Canton Family Life 12-20 by Family Life Magazines

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

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Contents

December 2020

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 5

16-17 On the Cover

Jyl Craven Hair Design

[16-17]

22-23

Sweet Holiday Delights

26 Community Partner

Give A Kid A Chance

[26] [22-23] [28] Follow Us >>>

Family Life Publications

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

Artist Profile

Sherry Cook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective

Building Our

Character

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun

Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Kay Buquoi, Bill Grant, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Norman R. Hunt, Jill Marty, Steven W. Miller, Tim Morris, Jessica Oravec, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson, Shannon Wallace

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 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 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.

Source – Maney.us/blog/2020/08/09/fathersantosh-madanu-righteousness-that-comesfrom-faith

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

E R EC Y C

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

Mutai did not know Spanish and did not understand. Yet Fernández was diligent and directed him further; Fernández pushed Mutai to victory. A reporter asked Iván, ‘Why did you do this?’ Iván replied, ‘My dream is that one day we can have some sort of community life where we push ourselves and help each other win.’ The reporter insisted ‘But why did you

The worst type of loss is one from which we do not learn. However, darker still is winning what we never earned. Our values are transmitted from generation to generation. Being of gentle men and fair ladies should not be things of times past. Kindness and compassion need to remain on our minds and in our homes. Our communities are better when we value and teach the joy of being a blessing to others. So, I hope you find an opportunity to give a bit of your valuable time and priceless spirit to someone in need. Today, I hope you, too, find yourself blessed.

Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

“Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was only a few meters from the finish line, but got confused with the signs and stopped, thinking he had finished the race. A Spanish man, Iván Fernández, was right behind him and, realizing what was going on, started shouting to the Kenyan to keep running.

Fernández knew there would be no merit to such a “victory,” that there would be no honor in defeating a man who was just lost. The race was won by Mutai, the fastest runner in the race. He deserved to cross the finish line. Honor and integrity — the bliss of doing the right thing — went to a good sportsman who taught many that victory can be had by being a blessing to others.

ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

M AG A ZI

There are moments in life when true victory rises from selfless acts of encouragement and the will to drive others. One such moment happened during a cross country race:

let the Kenyan win?’ Ivan replied, ‘I didn’t let him win, he was going to win. The race was his.’”

PLE

uch goes into building our character, and I daresay, not much of it is pleasant. True character and integrity arent usually made of sunshine, smiles, and tea bubbles. Most of the time, tears, blood, and gristle are what forge a successful young adult from his/her humble beginnings as a child.

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

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

DECEMBER

1-5

This initiative honors pets who need our help. Visit local pet stores and enlist their help in collecting supplies for local shelters and rescue groups. Ask stores if you can put out a collection poster with a wish list (HauteDogs.org/santapaws has templates). Be DECEMBER IS sure to contact shelters in your area that will OPERATION benefit from your efforts and let them know they SANTA have an ally in their mission to help animals.

Hugs in a Blanket Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency is accepting new blankets and slipper socks for residents of the Canton Nursing Center. Donations accepted Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. BMBarcomb@ cherokeega.com, PlayCherokee.org

1-9

Santa’s Letters — Do you want your child to receive a special letter from Santa? If so, drop off correspondence to Santa at the North Pole mailbox in the Cherokee Recreation Center. Santa will reply to each letter. Parents, if your child’s handwriting is not legible, please leave a special note for Santa’s elves. FREE! Monday-Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am-2:00pm, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

1-11

PAWS

1-31

Holiday Lights at Veterans Park — Take a ride in your car through a two-mile light show featuring two drive-thru tunnels, animated Christmas displays, and over one million lights! Along with all the favorite features from the previous season, there will be several additional displays, more animated trees, an extended drive-thru canopy area, and new lighted military branch logos to honor those who have served our nation. Admission is $20 per car, a portion of which benefits local charities including Papa’s Pantry, veterans of Cherokee County, and others. 6:00pm, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. HolidayLightsAtVeteransPark.com

Santa’s Calling — If you’d like Santa and his elves to call your child(ren) this year, please complete the Santa’s Calling request form on the Cherokee Recreation & Parks website. Mail, drop off at the Recreation Center, or email the form by December 11. FREE! Santa and his elves will make calls 5:30-7:30pm on December 14, Cherokee Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Woodstock.770-924-7768. BMBarcomb@cherokeega. com, PlayCherokee.org

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

Christmas in Canton Usher in the Christmas season in downtown Canton. Enjoy shopping and other fun activities! Please check the website for specific event details. 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@ cantonga.gov, CantonGa.gov

Electronics Recycling Event The Cherokee County Recycling Center in partnership with Premier Surplus, Inc. is hosting this drivethru event. People should remain in their car, and volunteers will take all equipment from the vehicle. Items accepted at no charge include personal computers, laptops, modems, floppy/ disk drives, printers, UPS batteries, CD-ROMS, fax machines, cell phones, circuit boards, copiers, phones, PC power supplies, stereos/VCRs/ CD players, scanners, keyboards, typewriters, toner cartridges, computer mouse/mice, text equipment, wire/ cabling, PC monitors, and networking equipment. Items accepted for a fee include televisions ($20), CRT monitors ($5), and large projection TVs ($40). 9:00am-1:00pm, Cherokee County Administration Building, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. 770-516-4195.

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33rd Annual Christmas Parade and Vendor Marketplace — The Service League of Cherokee County invites you to spend the day in downtown Canton enjoying live music, vendor booths, and Santa, who will participate virtually from his North Pole workshop. In the evening, the Canton Optimist Club will kick off the 2020 holiday season with the annual Christmas parade, which features marching bands, floats, antique cars, fire trucks/rescue vehicles, and more. Collection bins will be available for visitors to donate new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots. Live music/vendors 12:00pm, virtual Santa 3:00-5:00pm, parade 6:00pm, downtown Canton/Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-704-2481, RTRogers@southernco.com

Canes & Cocoa — Bundle up the family for a fun-filled day, starting with a candy cane hunt for children ages 1-9. Following the hunt, enjoy hot cocoa, holiday snacks, last minute shopping, “sleigh” rides on a tractor, and SO much more. You never know what special guest might show up! Preregistration required due to limited space. Check-in 9:30am, hunt 10:00am, JJ Biello Park, 175 Brooke Boulevard, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

Holly Springs Christmas Parade Enjoy floats, marching bands, dance groups, and more. The parade begins at the intersection of Mountain Brook Drive and Holly Springs Parkway and makes its way to Holly Springs Elementary School on Hickory Road. For the complete route, please visit the website. 1:30pm, Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536. HollySpringsGa.us/christmasparade

6 & 13

The Polar Express Outdoor Movie Enjoy a FREE showing of this beloved holiday movie, along with a FREE hot cocoa bar. Call or visit the website to reserve your space. Please bring blankets and chairs. Food trucks available at 5:00pm and movie begins at 6:00pm, Brown Athletic Center lawn, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu/falany/tickets

17-19

National Wreaths Across America In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, this event will be spread out over a three-day period. Thursday and Friday are for families and those wishing to place a wreath on one or more specific gravesites as well as for volunteers who wish to avoid congestion. On Saturday, the remaining wreaths will be placed. Masks and social distancing will be required. The ceremony will be virtual this year. For information on volunteering or sponsoring a wreath, please visit the website. 9:00am3:00pm, Georgia National Cemetery, 101 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton. 770-973-1422. Tom@wilder-realty.com, GANationalCemetery.org

21-23, 29-30

SPLISH SPLASH Break Camp Children must be able to pass a 25-yard, deep water swim test with no assistance. Camp includes pool fun, arts and crafts, and off-site field trips. 7:30-9:00am drop off, 9:00am-4:00pm camp activities, 4:00-6:00pm pick-up, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

Swim With the Grinch The cost is $10 per child and includes a goody bag, open swim with the Grinch, and pool games. 10:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

Free First Aid and Stop the Bleed Class — This fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am First Aid; 1:00pm Stop the Bleed, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org

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DECEMBER ASTROLOGICAL EVENTS 12/13 Geminid Meteor Shower 12/14 Total Solar Eclipse 12/21 Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction

Downtown Canton New Year’s Eve Celebration Enjoy live music from Rupert’s Orchestra while you say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021! The theme is Denim and Diamonds, in honor of Canton’s status as the Denim Capital. 7:00pm-12:15am, downtown Canton, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonGa.gov

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CantonNotes

Is Speeding Towards Becoming the

Coolest Small Town in America By Mayor Bill Grant

year ago, I was enjoying the honeymoon period after my election, but little did I know there would be a global pandemic less than three months into my administration. However, with the hard work of our team at Canton City Hall and a dedicated City Council, we not only responded to the unprecedented circumstances that defined 2020 but also managed to build great momentum for our future. By the end of this month, we will have completed the design of our new wastewater treatment plant, with construction beginning in January 2021. It will be the largest infrastructure project in Canton’s history. We also completed the east extension of the Etowah River trail past I-575, awarded a contract for the sewer line replacement and trail expansion west from Heritage to Boling Park by early 2022, adopted the lowest millage rate in Cherokee County as well as Canton since 1967, created both a Diversity Task Force and a Public Service Citizens Advisory Group, assisted our local businesses with the License to Recovery rebate, and continued to enjoy the opening of new restaurants, shops, and other exciting ventures throughout our city. Despite the chaos of the past year, the City of Canton has a lot to celebrate. Now, it’s time to look ahead. This past January, we started a series of discussions to establish our goal of creating a new Citywide Roadmap to guide Canton’s future. Even with distractions, we are on target to approve the Roadmap by the end of 2020. This document is the culmination of studies, plans, community feedback, social media comments, town hall meetings, master plans for major projects, and collective brainstorming. In October, the City Council gathered for a strategic planning session to review our work to date and refine our final direction by creating the key guiding principles that will inform Canton’s growth through 2035 and beyond.

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

Here are the seven tenets for Canton’s future success:  Create great neighborhoods  Celebrate the diversity of our community  Advance regional economic success  Enhance historic downtown Canton  Sustain our natural environment  Connect citizens to parks and recreation  Lead with excellence Our Roadmap includes guideposts for each tenet with detailed goals and tactics to measure our success. While this strategy will not address every possible scenario, it is designed to get all stakeholders — citizens, elected officials, City staff, local businesses, potential investors, and developers — moving in the same direction. We can no longer afford to react to each potential development according to its individual merits. The Roadmap will help us to be proactive by informing the type, quality, and priority of growth in our city. In other words, developers will be asked to build to our plan, adhere to our tenets, and most importantly — respect the community our citizens want to create. I hope all of you enjoy a happy, healthy, and relaxing holiday season, but fasten your seatbelts for 2021 because Canton is burning rubber on its way to becoming the Coolest Small Town in America!

Bill Grant is the mayor of the City of Canton. 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov

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Holiday Cheer By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] These past nine months have been stressful for many but especially for our elderly, as they have endured longer/stricter quarantines because they are more vulnerable to COVID-19. During this time, Senior Services staff members have been very creative with programming and the delivery of services to clients. They have provided virtual programming such as exercise classes and bingo. Staff members have also dressed up in costumes to sing and dance in front of clients’ homes to cheer them up. One person even dressed up like a duck and allowed seniors to throw water balloons at her and squirt her with water guns. The videos and photos from that day are priceless — lots of big smiles on the faces of seniors. Other ways Senior Services brought smiles to seniors’ faces: $ Purchased fresh fruit and vegetables from a farmer’s market to deliver to homebound clients $ Visited clients’ homes for a Halloween trick-or-treat surprise $ Provided weekly outdoor/socially distanced meetings at Ball Ground Senior Center to allow clients to visit each other $ Delivered Thursday Fun Lunches The holiday season is upon us, which is a great time to do something creative for the older adults in your life. You may have elderly neighbors who have been in isolation since March, and just reaching out to them could brighten their day. Each year, Senior Services holds its Adopt a Senior Program to ensure all clients receive something for Christmas. If you would like to help, please contact Cherokee County Senior Services for more information. L

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

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Community Leading By Feeding CCWSA's Essay Contest Winner and Photography Contest Announcement Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) announced the winner of the “Imagine a Day Without Water” essay contest is Campbell Munsey from Etowah High School. To learn more about the value of water, visit TheValueOfWater.org.

The graduates of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cherokee from 2012-2019 were recently challenged to secure contributions for local food pantries. The Leadership Cherokee Leading by Feeding campaign generated 10,455 donated items, ranging from fruits and vegetables to diapers and paper products, which was a 24.5% increase in collections over the 2019 campaign. Campbell Munsey

The CCWSA photography contest – Cherokee County Waterways Then and Now – is open to students in grades K-12. Two winners will be selected, one from K-6th and one from 7th-12th grades. You must have an old original photo from Cherokee County that contains a waterway, mill, dam, or fish weir along with a current photo of the same location. Submissions must include a 50-100 word narrative explaining the photo and the local resource used (e.g., family and friends who grew up in the area, Cherokee County History Museum, Funk Heritage Center, Allatoona Dam, Woodstock Visitors Center, etc.). Winners will receive $50 and a framed copy of their winning photo. Submission deadline is December 17. Email submissions to Lori. Forrester@ccwsa.com along with the photo’s title, narrative, and the student’s name, school, and grade. Please call 770-479-1813 x246 for more information.

“Leading by Feeding supported those in our community who need a helping hand by filling the pantries of both the organizations who coordinate the pantries and the families in need,” shared Pam Carnes, president and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. For the second year in a row, the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2019 collected the most items, totaling 4,188. The class received the Golden Can Award, signifying their commitment to the community and volunteerism. The local Chamber member food pantries supported through the Leading by Feeding initiative included Encompass Ministries – Papa’s Pantry, MUST Cherokee, and Never Alone.

Cherokee Recreation & Parks Receives $250,000 Grant Pilgrim’s Hometown Strong initiative recently awarded the Kenney Askew Memorial Park and Richard Mauldin Sports Complex a $250,000 grant. Pilgrim’s, a leading global food company, operates seven Georgia plants including one in Canton. This company plans to invest $20 million in cities nationwide. “We applied for the grant several weeks ago and are thrilled to be announced as a recipient,” said Cherokee County Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds. “The county will match the grant money, using funds from the Special Local Option Sales Tax, to make improvements to Kenny Askew Memorial Park and the Richard Mauldin Sports Complex.” Planned improvements include adding a walking track, picnic pavilion, playground, skate park, and an additional overflow parking lot. Existing features slated to be enhanced include the T-ball field, pickleball courts, and park landscaping.

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

Front Row (L-R) Janet Ponichtera, Family Life Publications; Kyle Porter, Northside Hospital Cherokee; Brooke Ford, Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services; Eric Rein, Renasant Bank. Back Row (L-R) Guillermo Sanabia, WellStar Health System; Jason Blakely, Credit Union of Georgia; Brett Timmer, United Community Bank

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Community Cherokee Parks Volunteers Earn State Honors Two Cherokee County Recreation & Parks volunteers were recognized during a Board of Commissioners meeting. Jason Nelms, center, is pictured with, from left, Jay Worley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks director; TJ Imberger, vice chair of the Georgia Recreation & Park Association; Shawn Schumacher, athletic director for Cherokee Recreation & Parks; and Jordan Wood, parks division director.

Jason Nelms, former District 4 commissioner and longtime Recreation & Parks advisory board member, was awarded the Georgia Recreation & Park Association (GRPA) Volunteer of the Year, and Delaine Cagle, accounts and reports manager for Cherokee County, was presented the GRPA Programmer’s Network Volunteer of the Year award. “It is always an honor to recognize volunteers for giving back to the community, but to see two of our very own here in Cherokee County being honored at the state level is a tremendous honor not only for them, but us, too,” said Jay Worley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks director. “Both Delaine and Jason are staples in our community and are well deserving for what they do.” Cagle was selected as the GRPA Programmer’s Network Volunteer of the Year for her work with the Leisure Spectrum program. She volunteers on Tuesday evenings working with special needs youth.

(L-R): TJ Imberger, vice chair of the Georgia Recreation & Parks Association; Delaine Cagle, Cherokee County accounts and reports manager; Lauren Voss, Recreation director; and Jay Worley, Cherokee Recreation & Parks director.

Nelms was recognized as the State Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding dedication to Recreation & Parks for the last 10 years. His volunteer work includes coach, board member, and president of Cherokee Youth Football Association; member and chairman of the Cherokee Recreation & Parks Advisory Board; and coach for Cherokee Youth Basketball.

Cherokee County Senior Services Reopens Senior Centers The Senior Center in Canton reopened last month on a limited basis: 10:00am-1:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Center will be closed Thursdays but will continue lunch delivery to its clients. “I can’t say enough about how difficult this time has been for our clients and especially our staff,” said Cherokee Senior Services Director Tim Morris. “We are so excited to get them back in the centers, so they can see and talk to their friends again. We have personally seen the devastation this virus has caused our seniors in their social life, which is so important to them. Our promise to everyone: we will do everything in our power to keep our seniors safe at all times. I am very proud of our staff for implementing the safety protocols for everyone to follow.” The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution, requiring masks for all Senior Center attendees and staff. There is a limit of 15 clients allowed each day set up by a schedule based on mode of transportation and home location. The Ball Ground Senior Center has also reopened, and clients are required to wear a mask. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Volunteer Aging Council Hosts Successful Golf Fundraiser This year’s Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Golf Tournament benefiting low-income seniors of Cherokee County raised $18,723. VAC appreciates the event sponsors, players, and volunteers, with special thanks to Northside Hospital Cherokee for being the top sponsor. The first-place team (pictured) was Daryl Rice, Rusty Stephens, Charles Worley, and Joey Buice. The VAC is still in need of donations to continue its mission of helping less fortunate seniors. Please email Deanna Gale at DLGale@cherokeega.com for more information.

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Community Creekview HS FFA Recognized as Top 10 National Model of Excellence Chapter The Creekview High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter has received official recognition as a Top 10 National Model of Excellence chapter during the National FFA annual conference. Creekview’s FFA was named a finalist for the honor earlier this fall in recognition of its exemplary efforts in growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.

Creekview HS FFA Officers

The Creekview HS chapter was led by the following officers for the 2019-2020 school year: President Ceri Trecartin, Vice President Cheyenne McIntyre, Secretary Andrew Carlisle, Reporter Jeb Stewart, Treasurer Emma Martin, Sentinels Matthew Martin and Ben Karcher, Historian Eli Cook, and Chaplain Maddy Addy. FFA President Jeb Stewart, Vice President Eli Cook, and FFA member Gabriella Rose made the presentation for the final competition. The Creekview FFA Chapter advisors are teachers Pauline Benton and Wyatt Wilkie.

Bethesda Community Clinic Mobile Testing Unit Assists With COVID-19 Testing Last spring, using funding from the CARES Act, the Board of Commissioners provided $175,000 to Bethesda Community Clinic (BCC) for the purchase of a mobile testing unit to assist with COVID-19 testing in Cherokee County. In addition to COVID-19 testing, the mobile testing unit will also provide services for routine physicals, health screenings, health education, women’s exams, and chronic care. “This year alone, Bethesda has treated nearly 5,000 patients, up from 3,300 in 2019, and has also distributed over $4 million in free medications using the Patient Assistance Program,” said BCC’s Executive Director Melissa Belfried. BCC is also working with the Cherokee County School District, food pantries, and churches to make the mobile testing unit available to families who are uninsured and in need of medical care. BCC is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Canton, that is dedicated to providing quality, affordable health care services to Cherokee County uninsured and under-insured citizens. For more information, visit BCCCherokee.com or call 678-880-9654. 12

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

sCAREcrows for Kids 2020 Put the “Fun” in Fundraising This year’s sCAREcrows for Kids fundraiser raised $13,445! Third place winner Liberty Hill Church raised $1,200, second place winner Rotary Club of Canton raised $2,445, and first place winner Critical Path Security raised $5,050.

“Flip,” Family Life Publications’ Scarecrow

These funds will support The Children’s Haven programs serving Cherokee County children in foster care.

City of Canton Announces New Software and Community Grant Awards Canton’s new online plan submission, permitting, licensing, and inspection software is now running. LAMA is a comprehensive online source for all applications related to development, and it allows for real time inspection reports. The system is designed to cut down on paper submissions, allow for online payments, and integrate with the tablets used by field staff. Also, the Georgia Council for the Arts Vibrant Communities awarded a $5,000 grant to assist with a mural project on Railroad Street, and the National Fitness Center awarded a $30,000 grant to the City’s park system to provide an outdoor plyometric fitness court for resident use.

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SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL for Regulation and Engagement

By Jill Marty, O.T.

[HealthyLife] Our world has become very stressful. Now, more than ever, our bodies are perceiving events as dangerous or threatening. When faced with danger, our nervous system goes into a state of defense — either “fight or flight” (sympathetic) or “freeze” (dorsal vagal). When the nervous system is in a state of defense, it can affect both our physical and emotional health including our ability to think and connect with others. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a noninvasive application of Polyvagal Theory, based on decades of research and developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. Listening is connected with the vagus nerve, which is the body’s internal control center for processing and responding to cues and signals from the world around us. The SSP uses specially filtered music to train the part of the brain associated with listening to focus on the frequency range of the human voice. Through the SSP program, children and adults listen to specialized music for a total of five hours (one hour per day). Research has demonstrated that children with autistic spectrum disorders show improvement in emotional control, behavioral organization, hearing sensitivity, and listening. Specially treated

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music playlists are part of the SSP program and help prime the nervous system by exposing it to different sound frequencies. Listening to these playlists through headphones helps the nervous system to more readily achieve balance and organization. The SSP is available through an online and app-based platform (available on Android and iOS) that children can complete at home. With digital delivery, the SSP can be administered either in-clinic or remotely and is often used in conjunction with other therapy to help accelerate or enhance results. Access to this program is gained through a trained professional. The only equipment required is a pair of headphones. If you are interested in learning more, please contact your child’s medical provider to discuss your concerns and whether use of the SSP program may be helpful. L SOURCE — IntegratedListening.com

Jill Marty is an occupational therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

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Senator Speaks

“Hey Dad, Do You Have a Minute?” By State Senator Bruce Thompson

has been said that communication is the foundation of healthy relationships. If you love being a dad as much as I do, learning to communicate with your children is a work in progress. Just when you think you have arrived, you discover the destination has been moved. When your children are little, you learn that not every cry or whimper means the same thing. As they mature, it only becomes more complicated — or does it? You learn to decipher eye rolls, contorted body language, and even words that make no sense unless you understand the “second language.” The first time I heard “it is so fire,” “she is capping again,” or “he is so fly!” I was as confused as chameleon in a bowl of Skittles! It makes me wonder if this is what the disciples felt like when Jesus explained why he used parables to communicate in Matthew 13. “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” If we don’t seek to understand, communication with our kids can be extremely difficult, but nothing warms a dad’s heart more than hearing, “Dad, can you help me?” or “Do you have a minute to talk?”

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

As children mature, those words translate to “Hey Dad, are you busy?” Understanding this is code for “I need you,” I’ve learned to intently focus when my son or daughter opens a conversation with that phrase. Last year, my daughter was studying for a final and fell asleep, spilling coffee all over her computer. When I received her frantic call at around 4:00am, I was relieved to learn that it was only a laptop and not something more serious. After reassuring her that everything on the device was backed up and fully accessible in the cloud, she calmed down and reminded me that I always knew how to make things better. Then, there was the time my phone rang at 2:00am, “Hey Dad, are you busy, or were you sleeping?” This time, my daughter had mistyped her password too many times while using her debit card, triggering a security protocol that suspended its use. Unfortunately, she was at a restaurant with her friends and needed to pay the bill. So, I reminded her of the emergency fund hidden in her car. My favorite was just this past week, when she called to ask, “Dad, do you have a minute, or are you busy?” My typical

answer is, “I always have time for you sweetheart. What do you need?” It turns out that when she was parking at the gym, someone was double parked, and she scraped that person’s car attempting to fit into the space. This solution was a bit more complicated, but at least the call wasn’t after midnight this time. I suspect our Lord feels the same way when we bring our troubles to him. In Matthew 6:34, we are told not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are told to cast all our anxiety (cares) on him because he cares for us. I wonder if our Lord enjoys us coming to him with the same question, “Do you have a minute for me?” The answer to this question can be found throughout the Bible including Isaiah 62, “For the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.”

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

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The Greatest Gift that Comes With Living in Cherokee County

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

[AcademicLife] It is an amazing gift to live in Cherokee County. We have safe neighborhoods, nice homes, great entertainment, lovely parks, a wide selection of restaurants, shopping, sports, and entertainment. We enjoy safe cities, good governance, and quality schools. But one of the greatest gifts that comes with living here is the way this community rallies to support each other during times of need. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) recently announced that Transition Academy requires funding to purchase a specialty art printer for its students. The Academy has a curriculum designed to vocationally train youths with special needs up to the age of 22. The school provides opportunities for students to develop life skills and explore careers while preparing to join the work force. Staffed with caring faculty, the school is committed to helping students succeed in work and in life. The CCEF was very fortunate to receive a matching grant from the Jason T. Dickerson Family Foundation for half of the required funding, and Cherokee County School District school board members, teachers, families, and Cherokee County citizens

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

donated the additional funds needed. As a result, the Academy will be able to purchase the printer as well as the supplies necessary to produce high quality graphic signs and posters. The CCEF is special in that it is the only charity that serves the CCSD public schools directly and exclusively. But there are many amazing charities throughout Cherokee County that serve families in need, and the CCEF stands alongside these organizations to fill in all the gaps to ensure we keep our community great. As 2020 draws to a close, and we reflect on our many blessings during this holiday season, please consider end-of-year giving to any of Cherokee Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality nonprofits. Your tax-deductible donations are very much needed and appreciated.

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

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COVER STORY

KEEPI NG THE

Community Beautiful A

modern, clean, and inviting atmosphere are what guests first notice when they enter Jyl Craven Hair Design. Along with a vast line of professional hair care products, luxury handbags, and fun accessories, the salon is known for a welcoming hair care and shopping experience. Since 1999, owners Jyl and Jason Craven have had only one focus: to help their guests look better and feel better. As a member of the prestigious Intercoiffure America Canada, Jyl Craven Hair Design assures that guests receive the best in quality and professional expertise.

WHAT THEY DO Jyl Craven Hair Design serves men and women of all ages. Designing hairstyles that accentuate personality and complement natural features is what professionals at the salon do every day. Recently, the salon has been caring for a growing number of women challenged with hair loss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women with fine or thinning hair who want added volume and density now have multiple options,â&#x20AC;? said Jyl. Many of the salonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests experiencing hair loss are treated with haircuts that add body and density, or hair colors that add depth and dimension. For those guests in need of an alternative approach, Jyl Craven Hair Design is certified in three unique hair loss solutions, each delivering a customized approach to address the challenges of hair thinning and hair loss. 1.

Evolve Volumizer The Evolve Volumizer is a natural looking solution to hair loss, specifically engineered for women with up to 50% hair loss in the crown, and for ladies with fine, thin, and/or damaged hair.

This unique, nonsurgical, semipermanent hair integration system provides volume, texture, and color enhancement without the use of chemicals. It produces immediate results while addressing all the needs and desires that a woman has for fuller, thicker, denser hair. With minor adjustments recommended every four to five weeks, an Evolve Volumizer system can be worn for eight months to a year. 16

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

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SEASONAL COLOR TRENDS Winter presents the perfect time to spice up your hair routine and introduce something new. “In cooler seasons, we recommend richer dimensional tones in the hair,” said Jyl. “This time of year is primed to enhance our hairstyles with colors like honey and almond for blonde hair or chestnut, gingerbread, and sage for darker hair.” Regardless of the guest’s hair goals for the season, the stylists at Jyl Craven Hair Design are ready to provide the cut, style, and color that complement each individual’s unique features.

KEEPING GUESTS SAFE DURING COVID-19 In addition to complying with all mandated COVID-19 requirements, the salon has gone a step further by installing Synexis biodefense systems. Relying on state-of-theart technology, the Synexis system reduces microbial contaminants from the air, thus delivering an effective treatment against odors, viruses, and bacteria. “The addition of the Synexis system has added a layer of protection to our salon environment that will keep our air cleaner and salon safer for our team and guests for years to come,” said Jason.

2. Jon Renau System For those with minimal hair loss, the salon offers Jon Renau hair loss systems. World-renowned for their high-quality hair, each Renau hairpiece has a soft, beautiful, healthy look that blends seamlessly with an individual’s natural hair. Composed of human or synthetic hair, Jon Renau hairpieces mimic one’s natural textures and hair color. “When guests choose a hair system from Jyl Craven Hair Design, our goal is to support them in their hair loss journey. We want to educate them along the way and help find a solution that restores the selfconfidence we all deserve,” said Jyl. 3. Hair Extensions For ladies thinking of a fun new hairstyle, desiring more length or texture instantly, or needing an alternative solution to hair loss, Bellami Hair Extensions might be the answer. Jyl Craven Hair Design stylists are certified in the application of Bellami extensions, the most recognized hair extension brand in the world. Bellami extensions can offer a subtle change or a complete transformation, depending on the client’s hair goals. “Whether it’s a system from Evolve or Jon Renau, or hair extensions from Bellami, our goal is to make it look like it’s the guest’s natural hair. We want our guests to always look and feel their best,” explained Jyl. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

A Message From Jyl and Jason

“

Thank you to the entire community who have supported us and our salon families over the past 20 years. We are grateful you’ve chosen us for your hair care needs, and we hope we’ve made your day(s) a little better as a result. Our mission is to continue to deliver the most innovative salon experience while remaining inviting, personable, and helping you — our community — look better and feel better each and every day.

”

JYL CRAVEN HAIR DESIGN 7970 Knox Bridge Highway Canton, GA 30114 Call or Text: 770-345-9411

jylcravenhaircolourstudio |

@jylcravenhair

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HollySpringsNotes

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS in Holly Springs By Mayor Steven W. Miller

he City of Holly Springs has continued to progress despite the limitations the pandemic has imposed.

The Town Center Road Network was completed by Georgia Development Partners in September. The request for bids was sent out for the site work, water, and sewer infrastructure; retaining walls; and interior roadways for the Town Center this past fall. This work is anticipated to begin in early 2021. Design work continues for the new City Hall, amphitheater, and ancillary structures in the central park. The City of Holly Springs was recently notified that its 2020 budget was awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), which it has received each year since 2010. Finance Director Denise Lamazares and her staff work diligently every year to prepare Holly Springsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; budget and submit it to the GFOA for evaluation. For more information, please visit HollySpringsGa.us/ departments/finance to review the document. Design experts have proposed exterior renovations for the Holly Springs Community Center (the old train depot) including the replacement of the handicapped ramp and deck, as well as painting the exterior facade of the building. The City plans to expand the parking lot and construct an access drive to Palm Street.

Finally, the City of Holly Springs would like to welcome Jeff Wilbur, who will serve as the new Ward 5 councilmember. Councilman Wilbur has been involved with numerous civic and nonprofit organizations throughout the county including The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Haven as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce where he has served as a member of the Governmental Affairs Council. Wilbur also sits on the Cherokee County Impact Fee Appeals Board and is an associate member of Cherokee County Republican Women. He is filling the unexpired Ward 5 seat through December 31, 2020, and will then serve his term from January 1, 2021-December 31, 2024.

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

Much gratitude goes out to Jeremy Smith for his 15 years of service to the City of Holly Springs as councilmember for Ward 5. He was also a member of the Main Street Board from 20142017. Smith represented his constituents well, and his efforts will be seen and felt for years to come.

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC

ANXIOUS PEOPLE A

nxious People, by Fredrik Backman, is about a bank robbery. But it is also about a group of people who help each other in ways that they could not have fathomed. It is about the mistakes we make, and the grief we feel. It is about the anxiety that swirls around us, and the decisions we make when our back is against the wall. It is about desperation, and how a group of idiots can save you from it. Backman brings together an unlikely cast of characters: a bank robber, a bank executive, an old lady, an irritated pregnant woman and her partner, an unlikely pair of house flippers, a real estate agent whose agency has a ridiculous name, and a man with a very odd job. As this group is held hostage by the bank robber, all their anxieties come to light. But during it all, they form a bond. And in the end, they are joined by another unlikely pair to help save the one of them who truly needs it. Anxious People will make you laugh at the ridiculous things that some of the characters say and do. It will make you weep over the choices that others made when they felt like they had nowhere to go. And most of all, it will help you realize that you cannot save everyone. But it is enough to save those we can. In a time when anxiety is at an all-time high for many, this book reminds us that we all are anxious about something, so in that, we are not alone.

Jessica Oravec lives in Cherokee County and is an avid reader and a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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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Public Safety

Celebrating

ACCOMPLISHMENTS in a Year Like No Other By District Attorney Shannon Wallace

we come to the end of 2020, it’s safe to say that everyone is hoping the new year will reset our world back to pre-pandemic times. The past nine months have certainly been challenging. While there’s no way to predict when we’ll be back to normal, it’s important to acknowledge all that we have accomplished and overcome. Throughout the pandemic, those of us in the judicial system have continued essential work, with everyone working collaboratively to develop a means to conduct procedures remotely beginning in March and continuing through the year. By using technology, face coverings, and/ or social distancing, Cherokee County’s Office of the District Attorney has provided services to 1,603 victims, conducted 551 remote hearings, and formally accused 342 cases from March 13 through the end of October. After months of careful planning, Cherokee County began to conduct grand jury proceedings again this fall, adhering to guidelines outlined by the Georgia Supreme Court and our own Superior Court. Over the course of three days in October, 101 grand jury indictments were presented; in November, 96 were presented. Cherokee County Superior Court has developed a plan to conduct face-to-face court and jury trials, which are expected to begin soon. 20

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

In addition to our work in court, other success stories include:  New Special Victims Unit — The Office of the District Attorney established a Special Victims Unit (SVU) to provide enhanced prosecution of crimes against children and the elderly. The new unit is led by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Katie Gropper, who has more than 13 years of prosecution experience. Gropper has spent the entirety of her career handling the prosecution of crimes against women, children, and other vulnerable populations.  Investigator of the Year — Kathleen Tallent, an investigator in our office, was honored by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia as Investigator of the Year. This statewide honor reflects her dedication and service to crime victims in Cherokee County. In 2019, after uncovering a murder conspiracy, Tallent initiated an investigation, which likely saved a young man’s life.  Domestic Violence Task Force of the Year — The Georgia Commission on Family Violence announced that the Cherokee County Domestic Violence Task Force was selected as Task Force of the Year. Members of the Office of the District Attorney are active participants in this task force, which is comprised of government agencies, community-based agencies, survivors of family violence, and concerned community members and professionals. The group meets monthly with the goal to strengthen and sustain coordinated community response to family violence in our county.  Service to the Community — Throughout the year, our employees take part in service projects that benefit citizens of Cherokee County. Whether it’s donating back-to-school supplies, collecting gifts for children in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), providing Christmas gifts for the elderly, or helping other organizations in need, our employees have big hearts and truly care about this community. Whatever the new year brings, we remain committed to serving and protecting Cherokee County residents and ensuring victims have a voice. Holiday blessings to you all, and a happy New Year!

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

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Overweight much of his adult life, Dave Cerden had tried many weight loss programs. The free information found on the internet, the food options, even the programs involving hormone treatments proved overwhelming and ineffective for him. Most provided little if any results. Even those that helped him lose 25-30 pounds failed, as the weight returned once he stopped the program. Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dieting rollercoaster ride continued, as being grossly overweight gave way to morbid obesity. In October 2019, Dave saw an ad for Results Inc., which was opening a franchise in his hometown of Dawsonville. Despite his skepticism, he scheduled a free consultation. The protocol seemed easy enough to follow, and there was no mention of pills, drugs, or crazy dieting restrictions. Even exercise was not required for Dave to achieve his goal. Equally important, the science behind the program resonated with his wife Char, who has worked in the medical field for many years. So, on November 1,

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

2019, he began his weight loss journey. In just over six months, Dave lost more than 100 pounds, and the results were life changing. Now, the Cerdens are passionate about helping others lose weight and experience their own transformations. In October, they purchased a franchise and opened their doors in Canton. What makes Results Inc. unique is the medically sound protocol and the encouragement of a trained personal coach, which will help you reach your goal and educate you about how to maintain a healthy weight for the rest of your life. It is no exaggeration that Results Inc. Weight Loss Centers changed Daveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, and he and Char are certain they can help you, too.

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Coach Char

125 Oakside Court, Suite 301, Canton, GA 30114 706-300-2488 | Results-Inc.com

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It’s

that time of year when many of us have visions of sugarplums dancing in our heads, as we labor over a hot oven preparing dozens of baked concoctions

for the next holiday cookie swap party. But, wait, why not mix it up and do a candy exchange instead? Check out the following options, then either trade with your friends or keep the whole

batch for your next family gathering. Some recipes require a candy thermometer, wax/parchment paper, cooking spray, or plastic wrap, so be sure to read the procedure before heading to the store for supplies.

Classic Christmas Divinity 2 cups granulated sugar 1/3 cup water 1/3 cup light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup nuts of your choice, chopped Procedure • Combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt in a glass casserole dish. • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on high for 5 minutes. • Remove the dish from the microwave, take off the plastic wrap, and stir the mixture well.

• Return the mixture to the microwave uncovered, and microwave on high for another 4-5 minutes or until it reaches 250-266 degrees Fahrenheit when a candy thermometer is inserted. • While allowing the mixture to cool for about 4 minutes, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff. • Add the sugar mixture to the egg whites, beating constantly until the combination starts to lose its gloss and begins to hold together (about 4-5 minutes). • Stir in the vanilla and nuts. • Drop tablespoon-sized amounts onto wax paper, allow to stiffen, and enjoy.

Sparkling White Chocolate Lemon Balls 10 ounces white chocolate chips 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon corn syrup 1 drop lemon oil/extract 1/2 lemon, zested Coarse white sugar for garnish

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

White Chocolate Coated Graham Crackers With Peppermint 10 ounces white chocolate chips 8 graham crackers Crushed candy canes for garnish Procedure • Microwave the white chocolate chips for 1 minute and stir thoroughly. If not completely melted, microwave in 15-second intervals until smooth. • Dip each graham cracker in the melted white chocolate and coat on both sides • Use a fork to place the coated graham cracker on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. • Sprinkle crushed peppermint on the top of each graham cracker, allow to set, and enjoy.

Procedure • Add the white chocolate and butter to a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir a few times, then microwave for 30 more seconds. • Combine heavy cream and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles appear around the edges. Do not bring to a full, rolling boil. • Pour the cream mixture over the melted chocolate/butter and stir to combine. • Add the lemon oil/extract and lemon zest, then stir to combine. • Place the mixture in the fridge or freezer for 1-2 hours. • Remove from the fridge and scoop out teaspoons of chocolate with a melon scooper or small spoon, then roll into balls. • Coat the balls in the coarse white sugar. Add

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Southern Pecan Pralines 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup evaporated milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups pecans 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Procedure • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, spread pecans on a baking sheet, toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, then allow them to cool. • Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. • In a saucepan, add sugar, brown sugar, salt, evaporated milk, and butter. Cook over high heat until a candy thermometer reaches 235 degrees Fahrenheit (soft ball stage). • Remove from heat then add the pecans and vanilla, stirring vigorously until the mixture becomes thick. • Quickly drop 1/4 cup amounts onto the prepared baking sheets, allow to set/crystalize, and enjoy.

Sugar-Dusted Cinnamon Candy Peanut Butter Brownie Truffles 1 box fudge brownie mix 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/8 cup peanut butter for garnish Procedure • Prepare brownies according to package instructions and allow to cool. • Use a tablespoon to scoop up a bit of brownie batter, then roll it in your hands to form an even ball. Continue this process until all the batter is in balls. • Place each ball on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze for 1-2 hours. • Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a saucepan over low-medium heat until smooth. • Place each frozen brownie ball into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture until evenly coated, remove with a fork, and place back on the parchment paper. • Once all brownie balls are coated with the chocolate/peanut butter mixture, melt the remaining peanut butter and drizzle it over the truffles with a spoon. • Place the truffles in the fridge for about 20 mins to set, then enjoy.

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

1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup Dash of salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon oil 3-4 drops red food coloring Powdered sugar for dusting

Procedure • Bring sugar, corn syrup, and salt to a boil until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer. • Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the food coloring and cinnamon oil. • Immediately pour the mixture into a parchment-lined pie pan or 8x8-inch pan. When fully hardened, gently tap the candy to crack it. • Place the candy pieces in a ziplock bag, add a few tablespoons of powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake it until the candy is evenly coated.

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The Reason for Christ’s Birth By Rev. Norman R. Hunt

[InGoodFaith] In his gospel, Matthew tells us that the birth of Jesus happened like this: “Mary, a young Jewish maid was engaged to Joseph, a Jewish man.” According to Jewish custom, engagements lasted one year before the actual marriage took place. And although the couple did not live together as husband and wife, they were considered legally married. To break the betrothal took a writing of divorcement. During this time, it became evident that Mary was going to have a baby. Naturally, Joseph was distressed when he learned this. He knew that the child was not his, and he assumed Mary had been unfaithful to him. According to Moses’ law, adultery was punishable by death, and Joseph had every right to have Mary publicly stoned to death. After all, she had seemingly not only disgraced herself — she had also disgraced him. But being a kind and merciful man, rather than make a public example, Joseph decided to quietly divorce her.

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

When he turned these things over in his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. “The child,” the angel told him, “was conceived in her by the Holy Ghost.” The child was not the result of Mary being unfaithful to Joseph. The conception was a miracle of God. It would be a virgin birth. The angel told Joseph that when the child was born, he should “Call his name JESUS: for he will save his people from their sins.” Then, Matthew added this postscript: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means, God with us,” (Isaiah 7:14). L

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

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Gifted Children By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

[AcademicLife] All children are unique and develop different skills at different rates, and they all possess the natural ability to absorb information. Children develop most rapidly in the precious early learning years. With the right environment and early learning experiences, young children are capable of much more than we realize, and what might be normal development can look like above-average intelligence. One of the difficulties in determining whether a child is gifted is the broad definition of giftedness. Not everyone who uses the term is referring to the same set of qualities. Most public schools consider gifted students to be those who perform in the top 1-2% of their class, and these students may be provided with a more challenging curriculum. However, other schools consider each individual child and focus on individualizing lessons for that child. You can continue enriching your child’s learning at home as well: $

$ $

Provide a variety of toys that are changed often to give your child cognitive stimulation and promote curiosity and exploration. Use materials you have around the house. Cardboard boxes for building and old clothes for dressing up and role playing can provide hours of entertainment. Make sure your children have access to books and vary the selection. Let your children choose a new book every night. As children get older, they can take turns reading to you. Provide opportunities for social interaction. Engaging with other family members and visiting friends increases cognitive stimulation and helps build language and social skills. Follow your child’s interests. Provide opportunities for your child to explore his or her passions. Get out and about. Trips to the zoo, local parks, museums, and, if possible, other states or countries will add variety to your child’s life. Make sure you turn electronics off, limit all screen time, and get out and play games together.

If you still wonder if your child is gifted, visit the Georgia Association for Gifted Children at GAGC.org. This organization has many resources for parents including contact information for assessment providers, tips for families, and educational resources.

Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. GoddardSchools.com

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

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Give a Kid a Chance

Community Partner Give a Kid a Chance (GAKAC) is a program designed to help children in Cherokee County start each new school year on the right foot. In 2006, several members of Liberty Hill United Methodist Church in Canton were inspired to begin an outreach, based on a successful backto-school program for single-parent families at Milford Church of God in Austell. They wanted to start a similar ministry in Cherokee, offering local students every possible advantage, as they begin a new school year. In 2009, the organization was chosen by Cherokee County School District as a Partner in Education.

This year, GAKAC celebrated its 15th year of giving back to the community by supplying students in need with haircuts, clothing, socks and undies, medical screenings, and backpacks filled with school supplies. Since 2006, the event has grown from serving 100 kids to serving 3,000 kids each year. What started with three church congregations gathering to make a difference has grown into more than 75 churches, ministries, civic groups, individuals, and local businesses working together to help over 33,200 students get ready for the new school year. The organization is 100% run by volunteers, with no paid staff. This ensures that every dollar donated goes directly back to serving community needs. Most of the volunteers on the GAKAC leadership team also work full time jobs. The team is made up of Cherokee County school employees, accountants, teachers, students, and others. Director Cory Steinburg has

been with the organization for 10 years and was recently recognized for her hard work by receiving the Hometown Hero Award from Modern Woodmen. The program consists of each child receiving a new backpack full of the basic needed school supplies; two pairs of brand new socks and underwear; two gently used outfits; books; stuffed animals; medical screenings for vision, dental, and hearing; free haircuts; and lunch for the entire family at the annual Back to School Bash. The Bash happens once a year in two locations: First Baptist Church of Canton and Hillside United Methodist Church in Woodstock. Roughly 2,500 students attend the event each year to gear up for back to school. While this year looked very different because of the COVID-19 pandemic, GAKAC was still able to gather the support to provide filled backpacks, stuffed animals, and books to more than 2,700 Cherokee County students. The goal of the organization is to help families in need start the school year on a steady foot. The vision is to help children help themselves to a better education and a better future.

Cory Steinburg and Nitasha Ginn meeting with the Towne Lake Optimist Club.

Kathy Bertaccini, Brandy Thierry, and Chris Taylor of the registration team at the 2020 event.

Volunteers from Southeast Restoration, a long-time partner, help transport the backpacks for the event.

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

“We consider ourselves lucky to be part of a community that so readily gives back to those in need,” says one of the event’s organizers, Nitasha Ginn. “Each year is a gift for us, as we see the hearts and souls of Cherokee County citizens through their generosity and kindness.”

To donate or to get more information about how you can help, please visit GiveAKidAChance.org. Add

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Artist Profile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS

Sherry Cook

Joy of Creation

Sharing the

rtist Sherry Cook likes getting her hands dirty. So, when faced with a blank canvas, she said, “I’ll slap something down, and I’m off and running.” That “something” might be anything — buttons, old maps, wrapping paper, even recycled wood scraps. The results are mixed media canvasses that are rich in texture and color and often evoke a spiritual connection to viewers. From the time she was a small child sketching with her grandfather’s carpenter pencil, Cook knew she wanted to be an artist. For the past 30 years, she has created ceramics, handmade paper, folk art, frescoes, and encaustics. She has portrayed coastal and nautical subjects, animals, abstracts, birds, feathers, and angels, her current focus. “Every seven years or so, I get bored with what I’m doing and will shift and start doing something completely different,” she said, adding that her past pursuits remain integral to her artistic being. “I’m not doing folk art now, though key elements of that inform what I am doing. My favorite medium is whatever I’m doing in the present. I just like to get to my studio and start working.” Once she begins her canvas, Cook focuses and works for several hours, 28

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

excited to see what will develop. She might have a subject in mind but does not paint for a targeted audience or to create a specific mood. Her canvas might be small or very large. Her palette might be subdued or richly hued. It might include layers of paper with sheet music or compass faces on it or the interplay of various shapes. “That is the joy of creating new things. There is freedom in expressing myself and what I am called to paint,” Cook said. “Some of these paintings are based on mystical experiences I’ve had, things that come to me in meditation.” Her most recent angel paintings emanated from such an experience. “One morning, I had a strong inclination to get my sketchbook and sit in the woods and draw,” she recalled. “And, suddenly, all these images of angels came to me. And I scribbled and scribbled, and that started my last series of angels four years ago. I felt there was spiritual guidance for the images.” Cook’s angels, painted in acrylics on wood, fill the foreground of each canvas while an array of plants and flowers,

birds, butterflies, and fish create visual depth. She adds texture by applying various materials to her wooden “canvasses.” The angels portray almost all ethnicities and ages but are predominantly female. “I don’t really think of myself as a feminist, but others probably do. In my art, I often explore female theology, the goddess, female archetypes. I am a champion of women,” said Cook. Whether she is the young child sitting with her grandfather and sketching, or the accomplished artist whose works are exhibited in galleries, arts festivals, hospitals, and corporations, Cook thrives on creating. “It’s euphoric to put a lot of time in, and then see what I’ve done. It’s like a birthing. It’s very satisfying. Making something that brings people joy and brightens their day is never a bad thing,” Cook said.

For more information, or to view Cook’s art, visit SherryCook.net. Add

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

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations

Casa Lobo Mexican Restaurant 10009 Highway 92, Woodstock 678-494-6069 Restaurant

Teal Marketing, LLC

Bradford Turner Insurance Group

Faithful Adoption Consultants

Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Fitness Center

Cherokee County, GA 404-913-9772 Marketing Services, Advertising

481 East Main Street, Suite 100, Canton 678-880-6294 Adoption Consultants

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

270 East Main Street, Suite K, Canton 770-299-8003 Insurance

387 Goshen Church Way, Waleska 770-796-4618 Fitness Center

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

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Advertiser Index ABM 5 The Arbor at BridgeMill

The Carpenter’s Shop

The Children’s Haven

Chamberhouse 3 Cherokee Children’s Dentistry

Inside Back

City Laundry, Holly Springs Laundry, and My Cleaners

Downtown Canton

Fun Finds & Designs

The Goddard School

Graham B. Bailey – Edward Jones

Great Sky

Heritage Fellowship

Holiday Lights at Veterans Park

In Harmony Pediatric Therapy

Ireland Restorative Dentistry

Jyl Craven Hair Design

Cover, 16-17

Key’s Jewelry

Killian Automotive

LaVida Massage of Canton

LGE Community Credit Union

Inside Front

Marsha Malone – Farmers Insurance Masterpiece Framer

3 Inside Back

Mr. Handyman of Canton and Woodstock North Georgia Vein & Wellness

31 Back Cover

Plastic Surgery Center of the South

Reliable Built Homes

Results Inc. Weight Loss Centers

ServiceWise Electric

Tecali Grille

Thomas Insurance Agency, Inc.

Three Sisters Gifts & Home Accents

VRoK Fitness

Your CBD Store

Online ads link to advertisers’ websites. 32

Canton Family Life | DECEMBER 2020

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Stone Mountain, GA

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