Contents
August 2022
VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 1
16-17
[16-17]
On the Cover
Family Practice Center
20 Go Team!
High School Football Schedules
24-25
Family Night In Cultural Immersion Style
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[24-25]
Teacher Feature
[20]
Gina Haggerty
[28] Follow Us >>>
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Canton Family Life
Family Life Publications
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familylifepublications
.......................... Perspective .............................. Calendar ........................ Public Safety .................... Community Life ................. Mayor’s Message .............. Holly Springs Notes ............................ Quotables ........................ Book Review ......................... Artist Profile @FamilyLifeMags
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Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
FamilyLife Publications.com
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Publisher’sPerspective
PUBLISHER/SALES Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cyndi Braun ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com
In fact, if you’ve recently moved to the area, you may be seeing our magazine for the very first time. We welcome you! Our robust and fun-to-read community calendar, articles from neighborhood professionals, insight from local leaders, and opportunities for you to volunteer and get involved with local charities are here for you. Please indulge yourself and enjoy the read. One thing that has kept our magazines so successful for our company and our partners is the willingness to learn, to seize opportunity, and to take action to be better. With change, there are challenges. Change and challenge can lead to blessings, and it’s important to remain thankful through our trials as well as our victories. Growing up in Cherokee County, I understand very well that it is common knowledge and practice to actively participate in any efforts that created positive change for everyone. We are fortunate to call these communities ours, to make neighbors our friends, and to bring these magazines to you. Keep up the good work, y’all. ~God bless.
630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095 Also available online at
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.
© 2022 All rights reserved.
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Canton Family Life
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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.
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’ve been reflecting on a very satisfying nine years of publishing our community magazines for you to enjoy each month. Before we opened our doors in July 2013, our plan was to deliver a publication that put your family and our community first while promoting local businesses and providing a resource to help readers schedule exciting evenings and weekends close to home. We did just that.
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS George Anderson, Mary Kay Buquoi, Tony Craft, Joshua Fuder, Bill Grant, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Barbara P. Jacoby, Steven W. Miller, Tim Morris, Jessica Oravec, Juan Reyes, Patti Richter, Ellen Samsell Salas, Shannon Wallace
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Built From the Community for the Community
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Vicky Tuszynski Vicky@FamilyLifePublications.com
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Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
FamilyLife Publications.com
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Calendar AUGUST
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Volunteer Extravaganza — The Funk Heritage Center wants you! Come learn about the exciting opportunities available to FHC volunteers. Located on the campus of Reinhardt University, the Funk Heritage Center creates an immersive experience that connects local history to the culture of North Georgia. 10:00am-12:00pm, Funk Heritage Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-5970. Reinhardt.edu/funkheritage
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9th Annual Cherokee County Lake Chick-fil-A Moo’ve it 5K — This Allatoona official Peachtree Road Race qualifier raises Poker Run funds for Cherokee County Educational Foundation and Cherokee This event, which County Special Olympics. Event also includes a 1-mile Calf Run. benefits Folds of 7:00am packet pickup, 8:00am 5K start, 9:00am 1-mile Calf Run Honor, is hosted by start; Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. the Lake Allatoona Active.com (key words Chick-fil-A Moo’ve it 5K) Association and is open to all boaters. For additional Music at Menagerie — Enjoy an information about times and locations, please evening under the lights while local email Registration@allatoonapokerrun.com. musicians share songs and stories. BYOB. AllatoonaPokerRun.com FREE! 7:00-9:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 Schmooza Palooza — Learn more West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. about Cherokee County businesses MenagerieOnMain.com and enjoy door prizes, food, and fun. 19th Annual Chamber Classic Golf Guests will have the opportunity to solve an Tournament — Four-person team interactive puzzle and enter for a chance to registration is $700 and includes greens fees, win a prize. Local restaurants and caterers boxed lunch, and dinner. 8:00am registration will offer samples. Admission is FREE. and 9:30am shotgun start, Woodmont Golf 4:00-7:00pm, Woodstock City Church, 150 and Country Club, 3105 Gaddis Road, Canton. Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 770-345770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com 0400. CherokeeChamber.com
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Downtown Canton First Friday With Bumpin’ the Mango — Enjoy live music, a Kids Zone featuring an inflatable slide and balloon artist, Moving Target ATL axe throwing (participants must wear closed-toed shoes), late night shopping, restaurants, food and beverage vendors, and a Cruise In. 6:00-9:00pm, downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton. CantonGa.gov, Facebook.com/CantonGAFirstFriday
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Lemonade Day Cherokee County This is a fun educational opportunity for rising 3rd-5th grade students to learn about entrepreneurship through designing and running a lemonade stand. 11:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee County Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream — This classic, whimsical Shakespearian play is directed by Ed Polombo, Friday/Saturday 8:00pm and Sunday 2:30pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-591-0282. CherokeeTheatre.org
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Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (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, The Landings of Canton Hills, 1100 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org
ONGOING AUGUST IS National Anti-Frizz, American Adventures, American Artists Appreciation, American Indian Heritage, Black Business, Catfish, Cowgirl, Crayon Collection, Fishing, Goat Cheese, Happiness Happens, Immunization Awareness, Inventors, Peach, Panini, Political Affiliation Discrimination Awareness, Minority Donor Awareness, Read A Romance Novel, Romance Awareness, Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness, Traffic Awareness, Truancy Prevention, and Water Quality Month.
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Canton Family Life
| August 2022
Canton Farmers Market — Each Saturday through 10/15, this farmers market increases access to fresh, local food and encourages healthy communities. Horizon Healing will provide a complimentary yoga class the first Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00am. Please bring your own mat. 9:00am-12:30pm, Brown Park, 251 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov/events Waleska Farmers Market — Each Thursday, get your fresh fruits, veggies, and more from local farmers and artisans. 9:00am-1:00pm, Waleska Farmers Market, 8891 Fincher Road, Waleska. 404-805-7468. Facebook.com/waleskafarmersmarket Unwind Wednesdays — No need to cook dinner on the first Wednesday of each month through October! Enjoy a variety of food trucks, craft vendors, live music, and amazing playground equipment. 5:30-8:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Highway 20 E, Canton. PlayCherokee.org
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LIBRARY EVENTS SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org
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Great Georgia Pollinator Census Created by UGA, this project allows everyone to participate in counting insects in Georgia. Cherokee County Master Gardeners is hosting two pollinator census locations. 10:00am12:00pm, 8/19 Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton; 8/20 Veteran’s Park Backyard Agriculture Education Station (next to the tennis courts), 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton.770-721-7803. GGAPC.org
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Canton River Rock Concert & Festival Featuring Electric Avenue Bring the whole family to enjoy this FREE concert as well as food trucks and kids’ activities. Don’t forget lawn chairs and coolers (no glass or tents please). 6:00-10:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-720-7674. CantonGa.gov/events
SEPTEMBER
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City of Ball Ground Main Street Presents Local Legends — Bring the family to enjoy this FREE concert! 7:009:00pm, City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. CityOfBallGround.com
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Georgia Players Guild Presents “To the Limit,” the Best of the Eagles — From the iconic story-like lyrics to the edgy, bluesy guitar riffs to the tight, workmanlike grooves, the show features the attention to detail with a sound and feel as down-home as Glenn Fry’s legendary “Colorado” T-shirt. Tickets are $28-$39. 8:30-10:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. GeorgiaPlayersGuild.com, CantonGa.gov/ cantontheatre
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Downtown Canton First Friday With Kinchafoonee Cowboys Enjoy live music, a Kids Zone featuring an inflatable slide and balloon artist, Moving Target ATL axe throwing (participants must wear closedtoed shoes), late night shopping, restaurants, food and beverage vendors, and a Cruise In. 6:009:00pm, downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton. CantonGa.gov, Facebook.com/CantonGAFirstFriday
Tuesday Market @ The Mill — Each Tuesday, head to the Mill for some fabulous open-air shopping. 5:30-8:30pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com Saturday Night Live Music Series — After visiting the shops and restaurants at the Mill, enjoy live music on the event green each Saturday night. FREE! Visit the website for a list of musicians/bands and event times. The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com Canton Business Club Meeting — Each Wednesday morning, network with a group of professionals who are dedicated to serving their community and their clients while providing value to local business owners. 8:00am, Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton. Facebook.com (search for “Canton Business Club”) Trivia Night — Each Thursday night, gather your dream team and compete for prizes. 7:009:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
CalendarWiz.com/sequoyahreglib BALL GROUND 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground 770-735-2025
HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-7565
R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090 MUSIC & MOVES August 9, 10:30am, Hickory Flat This is a time to get out your wiggles and use shakers, maracas, and tambourines to have fun! This event is ideal for ages 0-4. MISMATCHED POKÉMON EARRINGS August 10, 4:00pm, Ball Ground Make your very own pair of mismatched Pokémon earrings! This program is open for teens and adults. Please call to register for this event. FAMILY STORYTIME August 11, 18, & 25 11:00am, Ball Ground continued on page 8 This program supports early literacy with books, songs, finger plays, and a craft activity. All children must be accompanied by a participating adult. TODDLER SENSORY SNACK AND PLAY: BUGS, BUGS, BUGS! August 17, 10:30am, R.T. Jones Children ages 0-4 years are invited to engage their senses through play, snacks, and music. Don’t worry — there won’t be any real bugs around! Children must be accompanied by an adult. PAPER AIRPLANE FOLDING AND TOURNAMENT August 23, 4:30pm, Hickory Flat Celebrate National Aviation Week with a paper airplane flying tournament. Materials will be provided. This event is for all ages. BINGO FOR BOOKS August 31, 11:00am, R.T. Jones In this game of Bingo, the prizes are books for adults and kids! All ages are welcome. FamilyLife Publications.com
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PublicSafety
Alternatives to Prison for Nonviolent Criminals
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rison is not the right place for all individuals charged with crimes. Sometimes, crimes are committed because of addiction and mental illness. When that is the case and the crime is nonviolent, individuals may be eligible for programs that provide rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Ten years ago, the Georgia Legislature established a statewide Accountability Court Program to provide effective alternative sentencing for nonviolent offenders, reduce incarceration rates, and give a second chance to defendants who have underlying substance abuse and mental health issues. These treatment problemsolving court options ensure participants meet their obligations to themselves, the court, and the community. In our county, the District Attorney’s Office refers eligible offenders to one of three accountability court programs. After carefully screened individuals are accepted into an accountability court program, they receive intensive court supervision from a judge with specialized skills and training who is supported by an interdisciplinary team consisting of a prosecutor, defense attorney, law enforcement, probation, and treatment professionals. Cherokee County Accountability Court programs require a minimum of 18 months to complete. While in these programs, defendants must pay restitution (if any) to the victims of their crimes as well as program fees. These structured treatment models require participants to regularly appear in court, undergo treatment sessions, and submit to frequent random drug and alcohol testing.
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By District Attorney Shannon Wallace
such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. In 2021, our DAC enrolled 44 individuals with felony cases into the program and graduated 27 individuals. Treatment Accountability Court (TAC) Established in 2016 by Probate Judge Keith Wood, TAC is designed to help defendants who are facing criminal charges due in part to untreated or undertreated mental illnesses. TAC, which serves both felony and misdemeanor offenders, provides intensive treatment services to participants. In 2021, our TAC accepted 11 new felony offenders into the program and graduated nine participants. Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) Established in 2017 by State Court Judge Dee Morris, VTC provides treatment for defendants who are military veterans suffering from substance abuse and/or mental health issues often related to their military service. Most participants suffer from PTSD due to combat or other trauma in the military. Veteran mentors guide participants through the five-phase program. In 2021, VTC enrolled two new felony defendants and graduated six participants after all requirements were completed.
Changing Lives It is always in the best interest of our community to rehabilitate individuals by addressing core issues with the goal to reduce the likelihood of future criminal activity. Through our accountability court programs, defendants in Cherokee County are getting the treatment they need while also receiving a second chance to pursue productive lives.
Cherokee County Accountability Courts •
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Drug Accountability Court (DAC) Established in 2013 by Chief Superior Court Judge Ellen McElyea, DAC is now overseen by Superior Court Judge David Cannon, Jr. After completion of the five-phase program, participants continue drug testing for six months, in addition to following any recommended treatment through support groups Canton Family Life
| August 2022
Shannon Wallace is the district attorney for Cherokee County. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/District-Attorneys-Office
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What Is God’s Will for My Life? By Pastor George Anderson 4.
[InGoodFaith] To live in God’s will is to live his best design for your life — and to live a truly blessed life. The bible says that God’s will is “good, pleasing, and perfect,” (Romans 12:2). We cannot improve upon God’s will. He wants you to know him and to know his will for your life.
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So, how do you get there? How do you know God’s will? 1.
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God’s will is revealed in the Bible. Someone said that “90% of God’s will can be found from the neck up,” which means we find it in his word. Granted, everything is not answered in the Bible. But God will never contradict his word. Start by doing what you already know to be God’s will for your life. Obedience is a habit. Are you doing now the things you know are his will? Is there anything you are doing that you know is not his will? Make any necessary adjustments, and begin practicing obedience to what you know to be God’s will. Consider your circumstances. God is probably not telling me to start a career as a professional baseball pitcher. I believe that
Canton Family Life
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“with God all things are possible” (Mark 10:27), but some things are highly improbable. Listen to the spirit. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives in you and will guide you if asked to do so. Expect confirmation from the body of Christ. If something is God’s will for your life, then other Christians will give their encouragement. God’s will requires faith to accomplish. The Bible says that “without faith, it is impossible to please God,” (Hebrews 11:6). You must trust God from start to finish. Someone said, “If you don’t need a miracle, you don’t need God.” The acid test is peace. The acceptance of God’s will is accompanied by the “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Seek God’s will for your life. Do it and let the fun begin! L
Dr. George Anderson is pastor of Rising Hills Church, 3635 Univeter Road, Canton. RisingHillsChurch.org
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Need To File an Insurance Claim for Your Roof? By Juan Reyes
[HomeLife] Dealing with storm damage to your roof is not an enjoyable experience, especially because it usually involves filing a homeowners insurance claim and a roofing insurance claim.
Here are some helpful tips: • Review your roofing insurance coverage each year to know what type of roof damage is covered under your policy and what your deductible will be if you file a claim. • When there is evident storm damage to your home, call your insurance company to start the claim process and get an adjuster assigned to your case. • If the roof is badly damaged and your home is unsafe, then be sure to stay somewhere else during repairs. • Record details about the damage as supporting evidence. Photograph any visible interior or exterior damage to show your insurance company. • For your safety, avoid going on your damaged roof. When filing roofing insurance claims, have an experienced roofing contractor inspect the damage for you. Some will even use drones. • Find a roofing contractor who is also experienced with roofing insurance claims. He/she will know what the insurance company needs to see for the claim to go through. • Be wary of “storm-chasing” contractors. Immediately after a big natural event, it is common for opportunistic contractors to show up throughout the affected area looking to make a fast buck and take advantage of inexperienced homeowners. Their goal is to replace as many roofs as possible at a low cost for them and get out of town.
If you are hesitant to contact your insurance company, here are some questions to ask yourself: • Would the cost of repairs be greater than your deductible by a significant amount? Significant and/or expensive damage should help determine which repairs require insurance company assistance. • Is this your first claim in the last 10 years? You are safer filing a claim if you’ve filed few or no claims in the past. • Is the damage due to negligence/ poor maintenance, or was it damaged by something not covered under your insurance policy? If so, then you Juan Reyes is the owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. shouldn’t file. Your insurance 2558 Canton Road, company will not cover your roof Marietta. 770-373-7064. repairs/replacement. MyProRoofing.com Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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Community Cherokee Deputies Receive Salary Increase The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) has increased its pay for sworn positions by nearly 20%, making it one of the leading sheriff’s offices in the metro area for law enforcement pay. The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a 7% increase plus a flat $5,000 to POST-certified positions, making the salary scales more competitive in an increasingly competitive market. The starting salary for an uncertified deputy is $50,243 with excellent benefits, pension with a county match, paid uniforms and equipment, and programs for incentive pay. “The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is currently competing with every law enforcement agency in the state for qualified deputies. The commissioners’ decision to approve a 7% COLA and $5,000 increase in pay for deputies will not only help us attract new applicants to fill our 63 vacancies, it will also help us retain current deputies,” said Sheriff Frank Reynolds. This is the third year in a row the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners has acted to increase public safety salaries to assist in recruiting quality law enforcement officers to serve and protect the community. Those interested in applying to join the CSO should visit CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org or email Recruiter@ cherokeega.com.
Canton’s Notable Transportation Initiatives In all cities, big or small, transportation is a vital part of the infrastructure, and that is why it is prioritized in one of the City of Canton’s eight tenets in its Roadmap for Success. While Canton’s Transportation Master Plan is a work in progress, the City is not waiting for it to be completed to address opportunities to improve how Canton moves forward. Some notable initiatives include: •
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The current traffic light construction at Teasley MS, a much-needed solution on Reservoir Drive. A design plan for a West Main pedestrian connection from downtown to the Mill on Etowah is in progress. The City has applied for a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to construct a pedestrian bridge and a canoe/kayak put-in/take-out location across from the Mill on Etowah to connect the new Etowah River Trail extension to Boling Park back into downtown via the upcoming pedestrian corridor on West Main Street.
Canton Family Life
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Be Pro Be Proud Drills Down the Skilled Trade Shortage Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, an initiative that promotes 15 of Georgia’s most Creekview HS students Ryan Burch in-demand skilled (seated) and (L-R) Emily Gudermuth, Carson Cater, and Will Nichelson assist professions through at a Be Pro Be Proud tour stop. a hands-on mobile workshop and interactive website, visited 43 cities across the state of Georgia during the 2021-2022 school year. The initiative’s gamified stations allow students to see what it’s like to get behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, assemble a PVC pipe, analyze human anatomy through augmented reality, bind metal through a virtual welding experience, explore a career in linework behind the lens of an Oculus VR headset, discover robotics and automation, and test hand-eye coordination through an engaging skills challenge. As part of the tour, middle and high school students are given the opportunity to “join the movement” to be connected to training and potential employers that need new employees to replenish the diminishing workforce. Of the 13,532 students who toured, nearly 75% (10,129) joined the movement and expressed their career plans; these numbers include students from Cherokee County high schools. For the 2021-2022 school year, nearly 60% of these students said they plan to pursue a career in the skilled professions or technical training after graduation. Four new partners joined Be Pro Be Proud Georgia this year including American Home Shield, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Select Cobb, and Wellstar Health System. Wellstar Health System is Be Pro Be Proud’s first health care partner, a field that is projected to grow more than 10% over the next decade. Since 2020, Be Pro Be Proud has hosted nearly 24,000 visitors on the mobile workshop across 43 counties and 238 tour stops. In addition to identifying the state’s top skilled professions, the initiative provides robust training resources – offering a comprehensive list of Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) training programs. Through partnerships with state agencies, local industry, and higher education entities, Be Pro Be Proud is effectively working to connect students across the state to highdemand careers, replenishing essential jobs vacated by the retiring workforce. To view upcoming tour dates, visit BeProBeProudGa.org. Add
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Community Cherokee County School District Announcements •
Cherokee HS Senior Wins Maritza Mott Scholarship Adriana Chavez-Mejia earned the $1,000 memorial scholarship, which is open to one graduating senior and awarded based on an application, essay questions, and references. The first in her family to attend college, Chavez-Mejia plans to study digital marketing at the University of North Georgia to pursue a career as a marketing manager. Adriana served as manager for Cherokee HS boys’ lacrosse team, worked at a local daycare, and has volunteered at her church’s food pantry.
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Hasty ES Teacher Earns International Art Education Honor Lisa Spence, the art teacher for Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy, has been named a Crayola Creativity Ambassador by the National Art Education Association and Crayola Education. Only 75 teachers worldwide were selected for the recognition, which provides honorees with professional learning, resources, and support to cultivate creativity in their classrooms, schools, and communities. Selection was based on educators’ resumes and responses to questions about building creative capacity through teaching and leadership.
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Sequoyah HS Grad Earns National Scholarship Class of 2022’s Xander Riddle, who will be attending the University of Georgia, won a $10,000 Exceptional Youth Scholarship from the Foundation for Global Sports Development, which is awarded to only 10 students nationally each year. In addition to demonstrating their dedication to community service, volunteering, and mentoring, honorees also must achieve an outstanding academic record and submit a personal essay. Riddle graduated in the top 5% of his class, completing more than nine AP college-credit courses and earning the AP Scholar with Honor designation, three National Latin Exam awards including a summa cum laude honor, an academic letter, and the UGA Merit Scholarship. Middle School Writing Contest Winners Announced Shelby Gibbs of Freedom MS won the seventhgrade division for her historical fiction children’s book, The Unseen Heroes of 9/11, and Hadley Duncan of Creekland MS won the eighth-grade division for her short story, “Cold Cost,” in the Shelby Gibbs, 2022 Middle School Writing Contest organized left, with her English teacher by CCSD’s Office of Curriculum & Instruction. Ansleigh Carroll The entries were written by students as part of the seventh-grade children’s book and eighthgrade sci-fi/dystopian rigorous curriculum design units taught in all middle school English language arts classes. The contest was designed to showcase the excellent instruction Hadley Duncan, right, with her by writing teachers and the outstanding student English teacher writing taking place in CCSD schools. Madison Truckner
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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Two Elementary Schools Earn Gold Awards From Safety Organization Bascomb ES and Clayton ES earned the Gold Partner Award from Safe Routes to School in recognition of their efforts to encourage students to walk and bike more while staying safe. The statewide nonprofit organization leads projects and activities to improve community safety, reduce traffic and air pollution around schools, and encourage children to pursue healthy and active lifestyles. It designs programs to improve the health and well-being of children by enabling and encouraging them to walk or bicycle to school.
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Special Education Staff of the Year Award Winners Announced Four members of CCSD’s Special Education department Karen Dr. Megan Susie Ashanta recently Reeves Foster Okerblad Posey received top honors during the annual Special Education Staff of the Year Awards ceremony: CCSD Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist of the Year Karen Reeves; CCSD School Psychologist of the Year Dr. Megan Foster; CCSD Special Education Facilitator of the Year Susie Okerblad; and CCSD Speech Language Pathologist of the Year Ashanta Posey. Each winner received an engraved plaque and a $175 Visa gift card.
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CCSD Wins Seven National Awards for Communications The National School Public Relations Association annually honors the best publications and electronic media produced by school districts nationwide as part of their communications efforts. The school district earned Merit Awards for Class Act, the annual magazine published at the start of the school year; the annual report, “CCSD Evidence of Success – 10 Amazing Things We've Done in 2021”; the monthly CCSD Connections parent newsletter; and “District Delegate,” the monthly newsletter for CCSD employees. CCSD won Honorable Mention awards for “Financial Facts,” the annual report of budget highlights; “First Day Facts,” the annual report of back-toschool highlights; and for its annual Teacher of the Year school winner profiles. The Office of Communications is made up of Chief Communications Officer Barbara P. Jacoby, Supervisor Carrie McGowan, Coordinator Penny Dempsey, and Administrative Assistant Anne Reed. FamilyLife Publications.com
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Community Canton Rotary Club Welcomes New President and Awards Rotarian of the Year The Rotary Club of Canton recently celebrated its past year of accomplishments and the passing of the gavel to its new president.
Immediate Past President Greg Elder (R) passes the gavel to Nicole Lawson (L) after she takes her oath of office.
Greg Elder, vice president of client services for MUST Ministries, who served as club president for the past year, passed the gavel to new President Nicole Lawson, northwest regional director for United Way of Greater Atlanta. Lawson will be joined in leadership by President-Elect Francisco Javier Lozano, Treasurer Marcie Smith, and Secretary Lori Flink. Also serving on this year’s Board of Directors are Ashton Banks, Clark Cordner, Lynn Epps, Evan Ingram, Billy Peppers, and Rommel RitaRita. The Rotarian of the Year Award, also known as the Coxe Award, was presented to Marcie Smith, executive director of The Children’s Haven. Smith was thanked for her work on the club’s family of Rotary and public image committees. The club, which is Cherokee County’s oldest civic club, offers members the opportunity to attend meetings at noon each Tuesday at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center (1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton) to learn more about their community, participate in service projects, and enjoy networking and fellowship. Its motto is “Service Above Self.” For more information, visit TheRotaryClubOfCantonGa.org.
Marcie Smith with her Rotary Club of Canton’s Rotarian of the Year Award, also known as the Coxe Award.
Board of Commissioners Approves Advertising Lower Millage Rate The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved advertising a proposed millage rate for the 2023 fiscal year, which reflects a reduction in the current millage rate to fund the county’s 2023 budget. The advertised rate for maintenance and operations is 4.995, down 4.2% from the current millage rate of 5.212 mills. One mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. A property’s assessed value is 40% of its fair market value. The BOC cannot approve a rate more than the one that is advertised. “Homeowners who have a homestead exemption will see at least a 4.2% decrease in the county maintenance and operation tax,” said Chairman Harry Johnston. “For that portion of the tax bill, those properties are protected from any increase in property value assessments. Their exemption amount automatically increases to keep their net taxable value the same.” As far as non-homestead properties are concerned, the county maintenance and operation tax will increase by the same percentage as its increase in property value assessment, minus the 4.2% rollback of the millage rate. For the average of all properties combined, the advertised rate represents an 8.4% increase from the state-calculated rollback rate of 4.609 mills. This will be the 11th consecutive year the BOC has not increased the millage rate. In the last eight of 10 years, the Board has reduced the millage rate. The BOC also is considering lowering the fire district millage rate to 2.984 mills, down from the current rate of 3.292 mills. The fire district budget, which is funded by the fire district millage rate, is estimated to total about $46 million and would fund 11 new positions and a 7% cost-of-living increase for fire personnel and staff. The Finance Department is recommending the parks bond millage rate be rolled back to 0.354 mills, down from 0.434 mills. The BOC does not control the school district tax rate, or any millage rates set by local city jurisdictions.
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Canton Family Life
| August 2022
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COVER STORY By Patti Richter
Patient-Focused Primar y Care Drivers who frequent Hickory Flat Highway in Canton likely noticed two medical buildings under construction last year. The twin buildings trimmed in stone are located about a mile southeast of Northside Hospital Cherokee. Family Practice Center, PC, opened its doors in early 2022. This location provides the community easier access to a full-time primary care physician who is welcoming new patients who are age 6 and older.
P artnering W ith P atients Dr. Ruth Wenching Wei, MD, came to anchor the Canton practice in January after first joining Family Practice Center, PC, at its Sandy Springs and Alpharetta locations in 2021. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Dr. Wei grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after her family moved there when she was 8 years old. Dr. Wei is bilingual, speaking perfect English and Mandarin-Chinese. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree with High Distinction in cell and molecular biology from the University of Michigan before earning her Doctor of Medicine degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. Dr. Wei came to Atlanta for her family practice residency at Emory University School of Medicine. “I love the natural surroundings and the hiking opportunities in north Georgia,” Dr. Wei says. She and her husband, Dylan, live in Cobb County with their rescue dog, a dachshund-poodle mix. While her specialty is family medicine, Dr. Wei has interests in women’s health, preventative health, and health care management. Besides extensive work in community health programs focused on patient education, her background includes research related to
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critical aspects of heart health, breast cancer, and childhood obesity. Dr. Wei is also a registered yoga teacher, and she incorporates yogic principles in treating her patients in a variety of conditions.
A P atient -F ocused A pproach “My approach to patient care is holistic and nonjudgmental,” Dr. Wei explains. “This includes preventative measures of diet, exercise, and partnering with patients using evidence-based medicine, rooted in high quality research studies, while incorporating a patient’s individual values and goals.” Family Practice Center is physician owned and “set apart from other health care providers,” according to Dr. Wei, who adds, “This small-practice feel is increasingly rare.” Founder and CEO Dr. James Wheeler, MD, established Family Practice Center over 40 years ago, in 1979, and he continues to see patients in the Atlanta office. Dr. Wheeler’s education background includes a medical degree from the University of Alabama Medical Center, an internship at
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health care professionals who pride themselves on providing the best possible experience for each patient.
the University of Southern California, and residencies in both psychiatry (Harvard Medical School) and family practice (University of California, Los Angeles). Over the years, Family Practice Center has grown to include 16 providers with the highest education levels. Dr. Wheeler believes this contributes to the level of care patients receive. These doctors come from top colleges and medical schools that include Harvard, Vanderbilt, Emory, and the University of Washington (Dr. Wheeler also serves as an adjunct professor of medicine at these last two medical schools). Family Practice Center locations in metro Atlanta offer top-level care and in-house diagnostic testing. Staff physicians work alongside physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and other
This comprehensive medical practice has become one of the highest-rated primary care practices in Georgia. Recent “Top Doctor” awards for 2022 have come from Castle Connolly Top Doctors, GA Top Docs, and Atlanta Magazine. Family Practice Center, which is home to three of Atlanta’s top 25 family medicine doctors, attributes its success to providing patient-focused health care, “the way you hoped it could be.”
T he C anton T eam Joining Dr. Wei at the new Canton practice is Mitchell Pearce, PA, who became part of the Family Practice Center staff in 2021. He comes from eastern Tennessee, where he graduated cum laude from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in Radiology. He later earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Milligan University. Besides his full-spectrum family medicine capabilities, Pearce specializes in preventative care, mental health, and chronic medical conditions. “I am extremely grateful to be a contributing member of the team we are building to
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
provide Canton the type of health care they deserve. We hope to fill a void in primary care in this area, which is growing at an incredible rate. I’m excited to be a part of that growth and hope to build strong and lasting relationships with patients here,” says Pearce. Dr. Wei says Pearce is very knowledgeable, thorough, and partners closely with doctors. “He has the gift of easy rapport with patients,” she adds, “which can make a monumental difference in forming a diagnosis.” Medical Assistants Kate and Stephanie round out the full-time staff in Canton. This office works closely with both Piedmont and Northside hospitals, and patients have easy access to both their records and providers. Dr. Wei and Pearce are available for sameor next-day appointments.
1521 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 200 Canton, GA 30115 404-256-1727 FamilyPracticeCenterPC.com
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17
Mayor’s Message
’s Awesome Reputation By Mayor Bill Grant
C
anton’s city manager, city clerk, city council members, and I recently attended the Georgia Municipal annual conference in Savannah. It was my eighth time going to this gathering, which is attended by elected officials and staff members from all of Georgia’s 537 cities. The conference provides several days of accredited training on a variety of topics such as ethics, downtown development, citizen engagement, diversity, sustainability, economic development, housing, annexation, parks and recreation, transportation, and roles of council and staff. Last year, I was proud to earn a Certificate of Recognition for achieving a milestone in municipal training, and I certainly put this knowledge to good use daily. While the classes and instructors are excellent sources, the greatest opportunity comes from networking with other cities to hear their challenges, strategies, successes, and failures. There are a lot of great things going on in Georgia’s cities, and I am always inspired by the passion and dedication my fellow public servants demonstrate, as they work to move their communities forward. Similar to last year, I was proud to hear so much positive chatter about Canton. I introduced myself in one class, and the lady next to me jokingly followed with, “Canton, Canton, Canton…that’s all we hear about!” I chuckled with pride. As demonstrated by our Georgia Visionary City designation in Georgia Trend magazine, Canton has become a case study for excellence in planning and execution. Our Roadmap for Success is being emulated by other cities, and our results impress our colleagues. Canton’s leadership was also extremely evident on this year’s conference agenda. City Manager Billy Peppers presented case studies during two different sessions (Entrepreneur Friendly Cities
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and the Rapid Fire Series), where he discussed his Team Canton Huddles as a planning and engagement tool. I was fortunate to sit in on his entrepreneur class, and it was interesting to see how all the presenters who followed him repeatedly referred to his presentation and our city. As we enter August and our summer days begin to wind down, Canton’s council and staff are finalizing our budget in preparation for a new fiscal year that begins October 1. Once again, we will have the lowest millage rate in Cherokee County and in our city’s history. At the GMA conference and elsewhere, I continually get asked one common question: “How is Canton doing all of these great things when their taxes are some of the lowest in the state?” While there are many factors and a great team effort involved in this formula, I believe Councilman Will Carlan put it best when addressing Canton’s notoriety at the conference: “We just created a great strategy, and we are getting things done and doing what we said we would do,” said Carlan. This is such a simple concept, yet it eludes many local and national leaders. I couldn’t be prouder of our team and our city, as we continue to plan our work and work our plan.
Bill Grant is the mayor of the City of Canton. 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov
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Watch Out for Invading Armies By Joshua Fuder
[HomeLife] Fall armyworms are the larval or caterpillar stage of a small gray moth that arrives almost annually in Georgia. Each year, weather pushes adult moths from the freezefree areas of Florida and the tropics. The females lay masses of up to 700 eggs on just about everything. The eggs are cream-colored at first but turn darker. The tiny caterpillars take 2-4 days to hatch, depending on the temperature. Eggs develop to fully grown larvae in 2-4 weeks. The larvae burrow into the soil and form pupae, and moths emerge in about 14 days. The first sign that armyworms are present might be large clusters of birds on your lawn. Look closely at the grass, and you may see several caterpillars munching on the turf blades. Although birds eat armyworm caterpillars, they are no match for hundreds of them on one lawn. When that many are in the yard, homeowners may opt to use an insecticide. Mature armyworms are one-and-a-half inches long. They are dark, with several light stripes down the length of their bodies. The head or “face” has an inverted “Y” on it. If you suspect your turf is being infiltrated but can’t find caterpillars on the grass, use a soap flush to bring them to the surface. Armyworms rarely kill grass, but some lawns may be severely weakened. Feeding damage coupled with stress from early season heat may justify applying insecticides. In turf or pastures, finding five caterpillars per square foot is a signal to start treating for fall armyworms. Carbaryl, pyrethroids, and other recommended insecticides are effective. Products containing Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) are effective only on half-inch or smaller worms. To move the caterpillars out of the thatch, irrigate before the application. Treat in late afternoon when caterpillars are likely to begin feeding. If possible, mow before you treat, and then don’t mow for three days after treatment.
Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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19
CHEROKEE
ETOWAH
Cartersville
8/26
@ Etowah
9/2
Woodstock
9/9
Sequoyah
9/16
@ West Forsyth
10/7
@ Wheeler
10/14
Osborne
10/21
@ Walton
10/28
North Cobb
11/4
@ Kennesaw Mountain
8/19
@ Cambridge
8/26
@ Hillgrove
9/2
Calhoun
9/9
North Forsyth
9/16
Allatoona
9/30
Etowah
10/7
@ River Ridge
10/14
@ Sequoyah
10/21
Woodstock
10/28
@ Rome
RIVER RIDGE
SEQUOYAH
WOODSTOCK
@ Lassiter
8/19
Hillgrove
8/19
Lambert
8/19
@ Osborne
8/26
Cherokee
8/26
@ Pope
8/26
Rabun Gap
8/26
Hiram
9/2
Forsyth Central
9/2
Sprayberry
9/2
@ Cedartown
9/2
@ Cherokee
9/9
@ Centennial
9/9
@ North Atlanta
9/9
@ Cherokee
9/9
Lassiter
9/16
Sequoyah
9/16
@ Woodstock
9/16
@ Etowah
9/16
River Ridge
9/30
@ Creekview
9/30
@ Sequoyah
9/30
River Ridge
9/30
Rome
10/14
@ Woodstock
10/7
Creekview
10/7
@ Rome
10/7
@ Allatoona
10/21
Allatoona
10/21
Rome
10/14
Creekview
10/14
Etowah
10/28
@ River Ridge
10/28
Etowah
10/28
@ Allatoona
10/21
@ Creekview
11/4
Rome
11/4
@ Allatoona
11/4
Woodstock
11/4
@ Sequoyah
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
8/19
20
CHEROKEE CHRISTIAN
THE KING’S ACADEMY
8/19
@ Calvary Christian
8/26
@ Loganville Christian
8/26
Bethlehem Christian
9/2
@ Rock Springs Christian
9/2
@ Mt. Pisgah
9/9
Skipstone Academy
9/9
North Georgia
9/16
Cherokee Christian
9/16
The King’s Academy
9/30
The Walker School
9/30
@ Lake Oconee Academy
10/7
Lanier Christian
10/7
@ King’s Ridge Christian
10/14
@ Calvary Christian
10/21
@ The Walker School
10/21
Pinecrest Academy
10/28
@ Pinecrest Academy
10/28
@ King’s Ridge Christian
11/4
Lanier Christian
11/4
@ Creekside Christian
Canton Family Life
| August 2022
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Games begin at 7:30pm.
CREEKVIEW
8/19
All schedules were accurate at time of print. Please visit the following websites to verify information before attending a game: CherokeeK12.net TheKingsAcademy.org CherokeeChristian.org
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INFANT COMMUNICATION Talking and Feeling By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.
[AcademicLife] Words do more than communicate thoughts and facts. They also allow us to organize and categorize those thoughts and facts – just as numbering systems allow us to do arithmetic after we’ve run out of fingers and toes to count on, or computer file names let us access previous work on a particular topic. At only a few weeks old, infants begin to babble and coo, then move to squeals and squeaks, followed by repetitive tongue and lip movements, all in a predictable sequence. As children age, they spend a fair amount of time experimenting with sounds. Babies play with giggles, cooing, wailing, grunting, moaning, and bubble blowing on their way to their first word, just as they play with their feet or other body parts on their way to sitting up, crawling, and walking. The pleasure gained in the mastery of sounds helps drive development forward. Be honest. You know those sounds are fun to make because you mimic them just to see your child’s little face light up. While infants begin uttering sounds for the sheer delight of doing so, they won’t attach meaning to those sounds until around 12 months of age. Once that happens, babies discover the power of words to cause action; saying “mama” is likely to bring Mom to the scene.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Children also discover that words can call forth mental images of the people or things the words mean; saying or thinking “dada” will bring up a mental picture of Dad. Such images can be very comforting to a child when a parent isn’t physically present, such as at bedtime. Most parents are familiar with children’s nighttime chants, a mix of words and syllables that call up images of the child’s world that are temporarily out of sight when we turn off the lights. While uttering “mama” may not instantly produce Mom, the mental image or picture attached to the name provides important comfort until she actually appears.
Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. GoddardSchools.com
FamilyLife Publications.com
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HollySpringsNotes
CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON
Holly Springs Town Center Project By Mayor Steven W. Miller
A
lthough sometimes tough to see when driving by, the Town Center Project construction team has been hard at work this summer, prepping underlying infrastructure that is critical to support vertical construction. This initial phase of the project encompasses clearing, grading, excavation, earthwork, building retaining walls, and installing various utilities and streets. While months of planned sitework remains, it is exciting to see movement and progress. Each day is another day closer to seeing the Town Center vision brought to life. As sitework continues, project plans have been finalized to include the construction of the initial phase of Hickory Springs Parkway. The first portion of the new parkway, which borders the eastern edge of the site, will be built in conjunction with the Town Center construction. This portion of the parkway is one of three segments that will ultimately complete the connection to the north and south of the site. I am also excited to announce that a variety of new home options will be available in the Holly Springs Town Center, with first releases for sale expected this year. Plans include attached townhomes and detached city homes, offering walkable access to Town Center’s restaurants, green spaces, and events as well as stacked lofts and central retail. I am glad that our team has been able to incorporate different housing styles at Town Center, both for sale and for lease. Approximately 70 homes will be situated to the south of Hickory Road, just steps from the heart of Town Center and its restaurants, amphitheater, and event lawn. Those interested in new homes should check HollySpringsTownCenter.com for updates and to join the new homes interest list. Before wrapping up, I want to take a moment to tell you what an incredible staff the City of Holly Springs employs. Our team is topnotch and is always looking to serve residents to the best of their ability. This month, I would like to recognize and congratulate our finance director, Denise Lamazares, as the City has once again been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the its 2020 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The City has earned this recognition each year since 2012.
Steven W. Miller is the mayor of Holly Springs, 3237 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536. HollySpringsGa.us
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Is It Time To Stop and Have Your Brakes Serviced? By Tony Craft
[HomeLife] Your brakes are one of your vehicle’s most important safety components. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, be sure to schedule an appointment with a certified technician if your vehicle is exhibiting any of the following symptoms.
Warning Signs • • • • • •
Grinding when you come to a stop Pulling to one side when you brake Shaking steering column Spongy brake pedal Squealing/squeaking sounds Vibrating or wobbling when driving at interstate speeds
Common Brake Problems Worn brake pads or rotors are usually the cause of most brake problems. Brake pads create friction to help slow your vehicle when you stop, and rotors disperse heat to prevent your brakes from overheating. If either of these pieces are damaged, they must be replaced. Low or worn brake fluid may also be a factor in poor brake performance. When you press your brake pedal, brake fluid turns that force into amplified pressure to slow or stop your vehicle. It also keeps the internal metal components of your brakes from corroding. While inspecting your brakes, a certified technician will check the following: • Brake/Hydraulic Fluid • Calipers • Hardware • Hoses • Pads • Rotors Through regular maintenance, the life of your brakes can be extended. Be sure to replace your brake fluid as recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual, and have your brakes serviced as soon as you experience any warning signs.
Tony Craft is a franchise owner at Christian Brothers Automotive. 3745 Marietta Highway, Canton. 678-919-8122. ChristianBrothersAuto.com
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
FamilyLife Publications.com
23
e i v a L e l l i m de Fa
n I t h g Ni y l i Fam
l a r u Cult rsion e m Im tyle! S
ce Fran e f i ily L Fam
nger
lie Se
By Ju
In
our current economy, families are finding it increasingly difficult to find affordable entertainment options, and some are even forgoing annual family vacations due to higher gas and grocery prices and increased rent/mortgage costs. Planning a family cultural immersion night can be a fun, inexpensive way to “travel” to a new place without ever leaving your home. Here are some tips to help get you started.
Choose a Country Perhaps select a place you’ve always wanted to visit, so you can learn as much as possible about it and decide if it’s still somewhere you want to go after spending an evening with your family “travelling” there. Or, if you’re a little more adventurous and prefer to leave things up to chance, spin a globe, close your eyes, and drop your finger down to see where it lands. If you land in the water (there’s a 71% chance you will), there’s no harm, no foul in repeating this process until you end up somewhere on solid ground.
Learn the Language Your family likely won’t master a foreign language in one night, but it would be fun to learn a few key phrases to use throughout the evening. Many apps and websites can teach you the basics of another language. Deepl.com is a great free website in which you type what you want to say into a text box and then select from more than 20 different languages for a translation. Verstehen Sie das? (That’s German for “Do you understand?”).
e t r A
ia lumb o C rt -
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| August 2022
If you choose a country where English is spoken, learn a few fun colloquialisms that the natives use that you’ve never heard before. For instance, check out Britain-Visitor.com/british-culture/british-slang for a list of British phrases and slang terms.
Enjoy a Traditional Meal When travelling, most of us love to try out the local fare. Pinterest and other websites are excellent resources to find recipes for regional dishes and beverages alike, but make sure you also research other traditions and customs regarding eating a meal in the country of your choice. Are forks or chopsticks used for eating? Or perhaps no utensils at all? Are there specific sauces or other condiments and spices that are always on the table at mealtimes? Is dinner served in courses, taking several hours to enjoy, or is it laid out like a smorgasbord and eaten buffet style? Is it rude to burp at the end of a meal, or is that seen as a thoughtful seal of approval? There are so many fun details to learn about how families in other countries enjoy a meal together.
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View the Art Due to the pandemic, many museums have made their collections available online by creating educational virtual tours. Check out TheCollector.com/free-online-museum-tours for a list of “18 Free Online Museum Tours To Enjoy Without Leaving Your Couch,” which includes portions of world famous options such as The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay in France, Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum in the Netherlands, Uffizi Galleries in Italy, Reina Sofia in Spain, and the Acropolis Museum in Greece. Your family could also watch a movie that is filmed or set in the country, about the country, or created by a filmmaker who is from the country of your choice.
k i s u M
ny rma e G ic -
Mus
Explore the History and Famous Tourist Spots No visit to another country is complete without learning a bit of its history and checking out some of its famous tourist spots and attractions.
Listen to the Music While preparing dinner or touring an online art museum, be sure to turn on music by a local artist from the country you’re “visiting.” Though Canada’s Justin Bieber, South Korea’s BTS, and Columbia’s Shakira may be well-known musical exports from each of their respective countries, you may have to do a little research to discover popular artists in smaller countries. For example, Monaco is the world’s second smallest country (it’s just 0.77 square miles — only Vatican City is smaller). So, who are some of its famous musicians? A quick Google search reveals that notable Monegasque artists include singer-songwriter Léo Ferré, who died in 1993, yet still has almost 205K monthly listeners on Spotify (which didn’t even exist when he was alive); pop singer-songwriter Josh Stanley (born in France and raised in Monaco) currently has almost 13K monthly listeners on Spotify; and for those with more refined tastes, “The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1863 and has been conducted by Igor Markevitch, Lovro von Matačić, Paul Paray, Lawrence Foster, Gianluigi Gelmetti, and Louis Frémaux,” (En.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Monaco).
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Ancient-Origins.net is a website that touts itself as the “No. 1 ancient history website in the world” because it provides “all the latest news on finds, advancements, and research in archaeology and ancient history,” which can be searched by continent under its “Places” tab. Some of the information may be too graphic for children, so be sure to review the site in advance to find family friendly topics to share. As with many of the world’s popular museums, famous tourist spots and attractions can also be explored online. Want to go on a live virtual African safari? Visit WildEarth.tv and you can do just that. The website also provides links to prerecorded safaris. Want an out-ofthis-world path walking experience? Log on to TourismThailand.org for a free virtual tour of the Prasat Phimai Khmer ruins, where you can “walk” over the Naga Bridge, a cross-shaped terrace with holy snakedecorated railings, which represents the path from Earth to heaven. Your family can explore countless places all over the world without packing a bag or booking a flight. So, what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster — even if you never even get off the couch.
n Japa i h Sus FamilyLife Publications.com
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Quotables “Fumbling the bag isn’t always about money. It’s also mishandling people who genuinely cared for you.” -Unknown
“I’d rather be excluded for who I include than included for who I exclude.” -Rev. Eston Williams
“You cannot see your reflection in boiling water. Similarly, you cannot see the truth in a state of anger. When the water calms, clarity comes.” -Unknown
“Curiosity has created more opportunities than hard work ever will.”
“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
-Ankur Warikoo
-Harry Truman
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” -Pablo Picasso
“Facing rejection will bruise you; fearing rejection will paralyze you. When someone tells you you’re incapable of doing something, they’re only right if you believe them.” -Unknown
“True love always liberates.” -Gary Chapman
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Canton Family Life
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“The difference between critical thinking and overthinking is perspective.” -Dan Koe
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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC
THE HACIENDA In
Isabela Cañas’ novel The Hacienda, which takes place after the fight for Mexican independence, Beatriz is looking for a way out. Her father has died, their home has burned, and she and her mother now are living with and serving their extended family. So, when Rodolfo comes to the capital, Beatriz jumps at the chance to become his wife. A widower, Rodolfo is mysterious but kind.
After travelling to Rodolfo’s home, Hacienda San Isidro, Beatriz meets his sister, Juana, who doesn’t get along with her brother and refuses to live inside the house, instead choosing to live in a small casa on the grounds. And when Rodolfo leaves for the capital, strange things start to happen in Hacienda San Isidro. Beatriz becomes increasingly paranoid, as she sees things that suddenly vanish. When she discovers a skeleton in a wall that disappears when she tries to show it to Juana, she knows that the house is haunted. So, she goes to the church to find Andres, a priest who’s willing to cleanse whatever is in the house. However, Andres, who was banished from Hacienda San Isidro by Rodolfo’s first wife, discovers that all is not as it was when he lived there before. Before Andres’ banishment, the house was haunted, but the spirits were quiet, furtive, and a bit mischievous. Now, something evil has entered the home, and when it is accidentally set free from the walls — no one is safe. Well written and lyrical, The Hacienda is gothic horror at its finest: a haunted house, a dead wife, a mysterious husband, and secretive servants. It also sheds light on an important and violent time in Mexico. If you love a good haunted house, this is the book for you. But be prepared — all is not what it seems.
Jessica Oravec lives in Cherokee County and is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a B.B.A. from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
FamilyLife Publications.com
27
Teacher Feature BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
Hickory Flat ES fourth-grade teacher Gina Haggerty sees her attitude as the greatest asset in her teacher toolbox. The 24-year educator, who is her school’s 2022 Teacher of the Year and a CCSD Teacher of the Year finalist, is equipped with significant education and experience, but she believes it’s her enthusiasm that makes all the difference. “My enthusiasm flows onto them,” said Haggerty, who also serves on her school leadership team and coaches the basketball club. “By using rhymes, hand motions or gestures, and creative visuals, my students are encouraged to play an active role in their learning. My students love it when I offer challenges or friendly competitions. While in social studies, they ask many questions and want to know more than what the standards call for. This curiosity guides the challenges and encourages them to have a love of learning. Working collaboratively is another thing that gets kids pumped and wanting more. Making connections to the real world as well as setting goals and celebrating successes (big and small) are a few other ways to keep kids excited about what they are learning.” Haggerty’s own experience with an enthusiastic teacher inspired her career path. “My third-grade teacher, Mrs. Bennett, believed in me,” Haggerty said, noting how she advocated for her and helped her learn 28
Canton Family Life
| August 2022
Gina Haggerty to read — and to see her own potential. “She motivated me to become a teacher. She gave me the desire to love learning and to help others.” She now works to ensure her students not only learn required lessons (and does so creatively such as through her Westward Expansion lesson that culminates in student research project-based Adobe Spark presentations from the perspective of a Native American or a settler), but also understand how invested she is in their overall success.
“I want to show students that they have so many possibilities within themselves,” she said. “Although some days are tough, it is a privilege to invest in their lives. None of us are here by accident. I hope that I make my students feel valued, listened to, and motivated to achieve their goals!”
What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school? “Parents need to know that they are part of a team, and by working together with the teacher, this benefits their children,” she said. “Ask your child what they are reading and talk to them about the details. Listen to them read and ask them questions to show that you are interested in what they are reading. Help your child prepare for an upcoming quiz or test by making flashcards or reading notes together. Encourage your children to persevere when things get tough and let them know it is OK to make mistakes. Use these mistakes they make as an opportunity to learn something new. Give your children responsibilities at home (taking out the trash, emptying the dishwasher, sorting laundry, etc.). This helps teach them responsibility and to take pride in everything they do.”
Barbara P. Jacoby is the chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District. 770-704-4228. CherokeeK12.net
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What’s the Solution? By Tim Morris
[Lifestyle] Recently, Molly, a long-time member of the Cherokee Senior Center, told us she had to move and would not be able to visit the Center anymore. She was going to miss the place that felt like home and the friends she’d met along the way, but she had to move in with her daughter in Fulton County until she could find a new place to live. Originally from Taiwan, Molly moved to Canton with her husband several years ago. After her husband died, catching the CATS bus to come to the Center gave her a reason to get up every morning. A few months ago, Molly was told her apartment rent was going up more than 20%, which meant she could no longer afford to live there. After looking for another apartment, she and her daughter discovered there was nothing affordable that didn’t have a two-year waiting list. So, Molly’s daughter made the decision to move her mom in with her and her family. Though Molly loves her
daughter, she enjoys her independence and doesn’t want to be a burden. Many seniors at the Center have struggled to find affordable housing options. In the past three years, calls from seniors who can no longer afford rent have tripled. In some cases, they’ve been forced to live in their cars in shopping center parking lots. What’s the solution? Stand Up For Seniors, the Center’s nonprofit organization, provides a temporary solution by raising funds to help with emergency shelter. It covers a weeklong stay in a hotel, which is not enough because most seniors end up back in their cars at the end of their stay. When people ask what the long-term
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
solution is, I tell them we need more affordable senior housing in Cherokee. The Center has sent many people to Cobb and DeKalb because more subsidized housing is available in those counties. L
Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services
FamilyLife Publications.com
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Photo courtesy of Amber Bernard, Atlanta Contemporary
ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
IN KYOUNG CHUN Multitalented in Multimedia No matter which medium In Kyoung Chun chooses, from oil painting to installation sculptures, her art speaks of everyday life experiences such as family vacations, becoming an “empty nester,” or the comfort of a cup of steaming coffee. Whether it is a metal gateway lit with neon lights, the combination of abstract and figurative elements in an oil painting, or an explosion of watercolor on a canvas, Chun creates harmony, peace, and even whimsy.
Come to My House
Photo courtesy of Project Art Space, New York City
palettes, the houses play on the motif of home seen in much of Chun’s art. Their clear walls invite the viewer inside to see a sketch of a family seated on a bench, a watercolor of a birthday cake, or dining table. “My houses are positive energy; it’s about protection as well as vulnerability,” Chun said.
A native of South Korea, Chun has pursued the call to art she first felt as a child. While she detoured to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and raise a family, she continued to follow her dream. Now with an MFA in drawing and painting from Georgia State University, she is a resident artist at Atlanta Contemporary, exhibits extensively, and explores diverse artistic avenues.
Fascinated by the ability to endow a flat surface with many meanings, Chun says her first love remains drawing and painting. In her abstract works, an array of colors, shapes, and textures create balance and meaning. In others, negative space allows figurative objects to draw the viewer’s eye, such as a small tote bag paired with a bright yellow umbrella that pops from a white beach and awakens memories.
Composed of triangles sitting atop rectangles, Chun’s plexiglass houses, whether large or small, evoke the sense of home. Childlike in their simple design and minimal
Gate way “Sa
ekdo
ng”
Beginning each painting with an image and a color palette in mind, she might first apply a light
Rain
bow
Wish
pastel base, sketch some figures in pencil, then allow the work to develop organically. Some canvases burst with flowers and houses, others combine the abstract and figurative to achieve Chun’s keen sense of balance and coherence. “When I paint, my plan changes,” said Chun. “I have to change, as the painting evolves. Sometimes, my work process is very spontaneous and requires a different methodology.” Chun does not paint to direct the viewer’s responses but follows her instincts to create a stimulating visual experience. “The audience is unpredictable,” she said. “Their response is impossible to control, so I would rather focus on what makes me confident about finishing something and my own sense that the work is OK. If I feel confident and good about my painting, I realize that people react positively.” The viewer is drawn to the artist’s ability to create meaning. Some forms are easily recognizable; others are open to interpretation. Yet in each piece, individual forms come together to create a harmonious composition or scene. “I’m just doing my part,” Chun said. “The audience translates.”
Flowered Two Ci
rcles
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Canton Family Life
| August 2022
For more information about Chun or to view additional works, visit InKyoungChoiChun.com or @inkyoungc on Instagram. Add
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Get Ready To
Moo’ve It! By Lisa-Marie Haygood
[AcademicLife] On Saturday, August 13, the Etowah River Park will be alive with excitement, as our community turns out for its largest support ever of the Annual Chick-fil-A (CFA) Moo’ve It 5K! More than 1,500 runners will arrive early to enjoy some fresh air and exercise.
amazing race sponsors will provide water, fresh fruit, granola bars, and goodies for everyone in attendance. There will also be music, face-painting, and tons of family fun. Children and strollers are welcome!
The event benefits both the Cherokee County Educational Foundation and the Cherokee County Special Olympics. Each year, the race is presented by Keith Booth of the CFA at the Outlet Shoppes, Scott Hall of Towne Lake CFA, Ron Hammock of Truett’s CFA in Woodstock, and Kevin Williams of Hickory Flat, Market Place, and Riverstone CFAs along with their marketing teams and staff.
Sponsors include Carriage KIA of Woodstock, Northside Hospital Cherokee, Credit Union of Georgia, Cobb EMC Community Foundation, Southeast Restoration, Amie Chambers Real Estate, Walmart of Riverstone, Goodwin Investment Advisory, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Pinnacle Orthopedics, Reinhardt University, Universal Alloy Corporation, Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Corporate Office Furniture, North Georgia CPA, and Duluth Trading.
All who are registered to compete will be treated to CFA chicken biscuits, and other
It is not too late to register. All information can be found at CFAMooveIt.com.
Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
FamilyLife Publications.com
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Advertiser Index The Carpenter’s Shop
Inside Front
Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Schmooza Palooza Cherokee Children’s Dentistry
23 Inside Back
Christian Brothers Automotive — Cherokee Darby Funeral Home, Inc.
3 27
Downtown Canton First Friday
5, 19
DT Chiropractic
3
Edward Jones — Graham B. Bailey
31
Family Practice Center
Cover, 16-17
The Goddard School
Inside Back
Handyman Connection
23
Harmony Orthodontics
5
Hickory Flat Out 5K Benefiting Hide and Seek Day Camp
19
HVAC Bee
Inside Front
Import Auto Repair
10
Jyl Craven Hair Design
9
Killian Automotive
27
Landscape Matters, Inc.
32
LGE Community Credit Union
Back Cover
Masterpiece Framer
29
Mathnasium of Holly Springs
11
Next Step Ministries
32
PhotoJack.net
21
Service League of Cherokee County
31
ServiceWise Electric
5
St. George Village
1
The Tint Guy
3
Woodstock Funeral Home
11
Woodstock Summer Concert Series
26
Online ads link to advertisers’ websites.
32
Canton Family Life
| August 2022
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