Canton Family Life 7-23

Get Ready for the

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

Cherokee County Chick-fil-A 5K!

[Academic Life] On Saturday, August 12, Etowah River Park will be alive with excitement, as our community turns out for its largest ever support of this annual Chick-fil-A (CFA) Cherokee County 5K road race event, which was formerly known as the Chick-Fil-A Moo’ve it 5K. More than 1,600 runners will arrive in the early morning hours to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

The event benefits both the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and the Cherokee County Special Olympics. All Cherokee County nonprofits are invited to participate at no charge, offering great exposure and community togetherness. Each year, the race is presented by Keith Booth, operator of the CFA at the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta; Scott Hall of Towne Lake CFA; Ron Hammock of Truett’s CFA Woodstock; and Kevin Williams of Hickory Flat, Market Place, and Riverstone CFAs along with their marketing teams and staff.

All race registrants will be treated to CFA chicken biscuits, and the amazing race sponsors will provide water, fresh fruit, granola bars, and goodies for everyone in attendance. There will be music, facepainting, a petting zoo, and tons of family fun. Children and strollers are welcome. A “Nugget Roll” will also be featured, so our youngest community members can join in on all the excitement.

Sponsors include Carriage KIA of Woodstock, Northside Hospital Cherokee, Credit Union of Georgia, Cobb EMC Community Foundation, Southeast Restoration, Amie Chambers Real Estate, Heart and Hands Therapy, Georgia Chiropractic and Massage, Goodwin Investment Advisory, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Pinnacle Orthopaedics, Reinhardt University, Universal Alloy Corporation, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Corporate Office Furniture, and North Georgia CPA.

This 5K is also an official qualifying event for the Peachtree Road Race. It is not too late to register! All information can be found at CherokeeCounty5k.com.

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

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

Cheers to

Years!

Happy10th Birthday, Canton

Family Life magazine! This month, we celebrate a decade of bringing positive stories, educational content, community events, and the announcements of new business openings to our readers — all of which would not have been possible without the support of our readers and advertisers, for which we are deeply grateful.

I’ve had the pleasure of being the editor-in-chief at Family Life Magazines for eight of its 10 years, so I can knowingly say that these magazines also wouldn’t have been possible without our super talented graphic artists, top-notch contributing writers, hardworking sales and marketing manager, great photographer, and our supportive publisher.

During this past decade, which has included a pandemic and the varied political climates of three different presidents, the Family Life staff has done its best to balance the evolution of this publication to match our ever-changing times with its mission of sharing valuable information about our community and its progress, uplifting stories about and/or written by citizens of Cherokee County, and educational columns provided by local experts that teach readers about everything from medical and dental care to vehicle maintenance, public safety, hair care, and the list goes on.

We really love keeping our community informed; we really care about continuing to produce a quality magazine for our readers; and we look forward to many more years of bringing Canton Family Life to you.

Julie Senger, Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

ART

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jack Tuszynski

PhotoJack.Net@Gmail.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright

David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Zip Cain, Sarah Childers, Tony Craft, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Lisa M. Grisham, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Scott V. Merritt, Tim Morris, Ellen Samsell Salas, Brooke Schmidt

Family Life Magazines

6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095

Also available online at FamilyLifeMagazines.com

Family Life Magazines have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine that reaches more than 30,000 homes and businesses via digital subscription and direct mail in Canton including Sixes/BridgeMill, Ball Ground, Hickory Flat, Holly Springs, and Waleska.

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

© 2022 All rights reserved.

The key to longevity is to “find something you really love doing and mix it with something you really care about.” -Kathleen Hanna.

Obtaining Phone Quotes for Products and Services

By Tony Craft

[Home Life] Requesting a phone quote for a product or service can be a very useful tool to help people choose a business for their needs. But quotes can be very complex due to the many interconnected factors that influence them. Below are some helpful tips to consider when requesting information about car repairs, but they are true for any industry.

• Generally, the first step for anyone when shopping for a product or service is to consider their “constraint triangle.” The constraint triangle is the concept that the overall quality of a project depends upon or is constrained by. Its three factors include scope (features), cost, and time. Once the constraints are evaluated, decide what is most important. You are the expert on your situation and needs, so be sure to convey that information — this is your foundation.

• In a major survey, transparency and understanding were the two most frustrating items that people said were missing in the car repair industry. Look for a mechanic who is willing to explain everything to you like you’re their friend — someone with your best interest in mind. Be sure to share your experience, so others can discover the same great service.

• Do not make snap judgments on large discrepancies from one shop to another. Instead, view it as an opportunity to learn more. Large discrepancies are generally not indicative of ill intent, so pause and ask why there’s such a big difference.

• Last, but not least, look for establishments with a staff that can articulate their value in a way that you can understand. Choose companies that operate in a professional, courteous manner and steer clear of those with negative tactics.

Hopefully, these phone quote tips will help bring a more structured and informed approach to your information gathering process.

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

JULY

1 Summer Concert Series: Guardians of the Jukebox — This cover band will take you back in time to the music of the 80s! Come dressed in your favorite patriotic attire and rock the night away at this American themed event. 8:00-10:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

1-8/27

Business is Boomin’: Historic Community Businesses Exhibit

Take a walk down memory lane at this temporary exhibition, showcasing some of the historic businesses of Cherokee County. 10:00am5:00pm Wednesdays-Saturdays and 12:005:00pm Sundays, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

4 4th of July in Canton — The American Legion Canton Post will host a patriotic parade in downtown Canton, and a spectacular fireworks show will begin at dusk. 4:00pm (parade) and 9:00pm (fireworks), downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton (parade) and Publix Shopping Center, 1451 Riverstone Parkway, Canton (fireworks). CantonGa.gov

1-31

Cherokee County History Center Teachers’ Month

Show a valid educator ID and receive FREE admission for yourself and discounted admission for your guests. 10:00am-5:00pm Wednesdays-Saturdays and 12:00-5:00pm Sundays, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-3453288. HistoryCherokee.org

5, 12, 19, & 26 Screen on the Green Summer Movie Series

Enjoy a FREE movie outside! 7/5 Top Gun:

July Is — National Cell Phone Courtesy, Horseradish, Ice Cream, Independent Retailer, and Picnic Month as well Bank Account Bonus, Plastic Free, Sarcoma Awareness, and World Watercolor Month.

Canton Farmers Market — Saturdays, 9:00am-12:30pm, Brown Park, 251 E. Marietta Street, Canton. CantonGa.gov; Facebook.com/CantonGAFarmersMarket

Ball Ground Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9:00am-1:00pm, Ball Ground City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. Facebook.com/ BallGroundFarmersMarket

Screen on the Green — Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

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

Fresh Start Mornings — The first and third Wednesdays of each month, 9:00am, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock (first WED);

Maverick, 7/12 Toy Story, 7/19 Minions: The Rise of Gru, and 7/26 People’s Choice. 7:009:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

6, 13, 20, & 27 Family Movies

Enjoy family friendly films on the big screen for $1 per person. 7/8

In the Heights, 7/13 Minions: The Rise of Gru, 7/20 DC League Super-Pets, and 7/27 Lightyear 10:00am and 2:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CantonGa.gov

ONGOING

Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton (third WED). 770-345-0660. CherokeeGa.org/FreshStartMornings

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

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

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

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

7 Downtown Canton First Friday: The Rupert’s Orchestra — Experience a night filled with live entertainment, extended hours for shopping, restaurants, a Kids Zone, and food and beverage vendors. Please bring a chair. 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga. gov; CantonGa.gov

7-9

Southern Tradition Car & Truck Show — This event is open to all makes and models. Follow the show’s Facebook page to get updates on the Pre-Party Friday night event as well as Saturday and Sunday event hours and ticket prices. Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway Canton. 770-704-1500. Facebook.com (search Southern Tradition Car & Truck Show)

13 Coffee With a Cop — Meet Holly Springs police officers and show your appreciation. 9:0011:00am, Alma Coffee, 3448 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton. 770-345-5537. FriendsOfHollySpringsPoliceFoundationInc.org

21-22

River Rock Concert & Festival — This two-day event features local musicians on Friday and continues on Saturday with country music headliners Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, and Collin Raye; food and beverage vendors; craft booths; and a children’s activity area. 6:00-10:00pm Friday and 12:00-11:00pm Saturday, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov

14 & 28 Parent’s Night

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

15 Stop the Bleed

first aid skills to help someone stop bleeding in the event of an emergency at this Homeland Security Public course. FREE (donations accepted, $45 value). 1:303:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

15

AHA First Aid Course — Learn basic first aid skills to help someone in the event of an emergency at this American Heart Association certified First Aid course. FREE (donations accepted, $75 value). 9:00am-1:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station #23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770406-6657. V7.HFVA.org

13 Cherokee County History Center Teacher Open House

Enjoy a guided tour and facilitated discussion on how the center’s programs and exhibits align with the Georgia Standards of Excellence. Explore six galleries and learn the ways the History Center can supplement classroom instruction. 12:00-2:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

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

Live Music at The Mill — Fridays, 7:009:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

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

Waleska Farmers Market — Thursdays, 9:00am-1:00pm, Waleska Farmers Market, 8891 Fincher Road, Waleska. 404-805-7468. Facebook.com/WaleskaFarmersMarket

continued on page 8

21 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10. All proceeds benefit local seniors and senior veterans. 11:30am1:00pm, Manor Lake BridgeMill, 131 Holly Street, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

continued on page 8

LIBRARY EVENTS

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

BALL GROUND

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

R.T. JONES

116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090

CRAFTING WITH CAREGIVERS

July 5, 11:00am, Ball Ground

Children and adults benefit in countless ways from engaging in creative activities and socializing with others. This program is specifically for caregivers to experience alongside their children. Materials provided while supplies last. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

AGRO-LAB TEENS — COLLECTING AND DISPLAYING INSECTS

July 11, 2:00pm, R. T. Jones

Teens explore the world of agriculture, as this month’s lab will focus on entomology and how to pin and collect insects. All materials are provided.

ADULT SPELLING BEE

July 12, 6:00pm, R. T. Jones

The winner and runner up will receive prizes. Food and drinks will be provided for competitors and attendees. Registration is for ages 18+ and is required for all competitors.

UGA ARTIFACTS IN YOUR TOWN

July 14, 11:00am, R. T. Jones

Take an exciting look at the history of UGA athletics at this family friendly exhibit, presented by The Hargrett Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

BALL GROUND COMMUNITY PAPER QUILT

July 18, 3:00pm, Ball Ground

Celebrate the community of Ball Ground while working with others to make a paper quilt. This craft is for all ages.

“WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER” BY FUNK HERITAGE CENTER

July 24, 4:00pm, Ball Ground

Learn about historic communities and the benefits of social collaboration. This program is presented by Josiah Wolfe, the education coordinator for Reinhardt University’s Funk Heritage Center. All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

continued from page 7

26

What’s Up Wednesday: What’s Up With These Trains? Learn about trains in Cherokee County. Afterward, make a conductor hat to take home! This program is designed for children ages 3-7. $5 per child (free for supervising adults).

11:00am, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

27 History Factory: An Evening Under the Moon, Moonshine History and Tasting Learn about the history and legacy of moonshine from Granddaddy Mimm’s Distillery and taste various moonshines. This is for ages 21+, and pre-registration is required. 7:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

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

AUGUST

4 Downtown Canton First Friday: Elton Live! The Elton John Experience — Enjoy a night filled with live entertainment, extended hours for shopping, restaurants, a Kids Zone, and food and beverage vendors. Please bring a chair. 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga.gov; CantonGa.gov

4-5 Lake Allatoona Poker Run — The Lake Allatoona Association hosts this annual fundraiser. Proceeds benefit Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled military service personnel. $150 entry fee. Please visit the website of call for times. LakeAllatoonaAssoc.com

ONGOING

continued from page 7

Car-B-Que at the Flat — Second Sunday of each month, 10:00am-2:00pm, Old Country Place, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. Facebook.com/CarBQueAtTheFlat

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

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

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

Community

Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals To Watch

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce the 2023 Cherokee County Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. This recognition program focuses on Cherokee County residents under age 40 who are considered to be the area’s up and coming leaders over the next 10 years.

Judging criteria include past professional achievements and awards, five- to 10-year professional goals, and the nominee’s volunteer and community activities. Besides being recognized during the Chamber’s June Good Morning Cherokee breakfast meeting, the recipients will also be featured in the July/August issue of Enjoy Cherokee Magazine. The honorees who will be under the age of 40 on October 1 have also been nominated for the prestigious GeorgiaTrend Magazine 40 Under 40 recognition.

New District Attorney Sworn In

On June 1, 2023, Governor Brian P. Kemp swore in Susan K. Treadaway as district attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Cherokee County.

Treadaway fills the role vacated by former District Attorney Shannon Wallace, who became Superior Court judge for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit in February 2023. Treadaway has served as acting district attorney since April 10, 2023, when she was appointed to the role by Gov. Kemp. She was previously Cherokee County’s chief assistant district attorney.

For nearly 20 years, Treadaway has served the citizens of Georgia as a felony prosecutor. She began her career as an assistant district attorney for Cherokee County in 2004. She then worked as a prosecutor for 11 years in Cobb County, ultimately serving as the chief assistant district attorney of the Cobb Judicial Circuit before her return to Cherokee County in 2019, where she held the same title.

Cherokee County’s next generation of community leaders include (front row, L-R) Madison Beaulieu, economic development operations manager, City of Woodstock; Ashley Witcher, county extension coordinator/4-H and youth agent, University of Georgia Extension-Cherokee County; Kristin Norton Green, theatre events and facilities director, City of Canton; Ashley Polito, principal, Holly Springs ES STEM Academy; Lindsay Harris, intelligence unit manager, Multi-Agency Criminal Intelligence Unit, Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. (Back row, L-R) Thomas Trawick, zoning division manager, Cherokee County; Michael Sims, lieutenant, Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services; Joshua Cole, lead district executive, Atlanta Area Council - Boy Scouts of America; Zack Bobo, owner, Zack Bobo Real Estate; Justin Lamb, director of metallurgy and R&D, Universal Alloy Corporation.

Cheer on Cherokee's Semipro Football Team!

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve this community as its next district attorney,” said District Attorney Treadaway. “My mission is to pursue justice, work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners, and ensure that Cherokee County remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”

On Saturday, July 8, at 7:00pm, the Cherokee County Bruins Semipro Football organization will kick off its inaugural season at Veteran’s Park in Canton. Admission is free.

The team is owned by John Little of Woodstock, Randy Fowler of Canton, and Patrick Kellaher of Dothan, Alabama. This group is excited to bring action-packed football to Cherokee County and hopes to be a resource for local youth, middle school, and high school football players to gain knowledge and skills as well as a platform for former high school and college athletes to pursue their playing careers in an impactful way.

In addition to playing games, the Bruins also hold youth camps. More than 50 children attended the team’s first camp, which was held in May. The Bruins plan to continue making meaningful contributions to the community while growing its fan base and gaining local support throughout its inaugural season and beyond, as they seek to put a championship caliber team on the field to represent Cherokee County.

To view their game schedule or for additional information about the Cherokee County Bruins, please follow them on Facebook or visit CherokeeBruins.com.

(L-R) Superior Court Judge Shannon Wallace, District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway, Governor Brian P. Kemp, and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services Announcements

Award Named for Longtime Fire Safety Pioneer

At this year’s Georgia Fire Safety Symposium, the Georgia Public Safety Educators Association (GPSEA) named their Educator of the Year award after longtime Cherokee County firefighter and fire safety educator, Captain Ann Segers.

Segers began working for the fire department on August 22, 1988, and was also one of the original Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department members when they started in the early 70s. She was the first person in Georgia to obtain the credentials as an NPQ Fire Safety Educator and received her Basic Firefighting Certification in 1990. After retiring from CCFES in 2005, she continued to volunteer with the department at prevention and education events until her passing in May of 2022.

The first Ann Segers Educator of the Year Award will be awarded at the 2024 Georgia Fire Safety Symposium. For more information about the GPSEA or the Georgia Safety Educators Association, visit GPSEACRR.com.

EMS Wing Dedicated to Retired Medical Director

For more than 20 years, Dr. Jill Mabley has dedicated her time to the growth and success of emergency services for Cherokee County. Her name will forever live on at the Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services (CCFES) Training Center, since the EMS Wing has been dedicated as the Jill Ann Mabley, M.D., FACEP EMS Wing.

Dr. Mabley joined Cherokee County in 2000, a time when the fire department was continuing its transition from a volunteer model to a career organization, and when ambulance transports were handled by a third-party vendor. An invitation to join a safety committee turned into more than two decades of training personnel, developing policy, building programs, and being a source for well-researched advice for those who needed it.

In her years as medical director for CCFES, Dr. Mabley, at 57 years old, became the first (and only at the time) medical director to earn firefighter certification in Georgia.

“She earned a National Professional Qualification as a firefighter, and she earned state certification as a firefighter in the state of Georgia,” CCFES Chief Eddie Robinson said, adding that she also was responsible for implementing the Narcan program with law enforcement, allowing public safety to better combat the opioid epidemic and save lives.

Earlier this year, Dr. Mabley was honored with the Dr. Paul Nassour Lifetime Achievement Award at the Northwest Georgia – Region 1 EMS Awards Banquet.

Fire Station 7 Dedicated to Retired Fire Chief

For more than 40 years, Ret. Fire Chief and District 2 Commissioner Raymond Gunnin has served the public with integrity, honesty, and a desire to improve the lives of Cherokee County citizens. His legacy will forever be remembered, as Fire Station 7 has been dedicated in his honor.

In December 2020, a resolution and proclamation were signed by Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Harry Johnston, recognizing Chief Gunnin’s dedication by naming Cherokee County Fire Station 7 in his honor. Now, a plaque memorializing this honor has been unveiled at the station.

Gunnin joined Cherokee County as a volunteer firefighter in 1977 and became a full-time firefighter in 1980. Working his way through the ranks, he became fire chief in 2005 and continued to serve in that role until his retirement in 2011.

Community

City of Canton Awarded $4.4M in ARPA Grants

The Office of the Governor Brian P. Kemp recently announced recipients of, “preliminary grant awards totaling more than $225 million for 142 qualified projects that improve neighborhood assets like parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access in communities all across the state disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds go to eligible nonprofits and local governments to utilize in improving or maintaining recreational facilities in Qualified Census Tracts or for repair or maintenance needs due to significantly greater use of public facilities during the pandemic. The City of Canton was awarded $4.4M for two projects that include pedestrian bridge/sidewalk improvements at Canton Creek and funds for assisting with the development of South Canton Park — specifically its accessible playground equipment and a much-anticipated dog park. The maximum grant award was $2.2M, and the City of Canton was one of only three municipal governments to receive multiple maximum grant awards.

These state grants coincide with other recent grant awards including over $600,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission for a pedestrian bridge connecting the current expansion of the Etowah River Trail System back to the award-winning Mill on Etowah and Atlanta Regional Commission transportation funding for improvements on State Route 140 from Riverstone Parkway to Reinhardt College Parkway.

Congrats to Cherokee County School District’s 2023 Valedictorians and Salutatorians!

Cherokee

• Valedictorian Braden Reece Flournoy will attend Georgia Tech to study computer science and plans to work in computer devices and artificial intelligence.

• Salutatorian Riley Oliver will attend Georgia Tech to study computer science and plans to work in programming or hardware development.

Creekview

• Valedictorian Kylie Buchanan will attend the University of Alabama to study science and business.

• Salutatorian Carson Heath will attend Georgia Tech to study mechanical engineering and plans to work as a biomechanical engineer focused on designing prosthetics.

Etowah

• Valedictorian Gracye Lamb will attend Georgia Tech to study aerospace engineering.

• Salutatorian Ty Phillips will attend the University of Georgia to study biology and then plans to apply to medical school.

i-Grad Virtual Academy

• Valedictorian Jackson Wesley Deas plans to enter the workforce.

• Salutatorian Elijah J. Jordan will attend Chattahoochee Technical College to study electrical engineering.

River Ridge

• Co-Valedictorian Sofia Guadalupe de Lira will attend Notre Dame University to study political science and prelaw.

• Co-Valedictorian Emily Anna Paulson will attend the University of Georgia to study economics.

• Salutatorian Karla Monserrat Cortes will attend Yale University to study ethics, politics, and economics.

Sequoyah

• Valedictorian Julia Allene Sick will attend the University of Alabama to study accounting.

• Salutatorian Paige Lee Falcomata will attend the University of Alabama to study accounting and statistics.

Woodstock

• Valedictorian Casen Stiber will spend a gap year teaching in El Salvador, after which he will attend the University of Georgia to study pure mathematics and philosophy. After college, he plans to serve in the Peace Corps and then teach and conduct math research.

• Salutatorian Salman Aziz will attend Georgia Tech to study neuroscience and then plans to apply to medical school.

Class of 2023 Valedictorians and Salutatorians (L-R, front row) River Ridge Salutatorian Karla Monserrat Cortes, River Ridge Co-Valedictorian Emily Anna Paulson, Creekview Valedictorian Kylie Buchanan, Sequoyah Salutatorian Paige Lee Falcomata, Sequoyah Valedictorian Julia Allene Sick, River Ridge Co-Valedictorian Sofia Guadalupe de Lira, Etowah Valedictorian Gracye Lamb. (Back row, L-R) Woodstock Valedictorian Casen Stiber, i-Grad Virtual Academy Valedictorian Jackson Wesley Deas, Cherokee Salutatorian Riley Oliver, Cherokee Valedictorian Braden Reece Flournoy, Creekview Salutatorian Carson Heath, Woodstock Salutatorian Salman Aziz, and Etowah Salutatorian Ty Phillips. Not pictured: i-Grad Virtual Academy Salutatorian Elijah J. Jordan.

Skilled Professions Signing Day Celebration

Be Pro Be Proud Georgia and the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative, an initiative of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development that includes Cherokee County School District (CCSD), local businesses, and industries and colleges, recently presented the annual Skilled Professions Signing Day event. During the event, 36 graduating CCSD seniors with plans to pursue skilled professions careers signed those plans with employers or colleges and were celebrated by family, friends, teachers, and community leaders.

“Congratulations to each of these students on making the choice to build a better future for our community through skilled professions,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “We’re proud of these students and grateful for our Career Pathways educators who have prepared them for this next step. Thank you to Be Pro Be Proud Georgia and the Cherokee Workforce Collaborative for your partnership and support of our students.”

The school district offers a wide catalog of Career Pathway programs at every high school, which provide CCSD students opportunities to not only master specific job skills as well as soft skills helpful to all careers, but also to earn industry certifications. For more information, visit Cherokeek12net.finalsite.com.

Congratulations to the following students:

Cherokee HS

• Henry Alcon – Construction, Alcon Remodeling

• Jacob Anderson – Welding

• Blake Byess – Welding, Georgia Trade School

• Christian Cagle – Welding, Northwest Mississippi Community College

• Lucas Juan Cristobal – Welding, Georgia Trade School

• Kahseim Fisher – Audio & Video Technology & Film

• Carter Goodrow – Welding, Raydeo

• Braden Iovino – Welding

• Keaton Kimball – Welding

• Ethan Mann – Welding

• Kyarah Maxey – Nursing, Reinhardt University

• Joseph O’Kon – Welding, Chattahoochee Technical College

• Michael Pugachow – Welding

• Edi Ramirez – Construction, heavy equipment

• Ismael Carrillo Raymundo – Welding

• Bryan Sanchez – Welding, Tulsa Welding School

• Skyler Woodward – Welding, Chattahoochee Technical College

Creekview HS

• Kevin Abarca – Machinery/line press, Universal Alloy Corporation

• Norman Alexander Ball – Welding, Georgia Trade School

• Connor Billish – Electrician, International Electrotechnical Commission

• Noah Brooks – Welding, Chattahoochee Technical College and Mr. Clean Drain Plumbing Co.

• Hayden Eberhardt-Salinas – Welding, Universal Alloy Corporation

• Cesar Garcia – Electrician, H&H Electrical

• Brody Jones – Plumbing, Chattahoochee Technical College

• Gabriel Peterman – Welding

• Emma Sailors – Cosmetology, Gwinnett Technical College

• Jarrett McArthur – Diesel tech training (advanced manufacturing), Chattahoochee Technical College

• Milon Lee McCleskey – Welding, Chattahoochee Technical College

Etowah HS

• Amy Carol Castro – Health care, Chattahoochee Technical College

• Alondra Porcayo – Health care, Chattahoochee Technical College

• Sarah Vanvoorhis – Health care, Chattahoochee Technical College

River Ridge HS

• Ethan Barrentine – Welding, Chattahoochee Technical College

• Billy Culberg – Wrecker driver/recovery specialist, Ryder Towing & Transport

Sequoyah HS

• Will Scott – Electrical line worker, North Georgia Technical College

Woodstock HS

• Kristian Colina – HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration), Chattahoochee Technical College

• Laila Hutchinson – Health care, Chattahoochee Technical College

Cherokee HS students show their certificates at the annual Skilled Professions Signing Day event.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower speaks to the audience.

Creekview HS senior Noah Brooks signs to begin working for Mr. Clean Drain Plumbing Co. and study welding at Chattahoochee Technical College.

The Difference Is in the Details

Asa leader in the real estate industry for the past 37 years, Dean Woodall, president of Woodall Construction Company, Inc., 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 homes and subdivisions in Cherokee County.

In addition to receiving honors for real estate marketing and sales, Woodall has been recognized by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as builder of the week. He has constructed more than 650 homes in Cherokee, Pickens, and Bartow counties. During his career, beginning with the founding of his first subcontracting business at age 19, he has closed over 700 real estate transactions, buying and selling more than 2,000 acres of land.

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 your existing home at just the right moment to make for a smooth transition (Ashley Donnelly, 678-230-2911).

Woodall creates homes to complement the natural features of each lot he builds on, whether it be within one of his communities or a client’s own personal lot. His genuine desire is to not only build fine homes, but to also establish a close relationship with future homeowners. It gives him great joy to bring life to his clients' dreams and visions. Woodall designs fabulous custom homes that are based on the wishes of his customers, helping them realize their own vision of their dream home.

WHAT SOME OF WOODALL CONSTRUCTION’S MOST RECENT CLIENTS HAVE HAD TO SAY:

“When we had the opportunity to build our dream home, we knew without a doubt that we wanted Dean Woodall to build our home. He exceeded our expectations.”

– MARC AND MANDY HOGAN

“We were very impressed with how meticulous and knowledgeable Dean is. He was prompt and patient with us and made certain to provide us with every possibility for unique things that we wanted in our home. We highly recommend him, and he even made it fun!”

– BUSTER AND CHRISTY CUSHING

“My wife and I built our first custom home with Woodall Construction Company, and we were very impressed by the professionalism, attention to detail, and quality homes they build. Dean was easy to work with and guided us through the process of making selections and working within budgets — great group of people to work with!”

–

GERALD AND KATHY ALLEN

“We were looking for the right custom home builder in Cherokee County for our latest project. Dean Woodall is a well-known and highly experienced builder who is passionate about creating beautiful custom homes. We knew he was someone that met our needs. I was particularly impressed with Dean’s attention to detail. He went above and beyond to make sure that our home was built to the highest standards of quality.”

– RORY AND CAROL RHODES

“If you’re thinking about working with Dean to either build or buy your house, one walk around any of his properties, and you’ll quickly see that he builds a very high quality home. What you may not know, but should, is his insistence on your total happiness after you’ve moved in. Dean answers his phone, willingly stops by, and doesn’t hesitate to solve the little and big things that we all discover in a new home. We couldn’t be happier with our experience working with Dean, Ashley, Bryan, Abraham, Rudy, and all their crew.”

– MICHAEL AND CARIN HOPTON

Many people dream of building a custom home, but they do not quite know where to begin. With his years of experience, Woodall can help from start to finish. He has many floor plans to offer that he can build and/or modify to fit specific needs, or you can bring your own plan. He understands that every family has different requirements to suit their lifestyle.

“The difference between an exceptional home and an average home is in the details,” says Woodall.

He typically starts by walking potential clients through his current homes to show them standard features, floorplan layouts, design ideas, and the quality of his work. This helps buyers truly understand the finishes and features they can achieve within their budgets, so they will have realistic expectations, which makes for a much easier building process.

Canton’s Great Outdoors

By Brooke Schmidt

Outdoor adventures in the “Coolest Small Town in America” abound. Here’s what you need to know to plan some fun with your family without ever leaving Canton!

MAKE A SPLASH!

• Explore the Etowah River

Bring your tubes, rafts, or kayaks to adventure down the Etowah River, which flows right through Canton. There are kayak launches at Boling Park and Etowah River Park. You can also rent nonmotorized watercraft from Murphs Surf, which provides shuttles to put-in and take-out locations.

• Lake Canton

Grab a parking pass for $5 and enjoy this pristine 411-acre reservoir with 15 miles of shoreline. You’ll find the public access area near the intersection of Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn Road. Open 7:00am-8:00pm through Labor Day, bring your electric powered boats as well as kayaks or canoes. Lake Canton rules can be found online at CantonGa.gov. Those who love to cast a line can fish for bream, crappie, catfish, bass, and shad.

FOR THE LAND LOVERS

• Etowah River Trail

Walk, run, or ride on this popular paved path from Heritage Park to Etowah River Park and then all the way under I-575 to the train trestle and city limits of Canton. There are benches along the way for visitors to rest and enjoy the meandering Etowah River.

Kids will love the brand new playground addition at Heritage Park, which has a turf surface. And both Heritage Park and Etowah River Park now have public restrooms. There is also a concession stand at Etowah River Park where visitors can purchase refreshments.

Coming Soon, the Etowah River Trail’s western connection between Heritage Park and Boling Park is currently being constructed. Several sections of the trail have been built as part of a sewer main replacement project. Currently, contractors are working to complete bridge placement along a number of creek crossings near the Waleska Street bridge. Later this summer, the connector from the trail to Anderson Avenue will provide direct access from Heritage Park back to the Waleska Street bridge and to downtown/The Mill on Etowah. Engineers are currently working on designs for bank stabilization on the steepest area of the new trail. Staff is hopeful to have the project completed by the end of 2023.

The City has also received a grant of more than $600K for the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Etowah River, connecting the new western portion of the trail with The Mill on Etowah in downtown Canton.

• Canton City Parks

In addition to Heritage and Etowah River Parks, Canton is home to several other parks including Boling Park, Brown Park, Burge Park, Cannon Park, Harmon Park (currently undergoing extensive renovations), and McCanless Park. Plus, the City of Canton is in the planning phases of the first park in south Canton, which will be between Pine Crest and Ivey Drive. Can you check a visit to each of these Canton parks off your summer fun list this month?

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

Have Your Trees Been Slimed?

By Joshua Fuder

[Home Life] “My tree is leaking and oozing sap” is something I frequently hear property owners say. This common phenomenon is usually an indication of bacterial wet wood, also known as slime flux, which is a disease caused by the invasion of anaerobic bacteria and yeast into the heartwood of the tree.

The primary cause of slime flux is often wounds on the tree, which provide an entry point for bacteria. These wounds can result from pruning cuts, storm damage, insect feeding, or even natural cracks in the bark. Once inside, the bacteria proliferate and ferment the tree’s natural sugars, producing a mixture of organic compounds and gases like methane and nitrogen. The pressure from this internal process sometimes leads to bubbling, slimy liquid oozing from the wounds.

Slime flux can affect a wide range of tree species such as oak, maple, poplar, hickory, and sweet gum. Since there is no cure, prevention is key. Maintain a healthy

tree by protecting the rootzone with a good layer of mulch. Water only when needed and fertilize only when a soil test result indicates it’s necessary. Also, be sure to follow proper pruning techniques and avoid over pruning.

The impact of slime flux on trees is mostly aesthetic, as the accumulated liquid exudate can cause discoloration of the bark. However, it may hasten the decay of the wood, weakening the structural integrity of the tree. The foul smell of the exudate is typically localized to the proximity of the tree, but it often attracts ants, bees, and wasps.

If a tree is already affected by slime flux, it is crucial to focus on improving its overall health and vigor, which includes maintaining proper soil nutrition, optimizing watering practices, and reducing other stresses. In some cases, professional arborists may need to be consulted to assess the severity of the infection and determine the best course of action, such as selective pruning or, in extreme cases, tree removal.

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

[Lifestyle] Hints of warm sunshine are bursting shimmery rays on sun-kissed, blonde-tinted locks. The way the light bounces off your glistening mane makes you look and feel like a confident beach babe. Whether you’re strutting into the office, lying in the sand by the beach, or tanning at the lake or by the pool with your favorite sun hat, nothing says summer like a wink and a flick of bright, shiny gold hair.

But if you don’t possess those natural shaggy-blonde strands that many ladies dream of, don’t fret. Here are three flawless ways you can achieve your champagne-hair fantasies:

1. Traditional Foil Highlighting

Foil highlights are one of the quickest ways to transform into a blonde bombshell. The induction of heat from the foil lets your stylist’s lightening agent achieve maximum shine, having the ability to take your hair four levels lighter in a single service.

The versatility of foil highlights makes this blonde-boosting option something stylists adore. Depending on the number of foils used, your stylist can add cute accents or a full head of lusciously bright hair.

Three Ways To Blonde Up Your Summer

By Jyl Craven

A multidimensional effect can also be achieved with this technique. Foils are perfect for creating a well-mixed pop of different colors, giving you the sunny look of varying, sun-kissed strands.

2.

Balayage

If you want to splash on some shine without going extreme, balayage results in a natural, perfectly blended highlight to subtly glam up your look. Balayage can give you just as many highlights as foils, but its application techniques allow your hair to grow out more beautifully — without any harsh lines of demarcation.

Balayage gives the stylist artistic freedom to customize hand-painted highlights for added color or heavier applications for a more prominent effect. This hair-lightening process is perfect for summer because it’s very low maintenance and requires little upkeep.

3. Single-Process Color

Single-process color means one seamless new color is infused into your hair in one sitting, and it is typically a gentler way to lighten your strands. Unlike highlights or balayage, single-process color is a set look that isn’t meant to be broken up by

dimension. This is a great approach for fixing previous color applications, covering gray hair, or creating the most consistent looking blonde styles.

Those with short hair that is difficult to highlight or blonde-hair seekers who are set on a streamlined look love going lighter with single-process color. It’s important to remember that more maintenance can be required because the darker your natural color is, the more noticeable new hair growth will be. So, be prepared for maintenance visits every four to eight weeks.

Choosing the right process depends on your individual hair ambitions. Now, throw on your sundress, head outside to soak up some warm rays, and decide what kind of blonde you want to be for the most sizzling season of the year. L

BACK TO SCHOOL

Four Reasons To Schedule a Dental Appointment

By Scott V. Merritt, DMD

[Healthy Life] It’s time to begin gearing up for a fantastic new school year! Amidst the excitement of shopping for supplies and choosing new outfits, one essential thing often gets overlooked: scheduling a dental checkup. Here’s four important reasons your child should visit the dentist before school starts:

 Detect and Treat Dental Issues

A dental visit allows the dentist to thoroughly examine your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth to identify any existing dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or orthodontic concerns. Detecting and treating these problems early can prevent them from worsening, reducing the risk of pain, discomfort, and potential complications that could disrupt your child’s school routine.

 Promote Optimal Oral Health

Regular dental visits play a vital role in maintaining optimal oral health. During the visit, your child will receive a professional cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing may miss. This thorough cleaning reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, ensuring your child starts the school year with a healthy smile.

 Reinforce Good Oral Hygiene Habits

The dentist or dental hygienist can provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, emphasizing the importance of daily care. They may also discuss the impact of diet and lifestyle choices on oral health, empowering your child to make informed decisions about their oral hygiene routine.

 Maximize Academic Potential

Good oral health directly impacts overall well-being including academic performance. Dental issues, such as toothaches or discomfort, can be distracting, making it difficult for children to focus on their studies. By addressing potential dental problems before they become more severe, you can help ensure your child’s oral health doesn’t interfere with their academic potential.

As your family prepares to conquer the new school year, don’t forget to contact your team of dental professionals to schedule a comprehensive checkup and cleaning. Here’s to a healthy, happy smile and a fantastic year ahead!

Dr. Merritt has been helping families in and around Canton since opening BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road in 2002. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com

Making New in AdulthoodFriends Friends

By Julie Senger

The Cherokee he

40+

Girl Gang 40+ Girl Gang

These days, making new friends seems to be harder than ever — especially for adults. Many people carry on entire relationships electronically, never meeting in person after communicating for years through social media, Zoom meetings, or other virtual venues. Those who are new to the area or who don’t already have a longstanding core group of friends nearby may become overwhelmed when deciding where to begin, frequently feeling anxious and vulnerable about putting themselves “out there.”

Meeting new friends can be particularly difficult for stay-at-home parents, retired people, those who work from home, and/ or empty nesters who no longer have their

children’s activities as a potential way to meet the parents of other kids during practices, games, meets, matches, and recitals. Since I fall into the “empty nester” group, I was excited (and a little pensive) when I stumbled upon the Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang’s page on Facebook.

The Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang is made up of more than 2,400 women from all walks of life who have at least two things in common: the desire to make new friends and have fun. In an attempt to inspire others, I decided to brave the waters of potential new friendships by attending an event with complete strangers in the Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang and then share my experience with readers.

Choosing an Activity

Any member of the Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang can create an event to gather members together for all kinds of adventures. Outings can be large (dozens of members) or small, depending on the place and the activity. Examples of past events include gatherings at coffee shops, restaurants, vineyards, movies, breweries, and live music venues, as well as more active recreational options like kayaking and tubing trips, apple picking, exercise classes, bunko, pickleball, painting classes, paddleboarding, and group hiking meetups.

While trying to decide which activity to attend, I spent months following the page and its many event options. My internal dialogue: “Should I go to a large event, so I can easily blend in with the crowd but possibly make it harder to really get to know anyone? Or should I start with a smaller group outing?” After much consideration, I chose to meet up with a medium-sized group of about a dozen ladies for drinks and Mexican food.

Group founders Jackie Lynn Pala and Lisa Beebe Pombert Gatheman (third and fourth from left, respectively) join fellow group members at last year’s 4th of July Pub Crawl in downtown Woodstock.

A group of Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang members enjoy time at a local vineyard.

My Experience

After entering the restaurant 10 minutes late (I didn’t want to be the first to arrive, since I didn’t know anyone), I recognized the event organizer from her photos and made my way to the group’s reserved table. I took an empty seat and introduced myself to those closest to me, and we all began to chat while looking over the menu and placing our orders. There was one other person who was also attending her first event, which made me feel a little less awkward. However, I needn’t have worried. Everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and interesting!

Over the course of about 2.5 hours, I discovered that I was the only person at the table who was born and raised in Georgia. The other ladies were from as near as Florida and Tennessee and from as far away as Washington and California, which just reinforced the need for groups such as the Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang to help people make new friends. We got to know each other by talking about our children, our travels, and other life experiences. I had a great time and look forward to attending more events in the future.

What Others Had To Say

“What makes me so happy is when our members find their tribe. Everyone I talk to says they are nervous about coming to an event because they haven’t been out in forever, but no one says they regret coming. I am so proud to be the administrator of a group that is welcoming to everyone,” said Jackie Lynn Pala, cofounder of Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang.

“A little over two years ago, Jackie and I noticed that our age group was in the season where we had focused decades on our careers, children, significant others,

etc., and now had more time to focus on ourselves, but not many relationships to share this time with. So, this group was going to be about us — about me, about you — that’s it. Our only goal is to have a space with zero drama and lots of fun,” said Lisa Beebe Pombert Gatheman, cofounder of Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang.

“There have been so many fun adventures! This is why I have no storage on my phone. I never get rid of any of my pictures! Can’t wait for more fun shenanigans,” said Christie Valeri, member of Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang.

Your Turn To Make New Friends!

If you’re looking to meet new friends in the area, Family Life has pinned a post to the top of its Facebook page, so followers can share links or information about local groups they’re involved with and/or read the comments to find a group that fits their needs and interests. We welcome all family friendly groups to post a link to their group’s page.

Things To Consider When Trying To Make New Friends

These tips were shared by BelgianAmerican psychotherapist Esther Perel who is known for her work on human relationships (EstherPerel.com).

 When making new friends, go beyond, “What do you do?”

 A great question to ask new people is, “What would you do if you had the chance to do things differently?” It’s open to interpretation, and people can choose their comfort level.

 Practice active listening.

 Ask follow-up questions but pay attention to boundaries — and respect them.

 Practice mutuality. Don’t be afraid to share things about yourself but find the line. You don’t have to go all the way in during the very first interaction. Like any relationship, friendships are built over time.

Ladies from the group don their best flapper attire to attend a Roaring 20s event at the historic Swan House in Atlanta.

My outing with the gang (that’s me on the far right)!

Apple picking, bunco, and group paint nights are a few past examples of the many fun Cherokee 40+ Girl Gang activity options.

How Hot Is It Inside Your Car?

By Lisa M. Grisham, CPSTI

Do you know how hot the inside of a vehicle can get? When asked to guess based on an outside temperature of 80 degrees, the answers ranged from 92121 degrees. But the temperature was well over 140 degrees. Vehicles heat up much faster than you may think. The temperature can rise 19 degrees in 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked.

For children and pets, this can be deadly. Sadly, a child dies about every 10 days from vehicular heatstroke. And an estimated 1,800-2,000 animals die in hot cars per year. Children’s bodies can heat up 3-5 times faster than adults’ bodies. And elderly animals or those with health issues overheat much faster, too.

To help prevent heatstroke, remember A.C.T.

• Avoid heatstroke.

• Create reminders.

• Take action.

Avoiding heatstroke is as simple as never leaving your child or pet in the car — not even for a minute. Make this your rule of thumb. Even if you are just running into the store for one item, take your child with you. Make a plan with your daycare so that if your child is late, you’ll be called within a few minutes.

Creating reminders helps with busy days or times when your schedule might have changed from your normal routine. More than half of reported heatstroke deaths occurred when a distracted caregiver forgot their child was in the car.

Some examples of reminders would be leaving your purse, briefcase, cellphone, or even one of your shoes in the back seat

with your baby or pet. Some navigation apps have features that send reminders to drivers once they reach their destinations. There are even applications built into some cars and car seats as well as devices that can be purchased to add to your vehicle or your child’s safety seat to remind you to check before you leave.

Take action means if you notice a baby, child, or pet left in a car — call 911 immediately. Time is of the essence. Emergency personnel are trained to direct you about what to do. It is not advised to break a window without advice from a 911 operator.

It is also important to remember to lock your vehicle — even if you park inside your garage. Children are curious and may climb into your car to check it out or hide. But once they get in the car, they often can’t figure out how to get out. Locking your vehicle will keep this from happening. Teach children that a car is not a place to play, and that trunks are for transporting cargo. If a child goes missing, seek help and check vehicles and swimming pools first.

Vehicular heatstroke is 100% preventable. Don’t let a tragedy like this happen to your family. For more information, visit SafeKidsCherokeeCounty.org. Safe Kids Cherokee County is led by Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services.

Lisa M. Grisham is the senior fire safety educator for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services and the coordinator for Safe Kids Cherokee County. 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 678-493-6296. CherokeeCountyFire.org

This Cherokee County vehicle shows an outside temperature of 95 degrees, but the temperature inside is 174 degrees!

Artist Profile

BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Patty DelValle Spreading the Joy and Peace of Nature’s Beauty

Patty DelValle starts each day with a time of devotion. She then begins painting, allowing her faith to walk with her while she creates.

“My paintings portray a level of peace, joy, something that uplifts,” she said. “Those are the qualities that stem from my relationship with the lord, and those are the things I want to give back.”

Inspired by the beauty of flowers, DelValle creates abstract florals using a variety of acrylic materials — from paints, to pastes, to pigmented sticks. Her preferred palette is composed of uplifting colors such as pinks, blues, and greens. Her renderings are impressionistic rather than photorealistic; their strokes evoke the sense of blossoms,

leaves, and stems. Never consulting photographs, DelValle relies on her mind’s interpretation to paint flowers instead of attempting to mirror their images.

“I love flowers, and they bring everyone joy. They are beautiful and individual. They are part of our celebrations and our sad times,” she said. “And there is so much variety — a little wild flower is as delicate as a rose, those tough ones that grow up through a crack in the driveway — I love that. They’re just beautiful.”

Most often working on small canvasses, DelValle begins with a sense of the colors she wants to “play with.” Opening herself to an intuitive process, she creates her background entirely in loose, free strokes while experimenting with different color combinations. Once her background is in place, she begins her foreground, responding to her strokes and building layers from them.

Painting on heavy paper because she likes the way it holds the paint, she uses brushes and painters’ wedges, but also turns to household items such as spatulas and plastic icing knives to create thick and thin lines, transparent and opaque shapes, as

well as dark and light contrasts. Often, she adds drips of paint by hanging her canvasses on the wall and allowing gravity to work its magic. While she creates stems, leaves, and petals, her strokes remain free and abundant, filling the surface with energy and movement. Rich color combinations and tonal contrasts add to the beauty that bursts off the canvas.

DelValle says that her artistic growth continues.

“It’s practice, more and more practice and trust in myself, giving myself permission not to be perfect,” she said.

While she hopes to free herself to do even more abstract works, DelValle loves the peace and beauty her floral works convey.

“I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I weren’t creative in some way. I’m not after fame or fortune. If I can paint, I feel fulfilled,” she said. “Outside of my faith, art is fulfilling, being able to paint and be happy with the results of my painting.”

To see more of DelValle’s work, visit PattyDArt.com or follow her on Instagram @Pattyd.art.

Photo courtesy of Audrey Grace Photo

BY SARAH CHILDERS

THE PEOPLE WE KEEP

Visit your local public library this July, as each branch wraps up Summer Discovery 2023: All Together Now with exciting programming for all ages. From performances to finales, you won’t want to miss what’s in store at your dynamic destination for discovery — the Sequoyah Regional Library System.

To celebrate Summer Discovery coming to an end, attend one of four finales with Wildlife Wonders. Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with wildlife, as you learn about all things social and pack animals. These events will be at Ball Ground Public Library on July 14 at 2:00pm, R. T. Jones Memorial Library on July 18 at 10:30am, Rose Creek Public Library on July 18 at 2:00pm, and Woodstock Public Library on July 19 at 10:30am.

We love getting to spend summer with our families, friends, and neighbors. If you’re looking for a book that celebrates the importance of community and found family, check out The People We Keep by Allie Larkin. Follow April Sawicki, an aspiring singersongwriter, as she discovers that the world can be so much bigger than her hometown. Through her travels, April learns that sometimes home isn’t where we live, but the people we meet along the way. After reading the book, make sure to stop by the Adult Eclectic Book Club at R. T. Jones Memorial Library on July 10 at 6:00pm to discuss it with fellow readers.

The library is the place to start your next adventure. Whether you’re looking for your next read, your next hobby, or your next story time, Sequoyah Regional Library System is proud to be your dynamic destination for discovery. We hope to see you soon at a local branch!

Sarah

Childers is the marketing manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. ChildersS@seqlib.org. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Cherokee’s Wonderful Community

By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] I have been the director for Cherokee Senior Services for eight years, and our community members have been wonderful in their efforts to help seniors. We’ve faced tough situations that our staff couldn’t handle alone and have been blessed when groups step up to help us after we post a need to our social media pages. There’s not enough space to mention all the church groups, nonprofits, corporations, clubs, schools, and county citizens who have answered the call during challenging times.

Groups and individuals alike have made financial donations to help seniors with home repairs, food, utilities, and rent. Oftentimes, seniors must choose between prescriptions and food or paying past due bills. In recent years, more of these hardships are occurring due to inflation on life’s most basic necessities.

When I came on board eight years ago, during my interview, I was asked if there was anything not already in place that I would like to add as part of our services. I quickly replied that we needed a resource coordinator because I knew we’d need to provide assistance beyond the support Senior Services normally delivers.

Deanna Gale is Senior Services’ resource coordinator. At first, I didn’t know how much a nonprofit organization called the Volunteer Aging Council was involved with Senior Services, but I quickly realized they were very instrumental in supplying the help that we couldn’t provide. Deanna works very closely with Stand Up For Seniors, formerly the Volunteer Aging Council.

Recently, Deanna was approached by a realty group about partnering with Senior Services to do a Red Day of Service. More

than 120 volunteers showed up to help a dozen seniors who needed assistance with painting, clutter organization, carpet and floor replacement, and general home and electrical repairs. This amazing group even did additional projects the seniors requested. We can’t thank these volunteers enough for the time and funds they donated, and we look forward to future group partnerships to help our seniors. L

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

By Minister Zip Cain

[InGoodFaith]

At the end of each summer break, parents begin to gather school supplies for their kids. When a family is living paycheck to paycheck, this can be extremely difficult. Children must often learn to make do with what they have, even if that means returning to school without the essentials they need to succeed.

For the past 18 years, an event called “Give A Kid A Chance” has taken place inside local churches to help families that may not have the funds to buy everything that’s needed for their children to start the new school year off right. Give A Kid A Chance provides students in Cherokee and Pickens counties with new backpacks and school supplies, so they have the tools they need to learn.

During the event, students choose a backpack, fill it with school supplies, and then play games and enjoy other activities that participating locations provide. While the students are having fun, parents/guardians can check out the community resource area that has information for additional help, if needed. Last year, more than 2,000 children came to the event, which was held at three locations across two counties.

I adore this outreach event because parents bring their children to a place where they will feel the love of God. What a great opportunity for local churches to be the hands and feet of Jesus! This year, we will be serving more than 2,500 children, but we can’t make it happen without community involvement. There are many ways that you, your business, nonprofit, or church can get involved. Please visit GiveAKidAChance.org to find out how you can help.

“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,’” (Matthew 19:14). L

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