Contents
April 2020
VOLUME 7 | ISSUE 9
20-21 On the Cover
Brad Thomas For State House
26-27
The Benefits of Going Vegan
30
[20-21]
Artist Profile Diana Toma
[26-27]
[30] Follow Us >>>
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Family Life Publications
Canton Family Life | APRIL 2020
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.......................... Perspective
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....................... Canton Notes
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................ Ball Ground Notes
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.................... Community Life
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........................ Public Safety
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........................ Book Review
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............... Community Partner
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.................... Ribbon Cuttings
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Publisher’s Perspective
That kind of passion — a dedication to the happiness of our neighbors, the desire to fulfill a wish and make it come true for someone else — is what fills a group of people with love and builds a strong, solid community. Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” We saw food drives and deliveries to children who are dependent on the school district for care and nourishment because their only option was to stay home. People donated their own limited supplies to support the elderly and infirmed, so they could stay safe in-house. Teachers opened personal lines of communication to provide parents with resources and help them continue teaching their children at home. Helen Keller, a great student and teacher said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” It’s important for us to remember that life is not perfect. It’s OK to shelter or seek solace from what befalls us. It’s significantly more important, when the time is right, to harness whatever it takes to gain a foothold and rise again, to be bolder and brighter than we were before, be a positive influence on others, and enjoy the marvels of being renewed, refreshed, and resilient. Root firmly, find courage, push forward, and grow.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Kay Buquoi, Michael Consoli, Joshua Fuder, Shelia Garrison, Will Goodwin, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Karen Jordan, Tim Morris, Savanna Morrison, Vishant Nath, Jessica Oravec, Ellen Samsell Salas, Shawn Tolan, Shannon Wallace, Caroline Wimberly, Peter Wrobel
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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Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.
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Recently, a dear friend laid his father to rest, and a few short weeks later, that same friend, Butch Brown, also died. Unfortunately, Butch’s work was not done, as he was working to prepare a home for his 91-year-old grandfather. In the shadow of a pandemic, his friends and others in the Hickory Flat community rallied. This team of volunteers completed weeks of work in a matter of days, in honor of the Browns and the love of a family, to make certain that “Papa” Brown had a safe place to call home.
EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com
M AG A ZI
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I write this, my prayer is that COVID-19 is under control by the time you read these words. The outbreak of the coronavirus stopped each of us in our tracks. It changed everyone’s perspective on what is truly important to us — as individuals, as families, and as members of our community. We survived. This past month, on several occasions, I was reminded of what makes our community my home.
PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com
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Grow Together TIME TO
Jack Tuszynski, Publisher
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[HealthyLife] Though more common in adults, gum disease can occur in children in the form of gingivitis. It is important to begin gum disease prevention early, so children maintain good oral hygiene habits for life.
The Truth About
Gum Disease By Vishant Nath, D.M.D. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the swelling of the gum tissue. It is caused by bacteria build up and food particles on teeth, which leads to the development of plaque. If not removed, plaque hardens to form tartar. This causes the redness and swelling of the gums, which can bleed easily during brushing and flossing. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to chronic bad breath or the loosening of teeth. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, see a pediatric dentist for treatment. Depending on the severity of the case, treatment can vary from a professional dental cleaning to a deep oral cleaning and antibiotics. Gingivitis can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits, along with twice yearly dental cleanings.
When your child becomes a teenager, monitoring for good daily oral hygiene habits is even more important. Teenagers are more susceptible to the development of gum disease because the gums become more sensitive with the hormonal changes of adolescence, so they may be less likely to want to brush and floss daily. Adult gum disease treatments and prevention are different from what is done for children. For adult teeth, the treatment can include scaling and root planning. These terms describe a deep dental cleaning, which is done to remove plaque from below the gum line. Normal brushing will not remove plaque that gets trapped below the gum line.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Healthy gum
According to the American Dental Association, approximately 40% of adults over the age of 30 have experienced gum disease. Keep your family members’ teeth healthy with disciplined daily hygiene as well as twice yearly visits to the dentist. These are the best tools for preventing gum disease. L
Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com
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CantonNotes
Update on
Canton’s Recreational Trail System By Shawn Tolan
T
he citizens of Canton have often voiced their desire to have many recreational options. The City is committed to providing a means for our residents and visitors to walk the community through a trail system that borders the Etowah River and connects parks to the downtown area. Many years ago, the City began the process of constructing Heritage Park and the YMCA. Boling Park offers residents walking paths and recreation fields. Additional trails at Boling Park were created by local scouts for hiking in the woods along the Etowah River. As part of the recreation bond referendum, Canton used portions of its parks funding to build Etowah River Park off Brown Industrial Parkway. In 2016, the trail connecting Etowah River Park and Heritage Park was completed, including a bridge over the river. In 2019, the City hosted 38 running events, such as 5Ks and 10Ks, at local parks. As part of the consolidation of fire services with Cherokee County, in 2018,
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the City received an additional 42 acres of parkland, located south of the river and east of Interstate 575 behind Governor’s Walk. Canton’s City Council approved contracts in January to extend the City’s trails from the oval at Etowah River Park along the river eastward and underneath the interstate, adding an additional 1.7 miles of solid surface trail as well as nature trails in the new parkland. These trails should be completed by the end of 2020, weather permitting.
miles and provide connectivity along the Waleska Street bridge back into downtown and The Mill on Etowah. This phase should be publicly bid for construction this spring with a completion time of approximately 18 months. Our goal is to make our town a vibrant destination for visitors to enjoy. These projects are being funded through SPLOST, Impact Fees, and Wastewater Capital Funds.
Shawn Tolan is the city councilman for Ward 2. 110 Academy Street, Canton. Shawn.Tolan@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov
The City is also working to upgrade a sewer line between Heritage Park and Boling Park on the north side of the Etowah River. Included in that project, a multiuse trail will be constructed between the two parks that will measure approximately 1.3 More through the door!
Success With
Container Gardening By Joshua Fuder
ones, need adequate space for root development. Small pots restrict root growth, which will result in limited top growth. Containers that are tall (more than 12 inches) will take a large amount of soil to fill them completely, or you can fill the bottom with light-weight materials like aluminum cans or old nursery pots placed open end down.
[HomeLife] Containers come in all
If you choose a pot without holes for drainage, it is recommended to use a double pot method. This requires that you pot in a different container that has drainage holes, and then place it on gravel inside the pot without holes.
Choosing plants for the container is much like traditional garden design, but principles like form, texture, color, and proper proportion are even more important than in a larger landscape. For a balanced look, don’t let plants be more than two-thirds of the overall height of the container. For shallow or small pots, choose plants that won’t get too large or choose options with small foliage. For large or tall containers, choose items with medium-to-tall mature size or those with large leaves (or both).
Container size is also important. Outdoor container plants, especially fast-growing
Successful containers will have a “thriller” plant as the central focal point. Items
shapes and forms — from beautifully glazed, colorful pots to old rubber boots. Beauty in the landscape is in the eye of the beholder, but the function is the same. The most important consideration is whether it has adequate drainage.
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that work well in this role have compact, upright growth such as salvia, grasses and Dracaena spike. Around the “thriller,” you want to create a sense of flow, so complementary or “fillers” should be used. Good “filler” examples include geraniums, Dusty Miller, and heliotrope. To get that lush, overflowing look, add additional plants that serve as the “spiller.” Sweet potato vine, verbenas, vinca vines, and portulacas will give the container a soft edge that is sure to impress.
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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RAISING FUNDS AND Celebrating Hometown Greats By Lisa-Marie Haygood [AcademicLife] Last month’s Celebration of Education Gala benefiting the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) was a black-tie event filled with more than 400 guests. Overall, $120,000 was raised to benefit the Cherokee County School District (CCSD). CCEF also recognized two outstanding CCSD alumni for their contributions to our community: Rebecca Johnston, a 1970 graduate of Cherokee High School, who was formerly managing editor for the Cherokee Tribune, manager of a local cable television station, and manager of WCHK AM radio, was honored. Johnston is the author of Images of America - Canton; Cherokee County, Georgia - A History; and Hometown Holidays - Memories Throughout the Year. She is a long-standing member of the Cherokee County Historical Society and works tirelessly to build a museum of our county’s history while continuing her many years of volunteering with the Service League and Canton Rotary. Johnston also serves on the CCEF board.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Steve Stancil, another 1970 graduate of Cherokee High School, was also honored. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force and served as coowner of Max Stancil Realty Company. He was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1988 and became the Republican leader in 1992. Stancil was the Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in 2002 and a dedicated public servant for 28 years. He was appointed by Governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal to serve as the executive director of the Georgia Building Authority and State Properties Commission, and the director of the Georgia Financing and Investment Commission, construction division. Stancil oversaw $4 billion in projects funded through bonds and realized close to $100 million in state revenue from surplus property sales. He has also served as the head of the Georgia Regional Transportation Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive Authority and director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. the Allatoona CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org Preservation Authority.
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BallGroundNotes
THE BALL GROUND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Preserving the Past for the Future By Karen Jordan
D
o you know how Ball Ground got its name? Or how Cherokee County got its name? These questions and many more can be answered by attending a Ball Ground Historical Society meeting. While at the meeting, consider joining, so you can learn more about the history of where you live, work, and play. The Ball Ground Historical Society is the brainchild of a reunion committee for Ball Ground Elementary School. The committee was originally formed to organize a reunion of people who attended or worked at Ball Ground ES. The reunion was a huge success! Everyone enjoyed visiting with old friends and reminiscing. After hearing so many stories and seeing historical pictures at the reunion, the committee thought it would be a great time to preserve the history of Ball Ground. On June 26, 2012, the Ball Ground Historical Society held its first meeting. Charter Members present for the meeting included Leonard and Betty Clayton, Jennie Byers, Paula Dorris, Joe Kitchens, Jerry McCard, Tim and Pam Cavender, Dr. Rebecca Ray, Mark Popham, Hayden Holcomb, Karen L. Jordan, Patsy and Franklin Jordan, Kim Locke, Connie Johns, Randall and Beth Ingram, Janice Prather, and Lucille Rich. A Special Charter Committee of members was appointed to draft a mission statement and bylaws, and establish a slate of officers and a board of directors. On July 6, 2012, Lucille Rich was elected the first president of the newly formed Ball Ground Historical Society. To date, the group has 54 members. Many of the charter members have come and gone — only six are currently active — and they are just as passionate about preserving the history of Ball Ground now as they were eight years ago. When we are young, many of us don’t realize how important history will become later in life. As Ball Ground’s city clerk for more than 34 years, I have witnessed and documented many important events.
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On June 26, 2012, the Ball Ground Historical Society held its first meeting .... To date, the group has 54 members. Many of the charter members have come and gone — only six are currently active — and they are just as passionate about preserving the history of Ball Ground now as they were eight years ago. The municipal clerk is the oldest public servant position in local government along with the tax collector. Early keepers of archives were often called “remembrancers,” and before writing came into use, their memory served as public record. Come see what you can learn about Ball Ground! Meetings are held at 7:00pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Ball Ground City Hall (215 Valley Street). For more information about upcoming programs, visit the Ball Ground Historical Society Facebook page.
Karen Jordan is the city clerk for Ball Ground. 215 Valley Street, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. CityOf BallGround.com
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Community CCWSA Student Photography Winners
CCSD Kicks Off Partnership With Mountain Education Charter High School The Cherokee County Board of Education recently unanimously approved contracting with Mountain Education Charter High School to take over the school district's evening high school program, currently known as Polaris Evening Program.
Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) recently announced the winners of its 2020 student photography contest. Student photographers were challenged to capture interest and beauty in the human water cycle by considering questions like where does the water that we use every day come from? How does it get to our homes, schools, and local businesses? Where is it stored? How does fire protection fit into the cycle? Where does it go after we use it? And what is its connection to food production and energy? The 6th-8th grade category winner was Caleb Miller of Creekland Middle School with his photograph entitled Tower at Sunset. The 9th-12th grade category winner was Leila Raymond-Kaina of Cherokee High School (untitled photo). The winners received a framed copy of their winning photograph and a check for $50. The photographs are now displayed at the CCWSA main office, Rose Creek Water Reclamation Facility (WRF), Fitzgerald Creek WRF, Riverbend WRF, Etowah River Water Treatment Facility, and H.Q. Lathem Reservoir.
Fire Department Requests Public Input on Provided Services Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services is requesting public input in a survey that will be available through April 30. The Community Stakeholder Survey provides an annual baseline of how well the fire department is performing in the eyes of citizens and seeks input on the importance of programs and initiatives currently in place. The survey enables the department to gauge perceptions on levels of services and provides data for the upcoming strategic planning sessions, which are in alignment with the department’s goals of continuous improvement and efforts to become an internationally accredited fire department through the Center of Public Safety Excellence on Fire Accreditation International. The survey is open to anyone who visits, works, or lives in Cherokee County and can be found at SurveyHero.com/c/CherokeeCountyFire. 12
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Beginning in June, Mountain Ed will run the evening school program at the Etowah East building on the Etowah HS campus, and expand services using the same successful model already in place in counties across north Georgia. Just as with Polaris, there will be no charge to students to enroll in evening classes with Mountain Ed. Classes are open to students ages 15-21 and to age 22 for special education students. “Mountain Ed will offer our high school students the continued opportunity to earn their high school diploma in the evenings and will provide them with new services including a mentor to coach them on to graduation,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said, noting that an evening high school has been a valuable academic choice in Cherokee County School District (CCSD) for many years. “We’re excited about this partnership and the benefits it will provide to our students.” Like CCSD, Mountain Ed is accredited by AdvancEd, and students earn credits toward the same high school diploma as they would at any other Georgia public high school. Mountain Ed is also accredited by the NCAA. Students will complete self-paced course work online, using computers at the school, with one-on-one support from teachers; classes have a 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Students will meet weekly with their mentors for coaching and support. For more information about Mountain Ed, visit MyMEC.org.
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History in the Making The Cherokee County Historical Society (CCHS) recently launched a multi-million dollar “History in the Making” capital campaign for its new headquarters located in the former Canton Police Department building in downtown Canton. Funds raised through the capital campaign will be used to renovate the facility, providing space for engaging museum exhibits, enhanced collection storage, and a comprehensive program of cultural events. According to campaign leadership, $1.8 million has already been raised, which is 64% of the $2.8 million funding goal. The new multifunctional facility will serve as a dynamic education resource that collaborates with educational institutions at all levels, instilling a deeper appreciation of Cherokee County’s unique and compelling history.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
The exhibit space for the new History Center will expand from its current 675 square feet to at least 5,000 square feet. Each gallery and exhibit space will include naming rights opportunities to recognize families and local organizations that have made significant investments in the new facility. The launch event marked the beginning of the public phase of the campaign, which is being managed by Atlanta-based POWER 10 and a Campaign Leadership Council of volunteers affiliated with the Cherokee County Historical Society. For more information about the project, please contact Kevin Donovan at 404-667-7768 or KDonovan@gopower10.com.
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Community Large Land Donation Provides Space for Community for Disabled Circle of Friends advocacy group founders Diane and Glenn Keen and Stephen Taylor recently accepted 262 acres of land in Ball Ground for a proposed community for the disabled. Karen Cash of Community of Hope, Inc., donated the land to Circle of Friends after learning about its mission. Cash, along with her late husband Raymond, envisioned bringing people to their property, which is located at 1163 Bishop Road. “We wanted the land to remain as an open space for folks with developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and inner-city youth to enjoy nature,” said Cash, who kept the property as such since her husband’s death in 2008. Glenn Keen said the mission of Circle of Friends, which is to help support adults with special abilities and their families in Cherokee County, started years before its formation in January 2019. Questions arose from the Keens’ concern for their son Haden, “What’s going to happen to my child when I die? What kind of services can I get for my child? Why do I have to travel so far for services?”
Freedom MS Team Wins History Bowl Freedom Middle School recently won the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site Academic History Bowl. The school’s team competed against 19 other middle schools across the state and remained undefeated throughout the event, which tested students’ history knowledge. The team already has plans to compete again next school year. Team members are Trenton Wingo, Isaac MendezRobles, Robbie MacMillan, Isabella Bailey, Grayson Schutz, Thaddaeus Brake, Matthew Shewfelt, Theodore Lewis, Sarah Vassy, and Annabeth Dudley. The coaches are 8th grade teachers Allison Cook and Anna Trull.
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These queries inspired the Keens to research existing communities such as Bridge Meadows in Portland, Oregon, and North Street Neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina. Their research showed that these programs provided the following benefits: • Socialization where young adults could have opportunities to do activities in the community, have fun, and make friends • Supportive employment where they can flourish, develop skills, and be productive • Supportive affordable living for different needs The Circle of Friends formed to share those findings and hold meetings every first and third Thursday at Hickory Flat Church to bring awareness to their goal and to establish social activities for adults with disabilities. Through this new partnership, Community of Hope and Circle of Friends will work together to build an intergenerational residential community. The preliminary plans call for a community of 1520 single-family houses, a group home community consisting of 6-8 detached townhouses (either duplex or triplex), and a large area to remain as an open space with potential for a camp. Taylor said what’s needed most right now are prayers and contributions. Fundraising events will be announced on the Circle of Friends Facebook page. “The housing component though will not be restricted to county residents only. We prayed for land in Hickory Flat, and our prayers were answered. We’re still looking for Hickory Flat land, so keep praying,” said Diane Keen. Circle of Friends is also looking for a storefront in Hickory Flat to open a coffee shop. Donations are being accepted by check made payable to Circle of Friends, 900 Abbey Court, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004. For additional information, email Stephen Taylor, executive director of Circle of Friends, at STaylor@ circleoffriendsinc.org or Diane Keen, chairperson-elect, at DKeen@circleoffriendsinc.org.
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Little League T-Ball Player Hits Fundraising Home Run
Canton Baseball’s Carter Chandler, who is almost 4 years old and plays for the 3/4 Year old Dodgers T-ball team, has hit it out of the park with his first-ever baseball fundraiser. Chandler attends Mission Point Preschool at Canton First Baptist. This is his first year playing T-ball. Each year, Canton Baseball hosts an annual BBQ Fundraiser where each player sells raffle tickets in exchange for a BBQ plate catered by Williamson Brothers. This fundraiser benefits the Canton Baseball Association, which is completely run by volunteers. Chandler sold 177 tickets of the team’s total of 233 tickets, raising $1,864. With the community’s generous donations, Chandler was able to donate 86 BBQ plates to Cherokee County Sheriff's office, the Cherokee County Precinct, Cherokee County Jail, and Cherokee 911 in an effort to show appreciation to those who work so hard to serve and protect our community.
Cherokee HS Student Wins Regional Essay Contest Cherokee High School senior Heidi Martinez earned first place in the Optimist International Essay Contest for the Zone 2 region, which includes Cherokee, Pickens, and Gilmer Counties. The Zone 2 region is served by nine Optimist Clubs. Martinez will now advance to the next level of competition.
Cherokee HS senior Heidi Martinez, right, is congratulated by Canton Optimist Rachel Ashe.
This year’s theme for the international contest was “Is Optimism the Key to Achieving the Dreams You IMagine?” Martinez’s winning essay can be found on CCSD’s website (Cherokee12.net). #CoolestSmallTownInAmerica
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Community City of Canton Announces Assistant City Manager, Staff Promotions The City of Canton recently announced staff promotions including the creation of a new assistant city manager position.
Nathan Ingram
Nathan Ingram, formerly the City’s chief financial officer, was named assistant city manager, effective February 26. The new position oversees the City’s operational components including finance, human resources, technology, municipal court operations, and special projects. Melissa Forrester received a promotion to finance director. She joined the City of Canton over 11 years ago, serving in the positions of accountant, budget analyst, and most recently as accounting services manager.
Melissa Forrester
Wendall Turner was promoted to deputy chief of police. He has over 27 years of law enforcement experience, having joined the Canton Police Department four years ago as a captain over the Support Services Bureau. “We have a fantastic team at the City of Canton, and it is always an honor to promote from within when there are such highly skilled individuals in our organization,” said City Manager Billy Peppers.
Wendall Turner
Community Members Visit Avery ES for Read Across America Avery Elementary School students and staff were rocking and reading on March 2 to celebrate Read Across America on Dr. Seuss’ birthday. They also kicked off Cherokee County School District’s reading initiative, Reading Rocks! Reading was the focus of the day, as over 40 community members visited the school to share a great tale or two with the Avery Cubs. Mrs. Thrower’s first grade class enjoys a Seuss Scavenger Hunt.
Sergeant Chris Bryant and K-9 Blade
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Among the many participants were the Creekview High School C.A.R.E.S. readers, law enforcement officers and firefighters, and several members of the 2019 Leadership Cherokee class. Parents, staff, and retired staff rounded out the group. Fourth grade especially enjoyed their reader, Sergeant Chris Bryant and his partner Blade from Cherokee County Sheriff’s K-9 unit. The first grade Seuss Scavenger Hunt kept the school hopping, as students trekked the hallways and classrooms learning about Dr. Seuss and his books. Much like a great story, it was a memorable day for all!
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AVOIDING CRUISE SCAMS By Michael Consoli
Sometimes, the cruise offers are designed to get you to run up your phone bill. To claim your “prize,” you’re required to call a phone number with a 900 area code or even an area code that appears to be in the U.S. These phone numbers originate from foreign countries and are a way for scammers to take your money. You’re left with a high phone bill, and no cruise.
[Lifestyle] We’ve all received a postcard or phone call saying, “Great news, you’ve won a cruise!” But, buyer beware: This may actually be a scam designed to separate you from your money. You should be cautious of potential scams and use simple methods to protect yourself. If the company offering the free cruise asks for credit card information for “port fees” or other incidentals, be careful. These “fees” typically end up costing more than the cruise fare itself. You might also be required to pay a greatly inflated rate for a second guest traveling with you. And if the company requests your Social Security number or passport number, you could be at risk for identity theft. Some of these “free” offers are devised to convince you to attend a presentation to buy into a time-share or another expensive vacation. You may get a free cruise, but you’ll likely end up on an inferior ship with less than acceptable accommodations.
These very simple rules can protect you from scammers: Beware of words like “free.” If something is truly free, you shouldn’t have to make any up-front payments. If you don’t recognize the source of the offer, it may not be legitimate. Check online to see if it’s a bona fide cruise line or travel agency. If you book a cruise, ask for a confirmation from the agent and from the cruise line to verify that the offer is real. When paying for travel, always pay with a credit card instead of cash or a debit card to protect your payment in the event of a dispute. While growing up, many of us were told that nothing in life is free and that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always be a cautious consumer. The best way to protect yourself and get the best rates and amenities is to book with a professional travel advisor. L
Michael Consoli is a professional travel and cruise specialist and owner of Cruise Planners. 770-650-7667. PlanMyCruise.com
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[InGoodFaith] On Constitution Day this past year, I had the honor to meet and watch a veteran skydiver and former Army Ranger jump from a helicopter to display an American flag and land on a local high school’s football field. This same hero recently lost his life in a skydiving accident. He was always using his gifts to encourage and inspire others. There is little doubt he was living life to its fullest, even up to its untimely and tragic end. Can you and I say the same thing?
There is a short story in the Bible about King Joash, and the word he received from the prophet Elisha on his deathbed. Joash wanted God’s favor and pled with Elisha to have God bless him and his war against Syria. Elisha told him to pick a bow and arrow and fire arrows into the ground. The king did as he was told, launching three of the arrows into the dirt at his feet. Elisha rebuked the king, saying if he had fired all the arrows into the ground instead of just three, he would have been victorious. Instead, because of his limited effort, his victory would also be limited. The excuses of lack of money or time will always build obstacles around bucket lists. That is no reason to do less with
RESERVE
No Arrows
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the little you have. Life is painted the color of regret for those who linger in the past. For those who take every day as a chance to fire every arrow, even if you miss the target, you will never have to worry about knowing whether you gave it your all. This month, we celebrate one who fired all his arrows and gave all he had for the greater good of humanity. The sacrifice and atonement of Jesus was the rescue no one deserves, but we all so desperately need. The miraculous resurrection proved everything he did, said, and stood for was true. How great a life can be lived by those who follow such an example and live life to the fullest. L
By Pastor Will Goodwin Will Goodwin is the lead pastor at Oakleaf Church, 151 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 678-653-4652. OakleafChurch.com
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COVER STORY By Ellen Samsell Salas
BRAD THOMAS “A Voice for the People of Cherokee County ” Concern for the welfare of other people defines Brad Thomas — from his service as a petty officer in the U.S. Navy to his activism as a resident of Woodstock. As the Republican candidate for State House District 21, Thomas speaks up for the unborn, for schoolchildren, veterans, property and business owners, and the elderly. His goal is clear: To help all citizens of Cherokee County live the American dream. Active in local causes, Thomas thrives on fighting for his fellow citizens whose voices may not always get heard. “We have some of the best folks here in Cherokee County,” he said. “They want to see their community thrive, and they’ll help make certain it does if we listen to them.” Thomas’s decision to run for state office grew out of his passionate belief that every member of our democracy has the right to be heard, and that the government is charged with making transparent decisions that impact those citizens. 20
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“I felt a calling to be the voice for others,” he said.
Thomas and his wife, Jenny, chose to plant roots in Cherokee because the area offers so much promise to residents. “We aren’t burdened by too many high density areas; we still have lots of rural space. We have an exceptional school system and great entertainment and dining choices,” he said. “It’s a place to make roots. That’s the character of Cherokee I want to preserve.” For Thomas, family extends beyond his wife (whom he calls his “rock”) and their two young children, Gavin
and Summer. A partner in a small engineering firm, he includes his business partner and employees as members of his family. Thomas is dedicated to the well-being of his employees and says nothing is more exciting than giving people jobs and watching them build their dreams. As the representative for District 21, Thomas’s overarching goal will be preserving the features that draw people to the county. “My responsibility will be to represent the people of the district, to focus on the issues that impact our district,” he said. “Cherokee has a unique quality of life. If we can get ahead of growth and build infrastructure, we can attract business, take care of our residents, our veterans, and our elderly.” More through the door!
To that end, Thomas pledges to fight in several key arenas: HELPING CHEROKEE’S VETERANS Cherokee County has the third highest population of veterans and one of the largest populations of homeless veterans in the state. Thomas is active in local veterans’ groups and knows the struggles they face. He is committed to ensuring that those who have served our country receive assistance and necessary medical treatment, but he believes more formal programs are needed. “These people put their lives on the line for our country, and they deserve better,” he said. STAYING AHEAD OF INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS With more people moving to Cherokee County, Thomas believes it’s important to ensure that roads and utilities can accommodate the influx, and it’s imperative that we have cooperation among county, city, and state officials. PROMOTING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP As a small-business owner, Thomas is determined to bring more business to the county. Even though Cherokee is one of the fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta, the majority of
residents commute to other counties to work, and the number of commuters is projected to grow to 78% by the next census. “If we let that happen,” Thomas said, “we’ll be just another Atlanta suburb. Those workers are spending money in other counties, revenue that could help Cherokee sustain its lower taxes,” he explained. “If we create jobs here, if we offer business-friendly policies, those dollars will be spent in Cherokee, and we will keep our tax burden low.” ENSURING TOP-NOTCH SCHOOLS “We have excellent schools here in Cherokee County, but we need to be anticipating what the world will look like in 20 years,” Thomas said. Recognizing that most future jobs will be in STEM fields, Thomas pledges to work with local educators, tap into community resources, and ensure the funding needed to offer a 21st century education. “If we want our children to be equipped to succeed, we must be forward thinking and acting.”
HIS GOAL IS CLEAR:
To help all citizens of Cherokee County live the American dream.
Having worked as an engineer for over 15 years, Thomas knows how to solve problems. He knows that a successful outcome requires teamwork and believes his skills would be best suited in supporting the needs of our citizens as well as our local government. He wants to provide a voice for his fellow citizens and will fight to make sure Cherokee is the best place to live, work, and play for all residents.
ELECTION DAY IS MAY 19. If you have more questions or would like to donate/help, please visit the website, email, or call:
ElectBradThomas.com Brad@ElectBradThomas.com 678-224-1490 PAID FOR BY BRAD FOR GEORGIA, LLC
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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Public Safety
By District Attorney Shannon Wallace
M
ost people are aware that criminals are afforded many rights protected by law, starting with the right to remain silent. However, few people are aware that victims are also protected by laws that give them the right to be heard. Starting back in the 1980s, federal and state laws began to address the rights of crime victims. In 1982, the U.S. Congress passed a law to provide protection and assistance to victims in federal cases. Two years later, Congress passed a law giving crime victims the right to restitution, notification of court proceedings, and information about the conviction of offenders. Georgia has also enacted similar laws, including a 1988 constitutional amendment that authorized payment for services to people harmed by violent crime. Then, in 1995, the Georgia legislature passed the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, providing the right for citizens to be informed, present, and heard concerning the criminal case in which they were affected. In 2018, Georgia voters passed Marsy’s Law, which added other victim rights to our state constitution.
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Georgia Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights
The services these advocates provide uphold the Georgia Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, including notification of case status, education about the criminal justice system, accompaniment and support during criminal proceedings, referrals to resources, and assistance in filing for victim related compensation.
While a complete listing can be found in § O.C.G.A. 17-17-1, as a victim of crime in Georgia, you have the right to: Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused Not be excluded from any scheduled court National Crime Victims’ proceedings involving the accused, except as Rights Week (April 19-25) provided by law Victims and their rights are Be heard at any scheduled court proceedings honored each year through involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the rallies, vigils, forums, and other accused awareness activities throughout File a written objection in any parole proceedings National Crime Victims’ Rights involving the accused Week. This year’s theme is “Seek Confer with the prosecutor in any criminal Justice, Ensure Victims’ Rights, prosecution related to the victim Inspire Hope.” Restitution as provided by law Be treated fairly and with During the week, our office will distribute dignity by all criminal awareness information on what to do if justice agencies you become a victim of crime and what your statutory rights are. We hope you never find yourself in need of crime victim services. But if you do, we will be here to help guide and protect you.
Victim Witness Assistance Program In 1993, the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office established the Victim Witness Assistance Program to aid people affected by crime. Today, we have nine advocates on our staff who offer support and guidance to crime victims – 2,698 people in 2019 alone.
For more information, contact the Victim Witness Assistance Program at 770-479-1488.
Shannon Wallace is the District Attorney of Cherokee County. 770-479-1488. CherokeeGa.com/ District-Attorneys-Office
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17th Annual
CANTON
festival OF THE Arts
R
eturning before Mother’s Day with unique gifts for all, thousands of people will enjoy fun activities for the whole family including chalk art, great food, live music, and fabulous creations by more than 50 artists at this year’s Canton Festival of the Arts on May 2-3.
Brown Park 251 E. Marietta Street Canton, GA 30114 CantonArtFestival.com
With one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, paintings, mixed media, wood carvings, and more at every price point, the festival is a great place to shop for the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Other available items include jams, jellies, soaps, and lotions by local makers. Live music will be provided by great singer-songwriters from the northwest Georgia mountains. Additionally, families can get in on the art action because everyone is invited to make chalk art masterpieces! Produced by the Cherokee County Arts Center, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching community life through the arts, the festival will be held at Brown Park in downtown Canton. Follow @CantonFestival on Facebook or visit the website for more information.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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8 Myths About Vein Disease By Peter Wrobel, M.D.
successful it is. The insurance coverage is determined by a diagnostic ultrasound.
[HealthyLife] Did you know that varicose
CROSSING YOUR LEGS CAUSES VARICOSE VEINS. No, crossing your legs does not cause varicose veins. While increased pressure can cause blood to pool inside a vein and make the vein bulge, it’s not external pressure that does it. It’s more likely due to defective valves in your veins or weakened vein walls.
Myth 3 veins are incredibly common? They affect one in four U.S. adults, or about 22 million women and 11 million men between the ages of 40 and 80. Here are eight confusing myths about vein disease to help set the record straight.
Myth 1 VARICOSE VEINS ARE ONLY A COSMETIC ISSUE. The most harmful misconception about vein disease is that it is a cosmetic concern rather than a legitimate disease. This misconception lends itself to the idea that there is no need to seek treatment unless it causes physical pain. If vein disease goes untreated, you are likely to experience continued pain, fatigue, and swelling of the legs and ankles. In more serious situations, patients can develop edema, a blood clot (DVT), and/or venous ulcers.
Myth 2 INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER VEIN TREATMENT. Because varicose veins and chronic venous disease can lead to more serious medical conditions, most insurance plans will cover treatment. The earlier vein disease is treated, the more 24
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Myth 4 RUNNING CAN CAUSE VARICOSE VEINS. Exercise — including running — is usually a good thing for your veins. Exercise is always good for circulation. Walking or running can lead to more calf muscle pumping and more blood returning to the heart. Being a runner doesn’t cause varicose veins. Compression stockings can help prevent blood from pooling in your lower legs during exercise.
Myth 5 COMPRESSION STOCKINGS CURE VEIN DISEASE. Although compression stockings that provide graduated compression from the ankle up to the knee or thigh help to reduce pain and swelling, they only help to manage symptoms and do not provide a cure. They are required to be worn after most vein procedures.
Myth 6 ULCERS ONLY NEED WOUND CARE. Venous skin ulcers are slow to heal and often come back if you don’t take steps to prevent them. Treating the underlying vein disease has proven to increase ulcer healing rates and decrease recurrence rates.
Myth 7 VARICOSE VEINS ALWAYS REOCCUR. The recurrence of varicose veins after treatment is a myth born from prior inadequate care. Treatment methods in the past, while done with best intentions, actually caused recurrence of varicose veins. Once veins are successfully treated by a qualified physician, the recurrence rates should be less than 5%.
Myth 8 MEN DO NOT GET VARICOSE VEINS. It is reported that 42% of men will suffer with CVI by the time they reach their 60s. Though men are less likely to seek varicose vein treatment, they are at risk for more severe venous diseases if they ignore the symptoms. L
Dr. Peter Wrobel is a physician at North Georgia Vein & Wellness, with offices in Canton and Cumming. 678-513-1600. NorthGeorgiaVein.com
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By Caroline Wimberly
A
2015 peer-reviewed study by Canadian academics comparing bias against target groups found that vegans and vegetarians were viewed more negatively than any other group except drug addicts.1 It’s fair to say that people adhering to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle (often written jointly as “veg*n”) can easily feel estranged or ridiculed during social settings, holiday gatherings, or business meals. While there is much information about whether following a vegan (plantbased) diet can solve climate change (and to what degree), reverse cancer, or destroy an otherwise perfect dinner party, here is some information about the benefits of vegan diets.
Health Almost all foods with near universal nutritional supremacy are plant-based: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Humans can easily thrive on plants alone with a proper balance of diverse ingredients. Any necessary nutrients can be found in plants, with rare exceptions (like Vitamin B12), which can easily be found in fortified products or approved multivitamins. In fact, places around the world where people naturally live the longest – dubbed “Blue Zones” – are also the areas where people consume very little, if any, animal products.2 Though dairy products are marketed as bone strengtheners due to their high calcium content, the World Health 26
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Organization and other health researchers have pointed out the “calcium paradox” in which countries with higher calcium intake, especially from animal protein, also have higher rates of hip fractures. It’s possible that animal proteins in dairy products have adverse effects on calcium intake that outweigh the high calcium concentration in those foods.3
aren’t new, they will probably become more frequent and intense with more unpredictable weather patterns and global population growth.6 Adjusting to food production that requires less land, water, and other inputs will be increasingly important. Growing plants for direct human consumption is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to do this.
While difficult to recommend any singular diet to broad swaths of people, it’s increasingly conceded by health and nutrition professionals that vegan or vegetarian diets can be healthy and appropriate for all stages of life.4
Forests play an essential role in regulating our climate as well as holding a huge amount of biodiversity. Also, many indigenous groups rely on these ecosystems for their continued survival, which they’ve maintained for much longer than the industrial age.
Environmental/Humanitarian While repetitive, catastrophic news headlines can sometimes numb the general public instead of set off alarm bells, there’s scientific consensus that our planet is in trouble.5 Several scientific reports, such as the EAT-Lancet Commission to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Land, detail the importance of reducing our reliance on animal products for public and planetary health. Although it can be difficult to see on a local or even national level due to perceived abundance, the world has limited resources. Agriculture in general, but mostly animal agriculture, requires a huge amount of fresh water. While conflicts and migration over water access
Yet, an area of forest the size of the United Kingdom is lost each year, mostly due to demand for agricultural commodities like beef and soybeans (the top two sources of agricultural deforestation).7 About 75% of soybeans are turned into animal feed to supply intensively raised cattle, pigs, chickens, and fish (only around 6% are turned into products like tofu for human consumption).8 These land disruptions result in human rights crises, as local communities are displaced, and they are a leading cause of species extinction. Food choice and diet are commonly viewed as personal decisions. While this is true, there are far-reaching implications for the foods we choose to produce and consume, most of which aren’t spelled out More through the door!
on any product label. The inequities in our food system are enabled by a veil of lengthy supply chains and willful ignorance. Investigating where food comes from and how it was produced, whether plant- or animalbased in origin, is a step towards reducing these inequities. As the old adage says, knowledge is power.
Sample Grocery List Any vegan grocery list is probably going to weigh heavy on produce. While intimidating at first, produce-heavy diets are easy to adapt to in food preparation, and they are certainly tastier and more colorful. And for nights when time is limited, frozen and canned products are great to have on hand. Here’s a sample grocery list: It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the idea of going vegan, but don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Find a community, in person or online, to ask questions, look for inspiration, or simply feel a part of something. The most important thing is to find a path and lifestyle, including diet, that works for you.
Sources 1. MacInnis, Cara C., and Hodson, Gordon. “It Ain’t Easy Eating Greens: Evidence of Bias toward Vegetarians and Vegans from both Source and Target.” Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, Vol. 20(6), 721-744. 2017. DOI. org/10.1177/1368430215618253 2. Buettner, Dan, and Skemp, Sam. “Blue Zones: Lessons From the World’s Longest Lived.” American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 10(5), 318-321. July 2016. DOI. org/10.1177/1559827616637066 3. World Health Organization. Recommendations for preventing osteoporosis. WHO.int/nutrition/topics/5_ population_nutrient/en/index25.html 4. Craig, W.J., Mangels, A.R., and American Dietetic Association. “Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Vol. 109(7), 1266-82. July 2009. DOI.org/10.1016/j.jada.2009.05.027 5. Ripple, William J., et. al. “World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency.” BioScience, biz088. November 2019. DOI.org/10.1093/biosci/biz088 6. Fergusson, James. “The World Will Soon Be at War Over Water.” Newsweek, April 24, 2015. Newsweek. com/2015/05/01/world-will-soon-be-war-overwater-324328.html 7. New York Declaration on Forests Assessment Partners. “Protecting and Restoring Forests: A Story of Large Commitments yet Limited Progress.” Climate Focus, 2019. ForestDeclaration.org 8. Brack, D., Glover, A., and Wellesley, L. “Agricultural Commodity Supply Chains: Trade, Consumption and Deforestation.” Chatham House, 2016. ChathamHouse.org/publication/agriculturalcommodity-supply-chains-trade-consumption-anddeforestation
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
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SILVER Roamers By Tim Morris
and they are an inquisitive bunch with lots of wonderful energy. One individual asked if the Canton Senior Center was a day care.
Services recently took over the active adult programs in Cherokee County from the parks and recreation department. This decision was made to make it easier for the community to access information about the programs we offer. It simply made more sense that if the program was for adults 55 and older, details could be obtained by calling Senior Services.
The Canton center is for seniors who need a little more help. For instance, about 70% of the people who visit the facility couldn’t get there without CATS, which is our transportation provider. A few of the visitors also use walkers, and staff members must occasionally remind some guests of things. For these reasons, the Silver Roamers Program is especially important at the Canton center. Many of us take for granted our freedom to come and go as we please, but most of these seniors no longer have that luxury.
Silver Roamers is one of the programs Senior Services is now responsible for. I met with this group a few months ago,
Overall, the Silver Roamers are an active, independent group that now has the opportunity to make the program into
[Lifestyle] Cherokee County Senior
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something even more special. Hopefully, the Roamers, along with the Body Recall active adults and Senior Olympics, will one day have their own facility to host programs. The active adult programs already have their own staff person, Ree Simpson, who has many great ideas about providing more programs and trips as well as expanding the Silver Roamers membership. If you would like more information about any of our active adult groups, please contact Senior Services or email Ree Simpson at RMSimpson@cherokeega.com. 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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ArtistProfile BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
DIANA TOMA
Transparent, Ethereal, Delicate Painting
D
iana Toma works quickly, sometimes completing a painting in 40 minutes and only returning later to tweak her canvas. “It’s a creative unleashing,” she said, “a way of being when you’re not caught up in anything else. It’s delightful.” Diana says her natural inclination for painting is complemented by her willingness to push through fear and embrace the unfamiliar. Leaving her native Romania, where she earned a master’s degree in fine arts at the Romanian University of Art and Design, she moved to New York and later to Atlanta. “I don’t get stopped by my fear. If there is a glimmer of hope, I move forward,” said Toma. So, as a single mother of two daughters, she carved out a life as a full-time artist. “The myth of the starving artist is alive,” she said, “but I discovered there are many ways to make a living in art if you are open and say ‘yes’ to new possibilities.” Saying “yes” has led Toma to showing her work in more than 100 international exhibits (including many solo exhibits),
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to designing graphics for corporations, and to teaching art classes. She also juries for exhibits and serves as the U.S. representative to the International Watercolor Society (IWS) and as the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society (GWS). Her most recent exhibits include IWS competitions in Pakistan and Turkey. Her passion for discovery means that she finds inspiration in many places — almost all of them involving interaction and conversation with other people — from her students to accomplished artists. While she initially resisted teaching, she now welcomes opportunities to help students become self-expressive. “I become a better artist when teaching. We learn together,” she said. Similarly, when Toma does demonstrations, she welcomes observers’ questions and comments. In January, she hosted a delegation of IWS artists and reveled in exchanging ideas about art. “Inspiration finds you when you’re at work. You can’t sit and wait for it,” said Toma.
creating her large, richly hued portraits as well as smaller landscapes and cityscapes, which cover the walls of her home studio. In deft strokes, she creates a vibrant, beautifully layered translucence of colors that conveys the essences of people and a sense of place. “It’s all about transparency, letting translucence shine through. It’s ethereal, gentle, delicate, as if a delicate part of your soul awakens,” she explained. Toma is now exploring pastels and hopes to offer a workshop as a way to further her own understanding of them. No matter which medium she uses, her paintings, like stained glass, explode with an energetic play of color and light. While she accepts commissioned projects and teaches workshops, Toma’s love of painting is what fuels her. “I paint because I truly enjoy painting — not painting what I think others would like because then it loses its charm and zest — but painting from an authentic place to preserve the integrity of the art,” she said.
To view Toma’s work, visit ArtByDianaToma.com or look for her on Facebook (Diana Toma Artist).
Trained in oils and acrylics, she ventures into other mediums, too. Seven years ago, she happened upon the work of an online watercolorist and asked herself, “How could I achieve something like that?” Now, Toma thrives on working in watercolor,
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Book Review BY JESSICA ORAVEC
Things You Save in a Fire
T
hings You Save in a Fire is a wonderful tale of love, forgiveness, and firefighting. As a firefighter, Cassie does her duty well. But as she is being honored for an act of heroism, her past comes back with a vengeance, and she does something that ends her firefighting career in Austin.
But when Cassie’s mom asks her to come live with her for a year to help her recover, she is given a second chance at firefighting. However, this opportunity means living with a mom she hasn’t seen in 10 years and whose choices she refuses to forgive, being in a firehouse with guys who don’t want her there, and (most disturbing of all) having a crush on the rookie who joined the team the same day she did. As Cassie sorts through her feelings and tries to forgive, she will be tested in ways that she couldn’t have imagined. But when it all comes to a head, she will learn that the things you save in a fire are the things that matter most — the things worth fighting for. Author Katherine Center does a wonderful job of creating three-dimensional characters in this book. She gives the reader an appreciation for what it’s like to be a firefighter — the drills, the prep work, the coping mechanisms, the danger and subsequent adrenaline, and the heartbreak that comes along with it all. Center’s characters are multifaceted, complex creatures. This story of forgiveness and the things that matter most evokes many emotions. 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
31
Teaching Teens To Be
Smart With Money Part 1 of a Three-Part Series
[StrategicLife] In school, children learn
By Shelia Garrison
about many things, but how to be smart with money is not a subject that is usually taught in the classroom. Most of us learned the hard way. We found out about the dangers of credit cards after we ran up a huge amount of debt. We didn’t know how to budget, and we didn’t start saving early enough.
There is no better time to learn how to create and stick to a budget. Budgeting teaches teens not only how to spend, but also how to save. Help your kids set up a document that tracks all the money coming in and going out, including a column of money set aside in a savings account.
As parents, we can help our children get off to a better financial start in life. In this three-part series, the goal is to share important lessons (and how to implement them) that you can teach your child.
If you feel comfortable, it’s also helpful to let your kids see your own budget. If not, set up a fictitious similar budget that shows everything from mortgage payments to spending allowances.
To begin with, teens need to learn how to make money. They’re going to have to work to support themselves – why not get started now? Help them find paying work, whether it’s a part-time job or mowing the neighbor’s lawn. You can even inspire them by sharing articles or videos of young entrepreneurs who’ve earned a fortune at an early age. Earning their own money will teach them about its value and its limitations.
If your teen doesn’t have a good companion checking and savings account, now is the time to help them open one. They’ll certainly need a checking account before they go off to college, and it’s a good idea to get them used to owning both. This way, they’ll learn better how to set aside money in
Once teens start earning income, it’s time for them to spend only their own money — or at the very least, have them cover certain parts of their lifestyle with their earnings. Being limited by their income, they will learn how to prioritize purchases and stay within a budget. And speaking of budgets…
savings and use their checking account only for money that is identified for spending. If you choose a high interest savings account, you also could begin teaching them about the importance of compounded interest (part two of this series will cover this topic). Some credit unions offer as much as a 5% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings, so your kids can watch their money grow. You and your teens can compare checking and savings accounts together. Have them pay attention to things like interest rates and fees, then choose an account that charges the least and pays the most. If you start teaching your kids good financial lessons now, it will benefit them their whole lives. Watch for parts two and three of this series, which will cover important topics like credit cards, student loans, and the real cost of life. L
Shelia Garrison is the Canton Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union, 2018 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-424-0060. LGECCU.org
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Community Partner
Family changes everything.
B
ethany Christian Services believes every child deserves to be loved, connected, and safe. For more than 75 years, faith has inspired this organization to stand for children in Georgia and around the world. Staff members have a special place in their hearts for teens like Damon, who need what only a family can provide. A young man with special needs, Damon was often picked on and bullied at school. One day, when an altercation escalated, he became aggressive. Officers were called, and Damon found himself in juvenile detention. His home life was chaotic with many siblings, and his parents were mostly absent. When Damon was released from detention, the court was unable to locate his family, and he had no idea where they’d gone. Because he was a minor, the only option was to release him into foster care. Some might see Damon’s story as everything they fear most about fostering teens. But Damon wasn’t a “bad kid.” He was an angry kid who’d been neglected and humiliated, and he didn’t have the emotional tools to express his frustration appropriately. And then he ended up with the stigma of “juvenile offender,” making it that much harder for him to find a family when he needed one most. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, nearly a quarter of the country’s 437,000 children in foster care are age 14 or older. Teens who “age out” of foster care at 18 (nearly 18,000 in 2018) face an uphill climb to break the cycle.
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National Foster Youth Institute determined that of the youth who leave foster care without a family: • • • •
20% become instantly homeless 70% of young women become pregnant before age 21, and their children often enter foster care 50% are gainfully employed by age 24 Less than 3% earn a college degree at any point in their life
These statistics prove why it’s critical to connect teens like Damon with a caring parent who can give them stability, support, and guidance, as they prepare for adulthood. Just below a teen’s guarded exterior, you’ll often find a child who’s been hurt, rejected, or neglected. Maybe you’re in a position to provide the help and compassion that wasn’t available for that teen when he/she was young. Today, Damon lives with a foster mom whose son and daughterin-law are teachers. They are tutoring him and helping him catch up at school. He’s in a family environment where he’s safe, valued, and — most of all — not alone. People who love him are meeting his needs. With time and a consistent rhythm of words and actions, Damon can embrace a reality most of us take for granted: • • •
You’re safe. You’re surrounded by people who care about you. You’re not alone.
Doesn’t every child deserve that? Visit the Bethany Christian Services website to learn how to become a foster parent or to explore other services that keep children loved, connected, and safe.
Bethany Christian Services 6645 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30328-1606 770-455-7111 Bethany.org/Atlanta More through the door!
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Developing Essential Executive Preschool Skills By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S. [AcademicLife] Most people know that early learning includes the development of the prereading and math skills that children will need for school. However, preschoolers need to learn more than how to recite the alphabet and count; children also need to develop executive function skills. Executive functions help us control our thoughts, behavior, and emotions including our abilities to concentrate, focus, transition between activities, reason, and plan. Other executive functions include working memory, organizational skills, and cognitive flexibility. Children who develop these executive skills are more likely to do well in school. The best preschool teachers focus on helping children develop executive function skills throughout each day during purposeful and fun learning activities. This
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Canton Family Life | APRIL 2020
can be done by encouraging play through dramatizations, stories, and games that help young children develop self-regulation, cognitive, and social-emotional skills. Here are some activities that caregivers can do at home to help children develop these core skills: • Play simple games like Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders. These help children practice self-regulation by learning rules and following directions. • Solve puzzles with them and introduce harder ones with more pieces, as children improve their skills. • Learn a simple dance and create new steps together. Take turns following each other’s movements. • Sing your favorite songs together to practice the words and music.
•
•
Assign your children simple daily chores and praise them when they complete their tasks. Turn off your tablet or smartphone and bring out toys that encourage imaginative play such as blocks and clay.
Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. GoddardSchools.com
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COPPER FIELDS Get Your Red Locks Ready for Spring By Savanna Morrison [Lifestyle] Now that spring is here, the Georgia air is finally getting warmer. Blossoming flowers and rays of sunshine are here to brighten our day. Along with the new season, your copper locks might also be ready for a change. With different shades of this naturally gorgeous hair color, there are many options for freshening up your look: STYLE CHOICE 1 — Balayage As a DIY project, lightening naturally copper or red hair can be a little tricky, so see a color specialist to ensure that technique, the integrity of your hair, and the final product will be to your liking. Balayage is a highlighting method in which the color specialist paints lightener onto the hair, leaving room at the root for a more natural grow out. This technique tends to be lower maintenance than highlights, allowing you to enjoy the spring and summer without the need for frequent color touch ups.
Spicing up your fiery locks is a great way to welcome the warmer temps. Whether you decide to lighten or deepen your color, finding a great look is easy. Consult your hairdresser about color options – together, you’ll be able to create a perfect look for you and your lifestyle this spring. L
STYLE CHOICE 2 — Ombre Ombre is similar to a color melt in that the hair transitions in a gradient manner from one color to another. With your copper hair, an ombre can be applied in a number of ways. If lightening your hair isn’t a high priority, then try starting at your root with a deeper red. This approach will add a fiery expression to your look. If you desire a more lightened effect, bleaching your ends to a warm blonde will add a bit of flare, and upkeep will be minimal because you won’t need to touch up your roots. STYLE CHOICE 3 — Global Color Global color applications can shift the entire look of your hair. A global application simply means that a color is applied in all your hair (from roots to ends). For redheads, this can be done with many colors. From a warm auburn to apricot to deep chocolate brown, redheads are allowed the luxury of choosing from most any warm hue on the spectrum. Keeping within warm tones will enhance the natural warmth of your color.
PRO TIPS • Shampoo and condition with color-safe products. • Use a moisturizing masque for lightened hair to help maintain its integrity. • Apply an at-home pigment-depositing treatment to enhance the natural reds or coppers in your color. • Look for products with a UV protectant to prevent sun damage. • Apply a heat protectant before blow drying or using heat tools, especially with lightened hair.
Savanna Morrison is an experience coordinator at Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com
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