Contents
March 2020
VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 8
24-25
[24-25]
On the Cover
GrassRoots Turf
30-31
Best Home Improvements for Return On Investment
34-35
Artist Profile Kristi Brooks-Paige
[30-31] [34-35]
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Family Life Publications
Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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.......................... Perspective
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................... Senator Speaks
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.............................. Calendar
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.................... Community Life
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.............. Holly Springs Notes
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........................ Public Safety
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............... Community Partner
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............................ Quotables
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........................ Book Review
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.................... Ribbon Cuttings
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Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
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Publisher’s Perspective
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun
Last month, I was at a networking program where my friend, Steve Monahan, was speaking about many of the reasons he was interested in creating an inspirational TEDx event that he, along with co-organizer Mike Sena, will be bringing to Woodstock on May 15. During his speech, he was reminiscing about recent travels in Italy where he had seen a quote by the artist Michelangelo. In reference to his famed Renaissance sculpture, David, Michelangelo stated: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” Hearing the simple eloquence of those words and thinking about them in a deeper sense made my cheeks warm, and my face relaxed into a pleasant smile. That quote was immediately etched into my memory, and I couldn’t wait to share it. In our own lives, this is something that we need to do every day — chip away at our hardened exteriors — the shells we were born with or may have acquired over the seasons of life. Break through the rough and gruff, past our sour rinds and dry crusts, and reveal the best within. Find your kindness, place, and purpose. Feed it, fertilize it, and make it grow. Surprise yourself; share your bliss. Inspire others by your example. May you be blessed to desire more than you can accomplish. Chisel into yourself, break your angel free, and let it fly.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelley Archer, Zack Bobo, Mary Kay Buquoi, J. Daran Burns, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Joshua Fuder, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Erin Honea, Norman R. Hunt, Scott V. Merritt, Tim Morris, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Jerry Rick, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson, Jacqueline Yokley, Farris Yawn
Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114
770-213-7095
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.
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© 2020 All rights reserved.
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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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the edges
M AG A ZI
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SofteninG
SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com
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A
s the first spring of the decade approaches, there’s much to do to prepare for a new season of growth. One way to make it happen is simply to have enough faith in ourselves to do what we need to do to get it done. Getting started is a happy feeling, and getting it done makes one successful. Happiness is a state of mind, success a point of view; bliss is what happens when they coexist.
ART Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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[HealthyLife] When it comes to drinks, green tea holds an impressive track record. Studies show that it has been consumed for more than 3,000 years, and roughly 3 billion cups are enjoyed by people around the globe each day. But did you know that green tea provides significant benefits to oral health? Made from either a shrub or evergreen tree, green tea has been found to help eliminate bad breath, reduce gum disease and cavities, and lower the risk of oral cancer. In a 2016 study published in Open Dental Journal, researchers found that green tea has strong antibacterial properties that eliminate the production of sulfur compounds, which are the primary cause
The Oral Health Benefits of
Green Tea By Scott V. Merritt, D.M.D.
of bad breath (i.e., halitosis). Drinking green tea during or shortly after meals can help maintain fresh breath by keeping odor-causing chemicals under control. Green tea has also been found to help reduce gum disease and cavities by restricting the development and colonization of harmful bacteria in areas of the mouth that are often difficult to clean (e.g., the gumline). In addition to its bacteria-fighting characteristics, green tea
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
leaves are rich in fluoride, a chemical that is widely known for remineralizing dental tissues. Last and most importantly, green tea has shown the potential to reduce the risk of oral cancer. In a 2015 study conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University, it was found that the most abundant antioxidant in green tea triggers a cycle of damage to cancer cells, essentially causing those harmful cells to disintegrate from the inside out. So, the next time you’re browsing the aisle at your favorite store for something to quench your thirst, give green tea a try. Your mouth will thank you.
Dr. Merritt has been helping families in and around Canton since opening BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road in 2002. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com
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The Most Generous Cut Guidelines for Donating Hair By Jyl Craven
[Lifestyle] Many adults — even women — lose their hair, and we can recognize that as a fact of nature. But it’s heart wrenching to see a child who has lost his/her hair. We know that this isn’t the cycle that nature intended, and hair loss is often just a visible trait signifying a battle with cancer or another disease that no child should ever have to worry about. Hair loss for a child, even when it’s due to a non-life-threatening condition, is scary for parents and traumatic for children. Fortunately, plenty of nonprofit groups exist to create wigs for these youngsters.
• Hair should be clean, dry, and secured in a ponytail. • An elastic band should be placed at each end of the hair to keep it all pointing in one direction. • Layered hair can be used as long as the shortest layer is at least 8 inches long. • Most organizations will accept gray hair, but always check. Even if your hair doesn’t currently fit these criteria, you may be able to help in other ways or prepare your hair for donation in the future. Ask your stylist if he/she has any advice on hair donation.
Each of these organizations has a “donate” page on its website that specifies donation guidelines and other specific needs. Even if you are unable to donate your hair, these great causes also accept monetary contributions. Any help you can provide will certainly be appreciated. L
Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
How to Help If you are interested in generously donating your hair, you should know that each nonprofit has its own specific set of guidelines. Here are a few common procedures: • Hair should be at least 8 inches long. • Most organizations prefer virgin hair. Some organizations will accept colored hair if it is in good condition and isn’t overly bleached.
The following are a few of the more wellknown organizations that provide hair pieces for children suffering from cancer and other conditions that cause hair loss: • Locks of Love (LocksOfLove.org) • Children With Hair Loss (ChildrenWithHairLoss.us) • Wigs for Kids (WigsForKids.org)
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” -Steve Maraboli
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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[InGoodFaith] The real tragedy of life is not what people suffer, but what they miss, what they could be, and what they could do in the name of the lord.
The Key to Effective
In the Bible, there are two parables on prayer. One is about a man who came to his friend at midnight asking for three loaves of bread. Because of his persistence, he got what he wanted. Literally, he kept asking until his friend gave him the bread.
By Rev. Norman R. Hunt
The other parable is about a widow who came to an unjust judge, asking him to avenge her of her adversary. Even though the judge did not fear God, she got what she asked for. Again, the reason she got what she wanted is because “she continued coming night and day,” and she kept asking. In Matthew 7:7, the literal translation is, “Keep on asking and you will receive.”
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
James 4:2 says, “You have not because you don’t keep on asking.”
The key to effective prayer is to keep on asking. There is a wonderful example of this principle in the Old Testament about a woman named Hannah who wanted a child. The Bible says she came to the temple year after year, asking for a child. God honored her request with a son named Samuel, who became a great prophet in Israel. Most of us pray for something, and in a week or two, we forget it, drop it, or give up and quit. Keep on asking! 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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Senator Speaks
Sharing the Road By State Senator Bruce Thompson
T
he metro Atlanta area is notorious for heavy traffic. Cherokee County added over 8,000 new residents in 2019, and that trend is not expected to end in the near future, so traffic stresses are not likely to decrease any time soon. Although there is talk that autonomous vehicles will one day dominate the highways, providing constant speeds, maintained lanes, and strategic spacing, that day may have been delayed with the recent Tesla crashes. In the meantime, most everyone can improve upon driving etiquette as well as follow traffic laws. State law requires motorists to maintain a safe distance between themselves and the car in front of them, so don’t try to intimidate other cars to move over. On the other hand, if you are the lead car, you are required to move over/change lanes when a car approaches you from behind. Also, when a car is merging onto the road, be courteous and either move over or slow down, so the driver’s speed can be maintained as the merge is completed. However, being kind to our fellow citizens should not be limited to our roadways. In the past, people often stopped their cars short of their garage to speak to neighbors, or they picked up the neighbor’s
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
in Life
newspaper from the yard or moved their garbage can up to their home for them. If we had a problem with someone, we followed God’s word from Matthew 18:15: “If a believer does something wrong, go and confront him when the two of you are alone!” We didn’t post our grievance on social media outlets for others to see and add comments. On this past Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I read the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” to my family. It paints a picture of a community unable and unwilling to collaborate, communicate, or compromise. Dr. King reprimands the church for being apathetic and content, allowing the status quo. This letter is just as relevant today. Martin Luther King Jr. had several famous quotes, but two of my favorites are, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” and “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” When I got home the other day, my wife was watching a Hallmark movie about a man who lost his wife to cancer, and
then a drought threatened to destroy his farm. While it was easy to sympathize with this man, it was frustrating to witness his constant anger, especially when he directed it at his 12-year-old daughter. During one scene in which the character was cursing God for his lot in life, his dad pulled him aside and asked him to look out over the valley and describe what he saw. He responded that he saw a house and some dried-out fields. Irritated by his son’s perspective, the father sternly said, “What you see below is your partner! God provided you with this home and the farm when your wife was alive, and they remain with you during this tough time. They are your grounded reminder that you have memories to cling to and a life to build for you and your daughter.” This story is a great reminder that our family and neighbors are our partners in life, and we should not take them for granted or push them away.
Bruce Thompson is a state senator for District 14, which includes Canton. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com
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Calendar
MARCH
5-11 & 19-25
Cherokee County Board of Education Youth Artwork Exhibits — View artwork created by local elementary school students. 11:00am-5:00pm Tuesday-Friday and 12:00-5:00pm Saturday, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org
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CCSD Job Fair — The Cherokee County School District is hiring new teachers, bus drivers, school nurses, and school nutrition workers as well as psychologists and speech language pathologists. Job candidates will have the opportunity to meet CCSD and school leaders and ask questions. Applications can be filled out prior to the fair at Applitrack.com/cherokee/onlineapp/ default.aspx, and laptops will also be available to complete applications on site. No registration is necessary for the
event. 9:00am-12:00pm, River Ridge High School, 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock. 770-704-4256. Cherokeek12.net/ Administration2/human-resources
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9th Annual Georgia Has Talent Each year, the Beat Out Cancer Club at Cherokee High School brings premiere talent from all over Georgia to the stage in this fundraiser for cancer research. In addition to the talent competition, the event will include guest performances by local celebrities and
Coffee with a Cop — Join Canton police officers for a cup of coffee and conversation. 9:00-10:00am, Hardee’s, 161 Marietta Highway, Canton.
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Going Home to Dixie — This musical presented by the Peachtree Players Theater Company is about what happens when a simple wedding becomes a site of shocking confessions and surprises. 8:00pm Friday/Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday, Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. PeachtreePlayers.com
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UGA Master Gardeners Extension Seminar — Volunteers of Cherokee County present “Raised Beds and Where Do They Go Wrong.” FREE! Please register by calling or visiting the website. 10:30am, R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Boulevard, Canton. 770-721-7803. CherokeeMasterGardenersInc.WildApricot.org
ONGOING March Is Women’s History Month The majority of ancient cultures were patriarchal, practicing customs that held women in low esteem and limited their freedom. Through the centuries, many courageous women have stepped forward to fight inequality and to champion causes for the benefit of society. Their work to break down barriers has allowed future generations of women to pass through with less resistance. Women’s History Month honors these women. 10
Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
Some Bunny Special Cherokee Recreation and Parks Association collects Easter baskets each year to be delivered to children in need throughout Cherokee County. All baskets MUST be pre‐filled with Easter‐ related items (e.g., candy, stuffed animals, toys, etc.). 9:00am-8:00pm Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-5:00pm Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm Saturday, Recreation Center (South Annex), 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. LCollett@cherokeega.com. PlayCherokee.org Body Recall: FREE Senior Exercise Classes — Through April 3, this program focuses on balance, flexibility,
coordination, and strength to help seniors maintain their independence. Join any time. Necessary equipment provided. 1:002:00pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:00-2:00pm, Heritage Fellowship, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. 770-479-9415. JBishop@heritagecanton. com. HeritageCanton.com Cherokee Veterans Community Military Support Every first, third, and fifth Thursday of the month for women and every Thursday for men, this ministry offers ongoing support and comradery for veterans, veterans’ spouses, mothers of deployed military members (Blue Star Moms), and Gold Star Moms and their families. 6:30-8:00pm, More through the door!
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The Sound of Music Opera — This classic children’s movie is adapted for the stage by Reinhardt University’s Opera Program. 7:30pm Friday/Saturday and 3:00pm Sunday, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu
a silent auction. 5:00pm silent auction and 6:00pm talent show, Cherokee High School, 930 Marietta Highway, Canton. GeorgiaHasTalent.com
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2020 Celebration of Education Gala This black-tie optional fundraising event includes dinner, the CCSD’s Got Talent student talent show, silent auction, and special recognitions of outstanding alumni and educators. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation is a charitable, nonprofit organization, dedicated to supporting the students and staff of the Cherokee County School District. 6:00pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org
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It’s a Wibit Children must be able to pass a 25-yard swim test to use the inflatable Wibit water obstacle course. 3/8 & 3/21 1:00-5:00pm and
First Baptist Church Woodstock, 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-494-2680. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org Dumpster Day — On the first Saturday of each month, City of Canton residents may dispose of trash, unwanted items, and up to 10 tires per resident. They may also recycle many electronics FREE of charge. Please bring proof of residency when dropping off items. Visit the website for a full list of acceptable items. 8:00am-12:00pm, Municipal Court Building, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton. 770-704-1554. CantonGa.gov Senior Lunch & Learn by Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) — On the third Thursday of each month, this FREE community program is designed to educate seniors on a variety of topics including identity theft, phone scams,
3/9 11:00am-3:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org
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Parent’s Night Out — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time! Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie! 5:3010:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org
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HFVA First Aid & Stop the Bleed Classes — Take the time now to learn skills to save lives! The AHA Heartsaver First Aid course teaches how to respond and manage an emergency before first responders arrive, and the Stop the Bleed Course teaches skills needed in a traumatic bleeding emergency. Hickory Flat Volunteer Association offers both classes. FREE.
housing options, in-home care, advanced directives, and problems associated with aging. This month’s topic is “Women and Aging.” 12:00-1:00pm, Heritage Fellowship, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. RSVP for lunch 770-479-9415 or JBishop@ heritagecanton.com. HeritageCanton.com Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group — Meet up with fellow caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients on the third Monday of each month for support and to learn caregiving strategies. 10:00am, Hickory Flat Church Administrative Building (to the left of the church), 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. Free CPR/AED Certification Class On the last Saturday of each month, this fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. First Aid 9:00am-1:00pm and Stop the Bleed 1:00-2:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org/ClassRegistration.php
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Downtown Canton Through the Decades Prom — It’s prom season! Enjoy this fun event in downtown Canton by dressing in prom attire from the year you graduated, or choose your favorite decade. Be sure to order your flowers; schedule your hair, makeup, and nail appointments; shop for a sassy outfit; and make dinner reservations in Canton’s downtown businesses to get prom ready. 6:0010:00pm, downtown Canton, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. Facebook.com/ DowntownCantonGA [continued on page 12]
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/ClassRegistration.php Canton City Council Meeting — On the first and third Thursday of each month, City Council holds meetings, which are open to the public. 6:00pm, City Hall, 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov 4th Friday Open Mic With Cherokee Music Center — Hosted by Ball Ground Main Street and Cherokee Music Center, musicians are invited to perform at this fun event. Come out and support live, local music. 6:00pm, Food Court Park, 288 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground. 770-928-8807. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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LIBRARY EVENTS
Calendar
SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org BALL GROUND 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground, 770-735-2025
HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565
R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, 770-479-3090
TEEN NIGHT — DUNGEONS & DRAGONS March 5, 6:00pm, Ball Ground No experience required. Longtime player Stephen Lawrence will lead and teach. Materials are provided. This is for teens in grades 6-12.
THE CANTON ECLECTIC READERS March 16, 2:00pm, R.T. Jones This month’s book club for unconventional readers will be discussing The Suspect by Michael Robotham. Meet in the library’s Georgia Room.
LEARN UKULELE March 10, 4:30pm, R.T. Jones Learn the basics of playing ukulele with Kara. Ukuleles and practice books are provided. This is for ages 9+. Registration is required.
TEEN MANGA CLUB March 16, 6:00pm, Hickory Flat Read, watch, and discuss popular manga and anime series as well as play games, draw, write, and other activities. This is for teens in grades 6-12.
MUSIC AND MOVES March 6 & 27, 10:30am, Ball Ground March 11, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Experience scarf play, music, gross motor skills, and storytelling in one action-packed hour. Children must be accompanied by an adult. CUBIST CLOVER PAINTING March 12, 5:00pm, Ball Ground Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day by creating your very own Cubist-style clover painting inspired by Irish artist Mary Swanzy! Materials are provided. This is for ages 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. CANCER PREVENTION & AWARENESS March 12 & 26, 12:00pm, Hickory Flat Northside Hospital and Northside Hospital Cancer Institute staff members conduct blood pressure checks and provide information on cancer prevention and awareness. This is for ages 18+.
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The Atlanta Chamber Players — A mixed ensemble of strings, winds, and piano, the Atlanta Chamber Players have earned a national reputation as a pioneer among chamber groups and are widely respected as a cultural treasure in the Southeast. 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu
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2020 Cherokee Career Expo — Mark your calendar for Cherokee’s premier hiring event! Forget the commute and find out what world-class companies in Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock have to offer. 2:00-6:00pm, Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. CherokeeGa.org/careerexpo
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Volley for a Cure This disco themed tennis event raises money for the American Cancer Society. $20 per player to participate in round robin. Please bring a dish to share. In addition to tennis, there will be $5 raffle tickets, a disco costume contest, prizes, and adult beverages for purchase. 6:30pm, BridgeMill Tennis Center, 1180 Bridge Mill Avenue, Canton. 770-720-9635. BridgeMillAthleticClub.com
MAKE YOUR OWN LIBRARY PATCH March 19, 4:00pm, R.T. Jones Make an iron-on library patch to give to a friend, a loved one, or yourself. Materials are provided. This is for ages 13+. Registration is required. DIY KID-SAFE SLIME March 26, 10:30am, Ball Ground This is a non-toxic, taste-safe slime recipe, using chia seeds as the base. Enjoy some messy sensory play! Materials are provided. This is for ages 6 and younger. Children must be accompanied by an adult. UNDERCOVER BOOK CHAT March 31, 6:30pm, Ball Ground Each month, meet to discuss novels involving detectives or espionage. This month’s selection is Forever and a Day: A James Bond Novel by Anthony Horowitz. CLASSICS BOOK CLUB March 31, 4:30pm, R.T. Jones This month’s selection is William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.
Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a wonderful lunch for only $5. Come alone or bring a friend, coworker, or family member, and enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting the seniors and veterans of Cherokee County. You can either dine on-site, or pick up and go. RSVP the location, so the amazing chefs can be prepared for all who come to support. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Arbor at BridgeMill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org
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Love Letters — This A.R. Gurney play is a tender, tragi-comic, and nuanced examination of the shared nostalgia, missed opportunities, and deep closeness of two lifelong, complicated friends. Cherokee Theatre Company invites you to enjoy this collaboration with Gaslight Players, which is not included in the 2019-2020 season tickets. 8:00pm Friday/
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Leather Working Workshop — Come learn how to create interesting and functional leather pieces at this fun workshop. 10:00am-4:00pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org
Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday, Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-591-0282. CherokeeTheatre.org
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Cherokee Music Teachers Association Meeting and Program — After the meeting, the program will be presented by Dr. Raffi Besalyan of Georgia State University, who will discuss the Russian school of pedagogy. All are welcome to attend this FREE event. 10:00am, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Linda@lokey.net
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UGA Master Gardeners Extension Garden Talk Volunteers of Cherokee County present “What Do I Want My Landscape To Be — Triage, Learning From Experience.” FREE! Please register by calling or visiting the website. 10:30am. Northside Hospital (Galleria Room), 450 Northside Cherokee
Boulevard, Canton. 770-721-7803. CherokeeMasterGardenersInc. WildApricot.org
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North Georgia Grafting Workshop Theory of the science of grafting will be followed by hands on grafting by attendees. All participants will be provided with five rootstocks (apple or pear), a wide selection of scions to choose from, and all the materials needed to graft. 2:008:00pm, 250 Civic Drive, Ball Ground. 770-721-7803. Extension.uga.edu/calendar
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Liverpool Legends — Enjoy these four talented musicians and actors who were hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison of The Beatles, to recreate the band that changed
the face of music forever. 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu
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Taste of Sequoyah — Enjoy food samples from local restaurants, live music, silent auction, and a basket raffle. The Sequoyah High School Band and Orchestra hosts this community-wide fundraising event. Food sample tickets are $1-$3 each. 6:008:30pm, Sequoyah HS, 4485 Hickory Road, Canton.
[continued on page 14]
ENTER THE
contest Please submit your original short story about a family friendly topic for a chance to win a gift certiicate and publication in one of our July 2020 magazines. There are two age divisions: High School and Adult. Please see below for rules and additional information: Story can be no more than 500 words, including title. Submit as a Word document to Contest@FamilyLifePublications.com. Only one submission per person. Story must not be published elsewhere in a print or electronic format. Include the following information at the bottom of your story:
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
April 1, 2020
*Contact information is for award notiication purposes only and will not be published in the magazine.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
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Calendar continued from page 13
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Agriculture Expo — Enjoy tractor and gardening classes, children’s area, commodity food and drinks, visiting agriculture booths, and door prizes. FREE! 4:00-7:00pm, Hickory Flat Fellowship Church, 5301 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. 770-479-1481. CherokeeAgExpo.info
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5th Annual Canton Egg Fest FREE activities include ongoing glow-in-the-dark egg hunts with tons of candy for children 12 and under and special needs children, an inflatable fun zone, live entertainment, photos with the Easter Bunny, and hands-on projects for the kids. This event raises money for the Joy House, a local nonprofit that
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15th Annual Wing & Rock Fest Voted one of the Top 50 Food Festivals in the country, this FREE two-day family friendly event offers something for everyone. The festival will include live music, a wing eating contest, kid zone, arts and crafts market, and a best wing contest.12:00-7:00pm Saturday and 12:00-6:00pm Sunday, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. WingAndRockFest.com
provides restorative care for struggling teens, families, and individuals through a residential program in Jasper and a community Christian counseling center in Woodstock. 11:00am- 2:00pm, The Oak House, 151 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 678-653-4652. Facebook.com/ cantoneggfest
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The Lorax — Enjoy a fun filled afternoon by watching this Dr. Seuss movie on the big screen, making crafts, and eating snacks! 2:00pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu
APRIL
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Eggs-traordinary Extravaganza Ages 4-12 can enjoy an underwater egg hunt, while ages 0-3 can participate in a traditional egg hunt outside the aquatic center. There will also be a bounce house, face painting, games, music, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Please call to schedule a 15-minute time slot for the underwater egg hunt (they fill up quickly). 2:15-2:30pm traditional egg hunt and 2:30-5:00pm underwater egg hunt, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org
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Easter Egg Hunt — The Easter Bunny will hide over 15,000 eggs and stay to pose for pictures. Each family will go home with a complimentary printed photo. Also, children may enjoy a petting zoo, get their face painted, make Easter eggshaped spin art, snack on popcorn, and receive a special age-appropriate prize for their egg hunting efforts. FREE! 11:00am, Barrett Park, 4925 Jonathan Way, Canton. HollySpringsGa.us
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UGA Master Gardeners Extension Seminar — Volunteers of Cherokee County present “Terrific Tomatoes.” FREE! Please register by calling or visiting the website. 10:30am, R.T. Jones Library, 116 Brown Industrial Boulevard, Canton. 770-721-7803. CherokeeMasterGardenersInc.WildApricot.org
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
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45th Annual Cherokee Chamber Awards
Community Hasty ES Wins $10,000 Grant for Healthy Schools Project Hasty ES Fine Arts Academy is the Grand Prize and Title I Winner in the annual Super Health, Super You Community Challenge sponsored by Novo Nordisk and Discovery Education. The $10,000 grant will fund a sensory walking path on the school campus, where students and staff can exercise, enjoy nature, reflect on goals, and foster positive socialemotional connections. Created by Hasty students, the winning idea was submitted by PE teacher Barry Dalton, who is this year’s CCSD Teacher of the Year. The Community Challenge grant competition inspires elementary school students to develop a creative plan for solving a health-related problem.
School Board Approves Appointment of New Chief Operating Officer The Cherokee County School Board has appointed a longtime CCSD leader as its next chief operations officer.
William G. Hasty, Jr. (pictured above) was recently named Cherokee County’s 45th First Citizen. This Chamber of Commerce award recognizes citizens who have shown meritorious service to the community through family, civic, and/or religious involvement. Other Chamber of Commerce honorees included: Allegro Business Products, 2020 Small Business of the Year; Live Clean, Inc., 2020 Excellence in Customer Service Award honoree; John Wallace, Chairman’s Council Joan McFather Volunteer of the Year Award; and The Children’s Haven (pictured below), Nonprofit of the Year award.
Dr. Debra Murdock, executive director in the Office of School Operations and a former Georgia High School Principal of the Year, will begin leading the division after Trey Olson retires on April 1. “Not only is Dr. Murdock renowned for how deeply she cares for and advocates for every student, she also is an experienced and effective leader who can rally teams through transitions and growth,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. “I know she will excel in this new role and continue to raise expectations for our schools and their leaders.” As chief operations officer, Dr. Murdock will oversee CCSD’s schools, principals, and transportation department, with responsibilities ranging from enrollment to student services to discipline. For the last six months, Dr. Murdock has headed up CCSD’s new Social and Emotional Learning initiative. Dr. Hightower will work with Dr. Murdock to ensure this important effort remains at the forefront. “I am honored to be chosen to serve our outstanding school district as chief operations officer,” Dr. Murdock said. “I look forward to continuing to promote our district’s work in engaging the social and emotional health and well-being of our students and staff as part of my new role.”
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes received the Going Green Business of the Year. This award honors companies committed to environmental excellence and implementation of green business tactics. A panel of out-of-town judges reviewed applicants’ accomplishments and chose winners based on merit.
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Canton Names Stephen Merrifield as Police Chief City Manager Billy Peppers recently named Stephen Merrifield as the new Canton police chief. “The Canton Police Department is a shining star for public safety, integrity, and honor in our community and region,” Peppers said. “The work that each member does daily to work with the community, engage with our citizens, protect our businesses, and maintain law and order is exemplary and should be a model to every other law enforcement agency in Georgia. I am proud to work with them and look forward to Chief Merrifield’s dedication to our purpose of public service with a heart of community." Merrifield served five years as Canton’s deputy chief and has been the interim police chief since September. He also served four years as a U.S. Army Ranger in Savannah, Georgia, before beginning his law enforcement career with the Cobb County Police Department in 1984.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
Sequoyah HS DECA Earns Opportunity to Compete at International Competition Sequoyah High School DECA members competed at the student marketing association’s State Career Development Conference in Atlanta and earned the opportunity to compete at the International competition next month in Nashville. Austyn Tressler placed first in Apparel and Accessories Marketing; Haley Ward placed fourth in Restaurant and Food Services Management; Ashlyn Blumberg, Claire Jerguson, and Lauren Smith placed seventh in Innovation Plan; Emily Duke placed seventh in Hotel and Lodging Management; and Sydney Pate placed seventh in Retail and Merchandising. DECA’s industry validated competitive events are aligned with high school career classes in marketing, business management and administration, finance, and hospitality and tourism. (L-R) Ashlyn Blumberg, Austyn Tressler, Sydney Pate, Claire Jerguson, Lauren Smith, Haley Ward, and Emily Duke.
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Community Six CCSD High School Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists
CCSD Celebrates National Girls and Women in Sports Day All six of the Cherokee County School District’s 2020 National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists have been named finalists: Anna DeYoung, Cherokee HS; Jack Eno and Lyriel Todd, Creekview HS; Alicia Mazzurra and Sathvika Narasimhan, River Ridge HS; and Dayne J. Bergman, Woodstock HS.
More than 700 female athletes from Cherokee County’s six high schools participated in the CCSD’s annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), held last month at Cherokee High School.
Less than 1% of 1.5 million U.S. high school seniors who take the SAT are named National Merit semi-finalists, and to advance to finalist status is an even more impressive accomplishment as well as the next step on the path to earning scholarship dollars. The finalists now will vie for 7,600 scholarships valued at $31 million to be awarded this spring.
NGWSD recognizes the contributions of female athletes, acknowledges the challenges they have overcome, and celebrates the positive influence of sports for girls and women, as well as the impact of Title IX legislation that guarantees equal access to athletics for females. NGWSD is celebrated in all 50 states.
Promotions From Holly Springs
“National Girls and Women in Sports Day continues to honor the many ways sports push girls and women to achieve excellence and realize their boundless potential,” said Tonya Sebring, event coordinator and administrator on special assignment for student activities and athletics. “This year’s theme is a continuation of the charge, ‘Lead her Forward.’”
The City of Holly Springs recently promoted two employees to key positions. City Manager Robert H. Logan promoted Denise Lamazares to finance director. Lamazares has been employed by Holly Springs since 2010, when she was hired as an accountant. Previously, she served as budget analyst at the City of Pembroke Pines, Florida. “Over the years, Denise has continually worked to increase her responsibilities without compromising the quality of work that she produces,” said Logan. Police Chief Michael Carswell promoted Mike Hales to the rank of lieutenant. Lt. Hales possesses 19 years of law enforcement experience. He has served the City of Holly Springs since 2014, and quickly rose through the ranks, most recently serving as sergeant. Prior to joining the Holly Springs Police Department, Lt. Hales worked for 13 years at the Canton Police Department, ending his career there as the lieutenant commander of the Uniform Patrol Division. He served as a field training officer as well as program coordinator. Lt. Hales began his career in law enforcement as a communications officer at the Georgia State Patrol Headquarters.
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
During the NGWSD program, Lorri Little of Sequoyah HS was honored for her contributions and support of female athletes. Sebring also presented the Trailblazer Award to the Sequoyah Girls Flag Football team and recognized all the Cherokee County athletes who took on the challenge of starting one of the first flag football programs in Georgia this year. Each school also honored an alumna, an athlete of the year, and a team of the year: • Etowah High School honored alumna Taylor Kimber; Athlete of the Year, Savannah Bray; and Team of the Year, Fast Pitch Softball. • River Ridge HS honored alumna Bayleigh Lott; Athlete of the Year, Gabbi Phillips; and Teams of the Year, Softball and Volleyball. • Woodstock HS honored alumna Ashton Sutton; Athlete of the Year, Haley Roe; and Team of the Year, the Wolverines’ Competition Cheer squad.
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YMCA Honors Cherokee County Volunteer and Teen Leader of the Year G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA recently recognized a volunteer and teen leader at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Celebration of Community Champions: 2020 Vision event. Volunteer of the Year Desi Frazier has been involved with the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA for 15 years. Most recently, Desi has assisted with coaching basketball and t-ball teams. Teen Leader of the Year Matthew Crosby’s first involvement with the YMCA was through summer camp 10 years ago. Besides serving as assistant counselor and lifeguard, Crosby is involved with the Advanced Leadership Academy.
2020 Leadership Cherokee Class Selected The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently selected the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020. Members of the 32nd class were chosen after a nomination, application, and interview process. Over the next nine months, the Leadership Cherokee Class will participate in sessions on topics including economic development, infrastructure, government, justice, education, recreation, tourism, public safety, healthcare, and social/human services. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony in September. Members of the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2020 include Front Row (L-R): Alexandra Morris, Rosemary Mburu, Rachel Geoghagan, Paige Reid, and Amanda Rostin. Second Row (L-R): Angie King, Holli White, Mariela Perez, Lisa Grisham, Sherry Lowe-Cooke, Michael Cicero, Frankie Sanders, and Stacy Sabaka. Back Row (L-R): Jodi Drinkard, Lindsay Bowley, Bobby DeCoux, Jay Hutchins, Courtney Putnam, Alexander Bryant, Thomas Pinyan, Walter Jones, and Dean Floyd. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
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[AcademicLife] According to research conducted by the National Center for Summer Learning, which is based at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Baltimore, Maryland, summer learning loss accounts for about two-thirds of the difference in the likelihood of a student pursuing a college preparatory path in high school. As these findings indicate, keeping children’s brains challenged throughout the summer is crucial, since the lack of learning activities during these months has both short- and long-term consequences. Maintaining consistency in a child’s day throughout the summer months keeps the
brain focused and helps prevent learning loss during the school break. In addition, it can potentially ease the anxiety that often accompanies transitioning into a new classroom or school in the fall.
Tips for Choosing a Summer Program Choose a program that is based on individual interests and natural curiosity, which allows children the opportunity to direct their own learning. Ask for the credentials, experience, and training requirements of the teachers/counselors. Check the health and safety practices of the program. Make sure you are
comfortable that your child’s unique needs will be met. Inquire about the daily schedule of the program. Does the program combine songs, stories, exploration, art, physical activities, and learning adventures in a safe, nurturing environment? Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities. Request references.
Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. GoddardSchools.com
Choosing a Summer Learning Program By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
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HollySpringsNotes
FUN 2020
EVENTS in Holly Springs By Erin Honea
Holly Springs offers exciting things to do all year long, so mark your calendars now. Additional details can be found at HollySpringsGa.us/events.
Great American Cleanup Saturday, May 2, 9:00am-12:00pm, location TBD City staff, the Tree Commission, and local volunteers team up to participate in the country’s largest community beautification program. This Keep America Beautiful project kicks off each spring and engages more than 4 million volunteers in more than 20,000 communities nationwide. This is a great opportunity for scouts and civic groups looking to engage in and serve their community.
Autumn Fest Saturday, October 3, 10:00am-5:00pm, Barrett Park Enjoy the City of Holly Spring’s signature event by staying all day to enjoy local arts and crafts from over 80 unique vendors, food trucks, and a kids’ zone that includes a rock climbing wall, double bungee trampoline, carnival games, and face painting. FREE to park, enter, and enjoy the kids’ zone!
Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 4, 11:00am, Barrett Park The Easter Bunny makes a stop at Barrett Park to hide over 15,000 eggs and stays to take pictures with all the kids. Each family goes home with a complimentary printed photo. In addition to egg hunting, children may enjoy the petting zoo, get their face painted, make Easter egg-shaped spin art, and snack on popcorn. Children also receive a special ageappropriate prize for their egg hunting efforts. FREE!
Holly Springs 101 Tuesdays, April 21, April 28, May 5, and May 12, 6:30pm, Holly Springs Public Safety Building Holly Springs 101 is an educational experience for the citizens of Holly Springs. This program helps interested individuals become more knowledgeable about how the city government operates. City staff members will explain their department’s function and answer questions. Sessions explore the Office of the City Clerk, Administration & Finance, Police & Fire, and Community Development. Participation is FREE. Register at HollySpringsGa.us/hollysprings101. 22
Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
Community Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, December 4, 6:30pm, Historic Train Depot
Holly Springs Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 5, 1:30pm, Holly Springs Parkway Join elected officials, City staff, and your neighbors for the lighting of the community Christmas tree next to Hardin Pavilion at the Historic Train Depot. Kick off the holiday season with Christmas carols, cookies, and hot apple cider. The day after, come back to downtown Holly Springs for the Christmas Parade. Floats, marching bands, dance groups, and more will march down Holly Springs Parkway toward the Historic Train Depot. After the parade, Santa will be available for complimentary photos. While you wait, pick up a take-home Christmas craft, and snack on Christmas cupcakes and hot chocolate. FREE.
Erin Honea is a native of Cherokee County and has been the Main Street director for the City of Holly Springs since 2014.
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Music Therapy and Mental Health [HealthyLife] Adolescence is a time of transition between childhood and adulthood. It is charged with physical, academic, and emotional growth. The stress of becoming successful, thinking about possible career choices, and peer pressure can weigh heavily on many individuals, causing a decline in mental health. It is necessary for an adolescent’s support system to help ensure that he/she is adjusting properly to new responsibilities. Music therapists are specially trained to cater to mental health needs and provide a safe space for self-expression and stress relief. Here are a few evidence based interventions that would be used in a music therapy session: Drum Circle – A drum circle is a gathering of people playing hand drums
and other percussion instruments. This intervention is beneficial for the promotion of mental health because it provides a sense of community for participants, releases tension and anxiety, and promotes self-expression. Jacobson Muscle Relaxation to Music – This is the practice of tightening and relaxing muscle groups in sequences. Its health benefits include anxiety relief, stress reduction, lowered blood pressure, and improved sleep. Songwriting – This activity can vary in structure from fill-in-the-blank to full free form. It is beneficial in aiding with self-expression, emotional development, and self-exploration. Improvisation – Like the drum circle, improvisation is a gathering of people with the purpose of making spontaneous music. Improvisation increases
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
By Holly Huggins, LPMT, MT-BC
togetherness, releases tension and anxiety, and promotes self-expression. Lyric Analysis – This is a therapist-led intervention in which the participants listen to a song together and then have a group discussion about its meaning. The song’s meaning can then be applied to the lives of the participants. Lyric analysis provides a safe space for attendees to talk about their lives and struggles. It also provides an environment for problem-solving, emotional development, and self-expression. A board-certified music therapist is a wonderful addition to an adolescent’s support group. L
Holly Huggins is a music therapist at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com
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Simply “The Best Service Company Ever!” Putting Customers and Employees First Josh Wise, founder and owner of GrassRoots Turf, says, “It’s easy to live up to our company’s motto, ‘The Best Service Company Ever!’ The key is to care — care about your customers and care about your employees. We consistently receive five-star ratings from our customers because our relationship with them is all about giving the best service.” When homeowners choose GrassRoots, they are receiving a full-service turf management program that is all inclusive. “Our customers are spared the pain and frustration of unexpected extra costs,” Wise assures. Dan Diamond Kevin Rainey
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
A family owned and operated business, GrassRoots includes Wise’s mother, father, brother, and cousin. GrassRoots employees are highly valued, and they are trusted to value customers in the same manner. In an industry known for seasonal layoffs, GrassRoots keeps technicians year-round and provides them with a two-week paid leave at Christmas. Each employee also receives his/her birthday off. Technicians service the same lawns, get to know their customers, and are always on the lookout for ways to make their client’s day better, whether it be assisting with unloading groceries or bringing up the trash cans. “We’re more than just a lawn care company; our sole focus is the happiness of our customers as well as our employees,” Wise says. “We don’t work Saturdays. Our customers want to enjoy their yards on the weekend, and our employees want to spend their weekends with their families.” Growing, but Keeping Service the No. 1 Priority The GrassRoots commitment to top-notch service was cultivated from Wise’s extensive experience in the industry. Launching
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COVER STORY By Ellen Samsell Salas his own lawn care business at 14, he taught himself the business — from the “roots” up. In 2002, Wise opened GrassRoots. Prompted by the company’s growth, GrassRoots began offering franchise opportunities in 2019. GrassRoots currently has five locations in the works, including one in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the company’s territory expands, delivering the best service remains top priority. To guarantee consistency, Wise assists in the hiring and training of all franchise technicians. “We will be hands-on with our franchises,” says Wise, “You must have the right people to ensure that customer service stays top notch.” Leading the Way in Lawn Service Always aware of industry trends, Wise performs in-depth research before making any operational changes. New this year, the company is leading the industry offering state-of-theart service by outfitting all GrassRoots technicians with body cameras to record each application. “I’m a firm believer in staying ahead of industry trends,” Wise insists. Having a video record of how applications were performed will ensure that all areas of each yard are covered. “We want our customers to have peace of mind that our technicians have done a thorough job,” Wise says.
Giving Back to the Community While Wise is a member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, GrassRoots also gives back to the community by donating to 48 schools in Cherokee, Cobb, and Paulding Counties. Working with PTAs, the company donates 5% of all revenue earned from clients who say they learned of GrassRoots through the publicity campaign at their child’s school. “It’s really simple,” Wise assures. “Before we make any changes or decisions, we ask ‘What will benefit our customer, and what will benefit our employees?’ We want only a win-win situation. We aim for mutually beneficial policies.”
100 Holt Drive, Acworth
833-66-GRASS (833-664-7277)
GrassRootsTurf.com Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Public Safety
S.W.A.T. By Sheriff Frank Reynolds
W
hen I began working for the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office in 1994, the agency did not have a formal tactical response team to handle critical incidents. Observing a growing need for such a team, former Sheriff Roger Garrison created a Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team in 1997. After a lengthy vetting process, I was fortunate to have been selected as one of the original 10 S.W.A.T. team members. I stayed on the team for eight years and served on both the marksman and entry teams. Our first special operations vehicle was a converted bread delivery truck, and our equipment was minimal. What we lacked in equipment, we certainly made up for in specialized training and enthusiasm. As Cherokee County continued to grow, so did the need for a S.W.A.T. team. Today, the team is multi-jurisdictional and is complemented by a Crisis Negotiations team with members from the Cherokee and Pickens Sheriff’s Offices, as well as local municipal police departments. Additionally, we provide this service to other counties in north Georgia that do not have a special response team.
Currently, there are more than 30 members on the S.W.A.T. team, including six tactical medics from Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services as well as six designated defensive marksmen. The team members are not assigned full-time. They are, however, assigned to the various divisions within the CSO to include patrol, warrants, criminal investigation, and training. Each S.W.A.T. member is chosen after a grueling selection process and is required to undergo hundreds of hours of training before becoming a master S.W.A.T. operator. Also, members of the team routinely train with various state and federal law enforcement agencies and the United States military. When an incident occurs, on-duty personnel respond, while other members assemble as the situation dictates. To supplement the team’s effectiveness, a dozen crisis negotiators assist in solving critical incidents peacefully. Besides growing in the number of members, the S.W.A.T. team is now equipped with some of the best equipment and technology available to law enforcement. Fortunately, we retired the old bread delivery truck years ago, and we now rely on a small fleet of command vehicles and an armored truck. Most of these vehicles were purchased through a federal grant. The command trucks are often used during civic events for establishing an incident command headquarters and radio communications integration. You may be asking, “Do we need all this equipment and personnel?” Well, it is a fair question. First, tactical situations in Cherokee County are rare, but they do happen. The type of incidents that require S.W.A.T. and crisis negotiations range from barricaded persons, search warrants that pose a heightened risk to law enforcement, and persons suffering from a mental health crisis. As your sheriff, I want our special response team to be ready and capable to handle any crisis that will adversely impact our community. Our citizens deserve the best, and that is exactly what you have in the Cherokee Multi-Agency S.W.A.T. and Negotiations team.
Frank Reynolds is the sheriff for Cherokee County. 678-493-4100. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org
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The Benefits of a Breast Lift By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew [HealthyLife] Have your breasts started to sag or take on a droopier, flatter appearance? Are you looking to regain the figure you once had before childbirth, aging, or weight loss? Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, significant weight changes, and gravity can all have drastic effects on your breasts. As your skin loses its elasticity, your breasts often lose their shape and firmness. A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Occasionally, the areola will become enlarged over time, the procedure will also reduce this.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure by creating a more youthful profile. Did you know that new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show that breast lift surgeries have increased 70% since 2000, outpacing breast augmentation? You are a good candidate if… • You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight. • You are bothered by breasts that sag or have lost shape or volume. • Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous. • When unsupported, your nipples fall below the breast crease. • Your nipples and areolas point downward. • One breast is lower than the other. Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper portion of them. If you want fuller looking breasts, consider a lift in conjunction with breast augmentation. Of course, it you are wanting smaller, perkier breasts, you can do a breast reduction with a lift. With any surgery you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty trained board-certified plastic surgeon.
Drs. Petrosky and Harkins are board-certified plastic surgeons, and Dr. Depew is a board-eligible plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgeryCenterOf TheSouth.net
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SPRING CLEANING
for Seniors By Jerry Rick
[HomeLife] Spring is almost here! A thorough spring cleaning will make your surroundings feel fresh and more livable, and a good decluttering can make your home safer and easier to maintain. Before you get started, consider these tips: Get some help. Ask a family member to assist, so that you’ll have an extra pair of hands to rearrange furniture, dust hard-toreach places, or replace bulbs or batteries in ceiling fixtures. Make a checklist. A to-do list will keep you on task and remind you to tidy up areas you might otherwise overlook such as cleaning the refrigerator (toss any expired foods) and organizing your medicine cabinet (properly discard unneeded or expired medications). Check your detectors. While you’re at it, install fresh batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Eliminate hazards. Now is a good time to do a quick safety check of your home. Got a rug that’s a tripping hazard? Clutter in a walkway? An extension cord with too many devices plugged into it? A chair that’s unstable? Take care of those issues as part of your spring cleaning. Go through old papers. Assemble and organize all your key financial, health, and legal documents. Make copies for trusted loved ones who may need them in the event of an emergency. Downsize effectively. If you’ve got too much stuff — or you’re contemplating a move to more compact quarters — spring cleaning is a good time to start decluttering and downsizing. Experts advise creating three piles when going through your things: items you plan to donate, items to be tossed in the trash, and items you’ll keep. Then, find places to store all the “keepers.” If you have definite plans to move, start early. Paring down stuff you’ve accumulated over the years can be emotionally draining and physically challenging. Many items that you no longer use may have sentimental value. Take it one room at a time, take breaks throughout, and allow yourself a little time to reminisce.
Jerry Rick is the executive director at The Arbor at BridgeMill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton. 770-691-0022. ArborCompany.com
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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MICHAEL THOMAS
M
any people are unclear about the things that their auto insurance covers. While most know whether they have full coverage or liability only (and some know their deductibles), the confusion sets in when they see numbers like 100/300/100, 50/100/50, or 25/50/25 attached to a policy. The first number is the liability coverage (100 = $100,000, etc.), which is the maximum payout amount if you cause an accident, and someone is hurt. While $50,000-$100,000 may sound like a lot of money, whenever a personal injury attorney is hired, many cases settle for two or three times that amount. Also, keep in mind that the personal injury attorney will do research on the person who caused the accident, and the more that person is worth (based on assets), the more the attorney will pursue him/her, so higher coverage is advised.
FARMERS INSURANCE GROUP
The second number is the aggregate (300 = $300,000, etc.). In other words, if more than one person is injured in an accident, this is the maximum payout for all injured individuals. If you only have $100,000 and the attorney wins a $200,000 settlement for his/her client(s), he/she will collect the balance from you. If you’re unable to pay, a lien will be placed on your home, so that if it’s sold, the balance will be paid out of the proceeds before you collect any profit. If you are a W-2 employee, your wages can be garnished up to 25%. The third number is the amount of property damage coverage you have (25 = $25,000, etc.). This is the maximum amount that will be paid to repair/replace a damaged vehicle. The current average cost of an automobile is more than $25,000, and luxury brands are many times higher.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
Once again, the uncovered balance will be taken from your hard-earned assets. If you own a home, the minimum coverage you should have is 100/300/100. Many people carry the state minimum (25/50/25), and for the previously explained reasons, no one should be carrying that low level of coverage. If you need assistance with auto insurance, please call or visit the Michael Thomas Farmers Insurance Group website.
631 E. Main Street, Canton, GA 30114
678-880-9985
Agents.Farmers.com/ga/canton/ michael-thomas/business-insurance
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Which Home Improvements Are
?
Worth the
Investment By Zack Bobo
W
ant to put your home on the market but know it needs some updating first? Some renovations can be helpful, while others may steer potential buyers away. With renovations, the goal should always be to make your home more functional and aesthetically pleasing to your prospective buyers without breaking the bank. Here are some home improvement tips that are proven to have the greatest ROI (return on investment): Curb Appeal Updates Just as a prospective buyer would, start with the outside of your home. Curb appeal sells. Surveys show that one of the best ways to spruce up the exterior of your home is to replace your aged and worn front door. After all, it is one of the first things people will see when they come to your house. You can purchase a new steel entry door for around $250. If you want to go a step further, painting your new door with a bright, welcoming color will add to your home’s curb appeal. Updating locks and doorknobs are worthy additions to your new door as well. Light landscaping upgrades are also worth the investment. Trim any overgrown shrubbery and add fresh mulch to areas that look bare or worn. Be sure the entry path to your home is clean and clear. Replace any broken or sunken pavers and stones, and do away with any weeds, debris, or clutter. Adding a couple of potted plants or flowers next your door will make the entrance seem more welcoming to house hunters.
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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Recovering the money spent on updates at the time of closing is generally everyone’s first consideration. Studies show that one of the best improvements with the greatest ROI is replacing garage doors. The study revealed that the cost for an upscale garage door replacement was $3,611, and the estimated value at resale was $3,520. This is a 97.5% ROI, which far surpasses the 66% average for other remodeling projects. Minor Interior Updates An affordable and necessary improvement to your home’s interior is a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted walls are an instant update for any house. When preparing to sell your home, you should always stick to a light, neutral color. Some popular options are gray, white, light beige, or greige. Next, scrutinize your fixtures. Nothing dates a home more than old lighting, ceiling fans, etc. Replacing these items is an excellent and affordable way to give your home an instant face-lift. Kitchen Updates A kitchen truly is the heart of the home. Many buyers will instantly decide whether they love or dislike a house after seeing this room. Kitchen remodels have a huge price range, with minimal remodeling projects starting at a few thousand dollars to mid-range remodels costing more than $25,000. It has been repeatedly proven that minor kitchen updates yield the greatest return when selling your home.
re-grouting tile; reapplying caulking around tubs, showers, and toilets; and replacing hardware, light fixtures, and mirrors are always smart upgrades to make. Installing a more modern toilet will keep your home from appearing outdated. A slightly more expensive improvement to consider is converting a standard tub into a tile shower, which can cost around $4,000, but studies show you are likely to recoup 85% of the money spent when you sell your home. Energy Efficiency Updates Adding insulation to your attic can be an important update. Many older homes are not well insulated compared to newer homes. This can result in excessively high power bills, which will certainly be a huge negative for potential home buyers. Installing a digital thermostat can also help keep utility costs down. Most modern thermostats can be set to adjust heating and cooling temperatures throughout the day, and some can even be adjusted remotely. If considering a remodel prior to listing your home for sale, it’s a good idea to consult with a real estate professional for helpful insight and tips regarding your home and its greatest potential value.
Zack Bobo is a real estate agent with ERA Sunrise Realty. 2542 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. 770-876-2790.
First, paint your existing cabinets if they are structurally sound. If your cabinets are damaged or do not function properly, consider replacing cabinet faces. Updating cabinet hardware is absolutely worth the time and money. Another great addition is updated, matching appliances. If your budget allows, granite or quartz countertops and tile backsplashes are an affordable, worthwhile addition to your kitchen. Bathroom Updates After kitchens, bathrooms are a close second in terms of selling points to most home buyers. Minimal improvements such as
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat
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[AcademicLife] John Heywood once said, “Many hands make light work.” This is especially evident in the realm of volunteers. The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) has been fortunate enough to have had some amazing people agree to give their time and talents, serving on the board of directors and as volunteers at many events and fundraising initiatives.
passion. CCEF welcomes new members to its board each spring. It is a big commitment, as board members make a financial commitment in addition to volunteering their time. When seated on a nonprofit board in Georgia, you are expected to honor a duty of care, loyalty, and obedience. You serve as a fiduciary member of the organization and are legally responsible as such.
William G. Hasty Jr., former chair of CCEF, was recently recognized as “First Citizen of Cherokee County.” Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to help support the public schools of the Cherokee County School District and has given back to ensure the prosperity and future of our community. Volunteers could learn a lot from Hasty’s service and commitment as a CCEF board member.
Duty of care is making decisions in good faith, in a reasonably prudent manner, which you believe are legal and ethical. Duty of loyalty means the decisions you make are in the best interest of the organization you serve, certain to not gain from your service. Lastly, duty of obedience means you will act within the scope of the legal documents that govern your organization.
“Many Hands Make Light Work”
There are many incredible ways to serve the Cherokee County community, with causes and groups for nearly every
By Lisa-Marie Haygood
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
Volunteering your time and talents to serve your community are certainly worthwhile. It is important to have a clear understanding of the level of commitment that is expected before you enter into service. CCEF has been fortunate to have some of the best and brightest minds willing to serve to further its mission, purpose, and values. Their many hands are valued and appreciated.
Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org
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of the child should be. The probate court makes its determination based on what’s in the best interest of the child. The guardian must complete and file an annual report regarding the child with the probate court.
Guardianships of Children By J. Daran Burns, Esq. [StrategicLife] A guardianship authorizes a relative or family friend to stand in the place of the child’s parents and make decisions about medical treatment, school enrollment, and other issues inherent with the care of a child. Georgia courts have recognized that guardianships are intended to encourage parents who experience difficulties to temporarily relinquish the custody of their child while knowing that they will be able to regain custody in the future. The relative or friend who is seeking guardianship will file a petition in the probate court of the county where they live. The petition will request that the
court appoint him/her as the child’s temporary guardian. The parent(s) of the child may or may not agree to the request for guardianship. Georgia law requires the petition to contain very specific information as to both the petitioner, the child, and the parent(s). If the parent(s) don’t agree to the guardianship, the probate court will dismiss the petition before any hearing for the guardianship is created. However, if the parent(s) agree to the guardianship being created but object to the person who will be appointed as guardian, the probate court will schedule a hearing to determine who the guardian
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Guardianship is terminated once the child reaches 18 without filing anything with the court. A guardianship can also be terminated when parents believe they can resume their role and petition the court to terminate the arrangement. Upon the filing of the petition, the guardian will be notified that he/she has 10 days to object. If no objection is filed, the guardianship will be terminated. If an objection is filed, the probate court will schedule a hearing to determine what’s in the best interest of the child. L
J. Daran Burns is an attorney and heads the Burns Law Group. 181 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-956-1400. BASLG.com
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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
Kristie Brooks-Paige Creating Spiritual Richness Through Shapes, Lines, and Colors
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ainter Kristie Brooks-Paige has always had an artist’s eye. On family road trips, Brooks-Paige eagerly soaked up the passing rural and urban landscapes. “My father would drive us to New York,” she said. “I was fascinated with buildings, with brownstones. I just love the shapes.” Today, her childhood fascination with shapes and colors finds expression in BrooksPaige’s paintings. In a style she calls “urban folklore,” she conveys an uplifting, childlike innocence and optimism. Through the whimsical interplay of active shapes and lines and muted as well as vibrant colors, the scenes come alive — even the buildings seem to be moving. The viewer is treated to a snapshot of city streets and suburban avenues and their inhabitants. Brooks-Paige’s first expression of this subject grew from a trip to Cleveland where, sitting with a friend, she could see children on a playground. “They were stick-like silhouettes, and I thought it was just beautiful,” said Brooks-Paige.
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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Returning to her home in Staunton, Virginia, Brooks-Paige couldn’t wait to capture those figures, and although she exhibited the painting of the children on the playground, she wouldn’t sell it. While her urban folklore style paintings are her most frequently requested, Brooks-Paige’s studies of people also evoke human connection and emotion. Set against boldly colored backgrounds amid simply rendered settings, the figures, which mirror her silhouette figures but are larger and fill the foreground, communicate mood and feeling. “I’m not doing straight realism. I’m doing something that came out of me in a divine moment,” Brooks-Paige explained. “Sometimes, when I wake up, I’ll see that’s how I’m going to paint. It will come to me.” Deep connection to her subjects and her art is apparent. “At the start of the day, I know I want to do something uplifting, and that’s the feeling I get when I paint,” Brooks-Paige said. Painting daily is essential, often in the solitude of early morning and late at night. “I find energy for my art. It’s automatic. When it’s time to paint, it’s time to paint. I feel relaxed and free when I paint,” said Brooks-Paige. Brooks-Paige has painted for as long as she can remember. “From the time I was a small child, my father would paint, and I would paint whenever he did. I watched him and asked questions,” she said. It was her high school art teacher, Dorothy Dunnings, who planted the idea that she could make art her career. Heartened by Dunnings’ encouragement, Brooks-Paige enrolled at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she majored in fashion illustration/graphic design. The chance to design apparel graphics brought her to Georgia and led to a successful 13 years in that field. Brooks-Paige has exhibited her work extensively, including at the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, the 2011 Art is King exhibit in Atlanta, and the 2018 Douglasville Vine Cafe and Market Exhibit. Currently, she is preparing for a juried exhibit to be presented in the metro Atlanta area. She is also painting for an exhibit at the Artisan’s Loft in Staunton and volunteers as a docent at MOCA Georgia. Brooks-Paige’s work can be seen at KristiesArt.com.
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THE BENEFITS OF Community Green Space By Kelley Archer
[Lifestyle] Residents of planned communities enjoy a lifestyle that’s intrinsically connected to nature — a breath of fresh air for those who appreciate the everyday beauty of the great outdoors. These areas are intentionally designed for access and connection to a variety of natural amenities including ponds, trails, parks, and more. Communities surrounded by protected green space are always steps away from the great outdoors and the many benefits it provides.
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Benefits for Residents Who Are Surrounded by Nature:
•
Having direct access to green space just outside your front door improves mood and often lowers levels of daily stress and anxiety. • Residents can enjoy the many perks of living an active lifestyle, which promotes health and longevity. • Strong connections with others are often built through shared outdoor activities, which provide a lasting and intrinsic sense of community.
So, if you are in the market for a new house, consider a community that provides the perfect balance of nature and a sense of home with peaceful quiet and convenience. Green space provides a stunning backdrop for new homes as well as beautiful, tranquil views. Communities with miles of trails allow residents to explore the natural wilderness around each and every corner. Outdoor beauty and life-enhancing amenities mingle perfectly in these well-planned neighborhoods, creating a peaceful, rewarding life for families, friends, and neighbors alike. L
Kelley Archer is the marketing manager for Landeavor, the developer of the Great Sky community, 100 Sun Shower Ridge, Canton. 770-704-0234. GreatSkyGa.com
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Landscaping for the Dinner Plate
By Joshua Fuder
[HomeLife] Edible landscaping is the practical incorporation of edible plants into the traditional home landscape. Gardeners can add just a few plants with culinary value or develop their entire outdoor space. Here are some things to consider before planting nutritious fruits, vegetables, and herbs in your yard:
Design and Function Most vegetables and herbs will need at least six hours of sunlight and well-drained soil. The soil nearest the home may require some amending to have success. Consider starting with a list of plants your family enjoys eating and see how they will grow in your landscape. Some plants are harvested once, while others are harvested over weeks or months. Plant things that require more attention and frequent harvesting in areas that are easily accessible.
Texture and Color Rainbow chard, purple mustard, kale, and lettuce can all add a dramatic effect with their foliage and midrib color variation in cool season plantings. For texture in cool seasons, try parsley, dill, and fennel. Calendula and nasturtium are both warm season edible flowers that can add color to salads, and nasturtium leaves can be used in pesto.
Ground Cover Thyme, oregano, winter savory, and strawberries make great evergreen ground covers. Sweet potatoes, squash, and melons will also work in the summer months.
Shrubs At maturity, blueberries will make a suitable hedge and good replacement for hollies. Pomegranate and figs will grow with little maintenance and add interest through foliage and fruit. American hazelnut is a deciduous shrub/small tree that also grows well in our area. Herbs like rosemary and garden sage are evergreen and exceptionally fragrant. The Extension Office is currently taking orders through March 13 for a fruit plant fundraiser. Details and specifics can be found on our website at Extension.UGA.edu/county-offices/cherokee.
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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P
eggy Garred recently opened Your CBD Store because she has a personal success story from using SunMed brand CBD products. She hopes to educate others, so they can have a personal success story of their own. There are more than 600 Your CBD Stores in the U.S., making it the largest brick and mortar store, featuring a vast selection of CBD products. In 2019, parent company SunMed won for Best Topical Relief Cream, and its orange flavor won Best CBD Tincture at the CBD Excellence Awards/USA CBD Expo. At the 2020 Expo, Your CBD Store is leading the competition in three categories: the Best CBD Pet Product category with the Broad-Spectrum Pet Tinctures, the Vape Pen category with the Calm and Focus Disposable Pens, and the Most Innovative CBD Product category with the SunMed CBD/CBG Rich Neuro Water Soluble product. Your CBD Store believes in bringing the highest quality CBD products
to the market. The company’s products are formulated with customers’ needs in mind and contain unique synergies that increase results. Your CBD Store believes customers should see the journey of the best product in the market “from soil to oil.” “We use third-party testing to prove our standards, and we publish the material, making it available to our customers,” said Garred. The company’s products are nonGMO, organically grown, and are farmed in Oregon. Your CBD Store’s stringent quality control process ensures that what goes into the bottle is the highest possible quality. “Our proprietary extraction process gives our flagship product rich minor cannabinoids, including CBC, CBG, CBN, and CBD-V. These
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minor cannabinoids in our products are so concentrated that they show up in the testing of the final products,” Garred said. Visit the Hickory Flat Your CBD Store, where a knowledgeable staff can help determine what CBD products are best for you. 2864 E. CHEROKEE DRIVE, SUITE B CANTON, GA 30115 678-880-9767 CBDRX4U.COM CBDHICKORYFLAT
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Community Partner
The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is a nonprofit currently serving the entire state of Georgia with programs like Bag of Hope, which offers free care packages to newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, and Survivors Teaching Students, which brings survivors into the classrooms of health professional students to educate them about women’s experiences with the disease. GOCA also leads education and awareness campaigns throughout the state by participating in health fairs, speaking engagements, Lunch and Learn sessions, and community events. Annual events (including the Teal Trot 5K and the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala) also help raise awareness and critical funds for GOCA’s efforts. “Due to a lack of screening tests and clear-cut symptoms, the key to fighting ovarian cancer is education and awareness,” said Doug Barron, executive director of GOCA. “Our mission is to ensure women of all ages and their families, as well as the health care community, know about the risks and symptoms leading to early detection in the hopes of saving lives from this elusive disease, which can often be confused with other ailments and misdiagnosed.”
GOCA first formed in 1998 when a group of Atlanta women met each other at the St. Joseph’s Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. The women, who were all ovarian cancer survivors with different stories to share, began pooling their energies and passions with the intent to bring awareness and early detection to the forefront of women’s health issues. GOCA has transformed from an idea hatched at a founder’s dining room table to a very strong, community-based nonprofit organization led by those touched by ovarian cancer in some way. With a strong base of supporters, volunteers, and staff, GOCA continues to reach hundreds of thousands of women and their families with lifesaving messages. On March 14, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance celebrates a milestone year with its 10th annual Shaken, Not Stirred Gala at the Georgia Aquarium. The Southeast’s premier ovarian cancer awareness event offers a first-class evening of specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, casino games, tributes, and auctions. 11Alive’s Christine Pullara serves as master of ceremonies at the event, and the Celebrity All Star Band provides live entertainment. “The community response to our Gala each year is overwhelming,” said Barron. “The experience is special because it gives everyone a chance to find joy amid the hardship and celebrate those women still with us as well as the ones who always remain in our hearts.”
For more information and to purchase Gala tickets, go to
ShakenNotStirredGala.com. For those interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating to GOCA, please call or visit the website. The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance 6065 Roswell Road, Suite 512 Atlanta, GA 30328 404-255-1337 GaOvarianCancer.org
GOCA has a strong support base in Woodstock through Rachel’s HOPE, a group dedicated to the memory of Rachel Aber, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 26 after a short battle with ovarian cancer. Three Woodstock residents (Rachel’s best friend Heather Olson and parents Donna and Larry Aber) lead efforts to honor her life and fight against this devastating disease. The group participates in GOCA’s Teal Trot 5K annually and has raised more than $220,000 over the past 11 years. 40
Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
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The Importance of Seeing the Dentist by Age 1
By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.
[HealthyLife] The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and multiple other major health care professional organizations recommend that your child’s first dental visit occurs before his/her first birthday. Dental caries (cavities) are a preventable condition. The presence of dental caries can be accompanied by pain, infection, and in some cases, serious and life-threatening events. Parents who bring their child to a pediatric dentist before his/her first birthday are demonstrating their understanding of the importance of prevention when it comes to dental health. The first visit is the first step in maintaining a lifetime of great dental health. The earlier
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
parents get their child acquainted with a dental professional, the earlier certain preventative measures can begin. These preventative measures include education regarding the importance of daily brushing and flossing, application of substances that actively strengthen teeth (such as fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride), and assessing a child’s risk of developing caries. Maintaining good daily oral hygiene practices and yearly application of fluoride varnish and/or silver diamine fluoride all represent nonsurgical and noninvasive approaches to prevention of dental caries. Once dental caries form, the approach for treatment will usually involve invasive procedures to prevent the condition from worsening. Primary teeth are just as important as adult teeth. It is not enough to wait until permanent teeth come in to begin
developing the daily habits necessary to maintain the health of the teeth. These habits need to begin much earlier; they need to begin before the baby teeth emerge from the gums. Dental caries are the most prevalent childhood disease. And with a bit of education, this disease can be prevented. Teeth are a vital part of everyone’s daily life. They allow for us to get adequate nutrition, to speak clearly, and to aid in our overall appearance to others. At a very early age, teach your children the importance of maintaining oral health. Set them on the right path by scheduling their first dental visit before their first birthday.
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
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Quotables “Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.”
“Where you live in the world should not determine whether you live in the world.”
-James Stephens
-Bono
“You use a glass mirror to see your face: you use works of art to see your soul.”
“Be not affronted at a joke. If one throw salt at thee, thou wilt receive no harm, unless thou art raw.” -Oliver Goldsmith
-George Bernard Shaw, Back to Methuselah
“Get on your knees and thank God you’re still on your feet.” -Irish Proverb
“How strange a thing like that happens to a man. He dabbles in something and does not realise that it is his life.” -Patrick Kavanagh
“Man can embody truth, but he cannot know it.” -William Butler Yeats “The thing about love is that we come alive in bodies not our own.” -Colum McCann, Let the Great World Spin
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Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN
My Conversations With God II: Our Journey Through ALS
A
lthough we do not usually speak about it, most people secretly live in fear of getting bad news from their doctor. The news can be even worse if it’s about someone we love such as a family member or friend. People react to such news in two very different ways. Some become angry and turn away from God. Others, especially if they already have a rich spiritual life, find that their faith gives them the strength to face their illness, and the peace to accept the outcome of their diagnosis. Lanier and Carolyn Ingram fall in the latter group. When Lanier was diagnosed with ALS, it was the couple’s close relationship with God that kept them going during the painful progression of his condition, and also helped Carolyn find peace and healing when Lanier eventually succumbed to the disease. Carolyn has created a daily habit of spending time in prayer, study, and listening to what God has to say to her. She also keeps detailed journals of her spiritual journey, which she shared in her first book, My Conversations With God. In her new book, My Conversations With God II: Our Journey Through ALS, Carolyn shares the story of Lanier’s diagnosis, his treatment, and his ultimate return to God. She also shares her grief at the loss of her husband of 60 years and her recovery from a serious stroke. Carolyn felt led to share this story in the hope and belief that anyone going through his/her own trials will be able to find strength and comfort from the words that God gave her in her time of need.
Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawn’s Publishing, 2555 Marietta Highway, #103, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsPublishing.com
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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations 1. Progress Yoga
1
8020 Cumming Highway, Suite 307 Canton 770-224-8158 Health & Fitness
2
2. Clean Slate Services, Inc. Ellijay 404-918-6286 Cleaning Services Commercial, Janitorial
3. North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center
3
280 Heritage Walk, Suite 300 Woodstock 770-726-8948 Hearing Aids
4. Pritchard Injury Firm
4
128 W. Cherokee Avenue, Suite A Cartersville 470-420-4200 Attorneys
5. Rock N Roll Sushi Canton 1548 Riverstone Parkway Canton 678-880-6450 Restaurant
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6. Tea Time
6
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1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1320 Woodstock 678-909-2991 Restaurant
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Life Expectancy By Tim Morris
[Lifestyle] I recently attended a meeting about life expectancy at the Atlanta Regional Commission. I learned about a data system that allows a person to enter an address to discover what the life expectancy is for that neighborhood and area. I was astonished to see that one area had a 12-year difference in a person’s life expectancy compared to another area. When visiting your doctor, you are usually asked about your family’s medical history,
so the physician can be on the lookout for any genetic red flags. Since my parents and three of my grandparents died at a young age (based on average life expectancy), my doctor doesn’t have much to go on. My grandfather jumped from a truck and broke his neck, my grandmother was a heavy smoker who died in her early 60s, my dad died from a heart attack at 54 (he had been in poor health for 12 years prior), and my mom was killed in a car accident at 49. Certainly, a person’s lifestyle contributes to life expectancy, but many things can contribute to death that are completely out of our hands. The availability of quality health plans and health care as well as knowledge about our environment can also affect life expectancy. Though people often say,
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“Live today like it’s your last because tomorrow is not guaranteed,” we are not supposed to live recklessly and speed up the process. I recently sat with one of our seniors who was waiting for her daughter to pick her up. At almost 91 years of age, Too is an amazing lady from Vietnam who can do things many who are 20 or 30 years younger than her cannot do. One day, I saw Too crawl under the handrails in front of the building to cut a flower to take with her. When asked how she maintained her youthful abilities, she said that she never stresses over anything and is always happy no matter what her day brings. We should all learn this lesson from Too. 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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Advertiser Index Acworth Art Fest
9
The Arbor at BridgeMill
45
Bill Fincher for State House 21
19
BridgeMill Dentistry
27
Burns Law Group
5
Camp Invention
19
Canton Egg Fest
21
The Carpenter’s Shop
Inside Front
CASA SuperHero Run
3
Cherokee Children’s Dentistry
23
Cherokee Chorale
38
Cherokee Theatre Company
15
Clean Office Exec, LLC
28
Dentistry at Hickory Flat
47
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D.
29
Downtown Canton
21
Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University
37
Fieldstone Farm
15
Four 41 South Barbecue Co.
41
The Goddard School
44
Golf Cars of Canton GrassRoots Turf Great Sky
Back Cover Cover, 24-25 Inside Front
GT Plumbing
37
Hide & Seek Day Camp
15
Huntington Learning Center
17
In Harmony Pediatric Therapy
32
Ireland Restorative Dentistry
38
Jyl Craven Hair Design Killian Automotive Landscape Matters, Inc. LGE Community Credit Union
Inside Back 37 3 1
Masterpiece Framer
33
M&M Mercantile
21
Night Song Native Plant Nursery
41
North Georgia Vein & Wellness
43
Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics and Dentistry at Canton Plastic Surgery Center of the South
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Canton Family Life | MARCH 2020
20 36
River Green Academy
7
ServiceWise Electric
28
Suite Six Venue
42
Taste of Woodstock
48
Tecali Grille
41
Thomas Insurance Agency, Inc.
29
Your CBD Store Hickory Flat
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PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage
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