academy Street, Canton. Will.Carlan@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov

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Child’s Play in a Grown-Up World By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

[AcademicLife] Find ways to involve your children in the richness of your “grown-up” life. Be creative and patient because the results are worth your effort. For young children, play is a lot more than entertainment. It is central to their development. A wonderful way to play with and teach children is to bring them into your world where “real life” happens. Children love to imitate you and do grown-up things. And when they contribute, they see themselves as players and get a well-earned self-esteem boost. Children also learn about important values and concepts from watching you. They see the result of practice and perseverance, and they come to know that learning is a lifelong process. They see that everyone, even a grown-up, can make mistakes and can learn from them. There are two easy and enjoyable ways for your children to play in the grown-up world: you can let them help with your chores, and you can include them in your favorite pastimes. WORK AS PLAY Include your children in your household routine. There are countless safe ways for children to help with meals, laundry, shopping, or cleaning. They can help mix recipe ingredients, pick fruit at the grocery store, water the garden, or pack their lunch. These activities are fun learning experiences, especially if you are teaching informally along the way. The chores may take a little longer, as children learn the ropes, make mistakes, and work at a snail’s pace, but the value for their learning and their self regard are more than worth the extra time. HOBBIES AND PASTIMES Share your interests with your children. This is one of the most intriguing, emotionally rich forms of learning that they can receive. Teach your children about your avocations and keep up with your piano, chess, painting, hiking, or gardening passions. Your enthusiasm will be infectious and offer many ways for your children to learn and develop skills.

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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Sawyer’s Farm COVER STORY

Dean Woodall’s Latest Community

THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS

awyer’s Farm, the newest subdivision by local real estate developer and home builder Dean Woodall, is located in Cherokee County and offers custom, farmhouse craftsmanstyle homes on acre-plus wooded lots. Many of the plans that you will see are exclusive designs created by Woodall Construction Company, Inc. As a leader in the real estate industry for the past 35 years, Woodall is hands-on in every aspect of his projects. He uses his vast knowledge of engineering, architecture, and construction techniques to create some of the most sought-after subdivisions and homes in the area. Sawyer’s Farm is conveniently located in northern Cherokee County, off Cable Road in Waleska. It uniquely provides both privacy and easy access to local restaurants, shops, and multiple golf courses. The local schools — R.M. Moore Elementary,

Teasley Middle, and Cherokee High School — are all well respected for academic excellence. The lots will range from 1 to 7 acres and are heavily wooded with stately trees, providing a mature, natural setting. “We take a minimal number of trees out in order to preserve the natural beauty of the land,” Woodall says. “The setting is back in the woods and is very quiet. The gently sloping topography is excellent for ranch homes with full basements.” Since each lot is unique, Woodall is able to create the homes to complement the natural features of each one. His genuine desire is to not only build fine homes, but to also establish a close relationship with future homeowners. Other residential developments by Dean Woodall Communities include Chestnut Hill, Wilshire Estates, Sweetbriar, Pebble Brooke, Brookwood, Amberleigh, Brookfield, and Willow Ridge.

Woodall Construction Company was founded in 1986 by a kid straight out of high school who believed in working hard and had a desire to please his customers. Since the beginning of his first subcontracting business at age 19, Woodall has developed numerous subdivisions in Cherokee County and built more than 400 new homes in Cherokee, Pickens, and Bartow counties. Additionally, unlike most builders, he lives in one of his own communities among neighbors whose homes he built.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

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Phase I of Sawyer’s Farm, consisting of 11 lots, opened in the fall of 2020, and all of the homes sold before they were completed. Sawyer’s Farm Phase II, which consists of 33 lots, is expected to open in late fall of 2021, with homes ranging from $500,000 and up. Reservations are being offered for a limited time for a $2,500 refundable deposit. These reservations allow prospective buyers to choose the lot for their new home on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event that the buyers and the builder are not able to come to an agreement that is pleasing to both sides, the deposit will be refunded in full. Surrounding himself with successful, knowledgeable people, Woodall works closely with local architects, engineers, designers, and realtors. His daughter and real estate partner, Ashley Donnelly, assists clients with everything from finding the right property, to building their dream home, to financing recommendations. She can also assist in selling a client’s existing home at just the right moment to make for an easy adjustment.

SOLD RESERVED

LOT 33

LOT 27

64,477 SF

532,164 SF

LOT 32

LOT 34

67,370 SF

47,074 SF

If you are ready to build, but you’re just not sure where to start, Woodall Construction Company can help. Beginning with a short conversation to discover what your needs are, coupled with what your budget is, you will be guided down the path that gives you the best chance to find what you seek. From designing to building your home, Woodall Construction Company has the experience that you are looking for, and the contacts to make the process as stress free as possible.

LOT 35

LOT 31

40,146 SF

40,410 SF

LOT 28

LOT 36 40,218 SF

LOT 25

40,830 SF

67,683 SF

LOT 30

LOT 24

41,963 SF

LOT 37

41,292 SF

LOT 29

40,775 SF

46,289 SF

LOT 38

LOT 23

LOT 42

44,259 SF

40,084 SF

LOT 22

42,409 SF

LOT 39

LOT 40

49,584 SF

41,457 SF

LOT 43

LOT 41

56,372 SF

61,703 SF

43,013 SF

LOT 21 42,608 SF

For more information, please call or visit the company’s website.

LOT 14 49,406 SF

LOT 15 40,013 SF

70, 631 SF

44,706 SF

LOT 18

42, 981 SF

LOT 1

54,785 SF

LOT 9

61, 722 SF

46, 201 SF

LOT 4 LOT 2

41,303 SF

LOT 19 LOT 10

111, 070 SF

LOT 3

LOT 17

LOT 11

LOT 12

LOT 20 40,135 SF

LOT 16

93,457 SF

Sawyer’s Farm

42,974 SF

47,079 SF

LOT 13

Cable Road, Waleska, GA 30183 404-314-1000 (Dean Woodall) 678-230-2911 (Ashley Donnelly) WoodallConstructionCompany.com

LOT 44

LOT 5

LOT 6 42, 550 SF

LOT 7 42, 659 SF

LOT 8 40, 479 SF

D ER BL

45, 784 SF

45, 966 SF

40,661 SF

40,619 SF

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

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BallGroundNotes

What You Do Today Can Make a Big Difference

100 Years From Now By Karen Jordan

eople often say, “This won’t matter a hundred years from now.” While it’s true that a lot of things won’t matter, many things will. Keeping a record of important events is a must. Otherwise, younger generations will not know how things came to be. During my 36 years of being the Ball Ground city clerk, I’ve referred back to minutes of previous council meetings many times to learn why things were done the way they were. Reviewing past records provides me with a better understanding and respect for those who laid the groundwork to make our city what it is today. If not for the men and women who had the forethought to carefully plan for future generations, our city would surely suffer during difficult times. Due to years of careful planning, Ball Ground was able to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Though local businesses struggled in the beginning

of the pandemic, 99% of them made it through these trying times. The building industry is at an all-time high in Ball Ground. People have discovered that “Ball Ground is the Place To Be.” Visitors and residents love the small town, “Mayberry” type of atmosphere. Mayor A.R. Roberts and the city council have striven to make Ball Ground a walkable, pedestrian friendly town where sidewalks lead to our downtown, parks, school, and Ball Ground Botanical Garden. Though the pandemic caused the City of Ball Ground to cancel its outdoor concerts and events, it did not take away the Independence Day fireworks display, which is one of the largest in north Georgia. This year’s fireworks display as well as other outdoor events will be bigger and better than ever.

For up-to-date information on what’s happening in Ball Ground, please visit CityOfBallGround.com or our Facebook page. Or, if you just want to enjoy a day or evening out on the town, remember that all roads lead to Ball Ground. You can shop till you drop, dine at one of our local restaurants, and then finish the day with a dessert from Scooped on Main, a cold brew from Rock Solid Brewing Company, or a cup of handcrafted barrel-aged coffee from Barrel House Coffee. Whatever it is you are looking for, you can find it in Ball Ground. And remember — what you do today really can make a difference 100 years from now. So, start planning for the future. Be prepared. You never know what life is going to throw at you. Make memories, snap a picture or two along the way for future generations to enjoy, and reflect on what it was like in the “good old days.”

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

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

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Public Safety

CSO EXPANDS SERVICE by Adding a New Precinct By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

he Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) opened a new patrol precinct in the Ball Ground area to better serve northeast Cherokee County. The new precinct will join the other five that are strategically located throughout the county in the following locations: BridgeMill-Sixes, Freehome, Hickory Flat, Oak Grove, and Waleska. The Ball Ground precinct is located at 1190 Evenflo Drive at the existing facility for Fire Station 21. Lt. Darin Downey, a 19-year veteran of the CSO, will command the new precinct. He has experience in the Adult Detention Center, Uniform Patrol, K-9 Unit, recruiting, media relations, and fleet management. Lt. Downey earned a bachelor’s degree from Reinhardt University in organizational management and leadership. I have utmost confidence in Lt. Downey and his ability to meet the many challenges facing a growing community. Currently, Waleska and Freehome have the two largest precincts and cover nearly half of northern Cherokee County. The Ball Ground precinct will allow Waleska and Freehome deputies to concentrate their patrol activities closer to their precincts, and it will also reduce E-911 response times, offer greater patrol visibility, and decrease wear and tear on vehicles. Initially, the Ball Ground precinct will operate with a small group of deputies until new positions become available over the next few years. Once fully staffed, it will operate with four 12-hour shifts. Each shift will have a sergeant, corporal, and four deputies. In the meantime, the precinct will utilize the Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit and other personnel to maximize overall effectiveness.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

“As the precinct commander, it is not only my responsibility to manage the personnel and equipment of the precinct, but also incumbent of me to listen to our citizens and address their concerns,” Lt. Downey said. “Sheriff Reynolds is very clear on his expectations of me and our team.” Precincts do not have a deputy in the facility at all times, as he/ she will be on patrol. However, when someone calls 911 during an emergency, the dispatcher will direct the call to the corresponding patrol zone. Each patrol vehicle is equipped with an automatic vehicle locator, which enables the dispatcher to send the closest deputy. The precinct does have video surveillance with designated areas for business transactions, child custody exchanges, and vehicle inspections. Thanks to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners and our community for helping us make this precinct a success. Together, we can do great things.

Frank Reynolds is the sheriff for Cherokee County. 678-493-4100. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org

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SENIOR CENTERS

Now Open!

By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] With all the changes

Photos courtesy of Dianne Voss.

to our daily lives, this past year has been difficult for everyone. I washed my hands more than I have in my entire life. Wearing masks everywhere and consciously keeping our distance from others became the new normal. People teleworking changed the way companies do business. Zoom conferences became the new way of meeting with colleagues and family. But our senior population endured the greatest impact during these times. Senior Services had to shut down programs in March of last year, but the staff found ways to keep certain programs active for our homebound clients. The case management, home delivered meals, and homemaker staff members were determined to provide service to their clients. Due to the mass group setting, the Senior Centers were a bigger challenge. During the shutdown, the staff continued delivering food, checking in on clients, and provided virtual programs to keep seniors active. As of May 10, both the Canton and Ball Ground Senior Centers have reopened! Activities such as board games; exercise, painting, and wellness classes; educational programs; billiards; and card games have resumed. Trips and bringing in outside guests for entertainment and speaking engagements to our Senior Center group members will resume this summer. If interested, the Senior Center calendars can be found at CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services. To finally see our seniors smiling and laughing back in the centers was an awesome experience for all. Transportation services are still limited, but anyone age 60 and over who drives is welcome Monday-Friday from 8:30am2:00pm at the Canton location. Ball Ground is open TuesdayThursday. When open, lunch is provided each day at both locations. Please call for more information. 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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SIGNING DAY HONORS

Future Pros Committed to High-Demand Careers By Cherokee Office of Economic Development [StrategicLife] Signed. Sealed. Committed – GO PRO! Traditionally, a national signing day recognizes top athletes for signing letters of intent at their college of choice. Now, a relatively new signing day has emerged to honor students who are pursuing high-demand, high-wage careers: Skilled Professions Signing Day. The Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) partnered with Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, the Cherokee County School District (CCSD), and Chattahoochee Technical College to host the inaugural Skilled Professions Signing Day at The Circuit Woodstock on May 10. During the event, 19 students were honored for their commitment to “GO PRO” in a variety of fields including automotive, welding, computer programming, electrical, healthcare, and construction. This inspiring event is more than a pep rally for students signing on the dotted line and donning gear from local companies or technical colleges — it’s about pride. The “trades” have often received a bad rap. These careers, though 22

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

essential, have often been seen as options for students who choose not to attend a four-year college. But that is changing. Initiatives such as Be Pro Be Proud Georgia and the Skilled Professions Signing Day shine a light on high-growth industry sectors and lifelong, fulfilling careers. Launched in July 2020, Be Pro Be Proud helps change the perception of skilled professions by linking career opportunities, training, and where to find jobs through an interactive website and hands-on mobile workshop. The skilled professions are some of the region’s most in-demand careers, offering competitive salaries and rewarding work. The proof is in the numbers. In the metro Atlanta area, plumbers have the flexibility to work just about anywhere with earning potential of over $71,000 per year. Computer programmers can earn more than $137,000; electricians can earn over $72,000; and automation and robotics technicians can take home over $85,000. The best part? Almost all of Georgia’s most in-demand careers are covered by the HOPE Career Grant, which makes pursuing these jobs an affordable option that does not incur decades of debt.

The inaugural signing day is just the beginning. The narrative is changing on what it means to be a trade worker or skilled professional. Whether it is pouring asphalt to pave roads, installing electrical systems to ensure buildings and homes run efficiently, or setting up HVAC systems to keep Georgians cool during the dog days of summer, skilled workers build our world and keep it running smoothly – day in and day out. There has never been a better time to honor students who are changing the world one light bulb, HTML code, or building truss at a time. These essential careers are life-changing, not only for the students themselves but for the companies and lives their skills impact. L

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

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S T R O NE W S P Exciting

in the

Summer Olympic Games By Julie Senger

OFTB A S / L LL

Spectators from overseas will not be permitted due to coronavirus risks. Extensive measures are being taken to ensure the health and safety of athletes and others who will be present for the events. These measures are compiled in a “Playbook” that is constantly updated based on the most current information. For specific details, the Playbook can be viewed on Olympics.com.

BASE BA

After postponing a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the torch is on its way to Tokyo, Japan for the Summer Olympic Games, which will take place July 23-August 8. The vision for the Tokyo Games is based on three core concepts: (1) Achieving Personal Best – “Striving for Your Personal Best,” (2) Unity in Diversity – “Accepting One Another,” and (3) Connecting to Tomorrow – “Passing on Legacy for the Future.”

Now, on to the fun stuff! Check out the sports that will be making their Olympic debut:

Though not truly new to the Olympics, men’s baseball and women’s softball haven’t been a part of the Games since 2008. Since both sports are extremely popular in Japan, it’s not surprising that they would make a comeback in Tokyo.

A native Japanese sport, karate will consist of two disciplines: sparring and forms. Sparring will be broken down into three weight classes each for men and women. The forms competition allows athletes to show their expertise in performing the technical movements of karate.

K A RA TE

In sparring, kicks and punches earn between one and three points. To win the match, the competitor must be the first to earn eight points more than his/her opponent or have more points than his/her opponent at the end of the three-minute bout. If there is a tie, the first person to score a point is the winner. If the match is scoreless, the judges choose the winner. In forms, the competitor performs a series of offensive and defensive movements against a virtual/imaginary opponent. Judges award points based on the precision of the technique.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

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ATEBOA K R S

NG DI

Due to the popularity of this sport in the X Games, it was only a matter of time before skateboarding kickflipped and ollied its way into the Olympics. There will be park and street competitions for both men and women. The park course resembles an empty swimming pool with lots of wonky curves, hills, and ramps. The preliminaries will have 20 skaters, and each will perform three 45-second runs, which are scored on a scale of 0 to 100 by a panel of five judges. The highest and lowest scores of each run are dropped, and the remaining three scores are averaged. The skater’s final score is the highest of his/her three runs. The top eight skaters will advance to the finals, in which the same process as the preliminary round will be repeated to determine the winner.

SPOR T

The street course is flat with ramps, stairs, and rails. In the preliminaries, 20 riders will perform two 45-second runs, featuring five tricks. Five judges will score each run on a 10-point scale (10 being the highest), of which the highest and lowest judge’s scores will be dropped, and the remaining three scores will be averaged to determine the overall score from the skater’s best run. The final round will feature the top eight skaters from the preliminaries, who will repeat the same competition and scoring process to determine who will win Olympic gold.

BI N G M I L

SOURCES – TEAMUSA.ORG AND OLYMPICS.COM

With the increase in rock climbing walls in gyms all over the world, sport climbing has ascended to a well-deserved spot on the Olympic ticket. Sport climbing requires athletes to compete in three events: speed climbing, bouldering, and lead climbing. In speed climbing, two climbers will race each other to the top of a wall that is 15 meters high. Bouldering will test the climber’s technical skills, as he/she attempts to navigate a short course in a set amount of time. In lead climbing, athletes will have six minutes to climb as high as they can on a 15-meter wall. The winner is determined by using a points system that coincides with the athlete’s place in each of the three events (i.e., first place = 1 point, second place = 2 points, etc.). So, after the points are tallied from speed climbing, bouldering, and lead climbing, the climber with the lowest score will stand atop the podium.

SURFI

will

Make wave for this new event, which will take place on Shidashita Beach. Both men and women compete using shortboards, and heats will consist of four surfers competing at the same time, with each heat lasting 20-25 minutes. Since surfing conditions can be so unpredictable, this competition will have a 16-day window for completion. Surfers will be scored on five criteria: commitment and degree of difficulty; innovative and progressive maneuvers (new/creative movements); variety of maneuvers (not doing the same move repetitively); combination of major maneuvers (how well big stunts are connected to one another); and speed, power, and flow. On a scale of 1-10, a panel of five judges will score each wave that a surfer catches. The highest and lowest scores will be dropped. At the end of a heat, the surfer’s two highest scoring waves will be added together, so the highest possible score is 20. The top two surfers from each heat will advance to the next, until one final heat of four surfers remains to battle it out to see whose national anthem will be heard during the medal ceremony.

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

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Community Partner

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is an international organization, but each staff team is focused on a specific county, in this case Cherokee County. The current staff consists of 11 team members who seek to transform our community through serving coaches and athletes in our county. FCA’s goal is to work “to coaches and through coaches and athletes” to help them grow in their relationship with God, which is accomplished by helping to provide character coaches for high school sports teams choosing to participate in the program. Character coaches often lead talks about topics such as integrity or leadership at team practices. On Friday mornings at CCSD high schools, the organization holds a “FCA huddle,” which is a student-led program that includes members or a guest speaker sharing stories from their experiences as students or athletes. In Cherokee County, there is a focus to expand the high school program to provide similar outreach for community sports teams, which would include key values such as teamwork, leadership, and serving. This would enable character building of our children to begin earlier. The opportunity to impact the community encompasses athletes from 6 years old to the 88-year-old softball player who currently plays at Hobgood Park! FCA seeks to help develop character and accountability through small groups called “huddles” for both coaches and athletes who meet for fellowship and to provide accountability to apply what is being learned. It is not what we learn that creates results, but what we do with what we learn. That’s how real change takes place!

AN EVENING WITH Tim Tebow Friday, July 9, 7:00pm First Baptist Church Woodstock Please visit the website for tickets or sponsorship information.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

Here are the Cherokee FCA staff members and the schools they are responsible for: Connor Porter, Ambassador – Cherokee HS Ginger Morgan, Ambassador – Creekview HS and Sequoyah HS Scott Morgan, Area Rep – Creekview HS and Sequoyah HS Steve Hyland, Area Director – Etowah HS Audrey Brown, Ambassador – River Ridge HS Aaron Keith, Ambassador – River Ridge HS John Holloway, Ambassador – Woodstock HS Leslie McMillan, Area Rep, Community Sports Megan Morse, Social Media/Camp Director/Female Development Katey Smith, Project Manager Mark Weems, Director, Community Sports FCA is experiencing tremendous growth in staff and in opportunities to serve coaches and athletes. Did you know that Cherokee County has approximately 260,000 residents and is projected to grow by 100,000 more residents over the next five years? HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED IN FCA? HERE ARE THREE KEY OPPORTUNITIES:  Pray for us!  Give! Staff salaries and program funds are provided by generous donations that support individuals and programs for our county. For more information, please visit the website.  Serve as a character coach for a school or team! Training and materials will be provided to help set you up for success.

P.O. Box 5208, Canton, GA 30114 678-617-5409 • CherokeeFCA.org

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Forgetfulness Normal Aging or Dementia? By Jerry Rick

[HomeLife] As we age, we all experience the occasional “senior moment.” You may walk into a room and forget why you’re there. Or maybe you open the refrigerator door and can’t remember what it was you needed. But when is everyday forgetfulness a normal part of aging, and when is it a sign that something more concerning is going on such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia? This is a source of worry for many older adults. As we age, our brains change. You may discover that you can’t manage to keep myriad details straight in your head like you did when you were younger. You may need an extra moment to remember things, or you may get distracted easily or struggle to multitask. In most cases, these changes are a normal part of aging. Dementia is the umbrella term for a group of symptoms that occur when the brain is damaged by disease. Typically, the patient's symptoms must become bad enough to significantly affect daily life before a doctor will diagnose dementia. In those cases, the person experiences difficulties that go beyond minor irritations. They create problems with everyday activities like paying household bills, managing medications, using the phone, or driving safely. Here are some common annoyances that can likely be chalked up to normal aging: • • • • •

Occasionally forgetting a person’s name or something you were told but remembering them later. Missing an appointment once in a while. Misplacing items, like your keys or the TV remote, but finding them by retracing your steps. Overlooking a monthly bill now and then. Having trouble finding the right word occasionally.

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By contrast, a person with dementia might forget the names of close friends or family, or he/she might forget recent events, such as someone who visited that day. The person might ask over and over for the same information such as, “Where are my keys?” or leave objects in unusual places like putting the car keys in the refrigerator. A person with dementia may frequently have difficulty finding the right words and resort to calling an object “that thing.” Instead of missing a bill now and then, a person with dementia may not be able to manage a budget at all. Remember that an older person may have symptoms that are abnormal but not severe enough to significantly affect daily life. In that case, a doctor might diagnose the person with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is not a type of dementia, but some people with MCI may later develop dementia. Keep in mind, too, that other mental health issues, such as depression, can lead to symptoms that might be similar to those associated with dementia including confusion, difficulty making decisions, and irritability. If forgetfulness is disrupting your daily life, it’s important to see a doctor. If there is a problem, early diagnosis gives you the chance to seek treatment and to make decisions about your future. But try not to worry needlessly. If you’re forgetful now and then, likely it’s a normal part of aging.

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

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The Lighter Side [Lifestyle] Though summer is in full swing, it’s not too late to introduce a little blonde into your current hair color. But instead of your routine highlights, consider an eye-catching blonde contour to accentuate your natural features. While available hues are endless, here are a few ways to spice up your blonde:

Platinum Blonde What’s cooler than cool, platinum blonde? Platinum blonde isn’t anything new, but it sure seems like more and more celebrities are going for this whitehot color effect. Platinum blonde can range from pale gold, to icy white, to a bubbly champagne color. If your skin tone is cool or fair, platinum blonde may be for you. Just remember, with this particular option, a violet shampoo will be needed to help neutralize the brassiness and brighten up your hair color.

Golden Blonde For a more natural looking result, choose golden blonde. Though shades of this

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

hue can vary, this color looks best with fair skin tones. Golden blonde is great for someone who is already a dark blonde and just wants a slight change. This timeless color adds an air of youthfulness to those who just want to go a little lighter. If you can imagine your luscious locks capturing the sun, that’s the effect golden blonde can have on your hair.

Honey Blonde Honey blonde is similar to golden blonde but with slightly more light tones. This option is great for neutral to darker complexions, and it’s easier to maintain than platinum blonde since it blends well with darker roots. Consider this style warm and cool all rolled into one.

By Jyl Craven

roots remain slightly darker, the color provides a richness and contrast that blends naturally with your skin tone. But don’t be sad if you’re now referred to as a brunette. While there are countless shades of blonde, understanding which shade will accentuate your beauty best begins with knowing your skin tone. Just remember, if your complexion is fair, then lighter shades of blonde are great options; while ladies with dark skin look best with darker shades of blonde. If you’re looking for that next big change, these are just a few of the possibilities. So remember, go light this year. It’s always a great time to go lighter and shine brighter! L

Bronde If you have fair skin, then bronde may be your best choice. Bronde is neither brunette nor blonde but rather a mixture of both. Bronde is beautiful because of the natural looking, warmer roots and cascading, buttery highlights. When the

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

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Got Old Music Instruments Cluttering Up Your Closets? By Lisa-Marie Haygood [AcademicLife] While I was spring cleaning my home’s closets, I came across three clarinets in their cases that my daughters have not thought about since they graduated from high school. At one time, they both participated in marching band and concert performances, so they had some super nice instruments. So nice, in fact, that after a downpour while they were playing in the stands at a football game, we decided to order the third one, so they had one that could withstand the elements of the harsh heat, rain, and occasional snow they experienced in the band stands during competition. At a recent board retreat for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF), we considered a grant application for Woodstock Middle School (WMS). Their band director wrote to us about the enormity of the cost the music departments incur to repair instruments over the summer and have them ready for the next music lovers who enter middle school. It is no small endeavor, and all our middle schools and high schools have these massive expenses each year. There is much evidence of music improving student engagement and academic achievement. CCEF commits to ensuring academic excellence for all our students, and we are proud to fund this need.

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The WMS band director’s grant application was approved, and finding those clarinets reminded me that there are probably great kids who cannot afford to be part of musical programs because instruments are sometimes unaffordable. There is life in those instruments, and children need them. I decided to get them cleaned up, repaired, and donated. After one post on social media, the clarinets quickly found new homes where they would be greatly appreciated. Please consider passing on the instruments your children have loved and enjoyed. Freeing yourself of clutter might really be a game changer for another child. CCEF will be happy to help your gently loved instruments find new owners.

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

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he first time you hear Ethan Senger perform, you will likely be surprised at his level of guitar mastery and the warm, mature voice that comes out of this looksyounger-than-he-is 21-year-old musician who has been performing in the metro Atlanta area since he was a child.

platforms. Collectively, the four songs on his EP have garnered more than 114,000 streams on Spotify from listeners all over the world.

A Woodstock native, Senger is a passionate singer/songwriter and 3rd generation guitarist who is fully immersed in his music career, having played public venues, festivals, and private events throughout the north Georgia music scene as well as playing shows in Florida and Tennessee. He performs as a solo artist and with his band, Blind Jive.

When asked about what inspires his songwriting, Senger said, “Other people’s music has always inspired me to write and find a good song within myself. When I’m truly captivated by something musically, it’s refreshing because you can become jaded or picky when it’s something you’re heavily involved in on a daily basis. I like songwriting with clever wording that keeps you guessing and discovering new things with each listen.”

Since his parents are both musicians, Senger was exposed to music at a very early age and began learning to play guitar and honing his vocal skills when he was seven years old. His first guitar influences were Eddie Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and his initial vocal influence was Steve Perry of Journey. Senger is currently inspired by artists including John Mayer, Marcus King, the Goo Goo Dolls, Rob Thomas, Noah Gunderson, U2, and The Police. Senger’s originals can best be described as a blend of pop/rock and contemporary singer/songwriter, infused with interesting flourishes of jazz and blues guitar. He recently released his self-titled debut EP, which is available on all major streaming 30

Canton Family Life | JULY 2021

When pressed to choose his personal favorite song from his EP, Senger selected “Something Inside,” about which a reviewer from ReverbNation said, “His vocals are beautiful. There’s a strong resonance about his voice that’s so evocative. The melody is so pretty, also. The whole song is gorgeous, actually. The lyrics are creative and interesting. It’s his voice that ‘makes’ the song though — haunting and really sticks in your head and very distinct and different.” In addition to performing live to support himself, Senger also enjoys giving back through music. He has performed shows

Photo courtesy of Adam May.

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to raise money for nonprofit organizations such as Concert for a Cause, The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy, and Rock for Rescues. Some of Senger’s other recent music accomplishments include earning a spot to compete in Eddie’s Attic’s 51st BiAnnual Singer/Songwriter Finals as well as Madlife Stage and Studio’s Undiscovered Artist Finals and its Battle of the Bands Finals. He will be releasing two new singles this summer, which will be available for purchase on his website and iTunes and can be streamed on all major platforms. So, what’s the best music advice Senger ever received? “Focus on you, what you do well, and do not compare yourself to others. People are attracted to originality, so be the best you,” he said. For more information about upcoming shows, new music releases, or to contact Senger for booking information, visit EthanSenger-Musician.com and follow him on Facebook (ethansengermusician), Instagram (ethansengermusic), and TikTok (ethansengermusic). Add

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