Canton Family Life 7-19

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Contents

July 2019

VOLUME 6| ISSUE 12

24-25

[24-25]

On the Cover

Southern ENT Specialists

32-33

Q: What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree? A: Almost Anything You Want

36-37

Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student One Family’s Experience

[32-33]

[36-37] Follow Us >>>

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Family Life Publications

Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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......................... Artist Profile

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

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

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

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Publisher’s Perspective PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” – John F. Kennedy

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cyndi Braun ART Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com Mandy Marger Mandy@FamilyLifePublications.com

The only thing we know about the future is the mere fact that, most likely, it is coming. Our path leading up to this point has been filled with hints and clues as to what may lie ahead, but nothing is certain. The best we can hope to achieve is a readiness toward our expectations. Little thoughts, near solutions that didn’t work, and mental connections that we reuse precede what we do next. We have a growing familiarity with our life and the circumstances within it that set us up for our next steps. We pool our insight and leverage what is already there to make things happen. By remembering both, consciously and subconsciously, we can do better next time.

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 R EC Y permission from the publisher. SE C

© 2019 All rights reserved.

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

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We live to learn, and we learn to live. Chances are, your past is telling you something. That little voice you’ve been blessed with is your own. Trust it.

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc.

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Last month, I was at a photo shoot for one of our cover stories. It was a beautiful sunny day, with comfortable temperatures and a gentle breeze. As I set up my fill flash on a stand with an umbrella to soften and reflect the strobe, I knew I had to keep an eye on it. Umbrellas, like kites, tend to catch wind. A small tent stake that I keep with my gear would typically hold it down; however, I was set up on the pavement, so that wasn’t an option. As I peered through the lens, a short breeze flowed toward me. My subject gasped, as she saw the stand and strobe slamming to the ground. I said to myself, “I told you so” and set it back up with a smile. Fortunately, the umbrella saved the flash, and the bulb did not break. So, an Amazon order for a replacement umbrella and a new sandbag to add to my gear is on the way. Lesson learned.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Kay Buquoi, Lynnda Campbell, Marsha Cornelius, Jyl Craven, James B. Depew, Joshua Fuder, Shelia Garrison, Jonathan Good, Will Goodwin, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Laura L. Hoskins, Ella Huysamen, Mandy Marger, Hannah Mitchell, Sandy McGrew, Tim Morris, Vishant Nath, Hannah Olson, Michael Petrosky, Frank Reynolds, Sen. Bruce Thompson, Farris Yawn

M AG A ZI

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e all have those moments when we think about bringing a raincoat, packing an extra set of clothes, or double-checking to be sure we have our keys. When reality sets in, we wish we had listened to that inner voice. Everyone makes mistakes, but those “Oh, I knew it!” ones usually leave me laughing at myself after all is said and done. I’ve never been one to get upset over a problem. Chances are, I could’ve prevented the consequences from raining down on me; I probably knew better in the first place.

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SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

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Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

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Do I Really Need to Floss? By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

[HealthyLife] How much of a difference can flossing make? Isn’t brushing twice a day (and always right before bedtime when bacteria really like to go crazy) enough? How many times have children asked these questions? But let’s face it, flossing is just as important as brushing — they go hand in hand. One is not very effective without the other if the goal is to have a clean bill of oral health at twice yearly dental visits. Remember the following next time your child complains about flossing:

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Your mouth is not clean unless you are flossing daily. As much as onethird of the plaque on your teeth can only be reached with floss or floss

Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

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picks. Plaque is a mass of bacteria that sticks to your teeth. If left on your teeth, the plaque will do one of two things: (1) It becomes tartar (a crusty deposit), which can only be removed by a dental professional. (2) It becomes acidic, in which the plaque demineralizes the teeth, which then leads to cavities. Cavities that occur between teeth are much more difficult to treat than other cavities. Flossing can help prevent bad breath. A clean mouth is less likely to be smelly. If you do not floss, or only floss rarely, your gums are more likely to become sore, inflamed, and may even bleed. For pain-free gums, floss daily. Flossing daily is likely to be good for your wallet in the long run. Having great oral hygiene will help prevent the need for expensive dental treatments.

So — just to review — floss, floss, floss! Preach this to your children and remember to set a good example by doing it yourself. Some would say that flossing is even more important than brushing. Oftentimes, people use hard, crunchy foods, or even chewing gum to clean debris off tooth surfaces. But when it comes to the areas between tooth surfaces and at the gum line, flossing is the only way to clean these areas. So, don’t delay, floss today!

Dr. Vishant Nath is the owner of Canton/Alpharetta/Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. 678-352-1090. KidsHappyTeeth.com

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Facebook. Is It Like a Bottle of Merlot? By Laura L. Hoskins, Esq.

[StrategicLife] Wine and Facebook both allow users to live/imagine living better lives. But are there other similarities between the two? While Facebook has become a staple for many, it has also become a gold mine for family law attorneys because Facebook often destroys marriages and provides evidence of ongoing bad behavior. A recent study showed that excessive Facebook use coupled with Facebookrelated relationship conflict often result in negative relationship outcomes. Relationship conflict may occur when: 1) You realize a spouse is viewing/stalking other possible partners. Is your spouse closely following someone else on Facebook daily/hourly? While it may start innocently enough, the reality is that making a new “friend” is often problematic.

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2) You or your spouse believe “the grass is always greener on the other side” after seeing only the best parts of friends’ lives on social media. Many become depressed or anxious when comparing their lives to the glowing representations of others. Some also become addicted to Facebook. 3) You can easily connect with people from the past – without motives ever being questioned. Your new Facebook friend might be a high school crush, a past teammate, or a co-worker. If that person telephoned you and asked personal questions, you might be suspicious. But when suddenly asked to be his/her Facebook friend, you instantly accept the invitation, where everything from your current relationship status to your favorite book is already on display. These relationships may not be in the best interest of your marriage.

“May your life someday be as awesome as you pretend it is on Facebook.” threaten marriages. Doctors have said there are heart health benefits to having just one glass of red wine, such as merlot. Yet, drinking an entire bottle of merlot each night is detrimental. Reasonable use of social media can be fun. Excessive use can end marriages. Source: Russell B. Clayton, Alexander Nagurney, and Jessica R. Smith. “Cheating, Breakup, and Divorce: Is Facebook Use to Blame?” Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. October 2013.

Laura L. Hoskins, Esq. is an attorney at Burns Law Group. 181 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-956-1400. BASLG.com

As with many things, Facebook can be a positive tool, yet the negative aspects

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Calendar JULY

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Smoke On the Mountain — Cherokee Theatre Company presents this classic play set in the late 30s in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The Rev. Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders Family Singers to provide an uplifting evening of “singin’ and witnessin’” to the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. A gospel musical with vintage hymns and stories from the ‘more or less devout’ Sanders Family provides a richly entertaining evening that has audiences clapping, singing, laughing, and cheering. Friday/ Saturday 8:00pm, Sunday 2:30pm, Canton Theatre, 171 Main Street, Canton. 770591-0282. CherokeeTheatre.org

2, 9, 16, 23

Historic Canton Theatre's $1 Summer Family Movie Series — Enjoy these familyfriendly movies on the big screen for only $1: Ralph Breaks the Internet 7/2, Mary Poppins Returns 7/9, Wonder Park 7/16, Spiderman - Into the Spiderverse 7/23. Tickets to individual films go on sale one hour prior to showtime at the Canton Theatre box office. Concessions are also available. All tickets are general admission, and

seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 10:00am and 2:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main Street, Canton. 770704-0755. CantonTheatre.com

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City of Canton 4th of July Celebration — Enjoy a parade sponsored by the American Legion, live music by The Rupert's Orchestra, and fireworks. Parade 5:00pm, live music 6:00-9:00pm, Riverstone Plaza, 1451 Riverstone Parkway, Canton. 770704-1548.

ONGOING Canton Farmers Market — Each Saturday morning through 10/12, 9:00am-1:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. Facebook.com/ CantonGAFarmersMarket

Plastic-Free July — Plastic has become the No. 1 product people use each day, despite how damaging it is to the environment. Dedicate this month to learning about the dangers of plastic, and challenge yourself to avoid single-use plastic items for a month. More Than Music: The Legend of Lee Roy Abernathy — Through July 20, enjoy this FREE temporary exhibit containing artifacts pertaining to the life of this local gospel music legend. Wednesday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am3:00pm, Cherokee County History Museum and Visitors Center, 100 North Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. RockBarn. org

Waleska Farmers Market — Each Thursday morning through October, 9:00am-1:00pm, Heritage Fellowship Church, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. 404-805-7468. CityOfWaleska. com Heritage Farmers Market — Each Thursday afternoon through October, 2:00-6:00pm, Heritage Fellowship Church, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. 404-805-7468. HeritageCanton.com Farmers Market at River Church — Each Tuesday afternoon through November, 2:00-6:00pm, River Church, 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. 770-598-0048. Facebook.com/Farmers-Market-at-RiverChurch-390585127816595/

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Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

The Splash Pad — Through the end of July, enjoy this fun, FREE water activity every day. 11:00am-5:00pm, Cline Park, 704 Bartow Street, Waleska. 678-8804760. CityOfWaleska.com

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group — Meet up with fellow caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients on the third Monday of each month for support and to learn caregiving strategies. 10:00am, Hickory Flat Church Administrative Building (to the left of the church), 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. Fritz Kupsky 678-471-6676 or Rich Seibert 770-712-2961.

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Canton Main Street First Friday — Head to downtown Canton for live music by Members Only (80s & 90s tribute band), car shows, food trucks, local shopping, and all that the city has to offer. 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. Facebook.com/CantonGaFirstFriday

5&6

Home By Dark Concert Series Presents Britton Cameron and Kaci Bolls — Enjoy this one-of-a-kind music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you'll always remember. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 678-665-0040. HomeByDark. com

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FREE Movies in the Park — Enjoy the family-friendly movie, Small Foot (PG) on an outdoor big screen. 8:45pm, Brown Park, 251 E. Marietta Street, Canton. CantonGa.gov

8-12 & 15-19

Camp Imagine — Presented by Cherokee Arts Center, if your child or teen is interested in exploring their creative side, this mixed-media art camp will allow them to create various types of art. $125 + $25

supply fee. Ages 5-8 9:30am-12:30pm, ages 9-13 and 14-18 1:30-4:30pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org [continued on page 10]

Share this holiday with your friends online by using the hashtag #PlasticFreeJuly, and see if you can convince them to join you in your efforts.

Senior Lunch & Learn by Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) — On the third Thursday of each month, this FREE community program is designed to educate seniors on a variety of topics including identity theft, phone scams, housing options, in-home care, advanced directives, and problems associated with aging. 12:00-1:00pm, Heritage Fellowship, 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. Please RSVP for lunch 770-479-9415 or JBishop@ heritagecanton.com. HeritageCanton.com

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

Acoustic Evening Open Mic — On the first Friday of each month, local artists showcase their talents in Canton’s only true music venue, the Listening Room at The Oak House. 7:00-9:00pm, The Oak House, 151 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 678-653-6625. TheOakHouse.com

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Canton City Council Meeting — On the second and fourth Thursday of July, City Council meetings are open to the public. 6:00pm, City Hall, 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov Dumpster Day — On the first Saturday of each month, City of Canton residents may dispose of trash, unwanted items, up to 10 tires per resident, and recycle many electronics FREE of charge. Please bring proof of residency when dropping off items. Visit the website for a full list of acceptable items. 8:00am12:00pm, Municipal Court Building, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton. 770-704-1554. CantonGa.gov

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Calendar continued from page 9

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Teen Night — This fun night of pool time is for ages 13-17. 7:00-9:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-8804760. CRPA.net

12 & 26

Parent’s Night Out — Drop the kids off at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids will play in the pool, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. 5:30-10:00pm, Cherokee Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

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Cherokee Arts Center’s Members' Show & Sale — Support local artists by coming out to enjoy their talent and perhaps take home a new favorite work of art for your home or office. Opening reception is 7/11 6:00-8:00pm. Show hours are TuesdayFriday 11:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 12:00-5:00pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

ART SHOW

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Give a Kid a Chance — This event helps low-income families equip their children for each new school year. For more information, to register a child and receive an appointment time, or to volunteer, please call or visit the website. 8:00am-4:30pm, Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock. 404-480-2334. GiveAKidAChance.org

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Songwriter Sessions — The Oak House and Cherokee Music Center present local songwriters Angie Lynn Carter, He Sang She Sang, Stephen Reynolds, Ethan Senger, and Simple Beats. Come discover your new favorite artist! 6:00-10:00pm, The Oak House, 151 E. Marietta Street, Canton. 678-6536625. TheOakHouse. com

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The Big Chicken Chorus — Enjoy this entertaining male a cappella chorus out of Marietta that sings novelty songs and parodies that bring smiles and laughter to audience members. Tickets are $20. 7:00pm, Flint Hall at Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt. edu

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A Wonderful Time Up There, A Lee Roy Abernathy Tribute Concert — Enjoy a Southern gospel music performance by the Cagle Family. Tickets are $15. 3:00pm, The Rock Barn, 658 Marietta Highway, Canton. RockBarn.org/ events

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Volunteer Aging Council (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a wonderful lunch for only $5. Bring a friend, coworker, family member, or yourself, and enjoy a tasty lunch while supporting the seniors and veterans of Cherokee County. Stay and eat, or pick up and go. RSVP the location, so the amazing chefs can be prepared for all who come to support. 11:30am-1:00pm, Tranquil Gardens, 330 Tranquil Gardens Drive, Acworth. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

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Canton River Rock 20

Canton River Rock Concert Series Presents A1A Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band — Enjoy this FREE concert where you’re sure to hear renditions of favorites like “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Margaritaville.” There will also be food trucks and free activities for kids. 6:00pm, Etowah River Park Amphitheatre, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. CantonGa.gov

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Concert in the Park — The City of Ball Ground presents the Stage Fright band in this FREE event. 7:00pm, City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 678-454-5075.

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4th Friday Open Mic With Cherokee Music Center — Musicians are invited to perform at this fun event. Listeners are invited to come out and support live, local music. 6:00pm, Food Court Park, 288 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground. 678-454-5075.

29-31

SPLISH SPLASH Break Camp — Camp includes lots of pool fun, arts and crafts, off-site field trips, and more! To attend camp, children must be able to pass a 25-yard, deep water swim test with no assistance. 7:30-9:00am drop off, 9:00am-4:00pm camp activities, 4:00-6:00pm pick-up, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net [continued on page 12]

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LIBRARY EVENTS SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Calendar continued from page 11

BALL GROUND 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground, 770-735-2025 HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, 770-479-3090 SPACE SLIME July 3 & 10, 4:00pm, Ball Ground Learn how to make your very own space slime. Materials are provided. This is for ages 6+. THE AMAZING SPACE July 8, 6:30pm, Hickory Flat Families compete to complete space-related activities and win the grand prize! This is for all ages. MAGIC WITH ARTHUR ATSMA July 9, 3:00pm, R.T. Jones Contemplate the impossible, as popular magician Arthur Atsma demonstrates exciting sleight-of-hand tricks and provides a guaranteed good time for all ages. TEEN “CHRIS”-MAS IN JULY July 11, 3:00pm, R.T. Jones Celebrate “Chris”-mas by analyzing old movies, digging deep into past roles, and exploring everything there is to know about favorite Hollywood actors named Chris: Evans, Hemsworth, Pine, and Pratt. Refreshments provided. This is for teens in grades 6-12. BINGO FOR BOOKS July 12, 10:30am, R.T. Jones Enjoy BINGO with a twist! Great books will be given away as prizes. JUGGLING WITH ADAM BOEHMER July 12, 2:00pm, Hickory Flat Witness the amazing talents of Adam Boehmer, as he wows the audience with his highly entertaining and engaging juggling expertise. AUTHOR VISIT & BOOK SIGNING — REVONDA BOYKIN July 13, 3:00pm, Ball Ground First-time author Revonda Boykin shares her experience of a miracle in her Ball Ground home and her reason for writing a book, Miracles Galor—ious, at age 82. DROP-IN VIRTUAL REALITY July 15, 17 & 24, 4:00pm, R.T. Jones Drop in and explore the basics of virtual reality. Librarians will walk you through using a VR headset, VR controllers, and set you up on an immersive adventure to help develop your skills. This is for all ages.

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Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

SUMMER READING FINALE — JEFFINI’S READING BLAST-OFF MAGIC SHOW July 16, 10:30am, Hickory Flat Enjoy a magic and puppet show with Jeffini the Great, as he leads the audience on a musical reading adventure. This is for all ages. BARNYARD FRIENDS PETTING ZOO July 17, 10:30am, R.T. Jones Learn what barnyard animals are used for on a farm then meet (and pet) the animals. This is for all ages. MOON CRATERS July 17, 4:00pm, Ball Ground Explore scientific processes while playing, investigating, creating, and discovering how craters are formed on the moon. Materials are provided. This is for ages 2-12. ANIMAL STORYTIME July 18, 10:30am, Ball Ground Hear a story about an animal, then meet that animal! This is for ages 3 and younger. SUMMER READING FINALE — GEORGIA WILDLIFE JOURNEY July 18, 11:00am, Ball Ground This one-hour educational program focuses on animals who make their homes in Georgia and includes presentations of an opossum, snake, and a bird of prey. This is for all ages. TEENS PAINT WITH BOB ROSS July 18, 3:00pm, Ball Ground Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to paint while watching a Bob Ross video. Materials are provided. Please call the library to sign up. SUMMER READING FINALE — FAMILY GAME NIGHT July 26, 3:00pm, R.T. Jones Help curb your end-of-summer blues with a drop-in family game night. Refreshments provided. This is for all ages. GARDENER’S SEMINAR — SAVING SEED July 27, 10:30am, Hickory Flat The UGA Master Gardener Extension volunteers of Cherokee County present this seminar. Attendees will learn how to save seeds from their garden all-stars for future planting and sharing at the Seed Libraries at Hickory Flat, Rose Creek and Ball Ground. To register, visit CherokeeMasterGardenersInc. WildApricot.org, email UGE1057@uga.edu, or call 770-721 7803.

AUGUST

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Canton Main Street First Friday — Head to downtown Canton for live music by Skipper Grace, car shows, food trucks, local shopping, and all that the city has to offer. 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-7041500. Facebook.com/CantonGaFirstFriday

2&3

Home By Dark Concert Series Presents Cindy Morgan and Tony Arata — Enjoy this one-of-a-kind music experience that truly demonstrates that “a song can change your life.” Bring food, friends, and family for a night you'll always remember. 8:00pm, Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta. 678-665-0040. HomeByDark. com

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SchmoozaPalooza — SchmoozaPalooza is designed to bring businesses together in a fun and casual networking environment. Exhibitors will have a tabletop display that will allow them to promote their business and make new contacts, while attendees will enjoy door prizes, food, and fun as well as preview the latest featured products and services. Admission is FREE and open to the public. 4:007:00pm, Woodstock City Church, 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock. 770-3450400. Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com. CherokeeChamber.com

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Community Mayors’ Recycling Challenge

The rising stars recognized as Cherokee County’s next generation of community leaders include (front row, L-R): Colin Ake, Hayden Holcomb, Dr. Daniel Tari, and Justin Page. (Second row, L-R): Marsha Terry, Jamie Johnston, Melissa Sneed, Emili Roman, Dr. Ashley Kennerly, and Crystal Welch.

Cherokee County Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch Named The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently recognized the 2019 group of Cherokee County’s Top 10 in 10 Young Professionals to Watch. This recognition program focuses on Cherokee County residents under age 40 who are considered to be up-and-coming leaders over the next 10 years. “The Top 10 in 10 initiative is designed to cultivate and showcase exceptional Cherokee County young professionals,” said Pam Carnes, Chamber president and CEO. “We were extremely pleased with the number and caliber of candidates for this year’s recognition. As we have grown accustomed to, far more than 10 nominees were submitted. Each application was carefully reviewed by a panel of judges that found the task of only choosing 10 honorees challenging,” said Chamber Board Chair John Barker.

The 8th Annual Mayors’ Recycling Challenge is underway in Cherokee County. This initiative, developed by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Going Green Committee, seeks to spark awareness about community recycling while spurring friendly competition among the cities involved. Until the end of July, cities throughout the county will compete to see which can win awards for most recycling per capita and most improved city based upon 2018 collection totals. Sanitation services partner with the Chamber of Commerce on this initiative to track curbside and large recycling container weigh slips within participating cities. Cycle Works Sanitation & Recycling, Santek Waste Services of Georgia, Waste Management, and Advanced Disposal (all Chamber member sanitation services) collect recyclables from Ball Ground, Canton, Holly Springs, Waleska, and Woodstock. The mission of the Chamber’s Going Green initiative is to encourage residents to implement green practices that conserve community resources while helping businesses thrive. For more information on the Chamber’s green initiatives, or to download a recycling guide, please visit CherokeeChamber.com.

Help Our City WIN...

Judging criteria included past professional achievements and awards, five- to 10-year professional goals, as well as the nominees’ volunteer and community activities. The winners were recognized during the Chamber’s monthly networking breakfast. The honorees who will be under the age of 40 on October 1 have been nominated for the prestigious GeorgiaTrend Magazine 40 Under 40 recognition. The mission of the Cherokee County Chamber, a Georgia Certified Chamber of Commerce, is to promote business and the community while expanding the economy and enhancing quality of life.

The Mayors’ Recycling Challenge During June & July 2019 Living GREEN! working GREEN! THINKING GREEN!

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Community

Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation Supports Detective for Police Unity Tour The Friends of Holly Springs (FoHS) Police Foundation made two donations to Detective Sherron Conrad for the Police Unity Tour, Chapter XI. This is Detective Conrad’s eighth year to ride for the Police Unity Tour, and she is the only officer from Georgia in her Chapter as well as Cherokee County.

Georgia’s 50 Safest Cities Ranked for 2019 The home security website, Safewise, has released its rankings of the 50 safest cities in Georgia, topped by Senoia, which is known by fans everywhere as the home base of the AMC TV show The Walking Dead. While the safest cities are scattered across the state, the following Cherokee County cities made the list: Holly Springs (No. 14) Woodstock (No. 15) Canton (No. 43) Only two cities on the SafeWise list had more than 100 violent crimes, and 70% of the safest cities had no murders. Survey respondents ranked digital security as the top safety concern in Georgia; 26% reported personal experience with digital security issues in the past year, which is two points higher than the national average.

(Front row, L-R): Chief Michael Carswell, Viktoriya Dubovis, Detective Sherron Conrad, Travis McCloskey, Cheryl Darnell, and Lori Flink. (Back row, L-R): Jeff Wilbur, Brandi Hackett, and Steve Yap.)

“We were excited to present Detective Conrad with a check from the Foundation and one for a raffle held specifically for the Police Unity Tour,” said Foundation President Lori Flink. “We are all humbled by the passion and dedication Detective Conrad has about such a worthy cause.”

The Police Unity Tour is a 270-mile bicycle ride for law enforcement officers and family members of the fallen. It starts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and ends at the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C. The motto of the Police Unity Tour is, “We Ride for Those Who Died.” Currently, there are 20,267 names of fallen law enforcement officers engraved on the memorial. Detective Conrad attended the annual candlelight vigil where each officer is celebrated and remembered for his/her sacrifice. “I am honored and so appreciative of the support I received across the community through prayers and sponsorship. I could not have succeeded in this effort without my agency, friends, and family. I look forward to bringing more awareness to this incredible cause for 2020,” said Detective Conrad. For more information about FoHS Police Foundation, visit FriendsOfHollySpringsPoliceFoundationInc.org. For more information about the Unity Tour, visit PoliceUnityTour.com.

CCWSA Drinking Water Art Contest Cherokee County Water and Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) is proud to announce the winners of the Drinking Water Week coloring contest. Students from all over Cherokee County submitted more than 750 entries, which made it difficult to choose the best entry from each grade. Winners received a $10 ice cream gift card. Congratulations to the winners: Kindergarten - Clara Sloan Bujeker, homeschooled 1st grade - Michael Jo Prose, Ball Ground ES 2nd grade - Jianelly Bermudez, Oak Grove ES 3rd grade - Campbell Haskett, Arnold Mill ES

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Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

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Cherokee HS Graduate Shows True Heart of a Warrior Cherokee High School’s 2019 graduation ceremony included almost 600 students who walked across the stage in bright red caps and gowns to receive their coveted diplomas. However, the journey of a few dozen steps was particularly significant for graduate Elijah Cook. Since birth, Cook had met multiple medical challenges and had spent most of his life in a wheelchair. He was determined to walk across the stage with his classmates. Several months before the ceremony, Cook began working toward his goal with the support of his mother and physical therapists. When his name was called at graduation, he stood, using a walker, and made his way to Principal Todd Miller with careful, deliberate steps of his very own. His Cherokee Warrior classmates and the audience of more than 7,000 people cheered him every step of the way. “As educators, we strive to provide our students with what they need in order to walk across the stage and receive their high school diploma,” said Miller. “Elijah gave new meaning to ‘overcoming an obstacle’ in order to be able to receive his diploma, and that was pure determination and mind over matter. He truly was and is a Warrior and inspiration to all.”

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Community Heart for Children Award Named for Paula DeLuca The Paula DeLuca Heart for Children Award was established in an effort to recognize and show appreciation to volunteer citizen panel members who tirelessly give their time to review all foster care cases in Cherokee County, every month, all year long. The award was named for original panel member Paula DeLuca, who has diligently served for 22 years and still serves today. The Paula DeLuca Heart for Children Award will be given annually to a panel volunteer who goes above and beyond and demonstrates exemplary volunteer service.

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HollySpringsNotes

In Memory of Former Holly Springs Mayor,

Johnny Brackett By Hannah Mitchell

J

ohnny was born February 12, 1943 at home in the North Canton Mill Village to Cecil and Ruby Brackett. The doctor gave the wrong date when he filled out the paperwork and put down February 14 instead. He was married July 23, 1961 to Barbara “Bobbie” Williams in a secret ceremony in Dallas, Georgia, and kept it a secret until Thanksgiving of that year. Johnny was a salesman all his life. He was the national sales manager for J.A. Olson Company until he retired in 1987. Then, he opened a convenience store, B.J.’s Market, with his wife in 1987 in the

Union Hill community. He was councilman in Holly Springs for a time before being elected mayor from 1994-1997. A forceful presence, Mayor Brackett oversaw the straightening of the dangerous Hickory Road curve, where numerous accidents had occurred. He campaigned for the repair and renovation of the historic Holly Springs Depot and is widely credited with “saving” the Depot for a new generation of citizens. Johnny, being outspoken and determined, clashed often with the leaders of the Canton City Council over the exact boundaries of city limits between Holly Springs and Canton. After

Former Holly Springs Mayor Johnny Brackett passed away April 15, 2019. To honor his years of service to the City, we would like to dedicate this month’s column to his memory. This eulogy was written by Mayor Brackett’s granddaughter, Hannah Mitchell. — Erin Honea, Main Street Director, City of Holly Springs

he retired from mayoral duties, the City of Holly Springs erected a gazebo in his honor, Brackett Plaza. In addition to his mayoral duties, he was a loving father to three children. However, tragedy struck in 1996 when he lost his only son, Chris. He sold his business and retired to a quiet life at home with his loving wife. Johnny was an avid traveler, taking his wife and family on numerous trips to destinations both near and far. He was a passionate fan of golf. He adored watching The Andy Griffith Show and never got bored of it, no matter how many reruns he saw. He loved his two daughters and was enamored of his grandchildren. He said that one of the proudest moments of his life was when he held his first greatgrandchild in his arms, a baby girl who is named after his mother, Ruby. After a long battle with declining health, he suffered a stroke and was brought home on hospice care. On a Monday afternoon, surrounded by his devoted family, he passed peacefully from this world, with the windows open to the sunshine and birdsong. Mr. Brackett lived his life as a pillar of the Holly Springs community. He was a hard worker, a dedicated family man, an entrepreneur; he led his family, his businesses, and his town with determination and willpower. L

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Senator Speaks

By Senator Bruce Thompson

M

y friend made a statement from the pulpit recently that caused me to chuckle and feel a bit convicted at nearly the same time. He spoke about a family that was enduring a very difficult situation, and that no matter what the outcome, we were instructed to consider it pure joy when facing trials. He said that many of us say we have joy in our heart, but some of us forget to tell our face and our attitude. Ouch — guilty. My daughter’s friend recently returned from a mission trip that took her to remote areas in three countries over a ninemonth period. She shared her personal experiences such as contracting typhoid fever, showering in public view, and sleeping with the animals in the fields. Of course, our family has participated in many mission trips over the years, but we did not truly assimilate into each country’s culture. While our sleeping arrangements were not a five-star hotel, we always had plenty to

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eat and never really felt threatened. Each time we returned, we resolved to remain grateful for living in this incredible country. But over time, the impact of the mission trip always seemed to wane. Since my friend’s comments from the pulpit, I have made a conscious effort to keep everything in perspective. Each morning, I review my calendar on my smart phone to refresh my memory of upcoming appointments. I enjoy a nice hot shower, apply personal hygiene items, and head out the door with a cup of hot coffee. While I sit in traffic on 575 heading south, my radio is playing my favorite tune, the AC is set to a nice temperature, and my hot coffee is in my Yeti. Let us contrast my morning with that of folks in Third World countries. They wake up outside to the elements and do not have hot showers waiting for them.

The breakfast they may enjoy could be leftovers from the previous day if they are fortunate enough to even have food for that meal. The temperatures may be cool in the morning, but by midday, they could be working the fields in 100-plus degrees. As for that car or truck they may desire, that is just a dream. With an average income of just over $5 a day, it would take them a lifetime to pay for what we drive to work/ school/other activities each morning. The next time I am stopped in traffic, standing in line at a fast food restaurant, or frustrated with the TSA line, I promise to smile and allow the joy of living in America to shine through.

Bruce Thompson is a state senator for District 14, which includes Canton. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa. com

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Public Safety

The Roger D. Garrison Law Enforcement Training Center By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

de-escalation, mental health, use of force, and community policing. Most CSO deputies receive an average of 100 hours of annual training. The CSO also hosts an annual 36-hour in-service class for all certified deputies and city officers throughout the county. This ensures deputies and officers are training on topics that are specific to the needs of our community and to their specific duty assignment. In order to keep the facility properly maintained, other law enforcement agencies make annual financial and equipment contributions to a designated training fund that is maintained by the CSO finance office.

T

he Cherokee Sheriff’s Office (CSO) is fortunate to have one of the finest training facilities in Georgia. The Roger D. Garrison Law Enforcement Training Center (RGLETC), named in honor of former Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison, was established in 2013 to offer specialized law enforcement training for agencies throughout metro Atlanta and north Georgia. The 42-acre campus is located in Canton next to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. The training division is led by Captain John Gunning, a retired command sergeant major with 28 years of military service and over 20 years as a certified Georgia peace officer. Captain Gunning has a staff of seven full-time instructors, 13 adjunct instructors, and two administrators. Since January of 2017, the RGLETC has supported 261 classes, nearly 20,000 law enforcement officers and deputies comprised from 26 separate federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies, by providing instruction, classrooms, firearms ranges, and technical support. Numerous other government agencies and charitable organizations utilize CSO’s RGLETC facilities for meetings, training,

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and events. On any given day, the training center has nearly 50 students from at least two or three law enforcement agencies. The firearms training complex is complete with pistol, rifle, and shotgun ranges on traditional turning target platforms and more modern computer programmed steel targets. This includes two multi-purpose ranges, a 50- and 100-yard range, a 25-yard turning target range, and a “Bill Rogers” computerized steel target range, 50-foot rappelling tower, and 6,500-foot indoor multipurpose building. Although firearms proficiency is a part of the training curriculum, de-escalation techniques are equally emphasized. A lot of time is spent training in the field, but classroom time is also an integral part of the training curriculum. The RGLETC offers students the opportunity to attend classes on ethics, Georgia and Constitutional law, first aid, community relations, and a variety of law enforcement courses required for advanced certification through the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Counsel (P.O.S.T.). Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 38-8-21) requires each peace officer to undergo 20 hours of mandatory training to include firearms,

In addition to training law enforcement officers from around the state, the CSO hosts an annual Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, where citizens learn about the CSO and its function within the community. The RGLETC also hosts a citizen’s firearms course through the Apple Seed Project, a program that emphasizes basic marksmanship skills, firearms safety, and history of the United States as it pertains to the 2nd Amendment. Reinhardt and Columbus State Universities are off-site campuses for their certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees, a partnership that helps CSO employees further their educational goals. The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to providing our community with the finest public safety, and the RGLETC sets the standard for all law enforcement agencies in the state of Georgia.

Frank Reynolds is the sheriff for Cherokee County. 678-493-4100. CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org

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Book Review BY FARRIS YAWN

Many have the utmost respect and admiration for anyone who answers the call to serve and puts on a uniform to defend our country. There are those, however, who go above and beyond by answering that call over and over. First Sgt. Michael J. Conley is such a person.

N ot Alone

In a career spanning 42 years, Sgt. Conley has served as a soldier, Green Beret, Ranger, and Ranger Instructor. He saw combat in Vietnam and Iraq and served in several National Guard units as well as an assignment in the Republic of Georgia. In between assignments and deployments, he also worked as a science teacher. In his book, Not Alone, Sgt. Conley shares his lifetime of military experiences as well as the stories of some of the soldiers he met along the way. He shares his encounters with a few special dogs as well. As the title implies, he did not go through this journey alone. In addition to his men and his family (particularly his wife), he gives the credit for his remarkable career to God. Even during the worst of circumstances, he never felt alone. He credits God for his safe return home. Sgt. Conley has just released a revised edition of his memoir for a very unfortunate reason. As anyone who deals with bureaucracy can tell you, government records are not always accurate. Certain individuals, for their own reasons, seized upon such inaccuracies in Sgt. Conley’s records to accuse him of being dishonest about his service. These attacks hurt him deeply, and he was determined to set the record straight. After considerable effort and expense, he was able to get his DD-214 corrected to accurately reflect his service. Those updated documents are now included in his book. Spend some time getting to know Sgt. Conley in his own words. You will be glad you did.

Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawn’s Publishing, 2555 Marietta Highway, #103, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsPublishing.com

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W COVER STORY By Marsha Cornelius

alking inside Southern ENT Specialists, the first thing patients experience is being greeted by smiling, friendly staff members who make them feel welcome. Southern ENT Specialists is a smaller, family-owned-and-operated practice, and patients can feel the difference almost immediately. After over 10 years serving North Georgia in a large group practice, Dr. James Courtney French founded Southern ENT Specialists to fulfill his dream of combining the most advanced care in ear, nose, and throat medicine with a healthy dose of southern hospitality. His staff of advanced practice providers, nurses, technicians, and support personnel is carefully selected for their combination of superior skill, warmth, and empathy. “You won’t find a medical office in the city with a better staff,” says Dr. French. “A physician can only be as good as those who support him, and I am really fortunate to work with such an excellent team.”

GETTING TO KNOW DR. FRENCH

Southern Hospitality at

Born and raised in Atlanta, Dr. French is a board-certified otolaryngologist, head, and neck surgeon. He has extensive experience providing both surgical and minimally invasive treatment options for the ears, nose, and throat to ensure maximum benefit with minimal risk and down time. Dr. French grew up in East Point and graduated from Georgia State University before completing medical school and residency at Loma Linda University in California. He returned to his roots in Georgia to start a practice near his family and friends. Dr. French believes politeness, kindness, and welcoming attitudes are too often missing from businesses today, and unfortunately, this is especially seen in healthcare. “We promise to do our best to always treat our patients as we would want to be treated.” Dr. French has been married to his beautiful wife for four years. They have a lovely 2-year-old daughter, who makes each day a new adventure. Their family enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and biking. Recently, Dr. French was awarded the Castle Connolly Award for Top Doctor in Otolaryngology for 2019. Castle Connolly is America’s trusted source for identifying

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NTLY FREQUE TREATED NS: CONDITIO • Snoring ness • Ear full sues • Sinus is rip s • Na al d tion s e • Cong s • Allergie hes • Headac g loss • Hearin

top doctors in Otolaryngology since 1991. Physicians are nominated by their peers throughout the United States. Castle Connolly is a physician-led team of researchers who follow a rigorous screening process to select top doctors from thousands of physicians on both national and regional levels. Dr. French’s exceptional patient care, gifted approach to medicine, and utilization of cutting-edge technology earned him this prestigious award. Dr. French especially enjoys treating patients who suffer from chronic sinus and allergy problems, nasal congestion, and snoring/sleep apnea. He focuses on minimally invasive treatments whenever

possible. Dr. French has served as an advanced trainer in office-based balloon sinuplasty and sinus and snoring surgery. The balloon technique is a less invasive treatment compared to traditional sinus surgery and is an option for patients looking for an alternative to traditional surgery. When a patient is diagnosed with sinusitis and is not responding to medication, he/she may be a candidate for this advanced procedure. As a leader in his field, Dr. French has taught physicians from across the U.S. how to perform these techniques.

is usually caused by an obstruction/ restriction of air flow through the passages at the back of the mouth and nose. This restriction can cause the airways to collapse, and reduced air flow vibrates tissue against the back of the throat during sleep. Snoring and sleep apnea are not only an annoyance, they can cause marital issues, sleep deprivation, and possibly heart disease and hypertension. Dr. French offers multiple treatment options that can often provide patients with alternatives to CPAP machines and improve comfort.

Sinus disease and congestion often go hand in hand with allergy problems. Those who have lived in the South during the spring know about allergies. For the occasional sufferer, medications can relieve symptoms. For severe allergies, medications provide some relief, but they don’t cure the problem. Traditional allergy therapy can involve committing to a long, inconvenient, and uncomfortable course of painful allergy shots. Southern ENT Specialists can provide an easier, painless alternative. Testing can be done without painful needles, and treatment can be done from home with allergy drops. This innovative treatment saves you time and money by eliminating the need for weekly office visits.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

In addition to sinus disease and allergies, patients often present with problems related to snoring or sleep apnea, which

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Southern ENT Specialists is in a new facility, located in the 460 building of the Northside Cherokee Hospital complex. Don’t suffer another day with ear, nose, or throat concerns; give Southern ENT Specialists a call.

460 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, #410 Canton, GA 30115

678-786-7430 SouthernENTSpecialists.com

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[AcademicLife] Parents can help make the back-to-school transition much smoother for their child if they prepare in advance. Try to add activities or planned outings to your child’s day. This structure helps prepare children to be on a schedule when they return to the classroom. If the child will be attending a new school, parents may want to take him/her to visit the building and learn the layout before the first day. Also, consider a fun shopping trip with your children where they can help pick out their clothes, lunchbox, backpack, and supplies.

SCHOOL O T P K

P

BA C

Adjust your children’s sleep schedule a few weeks before the first day of school to avoid struggling to get them out of bed in the morning. Set up a consistent daily routine, so children wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day. If you have not created one already, start a bedtime routine, including bathing, selecting clothes for the next day, and cuddling together for a bedtime story and a kiss goodnight. Begin a regular morning routine that includes a healthy breakfast, packing a nutritious lunch, grooming, and getting dressed for the day.

RE

Ensuring your child has adequate sleep and proper nutrition is very important. Children do their best when they get to sleep early and eat a healthy breakfast each day before school. A daily diet of junk food is not compatible with learning. It can cause listlessness and hyperactivity, which can impair a child’s ability to

focus. Skipping breakfast is a major detriment to a child’s education.

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

By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

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ArtistProfile BY HANNAH OLSON

From wedding coordinator to police officer, Megan Austin held a surprising variety of jobs before discovering her passion for jewelry design. As a student, she majored in computer graphics. Now, she spends 11 months out of the year crafting unique jewelry pieces and traveling to art shows across the United States. During her interview, Austin was wearing a pendant she made with her children’s birthstones set in silver. Each of the oblong, cabochon stones in the pendant were presented close to their natural shape. Unlike most commercial jewelers who order gems cut to standard fittings, Austin crafts her jewelry around the unique shape of each stone to preserve their beauty and value. Of the many varieties of gemstones Austin cuts and polishes, her expertise is ammolite, larimar, turquoise and, her all-time favorite, opal. Austin’s love for polishing stones began in childhood, but she did not seriously consider a career as a juried artist until she set up her first display in 2010 at the Woodstock Market. Since then, she has filled her calendar with a range of juried and non-juried shows as far south as Florida and as far north as New York. Austin’s jewelry-making process is surprisingly eco-friendly. She personally retrieves her gemstones from mines in Georgia and North Carolina. She is also a certified precious metal clay (PMC) instructor. Austin uses silver and gold PMC in her jewelry settings. She explains how scientists at Mitsubishi developed a way to combine noble metals from recycled computer components with organic clay to create the malleable product known as PMC. The easily sculpted

PMC makes it possible for artists to craft detailed silver and gold settings for pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and other fine pieces. Once sculpted, the PMC is dried then fired in a kiln, which burns out the clay and leaves a pure gold or silver product. Austin enjoys her private collection of necklaces, including her children’s birthstones, and often wears her treasured pieces while on show tour. Her hand-sculpted mermaid pendant is especially popular among patrons who frequently request copies of the mythical sea creature. Austin was overjoyed to demonstrate how she forms a mermaid from PMC. The commissioned piece she was working on featured a dolphin and mermaid embracing the top and bottom of a large pearl. The application process for a juried art show is intense, and the submissions are an ongoing process for Austin. “For every show I get into,” she said, “I’ve applied to three that I didn’t get into.” Austin is at shows three to four weekends out of every month throughout the year. While her production schedule can be demanding, Austin enjoys the broad base of patronage and peer networking opportunities that nationwide art shows offer. For more information about Austin’s work, email Md_Design@rocketmail.com, or visit MDJewelryDesign.com.

Hannah Olson is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt. edu/Graduate/MFA-CW

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Are You Sacrificing Style for Lifestyle? By Ella Huysamen [HomeLife] Since the kids are home on summer break, maybe you’ve noticed that along with summer fun there are more sticky fingers, extended amounts of lounge time on the furniture, and more messes overall. You may also have increased visits from family and friends due to cookouts and pool time. How do you balance creating a familyfriendly environment while maintaining a home that you’re proud to host your guests in? Are you sacrificing style for lifestyle? Did you know that you can have both? Thanks to advancements in performance fabrics, style and function can now

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coexist. Sunbrella, Crypton, Revolution, and Inside Out, just to name a few, are engineered for durability, easy clean up, and to repel stains. These fabrics support your family’s lifestyle while bringing style and beauty into your home. If you’ve wanted to transition to a light, bright, and airy look, but you’ve been afraid, it’s time to fear no more. Performance fabrics come in an abundant array of colors, patterns, and textures. You can reupholster existing pieces or select new furnishings from retailers that offer these fabrics. Leather is also a durable, family-friendly option, but it can look heavy when not mixed with other fabrics. Consider which mix would best suit your home.

there are thousands of indoor/outdoor rugs that look and function like an indoor rug. Stains, spills, and dirt can be conveniently cleaned. Most can simply be hosed off and left to dry. Also, consider the versatility of indoor/outdoor rugs in your high traffic areas like kitchens, mudrooms, and entryways. Due to their ability to repel water, these rugs are also a stylish option to use in the bathroom. Your outdoor living and entertainment areas can also receive a style upgrade by choosing from the many rug and fabric options available. Bottom line — there have been great improvements in the home decor market that allow families to have stylish interior design regardless of which stage of life they are in.

Ella Huysamen is an interior designer and owner of Southernite Interiors, 196 North Street, Canton. 678-8806357. SoutherniteInteriors.com

In addition to great upholstery fabrics,

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[StrategicLife] Whether it’s taking weekend trips on a moment’s notice, or running in top marathons, we all want to live life our way. Typically, that requires money. In the last two articles, setting financial goals, determining a budget, and plugging spending leaks were covered – all with the idea of putting more money in your pocket to live the life you want to live. In this final installment, you’ll learn ways to save more money, which will increase your ability to pay for the things that are important to you. 1. Pay yourself first. Every time you are paid, take your budgeted savings amount out before you have a chance to spend a dime. Even easier, set up automatic transfers to your savings account, so you never see the money in your spending account. And don’t forget to choose a savings vehicle that earns a good interest rate. 2. Reduce your debt. Many financial advisers suggest that your monthly payments to debt should not exceed 20% of your net income. If you can reduce that figure, all the better. It’s no secret that compounded interest on a loan or credit card can add up to a substantial amount of money

over time. That is money that could be spent on more fulfilling aspects of life. If you have accumulated debt, your local credit union can likely consolidate it into one loan at a lower interest rate, thereby helping you pay it down faster. 3. Find ways to save. There are all kinds of ways to save a dollar here and there without feeling deprived. Sign up for every rewards program. Most retailers are willing to reward you for shopping with them. Simply set up an email account for all your rewards emails and check it regularly for coupons. Switch financial institutions. Compare fees and rates from your bank to other financial institutions such as credit unions. It’s very possible you could be saving on fees and earning more on your checking and savings accounts – all areas that add up over time. Make gifts instead of buying. Things like candles, baked goods, soap, and other goodies will be more appreciated if you made them yourself, and you’ll save money at the same time.

PART 3 OF A 3-PART SERIES Use the 24-hour rule. This means waiting 24 hours before making any impulse purchase, especially those online. You’ll be surprised at how many times you change your mind. Invite friends over instead of going out. You’ll save big bucks on the restaurant and enjoy your friends all the same. In the end, it’s all about spending less money on the unimportant things in life and saving more for the important ones. We all want to live our best life. By making some simple changes, you’ll be rewarded with more money in your pocket and a more fulfilling life ahead. L

Shelia Garrison is the Canton Financial Center manager at LGE Community Credit Union. 2018 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-424-0060. LGECCU.org

By Shelia Garrison

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Why Showing Up for School Matters By Lynnda Campbell, N.P.-C

[HealthyLife] With the first day of school rapidly approaching, one of the most important considerations is regular attendance. Encouraging regular attendance is one of the best ways to prepare your child for success

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both in school and in life. When school attendance is a priority, children get higher grades, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior, and have a better chance of graduating on time. Students who regularly go to school often gain improved reading skills, even if they struggled initially. They also feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships, and are significantly more likely to stay in school. Conversely, when children are absent for an average of just two days per month, even when the absences are excused, it can have a negative impact. Absences can negatively affect children as early as kindergarten. For example, young students often have difficulty keeping up with their peers academically and tend to fall behind in reading. As they progress through their school years, they tend to fall behind in other subjects as well.

As children become older, additional, more serious consequences can often occur. These include low standardized test scores, dropping out of school, inability to find a job to provide a steady income, inability to pursue higher education, drug and alcohol abuse, and incarceration. Parents can ensure good attendance by staying engaged with teachers and monitoring academic progress as well as making sure children get adequate sleep and healthy nutrition. Parents should also avoid keeping children home with minor illnesses such as a runny nose and mild cough. Doctor, dental, or other appointments should be scheduled at a time that will have the least impact on school attendance.

Lynnda Campbell is a certified nurse practitioner with DV Pediatrics. 770704-0057. DVPediatrics.com

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The engineering major asks, “How does it work?” The business major asks, “How much will it cost?”

By Jonathan Good, Ph.D.

The liberal arts major asks, “Do you want fries with that?”

M

Most liberal arts majors have heard some version of this joke, and it’s always annoying — in part because it’s somewhat true. The joke points to the dual purpose of higher education: does it exist to preserve “the best that has been thought and said” in our culture? To teach young people how to think and about what it means to be human? To open new vistas in human understanding? Or does it exist to prepare people for paid employment? At one point, you could have both — a bachelor’s degree in any subject

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signaled that its holder was diligent and intelligent, and thus, suitable for whitecollar work. Unfortunately, at some point in the 20th century, politicians noticed that university graduates enjoyed a higher status and standard of income, so they figured that if everyone went to university, then everyone could enjoy a higher status and standard of income. They sponsored a vast expansion in higher education, both in terms of the number of university campuses built and in the number of people who were able to attend through grants and loans to help cover their tuition.

Universities were happy to play along. In fact, it is a major reason why university tuition fees have risen at twice the rate of inflation for the past 40 years or so. Universities are not charities; they are businesses. And even though they are not-for-profit, they hate leaving money on the table. If you get a student loan, the university will make sure that it gets every penny of that loan. Someone must pay for the new football stadium. Alas, for the graduates themselves, the law of diminishing returns kicked in. Once bachelor’s degrees became both more common and more expensive, it

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meant that students could not afford to spend their undergraduate years developing a personal life philosophy and still expect that their degree would be worth something in the job market. Instead, their degree had to start paying off immediately. Thus, technical and professional majors, which prepare graduates for specific fields like business management or information technology, really started to take off. Even people who were interested in the liberal arts felt they had to major in something “practical,” out of fear for their livelihood. Now, it should be said that universities have not completely abandoned their other cultural purpose. They will generally require students to take a few liberal arts courses in such subjects as history, English, philosophy, or religion for the sake of polish or breadth. People who want to major in these subjects, however, are regularly condescended to. One guest speaker at Reinhardt University recently said, “What’s the difference between a liberal arts major and a pizza? A pizza can feed a family of four!” However, as most liberal arts professors can safely attest — based on the success of many of their past students — this view is not accurate. For one, it does no one any good to major in a subject he/she hates. Better to pursue something that you’re really

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interested in and graduate than to drop out on account of tedium. Secondly, the skills acquired in the pursuit of a liberal arts degree are transferrable to a wide range of careers. Chief among these is the ability to pull information from a variety of sources, to synthesize it, and to present it in a coherent and eloquent manner. A Reinhardt University history graduate, who is a project manager at ProSys Information Systems, says that his literacy and communication skills are “superior to almost everyone I work with,” and credits the history program for preparing him for his job. Another graduate worked as a property analyst in Atlanta. His employers were glad to hear that he was a liberal arts major because they knew he could think through problems and analyze situations. As he says, “Every day, I craft proposals and analyses that need to be articulate and persuasive.” Of course, success in the job market still depends on the exercise of a certain amount of initiative. Holding an internship in a field you’d like to enter, developing contacts there, and marketing oneself through LinkedIn are all useful. Minoring in something technical can also be a good idea. But knowing how to think and knowing how to write will stand you in good stead wherever you end up — whether that’s in business, higher education, law enforcement, public administration, teaching, ministry, or health care to name a few of the fields liberal arts graduates have found careers in. Long after

this year’s hot programming language has been made obsolete, liberal arts graduates will still have the ability to “see around corners,” in the words of Kevin Reinhart, professor of religion at Dartmouth College. Blogger Joe Asch concurs, saying that, “Over the years, whether in dealing with managers or lawyers or even architects and other professionals, I have found that folks with a liberal arts background understand larger issues, which people with only technical training just can’t comprehend.” It might take some effort to find your first job as a liberal arts major, but chances are, you’ll end up performing very well in it.

“Over the years, whether in dealing with managers or lawyers or even architects and other professionals, I have found that folks with a liberal arts background understand larger issues, which people with only technical training just can’t comprehend.” -Joe Asch, Blogger

Dr. Jonathan Good is a professor of history at Reinhardt University, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Reinhardt.edu

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CantonNotes

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s Laine Wood sat in a film festival with friends in her old hometown of Sanford, Florida, a year ago, a seed began to germinate, and an idea was born. Fast forward to May 24, and welcome to the inaugural Etowah Film Festival (EFF) in Canton. Wood found a business partner in Brent Lambert-Zaffino, and the two began contacting filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and sponsors to promote their product, and submissions began arriving. Several people reviewed the submissions, spending about 100 hours judging entries. Genres included Documentary, Domestic Violence, Subject Narrative, Feature Narrative, Student Short, Horror Film Short, Georgia High School Film, and Animated Film. Though it’s an international film festival, many of the entries were created locally by native Georgia writers, producers, crews, and actors. The historic Canton Theatre was the perfect venue to host the EFF. Its quiet charm and elegance juxtaposed with a casual vibe set the stage, if you will, for a unique weekend of entertainment in Canton. The festival opened Thursday evening with high school and college short films. The young entrants were very talented. Judging from the work they presented to EFF, their futures in filmmaking are limitless. Friday evening short films included a range of comedy, public awareness, and drama. One of the shorts, “Andrew’s Letter Home,” which is a drama set during WWII about

By Sandy McGrew a farming mother who receives the terrible news that her son has died in the war, delivered heartwrenching writing and acting. Many viewers were left wanting more. During the Q&A session after the film’s conclusion, the writer and producers revealed that it was their goal to expand the short into a fulllength feature or a TV miniseries. The surprise Friday evening was a visit from Santa Claus. Cherokee County’s own Tim Cavender plays Santa in the Blue Heron film Charlie’s Christmas Wish. Names and faces you’d recognize are Diane Ladd, Lindsey McKeon, Roy Taylor, and Aiden Turner. This one should be released during late fall in time for Christmas. It was a whirlwind weekend of films, actors, swag bags, and popcorn, and all entries were shining examples of the film industry. Congratulations to this year’s winners.

INAUGURAL ETOWAH FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS Best Narrative Feature - Hegel’s Angel by Simone Rapisarda Casanova Best Documentary - PATH! A Goodbye Letter to America by Zak Norton Best Narrative Short - “Peggy” by Justin Miller Best Environmental Subject - “Vital Liquido” by Zach Zimmerman and Michelle Morandotti Best College Short - “iRony” by Radheya Jegatheva Best High School Short - “Hunt for the Easter Rabbit” by Ben Barron

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Sandy McGrew is a ten-year Canton resident who represents Ward 1 in the Canton City Council.

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The Great Georgia Pollinator Census [HomeLife] On August 23-24, 2019, many Georgians will become citizen scientists, as they participate in the first Great Georgia Pollinator Census. This census is an important initiative to document a snapshot of Georgia’s pollinator populations. Other goals include increasing sustainable pollinator habitats and increasing the entomological literacy of Georgia’s citizens. The goal is for people to go from “Eww, it’s a bug,” to “Look at the tarsal claw on that bee!” All Georgians are invited to be part of this project. For 15 minutes, participants will count the insects landing on their plant and organize them in the following categories: • Bumblebees • Carpenter bees • Honeybees • Small bees

• Wasps • Flies • Butterflies • Other insects

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The website, GGaPC.org, contains all the information needed to participate. An “Insect Identification and Counting Guide” explains the details of the project. On the census dates, people are encouraged to pick a favorite pollinator plant from their garden to use for counting. This plant should have many blooms that are attracting insects. Georgians do not have to be an entomologist to participate; species-level identification is not necessary. The “Insect Identification and Counting Guide” provides all the tools needed to distinguish a bee from a fly and a bumblebee from a carpenter bee. The website also has information on building a pollinator habitat as well as information about other pollinator events. After counting, participants will upload their totals to the website. For those excited to learn more about these insects, the Georgia Pollinator Census Facebook page shares educational snippets

By Joshua Fuder

daily and is a format for insect discussion. Pollinator conservation is important for everyone from apartment dwellers to farmers. Through this project, homeowners will learn that many native bees forage in a small area (300-500 square feet), and if the bees’ needs are met, they will stay and provide valuable ecoservices for the homeowner. Participants can make a real and lasting difference in pollinator protection. To be a part of Georgia pollinator history, sign up on the website and consider joining the Georgia Pollinator Census Facebook group to receive updates and information before the event.

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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Exchange of Heart

Our Year With Maite

By Mandy Marger

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ike most good things, sponsoring an exchange student was not planned. A local Facebook group published a post

looking for a family to take in an exchange student in our school district. The year had already started, and her first family had not worked out as expected. After reaching out to ask for how long, my family quickly made the decision to help.

Approval Process & Preparation

Because of the emergency situation, the approval process was pretty rapid, but it was still extremely thorough. The application was detailed and extensive but not tedious. My husband and I submitted background checks and scheduled an in-person home visit. Taryn Evans, the local coordinator for EF (Education First) Exchange was very helpful and addressed all our questions and concerns. As we moved through the process, though we felt called to move forward, the doubt of feasibility was ever present. We believed ourselves to be “very busy” with our own sixth-grade twins, work, and other sport and social engagements, and we wondered how we could layer another active life into our family schedule. In talking to Taryn, we discovered that she had a full-time job and five children (including twin toddlers and a special-needs teen), and she took in two exchange students at the same time. Thus, we had no excuse to not be able to make this work.

Maite & Dave

Since we had recently redecorated our guest bedroom, our house was ready. Soon, a 16-year-old girl from the Basque region of northern Spain would move into our home. For many reasons, we were apprehensive. After her shaky start, we expected a scared, wounded young girl. But instead, brave Maite showed up, and after a brief welcome and house tour, she began folding the family underwear alongside me on the couch.

Getting to Know Our Exchange Student

We were on our best behavior in the early days — keeping things neat, being courteous to one another, eating healthy home-cooked

Welcome home!

Flags around the world ey nts Phinn e r a p t s Ho aite y with M d n a M d an

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“Sisters” on Cumberland Island

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meals, and acting as a family “should.” We also got to know Maite’s parents via Facebook and FaceTime, and of course, we quizzed her about her home and culture. However, real life couldn’t wait long, and the usual stresses of a dirty house, inevitable family conflicts, and our casual everyday way of living reemerged. What I thought would be awkward, Maite made easy. One night, after she had lived with us a short while, she was headed downstairs to her room for the evening, and we wished each other a good night. I thought of my own children, and how I still tucked them in every night. If my kids were far away, I’d hope someone would give them that physical reminder of love, so I went downstairs. I told Maite I could no longer send her to bed without a hug, and so we did.

School Life

Because of her outgoing nature, Maite was quick to make friends. She was also a great student. EF brings in all students as juniors, so they may participate in upperclassmen activities, and the organization has strict academic expectations. She was also a successful member of the varsity swim and track teams. As the year went on, Maite had more opportunities for typical American teen activities and attended parties and hung out with friends. Having been unexpectedly thrust into parenting a high school teenager, my husband and I found ourselves worrying about unfamiliar things like new friends, teen drivers, and staying out too late. Tragically, a fellow student was killed in an accident. Maite had met him on a few occasions and had become close to some of his friends. She found herself a stranger, thousands of miles from home, surrounded by kids who were affected in ways they were too young to understand or handle. We, too, were unprepared, but we connected with Maite’s parents from afar and rallied around her to provide support.

Part of the Family

From the beginning, Maite was great at making herself a part of our family. She became a true sibling to our twins, both supporting and ribbing them in good measure. Many other exchange students in the area had host siblings or fellow exchange students in the house that were close to the same age, whereas Maite only had our 11-year-old twins to keep her company. One evening, I apologized that we didn’t have any friends in the house like other exchange students had. From her heart, Maite replied, “I do have friends; they’re upstairs sleeping.” My husband and I have grown to feel the same protective instinct for Maite as we do for our biological children. I’ve enjoyed many mature talks with her about her perspective on life, her culture, and her future. I kept hugging her good night every evening, and I sent her away each morning with a kiss on the cheek and a “love you.”

What’s Next?

As the end of the school year drew near, we avoided talking about what came next. We felt the impending loss – we were going to lose a family member. We were lucky that Maite could join us on one final family trip, and we enjoyed a week at the beach as one big happy family. Two days later, we packed up a year’s worth of memories into bulging suitcases, said tearful goodbyes, and sent our “daughter” home. We’re already making plans to visit Maite and her family in Spain in a year. What began as a casual Facebook comment became such a good experience that we decided to do it again for the 2019-20 school year. This time, we’re bringing in a “brother” named David, with whom we already video chat – Maite included. By design, he’s also from northern Spain, so in future travels to see our EF kids, we can enjoy large family reunions near the Bay of Biscay. For more information about hosting a foreign exchange student with EF Exchange, contact Taryn Evans at 678-448-8631 or EvansFamilyInGa@aol.com. You can also visit EFExchangeYear.org.

Host siblings P.J. & Arliss

Swim team friends

Prom

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Liposuction – FAST FACTS By Drs. Petrosky, Harkins, and Depew

[HealthyLife] Since the beginning of the year, many have done well regarding resolutions to get healthier by eating better and exercising more. However, some bulges of fat just won’t go away. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness. If you are considering liposuction, here are some fast facts:

• • • • •

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Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure done in the U.S., with more than 300,000 performed each year. Liposuction is not a weight loss program but a cosmetic procedure. The procedure is normally outpatient and done under a general anesthesia. The most common areas are abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, and back. There are several different techniques. Tumescent liposuction is one of the most popular. Others include dry liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), power-assisted liposuction (PAS), and laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL). Risks include severe bruising, inflammation, thrombophlebitis, and contour irregularities. The risk of complications is usually associated with how large the procedure is as well as the surgeon’s skill level and specific training.

Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of your body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body’s contours and proportion, ultimately enhancing your self-image. Fat removed from these areas can also be used to enhance other areas such as the buttocks or breast. Liposuction works best for people with good skin tone and elasticity. To discover how body contouring procedures can help your look, request a consultation with a specially trained board-certified plastic surgeon. During a thorough examination, your expectations and realistic goals should be discussed, and a plan of action set in place. Be careful not to put your body on the “discount rack.” Choosing a surgeon based on the lowest price might ultimately be the most expensive choice if you have to repeat a procedure that wasn’t done well. Choose your surgeon based on expertise and experience. It’s always wise to do Drs. Petrosky and Harkins are board-certified plastic surgeons, your homework and get a couple and Dr. Depew is a board-eligible different consultations/quotes, plastic surgeon at Plastic Surgery so you can make an informed Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgeryCenterOf TheSouth.net decision.

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Heading in the Right Direction TIPS FOR YOUR BASIC HAIR CARE ROUTINE By Jyl Craven

Use an at-home conditioning treatment. Salons love to be your one-stop shop to style, but if your stylist could tell you to do one thing at home, it would be to use a conditioning treatment. This is especially true if your hair feels dry, which is a common occurrence in summer months. Gently toweldry your hair, lather in the conditioner, and wear a shower cap, so your hair can lock in the moisture while the conditioner does its work.

Don’t forget the heat protectant. [Lifestyle] None of us are born knowing the optimal way to care for our hair. Even stylists must study intensively and constantly update their training in order to maintain “hair care expert” status. Luckily, you don’t need any advanced training in order to start a healthy hair routine at home. Here are five basic tips to help manage your mane:

Get regular haircuts. Split ends can strike in as few as four weeks after a haircut. Left unchecked, they can damage hair right up to the follicle. If you notice a lot of tangles when combing your hair, split ends are sure to follow. There are more variations of split ends than many people realize, so be sure to get a haircut at least once every six weeks.

Use the right products for your hair type. Your hair isn’t like your mom’s, best friend’s, or your favorite celebrity’s, so their favorite products may not work for your hair. Dry and curly hair is best served by a completely different set of products than naturally oily or straight hair. For example, when choosing a conditioner for limp, fine hair, you should select a volumizing conditioner. If your hair is dry and frizzy, then a moisturizing option is your best choice. Ask your stylist about products that benefit your particular hair texture.

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Towel-dry your hair until the maximum amount of moisture is removed before blow-drying. After blow-drying, many women like to use a flat iron to tame their locks. However, be sure to use a heat protectant first to avoid damaging your hair.

Maintain a balanced diet. Have you ever noticed how unhealthy eating habits can cause acne or other skin woes? A poor diet affects your hair, too — it’s just more difficult to notice the cause-and-effect relationship because your hair grows slowly. Eat a balanced, varied, proteinrich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and your hair will thank you. Make this a part of a healthy lifestyle in general. When it comes to your hair, it’s not just what you put on your tresses that counts! Following these five tips will have your hair looking healthy, shiny, and vibrant. Before you know it, they’ll become second nature. L

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

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Photos courtesy of Darleen Prem

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Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

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Wild Bill By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] I recently reflected on all the seniors I have had the opportunity to get to know in my career. There are many who have had an impact not only on my life but also on a program. For example, when I met Wild Bill for the first time, I knew he was going to be a tough nut to crack. Wild Bill came to the senior center for the first time with a friend who just wanted him to give it a try. When I first met him, he barely said a word to me. The best place for me to approach Bill was at the center’s pool table because he liked to shoot pool. I liked to play and was not bad. Bill was pretty good at it when he wanted to be. He would sometimes try difficult shots, and his friend would look at him as though he was crazy. Those two would shoot pool for hours.

longer work at the same senior center, but Bill is forever in my heart. Senior centers are all about socialization and enhancing quality of life. As we get older, it’s important to have friends and remain active. All who are 60 and older are invited to join us at any of Cherokee’s senior centers. Maybe you’ll be the next Wild Bill. L

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

Over time, Bill and I also became very close friends, and I became very protective of him. We remain friends, as he enjoys life in his 90s. Years ago, we would introduce ourselves as father and son to anyone who asked. Bill ended up making the senior center his own, and when he did not show up, we would always call to make sure he was okay. If he missed several days in a row, we would put his picture on a milk carton as if we were looking for him. I may no

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Photos courtesy of PhotoJack

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[AcademicLife] Board members from the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) were recently spotted at schools across the Cherokee County School District (CCSD), as they surprised multiple recipients with Classroom Impact Grants to close out the school year. CCEF is a nonprofit, charitable organization that commits its time and talents to raise funds to benefit excellence in education by promoting teaching, learning,

leadership development, and celebrating achievements. Members seek funding and resources to enrich the learning experience in areas not fully funded in the regular school curriculum. This is done through a variety of annual fundraisers: the Moove It 5K road race, CCEF T-shirt Fundraising Campaign, CCEF Golf Classic, and the Celebration of Education Gala. Board members review and score grant applications based on a rubric provided to applicants. After scores are totaled and ranked, CCEF awards as many grants as possible until funding is depleted.

What Is CCEF?

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

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Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

The grants are available yearly to any CCSD employee and can be for any amount up to $2,500. The amount the applicant requests does not have bearing on their rank or score.

This year, 34 Classroom Impact Grants were funded (some grants had multiple applicants). The CCEF Prize Patrol communicated with school principals to coordinate surprise deliveries for the recipients. Classroom Impact Grants are only one of the initiatives CCEF supports to give funds back to the CCSD. Members also support the CCSD with funds to increase the graduation rate, the CCSD Choices program to support children with special needs, funding for at-risk students to earn course recovery credits, as well as Teacher and Support Staff of the Year programs and Leadership Development opportunities for CCSD staff and administrators.

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

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Parenthood Is One of God’s Greatest Gifts [InGoodFaith] Being a parent is one of life’s great joys. When else can you be seen as the smartest, strongest/ prettiest, funniest, and coolest person in the world? At the same time, it will test your patience, exhaust your energy, play with your emotions, and destroy your personal life. In fact, a study published in the journal Demography revealed the effect a baby has on a person’s life is worse than divorce, unemployment, or even the death of a partner. It doesn’t take many poorly drawn, handmade cards or classroomconstructed glitter/noodle/pine cone gifts to figure out the risk is worth the reward. There is no greater gift than becoming a parent. Here are three things that prove being a parent is the best thing in the world.

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By Pastor Will Goodwin

Respect Parents naturally receive a certain amount of admiration, but the bigger lesson is the backward compatibility of respect. Just about every new parent reclaims a deeper respect for his/her own mother or father once he/she can finally empathize. It also helps explain the fatherly role of God and his love despite our deepest failings. Conversations Early on, these are simple, though often still profound. Parents rarely anticipate the unexpected wisdom from the innocence of a child. Later, the complexity and depth of parent-to-child conversations lead to wonder and awe, as children find their own way in the world. It is quite a treat to learn from the one who learned from you. Time There are basically 7,000 days from crib to college. It would be doltish to think even the best parents get most of those days right. And that’s OK. Every day doesn’t have to count. From the first carry of the newborn to that last carry of a dorm room box, every moment is unique, special, and worth counting as a blessing.

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

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Community Partners

The mission of the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) is to bridge the gap between hope and opportunity by educating and enriching the lives of those affected by organ transplant. GTF was founded in 1992 by transplant recipient Tommy Smith, who saw firsthand the tremendous financial impact that transplantation can have on individuals and their families. Smith gathered a team of health care professionals with the goal of providing emergency financial assistance, so that no one would ever go without the medications needed to maintain a lifesaving organ transplant.

GTF’s Financial Assistance Program awards grants for transitional, short-term support to alleviate the financial burden of organ transplantation. The average cost of post-transplant medications is $26,300 each year. The annual cost of lab work, biopsies, hospital visits, and follow-up medical care is more than $60,000. Financial assistance grants are used to fund the exorbitant costs of daily essential medications, health care insurance premiums, travel to and from the transplant hospital, and household costs incurred during the time of transplant.

Located in Roswell, GTF collaborates with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory Healthcare, Piedmont HealthCare, and Augusta University Health to provide vital services for Georgia’s population. Seven GTF staff members assist more than 2,000 patients annually through $1.9 million in financial assistance grants and services. In Georgia, there are currently more than 18,185 pediatric and adult transplant recipients, 3,900 living donors, and 5,316 organ failure patients waiting to receive a lifesaving organ transplant.

Additionally, GTC offers patients and caregivers support programs to promote optimal health, academic successes, effective coping skills, emotional well-being, and a strong and supportive family unit.

GTF provides funding for essential post-transplant medications, health insurance premiums, housing costs, transportation to and from transplant centers, and emergency expenses. In addition to financial assistance, GTF also provides a complete range of services to Georgia’s transplant population, including statewide health care education conferences, transplant fundraising programs, career counseling and training, mentoring, tutoring, marriage counseling, and academic scholarships.

Physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, and other health care experts provide transplant patients with information on community resources and other treatment opportunities at the Trends in Transplant health care conferences, which are held in six cities across Georgia. GTC awards nine academic scholarships to deserving transplant patients to help with the costs of tuition and books. The Mentor Program pairs trained mentors with newly diagnosed patients to promote peer support. The JumpStart Program provides job readiness skills, so that patients may re-enter the workforce after a lengthy hospitalization and recovery. Today, Georgia Transplant Foundation is the primary source for transplant patient assistance and support for all solid organ transplantation in Georgia. GTF is a 501(c)(3) organization funded through the generosity of foundations like the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust, corporations, and individuals. All funds raised support Georgia residents who are transplant candidates, recipients, living donors, or their families. More than 85 cents on every dollar directly supports client services. Georgia Transplant Foundation 2201 Macy Drive Roswell, GA 30076 678-514-1180 GaTransplant.org

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Canton Family Life | JULY 2019

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations

SAVE THE DATE

Grisham & Poole, P.C. 577 East Main Street Canton 678-880-9360 Attorneys

Hopedealers Worldwide, Inc. 1558 Marietta Highway, Suite 200 Canton 770-224-6825 Nonprofit Organization

Tuesday August 6 4:00-7:00pm Woodstock City Church 150 Ridgewalk Parkway Woodstock

Elite Roofing and Restoration 745 Atlanta Road, Suite 102 Cumming 678-548-5986 Roofing Contractors

Lighthouse Business Canton 770-733-6766 Credit Card Processing

Free Admission! Open to the Public www.CherokeeChamber.com 770-345-0400 Brandy@CherokeeChamber.com

Department of Human Services 1300 Univeter Road Canton 770-720-3610 Government

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Advertiser Index The Arbor at BridgeMill 23 BridgeMill Dentistry 18 Burns Law Group 31 Canton Driving School 21 Canton First Friday/Farmers Market 45 Canton River Rock 41 The Carpenter’s Shop 6 Chateau Meichtry 14 Cherokee Children’s Dentistry 35 Cherokee Theatre Company 11 The Children’s Haven 42 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 1 ClearView Softwash & Pressure Washing 21 Coosawattee River Resort 14 Dance Imagination 7 Dentistry at Hickory Flat 29 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 13 DV Pediatrics 21 The Goddard School 5 Idylwilde 42 Ireland Restorative Dentistry 42 Jyl Craven Hair Design 27 Killian Automotive 7 Landscape Matters 13 LGE Community Credit Union Inside Front Masterpiece Framer 43 Miracle Method of NW Atlanta Inside Back Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates 3 Outdoor Living, Indoor Comfort, LLC Inside Back Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics 26 and Dentistry at Canton Plastic Surgery Center of the South 40 SchmoozaPalooza 17 Songwriter Session at the Oak House 48 Southern ENT Specialists Cover, 24-25 Southernite Interiors 38 Suite Six Venue 3 Tecali Grille 13 Towne Plumber 13 Towne Lake Primary Care Family Medicine 5 WellStar Health Systems Back Cover Woodstock Summer Concert Series 44

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