Canton Family Life 10-20 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

October 2020

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 3

20-21 On the Cover

[20-21]

Marsha Malone Farmers Insurance

30-31 High School Band

Beyond the Halftime Lights

36-37 Artist Profile

Preston Goodson

[30-31]

[36-37] Follow Us >>>

Family Life Publications

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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

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

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

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

.............. Holly Springs Notes

......... Canton Concert Photos

........................ Public Safety

............................ Quotables

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

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

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

Now, I get it — there’s a pandemic, there’s an election, and there’s social disruption. If you’ve spent time with me, you’ve heard me say, “Well, there’s that!” in response to something obvious. So, to hopefully add some perspective, I found a long quote from C.S. Lewis that was written at the start of the Atomic Age and made this “Mad Lib.” Fill in the blanks as you wish: “We think a great deal too much of the __________. ‘How are we to live in a/an (noun) __________ age?’ I am tempted to reply, ‘Why, as you would have lived in the sixteenth (adjective)

century when the plague visited London almost every year, or as you would have lived in a Viking Age when raiders from Scandinavia might land and __________ your __________ (verb) (noun) any night; or indeed, as you are already living in an age of cancer, an age of _________,… (noun) an age of terrorism, an age of addiction, an age of motor accidents.’ “In other words, do not let us begin by exaggerating the novelty of our situation. Believe me, dear sir or madam, you and all whom you love were already sentenced to __________ (noun) …and quite a high percentage of us were going to die in unpleasant ways….It is perfectly ridiculous to go about __________ and drawing long faces because __________ has/have (verb) (noun) added one more chance of a __________ and premature death to a world which already (adjective) bristled with such chances and in which death itself was not a chance at all, but a certainty. “This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be _________ by a/an _________, let that _________ when (verb) (noun) (noun) it comes find us doing sensible and human things — praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, _________,…chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of (activity) _________ — not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about _________. (noun) (noun) They may break our bodies…but they need not dominate our minds.”

ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Kay Buquoi, Mike Carswell, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Will Goodwin, David E. Harrison, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Tim Morris, Jessica Oravec, Ellen Samsell Salas, Brooke Schmidt, Brian Seng, Anna Teal, Bruce Thompson, Shannon Wallace, Peter Wrobel

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

770-213-7095

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FamilyLifePublications.com Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine with a total print count of over 30,000, direct mailing over 28,000 copies to Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, Hickory Flat, 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.

E R EC Y C

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We’ve all made it around the sun a few times now, and I might add, at a very high rate of speed while spinning. Let’s now make this the age of caring, appreciating, and praying for each other. We all need more prayer and understanding. Be safe out there.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

It is October now, and along with the cooler weather, colorful fall foliage, and pumpkin spice, there does seem to be a lot of fear in the air. Many of my friends know that not much really bothers me, and I’m fairly laid back — but dang. It is unsettling to see so many affected by so much in such a small span of our time here on this rock.

EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

BOO!

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

Well, There’s That!

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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

OCTOBER

Downtown Canton First Friday With the Sensational Sounds of Motown Come out to enjoy live music, food vendors, after-hours shopping, and all that downtown Canton has to offer! 6:009:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonGa.gov, Facebook.com/CantonGAFirstFriday

Mars Opposition — A planet is said to be in opposition when Earth lies directly between it and the Sun. As the planet sits in the opposite part of the sky to the Sun, it’s positioned closest to Earth for its current apparition (period of visibility). On this date, Mars will appear larger than usual, making it an optimal time for observation. This phenomenon only occurs every 2 years and 2 months (or to be precise, every 779.94 days).

2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 3 23, 30, & 31

Live Music at The Mill — Enjoy FREE live music close to home from the following artists at this great venue: 10/2 The Bluebird Two, 10/3 Jonathan Peyton Band, 10/9 TBD, 10/10 Left on Main, 10/16 Todd & Marissa, 10/23 Mark Miller, 10/30 Cody Bolden, 10/31 TBD. 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 404-281-9463. EtowahMill.com

Touch-a-Truck — Let your children put their imaginations in gear and go! Kids will have the opportunity to climb aboard and get behind the wheel of their favorite vehicles, learn from their operators, and meet some hometown heroes. 10:00am2:00pm (9:30-10:00am is quiet time for those with sensitive ears), Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

Canton River Rock — Bring the whole family to enjoy a FREE concert featuring Absolute Queen with Beyond the Yellow Brick Road (Elton John tribute) as the opening act. 6:00pm (opening act) and 8:00pm (headlining act), Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 770-720-7674. Facebook. com/pg/cityofcanton/events

CaliFino Fest — Enjoy food vendors, live music, and tequila tastings. Music will include classic rock, Latin rock, and reggaeton for those who like to dance. 4:00-11:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 404-272-3579. EtowahMill.com

Etowah River Cleanup Give back to the community by helping to clean up Etowah River. Volunteers are advised to wear old shoes and clothes and bring heavy work gloves (if you have them). CCWSA will provide breakfast and coffee in the morning and individually wrapped snacks and water during the cleanup.

ONGOING OCTOBER IS FAMILY HISTORY MONTH Visit websites and organizations that can help you trace your genealogy. Talk to older relatives and document the stories they tell. Take time this month to create a family tree and celebrate your ancestors.

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Scarecrows in Downtown Canton Through October 31, head to downtown Canton to check out all the creative scarecrows that will line the streets! For more information, email RiverfestScarecrows@gmail.com. ServiceLeague.net

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Participants will receive full neck buffs this year instead of T-shirts. Please sign up in advance by emailing Lori.Forrester@ ccwsa.com. The date is subject to change if conditions are considered unsafe for any reason. COVID-19 precautions will be followed. 9:00am-12:00pm, Upper Etowah River Alliance office, 180 McClure Street, Canton. 770-479-1813 x246. CCWSA.com

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

Georgia Zombie Fest LIVE and Virtual 5K Walk, Run, Creep, or Crawl For the LIVE version, participants will run through zombie invested woods. Downtown COVID-19 rules will apply at Canton First the LIVE event. The virtual Friday With Anita & version can be completed The Party Life wherever runners choose. Funds raised will benefit the Rescheduled from programs of Cherokee FOCUS. The event is also part June, come out to enjoy of the Black Bag Race Series. Please register in live music, food vendors, advance; there will be NO WALK UP REGISTRATIONS. after-hours shopping, and Please check the website for event time(s), all that downtown Canton Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial has to offer! 6:00-9:00pm, Parkway, Canton. 770-345-5483. Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, GeorgiaZombieFest.com Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonGa.gov, Facebook.com/CantonGAFirstFriday

The Great Pumpkin Fest — Delight in Cherokee Recreation & Park’s very own FREE fall festival, featuring a DJ, craft vendors, lots of food, and a hayride. Bring your own pumpkin to launch from a trebuchet, and wear your Halloween costume, so you can trick-or-treat at the on-site vendor booths. 10:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

BBQ, Brews, and Boos! — Enjoy your favorite BBQ vendors, locally brewed craft beer, and maybe a scare or two throughout the day. The 3rd annual BBQ, Brews, and Boos will offer live music, retail vendors, food trucks, beer trailers, a kids’ area, and trick-or-treating. 4:00-10:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 404-210-3025. BBQAndBrews.com

Canton Farmers Market Each Saturday through October 24, this event features local growers and artisans. All produce is grown in Georgia and is mostly organic. 9:00am-12:00pm, Brown Park, 251 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonGa.gov, Facebook.com/CantonGAFarmersMarket

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

NOVEMBER

Downtown Canton First Friday With Electric Avenue — Enjoy live music, food vendors, after-hours shopping, and all that downtown Canton has to offer! 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonGa.gov, Facebook.com/ CantonGAFirstFriday

The Market at The Mill on Etowah Every Tuesday night, check out this gathering of farmers, makers, creators, bakers, pickers, and purveyors of Southern goods in north Georgia. 6:00-8:30pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. Facebook.com/TheMillOnEtowah

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CantonNotes

Fill ‘Er Up! MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE BOTTLE AT A TIME

Green By Brooke Schmidt

anton is going greener, y’all! When I ran for Canton City Council last year, I knew that one of the initiatives I wanted to help usher in was the installation of water bottle filling stations in our City buildings and parks. Making it easier for citizens to reduce their dependence on single-use plastics leads to less litter in our parks, greenspaces, trails, and waterways. Now, residents and visitors will find bottle filling stations in Canton’s City Hall, and as the trails get completed, they will be added there as well as in City parks. Of course, 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have made traditional drinking fountains even more obsolete and shined a light on what parents everywhere already know: Drinking fountains tend to be unsanitary. It’s not that illness is spread by the water itself. According to the New York Times, the spout is constantly being rinsed — the “eww factor” comes from germs spread by hands that have been on the handles or

Fill up a reusable bottle to make a meaningful difference for your health and the health of our city! mucous in the fountain bowl from where some people spit before drinking. When folks don’t have easy access to water because drinking fountains have been turned off or are not useable, they often turn to single-use plastic bottles or less healthy alternatives such as sugarfilled sodas or juices. So, water bottle filling stations not only help sustain a healthier environment but also healthier humans. If all of that wasn’t enough to make your family a believer in bottle filling stations, the bottom line just might. According to BecauseWater.com, bottled water in plastic, single-use bottles is “2,000 times more expensive than tap” and “three times the amount of water used to fill the bottle is needed to produce its plastic.”

Don’t forget to grab your favorite reusable bottle when you leave your house, and please email photos to Brooke.Schmidt@cantonga.gov of your family enjoying Canton’s water bottle filling stations around town this fall and winter. The first one you’ll find will be at Etowah River Park. Who knows? By demonstrating to others an easy way to make a big difference in our community, maybe you’ll end up in a future City newsletter.

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

HYDRATE FOR HEALTH Studies have found that sugary beverages are highly linked with obesity, especially in children and young adults. Hydration, on the other hand, has positive health benefits such as flushing out toxins, increasing muscle efficiency, and contributing to healthier skin. Quality bottle filling stations give communities a tool they need to stay healthy. Source - BecauseWater.com

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FIVE

Alternatives for Juniper By Joshua Fuder [HomeLife] While juniper has its place as a low-growing, lowmaintenance, evergreen ground cover, now is a great time to consider some more interesting alternatives. Check out the following five options.

 Hypericum calycinum (Aaron’s beard, St. John’s wort)

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

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Retired UGA horticulture professor Allan Armitage calls this species “one of the finest ground covers available.” It tolerates a wide range of soil types from full sun to part shade. It has evergreen foliage with bright yellow flowers that bloom mid-summer, and the bees absolutely love it. This ground cover spreads rapidly via stolons and reaches a height of only 1-1.5 feet. Recommended plant spacing is 18 inches. Linnaea x grandiflora ‘prostrata’ (Prostrate Abelia) This low-growing evergreen shrub stays below 2 feet. A number of cultivars are available, which offer a variety of leaf colors, variegation, and white to pink flower colors that attract butterflies. Trachelospermum asiaticum (Asian star jasmine or yellow star jasmine) – This quick-growing, bird friendly ground cover has wonderfully fragrant flowers. Numerous cultivars are available that provide variety in foliage. It behaves more like a vine and will climb objects in a landscape. Cotoneaster dammeri (bearberry cotoneaster) – This easy, low-growing shrub reaches 1-2 feet in height and 6 feet wide. The branches root along the ground as they grow. The small, white flowers attract butterflies in the spring, followed by small, holly-like fruits that persist in winter and attract birds. Iberis sempervirens (evergreen candytuft) – This plant’s finely textured leaves with beautiful flat clusters of white flowers will often obscure the dark green foliage below when it blooms in early spring. This low-growing ground cover has a maximum height of 6-8 inches, with a spread of 18-24 inches.

Whether installing these plants as new ground cover or replacing old ground covers, follow practices like doing a soil test for pH and nutrients, proper planting procedures, irrigation, and mulching. For more ideas, check out UGA Bulletin 625 “Landscape Plants for Georgia.”

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

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Community

Empower Cherokee Needs Your Help

CCSD School Nutrition Meals Free to All Students

Due to COVID-19, Empower Cherokee has postponed all public events, including its gala. This nonprofit organization, which assists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, needs funding for the following:

Cherokee County School District (CCSD) families are receiving a new form of economic stimulus: free meals.

 Serving Thanksgiving dinner to Empower Cherokee participants (120 people). Total needed: $2,500.  Campus beautification. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, churches that typically do service projects have not been available, and Empower Cherokee courtyards need mulch and weeding. Total needed: $1,500.  Annual live or virtual Christmas party for Empower Cherokee participants. Food will be provided regardless of which option. A gift card to an area business ($20-$25) is given to each participant. Total needed: $4,000 (combined cash and gift cards).

The USDA funding is retroactive to Sept. 1, 2020, and all meals charged since then will be credited back to student accounts. If an unpaid balance for meals was incurred, that balance will be waived. School Nutrition will charge fees for second helpings and extras like chips and cookies.

Any help is appreciated. For more information about Empower Cherokee, please visit EmpowerCherokee.org.

Lisa-Marie Haygood Earns Certified Association Executive Credential American Society of Association Executives announced that Lisa-Marie Haygood, executive director of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF), earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, which is the highest professional credential in the association industry.

Through December 31, 2020 (end date depends upon funding), CCSD School Nutrition will not charge fees to students for breakfast or lunch. No forms or income eligibility requirements are necessary for this federally funded temporary relief program.

Free meals are available to in-person students and Digital Learning students who order a week of to-go meals. Free meals are available to students at high schools with hybrid schedules for both in-person days and at-home days if to-go meals are ordered in advance. Children who are not yet school age who come with their parent/caregiver to the Digital Learning meal pick-up are also eligible to receive to-go meals. “We’re grateful for this federal support to provide relief to families who need a helping hand during this challenging time to ensure their children are fed,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower.

To be designated as a CAE, the applicant must have experience with nonprofit organization management, complete a minimum of 100 hours of specialized professional development, pass a stringent examination in association management, and pledge to uphold a code of ethics. Haygood has served as CCEF’s executive director since 2017 and has a long history of advocating for excellence in public schools throughout Georgia.

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Community CCSD Speech Language Pathologist Named to National Board The American Speech-LanguageHearing Association selected Cherokee County School District Lead Speech Language Pathologist Dr. Patti Howard to serve on its Clinical Specialty Certification Board, a prestigious national appointment.

Dancing with the Stars Contestant Raises Funds and Awareness for Cherokee’s Special Olympics Dance Team Louis Van Amstel, a three-time World Dance Champion and recurring star of Dancing with the Stars, visited Woodstock to help raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Dance in Cherokee County. As part of Van Amstel’s efforts to make dance an official sport, he created LaBlast Special Olympics Dance Teams. “LaBlast” is the name of Van Amstel’s world-renowned dance fitness program. Van Amstel recently held LaBlast open classes with Cherokee County resident Laura Mikszan, 2020 LaBlast Instructor of the Year, to help implement a pilot program in Georgia. “Dance is such a powerful way to unify people across age, fitness level, and ability. LaBlast especially gives these special populations the freedom and accessibility to express their creativity and enhance their sense of well-being,” said Mikszan.

According to the Association, Certification Board members are responsible for setting standards for professional clinical certification for speech-language pathologists and audiologists as well as for clinical specialty certification programs and recognition programs for support personnel.

Goshen Valley Awarded Inaugural Chris Conti Memorial Grant Goshen Valley Boys Ranch recently received the Chris Conti Memorial Grant, which honors the late cofounder of Innovative Fitness. The grant will provide the new Goshen Valley fitness space with cardio, strength, and functional training equipment. “The gym renovation will allow our boys and staff to focus on healthy outlets. For staff, this work can be taxing and sometimes leads to people not caring for themselves well. This gym will provide a convenient way for house parents and staff to maintain their personal health and well-being while still making a difference in the lives of our boys,” said Stacy Cooper of Goshen Valley.

OCT

Those With October or November Birthdays Encouraged To Renew Tags Early If you’re celebrating a birthday this month or next, Cherokee Tax Commissioner Sonya Little encourages you to renew your tags early – or use online or kiosk options. Parking may be limited since early voting is scheduled at the Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration office, which recently moved to the Canton tax office campus. In addition, property tax bills and payments are due this fall.

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

NOV

“October and November are busy months at our office, and we want our customers to know ahead of time to expect parking limitations during this time,” Little said. “We have online options and convenient kiosk locations at Kroger in Hickory Flat and Towne Lake.” For more information, visit CherokeeGa.com/tax-commissioners/ office.

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Community Cherokee County Educational Foundation Awards $56K in Grants The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) kicked off the new school year by presenting teachers and support staff with $56,000 in grants. Since its 2012 formation, CCEF has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to support Cherokee County School District (CCSD) teachers, programs, and schools. “The Cherokee County Educational Foundation makes teachers’ dream projects a reality, and we’re incredibly grateful for the Foundation board, executive director, volunteers, sponsors, and donors who make its fundraising successful,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. The Foundation also supports initiatives including credit recovery scholarships for high school students, STEM learning, and the Teacher of the Year recognition program. These funds are raised through events as well as direct donations, which can be made online at CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org.

Sequoyah HS Band Honored With Regional Invitation The Sequoyah High School Symphony Band has been selected to perform at the University of Alabama High School Honor Band Festival to be held February 4-7, 2021.

CCSD Superintendent Presents Game Changer Award Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower recently presented the first of four annual Game Changer Awards, which recognize excellence in instruction. The Game Changer award for Instructional Support was awarded posthumously to the late Dr. Rouel Belleza and was accepted by his wife, Ellie. Dr. Belleza passed away in November after a two-year battle with gastric cancer. He served as CCSD’s first supervisor of student services in the Office of School Operations and, in this role, laid the groundwork for a future Virtual Academy program. He was also the architect of the CCSD’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative.

This is the third regional invitation the band has received in the past five years. The band’s 2020 Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Large Group Performance Evaluation Concert recording was submitted for consideration and selected from band programs auditioning from across the Southeast. That GMEA performance marked the 30th consecutive Superior Rating earned by the band in the past 10 years. Director of Bands and Orchestra Casey Eubanks has led the Sequoyah High School program for the past 10 years.

“Rouel recognized early on that, while our primary mission is teaching and learning, effective instruction can’t happen if we neglect the mental health and well-being of our students and staff,” Dr. Hightower said. “His work has saved the lives of at-risk students, and that’s a legacy that will live on for generations.” 12

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Community CCSD Recognizes 2020 Volunteer of the Year Cherokee County School District (CCSD) recently presented the 7th annual district-wide Volunteer of the Year award to Brian Tomalavage. Tomalavage is an active volunteer at Free Home ES, where he established a Watch DOGS program to encourage more dads, grandfathers, and other male family members to become involved in school activities. Through the program, which he chaired while also serving as president of the School Council, he engaged parents in car-rider duty, campus improvement projects, and manning the book fair and other events. In recognition of this dedication, Free Home HS named him school Volunteer of the Year. The District established this award program to recognize outstanding school volunteers. Through this program, every CCSD school selects a Volunteer of the Year. From that pool, a committee of retired educators and community leaders selects a district-wide person to honor. While the traditional recognition ceremony could not be held this year, plaques are being delivered to all school-level winners, thanks to the continuing sponsorship of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. Every week, a different school Volunteer of the Year is featured on CCSD social media platforms. “We could never repay our outstanding volunteers for their dedicated service, but these awards are a way to recognize them and thank them. They are making a positive difference in the lives of our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower.

Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration Office Has Relocated Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration relocated to the tax office campus in Canton. The facility (2782 Marietta Highway, Suite 100) accommodates 780 voting machines, received earlier this year. The new office is in the same building as the Cherokee County Tax Assessor’s office and is equipped with a 24-hour ballot drop box near the entrance. For more information, contact Cherokee County Elections and Voter Registration at 770-479-0407 or visit Voter.CherokeeGa.com.

Canton Resident Wins Award at 2020 Atlanta Film Festival Canton resident Jennifer Dunn recently won the Pilot Screenplay Award at the 2020 Atlanta Film Festival Screenplay Competition for her work entitled BIRDSONG. Chosen from nearly 1,300 total submissions, Dunn’s BIRDSONG was one of only five screenplays to win an award. Due to her win, Dunn will receive unique mentorship opportunities to help hone her craft and plan the next steps in her career. “I wrote my pilot BIRDSONG because I’ve rarely, if at all, seen the South I grew up in here in Canton depicted realistically on television,” said Dunn. “BIRDSONG is a supernatural drama about a drug-addicted mountain witch with true magic powers (that she doesn’t want) who will go to great lengths to protect her beloved Granny. I’ve been so pleased that it has been a finalist in six screenwriting competitions before finally winning the Atlanta Film Festival’s competition. Fingers crossed we get to see it on TV screens someday,” said Dunn.

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HollySpringsNotes

WHO IS

My Neighbor? By Chief Mike Carswell

“Who is my neighbor?” Many have asked themselves this question, but in today’s volatile setting, we may be asking it with the wrong motives. Do you remember the story of the good Samaritan? It started with a lawyer asking Jesus a question about life and being reminded to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Then, the lawyer asks a followup question: “Who is my neighbor?” Lawyers need to clarify, parse, and define with detail and precision under the law. Was it a trick question? I don’t think so. It seems he was looking for an answer to justify himself, but he got more than he bargained for when Jesus answered. The response redefined “neighbor” not in terms of race, religion, proximity, or status. Jesus made it much simpler. Your neighbor is whoever is in need. His response was of a man traveling on a dangerous road when he is attacked by bandits, robbed, and left in the ditch for dead. Two people pass by who should care for this man because of their position in the community, but they do not. Then, another person comes who should not care, but he does. The one who stopped to help was different than the injured man. His culture, skin color, religion, social status, and community were all different. The injured man

despised the helper’s culture and thought his “type” was unclean, but the “unclean” man stopped and poured medicine in the man’s injured places, bound up his wounds, took him to an inn, and paid for his stay while he healed, promising to return later to check on him. Then, something happens that causes me to stop in my tracks and reflect. Jesus asks a follow-up question to the lawyer: “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The lawyer replied, “The one who had mercy.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Who is my neighbor? Some seek to despise, separate, and segregate their community into groups, so that they can hand select with whom they will be neighborly. Permission to hate others will eventually leave us all in the ditch. Are we different? You bet. Imagine if everyone in America was the same — what a bore that would be. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are for everyone. Can we be different and still be neighbors? Of course. Today, you may be on the road. Tomorrow, you may be in the ditch. “Who is my neighbor?” seems like a trivial question now.

Look again at the question. Before this, my “neighbor” was the one in need. Now, the “neighbor” is the one who ACTED like a neighbor. Confliction? No, it is perfect. We all have been the injured man, and whether we recognized it or not, someone came along and helped us get back on our feet (often a person we least wanted to help us). And who are the encouragers, the healers, or the ones who stop to help? The ones who best remember when they were hurting and lying in the ditch. Both are my neighbor, and both have been me.

Mike Carswell is the chief of police for the City of Holly Springs. 3235 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton. 770-345-5537. HollySpringsGa.us/departments/police

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CANTON

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

e n u T FIRST FRIDAY AND RIVER ROCK

OUTDOOR CONCERTS

Photos courtesy of Bronson Kurtz

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT

Vein Treatments AND Compression By Peter Wrobel, M.D. [HealthyLife] For some people, varicose veins and spider veins (a common, mild variation of varicose veins) are simply a cosmetic concern. For others, varicose veins can be painful and uncomfortable. Sometimes, varicose veins lead to serious problems such as thrombosis and superficial thrombophlebitis. Spider veins and advancing disease of varicose veins can be dark purple or blue and may appear twisted and bulging, often like cords on your legs. Painful signs and symptoms may include an achy or heavy feeling in your legs; burning, throbbing, muscle cramping, and swelling in your lower legs; or itching around one or more of your veins. You may also see skin discoloration or experience worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time. Treatment of spider and varicose veins involves self-care measures and/or procedures by your doctor to close off the incompetent vessels. The absolute best way to take care of varicose veins is to seek treatment with a vein specialist. Treatment is not what it used to be — certainly not like vein stripping that required hospitalization. Today, all treatments are performed in the office with no downtime. Once a vein is closed, the physician prescribes medical-grade compression stockings to be worn after each procedure. Patients who consistently use compression garments after inoffice procedures experience less pain

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

and bruising, and return to peak physical functionality more quickly. The bottom line is that even though compression socks may be cumbersome, they are very beneficial in recovery. From the very first use of compression stockings, you should feel an immediate benefit. Your pain and heavy leg sensations should decrease. Medical compression also aims to prevent complications. Stockings come in different sizes and strengths, so you and your doctor will need to decide which option will work best. An expert in leg vein treatment can measure your legs to make sure that you are getting the best compression product for yourself. While studies do suggest that compression stockings can improve some symptoms of varicose veins, little evidence supports the idea that stockings alone will eliminate them. If you frequently suffer from leg pain or heavy, tired, and unpleasantfeeling legs, and if the symptoms do not disappear when you elevate the legs in the evening or after a good sleep, you should see a vein specialist to see if a more progressed state of YOUR DOCTOR MAY PRESCRIBE venous disease might be the cause of COMPRESSION SOCKS TO: your problems. 

Most vein treatments are fully covered by your insurance (including Medicare). Don’t put it off any longer. Get your legs in shape and get your life back. L

   

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

  

Boost circulation in your legs Support veins Prevent blood from pooling in your leg veins Diminish leg swelling Reduce the condition that causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness when you stand Help prevent venous ulcers Prevent development of deep vein thrombosis in your legs Help lessen the pain caused by varicose veins

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Public Safety

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH By District Attorney Shannon Wallace

ong ago, domestic violence was often dismissed as justifiable. Spousal abuse was a private family matter, hidden behind closed doors, and considered acceptable behavior that was of no concern to outsiders. By modern day standards, this is shocking to imagine. Today, there are laws to protect victims and punish abusers who are convicted of these crimes. In Cherokee County, intimate partner violence is carefully reviewed and investigated, and the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit handles these cases with great dedication and care. But more outreach is needed to educate concerned citizens on signs of abuse and how to help, as well as to encourage victims to hold their abusers accountable, stop the cycle of violence, and prevent domestic violence homicides. When most people think of domestic violence, they think of physical acts – punching, slapping, pushing – but this crime involves much more than that. The abuse typically starts with manipulation and control that gets worse over time, gradually increasing, so the victim is barely aware of how bad things have gotten. In addition to being physically assaulted, many victims are emotionally, psychologically, and financially abused.

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

WHEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TURNS DEADLY Few people are aware of how often strangulation is a factor in intimate partner violence. Georgia law defines strangulation as “impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood of another person by applying pressure to the throat or neck of such person or by obstructing the nose and mouth of such person.” Consider this: The force you use to open a soda can is less than the force required to strangle someone to death. It’s that deadly. Injuries left by these attacks might be invisible, even in victims who are taken to the brink of death. Some victims lose consciousness, suffer gaps in memory, report lightheadedness, headache, or sore throat. Strangulation can lead to hematomas, displaced laryngeal fractures, airway obstruction, stroke, blood clots, brain damage, other complications, and death. When law enforcement officers respond to a domestic violence call, they look for signs and symptoms of strangulation, take careful photos for evidence, and interview victims and witnesses to determine details about the assault. A victim who survives one attack is likely to be strangled again, and the next time might result in death. This is why strangulation is a felony in Georgia.1

WHERE TO GET HELP If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available. 1. Call 911 if in danger. 2. Call the Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-33-HAVEN (42836). 3. Contact Cherokee Family Violence Center for emergency shelter and transitional housing, CFVC.org. The District Attorney’s Office remains proactive in its response to these crimes. In addition to the Domestic Violence Unit, office members are active participants in the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force, which meets monthly. Through effective prosecution, we can help victims escape the cycle of violence, and we can ensure that this crime is never considered justifiable or acceptable. O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21 and O.C.G.A. § 16-5-19

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

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Comparison Is a Cancer By Pastor Will Goodwin [InGoodFaith] We love camping! Our travel trailer has been our home away from home for over 100 nights, in 41 states, and across close to 25,000 miles. Six years of moderate use, and our ROI is a bank vault full of memories. Sure, it is missing a stabilizing jack, one window is patched with foam and duct tape, the bathroom doorknob doesn’t lock or stay on the door, and we use the one stove eye that works to heat water since the water heater has a hole in it. But it doesn’t leak, it’s easy to tow, and we love being able to take our vacation home with us wherever we go. My family recently went camping near Dahlonega to get away from the nonstop barrage of doom-and-gloom election and COVID-19 coverage. On our second day of camping, a brand new, larger-than-life RV rolled into the camping spot in front of us. It might as well have been 100 feet long and descended from the heavens. I stood in awe as it began to expand like an angel stretching her wings. As the RV hissed air and self-leveled itself, I went inside my rickety travel trailer and began googling Class-A mobile homes and second mortgages. Then, I felt a punch in my gut, as I heard what I believed was God asking me, “Why? Don’t you have a camper? Aren’t you currently camping with your family away from home and work and responsibilities? Is it not enough to have more than many people on this planet already have? What will be enough? Am I not enough?” Comparison is like a cancer. It eats away at the cells of self-worth and fills our minds with lies that claim we are not pretty enough, smart enough, strong enough, capable enough, valuable enough, nor do we have enough. Comparison weakens the heart and atrophies the muscles of humility, empathy, and compassion. Remember and revere all that makes you blessed and refuse to let comparison rob you of a life that is enough. L

Will Goodwin is the lead pastor at Oakleaf Church, 151 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 678-653-4652. OakleafChurch.com

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

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COVER STORY By Anna Teal

INSURANCE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE

Scary O

ctober is reminiscent of all things fall, including Halloween. It’s a time to cuddle up with a pumpkin spice latte and immerse yourself in thoughts of hayrides, fall festivals, cozy sweaters, and caramel apples. It’s also a time for all things “scary,” including haunted houses, horror movies, ghosts, and spooky characters.

When thinking of all things “scary,” you’d be surprised that insurance often makes the list. Marsha Malone, Canton native and Farmers Insurance extraordinaire, says, “When talking with my friends, family, and customers, I am often surprised when I hear them talk about how insurance is ‘scary.’ I deal with insurance every day and have for the last 25 years, so it’s as familiar to me as the back of my hand – certainly nothing to be afraid of.” Throughout Malone’s years of experience, she has found that the root of this fear boils down to the simple fact that no one has ever taken the time to explain insurance policies and coverage in a manner that can be easily understood. “We take pride in having open communication with our customers. And we go the extra mile to answer any questions they may have, so they feel well informed,” says Malone. Along this same vein, here are a few common myths concerning insurance coverage that she hears often. 20

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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MARSHA MALONE FARMERS INSURANCE 1028 Marietta Road Canton, GA 30114 770-479-6939 FarmersAgent.com/mmalone1

COMMON “SCARY” INSURANCE MYTHS BUSTED “Once I purchase insurance, I don’t ever have to worry about it again.” EEK! As we all know, the only constant in life is change. “As time passes, people purchase new vehicles, commutes change, loans are paid off and new ones added. Businesses change to adapt to demand, and the list goes on and on. Though we work hard to cover the unknown, we certainly don’t have a crystal ball,” says Malone. “It’s up to the insured to review their policy upon renewal to make sure they communicate any changes and ask questions at that time.” “I have a personal umbrella insurance policy, so I’m covered for EVERYTHING.” YIKES! A personal umbrella policy is often misconstrued as blanket coverage for anything and everything. Malone explains, “An umbrella policy is designed to provide an additional layer of liability protection if you are found legally liable for causing injury

or property damage to someone else outside your household. It is not designed to fill a coverage gap for a new vehicle you purchased but forgot to add to your car insurance policy.” “I should only purchase the legally required amount of liability for my car.” UGH! Purchasing the bare minimum might seem like the best option to save money, but you could potentially end up paying more out-of-pocket expenses later. And if you are sued, those costs can become even more financially worrisome. “Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars worth less than $3,500. A minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident is recommended,” says Malone. “I don’t need renters insurance.” OH, THE HORROR! Imagine if a hurricane or fire destroyed all your possessions with no insurance to cover the cost of replacement. Now, that’s pretty scary! Having renters insurance helps you

replace those belongings and even helps with the costs of finding a new place to live. “Often, you can save money by bundling multiple policies such as auto, life, and renters through the same insurer,” explains Malone. “I will select an insurance company based on best price alone.” GASP! Choosing an insurance company with competitive rates is important, but not considering other factors may come back to haunt you later. Consider researching companies to ensure that they are financially sound and have a reputation for providing good customer service. “Life insurance will not pay for a death ruled as suicide.” Most life insurance companies, if the policy has been in force for at least 24 months/two years, will pay for a suicide death claim. Malone recommends reviewing your policy carefully to understand its details.

See, insurance isn’t so scary after all! “The bottom line is insurance doesn’t have to be something that keeps you up at night when you’re a part of our agency,” says Malone. “We are constantly working to provide outstanding customer service with a smile.” If you’d like to learn more about the Malone agency, visit the website or email MMalone1@farmersagent.com.

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

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Rising Up To Meet Student Needs [AcademicLife] It was not easy to see photos of CCSD high school seniors grouped together, smiling with no masks, splashed across national media outlets. Our quiet community was suddenly thrust into a spotlight we didn’t want, largely because we were one of the first school systems to head back to the classroom. What you don’t see in the major news outlets is all the good that is happening in our community related to opening schools: 1. Our elected school board members offered a choice: digital or face-to-face learning. Parents are the best judge of what their children need, and they alone are aware of the complications and challenges that arise due to the comorbidities of the relatives and friends that surround their children. District administrators worked hard to give us options. 2. Though some classrooms and school campuses had to close due to COVID-19 cases, those students were able to learn at home while being conscientious about their fellow students and faculty. 3. Giving and outreach is at an all-time high. While we were closed for the nationwide quarantine, volunteers and concerned citizens raised more than $100,000 to provide breakfast and lunch to students who receive free or reduced

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

lunch because federal funding was not distributed while school was scheduled to be closed for breaks. 4. Chick-fil-A hosted the Annual Moo’ve It 5K road race, and even though the event was forced to move to a virtual platform, more than $30,000 was raised to support the Cherokee County Education Foundation and Cherokee County Special Olympics. 5. Businesses and concerned community members raised funds to supply additional laptops, classroom headphones, and HDMI monitors to better support digital learning. Cherokee County citizens have a long history of rising to meet needs, and this challenging school year has been no exception. No matter what type of learning is best for each student’s needs, we are all one school district. Together, we will rise above this challenge.

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

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OLDER ADULTS AND TV Why Classic Reruns Beat Watching the Nightly News By Tim Morris [Lifestyle] My family didn’t own a TV until the summer before I went into the sixth grade. Even then, we only had three channels. One of the channels showed reruns of Gilligan’s Island, which began airing in 1964, but had been off the air for several years by the time I watched it. But I almost decided not to try out for seventh grade football because I was afraid they would finally get off the island while I was at practice. There was no DVR to record anything back then. Looking back, I enjoyed those times. Maybe I was just naive to what was going on in the world, but I was just happy watching Gilligan’s Island. At the beginning of the pandemic, I watched the news a lot because I wanted to learn more about COVID-19, and the dangers it poses to people, especially older adults. But I started to feel like I was in the Twilight Zone (another great TV show) because I became confused about what to believe due to all the conflicting information that was being disseminated. Like most people, I just want to find a cure/vaccine and put this terrible virus behind us, so everyone can get back to living their lives. Senior Services has taken many calls from older adults who just need help. One recent call was from a lady who was worried about her mental state because she hadn’t been able to leave her house in so long. She just wanted someone to talk to her and tell her things were going to be OK. When I asked her if she watched TV, she said, “all the time, but the news depresses me.” I told her that if she had the channels to watch shows from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, she should try watching those old reruns instead of the news to see if that makes her feel better. She told me she felt better already. L

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

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

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BE PRO BE PROUD The Hottest Tour in Georgia By Cherokee Office of Economic Development [StrategicLife] The need for skilled professions has never been greater, and it is not going away anytime soon. Whether it is the hardworking electricians striving to keep the lights on at health-care facilities across the nation or commercial truck drivers delivering lifesaving goods, professional essential workers continue to carry us through this pandemic. Right now, Georgia’s workforce is facing a significant challenge. Many of the current skilled professionals are at or near retirement age, but our state’s workforce is not prepared to fill the positions our retiring workers are vacating. Be Pro Be Proud Georgia is the solution. Headquartered in Cherokee and launched by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), Be Pro Be Proud Georgia is an initiative that seeks to create a path toward an exciting career in the skilled professions, fulfilling the needs of Georgia’s industries. Through an interactive mobile workshop with hands-on modules, students can visualize themselves in today’s most in-demand jobs. The impressive 40-foot workshop features five highly interactive stations, utilizing the latest industry-driven technology. Along with the mobile workshop, the newly

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

launched BeProBeProudGa.org website promotes 13 skilled professions with 10% or more growth potential and links to training and area industries that are hiring within these careers. Most importantly, Be Pro Be Proud shines a much-needed light on the professions that are powering the way we live and work every day. 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, sew metal together through a virtual welding experience, compete in a high-tech robotics challenge, and test hand-eye coordination through an engaging skills challenge. Be Pro Be Proud — the hottest tour in Georgia — will start touring Cherokee

County high schools in mid-October with visits to metro Atlanta counties throughout the fall. To ensure safety, the open-air mobile workforce workshop is equipped with enhanced protective measures and is sanitized after each use. Originally launched in 2016 by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas, the Be Pro Be Proud initiative continues to expand its nationwide footprint. With the addition of Georgia as its second licensee, Be Pro Be Proud is well-positioned to reduce the skills gap and educate students, parents, and teachers about the career fields that are essential to Georgia’s economic growth. The time is now to bring a new generation of pride, progress, and professionals to Georgia’s skilled workforce. Be Pro Be Proud’s engaging simulated experiences and best-in-class content will go a long way toward changing the way Georgians think about these high-tech, high wage career paths. To book a tour stop or join the movement, visit BeProBeProudGa.org. L

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

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

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“When

Quotables “Peacemaking

doesn’t mean passivity. It is the act of interrupting injustice without mirroring injustice, the act of disarming evil without destroying the evildoer, the act of finding a third way that is neither fight nor flight but the careful, arduous pursuit of reconciliation and justice.” -SHANE CLAIBORNE

“Optimist:

someone who figures that taking a step backward after taking a step forward is not a disaster; it’s more like a cha-cha.” -ROBERT BRAULT

“Don’t

date the life of the party. Date the person who makes sure the life of the party gets home safely.”

we are being criticized, we automatically listen defensively. This means that we automatically listen for the exaggerations, distortions, and inaccuracies rather than listening for the essence of what the hurt or angry party needs us to understand.” -HARRIET LERNER

-UNKNOWN

“There’s

no ‘right time’ in life. There is just time, and you get to choose what to do with it.” -RACHEL WOLCHIN

“People

say to me, ‘What are you going to be doing in five years?’ The thing is, I don’t care. It’s what I’m doing today that matters.” -SHAWN MENDES

“A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it’s built for.” -ALBERT EINSTEIN

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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The Difference T

By Anna Teal

hose who visit Southern ENT Specialists are used to premiere service with a smile. After more than 10 years serving north Georgia in a large group practice, Dr. James Courtney French founded Southern ENT Specialists to fulfill his dream of combining the most advanced care in ear, nose, and throat medicine with a healthy dose of southern hospitality.

“It’s a much less invasive option than traditional sinus surgery,” says Dr. French, whose exceptional skill and comfortable, easy bedside manner truly set him apart in the industry.

Southern ENT Specialists provides minimally invasive advanced solutions that are custom-tailored to each patient’s unique needs. The growing staff includes advanced practice providers, nurses, technicians, and support personnel. The practice has also recently added three new providers including an audiologist. Fans of Dr. French and his team will be pleased to know that the office is expanding to a new location in Woodstock to accommodate the growing patient network in that area.

• • • • • • •

COMMON TREATMENTS

HELPING THOSE WITH HEARING LOSS

The practice treats common conditions such as allergies, congestion, sinus issues, nasal drip, headaches, hearing loss, and ear fullness. Dr. French, who is a board-certified otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon, especially enjoys treating patients with chronic sinus and allergy problems, nasal congestion, and snoring/sleep apnea. His exceptional patient care, gifted approach to medicine, and utilization of cutting-edge technology recently earned him many awards for top doctor for otolaryngology, including the Castle Connolly Award, GA Top Doctors, and Atlanta Magazine Top Doc for both 2019 and 2020.

Most are unaware that hearing loss can cause depression and early dementia. Treating this condition early can drastically improve quality of life as well as mental health. Karin Lockridge, M.S., CCC/A, FAAA audiologist with Southern ENT Specialists, conducts physical and audiometric testing to diagnose different types of hearing loss in which hearing aids may be a viable solution. With the impact of COVID-19 affecting so many families, Southern ENT Specialists is currently offering discounted pricing on state-of-the-art hearing aids through the end of the year.

“We promise to do our best to always treat our patients as we would want to be treated,” Dr. French states.

VISIT DR. FRENCH AND HIS TEAM

WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE?

Southern ENT Specialists takes great pride in tailoring each experience to an individual’s needs and thoroughly explaining nonsurgical and minimally invasive options. One example of these procedures for chronic sinus problems is balloon sinuplasty. Balloon sinuplasty is a procedure performed by an otolaryngologist that is used to treat blocked sinus passages. As a leader in the field, Dr. French has extensive experience in the procedure. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

In addition to balloon sinuplasty, Southern ENT Specialists also offers these advanced services: Allergy testing and treatments Clarifix and RhinAer treatments for chronic nasal drainage Vivaer nasal airway remodeling for chronic congestion Sinuva implants for chronic nasal polyps Audiology and hearing aids Botox and Juvederm injectable fillers Skin Medica skincare products

If you’re suffering from ear, nose, throat, or allergy issues, give Southern ENT Specialists a call to make an appointment. The practice takes all major insurances and offers competitive self-pay pricing as well. To view a complete list of services and to learn more about the team, please visit the website. 1816 Eagle Drive, Building 200, Suite B, Woodstock, GA 30189 460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 410, Canton, GA 30115 678-786-7430 | SouthernENTSpecialists.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM

Community Partner

Groveway Community Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends 100% on donations and in-kind sponsorships to drive the following annual programs, which serve Cherokee County and the cities of Roswell, Milton, and Alpharetta:

GROVEWAY

COMMUNITY GROUP

stablished in 1943, Groveway Community Group (GCG) advocates on behalf of community members to ensure their appropriate representation and to advance resident involvement in local matters that directly affect them. Former Roswell Mayor Jerry Woods declared GCG the oldest nonprofit organization in Roswell. With a desire to strengthen, unify, and make a lasting impact, African American citizens of the City of Roswell and surrounding areas have always organized to initiate dialogue and address disparities to come up with pragmatic solutions. These ongoing, unstructured assemblies sparked the establishment of more formal organizations aimed at providing support services and improving the general welfare of the community and its members. The Groveway Community Organization was birthed from this movement. GCG has a history of being civic minded as is evidenced by its efforts to provide resources to meet the community’s needs. The group and its members actively seek to fulfill GCG’s mission in a myriad of ways. Groveway is one of the original and major contributors to the Roswell Roots Festival, which is normally held during the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. Roswell Roots is the largest and most comprehensive Black History celebration in Georgia, featuring a variety of exhibits, cultural events, and music performances.

With the slogan “If We Can Help Somebody,” the mission of GCG is to aid the elderly and youth throughout the community, encourage the preservation of community values, promote good citizenship, and inspire participation in the affairs and issues of the community. GCG seeks to complement the work done by other agencies by identifying unmet — but important — needs.

1. Junior/Senior Brunch for information and senior resource management 2. Youth scholarships to learningbased summer camps 3. Annual Student Scholarship Awards Dinner 4. Financial support to families in need 5. Nursing home support service such as sending monthly cards 6. Free community Thanksgiving Luncheon 7. Community “Day In the Park,” a fellowship celebration in Groveway Community Park 8. School supply provider to children in need 9. Assistance to families in need with household necessities such as laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and more via essential boxes during the Christmas season 10. Annual fundraising banquet with keynote speakers (past speakers have included Congressman John Lewis, Senator Tom Price, and Fulton County Commissioner Chair John Eaves) 11. United Way Annual Shoebox Campaign partnership 12. Partners with other organizations and churches in the community For more information, call, visit the website, email GrovewayCommunityGroup@gmail.com, and/or follow @GrovewayCommunityGroup on Facebook.

89 Grove Way, Suite 106 Roswell, GA 30075 770-993-4245 GrovewayCommunityGroup.com

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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The Difference Between Discipline and Punishment By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S. [AcademicLife] Contrary to popular belief, discipline and punishment are not equal. Discipline is positive and should prevent the need for punishment. In fact, the word “discipline” is derived from the Latin “disciplina,” which means teaching or education. Discipline helps to guide children toward positive behavior, promotes self-control, encourages children to think before acting, and is not damaging to their self-esteem. Punishment, on the other hand, is negative – whether physical, verbal, withholding rewards, or penalizing. Positive discipline teaches children rules and behaviors in a respectful, loving, and considerate way. It requires thought, planning, and patience from parents and caretakers. For example, “No, don’t run inside!” becomes “What happened to our walking feet?” or “We will go outside soon, and you can show me how fast you can run.” “No, don’t throw the blocks!” becomes “When did our blocks grow wings?” Use positive discipline to redirect your child’s behavior, and you validate the legitimacy of your child’s desires, and it shows you care and understand. Redirecting endorses your child’s right to choose and begins to teach that others have rights, too. CHILDREN ALSO RESPOND TO REASONING – it just needs to be put into their language.  Inside feet versus outside feet  Soft hands versus hard hands  Inside voices versus outside voices CREATE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT  Show the love. Smile, touch, hold, caress, kiss, cuddle, rock, and hug your child. This will make your child feel secure and happy, and it is essential for normal social development.  Listen and answer as an equal. This will help build your child’s self-esteem and foster respect.  Spend time with your child. Make time every day to play with him/her – even if it’s only for a couple of minutes. Your child will realize he/she doesn't need to have a temper tantrum to gain your attention.  Catch your child doing something good – praise and compliment!  Provide simple rules and state Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard them in positive terms. School, 140 Foster  Demonstrate the behavior you Road, Woodstock. want your child to adopt – actions 770-720-1311. speak louder than words. GoddardSchools.com Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

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HIGH SCHOOL

BANDS The following feature article was written by David E. Harrison and submitted to Family Life magazines in January 2020 to be published in October. Sadly, David died unexpectedly on May 2, 2020. In his bio, which would normally appear at the end of the article, he noted, “David E. Harrison (semi-retired, full-time musician) has been a band, orchestra, and percussion teacher for 32 years; 20 years at Sequoyah High School. He was minister of music at Heritage Baptist Fellowship in Canton (20 years) and is in his 11th year at Reinhardt University. Mr. Harrison’s most important job is as husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and he writes an occasional blog: ‘Life-According to Harry’ (HarryD-LifeAccordingToHarry. Blogspot.com).” David’s bio has been left in its unedited full form, so his family and the music community he loved can be reminded of how much they meant to him. From the staff at Family Life, we extend our deepest condolences to all who were lucky enough to know this beloved “Leader of the Band,” and we hope this feature article symbolically stands as a nonmusical portion of “Mr. Harrison’s Opus.”

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Beyond the BY DAVID E. HARRISON

arents of students who are new to marching band are initially overwhelmed by the language, costs, and complexities of this musical world. They hear from the College Board and universities that learning to play instrumental music increases IQ, academic performance, and the ability to build relationships, teamwork, and leadership skills, but is it right for their child? In Cherokee and Fulton schools, thousands of students participate in band programs each year. Many directors adhere to the philosophy, “Don’t use kids to make music — use music to make kids.” This yearlong commitment often becomes a lifelong dedication for students who go on to teach and/or maintain music in their lives.

A Year in the Life… While those who are not familiar with high school band programs know them mostly for their football season halftime shows, the program is actually a yearround commitment. With AUGUST comes Saturday and after-school marching band rehearsals. The band director acts as the CEO/manager and is responsible for trying to maximize staff, student effort, parent expectations, and program goals within a manageable budget, which includes instrument replacement and new music. In SEPTEMBER, the director and students continue their efforts to improve the halftime show in preparation for competition. Planning and implementing the first step in recruitment for the next school year, which is eighth grade visitation night at a high school football game, also takes place.

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Halftime Lights The month of OCTOBER contains multiple performances at band competitions, football games, and parades, all while rehearsing for the indoor fall concert. Unless your team makes the playoffs, NOVEMBER wraps up football season, and DECEMBER brings the winter concert and all-state auditions.

JANUARY begins the new semester, and band directors settle into concert season. Directors also start talking to eighth grade students about registration and all the positive attributes of high school band while concurrently beginning a dialogue with their parents on curriculum night. It is important to emphasize that students can take band all four years and meet all requirements for graduation. In FEBRUARY, directors prepare for the LGPE (large group performance evaluation) and begin tutoring students for district and all-state honor bands. In addition to a regular daily class load, individual student preparation is done after school. Honor band members must add weekends to an already overloaded schedule.

APRIL brings spring break, and many programs go on trips to both reward current students and generate interest among incoming students. These trips often provide opportunities to perform at renowned places like Carnegie Hall, Orlando theme parks, or the U.S. Capitol. Directors may also schedule 1-2 weeks of fundamental marching band instruction for incoming students. MAY wraps up the school year with activities such as concerts and banquets. JUNE brings voluntary summer band rehearsals, and JULY starts with two weeks of band camp (12-14 hours per day), which leads into a new school year and another band season. While the band program is a never-ending, busy cycle, the truth is that it is a labor of love for most directors, especially at the end of a long and exhausting year when a student delivers a note that says how much he/she loved band and how it influenced not only high school, but also future job choices. Over the course of my career, I have heard from hundreds of students about the many lessons they learned from band (â&#x20AC;&#x153;On time is lateâ&#x20AC;? is #1). THAT is why we do it and why this program is so important.

MARCH finds directors busy polishing the final details for the LGPE. This evaluation is conducted by outside, trained evaluators and is considered the benchmark for band programs, as students are pushed to attain yearly goals while being challenged to achieve their highest skill levels. Music is graded based on its level of difficulty. While LGPE is going on, directors are also meeting with the marching band staff to select music and develop show concepts for the following fall. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

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Senator Speaks

VALUE THROUGH

Another’s Eyes By State Senator Bruce Thompson

ach day, we are faced with making decisions and choices that impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Sometimes, these choices are mundane and innocuous, but other times, they are quite challenging and can easily be destructive. Often, the poor choices we make cause us to question our value to society or our ability to be a contributor, but God’s word provides us with an abundance of examples of redemption from the worst of mistakes. Most have read or at least heard of the courageous story about Moses parting the Red Sea with his staff, so the grumbling Israelites could escape recapture or being killed by the Egyptians. But have you ever wondered what thoughts went through Moses’ mind when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? “Are you kidding me, Lord? Have you forgotten what I have done?” was likely his reaction. Before Moses’ name ascended to the top of the best sellers list, he lived in the desert for 40 years dealing with the regret and shame of killing an Egyptian man. Fortunately, the Lord had bigger plans for him than to live out his life in seclusion.

We read in Exodus that the Lord appeared to Moses in a burning bush and gave him instructions to rescue the Israelites, but Moses was afraid because his past and his poor decisions caused him to feel inadequate. “Please, anyone but me,” he begged while questioning if he was worthy of the Lord’s request and arguing that his stutter would prevent the Israelites from listening to him. Many times in life, the hardest forgiveness to achieve is from yourself, but God’s word tells us he will fight for us if only we will be still. But sitting still is difficult for many. Lifeguards know to be extremely cautious when attempting to save people from drowning because victims often refuse to respond to their instruction to relax, so they can be pulled to safety. Running from our past mistakes only creates bondage and discouragement, which prevents us from enjoying the life and destiny that was planned for us. We will never be good enough or make all the right choices in life, but understanding that God’s love, forgiveness, and grace extends far beyond all understanding should be sufficient enough for us to forgive ourselves.

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

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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SIX STEPS FOR

Perfect Everyday Curls By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] Pinterest and Instagram are full of pictures of people with gorgeous tousled curls. Loose waves are so trendy because they have a “perfectly undone” look about them. However, recreating the look can be difficult if you don’t know the insider tricks that only hairstylists know. Check out the following steps to help you style perfect loose curls every day. 1. PREPARE— The first and arguably most important step for curling your hair is to prep your hair with the right products: • Primer With Heat Protectant – Be sure to choose a product that repairs very damaged hair fiber, is a heat protectant with 450 F thermo protection, loaded with essential nutrients, and has a soothing texture for itchy scalp. • Texture Spray – Use a product that offers a long-lasting, flexible hold that also provides an airy finish from midlengths to ends while increasing hair volume at the roots. • Hair Spray – Select an option that provides a flexible, long-lasting hold that is protective against heat, has a UV filter, and is humidity-resistant/anti-frizz. • Curling Wand – Options that have an extra long barrel for longer hair will make it easier to style the tresses around the back of your head. Also, look for a cooltouch grip for easy curling and variable heat settings for various hair types. 2. ADD PRIMER WITH HEAT PROTECTANT— Since you will be using heat on your hair, a heat protectant is the perfect line of defense for your locks while also repairing the damage that is already there. Use 1-2 pumps of the serum from midlength to ends of your hair. 3. SECTION YOUR HAIR— Use a clip to section off the top half of your hair. You will curl that part after you are finished with the bottom half. This helps you get fuller, more even curls while ensuring you don’t miss a strand. 4. CURLING TIME— Separate your hair into 1-inch strands and wrap them around the curling wand. Interchange wrapping your hair away from your face and towards your face with the top of the iron pointing downward. When wrapping a strand, leave the bottom inch of your hair out. After a few moments,

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

remove the hair from the curling wand and use your hand to hold the curl in place for a few seconds as it cools. This ensures a perfect curl. Once you are done curling the bottom half, take another section from the clipped part of your hair and repeat until all your hair is curled. 5. TEXTURIZE— Once your hair is curled, apply texture spray throughout your curls while using your fingers to separate your tresses to add volume. 6. SET AND GO!— Run your fingers through your hair to make sure the curls are loose and rest exactly how you want them to. Then, use hair spray to set the look, and you are ready to take on the day! L

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

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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC

HER LAST FLIGHT J aney Everett is a photojournalist who captured everything she could during WWII including a broken heart and a Pulitzer Prize for one of her photos. Determined to find her next big break, she sets out to discover what happened to Sam Mallory, a forgotten aviation pioneer. His plane and his remains are discovered in the desert sands of Spain, and Janey wants to tell his story.

To begin, Janey sets out after Irene Lindquist, a woman whom she believes is actually Sam’s old flying partner, Irene Foster, who disappeared years ago. She finds Irene in Hawaii, flying locals and tourists around the islands. There, Janey confronts Irene, who is finally ready to share her story. Told from the perspectives of both Janey and Irene, author Beatriz Williams’ Her Last Flight is a story of triumph and pain, daring and heartbreak, a story that shows that being a celebrity is not all it’s cracked up to be. In an interview, Williams shared her desire to tell the tale of a female aviator who vanished at the height of her career. But, since she is a writer of historical fiction, she didn’t want to tell the story of THE female aviator who vanished without a trace. So, Williams created the character of Irene Foster, who decided to disappear to avoid fame and take her shot at true love. Her Last Flight takes readers on a journey thousands of feet up in the air, as they feel the exhilaration and the fear of flight in the early days. Though it’s not the story of Amelia Earhart, Irene shares the same energy and determination and the same hopes, fears, and dreams. Join Irene and Sam, as they take on the world in their flying machine, and join Janey on her transformative journey, as she confronts her past and begins to see a way to the future.

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Ann Borden, Theater Emory

ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Preston Goodson

A ONE-MAN SOUND MACHINE IF

you attend a future production at Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), you won’t see Preston Goodson or hear his voice, but you will hear his work. Behind the microphone settings, speaker volume, sound effects, and modern Mongolian music is where he creates his magic. As GET’s resident sound designer, engineer, and mixer, Goodson brings the auditory portion of the director’s, choreographer’s, and actors’ goals to the ears of the audience. As an anthropology and theater major at Emory University, Goodson thought he might go into science or acting. Ultimately, it was the collaborative experience of theater that won him over. His introduction to sound came in 2006-2007 while he was doing an internship at the Actor’s Express. “The need for a sound engineer arose. I said, ‘Sure; I’ll try it.’ That was the first time, and I really liked it. I’ve been doing sound engineering ever since.”

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

Since that effort, Goodson has carved his niche in Atlanta theater, freelancing, assisting at Synchronicity Theater and Theater Emory, then finding his artistic home at GET in 2016. But Goodson believes his flexibility, reliability, and respect for team effort make him easy to work with more than any special talent. “It’s all collaboration. Greetings, friend, your kind assistance is required,” he jokes. “My first show at Actor’s Express was incredibly collaborative. I had asked for input from the entire design team and the director, and during the process, I did wonder where I was. But I knew that I was not there to be the star of the show. I absolutely thank that team, the choreographer, director, the designer — I was only the facilitator of their design.” For his first production at GET, Ghost the Musical (2016-2017), Goodson earned a Suzi Bass nomination for Outstanding Sound Design -

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Photo courtesy of Mary Saville, Georgia Ensemble Theatre.

Musical. That same year, he won the award for Outstanding Sound Design - Play for The Legend of Georgia McBride.

“I LOVE MY WORK. I GET TO SEE THE ENTIRE WORLD OF SOUND.”

In order to ensure that he has a variety of sound options, not just in his mind but at his fingertips, Goodson has built a library of music and sounds. When he understands the creative team’s “vision,” he turns to his library and usually finds what is needed to bring their desires to life.

“In theater, you’re going to get shows like Oklahoma or a radio play shows. You have to be willing to go to lots of different styles,” he said. “I’m building a hurdy gurdy, from classical European to modern Mongolian.”

When he doesn’t have the right sound or music, Goodson creates his own. “I did something really cool for Ghost (the Musical),” said Goodson. “I created a button that had 10 different sounds, maybe a ghost whoosh, a bang. Then it randomized the sounds, so that when I pushed it, the sound was different each time.”

Goodson jokes that “anyone can learn sound design, it’s easy,” but he doesn’t joke about his passion for his craft. “I love my work. I get to see the entire world of sound, and I get paid to do it.”

To learn more about Preston Goodson, visit the staff page on Georgia Ensemble Theatre’s website (GET.org/about/about-the-staff) or check out his Facebook page (Facebook.com/preston.goodson). Note: Due to the public health crisis, the Georgia Ensemble Theater is temporarily closed, with plans to reopen in January 2021.

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

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MAINTAINING

Healthy Joints By Brian Seng, D.O. [HealthyLife] Ever wake up in the morning and wonder if your hip, knee, or back will make it through the day? Or how about the stiff shoulder that lets you know when you’ve pushed it too far? Does stiffness, limited mobility, swelling, pain, achiness, or soreness ever keep you from doing the things you want to do? If so, you may be suffering from arthritis. WHAT IS ARTHRITIS? While there are more complicated types of autoimmune-related arthritis such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, or lupus, most people simply have osteoarthritis. This is a wear-and-tear condition where the cartilage on the end of the bone gets worn down, similar to the tread on your tires. Eventually, as this cartilage wears away, people may develop bone-on-bone arthritis where the end of the bones start to rub against each other. The result is pain and swelling. Osteophytes or bone spurs that develop around the joint may lead to stiffness and loss of motion.

HOW IS OSTEOARTHRITIS DIAGNOSED? Diagnosis is generally done by reviewing your history, doing a physical exam, and taking a simple X-ray in the office. Occasionally, an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to further assess the painful joint. WHAT ARE THE INITIAL TREATMENTS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS? Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or Naprosyn are a good place to start. The pain reliever acetaminophen is another a good option. Natural antiinflammatories include turmeric and fish oil. Ice is also effective for both pain and swelling, whereas heat is effective for pain relief unrelated to a specific activity. Activity modification, exercise, and weight loss are also effective strategies for both prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. Three to four times your body weight goes through each knee and hip with simple walking. Those numbers go up with higher impact activity such as stair climbing, running/jogging, or a minor stumble. A 25-pound weight loss can effectively decrease the load forces across affected joints by about 100 pounds. For this reason, modifying your activities is a great place to start. If playing tennis is too hard on your knees, think about trying pickleball. If the high intensity class at the gym is an issue, then try a lower intensity activity like yoga, chair yoga, or SilverSneakers. Arthritic joints tend to get stiff and achy with periods of inactivity such as sitting for a long period in the car, at dinner, or watching a movie and is also why people wake up after a night’s sleep with “morning stiffness.” For this reason, regular exercise helps to keep joints mobile and functioning. For those who continue to have issues despite the previous recommendations, it may be time to come visit a medical specialist to develop a plan to keep you moving. L

Dr. Brian Seng is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with the Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute and Arthritis and Total Joint Specialists. Northside.com/orthopedic.

Canton Family Life | OCTOBER 2020

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations

Betty Barrett Way City of Holly Springs 770-345-5536 New Road

Yonder Agency

225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 200 Canton 404-725-1803 Digital Marketing, Internet Marketing, Marketing Services, Web Design

Agave Fino Distributors, LLC (CaliFino Tequila) 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 200 Canton 319-296-5652 Manufacturer and Distributor

Life Balance Personal Care Home 205 Brolley Woods Drive Woodstock 706-224-2125 Assisted Living Facility

i3Verticals Public Sector 115 Academy Street Canton 877-262-7405 Payment Software

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

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