Contents
June 2020
VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 11
20-21
[20-21]
On the Cover
Mosquito-Free
14-15
Short Story Contest Congrats to Our Winners!
25-29
Health and Wellness Guide Explore Your Options
34-35 Artist Profile
Mavis Manganelly
[14-15]
[25-29] Follow Us >>>
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[34-35] Family Life Publications
Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
04
.......................... Perspective
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................. Mayor’s Message
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.................... Community Life
17
........................ Book Review
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.............. Holly Springs Notes
24
........................ Public Safety
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............... Community Partner
32
................... Senator Speaks
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............................ Quotables
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Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Publisher’s Perspective
any of us now look at our life differently than we did several months ago. Our place in the social soup, our position in our career, or how we maintain friendships and other relationships may have been restructured, rearranged, or reevaluated. When our ideal slips away, when we make it to the boat, get settled in, set sail, and the ship returns to port — that’ll catch anyone off guard. Ready yourself for your new normal. So, the plans you had did not work out like you thought they might? Yes, plans fail, happens all the time. Let us not forget that failure has benefits. When we fail, we learn what didn’t work, which gives us a chance to try something new. The past has passed, and history doesn’t exist to interfere with what you are destined to achieve. Discouragement happens, but look ahead and know that every shift in your path or pace provides a new position under the stars and centers you in your place on this planet. Every challenge, every adversity, contains the seeds of opportunity for growth.
“It is not often that a man can make opportunities for himself. But he can put himself in such shape that when or if the opportunities come, he is ready.” -Theodore Roosevelt.
Our country became great by overcoming challenges, crafting dreams into possibilities, and fear into hope. The first American pioneers started only with what they brought here — their hearts, their hands, and their knowledge. They didn’t come expecting life to be easy. They weren’t promised handouts or a free pass. When they arrived, they were only limited by their own faith, talent, and courage. They built a nation — a strong nation — to be an example for all humankind. It is never too late to get started, even if we now find ourselves facing a different direction. The process of starting and stopping, falling down and getting up, is how we figure life out.
Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Kay Buquoi, Michael Consoli, Jyl Craven, Gregory Flail, Joshua Fuder, Shelia Garrison, Will Goodwin, Bill Grant, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Erin Honea, Abby Miles, Tim Morris, Jessica Oravec, Ellen Samsell Salas, Anna Skudarnova, Bruce Thompson, Shannon Wallace, Katy Wheeler
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. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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© 2020 All rights reserved.
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Captain Jack Sparrow, one of my favorite naval pioneers, once said, “If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it.” So, brush off the dirt, wipe your hands on your shirt, and get back at it. Let’s go this way now, and let’s make this way better together.
ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com
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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun
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EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com
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PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
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YOUR Life Story By Tim Morris
[Lifestyle] Growing up, my life was far from mundane because I was always into something (good or bad). When I was 10 years old, I almost knocked my brother’s eye out with a whiffle ball bat that had duct tape all over it to give it more weight. My brother made me mad, so I swung the bat and hit him in the face. He immediately hit the ground screaming. I got scared, ran home, and hid under my parents’ bed because I didn’t want my dad to get a hold of me. Still screaming, my brother came running in the kitchen where my parents were sitting. I then heard my dad say, “Where is he?” and I held my breath. Next, I heard my other brother tell my dad, “He’s under your bed.” My dad grabbed me by my ankles and pulled me out from under the bed. That is a spanking I will never forget.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Now that I’m in my 50s, I continue to tell these stories to anyone who will listen. In our director’s meeting with the county, we couldn’t start the meeting until I told a story about my life. Someone once told me I should write these stories down for my grandchildren. Everyone has stories to tell, but we grow old and start forgetting them. What better gift can we give our seniors than to help them preserve their stories, their legacies, in writing or in a recording, so we can pass them down to future generations? 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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Mayor’s Message
Hope. Heal. TOGETHER. By Mayor Bill Grant
W
hile working from home, I overheard a gentleman on television say, “I wish I knew today what I’m going to learn tomorrow.” Without a doubt, no one could have predicted the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our lives. Just a few weeks before we began sheltering in place, I gave my State of the City address and shared my excitement for Canton’s future. While we have been thrown a curveball of historic proportions, my optimism remains intact. The impact of this disaster cannot be underestimated. Many people are afraid and suffering. Within this uncertainty, it is human nature to assign blame or direct anger toward others. None of us have ever experienced anything like this, and we all react in different ways. Some people share frustrations on social media where it’s easy to think with their fingers before common sense catches up, hurting and offending others who are just as fragile. As the situation has unfolded, two extreme sides have emerged: protect our health by continuing to shelter in place or reopen the state to avoid total economic collapse. At the end of the day, however, we all want both – to stop further spread and loss of life and to salvage what is left of our economy. Why wouldn’t we?
experienced, new safety measures require investments in materials, equipment, and labor. Business owners are stepping up to meet these challenges while protecting the safety of citizens and employees who have their own families to feed. Freedom is something many are concerned about, but freedom may be what ultimately saves us. Going forward, we are free to take responsibility for our own actions. For residents with compromising health issues, they should continue to stay home whenever possible. For those whose mental or economic wellbeing requires them to venture back into the public realm, they now have that choice. The “new normal” will require us to lean into the curve, as we work and learn together. None of us know what tomorrow will bring, so we need to live our best lives today – kindly, civilly, respectfully, faithfully, and compassionately. We don’t always have to agree, and we won’t. We can walk through the valley of death and fear no evil, but there is no need to create more. This is Canton, Georgia, the coolest small town in America. We may be down, but we are not out. We have the most amazing citizens, businesses, and dedicated public servants to translate our road map into reality. Soon, we will return to First Fridays, the Farmers Market, concerts in Etowah Park, and so much more. Let’s hope we can pause long enough to think about the future and what we have learned. May our lessons be kind, as we come together to move Canton forward.
Bill Grant is the mayor of the City of Canton. 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov
As our local businesses begin to reopen, they need our support more than ever. In addition to the financial losses they have
None of us know what tomorrow will bring, so we need to live our best lives today.
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
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Community
CCSD Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremonies Cherokee County School District has reserved the auditorium at First Baptist Church of Woodstock to host graduation ceremonies on this schedule: River Ridge HS — Thursday, July 23, 4:00pm Woodstock HS — Thursday, July 23, 8:00pm Cherokee HS — Friday, July 24, 4:00pm Sequoyah HS — Friday, July 24, 8:00pm Creekview HS — Saturday, July 25, 9:00am Etowah HS — Saturday, July 25, 1:00pm The tentative plan is for graduating seniors to invite all family and friends to attend. Should it be necessary to make adjustments such as limiting attendance or changing to virtual ceremonies due to continuing health and safety concerns, the decision will be announced by July 1.
Tippens Education Center Counselor Named CCSD 2020 Counselor of the Year School Counselor Kelly Schalliol found success in her first career supporting the mental health of adults but knew she could do more to help those in need. If she counseled them as children, she realized, she “could make a longerlasting impact.”
“I can’t truly know the heartbreak our seniors’ parents feel. I stepped across each of my milestones, as did my two children, who enjoyed all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional CCSD senior year. But I know this — we will do our best, together as a community, to celebrate them,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian V. Hightower.
Eighteen years ago, Schalliol began her work as a school counselor, and 10 years ago, she was chosen to help the Cherokee County School District (CCSD) open the Tippens Education Center. The program provides students who are struggling with emotional and mental health issues a place not only to learn academics but also to receive additional counseling and therapeutic support and services.
Sequoyah HS Selected for AP Capstone Program
Through Schalliol’s dedication, including her own continuing education to provide the best services possible, Tippens supports its students and helps many transition back to their regular school.
Starting next school year, Sequoyah HS students will have the opportunity to begin earning the AP (Advanced Placement) Capstone Diploma, which was developed by the College Board in partnership with colleges and universities. Sequoyah is only the second school in the Cherokee County School District to be approved for the AP Capstone program. “Sequoyah HS is very excited to provide this opportunity for our students,” Principal Robert Van Alstyne said. “With only 66 other high schools in Georgia participating, the AP Capstone program will keep Sequoyah among the elite schools in the Southeast.” Students who earn scores of three or higher for AP Seminar and AP Research coursework as well as scores of three or higher on four additional AP course exams will earn the AP Capstone Diploma. Students who score a three or higher in AP Seminar and Research but not on the four additional AP exams will earn an AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Through AP classes, high school students participate in college-level studies and have the opportunity to earn college credit. 8
Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
“That is a very proud day,” she said of when it’s decided a student is ready to transition back, noting those moments are among her greatest accomplishments. This spirit of care, compassion, and continuous improvement led her colleagues to name Schalliol the Cherokee Innovation Zone’s Counselor of the Year, and for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower to surprise her with the honor that she’s the CCSD 2020 Counselor of the Year. “Kelly is a champion for every child she serves,” Dr. Hightower said. “She cares deeply about them and their families and was ahead of the curve on understanding the importance of social and emotional learning for every child. We appreciate Kelly. We are proud of her, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved honor!”
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Cherokee County residents responded generously to a recent food drive to support homeless and in-need local veterans. The American Legion Auxiliary at American Legion Post 45, located at 160 McClure Street in Canton, hosted the drive.
Photos courtesy of Patti Richter.
Helping Local Veterans in Need
The Cherokee County Homeless Veterans Program offers material support (including this day’s giveaway of three donated vehicles and a Tiny House). This countywide program partners with American Legion Post 45 and other local organizations to help identify fellow veterans who need minor repairs to their homes. This work is made possible by a grant from the Home Depot Foundation, which is committed to improving the homes and lives of U.S. military veterans and their families. For more information, contact program director Jim Lindenmayer (JLindenmayer80@gmail.com) or call American Legion Post 45 at 770-479-4405.
Summer Burn Ban The Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s annual Open Burning Ban is now in effect in 54 Georgia counties. The ban on open burning prohibits the burning of yard and land clearing debris from May 1 through September 30. “The summer open burning restrictions help us improve Georgia’s air quality during the hot summer months,” said Karen Hays, chief of the Georgia EPD Air Protection Branch. Recreational activities such as campfires and grilling are exempt from the open burning ban. To access more information, visit EPD.Georgia.gov and click on “Open Burning Ban” under quick links.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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Community
Safe Kids Cherokee Offering Virtual Car Seat Checks Since many organizations are doing things a little differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff at Safe Kids Cherokee County would like you to know they are still available to help you with car seats. Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of children. And 3 out of 4 car seats are installed incorrectly. Safe Kids Cherokee has nationally certified child passenger safety technicians ready to make sure you and your family are riding safely in the car. Here are the ways they can assist and still follow social distancing guidelines: • Phone conference appointment — Call and discuss options or issues you are having with your seat. • Virtual car seat appointment — Utilizing Facebook Live, Zoom, Skype, or other media formats, technicians can see exactly what’s going on with your seat in your car and walk you through what to do to make it safer. • In-person appointment — Primarily reserved for those in need of a seat, technicians can assist and instruct while maintaining social distancing and wearing appropriate protective equipment including masks and gloves.
If you are interested in making an appointment, visit SafeKidsCherokeeCounty.org or call 678-493-4343.
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
Give a Kid a Chance 14th Annual Back to School Blast Give a Kid a Chance’s mission is to help lowincome families equip their children for each new school year. On July 13, the organization will be distributing backpacks filled with school supplies to Cherokee County students in need. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the need will be greater this year. If you would like to help, please visit GiveAKidAChance.org/files/2019_Backpack_Instruction_Sheet.pdf for specific instructions about backpack specifications as well as items that need to be purchased to go inside them. All items must be donated by July 5. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact Nitasha Ginn at 678-310-6257. If your child needs a backpack/school supplies, please call 404-480-2334 (English) or 423-939-9031 (Spanish). For more information, visit GiveAKidAChance.org.
Cherokee HS Senior Earns National Merit Scholarship Rachel Gooch recently won the ADP Henry Taub Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by ADP Foundation and named for the company’s late founder, who believed in the “invaluable benefits of higher education.” She will be attending the University of Georgia to major in art history. “Congratulations to Rachel, her family, and her teachers – National Merit Scholarships are rare honors earned through years of hard work and dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said, noting Rachel’s many achievements including Superintendent’s Key Scholar, AP student, and outstanding visual artist. Only about 1,000 distinguished high school seniors nationwide earn a special corporate-sponsored National Merit Scholarship. Scholars are selected based on National Merit criteria as well as requirements set by the scholarship sponsor. The ADP Scholarship, which offers as much as $20,000 in annual financial assistance for college tuition and books, is open to children of ADP associates who are pursuing a college education. Of all qualifying applicants nationwide, five winners are selected annually based on criteria including academic achievements, extracurricular activities and community involvement, leadership roles, and an essay.
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Community Keeping the Heartbeat in the Community ‘Caring for our community, changing lives’ For the past two years, Hickory Flat Volunteer Association (HFVA) has been quietly offering lifesaving classes every month at no cost to residents of Cherokee County and beyond. In 24 months, more than 560 citizens have been certified in CPR, thanks to the dedication of these volunteers. Classes offered include CPR/AED, First Aid, First Responder, and Bleeding Control. “The past few months, we have had to shut down all our certification offerings to the community. We will most likely double our class schedule once we can open the doors again,” said HFVA President Tim Crossland, adding that it’s his hope that classes can begin in late June.
“For 45 years, our community has been very supportive of our organization. From 1975 to 2018, when we were the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department, and today, as Hickory Flat Volunteer Association, we have always been there to help people in need of our services,” said Crossland. “We are thrilled that we can continue to use our skills and expertise to train other people to save lives. June is Health and Wellness month and a perfect time to get certified or recertified in CPR.” HFVA members consist of career firefighters, volunteer firefighters, nurses, EMTs, fitness instructors, building contractors, and others. Some of the original founding members are still active in the organization. To find out more information about HFVA and other community services, please email Info@hfva.org or visit HFVA.org.
HFVA offers all certification courses at no charge and is financially supported through donations offered by students and members of the community.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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Teaching Teens To Be
Smart With Money
Part 3 of a 3-Part Series
By Shelia Garrison
[StrategicLife] If there is one thing we can take away from this difficult year, it’s the importance of saving money and having financial security. As parents, you can help your children weather hard times they may encounter by teaching them good financial habits now.
When it comes to choosing a credit card (and perhaps a checking account), help your child research the options. Teach teens about comparing rates as well as fees. Some credit unions offer checking accounts that pay high dividends as well as credit cards with low interest rates.
The past two articles have covered the importance of kids making their own money, setting a budget, and spending the money they’ve earned. But what about credit? When your kids reach adulthood, they may want to use credit cards. While these cards can be a valuable tool, they can also be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Next, make sure your teens understand the dangers of overusing credit – and that the primary source of funds should be their checking account, not their charge card. Teach them to use their credit card wisely, and to pay it on time because a good credit score is valuable. Not only does it make important loans like a mortgage possible, it also leads to lower loan interest rates as well as lower rates on things like utilities.
If you have a son or daughter who is eligible for a credit card, he/she has hopefully already had experience with budgeting and spending limits. If not, the best place to start is with a checking account and a debit card. Teens can begin to learn about handling money, and when the time comes, they can apply for a credit card with a low limit. This will enable them to build credit for future loans they might need.
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Beyond credit cards, another valuable lesson is simple contentment. While your kids might see a friend on social media with a new car, instill in them contentment with what they have. Help them see that their six-year-old Toyota does a great job of getting them where they need to go, and
then show them how the extra money in the bank could mean more security when life gets tough. One final lesson is to save wherever possible. Take your kids grocery shopping with you and show them how to compare the cost of similar items. Introduce them to coupon apps and help them see how much they can save with a little extra effort. Be sure to point out deals on takeout food, clothing, and other items, so they learn early to shop wisely. Good financial habits can mean the difference between a secure, anxiety-free future and a difficult one. Right now, you can help your kids find the brighter path. L
Shelia Garrison is the Canton Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union, 2018 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-4240060. LGECCU.org
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CONGRATU LATIONS T O O UR
WINNERS! TEE N WI NN ER
Upgraded aded. It’d been quite a while since I’d upgr sing A long overdue enhancement, I’m gues ly Hard ing. mak at least five years in the by the anyone is immune to being enamored phone hypnotic spell that a brand-new cell seems to cast. I was no different. e out When I plucked the shiny new phon elf. All of its box, I could hardly contain mys me the latest and greatest technology for and l meta this in to catch up on, right here city, capa plastic box. More gadgets, more money more apps, and unfortunately, more It was coming out of my checking account. date, of out was e OK though. My old phon (and it and despite my infatuation with king the hard case that saved it from brea t. toas was it s), countless time and Yet, as I transferred over all of its data d with the other cool functions I associate e some notic but help dn’t my device, I coul lly entia sequ bers of the old phone num t of Mos e. transitioning into the new phon them were friends, siblings, or business d out contacts. However, the last one stoo . CELL conspicuously: MOM
at Katy Wheeler is a high school student The Kings Academy in Woodstock.
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
had It made my blood turn to ice. Yes, she age, a home phone, but unlike others her that see to Just ore. she hardly used it anym e mad It half. number again tore my soul in , time e me want to laugh and cry at the sam t her. as I remembered ever y little detail abou ago. s year five ly near You see, she had died life Pancreatic cancer literally sucked the
BY KATY WHEELER
tingly out of her; the once vibrant and haun swear you’d blue beautiful baby blue eyes, so , soul that you could see down into her very what that became hollow and frail. To witness l, and shel hly eart her to disease had done , body ct perfe a to know that she now had , pain a heavenly body that is ignorant of upgraded. suffering, and tears…my mom had lar I never bothered to turn off her cellu inued cont service after she’d passed away. I month, to faithfully pay the bill month after never ld wou e phon the even though I knew why, me d aske be used again. Many have you and if you’ve ever lost a parent, then know why. It’s…it’s because…
a Well, sometimes you just need to hear onal nditi friendly voice, one bathed in unco it’s gone love. Mama’s voice. When it’s gone, person. in t leas at — life forever — from this that Whenever I call her phone and hear g as sweet, sweet voice repeat somethin gives it , sage mes oing simple as her outg It makes t. mos the me peace when I need it day one me long to be reunited with her done. soon, once my time here on earth is d,” our And on that day, when I am “upgrade I n. agai le who e relationship will be mad my with be will know no greater joy than to family, my heavenly family. then So, for now, I’ll smile, shed a tear, and cell w d-ne dial the first number on my bran phone: MOM CELL.
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Swinging Through Life BY ANNA SKUDAR
AD UL T W IN NE R
NOVA
My grandfather did not live long enough to know that his wi build a sturdier swing fe could than he could. It se emed as if every su when I visited my fam mmer ily in Ukraine, my gra ndfather spent half reconstructing the his time swing that he built for his grandchildren wrap old rags and . He would attach metal wires to various parts of But somehow, these the swing. solutions never las ted more than a few before they, too, ga days ve out. The wooden seat of the swing always cra cked, no matter ho times it was replac w many ed, and the rusty iro n ba rs that held up the contraption left blu whole e-flaked paint on my blistered hands. Th air that the swing pro e sw ish of vided felt better tha n any sort of air co on those hot summ nditioning er days. The swing creaked, our dog Ja sprinkler noisily wa ck barked, the tered the plants, an d my cousins yelled time I got on that sw at me every ing. I ate the freshest kin d of cherries, straw berries, snap peas, sand, and blood all cucumbers, while swinging on gra ndfather’s swing. Th came from my grand e vegetation parents’ surroundin g garden, the blood kicked off the swing fro m being by my cousins, and the sand from fallin nearby sandbox. g in the My grandmother fle w to America to vis it us the summer tha bought our first hous t my family e, and consequentl y, our backyard. He goal for the summer r main was to make my gra ndfather turn in his grave by
planting a garden an d building a swing that were more succ his had ever been. essful than The swing she built was upheld by two sturdy trees that wo She chose plastic rop uld not rust. es from the hardware store that would no hands. Traumatized t blister by the many times my grandfather’s co had broken while I ntr ap tion was mid-swing, I as ked my grandmothe would ever break. r if her swing “Never in a lifetime, ” she stated proud
ly in Ukrainian.
All throughout my pre teen years, I ran to grandmother’s swing upset. With tears str when I was eaming down my fac e, I rebelliously flung off my mother always for the jacket ced me to wear. I rel ished the bite of the my skin that the sw air against ing provided. The sw ing creaked, the bir squirrels scuttled, an ds ch irp ed, the d the fallen leaves crinkled in the wind myself into dizzines , as I swung s. I liked to see the world that did not ma around me. Like a mo ke sense swirl ther rocking her child , grandmother’s swing me until I was calm rocked , and my tears dried . A year after my gra ndmother died, my family sold that ho swing still sturdily hu use with the ng in the backyard. Grandmother was rig swing could outlast ht, her a lifetime, or, at lea st, her lifetime. And first thing she did wh I am sure the en she was laid to rest beside my grand tell him all about it. father was
Thank You to All Who Shared Short Stories With Us! We received almost 40 thoughtful, well written submissions that covered a variety of topics, and we enjoyed reading each one. With only 500 words to tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end, sentences had to be carefully constructed to be impactful and convey meaning, with no room for verbosity. We truly enjoyed “visiting” the succinct worlds you created, which inspired us to think and feel a wide array of emotions. Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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WE ARE
Stronger Together By Lisa-Marie Haygood
[AcademicLife] When we are feeling especially fortunate to live in Cherokee County, it might be easy to forget that there are people struggling so much that they don’t even have enough food to eat. Many Cherokee County School District (CCSD) families are living in poverty, and for the children in these families, breakfast and lunch served at school might be the only meals they receive each day. Several of CCSD’s award-winning schools are considered Title One schools, meaning 50% of the students in attendance are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch because the earnings for their households are at or below the poverty threshold. These meals are subsidized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Meals for almost 4,000 Cherokee students per week continued even when schools had to close due to COVID-19, but federal funding was not made available during the week the school district was scheduled to be off for spring break. CCSD’s superintendent and other elected school board members made the decision to continue to provide meals to these children because they believed supporting them was the right thing to do.
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Without federal dollars, they sought funding and support from our community to help cover the $100,000 expense. Each week, those students are served four breakfasts and five lunches to sustain them for the week. Since schools closed in March, more than 14,000 meals continued to be distributed across 12 school sites and partner locations. The cost to feed a student for one week is $26.25. The call for help went out, and several Cherokee County clubs, businesses, and individuals stepped in to help. Kurt Lee Wheeler, a local musician and teacher at Ace Academy, chose to hold a virtual concert to raise money for this fund, and he made more than $20,000 for his efforts. Cherokee County is a very special place to live, work, and grow. The care and concern our citizens have for each other creates a small-town charm and quality of life that shines, even as our population changes and expands. We are stronger together.
Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org
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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC
The Family Upstairs W
hat would you do, if, as a child, your parents invited someone to stay at your house for a few days because you had so much room? And then, what if that person became a permanent resident, bringing along her boyfriend and another family as well? And then began to take over your home? This is the premise to Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs. The story begins with 25-year-old Libby, who has just been informed that she has inherited the home of her biological family. As she digs deeper into the history of the home, she learns about the tragedy that happened there: the suicide of her parents and another man, along with a note asking that someone care for her, a baby. Rumors abound about what occurred in that house. Told by three narrators — Libby, Lucy, and Henry — we learn what happened: how visitors came to stay and slowly began to take over, how the adults of the house were convinced to give up their possessions, and how more rules were imposed until, eventually, everyone was a prisoner. The Family Upstairs is about manipulation and charisma. It is a detailed account of how people slowly give up their freedoms when someone tells them what is best. It is a reminder that all is not what it seems, and that some will go to great lengths to get what they want and to save what they love. Lisa Jewell has written a fascinating novel of family, betrayal, and what it takes to survive. In this fast-paced page-turner, readers will find themselves wanting to know more about what happened as well as if the characters really are who they say they are.
Jessica Oravec lives in Cherokee County and is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a B.B.A. from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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HollySpringsNotes
Holly Springs
UPDATE By Erin Honea
D
espite all the rain delays experienced during the first quarter of 2020, construction of the Town Center Road Network Project has steadily been moving forward. The contractor has been able to complete the construction of Betty Barrett Way between Hickory Road and Walnut Street, widen Hickory Road east of the railroad, and build a new driveway access for Cherokee County Fire Station 8. The contractor has also constructed the new intersection of Betty Barrett Way and Walnut Street, built the southern half of the new roundabout on Hickory Road, and started work on the conversion of the northern section of Palm Street to a rightin/right-out configuration. The City of Holly Springs has received a Certificate of Achievement for its 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report by the Government Finance Officers Association. The City has received this award annually since 2012.
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
The City would like to encourage those of you who have not yet completed your household’s 2020 Census to do so as soon as possible. This information is critical to each community because the results of the census will determine how billions of dollars in federal funding will be allocated each year for the next 10 years. Funding impacts programs in health care, education, and infrastructure that we hear about each day like Medicaid, Medicare Part B, state children’s health insurance, Head Start, Pell Grants, federal roadway projects, and much more. Local jurisdictions also use this data when planning for emergency personnel needs. You Erin Honea is a native of may respond online, by Cherokee County and mail, or by phone. Visit has been the Main Street 2020Census.gov for director for the City of Holly Springs since 2014. more information.
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GETTING BACK to Normal By Pastor Will Goodwin
[InGoodFaith] It is fairly accurate to label the COVID-19 pandemic as a “black swan� event. That idea, made mainstream by Nassim Taleb in his book by the same name, theorizes how the consequences of a large, unprecedented, surprise event affects not only the present circumstances but also the future. Just like 9/11 changed how we fly, this particular silent enemy will forever change how we gather. Not taking lightly those who suffered on any level from the effects of the coronavirus or those who lost their lives or a loved one to it, the many eye-opening lessons that have resulted have hopefully made us better people. From the measurable reversal of environmental damage to the compassionate awareness of essential workers, maybe there are some things we should not go back to taking for granted. For example, before the outbreak, the busyness of life, work, sports, church, and whatever else quickly whittled away any spare time to simply be together as a family. Almost overnight, there were family meals around a table again, dusted off puzzles and board games, and maybe even a boom of new family additions only a few more months away. Is resuming that busyness worth losing that again? Or, how about traffic? Being able to drive 65mph at 5:00pm on a Tuesday through Atlanta is nice, but revisiting where office work is performed can have broader and more profound implications. Since it has already been established that office work can be done from home (or a convenient coworking space close to home), we can boost morale by giving employees the ability to keep that extra family time. Whoever tracks productivity and the sky above the city are sure to be grateful. What are some other lessons that should stick around as things get back to normal? L
Will Goodwin is the lead pastor at Oakleaf Church, 151 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 678-653-4652. OakleafChurch.com
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
19
COVER STORY By Gregory Flail
Mosquito-Free Makes Backyards Home Again Local Businessmen Taking It to the ‘Skeets
F
ew places are as dear to the hearts of north Georgia residents as their backyards. Backyards are more than just a plot of land; they are an extension of the home — a place for children to play, pets to roam, and families to enjoy good weather with friends and neighbors. The only serious threats to this lush paradise are the harmful insects that favor Georgia’s long summers. The mosquitoes in Georgia are notorious for loving backyards, picnics, and parties as much as homeowners do. Considering that a bottle cap’s worth of water can breed 150 mosquitoes in just three days, it’s no wonder that residents often feel overwhelmed by bugs long before summer begins. Jody Wheeler and Chad Woodall are lifelong, local area residents who grew up knowing what a nuisance these insects can be. Throughout their years of fishing and spending time outdoors, they experienced the state’s growing mosquito problem firsthand. With every pesky sting and bite they suffered, they began to see an opportunity. By the summer of 2016, they decided to take matters into their own hands.
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
Together, Wheeler and Woodall started Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free, two locally owned and operated companies on a mission to ensure that backyard and dockside gatherings remain invitation only. As local business owners, they have taken a big picture approach to their small business. There is much more to being Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free than one might think. It’s not just making insects disappear. “Our goal is to protect families and pets,” Woodall said. “Mosquito bites are always painful, but the diseases that mosquitoes carry can also be deadly — to people as well as animals. And certain spider bites can be every bit as lethal.” According to the World Health Organization, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry will cause more than a million deaths this year alone.
Given Georgia’s summery climate and coastal border, the state has been suffering from mosquitoes since the yellow fever epidemics of the 1800s when physicians were still unaware of how the disease was transmitted. “Today, we have a clearer understanding of how to combat mosquitoes, and how to do it safely,” Woodall said. “There’s no reason that the treatment should also be a danger.” Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free offer a variety of solutions, all of which are completely biodegradable. They also offer an all-natural Mosquito-Free solution that is both biodegradable and safe for vegetable gardens. In addition to traditional treatments, automatic MosquitoFree misting
“Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous animals in the world,” said Wheeler. “Historically, they’ve proven to be more deadly than all wars combined.”
To learn more about Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free, including their customer referral program, please visit the websites or give the staff a call. Mosquito-Free and SpiderFree are now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, too.
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systems are available, as well as allnatural Mosquito-Free traps that require no spraying whatsoever. Each of these innovative, eco-friendly approaches is quickly making Mosquito-Free one of the area’s best choices for mosquito control solutions that are safe for people, pets, gardens, and wildlife. “We take our work a little more seriously than many franchises would be able to do,” Woodall said. “Because we own our business and our clients are our neighbors, friends, and friends of friends, we always guarantee that our products are not only effective against pests, but also safe for everyone who shares that environment.”
Whether the occasion is a special event or a season full of outdoor gatherings, Mosquito-Free offers reasonably priced solutions for residential or commercial properties of all sizes. The company’s state-certified technicians can establish a mosquito-free zone that repels insects and disrupts their breeding cycle for three weeks. The zones help repel other harmful insects as well, including fleas, ticks, ants, and spiders. With recurring treatments every 21 days, the great outdoors can truly become great again. The staff at Mosquito-Free provides seamless, trouble-free service throughout the year — sending a notice via email,
text, or phone call before their visit and another notice upon completion. MosquitoFree now accepts online payments for customers’ convenience as well. Satisfaction is always guaranteed, and being local means that the Mosquito-Free team can resolve almost any issue within 48 hours or less. Typically, the mosquito season begins in March and ends in October, but changing weather patterns often extend the season without warning. However long mosquitoes manage to cling to summer this year, Mosquito-Free will be ready to adapt. Service plans are completely flexible and designed especially for each client’s needs.
Safe for People and Pets Controls Mosquitoes, Fleas, Ticks, and Ants All Natural and Biodegradable Offerings Locally Owned and Operated 21-Day Service With Complimentary Re-Treats 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed k Lane
2171 Holly Broo Canton 770-704-4560
.com Mosquito-Free m Spider-Free.co LLC
/MosquitoFree Facebook.com LLC /MosquitoFree Instagram.com C LL ee Fr quito Twitter.com/Mos
Call 770-704-4560 or visit Mosquito-Free.com and mention code
“CANTON FAMILY LIFE” to receive
$100 OFF Seasonal Service.* *New customers only. Offer expires June 30, 2020.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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ManeDefense
The
[Lifestyle] This year, summer begins on June 20, which means most of us will be spending more time outside soaking up some vitamin D. However, you may not be aware that extended sun exposure can cause considerable damage to your hair. Just as too much sun can be bad for your skin, it also causes dry, sensitized, lifeless tresses. Here are a few tips that will ensure your lovely locks remains healthy all season long. Provide your mane with the right protection. Just as your skin needs moisture and SPF, your hair needs specialized products to maintain its vitality and beauty. From moisturizing leave-in treatments to UV defense masks, there are amazing hair care lines designed specifically for sun exposure that are available at your local salon. Other damaging elements during this funfilled time of year are chlorine and saltwater. Once restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted, you may find yourself dipping into 22
Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
the neighborhood pool or headed to a beach vacation. Don’t forget to protect your tresses. Just ask your blonde friends, as they know all too well how repeated trips to the swimming pool can affect your color as well as how the ocean can affect moisture and texture. By implementing solar care into your hair routine, you can prevent an unnecessary trip to the salon. When purchasing hair care products to protect against the season’s harsh elements, consider looking for items that contain the following: • Ceramides and Pro-Vitamin B5 are great for reinforcing the cuticle and improving water retention to make the hair fiber more supple. • Glycerin is excellent for improving the hydrating properties that ensure smooth texture. • Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps absorb oxidative molecules generated by the environment to help minimize damage.
By Jyl Craven • Photo-Defense Filters absorb UVA/ UVB rays during sun exposure, while preventing deterioration of the hair fiber. Also, do not underestimate the power of a keratin smoothing treatment. These restorative systems work from the inside out to considerably reduce frizz and ease daily styling routines. Another added benefit of a smoothing treatment is that your blow dry time will be significantly reduced. So, whether you find relaxation at the pool or on the shores of a beautiful beach, don’t forget to protect those beautiful locks. By keeping your hair flawless this year, you’ll be poised to have your most beautiful summer yet. L
Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
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Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Public Safety
Protecting Vulnerable Adults in Cherokee By District Attorney Shannon Wallace
As
children, we are taught to honor and respect our elders. Unfortunately, some people fail to heed this advice and, instead, target senior citizens. In recent years, we have seen a rise in opportunists who abuse and exploit seniors as well as other vulnerable adults. Elder abuse is a crime in Georgia, and something we take very seriously in Cherokee County. Elder abuse occurs when trusted family members, friends, or caregivers intentionally harm or fail to provide needed services to older adults in their care. It also occurs when criminals commit financial exploitation scams that target seniors. Typically, elder abuse is one (or all) of the following: Physical, which often includes sexual and emotional abuse as well. Neglect, or failure to provide essential medical care, a safe living environment, or adequate nutrition and hygiene. Financial exploitation, which prevents elders from accessing financial resources by using force, threats, or deception.
In response to this prevalent crime, in 2015, the District Attorney’s Office designated a special prosecution team. The White Collar/Elder Abuse Unit includes a prosecutor, investigator, and victim advocates. Two years later, the District Attorney’s Office and community partners established the Cherokee County Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). This MDT brings together organizations committed to protecting vulnerable adults from situations of abuse or exploitation. During monthly meetings, MDT members discuss reports of abuse and collaborate to ensure seniors receive the services they need. In 2019, the team handled 275 cases of suspected abuse or neglect of elders or vulnerable adults in Cherokee. In addition to the District Attorney’s Office, MDT members include the Cherokee Coroner’s Office, Senior Services, and Solicitor-General’s Office; the Georgia Division of Aging - Adult Protective Services; and all Cherokee law enforcement agencies. We also partner with Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T., an organization that works to reduce victimization of senior citizens by offering programs for them and their caregivers. More information on these programs can be found at SALTCherokee.com.
World Elder Abuse Day Each year on June 15, communities worldwide draw attention to the problem of physical, emotional, and financial 24
Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
Common Scams Your grandchild needs money Caller poses as a grandchild and preys on the elder’s emotions. Be suspicious. Verify with family members before sending money. IRS demands money by phone Caller says, “If you don’t send payment now, you’ll be arrested.” Perpetrator preys on fear. The IRS never calls to demand money. Email scams Recently, church members have received emails from a person claiming to be their pastor, asking them to send gift cards to help people affected by the pandemic. Verify the facts before buying or sending gift cards.
abuse of our elders. The day provides the opportunity to educate people about the unique challenges of our aging population, reach out to elders to help them not become crime victims, and exchange ideas on how to reduce crimes against elders. You can help, too. Talk to elderly and vulnerable adults in your life and make sure they are safe and making sound decisions. Georgia laws related to elder abuse: O.C.G.A. §16-5-101, §16-5-102, §16-5-23.1
Shannon Wallace is the district attorney for Cherokee County. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/ District-Attorneys-Office
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2020
&
HEALTH WELLNESS
26 27
Plastic Surgery Center of the South Canton Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
28 29
North Georgia Vein & Wellness Hickory Flat Volunteer Association CPR Guide WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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HW &
Plastic Surgery Center of the South 23 YEARS OF CONSISTENT CARE YOU HAVE COME TO KNOW AND TRUST
T
wenty-three years ago, three prominent plastic surgeons, Drs. Anthony Musarra, James Leake, and Michael Petrosky, joined to establish a successful plastic surgery practice: Plastic Surgery Center of the South. Continuing with the same core values of the founders, our current physicians, Drs. Michael Petrosky, Corey Harkins, and James B. Depew, operate under the cornerstone of the practice — work hard and treat patients with respect. Over the years, plastic and reconstructive surgery has changed dramatically with technologic innovation. That has proven true during the COVID-19 pandemic, as we embark on a new frontier of patient care through telemedicine. Plastic Surgery Center of the South is happy to offer the option of virtual consultation instead of coming into the office. As always, we put the safety and well-being of our patients and staff first. While the last couple of months have been stressful for the entire world, we want to honor medical heroes on the front lines who give selflessly of themselves to ensure the health of others. The country will be strong again, and we will look back at this as a reminder of how we all came together for the betterment of our communities.
Self-esteem is an essential component of mental health. How a person feels about his/her physical appearance can affect his/ her overall approach to life. Plastic Surgery Center of the South offers solutions to improve a person’s appearance and, therefore, helps reestablish self-worth and confidence. Plastic surgery allows patients to maintain a youthfulness and dignity that, when they look in the mirror, they like what they see. Our office offers a full range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, for men and women of all ages. Common procedures include body contouring, breast enhancement, gluteal augmentation, and facial rejuvenation as well as reconstructive surgery after cancer, accidents, facial trauma, or lacerations.
Our medically licensed esthetician is also available to assist you with a variety of services and medical grade products. For more than 23 years, our core values have remained the same; we treat our patients the way we would treat our family members. We think it has paid off. Read what our patients have had to say:
“
Very kind staff, ready to answer any questions. It’s apparent that they know what they’re doing. I am completely satisfied with my procedure and my overall experience!!”
“
Everyone is so professional and friendly! It’s easy to ask questions and feel like they truly have your best interests in mind. The two
We have our own American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAASF) surgical center, outfitted with two operating rooms and a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). This ensures both patient privacy as well as a nurturing environment. Our physicians are master injectors and administer all their own Botox and injectable fillers. We have treatment plans from a “Quick Fix” to the “Fountain of Youth,” based on your individual needs.
things I’ve had done at this facility have turned out beautifully, and I highly recommend their quality of care!”
“
This practice is amazing! I am a nurse and very particular. I trust them completely.”
120 Vann Street NE, #150 Marietta, GA 30060 770-421-1242 Dr. Corey Harkins, Dr. Michael Petrosky, and Dr. James B. Depew
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
PlasticSurgeryCenterOfTheSouth.net More through the door!
Canton Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
As
all of you, staff members at Canton Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are greatly looking forward to getting back to the routines we have been missing over the past few months. We do not know what the new “normal” will look like, but we are committed to adjusting our office policies to support it. Some of the changes that we are making include the following:
Prior to entering the office, all patients and anyone accompanying them will be prescreened and have their temperatures taken. Patients will be escorted directly to a private room. It will not be necessary to stop at the front desk on the way in or out of the office. Dental office staff members have always followed strict sterilization and sanitizing guidelines. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have elevated their guidelines to further ensure the health and safety of anyone who enters their offices. All staff members have gone through updates in training with the latest personal protective equipment to protect themselves as well as patients. A mask or face cover is encouraged for patients and parents during office visits. All appointments have been extensively spaced out to allow for additional sanitization between patients. A limited number of staff members are present to abide by social distancing guidelines.
These changes will allow the staff at Canton Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to adequately support patients’ dental care needs. Though some of these measures may be inconvenient, they are necessary to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
HW &
As time goes on, policies may need to change. Even those previously listed may not be permanently in place. Staff members are committed to giving a balanced approach that will both support patients as well as adhere to required guidelines. Like many other aspects of society during this time, these industry standards are fluid. Your patience is appreciated, as the staff is working diligently to stay informed of the best practices and remaining agile and flexible to make changes as needed. While Canton Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will always be available to support your dental health care needs, it is more important than ever to do all that you can at home to prevent dental treatment from being necessary. This includes brushing twice daily and flossing each evening before bedtime. It can be especially challenging for children who are out of their routines to remember these important steps each day. As parents, you can best support them by checking in and monitoring their dental hygiene. As services are slowly amped up, the staff greatly looks forward to seeing the smiling faces of each of their patients. Feel free to call with any questions you may have regarding scheduling an appointment or about dental needs in general.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
3395 Sixes Road, Suite 140 Canton, GA 30114 770-720-0079 KidsHappyTeeth.com WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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HW &
North Georgia Vein & Wellness
Do
you have tired, heavy, achy legs? Swelling or night cramps? Or maybe you experience restless legs or skin discoloration? North Georgia Vein & Wellness can help. All these symptoms point to venous insufficiency, but what is that? Your arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Your veins carry blood back to the heart with the help of valves that open and close. These valves stop the blood from flowing backward down toward your feet. When the valves do not close all the way, your legs have trouble getting blood back up to the heart, which allows it to pool in your veins, putting pressure on them. This is known as venous insufficiency. So, why do you have it? Many risk factors contribute to venous insufficiency. Family history is the greatest contributor. If one parent has it, you have a 50% chance of suffering from it. If both parents have venous disease, you have a 90% chance of getting it.
TIRED LEGS, SWELLING, AND PAIN. . . OH MY! Age also plays a role. As we get older, we become more susceptible to disease. Females are more likely to have venous insufficiency, and multiple pregnancies add to the risk. Obesity places pressure on your veins, which likewise leads to the disease. Additionally, professions requiring you to stand or sit for long periods of time can increase the odds. OK, you may have checked off multiple risk factors and numerous symptoms; now what can you do? Dr. Peter Wrobel of North Georgia Vein & Wellness can help. He and his staff will work together to come up with your individualized, personal treatment plan. They start by performing a complete diagnostic ultrasound of both legs, otherwise known as a vein mapping. This “duplex” ultrasound is used to test the speed and direction of blood flow in your veins.
After your vein mapping is complete, you will meet with Dr. Wrobel to discuss family and medical history as well as the findings of the ultrasound. He will go over the details of your vein function issues, discuss your treatment options, and answer any questions you may have. Most commercial insurances, including Medicare, consider vein treatments a medical necessity. The staff will work with your insurance company to verify your benefits as well as discuss coverage and payment options. They will do all the insurance work for you. North Georgia Vein & Wellness provides the most technologically advanced treatment options available. All procedures are done under local anesthesia in the office, not in a hospital setting. You do not need a driver, and you can resume most normal activities immediately after each procedure. There is no need to wait! Call 678-513-1600 to get started. With offices in Canton and Cumming, we’re here for you.
100 Liberty Boulevard Suite 110 Canton, GA 30114 1230 Bald Ridge Marina Road Suite 500 Cumming, GA 30041 678-513-1600 NorthGeorgiaVein.com 28
Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
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CPR Guide Courtesy of Hickory Flat Volunteer Association | HFVA.org
HANDS-ONLY
CPR
CALL 911
CPR
vs.
TRAINING
PUSH HARD AND FAST IN THE CENTER OF THE CHEST
Public awareness campaign to get more people to act when they encounter a cardiac arrest. Starting point to get more people to learn CPR. Will not meet requirements if you need CPR for your job. Chest compressions are good for the first few minutes someone is in cardiac arrest, pushing remaining oxygen through the body to keep vital organs alive. It buys time until someone with more skills can provide help.
CHECK VITAL SIGNS AND BREATHING
Offered through online or in-person classes. Provides more in-depth training with an instructor, including CPR with breaths and choking relief. Often necessary for people who need CPR training for work.
How does it work?
CPR with breaths combines chest compressions and breaths, providing additional oxygen to circulate throughout the body.
Who can I use it on?
Adults and teens
Go to
PERFORM CPR
How do I learn?
Heart.org/HandsOnlyCPR to learn the steps of Hands-Only CPR.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Anyone who is in cardiac arrest, including adults, teens, infants and children, and any victims of drowning, drug overdose, collapse due to breathing problems or prolonged cardiac arrest.
Go to
Heart.org/CPR
and click on FIND A COURSE to find a class online or near you. WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
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Community Partner
esearch suggests that one in four girls is sexually abused before the age of 18 — that’s an estimated 41.5 million adult American women who are survivors.
R
The Maxfields envisioned a healing retreat nestled in the mountains where survivors could begin or continue — their healing journeys.
Think of the women you know and love — your mother, your sister, your college roommate, your best friend, your gym partner, and your co-worker who helps keep you sane when life is scary. One of every four of these women is statistically a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and may have been carrying feelings of shame, guilt, and other post-traumatic symptoms for years, or even decades.
Since 2015, more than 3,000 women have attended The Haven Retreat in one of two locations in Georgia and Utah. In 2019 alone, The Younique Foundation facilitated the start of 40 Finding Hope Support Groups in eight countries, including New Zealand, Ireland, and Austria.
The Younique Foundation exists to help these women find the hope and healing they deserve. Founded in 2015, The Younique Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that provides healing services through The Haven Retreat, Finding Hope Support Groups, and other online resources. The organization was formed after founders Shelaine and Derek Maxfield learned that someone close to them had been sexually abused as a child. Both were heartbroken to learn that many survivors of child sexual abuse take blame and guilt upon themselves. “That’s not fair,” Derek remembers saying to Shelaine. “Somebody should do something about that.”
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
Third-party research confirms that The Haven Retreat successfully helps women heal from the impacts of child sexual abuse. Some of the healing benefits survivors experience are comparable to receiving 15–24 weeks of group psychotherapy for trauma. On average, participants: • Experience a 23% reduction of PTSD symptoms. • See a 21% improvement in well-being. • Feel 9% more confident that they can cope with their traumatic experience.
The brain is malleable and can learn how to heal. Through recovery, survivors can learn to recognize and manage triggers, discover passions that motivate them to heal, and develop self-compassion. The Younique Foundation is also dedicated to the eradication of child sexual abuse and focuses prevention efforts through its brand, Defend Innocence. Education is critical to responding to sexual abuse and preventing it. As such, Defend Innocence focuses on empowering parents, caregivers, and community leaders to protect children through community and online resources. These resources seek to facilitate safe, open discussions and to give parents and caregivers a starting point for these discussions. You, too, can support survivors in their healing journeys and help put an end to the epidemic of child sexual abuse. Learn more about The Younique Foundation’s healing resources at YouniqueFoundation. org and Defend Innocence’s prevention resources at DefendInnocence.org.
These positive effects have been shown to be sustained for one year after participating in a retreat.
THE YOUNIQUE FOUNDATION
The Younique Foundation wants survivors of child sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, that they are not broken, and that hope and healing are possible.
11675 Great Oaks Way, Suite 175 Alpharetta, GA 30022 YouniqueFoundation.org DefendInnocence.org. 801-341-2308
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TEN TIPS
for Traveling With Your Preschooler By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S. [AcademicLife] Traveling can be stressful, but traveling with young children can be especially challenging. The next time your family hits the road, keep these handy travel tips in mind: 1. If you’re driving, try to make regular stops, so children can use the restroom and stretch their legs 2. Bring a stash of toys, snacks, coloring books, crayons, and other goodies to keep your little ones occupied. 3. Children often travel better when they’re tuckered out and sleepy. If you’re flying, have your child push a small suitcase around the waiting area or ride the escalators with you. If you’re driving, try to leave the house before dawn, so your drowsy child can fall back to sleep in the car. 4. While good behavior doesn’t automatically warrant a reward, a special treat may encourage your child to maintain pleasant behavior. 5. When children are actively involved, they are less likely to misbehave. Talk to your child about the trip and ask her what she’s looking forward to seeing or doing. You can also give her a disposable camera and ask her to document the trip, which will encourage her to observe her surroundings. 6. Children love the novelty of public transportation (cabs, trains, subways, ferries, etc.), so if it’s available at your destination, use it. 7. In case you are separated, use an electronic child locator to make sure you can find your child. Most locators cost around $30 online and include a transmitter your child wears and a locator unit you carry. 8. Make sure you pack for any weather conditions you might encounter. You don’t want your child to be too hot or too cold. 9. Travel delays are almost inevitable, but games such as 20 Questions or a quick hand of Go Fish can make the wait more fun. 10. Traveling means encountering more germs than usual. Be sure to pack plenty of antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer to disinfect your little ones’ hands, especially if they have touched the seat-back pockets of airplanes, which can be full of harmful bacteria.
Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. GoddardSchools.com
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
31
Senator Speaks
S ummer GRATEFUL FOR By State Senator Bruce Thompson
It
is hard to believe we are nearly halfway through the year, and 2020 has already been quite the year. During recent time with my family, I asked if everyone felt like things had returned to normal, and to my surprise, I quickly received a unified response that “there is nothing normal about 2020!” OK then! I decided to do a little social experiment by asking each family member what they learned during the monthlong shelter in place back in April.
I started with my 15-year-old son, who said, “I realized I actually missed sitting in class with my friends. Yes, we would goof around a bit, but if I had a question for the teacher, most of the time, someone else would ask it, and while we were digitally learning, no one asked a single question.”
My wife said, “It forced me to become more patient, but I noticed others in the community seemed to be a bit more on edge, even after the shelter was lifted.” Regardless of the generation, the consensus is that technology is a great tool, but it cannot replace the necessity for the intimacy of personal interactions. Granted, the time together as a family allowed for some interesting discussions, but if you are like me, you are grateful summer has arrived!
Bruce Thompson represents District 14, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com
I then asked our daughter, who was home from Samford, and she replied, “I realized how much I miss corporate assembly at church and with my friends at college. It’s kind of hard to ‘do life’ digitally. I love leading worship back in Birmingham during the school year, but when we converted to digital worship, I really felt disconnected from the people. The good news is my personal quiet time sure was awesome!” Finally, I asked my wife what she learned or experienced during that time. She agreed with our daughter that not being physically in church was difficult, and watching our pastor, Jeremy, online was not the same as being in the worship service.
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
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AAC
is an optimal avenue for the child as well as which mode/device best suits him/her.
A Voice for Nonverbal Communicators By Abby Miles [HealthyLife] Augmentative alternative communication (AAC) refers to a variety of different methods that can be used to communicate. AAC allows individuals to communicate despite limitations that prevent them from using standard modes of communication such as verbal speech. AAC exists in various forms, and it can be low-tech (unaided) or high-tech (aided). Low-tech methods include gestures, signing, pointing, pictures, photos, symbols, and alphabet boards. Hightech methods typically refer to electronic devices containing dynamic displays, speech generating capabilities, switch controls, scanning systems, and eye
gaze. Each form of AAC aims to provide the user with an efficient and effective mode of communication that is tailored to his/ her abilities and communicative needs, further allowing, supporting, and promoting the development of his/her communication skills across settings. However, AAC systems must be carefully selected by a specialist to ensure that they meet the daily communication needs of the individual. A trained speech-language pathologist (SLP) conducts AAC evaluations, during which several devices and modes of communication are tried. This process allows the child to interact with different options and methods of communicating. The clinician is then able to assess if AAC
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
If the evaluation indicates that the child would benefit from a device, the funding process would begin to facilitate the purchase. Coverage is generally obtained through Medicaid or private insurance carriers at no additional cost to the family. Once the device is in the hands of the child, the SLP will work closely with him/her and the caregiver to model, implement, and facilitate its use. AAC devices give nonverbal individuals a way to convey their thoughts and feelings and interact with communicative partners/loved ones, which helps shape them into competent communicators. L SOURCES: ASHA.org/public/speech/ disorders/AAC and PrAACticalAAC.org
Abby Miles is a SLP intern at In Harmony Pediatric Therapy. 9880 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock. 770-687-2542. InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com
WWW. FAMILYLIFE PUBLICATIONS.COM
33
ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
“I am always chasing something that I find beautiful, no matter what the subject.”
Mavis Manganelly CHASING THE BEAUTIFUL
A
lthough friends and family say they knew she would be an
“But I always knew I wanted to paint,” Manganelly said. “That was
artist someday, north Georgia painter Mavis Manganelly
my plan — to paint when I retired. I didn’t think I would ever call
took a circuitous route before embracing her calling.
myself an artist.”
Born in Cuba, she lived in Russia as a child and again as an adult,
It was a chance meeting with a Cuban artist that encouraged her to
then immigrated to the United States, living first in Arizona and
make art her full-time pursuit. “He told me, ‘Don’t wait. Just do it,’”
later in Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in physics from
she said. So, in 2006, she decided to dedicate herself to painting.
the University of Havana and a master’s degree in economics from Carlton University in Canada before teaching both physics and
Manganelly’s affinity for drawing and color began when she
computer science.
attended elementary school in Russia.
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
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“Russia had strong arts programs,” she said. “I vividly remember my art classes. They were the best place for me — and the best gift for me was a box of colored pencils. I love color.” When she was a teenager, she would sometimes pretend to take notes while actually sketching during class. Completely self-taught, Manganelly has found her artistic voice through the experimentation that began with those childhood sketches. Through the internet, she visits museums and “meets” other artists. She sees herself as a “young artist” who is still finding her expression. “I learned to work with mediums, learned the basics of color, light, and shade online,” she said. “I challenged myself
each color she adds.
to explore different styles because I wanted to learn. I learned
Using acrylics allows her
portraits, not because I want to be a portrait painter, but as part of
to modify and watch
my learning process.”
the painting evolve. Sometimes, the layers
Whether creating still life, landscapes, flowers, or figures,
include stones, paper,
Manganelly said her goal is to create beauty. Done mostly in
mesh, varnish, or gesso —
acrylic, but also in mixed media, her large abstract canvases draw
whatever creates texture.
the viewer in through bold color and varied texture, and contrasts of light and dark, black and white, line and shape.
“I might work on a painting for three days
“I like the viewer to rest his eyes on one part of the canvas, not to
and set it aside. That
be overwhelmed. Often, a large part of the canvas will be white;
doesn’t mean that I am
other times, I work in two main colors. Some of my works are
finished. I will keep looking at it. I find myself adding things and
minimalist. The parts of the canvas that have color are bright and
taking away things. So, I work on two or three paintings at the
bold, similar to (Jackson) Pollock’s style.”
same time. I keep working until I am satisfied. I am always chasing something that I find beautiful, no matter what the subject.”
Manganelly’s colors and dramatic contrasts draw the viewer from a distance while the textures and layers of the painting reveal themselves when viewed more closely. Working quickly, Manganelly says she doesn’t know where the painting will go when she starts. Frequently using a palette knife to apply color, she creates layers, changing the painting with
You can enjoy Manganelly’s paintings at MavisGallery.com and on Facebook at Facebook.com/mavis.m.manganelly.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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Quotables “A man has to learn that he cannot command things, but that he can command himself; that he cannot coerce the wills of others, but that he can mold and master his own will: and things serve him who serves Truth; people seek guidance of him who is master of himself.”
-James Allen
“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”
-Robin Williams
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives, and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.” -John Wayne “Anyone who tells you fatherhood is the greatest thing that can happen to you, they are understating it.” -Mike Myers
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Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” -Nido Qubein
“If you lead with curiosity instead of fear, then the whole world can be your oyster.”
-Kimberly Drew
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37
CRUISING THE
Mississippi River By Michael Consoli
[Lifestyle] Viking recently announced that it will further expand
•
its destination-focused travel experiences with the launch of new Mississippi River cruises. The company’s first custom vessel, Viking Mississippi, will debut in August 2022 and will sail voyages on the lower and upper Mississippi, between New Orleans and St. Paul. “At a time where many of us are at home, looking for inspiration to travel in the future, I am pleased to introduce a new, modern way to explore this great river,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking. “Our guests are curious travelers, and they continue to tell us that the Mississippi is the river they most want to sail with us. The Mississippi River is closer to home for many of our guests, and no other waterway has played such an important role in America’s history, commerce, and culture.”
•
Southern Celebration (8 days, New Orleans–Vicksburg– New Orleans) On this exploration of the lower Mississippi, visit the historic homes of Louisiana and Mississippi; learn about Civil War history, touring sites like Vicksburg National Military Park; and discover the excitement and unique flavors of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. America’s Great River (15 days, New Orleans to St. Paul) Experience nearly the entire length of the Mississippi River on this incredible journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the northernmost reaches of the U.S. Relax and take in the variety of scenery, foliage, and wildlife. Enjoy southern charm and beautifully preserved homes in Natchez; retrace the steps of Civil Rights leaders in Memphis; ascend the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; and visit the Norwegian Valley in La Crosse.
Viking’s new Mississippi River cruises will offer several itineraries: •
•
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America’s Heartland (8 days, St. Louis to St. Paul) The upper Mississippi offers a rich tapestry of beauty upon every turn of the river. This journey introduces you to the unforgettable experience of the locks and dams that control the flow of the heartland rivers. Hear stories of settlers migrating west; learn about Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, John Deere, and the Amish and Norwegian migrations; experience regional music like polka and Norwegian folk; and taste regional cuisine, including local beer, produce, and Wisconsin cheese. Heart of the Delta (8 days, New Orleans to Memphis) This journey on the lower Mississippi is infused with American history, culture, and heritage. Tour the area where the migrating French and Acadians settled; immerse yourself in the culture and lessons from the American civil rights movement; discover the music of the South — jazz, blues, and gospel; and experience the life and food culture from Cajun and Creole to the famed “dry” Memphis barbecue. Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
Hosting 386 guests in 193 all outside staterooms, the new state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s awardwinning river and ocean ships and will feature clean Scandinavian design as well as public spaces that have been reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. Purpose-built for the Mississippi, and currently under construction in Louisiana, the five-deck ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows, and comfortable amenities will make it the largest and most modern cruise ship in the region. Viking Mississippi river cruises are now available for booking. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
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Bringing Blooms Indoors By Joshua Fuder
harvest stage will vary with each species, but as a general rule, cut just after the blossom has opened fully and before it is showing pollen. For spike flowers (like gladioulus and delphinium), harvest when one-third to one-fourth of the lower flowers are open. Daisy-like flowers (like rudbeckias and sunflowers) can usually be cut when petals have begun to unfurl but before they are fully open.
Timeliness The stages of flower development range from tight bud to full bloom. Perfect
Sanitation Clean garden tools, vases, and buckets are important. Dirty supplies will introduce bacteria that will quickly plug the stems of flowers, preventing them from taking up water.
Water/Preservatives
[HomeLife] Summer arrangements are a great way to add color to a room. The success of indoor flowers will be determined by how they are handled once cut. It helps to understand some of the physiological processes of plants. We must also remember that while many humans appreciate its beauty, a flower is the plant’s mechanism for reproducing. The colors, petals, and scents are used to attract pollinators. Once pollination has occurred, a flower fades, and seeds begin to form.
make sure the sun is low in the sky, and temperatures have begun to cool.
Time of Day There is much debate on whether flowers should be cut in the morning or evening. There are advantages to each — in the morning, the flowers are at their most turgid and will be less likely to wilt. If cut in the evening, the plants will have photosynthesized all day, and the stems will contain more carbohydrates, which will lead to longer vase life. Either way, the window is relatively short during the summer. Ensure any dew or moisture has dried if you cut in the morning. And if you cut in the evening,
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Water should be from room temperature up to 100 degrees. Floral preservatives can help extend vase life by providing sugars, biocides, and acidifiers. If preservatives are not used, the best way to improve vase life is to change the water every day and keep your vases clean.
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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Advertiser Index The Arbor at BridgeMill
37
Canton Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
16, 27
Canton River Rock
Inside Back
The Carpenter’s Shop
3
Cherokee Children’s Dentistry
19
Cherokee Theatre Company
40
Cruise Planners
Inside Front, 33
Dentistry at Hickory Flat
23
Dr. Fixit, Ph.D.
37
Downtown Canton
23
Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University The Goddard School
18
Great Sky
Inside Back
Hickory Flat Volunteer Association
29
Heritage Fellowship
9
In Harmony Pediatric Therapy
Inside Front
Ireland Restorative Dentistry
31
Jyl Craven Hair Design
1
Killian Automotive
3
Landscape Matters
17
LGE Community Credit Union
7
Masterpiece Framer
36
Mosquito-Free
Cover, 20-21
Music On The Vine’s Jazz & Blues Festival North Georgia Vein & Wellness
40
Canton Family Life | JUNE 2020
13, 31
5 28, Back Cover
Plastic Surgery Center of the South
26
Re-Elect Michelle Homier for State Court Judge
37
ServiceWise Electric
3
Tecali Grille
9
Thomas Insurance Agency, Inc.
17
Woodstock Summer Concert Series
39
Your CBD Store of Hickory Flat
19
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