Canton Family Life 9-16 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

September 2016

Volume 4 | Issue 2

28-29

[28-29]

On the Cover:

Clean Office Exec

34-35

Behind the Curtain

2016 Riverfest

34-35

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

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

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

....................... Business Life

..................... Canton Minute

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

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

......................... Taste of Life

............................ Quotables

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

................... Faces of Canton

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

Publisher’s Perspective

nspire someone. Help someone grow. Help them rise above a period in their life whether or not you understand their situation. Discover the power of empathy as an incredible resource and the strength that may manifest from it. An essential ingredient of our daily life is kindness, and it needs to show in all of our actions if we truly want to succeed. It’s imperative to know that becoming an inspiration is our way of paying it forward because making any one person’s life better improves the overall wellness of society. Be that beacon of light for someone who may be struggling in darkness, if only to afford them the opportunity to see a glimmering flash. For in that, they may find hope.

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” ~ M. Scott Peck

PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHER Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com EDITORIAL Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com Rachel Sprouse, Intern Rachel@FamilyLifePublications.com ART Candice Williams Candice@FamilyLifePublications.com Laurie Litke Laurie@FamilyLifePublications.com SALES Janet Ponichtera Janet@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sen. John Albers, Kathleen Boehmig, J. Daran Burns, Mary Kay Buquoi, Michael Buckner, Lynnda Campbell, L. Michael Cox, Jyl Craven, Arlene Dickerson, Micah Fowler, Joshua Fuder, Kyle Herron, Hillary Gallagher, Corey Harkins, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Norman Hunt, Sami Jackson, Cameron Johnson, James E. Leake, Robbie Matiak, Chris Meiners, Scott Miller, Tim Morris, Anthony Musarra, Vishant Nath, Michael Petrosky, Mark Russell, Matthew Thomas, Farris Yawn

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 150 North Street, Suite A Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095

FamilyLifePublications.com

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

e r ec y c

m ag a zi

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

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. Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

Growth is jumping into something that can bring out the best in you. Someone who wants to rise above soon discovers that leaving their comfort zone is the best way to achieve happiness. If we find a way to support someone as they grow, we, too, will flourish. When we help another, we learn more about ourselves. We learn that sharing our story, good or bad, may help another achieve a goal or overcome what they may see as a great obstacle. Often, just playing our kind part in the victory of another can feel good to our soul. For that, it is wise to be cheerful. Happiness is the only thing that truly depicts success. Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

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 25,000, direct mailing over 23,000 copies to Canton, Sixes/ BridgeMill, Holly Springs and Hickory Flat.

Ple

We each have battles within us, whether waging at this time or those valiantly fought in our past. We have stood before aggression, despair and confusion, and we’ve been victorious or defeated. From each conflict, we have learned a lesson. When the opportunity comes for us to use our life lessons, we may be beneficial to others. Knowledge consists of what we have learned. When placed into action, knowledge becomes wisdom. Be mindful of others. When we listen, see, feel…we each can grow.

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Calendar ongoing Canton Farmers Market — Each Saturday in downtown Canton, you can find locally grown produce, baked goods, food specialty items, fresh flowers and bedding plants, along with handmade crafts. 9:00 am-1:00 pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. 770-7041548. CantonHDL.com Waleska Farmers Market — Sponsored by Reinhardt University, the Waleska Farmers Market is in the parking lot behind the North Cherokee Church of Christ, at the corner of Highway 140 and 108 in downtown Waleska. Admission and parking are free, and the market operates rain or shine every Thursday through September. 3:00-7:00 pm, 7198 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska. 770-720-5988. Facebook.com/Waleska-Farmers-Market-atReinhardt-University-103720046333906/ GriefShare Support Group — Each Wednesday through November 23rd, GriefShare meets to share three key elements that work together to help people who have lost loved ones recover from the deep hurt of loss. Each class includes a video, group discussion and workbook exercises. Each week, classes will cover different aspects of grief. Child care is available. 6:30-8:30 pm, First Baptist Canton, 1 Mission Point, Canton. 770-862-1253. FBCCanton.org Through October

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue — Old, New, Borrowed, Blue will feature wedding dresses, photographs and accessories from women around the county. The exhibit will include dresses from the 1920s to the current day. Wednesday-Friday 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Cherokee County Historical Museum, 100 North Street, Ste. 100, Canton. 770-345-3288. RockBarn.org

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

SEPTEMBER

1-14

Pay it Fur-ward — Cherokee Recreation & Parks Agency will be collecting donations that will be delivered to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Wish List: paper towels, Equine Pine bedding pellets, lavender essential oil, Windex glass cleaner, dry dog food, dry cat food, Kong or other indestructible chew toys hard or interactive cat toys, and 60 gallon heavy/contractor trash bags. Donations may be dropped off at the Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. CRPA.net

6-30

Maya Heritage Exhibit — Come learn about the Mayan culture through this informative exhibit. Tuesday-Friday 11:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday 12:00-5:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org

Roof” and “There Goes My Baby.” Along with fellow inductees the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Supremes, the Drifters were in the first class of Rock & Roll legends to be initiated into the Hall of Fame. 7:30 pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska.770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu/FPAC

Cherokee Chorale Auditions — Auditions will be held in the chapel. 3:00 pm, Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton. 678-439-8625. CherokeeChorale.org

Main Street Morning Networking Meeting — Come get updates on Main Street and downtown as well as hear a short presentation from our host. Free coffee and pastries from CupUp provided. 8:00-9:00 am, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonHDL.com

The Drifters — Performing hits such as “Up on the

First Annual Tee Off Fore VAC Tournament — The Tee Off Fore VAC Golf Tournament will benefit the Cherokee County Volunteer Aging Council. 7:00 am, Crystal Falls Golf Club, 3756 Cowart Road, Dawsonville. 770314-8229. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

15-25

It’s All in the Timing — An original play by Kip Henderson, produced by Broadway Bound

Productions. 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 Sunday, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-720-2698. CantonTheatre.com

Leanne Morgan — This comedienne and radio personality will take you on a hilarious journey through motherhood and beyond as she finds comedy amidst the chaos. 7:30 pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu/FPAC

16-17

Art and Culture of the Living Maya Part 1 — There will be a weaving demonstration, a Maya language lesson and much more.

2:00-5:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org/

Parent’s Night Out — Drop off your kids at the pool for a night of fun for both of you! This is for ages 5+. 5:30-10:00 pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

residents in need with basic necessities such as food, housing, employment services and clothing. 7:30 am, Pinetree Country Club, 3400 McCollum Pkwy., NW Kennesaw. 678-218-4513. MustMinistries. org

Reinhardt 5k for A Day — Funds raised from the 5k benefit students at Reinhardt. 8:00 am, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. 770720-5506. Reinhardt.edu/aday

Joshua Lozoff, Magician — Joshua’s performances combine his love for the art of magic and his fascination with psychology with the powers of observation and influence. 7:30 pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska.770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu/FPAC

24-25

MUST Ministries Charity Golf Tournament — The tournament supports MUST by providing area

32nd Annual Riverfest Enjoy more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, concessionaires and continued on

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Library Events

Calendar continued from page 7

SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org BALL Ground 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground, 770-735-2025 Hickory Flat 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, 770-345-7565 R.T. Jones 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy., Canton, 770-479-3090 Junior Writing Studio Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:00-5:00 pm, Ball Ground Children in grades 3rd-8th can practice writing skills with a retired teacher in a small group or a one-on-one environment. Registration required. Emoji Perler Bead Crafts September 8, 6:00 pm, Ball Ground Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to make a keychain or magnet of their favorite emojis. Nutrition September 9, 10:30am, Hickory Flat WellStar presents Nutrition, including a discussion on nutrition as we age, weight management and healthy eating. DIY Friday: Mask Mania September 9, 11:30 am-1:00 pm, R.T. Jones Library Learn about the art of mask making, and decorate our own! We’ll also have use of the travelling Creation Station. All materials provided. All ages welcome! Martial Arts Skills September 14, 4:00 pm, R.T. Jones Learn life skill lessons from a certified instructor including courtesy, respect and discipline as well as predator awareness and bully prevention. Ages 4 and up, parents requested to attend and participate. Registration is required.

Teens are invited to ‘Talk like a Pirate Day’ with your favorite pirates of film! This is for teens 6th-12th grades only. DIY Earrings September 20, 6:30 pm, Ball Ground Jenny Johnson demonstrates how to use beads to create earrings with fall or Christmas colors. Watching the demonstration is free. You may create a pair of earrings for a supply cost of $3. Adults only, registration is required. Where in the Library is Carmen Sandiego September 21, 4:00 pm, Hickory Flat The V.I.L.E. villain Carmen Sandiego has struck the library! Race against the clock to discover clues and track her down before it’s too late. This program is for children ages 8-12. Registration is required. Minute-to-Win-It September 22, 2:00 pm, R.T. Jones Come for hilarious fun and games! Test your skill, and see how many tasks you can complete in a minute! This program is for ages 8-12; registration is required. Ferocious Beings Paper Project September 22, 2:00 pm, Ball Ground Make an animal that looks really sweet but could be secretly ferocious. For ages 8-12 years, registration is required.

Movie and Craft September 14, 4:00 pm, Hickory Flat Enjoy a free film where a by the book funny cop must team up with a sly fox to solve a mystery. Come munch on a bag of “Cop-corn,” and make a themed craft while enjoying the movie. Ages 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Open Mic Night September 26, 6:00-7:00 pm, R.T. Jones 6th-12th graders are invited to read, perform or recite their favorite poetry, short stories, songs and more at our open mic night! Not really the performing type? Come cheer on your friends and enjoy the free entertainment and snacks!

DIG. Drop-in Genealogy September 18, 2:00-4:00 pm, R.T. Jones Grow your family tree through genealogy. Join this monthly group to learn and work on your genealogical research.

BANNED: To Kill a Mockingbird September 28, 5:30 pm, R.T. Jones Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read, to seek, and to express ideas. To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic that frequently ranks on lists of banned books for its themes of race and justice. Come enjoy a free film viewing.

Pirate Day September 19, 5:30 pm, Hickory Flat

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

family entertainers as well as an exciting children’s area. The Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival is the historic cornerstone of the Cherokee Service League’s fundraising efforts. Please see page 46 for more information. 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Boling Park, 1098 Marietta Hwy, Canton. 770-7045991. ServiceLeague.net/riverfest

Art and Culture of the Living Maya Part 2 — There will be a Presentation of the Maya Experience. 2:00-5:00 pm, Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. 770-704-6244. CherokeeArts.org/

Once Upon a Dive in Movie — Come for a night filled with floating and movie fun. Floats will be available for use, or you can bring your own noodle or clear inner tube. 6:00 pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Canton. 678-880-4760. CRPA.net

Calvary Baptist Church Outdoor Banquet — Everyone is invited! There will be a catfish dinner, bluegrass music, prizes, raffles, silent auction and vendor displays. The speaker is Clay Dyer, who was born without lower limbs, no left arm and a partial right arm, and went on to became a professional angler and fished the FLW tour. Tickets are $15 or $100 Table (8), under 12 years free. 5:008:00 pm, Calvary Baptist Church, 137 Hightower Rd, Ball Ground.770-887-6982. CalvaryBaptistWeb.org

Building Your Beach — Learn how employee engagement achieves business results. 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Cherokee Chamber of Commerce Terrace Level, 3605 Marietta Highway, Canton. 770-345-0400. CherokeeChamber.com

OCTOBER

4th Annual River Church Pork & Torque BBQ, Car Show & Festival — Come relax and enjoy one of the biggest car

1 shows in the area. Cars, trucks, bikes and other cool rides will be on display. Free admission! Multiple trophies awarded for competition, raffles, kids play area, vendors of all kinds, BBQ and live music. This fundraiser event will benefit locally and internationally. 9:00 am-4:00 pm, River Church, 2335 Sixes Road, Canton. 770-265-6601. RiverAtlanta.org

Hell on Wheels — Presented by Garage 71, come enjoy a classic car show, vintage motorcycles, retro bicycles, live music, pin-up contests, artists, vendors and carnie acts. 10:00 am, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. 770-765-7819. HellOnWheelsEvent.com

Concrete Planters — Come learn about hypertufa gardening, including creating your own rustic concrete planter to take home. Once you learn the process, you’ll be amazed how fun and easy it is to make a lightweight, stone-like container. 10:00 am, Senior Service Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. 770-721-7803. UGAExtension.org

Holly Springs Autumn Fest — This will feature a slew of arts and crafts vendors as well as various food vendors. 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane, Holly Springs. 770-345-5536. HollySpringsGA.us

BSSL Golf FORE Charity Tournament — 18 holes of golf, silent auction, luncheon and award ceremony, benefitting local Cherokee County charities. 8:00 am,

BridgeMill Athletic Club, 1190 Bridge Mill Ave., Canton. 770-630-2619. BSSLGolf.org

First Friday — Canton’s monthly block party, featuring live music, food and good times! October’s theme is “Oktoberfest/Dancing in the Streets,” with music by First Generation. 6:00-9:00 pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main St., Canton. 770-704-1548. CantonHDL.com

The Smile Run Fun Run, 5k and Tot Trot — Your entry fee includes a tech shirt and post-race food and festivities. All proceeds will benefit special needs education. 5:30 pm, First Baptist Church Canton, 1 Mission Point, Canton. Active. com/canton-ga/running/distance-runningraces/the-smile-run-5k-fun-run-and-tottrot-2016

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Business

Highland Rivers Health is a non-profit provider of treatment and recovery services for mental health,

Ball Ground Turf and Power, LLC is newly opened in Ball Ground, located at 2950A Canton Highway.

addiction and intellectual/developmental disabilities in a 12-county region of northwest Georgia that includes Cherokee County. It was created in February 2002 by

They service and repair many types of small engines, including but

the consolidation of Georgia Highlands Center and

not limited to:

Three Rivers Behavioral Health Services and has • Mowers • Trimmers

become the second largest public safety net provider in the state of Georgia.

• Generators

Highland Rivers Health provides services to 14,431

• Pressure Washers

children, adolescents and adults who have mental

• Edgers

illness, addiction or developmental and intellectual

• Chain Saws

disabilities. Their mission is to provide superior,

• Tillers

community-based neurobehavioral health care services

• Blowers • ATV’s

and resource collaboration for individuals and families to improve quality of life. Their vision is to be a community-based system of care

Their hours vary

focused on strengthening personal recovery through

depending upon the

the advancement of a healthy lifestyle for mind and

season. For more

body. For more information, visit HighlandRiversHealth.

information, call

com, or call 706-270-5000.

678-454-8733.

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Georgia Cancer Specialists, the comprehensive cancer care leader in the state, announced the addition of Dr. Navneet Dhillon at its Canton office. Dr. Dhillon is boardcertified in medical oncology, internal medicine as well as hospice and palliative care. She has special interests in breast cancer and melanoma.

Northside Cherokee Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is pleased to welcome Dr. Jimmy J. Jiang as its newest physician. Dr. Jiang is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all disorders of the hand and upper extremity. He treats a wide range of orthopedic conditions in both adults and children, including fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, rotator cuff disease, tennis/golfers elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and joint replacements.

Dr. Vallabhaneni joins

Cherokee Lung & Sleep Specialists at its Canton and Woodstock locations. Dr. Vallabhaneni is a triple board-certified physician in pulmonology, internal medicine and critical care medicine. Dr. Vallabhaneniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clinical interests include management of patients with lung nodules and lung cancer. He performs minimally invasive thoracic procedures such as Endo Bronchial Ultra Sound (EBUS) and placement of tunneled indwelling pleural catheters to help this patient population. He is also able to treat many routine outpatient pulmonary and sleep disorders.

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CantonMinute

Strength in

Tourism By Matthew A. Thomas

he Canton economy is in growth mode. The positive results of economic expansion can be seen in new homes being built, new commercial buildings rising and new businesses coming to town. These are good indicators of local desirability and a healthy business climate. This past June and July, the number of building permits issued hit triple digits! Local businesses are hiring. Local wages are on the rise. Local industries such as Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Piolax Corporation and Universal Alloy are expanding. Also to be counted among our top local industries is one that creates jobs, spurs new investment and brings new opportunities to the community. That industry is tourism. Tourism holds a very unique place in economic development. It spans across a wide range of businesses and transactions. As a general rule, the wider the economic stretch across individual businesses and venues, the larger the tourism economy. So what is tourism, and why is it such a potent economic driver? Tourism happens when outside dollars (from someone who does not live here) are “imported” or spent in the community. With this

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

CANTON

restaurants, shops, hotels and museums — in addition to gas stations, gift shops, drug stores and a host of other types of retailers. Essentially, that is tourism. As economic development is focused on creating community wealth, tourism must remain a top strategy. All of these previously

definition in mind, tourism creates jobs. Visitor dollars must be spent at some destination, be it a restaurant or a retailer. Such spending supports local jobs. In addition, tourism brings in new tax dollars. New tax dollars enter local circulation every time a visitor spends money in Canton. These new dollars help pay for local services, infrastructure and amenities to support our community. And tourism also diversifies our economy. This helps us become less reliant on one or two critical industries. Local tourism enhances quality of life. Not only does a community with offerings of cultural, culinary or shopping options enrich the lives of residents, these offerings also create incentives for people to visit Canton. Another key benefit to tourism — it benefits businesses. Consider your own experiences as a visitor to another community. You tend to patronize

mentioned benefits are why we persistently promote and celebrate our First Fridays and Farmers Markets. These economic benefits are why we encourage visitation to our parks and recreational activities for families, hobbyists and healthy living. As a local resident, take the opportunity to spread the word about a great meal or wonderful experience you had at a local establishment. The good word could encourage future visitor spending, which could help support a local business, fix a pot hole or even build a park. In this sense, we all become sales people and augment our tourism industry and growing economy.

Matthew A. Thomas is the economic development manager for the City of Canton. 770-704-1516. Matthew. Thomas@Canton-Georgia.com

Nerves carry messages from the brain to the rest of our body. Each nerve is like a telephone cable covered in insulation, containing millions of individual fibers, grouped in bundles with the insulated cable. They are fragile and can easily be damaged by pressure, stretching or cutting.

Nerve Injury Treatment A cut nerve can be repaired by sewing together the insulation around both ends of the nerve. A nerve in a finger is only as thick as a thin piece of spaghetti; therefore, the stitches must be very tiny and thin. You may need to protect the nerve with a splint for the first three weeks to prevent it from stretching apart. The goal is to fix the outer cover, so the nerve fibers can grow down the empty tube to the muscles and sensory to work again. Your doctor will line up the ends of the nerve repair so that the fibers and empty tubes match up with each other as best as possible. Because there are millions of fibers in the nerve, not all of the original connections are likely to be re-established. If the wound is dirty or crushed, your doctor may wait until the skin has healed to fix the nerve. If there is a gap between the nerves, he or she may take a piece of the nerve (nerve graft) from another part of the body to fix the injured nerve. The procedure may cause permanent loss of feeling in the area from where the nerve graft was taken. Sometimes, smaller gaps can be bridged with “conduits” made from a vein or special cylinder. Once the nerve cover is repaired, nerve fibers should begin to grow across the repair site after three to four weeks. The nerve fibers then grow down to the empty nerve tubes, up to one inch per month, depending on your age and other factors. This means that a nerve injury in the arm, 11-12 inches above the fingertips, may take as long as a year to finish growing. You may notice a tingling feeling of pins and needles in the fingertips during the healing process. This is a sign of recovery and should pass.

Recovery for a Nerve Injury You should be aware of several things while you’re waiting for the nerve to heal. Your doctor may recommend therapy to keep joints flexible. If the joint becomes stiff, it won’t work even after the muscle begins to function properly. Although a nerve injury may create a lasting problem, proper care and therapy will help you achieve more normal use.

Dr. Kyle Herron is a physician with Atlanta Hand Specialist, located in Canton, Marietta, Smyrna and Douglasville. 770-333-7888. AtlantaHandSpecialist.com

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Hand Nerve Injuries By Kyle Herron, M.D.

Community Feature CDTC Collects Items to Donate to the Holly Springs PD Cherokee Day Training Center (CDTC) collected crackers, water, hand sanitizer, dog biscuits, thank you letters, bracelets and various other non-perishable items to donate to the Holly Springs Police Department in a gesture of gratitude for the service of local police and their canine officers. After the items were collected, they were brought in by a team of men and women with developmental disabilities as a community service effort. Officers were given “to-go” bags to keep with them in the field to snack on during a busy shift. The delivery team was met by several officers, including Chief Ken Ball, and was shown appreciation for their efforts. As a 501c3 organization, the CDTC also accepts donated funds to assist with these and other efforts at the Center. They may be reached at 770-345-5821 or at their facility on Univeter Road in Canton.

Congratulations to to ourour October Tugman! Congratulations August“7 “7Differences” Differences”winner, winner,Melanie Craig Terrian!

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Community Feature Chamber Volunteer of the Quarter The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Russ Phillips with TransAmerica Financial Advisors has been named the Chairman’s Council Volunteer of the Quarter for second Chamber Volunteer of the Quarter, quarter of 2016. Russ Phillips receiving his award from In determining the Chamber Chairman Steve Garrison. Volunteer of the Quarter, attendance at Chamber events is evaluated for all members of the Chairman’s Council. “Russ is a dedicated Chamber volunteer, and we appreciate the time he has devoted this year,” said Steve Garrison, Chamber chairman and owner of Canton Tire & Wheel.

Canton’s Outstanding Teen Abby Hayman is the first representative of Canton as Outstanding Teen. She recently competed in the Miss Georgia Outstanding Teen pageant (in conjunction with the Miss Georgia pageant) in Columbus, GA. Abby won $500 in scholarship funds for the Photo courtesy of Matt overall photogenic award and the spirit Boyd Photography (congeniality) awards out of 49 teens. She was also recently named Girl Talk’s volunteer of the year.

Reinhardt University Welcomes Newly Elected Trustee Cherokee County Chick-fil-A owner/ operator Kevin Williams has been elected to the Reinhardt University Board of Trustees. Williams is the owner/operator of two Chick-fil-A locations in Canton. He brings experience in business and business development as well as in nonprofit service including his previous role as chairman of the Chick-fil-A Atlanta Marketing Board and his service with the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. Williams has been a supporter of Reinhardt by offering experiences to students including a trip to Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta that he recently helped facilitate for RU business students.

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Mouth Guards for the Competitive Athlete

• How much and what types of dental

By L. Michael Cox, D.M.D.

The fall sports season is in full swing, and we are looking forward to seeing our local student athletes achieve their goals both on and off the field. It’s imperative that competitors have the right equipment. Choosing the right mouth guard is important because it protects the teeth, lips, gums, tongue and jaw. Some coaches, parents and players may be surprised to learn the American Dental Association recommends that participants wear mouth guards for 29 sports.

Generally, there are three types of protective mouth devices: stock, mouth-formed (a.k.a. boil and bite) and custom-fitted. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, customfitted mouth guards provide excellent protection and typically are the most comfortable. However, it may take one to two weeks to have the device made. On the other hand, stock mouth guards are inexpensive and readily available, but they are poorly fitted and short-lived. You should consider the following questions when deciding which mouth guard is the best for you or your child:

• •

work or appliances do you have in your mouth? (Delicate bonding, braces or bridgework will affect the decision.) Will the mouth guard be hung from another piece of equipment when not in your mouth? Is one mouth guard enough, or do you want to have an extra one for practice or in the event that the first is lost?

There is a lot of good information about mouth guards on the internet. There are also many options. If you have additional questions, or want a good opinion as to what device may be best, talk with your dentist as soon as you know what sport you’ll be playing.

• Do you have any allergies to materials •

such as rubber or acrylic? How much speaking will you do during competition? (A quarterback may need a different mouth guard than a lineman.)

Dr. Michael Cox is a dentist with BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com

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Community Feature Teacher Wins International Entrepreneurship Education Award

Hasty Elementary Receives Grant from the Laurel Canyon Optimist Club

Sequoyah High School marketing teacher Kari Palmer was honored at this summer’s 29th Annual International Entrepreneurship Institute with the Dr. Paul DeLargy Angel Award.

The Laurel Canyon Optimist Club, located in the Soleil Community in Canton, recently awarded a $1,000 grant to Hasty Elementary School. The grant will enable the kindergarten classes to participate in a “Farm to School Program” promoted by the Cherokee County Farm Bureau. This program provides opportunities to promote agricultural activities in local schools.

CCSD Names 2016-17 Student Advisor, Student Delegates to School Board The Cherokee County School Board has included a student advisor position on its board since 1999, and for the past six years, a student delegate from each high school has also been selected. These students serve for one year to give input and feedback to the School Board; the advisor role is rotated among the county’s high schools.

Ms. Palmer, with CCSD special education teacher Linda VanFossen, developed a plan to increase high school graduation rates by involving more Career Technical Instruction (CTI) students in entrepreneurship career classes and by offering more experiential learning activities. CTI is a program that supports special education students enrolled in Career, Technical and Agricultural Education classes. Only one high school teacher receives this annual award.

This year’s student advisor is Joseph Henderson of ACE Academy [1]. The Student Delegates are: Cherokee High School’s Julia Kochansky [2], Creekview High School’s Parker Quarles [3], Etowah High School’s Meghan Hines [4], River Ridge High School’s Jordan Mason [5], Sequoyah High School’s Isabelle Riddle [6] and Woodstock High School’s Kayla Brader [7].

Students selected to serve as student advisor or student delegates share common traits. They excel in the classroom, often ranking in the top ten percent of their class and earning titles like valedictorian; they are involved in their school, often participating in numerous clubs, sports and organizations, and they seek out opportunities to serve and lead.

The award is the highest honor the Institute bestows, and it “recognizes the educator who develops entrepreneurship education best practices along with implementation plans that have the greatest potential for social impact and student transformation.” The recipient also must “exhibit passion for student transformation and capture the very spirit of a social entrepreneurship angel.”

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Ball Ground ES STEM Academy 5th Graders Take on the Graduation Challenge! Principal Dr. Keith Ingram issued all of the students a spirit T-shirt for the high school they will attend, Creekview HS, with the words “Class of 2024” and “Grizzlies Graduate!” printed on the back. He challenged each of the students to graduate on time in 2024 and asked them to embrace the theme #Encourage and to “stick together.” L-R: Rachael Good and Dr. Ingram.

Yoga

for Stress Relief By Sami Jackson

don’t need fancy clothes or an expensive mat. Find a studio or video with a basic beginner sequence, and follow along. You will soon begin to notice changes in your body and mood. Often, when people talk about yoga, they reference the physiological benefits of increased flexibility, balance and strength along with decreased muscle stiffness. However, the mental and psychological benefits are profound.

Stress is something that people deal with on a daily basis. Stress happens to our bodies, minds, thoughts and behavior in response to an event. Yoga is one of the best methods for reducing and controlling stress. Yoga is for every “body.” There are very few limitations to start a practice. You

Yoga involves focus on and awareness of your breath and body, which makes it an effective way to calm the mind. Breath awareness and mindfulness weave their way into your everyday life. Just wait; a positive outlook is just around the next mat! Yoga has been proven helpful in reducing stress, anxiety and depression by helping to regulate the stress response system. The heart rate drops, blood pressure falls and respiration slows and

deepens. Blood flow to the core of the body is reestablished, which promotes good digestion and support of the immune system, thus infusing us with a sense of well-being. You may sleep deeper and longer, as you are better able to clear your mind and relax. So if you are looking for an activity that can enhance the quality of your life, mind, body and spirit, give yoga a try. Meet yourself on the mat; embrace your body, and celebrate what it can do! Increased self-confidence and decreased anxiety are sure to follow! There are many styles of yoga, so look around; ask questions, and find a practice that suits you.

Sami Jackson is owner/instructor at Seva-Yoga in Ball Ground. 916-214-6535.

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By Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins and Leake You’ve heard it being advertised on the radio, in magazines and billboards all over town. What’s all the buzz about? CoolSculpting® — that’s what! CoolSculpting® is a revolutionary, nonsurgical contouring treatment that freezes stubborn fat, which is then naturally eliminated from the body — no needles, no surgery, no downtime. It’s safe, DFA-approved and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. Since CoolSculpting® is non-invasive, patients can resume daily activities, including work and exercise, immediately following treatment. Did you know that 7.2 million patients are seeking CoolSculpting® for thigh

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

treatments? With their new applicator, CoolSmooth Pro™, you can now effectively treat your outer thighs. This unique, comfortable, flat applicator design is ideal for non-pinchable fat, and the best part is that the treatment is only 75 minutes compared to the two hours it used to take. The CoolFit® applicator, with its longer cooling plates and flat vacuum design, is ideal for vertical fat, such as your inner thighs.

Coolsculpting® can treat five of the six areas demanded by patients. On average, each CoolSculpting® procedure results in a 20% reduction of fat in treated areas, and patients can start seeing results as soon as three weeks following treatment, with the most dramatic results occurring over a period of two to four months in most patients.

CoolSculpting® isn’t intended as a weight loss method, but rather as a means of reducing small areas of fat. It’s an excellent choice for patients for whom liposuction isn’t feasible or desirable. It's body contouring without surgery or downtime, and it takes only one hour of your time. Your friends and family will be wondering when you found the time to work out so much and look so good. It’s not about what you lose, but what you gain. So say goodbye to stubborn fat, and say hello to the body you once had. Byebye muffin tops and love handles! As with any procedure you are considering, make sure your consultation is with a specialty-trained professional.

Drs. Petrosky, Musarra, Harkins and Leake are board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Center of the South. 770-421-1242. PlasticSurgery CenterOf TheSouth.net

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Senator Speaks

Come Together

Stand United, Not Divided By Senator John Albers

struggle with words to describe the grave events happening in America and around the world this summer. I fell to my knees to pray on several occasions. Investigations will be conducted, and we’ll look for answers, but no answer will change the past. I reject the notion that a few bad people will divide our nation, the pundits and press sensationalizing every moment, creating additional controversy, and the leaders and groups who will use these tragedies for personal gain. We’ll mourn those who lost their lives, take a deep breath, and move forward. We are citizens of the greatest nation on earth, and with great resolve, better days are still ahead. May God bless the fallen. It’s time to drop the labels; we’re all Americans and part of the human race. Physical features should not define us. It’s foolish and divisive. During the memorial service for five Dallas police officers, Former President George W. Bush accurately stated, “Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions.” This month is the 15th anniversary of the most horrific terrorist attack our nation has ever seen. The days following 9/11 proved our country’s resolve and unity was strong. Perfect strangers helped each other; people lined up to give blood, and a rush of new recruits enlisted to serve our country’s military. Remember how you felt on 9/11 and the days after? Did you thank a police officer or give blood? Did you have a tear in your eye when you passed a fire station? Did you rethink your priorities or just hug your family and say, “I love you” more often? Did you get on your

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knees and pray for those who lost their lives and the families who were left behind? Did you proudly display the American flag? During and after the Vietnam War, our soldiers were treated poorly. It was wrong, and as a result, people got smarter, and the American spirit got stronger when our soldiers were called to active duty to serve in Desert Storm, the War on Terrorism and other actions. Yellow ribbons were proudly worn, and “welcome home” events became the special celebration they deserved. This same respect and honor needs to be shown to our police officers now. They need our support and prayers. First responders are the heroes of our community and put their lives on the line every day. To all the critics and pundits, if you really want to make a difference – go fill out an application; go through the academy; put on a badge, and help serve your community. As my friend and hero, Colonel Mike Steele, says, “Patriotism without action is counterfeit.” We are America, the greatest nation in the history of earth. It’s time to renew our spirit, and be part of the solution. May God Bless America! L

Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the State and Local Government Operations Committee. He represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. 404.463.8055. John.Albers@Senate.Ga.Gov

Patience in the Dental Office By Vishant Nath, D.M.D.

When taking your child to the dentist, it is important to realize that the schedule is often controlled by the needs of the patients. Being patient and understanding why an appointment can take extra time can be helpful as you and your child wait for your turn. Pediatric dental offices take childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time very seriously. The goal is to allow every patient to have a great experience

at their dental visit. Having positive experiences at the dental office as a child can help to ensure a lifetime of good oral health. And so the entire dental appointment is catered to the child. If a child is anxious, extra time and attention is given to allow him or her to become more comfortable in the situation. For a new dental patient, there are many different sensations being experienced for the first time at the dental office. It can be a bit overwhelming. Giving extra time and attention and allowing new patients to become acclimated to the environment can help to alleviate anxiety. Oftentimes, pediatric dentists will see special-needs patients. These patients may need

more time and attention during their appointment. Even when more time is allotted in the schedule to accommodate a certain patient, unexpected situations can arise. It is always helpful to provide as much medical history as possible for the dental office. If the staff knows what to expect with your child, extra time can be built in to give your child the best experience possible. So please remember, and remind your child, that these types of situations can arise to create a longer dental appointment for your child. And also remember, if your child ever needs extra time at his or her appointment, the same accommodations should be provided to them.

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

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Community Partners

Wildlife Action of GA:

Protecting, Securing and Educating Others on the Great Outdoors

N IO

EDUCATIONS

•

E LIF LD

•

S ACTION, I NC P .

•

W I

CON SE RV AT

For more information, please visit WildLifeActionGeorgia.com, or follow them on Facebook at Wildlife Action of Georgia.

N TIO VA ER

The WLA of Georgia Resource Education Center is located on the shore of Lake Allatoona, at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, in Acworth, GA. The Georgia State Chapter has been a proud sponsor of the Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup for over 25 years. Join them for the next Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup on September 24, 2016. They’re also having two youth and handicap deer hunts in December. They’re always looking for volunteers to help during field trips and events. Their facilities at the Georgia Resource Education Center include a lodge with lake view, Smith Education Center, covered pavilions, outdoor chapel and an

activity field, which are available to rent for special events.

PR ES

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it’s through chapter efforts that WLA members make communities a better place in which to live.

•

traditions for future generations

E S T. 1977

• FE LL OW S

One of the most important elements for successful conservation projects is to have strong, well-structured, local chapters. WLA’s motto, “local folks solving local problems,” encourages a community to work with its citizens in confronting local issues. WLA’s slogan is, “to put back more than we take,” and

in the cost and benefits of perpetuating them

• Support the right to keep and bear arms • Share outdoor traditions with our youth, and work together to protect these

HIP ANS SM RT O

WLA was first idealized in 1977 by seven hunters, as they sat on the banks of the Great Pee Dee River discussing the diminishing number of ducks in South Carolina and realized that it was the ethical responsibility of each individual to take care of the environment, wildlife and our natural resources. Thus, Wildlife Action, Inc., a private, nonprofit, conservation organization, was established. Since 1983, WLA has grown from a small group of concerned sportsmen into a diverse group of individuals who share a mutual concern for the earth and its inhabitants.

and encourage improved behavior of irresponsible outdoor users

• Educate all people that natural resources belong to everyone, and all should share

•

In 2014, WLA was a Partner in Education with local schools to welcome students and groups to their facilities for field trips and to enrich curriculums taught in classrooms. By closely working with our local Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and Georgia Forestry Commission, their mission is to reach kids and educate them about wildlife habitats, conservation, preservation and restoration of natural resources.

WLA’s Goals: • Raise awareness about diminishing wildlife habitats • Effectively secure, protect and manage wildlife habitats • Protect rivers and wetlands from unnecessary destruction and development • Work to reduce poaching, trespassing and other illegal, inconsiderate activities,

P HI

Wildlife Action, Inc. of Georgia (WLA) is one of Cherokee County’s best kept secrets. They’re a familyoriented organization, where children are provided hands-on opportunities through outdoor presentations, events and experiences. They offer hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, a boat dock, a swimming dock, an archery range and more for their members and guests.

Local Folks Solving Local Problems

Georgia State Chapter EST. 1987

What Do I Do if My Child is Charged with a Crime? By J. Daran Burns, Esq. Parents are understandably shocked and worried when their child has been charged with a criminal act. It might be a traffic citation, minor in possession, criminal trespass, shoplifting or something a little more serious. One of the first questions that comes to mind is, “Do we need to hire an attorney?” The answer is almost always yes, but you certainly need to discuss the matter with an attorney. The sooner you talk to an attorney, often times, the better the results. Many of these cases do not need a trial; they simply need an experienced lawyer to handle navigating the court system. The charge may not be that serious, but a young person’s criminal record is vital to their future. Whether they’re applying for a job, school, the military or an apartment lease, they will likely

are provisions under our law to make efforts to restrict who can see a criminal record, the success rate is much higher when it is professionally handled from the beginning.

face questions about their criminal record. A conviction can dictate the outcome of those applications. Having an experienced attorney representing your child will ensure that you take advantage of any youthful offender programs, diversion programs or first offender laws that may save their criminal record. Many people seek to restrict a criminal record after a case is over because it is somehow negatively impacting them. While there

Generally speaking, if it’s determined that a trial will not be needed, the costs of the legal services can be kept reasonable. Reasonable is a relative term; however, this is money well spent. Many parents use paying an attorney as another teachable consequence by having the child reimburse them for the fees from a part-time job or chores.

J. Daran Burns is an attorney and heads the Burns Law Group. 181 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-956-1400. BASLG.com

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Tasteof

by chef hillary gallagher (Serves 4)

I n g re die nt s Salad

PRE P A R A T I O N Salad

¼ head red cabbage, cut thinly on the bias 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 small jar pickled okra, cut into rounds ½ bunch cilantro leaves, washed, picked and roughly chopped 1 fresh lime, juiced 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. 2. Set the salad aside to marinate and cook the fish.

Fish 3-4 fish fillets, catfish, flounder or other firm white fish 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ cup cornmeal 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or light olive oil 1 cup milk 1 fresh lime, cut into 8 wedges for garnish 1 pack small corn tortillas

Fish 1. Cut the fish into strips, approximately 1x2 inches. 2. Combine the cornmeal and the salt and pepper in a bowl. 3. Pour the milk in a bowl, and dip the fish strips into the milk then roll it in the seasoned cornmeal. 4. Place the breaded fish on a plate or cookie sheet; do not stack or shingle the fish, or it will get soggy. 5. In a medium sauté pan, on medium high heat, add the 2 tablespoons of oil; you may need more depending on the size of the pan. Allow the oil to get hot, and add the breaded fish. Do not crowd the pan; if necessary, cook the fish in batches. Sauté the fish for two minutes on each side. 6. Remove the fish from the pan, and allow it to drain on a plate covered with paper towels.

plati ng 1. Place 2 or 3 corn tortillas on each plate; fill each tortilla with two or three pieces of fish, depending on the size. 2. Top the fish with the salad, and garnish with a lime wedge. 3. Serve with rice or a green salad. Additional garnish options: crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, hot sauce and/or guacamole Hillary Gallagher, CCC is the Culinary Arts Program Director and Lead Instructor at Chattahoochee Technical College in East Cobb. Hillary.Gallagher@ ChattahoocheeTech.edu. 770-509-6350. ChattahoocheeTech.edu

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

GMO…

What’s the Big Deal? By Chris Meiners, D.C. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. A lot of different plants and crops are actually made of and/or contain GMOs in them. The main crop that everyone should know about is corn, which is in everything we eat. This corn is modified by the Monsanto Company. Monsanto makes the Roundup® and sells it to the farmers and big companies. Studies show that when farmers spray the Roundup® on the corn, the corn does not die, yet the weeds around it do, as well as all the bugs that nibble on the corn. In fact, the insect’s intestines explode the minute they ingest the corn. Why would we want that going into our bodies as well as our children’s bodies? Monsanto claims that there is no evidence that this product harms humans in any way; however, other countries like Europe, China and Russia do not allow GMO food in their country, and if they do, they label it on the package. We are unable to read labels for our own food. Is that not strange? Lab studies have also shown rats that have been given GMO corn that have gone on to develop intestinal tumors and die, yet we’re told this won’t harm us or our children. The best way to avoid GMOs is to only eat organic food. I know most people say they cannot afford organic food, but in the long run, it is worth the money. There are several documentaries on GMOs and why it is important to eat only organic food. Become more informed, so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Dr. Chris Meiners is a chiropractor and owner of Canton Wellness Center, 1558 Marietta Highway Canton. 770-7204090. CantonWellness.com

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COVER STORY

Clean Office Exec:

Creating Clean Environments and Positive Attitudes Daily By Kathleen Boehmig l Photos courtesy of PhotoJack.net

Stacy Benson works hard and maintains a great attitude. She believes that a clean environment, whether at home or at work, fosters good moods and helps keep the mind clear and focused. Through her company, Clean Office Exec, she helps others realize that goal.

are like family. Like many successful businesses, this is about building trust and long-term relationships. I have clients who have been with me for decades now. I’ve seen them marry and raise families, and I’m happy to be included in their life celebrations.”

“We help others improve their lives,” Stacy declares. “If you are functioning in a messy space, you are a lot more likely to malfunction. My friend’s mom used to say that if you keep a messy room or car, your life will be a mess and can become a disaster. Happy spaces and environments lead to happy minds. Most people live at a fast pace and don’t have the time or energy to stop and clean up all the time. That’s where we come in.”

Clean Office Exec is licensed, bonded and insured. Stacy prides herself in running a professional, locally owned and operated cleaning service that offers office and residential cleaning. Although office cleaning is their primary focus, they also clean houses, schools, office buildings, medical facilities, restaurants, gyms, industrial, HOA’s, banks, construction companies, Chamber of Commerce offices, cabinet shops, home health care, fabricating and other commercial establishments. In addition, they provide services for move-in-moveout cleaning, construction clean-up, one-time cleaning, spring cleaning and deep cleaning.

Stacy has been helping others in this way for over twenty years, and a strong work ethic was instilled in her at a young age. She learned a lot from her stepmom and from seeing her stepfather, a captain in the Smyrna Police Department, work hard every day. “I started out very young, helping my family,” she says. “I didn’t choose this business; it sort of chose me. I started out on my own with a few loyal clients, and things grew from there. My clients

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“Happy spaces

and environments lead to

happy minds. Most people live at a fast pace and don’t have the time or energy to stop and clean up all the time. That’s where we come in.” Stacy Benson, owner

Stacy says, “Our mission is to continually provide excellent janitorial and overall cleaning service for businesses and homes. We believe each client is an individual and not a number. We always give our customers what

they really expect and deserve in commercial and residential cleaning services.” Searching for and finding a reliable, trustworthy, commercial cleaning and janitorial service that is exactly right can be challenging. “Clean Office Exec has always distinguished itself in that our clients’ vision is our vision,” Stacy says. “A clean and healthy working environment increases morale and productivity and presents an inviting atmosphere for employees, clients and customers. We provide a free analysis, so that we can custom-design a janitorial program that will work specifically for each client. We monitor all work by our highly trained staff, so that it reflects and exceeds not only our lofty standards, but the client’s as well. “We also take the security of your company very seriously,” Stacy adds. “Your building will be closed down properly according to your specifications. Only our most skilled

and experienced team members are assigned to security.” Stacy’s integrity extends into the community. “We proudly support our local Chambers of Commerce and our local communities,” she says. “As someone who was born and raised here, I am proud to be an involved and responsible citizen.” Stacy met her husband, Jamie, at age fourteen, when he worked for her stepdad. They have three children: Ansley (sixteen), Max (three) and

baby girl Sawyer (one). Jamie is a lieutenant in the Cobb County Police Department. “Jamie says that most people are good people,” Stacy says with a smile. “Despite what you see on the news, that’s what we find to be true. Jamie and I believe in leading by example. We want to create a bright future for our kids. We are teaching them that hard work won’t hurt them. We are teaching them to respect others. And when they see their dad working hard and their mom running Clean Office Exec, and through that business helping others make their lives better and take care of their own families, we are making them well-rounded, so they can grow up to be productive adults with integrity.” “We have been creating clean environments and positive attitudes daily for over 24 years in the north and northwest metro Atlanta area,” Stacy says. “When you hire Clean Office Exec, you are hiring someone you can trust.”

2288 Marietta Highway, Suite 160 Canton, Georgia 30114

678-856-3771 • CleanOfficeExec.com Facebook.com/CleanOfficeExec

Twitter.com/cleanofficeexec

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Move on When Ready? “Move on When Ready” (dual enrollment) legislation is supposed to be an incredible opportunity to allow kids from our area high schools to attend local college, university and tech school campuses to earn credit that will also apply to their graduation from high school.The law is very well intentioned, but has some serious kinks to work out. One of the issues is that the Board of Regents doesn’t give numeric grades.

So, a child who earns a 90 has the same grade as a child who earns a 100 average. In our county, an “A” from a college campus translates to a 95 on a student’s transcript, no matter how high or low the “A” is. While it’s nice for a student who earns a low “A,” it’s problematic for high achieving students who are used to scoring much higher. Many of our best and brightest students end up dropping several spaces in their class rank, which could hurt their admission chances at some colleges and universities. End Of Course Tests (EOCT) are tricky as well. Several high school classes require that a student pass the EOCT in order to earn credit for the course.The Board of Regents and the Department of Education don’t collaborate on these classes. So imagine the difficulty when a student enrolled full time on a college campus has to go back to the

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By Lisa-Marie Haygood high school to take a test over material that may not have been covered. Attempts were made in the Legislature this past year to correct some of these pitfalls by allowing kids to use their AP exam scores of a 3,4 or 5 (great scores) to exempt taking the EOCT again.The problem with this is that the EOCT is administered in April, and the AP exam scores come back in July, long after school ends. I believe our law makers will continue to work to find a solution.This concept is an amazing opportunity for students who want to stretch their learning.

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the president of Georgia PTA. 404-659-0214. LMHaygood@GeorgiaPTA.org

Quotables “When you love someone, you do not love them all the time in exactly the same way from moment to moment. And yet, this is exactly what most of us demand. We have too little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror at its ebb. We are afraid it will never return.” -Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“Show me a man who cannot bother to do little things, and I’ll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things.” -Lawrence Bell “We lose ourselves in the things we love, but we find ourselves there, too.” -Kristin Martz

“When you understand that what you’re telling is just a story, it isn’t happening anymore, when you realize the story you’re telling is just words, then you can just crumble it up and throw your past in the trashcan. Then we’ll figure out who you’re going to be…” -Chuck Palahniuk, Invisible Monsters

“One of the best opportunities you can be given in life is to be underestimated.” -Steve Jobs

“Do not leave yourself to find someone else.” -Rune Lazuli

“The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.” -Horace Walpole

“No one knows what’s next, but everybody does it.” -George Carlin

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“Oh yes the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki, The Lion King

“The world praises people who say ‘clever’ things—even if they embarrass and hurt others. But that is not the kind of person I want you to be. Your words are powerful tools. I want you to use them to build up those around you, not tear them down.” -Sarah Young, Jesus Calling for Kids

Every Christian who desires to grow in the Lord ought to have a quiet time. Some call it a devotional time; others call it Bible Study time. Regardless of what you call it, every Christian needs some time of the day when he/she gets alone with the Lord and works on their spiritual life. The quiet time with God every day is absolutely essential! It is essential to spiritual health. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Jesus was saying that our spiritual lives need to be nourished and fed, just exactly as our physical bodies need nourishment. It is essential to spiritual health to have a daily time of devotion. It is also essential to spiritual cleanliness

and cleanness. Our spiritual lives ought to be kept clean, just as our physical body has to be kept clean to avoid disease and impurities. Psalms 119:9 says, “How shall a young man cleanse his ways? By taking heed thereto according to thy Word.”

Staying Clean Before the Lord

The Word of God is a cleansing agent. As you and I walk in this world, we come in contact with defilement, and we get dirty. Sometimes, we allow things to get in our lives that ought not to be, so we need a daily cleansing — a time when we can cleanse our hearts in the Word of God. This is

By Pastor Norman R. Hunt

what the quiet time can do in your life. It can keep you clean and in the right relationship with God on a daily basis.

“The Word of God is a cleansing agent.”

Rev. Norman R. Hunt is the pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church. HopewellBaptist.com

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Behind the Curtain… By Julie Senger

As you and your fellow audience members come into the theatre, take your seats and quietly converse amongst yourselves while awaiting the heavy curtain to be drawn open, bringing you into another world for an hour or two, there is much that has gone on behind that temporary barrier that keeps what lies behind it a mystery until show time. Months of preparation and hard work have gone into the experience of which you’re about to become a part. Part of what separates live theatre from film is its inclusivity; rather than a series of moving images for you to view, you get to feel the intimacy of what it’s like to be in the room while the action takes place. There’s always the chance that something won’t go as planned, and actors must improvise on the spot in order to try to make the show seamless. Therefore, shows are like snowflakes or fingerprints — no two are exactly the same. This is the stuff you don’t get to see:

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Auditions Depending upon the production, auditions will either be open-call or by invitation only. Open-call means anyone can audition. Actors will bring a headshot with their résumé affixed to the back, which will contain their most recent, relevant, performance experience. Auditions usually consist of a prepared monologue and a cold-read. A monologue is a solo character performance that is acted out for the casting director. A cold-read is when the actor is given a portion of the script from the play for which he/she is auditioning that they must briefly review and perform. This portion of the script is not given to the actor until just before they must perform it. If auditioning for a musical, the actor will also be asked to prepare a portion of a song which best shows their vocal range, and they will be asked to either prepare some choreography, or to learn some basic dance steps so the casting director can see how well they move.

Rehearsal

Once a show is cast, scripts are disbursed, and rehearsals begin. This is where the cast and crew spend a couple of months learning lines and blocking, as well as music and choreography if the show is a musical. Blocking is stage movement; it’s every physical action that you see an actor make that isn’t dance choreography. Blocking is the element that most people don’t consider when they think of what goes in to a performance. Most people don’t think about the fact that almost every movement, gesture, step, entrance and exit an actor makes has been strictly dictated to them by the director. Blocking must be memorized so that actors are in the right place at the right time, or so that a certain

movement or gesture is made in order to convey specific meaning. Rehearsal is where all the elements must come together to create each scene. Actors will walk around with their scripts in hand for the first few weeks, penciling in notes next to their lines as to what they are supposed to physically be doing during a scene. A few weeks before the show, the actors are expected to be “off-book,” which means they must have all of their lines, blocking, music and choreography memorized so they can perform it without their script.

Hell Week

makeup and costume. It is usually 2-3 hours before show time. Once actors are in costume, they may check with stage hands to ensure that any item they need for the show is in its proper place. Stage hands work back stage to assist actors with costume changes and facilitate set changes. Actors will want to make sure any prop they will need is where it is supposed to be for a scene, and they will want to make sure that any quick costume changes they must make are set up on the appropriate side of the stage from which they’ll enter once they are changed.

Hell week is the week before opening night. It’s called hell week because it’s where all the pieces of a show must come together, and everyone is expected to stay until it does; in other words, the actors and crew may not leave the theatre until well after midnight each night. During this week, the stage set is assembled, and actors begin dress rehearsals so they can practice any costume changes and begin to feel the flow of the entire show. Up until this point, the show has most likely only been performed as separate scenes and acts.

When the director announces that the “house is open,” meaning the theatre is now open for audience members to begin taking their seats, then actors will often stretch, perform vocal exercises to warm up their voice and review their choreography, blocking and scripts backstage to make sure they are ready. When the director calls “places,” the actors will go to the position in which they open the play; the curtain will open, and the show will begin!

Hell week is also when the stage techs come in and begin setting the lighting, testing sound, and rehearsing the places in which they must use specific spotlights and supply sound effects (phones ringing, babies crying, music, etc.). These technicians must know the show almost as well as the actors in order to time everything perfectly.

After all that goes on behind the curtain, the actors will leave their fingerprint on the stage for the night. If successful, their audience will walk out of the theatre affected in some small or profound way.

On with the Show

For each performance, the director will give the actors a call time. Call time is when the actors are expected to arrive at the theatre in order to get into hair,

Take a Bow

In the theatre world, a show’s production is sometimes compared to an iceberg. Seven-eighths of an iceberg exist under the surface of the frigid water. This massive portion is equated to all of the show’s preparation that is never seen… in other words, you only see the tip of the iceberg.

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A College Student’s

Guide to Time Management By Rachel Sprouse

College can be a stressful time. For many, it may be the first time you have had to manage your own schedule. Keeping track of deadlines, assignments and appointments can seem daunting, but with these simple tips, you can learn how to better manage your time.

Writing out tasks and appointments at the start of each day, along with an estimated time it will take to complete each task, will help you prioritize assignments and keep track of appointments. For example, you might use a small whiteboard that hangs in your work/study area to write out daily tasks and meetings. Once a task is finished, Create a daily plan. erase it, and move on to the next one.

Learn to say “No.” This is something people of all ages struggle with. It is possible to take on too much work. Instead of overloading your day and adding unneeded stress, learn to say “no” without having to give an explanation. If you’re unable to complete a task or attend something, it’s ok to say “no.”

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Schedule time for yourself. This may sound silly, but how many times do we put ourselves first? Make sure to incorporate time for yourself when creating a schedule. Even if it’s just thirty minutes, make sure it’s your time. Set it aside as a breather or time to catch up. It will give you a reprieve from your daily tasks and allow you to take a moment before getting back to studying/working.

Minimize distractions. Many students study with music in the background, but listening to music on a smartphone or computer can lead to added distractions while studying. Install a toolbar in your web browser to block out distracting websites, and use airplane mode when using a smartphone for music. By minimizing distractions, you can focus on your work without feeling the need to check social media or email. With these tips in mind, go forth, and study hard.

eddings are one of life’s greatest events to share with family and friends. The wedding venue you choose is important because it sets the tone for the event, secures the wedding date and can influence vendor options. Pleasant Union Farm, located at 1994 Pleasant Union Road in Canton, is a unique venue that puts the focus on family, friends and community. Cale and Becky Kimmons started building the farm in 2013 — clearing land, planting hundreds of blueberry bushes and building the barn to serve as the event venue. In 2016, the venue opened to the public for weddings and events. The barn opens up to provide a true indoor/ outdoor space, but also provides heat and air conditioning, as needed, depending on the weather. Set back from the road and surrounded by gardens, manicured lawns and forests, the venue provides a private space that the wedding party can

make their own for the day. The barn is decorated inside with drapes, string lights and a crystal chandelier. The space outside the barn offers covered porches, seasonal garden color and a fire pit area. Wedding packages focus on community and local products. The menus are created from scratch, using local ingredients when in season, and offer plenty of options from which brides can choose. The cake designer creates custom designs for each bride and supports local farmers through egg and fruit purchases. The packages cover a variety of needs, from basic catering, cake and floral, to full packages including photography, engagement sessions, videography and more. All rentals include a “day of” coordinator to ensure the wedding day runs smoothly. An Open House is planned for Friday, September 9th, 6:00-8:00 pm. RSVP to PleasantUnionFarm@outlook.com to reserve your space. For more information, visit PleasantUnionFarm.com, or call 404-277-7685.

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Does Everyone Get Cataracts? By Cameron Johnson, M.D.

With cataract surgery being so common, you may have wondered, does everyone get cataracts? The answer is that everyone will get a cataract if they live long enough. That being said, people get cataracts at different ages. Cataracts are a clouding of the natural human lens, which is located behind the iris. As we get older, the lens continues to grow more layers and becomes stiffer and thicker. Eventually, the proteins that make up the lens start to clump together and make the lens cloudy. This is a slow process that happens over many years. Cataracts start in many people in their 50s. By age 65, over half of people will have a cataract, and by age 75, most people will have cataracts. There are many factors that determine

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at what age a person might start developing cataracts. Cataracts may occur earlier in life as a result of genetics, exposure to UV light, smoking and diabetes. Additionally, trauma to the eye, prolonged inflammation in the eye due to disease and prolonged use of steroids, either oral prednisone, or steroid eye drops may cause cataracts to develop. When you visit your eye doctor, she or he can perform a dilated exam to inspect your lenses and determine if you have a cataract. This can be determined by looking at the lens with special magnifying equipment to see if it is less clear than it should be, has started turning yellow or has opacities. Most patients that I see over age

50 have some yellow color to their lens that is not present in younger patients, and therefore, they could technically be diagnosed as having very early cataracts. However, these mild changes usually do not affect a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision and activities enough to warrant cataract surgery. Cataract surgery can be considered when the cataracts progress enough to be visually significant. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to predict how quickly cataracts will progress, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advisable to see your eye doctor regularly to monitor their progress.

Dr. Cameron Johnson is a boardcertified ophthalmologist with Milan Eye Center, located in Canton. 470326-0320. MilanEyeCenter.com

How Secure Is Your

Electronic Data? By Arlene Dickerson

Did you know that simply deleting a file or moving a file to “Trash” does not wipe it from your hard drive? Did you know that some emails contain attachments and downloads that can retrieve sensitive information from your computer or server? Or that network copiers and printers store sensitive data on their internal drives and are rarely audited during regular security scans? FACTA (The Fair & Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003) contains requirements and recommendations for credit card and debit transactions, Social Security numbers and other sensitive

information handled and stored by businesses. Among the steps your business can take to minimize security breaches are: Create a written policy regarding how to handle devices, including CDs, DVDs, USB drives, hard drives and more, on which consumer information is recorded and stored, how the information is used, who can access the information and how it is disposed of. Restrict access to sensitive data by making the information available only to those employees who need it to complete their work. Train employees on document use, securing passwords, etc., as well as on the proper protocols for handling emails, downloads and links to ensure FACTA compliance. Implement a two-step password system for every device involved

in handling sensitive data. Encrypt information, and add passwords to firewalls. Store credit/debit numbers and Social Security numbers, “hiding” all but a few digits, according to FACTA guidelines. Conduct security audits with a company familiar with your technology to ensure data is not lingering on hard drives, servers, in the Cloud, or within shared office equipment such as copiers and printers. Practicing welldefined, effective security protocols for consumer and employee financial and personal information builds credibility and trust and provides peace of mind for better business relationships.

Arlene Dickerson is the co-owner/director of Technical Resource Solutions. 678-9289491, TechnicalRS.com

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Things to Consider for the Fall Garden: Planting from seed — Successive plantings of quick growing plants like radish, spinach, beets, turnip and lettuce can be made up to about mid-September to mature before frosts come. These plants do best when planted directly from seed. Soil temperatures in the fall tend to be warmer than in spring, so it is recommended to plant seeds twice as deep as normal.

Fall is Prime Time for

Vegetable Gardening By Joshua Fuder

It is a common misconception that vegetable gardening ends with the summer. Many vegetables like spinach, collards, lettuce and turnips prefer to grow in cooler temperatures. Not only do many vegetables tolerate cool temperatures, they actually thrive and are sweeter and more flavorful when grown under cold conditions.

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Transplanting — Things like collards, kale, broccoli and cabbage can be transplanted in the garden up to the end of September. These plants are very tolerant of mild frosts and get sweeter in taste after a couple of freezing nights. Turn up the flavor — To add some flavor to the roots and greens coming out of the garden, think about planting herbs like parsley, dill, arugula and cilantro, all of which prefer to grow under cooler temperatures. The fall is also the time to plant garlic, onion sets and shallots for harvest next year. A Little Protection Goes a Long Way: If a frost is predicted, try covering plants with floating row cover, straw or old bed sheets. If just a few plants are left out of cover, you can protect them with things like milk jugs. Simple cold frames can also be constructed with old windows or plexiglass that will make growing things like lettuce possible all winter long.

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 770-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/ extension/cherokee

Book Review by farris yawn

The Slave Daughter Several years ago, local history instructor Bob Lipscomb was asked by his aunts to help do some research on the Sardis community of Cherokee County. While working on that research, he came across information about the early settlers and the slaves they brought with them. There was very little information about these people, but his aunt found a descendant of one of these slaves. She told him that family legend told that her ancestor was not just her ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property, but his daughter as well. Mr. Lipscomb could not find enough additional information to tell the true story of these early residents, but the story would not leave him. It eventually became the basis for his first novel, The Slave Daughter. The Slave Daughter follows the struggles and hardships the slaves endured through the turbulent period before the Civil War, as they worked to survive and build the Sardis Community and build their own community after the war. Many details of that era are lost to time, so the author was forced to fill in details from his imagination and his knowledge of the area. His hope is that this story will help give a better understanding and appreciation of the people who helped settle this area, and he hopes you will agree with his conclusion: The slaves of Sardis and Hickory Log persevered and endured until a better day only barely glimpsed. In doing so, they proved their own humanity and the potential, only barely realized, of all of us.

Farris Yawn is the owner of Yawns Publishing, 198 North Canton Street, Canton. 678-880-1922. YawnsBooks.com

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[ Serves 4 ] Ingredients 4, 12 oz. pork chops 1 cup rendered pork fat (from a pork belly), cooled to semi-solid, softened-butter consistency* 1 Vidalia onion, halved and sliced 1 tablespoon each oil and butter 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Preparation 1. In a sautĂŠ pan, melt your butter in your oil. 2. On medium heat, add onions, stirring occasionally until they become softened and turn a rich, caramel color. 3. Cool the onions in the fridge. 4. To make the lardo, use a whisk or a food processor to combine the rendered pork fat with the onions, adding your Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper until thoroughly combined. 5. Grill your pork chops to the desired temperature, and while they are still nice and hot, top with a generous amount of the lardo. *You should be able to acquire pork fat from either a grocery store or your local butcher. You may also substitute bacon fat. Butter can also be substituted for the pork fat to make a caramelized onion compound butter.

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Your Prostate Playbook Understanding Prostate Cancer By Dr. Scott Miller For American men, prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer, behind only lung cancer. It affects one in seven men. Fortunately, new research and improved treatment plans are yielding better outcomes and enabling patients to continue enjoying active, productive lives.

Know your risk.

No one knows exactly what causes prostate cancer, but research indicates several common factors that may increase a man’s risk of developing the disease: • Age — Odds of developing prostate cancer significantly increase if you are over the age of 50. • Family History — Having a father or brother with the disease more than doubles your risk. • Race — You are more likely to develop cancer if you’re African-American. • Diet — A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy may increase your risk.

Start the discussion.

Early detection is key in successfully treating many cancers. Beginning at age 50, men at average risk for developing prostate cancer should begin to discuss screening with their doctor. Men at high risk for developing prostate cancer should begin discussing screening even sooner, around 45. Typical prostate screenings include a rectal exam and a prostatespecific antigen (PSA) blood test. If a suspicious lump or area is found during the rectal exam, or if a PSA test reveals higherthan–normal results, a biopsy of the prostate may be performed to confirm if cancer is present.

Spot the signs.

In its earliest stages, prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. Any symptoms that appear should be reported to your doctor right away. Symptoms that may occur include: • Blood in urine or semen • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, ribs or upper thighs • Trouble having or keeping an erection • Pain or burning during urination • Weakness or numbness in the legs

Explore your options.

Every case of prostate cancer is different, and treatment options can vary. Several factors play a role in determining the most appropriate treatment — age and health, stage of the disease, and benefits and side effects of each treatment. In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly. So men diagnosed with the disease usually have time to consider all available treatment options, gather additional opinions and, with the help of their doctor, determine which option is best for them.

Dr. Scott D. Miller is medical director of the advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery program at Northside Hospital. Northside. com/prostate.

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Small retailers that try to maintain high employee-to-client ratios have been fighting hard to stay in business against online retailers like Amazon. Buying from a small business is nice because of the oneon-one service with an expert to help you with product selection, design choices, compatibility issues, etc. This sometimes comes at a higher cost for the products than Amazon, especially when compared to the grey market. Electronics manufacturers have two kinds of prices. There’s Manufacturers’ Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and Minimum Advertised Price (MAP). However, there’s also the “Grey Market Price” (GMP). Knowing which price to pay is extremely important. MSRP is best known as “full-pop.” Retailers usually charge this price when there are no holiday sales going on or if the product’s in high demand. MAP is the lowest price allowed by the manufacturer on a given product. This

Electronics Pricing Structure By Michael Buckner

MSRP MAP GMP

Retail Price or “full-pop” 10-15% Below MSRP NO Guarantee/Warranty

is usually 10-15% below MSRP and is typically charged during Labor Day sales, etc. Ultimately, you should always buy from an authorized retailer that will sell to you for the MAP price. This price ensures that you get a brand new product with a full warranty. If you can get it from a store at MAP, you should prioritize this over online purchasing because you can talk about the product

with an employee to make sure it’s right for you. More importantly, in the event of an issue, an in-store purchase allows you to go in and troubleshoot or make an exchange. Finally, GMP is pricing you may see on a few random, sometimes shady-looking websites or individual sellers’ sites within eBay and Amazon. Buyers beware! These sites are often on a “forbidden retailers” list on the manufacturer’s website. You’re not getting any real guarantees on brand new products, and/or they don’t have a warranty, even if the company says differently on their site. The retailers typically charging this price are doing so because they don’t Michael Buckner is owner of Audio fund the support Intersection, a provider network needed to of audio and video in provide service after Georgia. 770-479-1000. AudioIntersection.com the sale.

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Below is a preview of some of the artists you will see at this year’s Riverfest event.

Angela Kook, of Rusted

By Rachel Sprouse

Larry Meyer, of Old Federal Trading in Ball Ground, Georgia, creates handcrafted hunting knives. A former boat captain for a towboat company, which he refers to as the “Triple A of the water,” Meyer set up his shop when he and his wife, Peg, moved up to the Cherokee County area. Although Meyer creates custom sheaths out of vegetable tan leather for each knife, he does not take custom orders. “I don’t do that because what they’re thinking in their head may not be what’s in my head,” Meyer said. “I usually try and keep about 100 knives, and hopefully, one of those is what they want. I don’t really make any two knives alike.” Last year was Meyer’s first time attending Riverfest as a vendor. Meyer placed second in the Crafts category, which he said was a surprise. “[The judges] came by, there was two or three of them, and they were asking me all kinds of questions,” Meyer stated. “I was just talking to them like I do everybody else.” He’s excited to go back and doesn’t care if it rains all weekend; “[If there’s] mud, I don’t care,” Meyer said.

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Roots, said she’s always been reusing, recycling and “trying not to waste” things. “Where I started, I guess, it was just my own personal desire to not have as much trash,” Kook said. In the last two years, she has taken repurposed wood and made various items like handmade planters, picture frames, trays and shelves. As a regular at the Canton Farmer’s Market, she feels “blessed” at the amount of positive feedback she’s received. “I want to continue to grow and hopefully become something really prominent in the community,” Kook said. Last year was Kook’s first time as a vendor at Riverfest, where she learned to bring smaller items this year. “I don’t feel like Riverfest is the place where people are going to buy furniture,” she stated. “You’re not looking for a dresser when you go to Riverfest.” Kook is looking forward to the family-oriented event, “It’s a staple here,” she said. “Everybody has to go to Riverfest.”

Bettie Anderson, of Bettie’s Blueberry Jams and Jellies, sells more than 70 flavors of her products at farmers markets with her partner, Reggie Nash, who everyone calls the “Jelly Man.” “Everybody thinks we’re married, but we’re partners in both senses,” Anderson said. “It’s a partnership in that I make it, and if you come to the farmer’s market, you’re going to see him selling it along with me.” While there are some ingredients she can’t get locally, Anderson makes small batches of each flavor with ingredients from local farmers markets. She took third place in Gourmet Products at last year’s Riverfest, which she said surprised her. “I didn’t really come for the jury part of it,” she said. “I just came to get my name out there.” Anderson is excited to return to Riverfest this year. “Sometimes it rains us out, but it’s still fun to be out there with the people,” Anderson stated.

Stressed?

How About Your Hair? By Jyl Craven Have you ever thought your hair may be more stressed out than you? Is that even possible? Like many this summer, you’ve frequently bleached, highlighted, toned and colored your hair only to realize that it may be coming with a consequence. While repeated trips to the salon to keep your hair in vogue this summer may have been a priority, overstepping your hair health boundaries could have caused it unnecessary stress. Maintaining healthy, color-rich hair certainly doesn’t require expertise, but it does require knowing a few basics if you want to keep your strands stress-free this season and beyond. LIFESTYLE

Stress Factors

How often should you be coloring your hair? If your hair fiber is strong and your scalp is less sensitive, then coloring every 4-6 weeks is fine. Hair that is more fragile and prone to damage should wait a little longer between color services. When lightening your hair, be mindful, as this process is harsher than simply adding a deeper color. Lightening hair removes healthy fatty acids from the hair shaft, which can weaken the hair strand. If you are someone who likes to frequently change your hair color, consider a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color, as these color solutions place less stress on your hair.

Stress Signs

Permanent hair color works by swelling the hair cuticle, lifting the pigment and depositing new color. Coloring too frequently can

lead to damage by causing the hair to become more porous, thus losing valuable proteins. When this happens, strands become stressed and noticeably more brittle, dull and frizzy. These lackluster strands can also become harder to comb out, leaving you in a tangled conundrum. Additionally, if your hair is drying much faster than normal, it could be from its increased porosity, yet another unwanted signal of hair stress.

has the time for that? Since the one thing we’re all trying to capture is beauty, why not follow these few simple tips? If you do, you’re sure to have color-rich, stress-free hair, which is truly the best of both worlds. L

Stress Remedies

Hair is made of approximately 91% protein. Since coloring your hair can cause the loss of these valuable proteins, it’s important to replace them as quickly as possible. For the quickest, most concentrated boost of protein, consider a protein treatment from your local salon. Shampooing should only occur two or three times a week, followed by a deep conditioning mask at least once a week. A protein-rich masque is preferred versus a daily conditioner, since the masque will reach the cuticle of the hair shaft rather than resting on the outside of the hair. The masque will add back that much needed moisture and protein, leaving your hair feeling stronger and stress-free. Yes, you could regrow your hair back to its original condition, but who

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

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

Marijuana,

the Friendly Foe? By Lynnda Campbell, NP Last month, I discussed the prevalence of marijuana, the devastating effects it can have, particularly on the developing adolescent and young adult brain, and the challenge of talking to your teen due to the conflicting messages about its safety and its increasing acceptance in today’s society.

Marijuana is pretty sneaky. This is because unlike other “hardcore” drugs where the negative effects of use are difficult to hide, marijuana will whisper to you that it really isn’t affecting your life. It often keeps its true cost secret. While some of its costs are obvious, such as getting dismissed from a college sports team, arrest for possession or the job you didn’t get because you failed a drug test, other costs are not so obvious. Marijuana will not tell you about the job you didn’t get because your college GPA was lower than another applicant’s because you were smoking rather than studying. It will not tell you about the wonderful person you could’ve met if you’d hung out with a different group of friends. Marijuana won’t let you blame it for the apathy you exhibit over the direction of your life, thereby keeping you from making constructive changes. A friend recently told me his story of marijuana use. Although he graduated from college and graduate school and is

now successful, he still wonders about the “what ifs.” Some of his dreams included joining the FBI, which was precluded by his drug use. Interestingly, it was a few lines from the Pink Floyd song “Time” that had him reevaluate marijuana use. The song begins with a youth discussing flitting his day away and how long time seems. Then, “One day, you find ten years have got behind you/ No one told you when to run/ You missed the starting gun.” So please talk to your teen so he doesn’t miss hearing “the starting gun” of the wonderful opportunities that await him. When considering the facts of the physiological and social damages marijuana can cause, labeling it the “friendly” drug is far from accurate.

Lynnda Campbell is a nurse practitioner with DV Pediatrics. 770-704-0057. DVPediatrics.com

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of Canton Faces Faces By Micah Fowler

Most of us are left completely perplexed by computers. Life is just easier with a good IT guy on your side. Downtown Canton has the ideal IT help for business owners. Technical Resource Solutions (TRS) provides small to midsized businesses with IT and web services, utilizing both technology and business sense. Owners Scott Lavelle and Arlene Dickerson-Lavelle opened TRS in 2003 with the intent to help underserved, small businesses with IT services and website design and development. Despite the competition in their field, they decided to open their business & Scott Lavelle in downtown onArlene Dickers because they knew Lavelle they had something that set them apart: professional and corporate experience, coupled with an understanding, personal touch. Arlene said, “Being able to provide services to these businesses allows us to break down the barriers that we faced in the corporate environment that often put politics and profits ahead of the customer service that we wanted to provide.” Before TRS, Arlene worked as a corporate liaison between the business lines and the IT department, starting in accounting and finance, which led to senior project management roles. Scott has worked in areas from application development, to corporate training, to end-user support. Scott and Arlene have a drive to help. In 50

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addition to aiding small businesses, Scott — a hobby musician — serves as a Board Member for the Main Street Program, and Arlene volunteers her time with dog rescue groups. Arlene stated, “We’ve fostered over 25 dogs in the past 2.5 years or so, many of which were destined for euthanasia.” Why did they pick Canton for their small business? “Canton is a great mix of rural and professional, with a lot of growth potential, and should be an interesting city to watch, and it’s one to which we want to contribute,” said Arlene.

Fall Fun

With Main Street! First Friday 9/2 CHS Alumni Night 10/7 Oktoberfest/ Dancing in the Streets

Farmers Market

Saturdays in September 9 am-1 pm

one income. Tracey said, “I began cleaning houses in order to have a little grocery money. I really began with one customer, a bucket and a vacuum in the back of my car.” Later, her daughter was born with mild cerebral palsy, and suddenly, flexibility became very important. Business ownership allowed for that. Today, Tracey has built a successful, respected Canton business. Over on Waleska Tracey Satter field Street sits the headquarters for Live Clean, Inc. Owner Tracey Satterfield is a hardworking mother of three grown children. She finds her center and balance in staying fit and active. She’s most happy when she’s up and moving, especially when that involves playing with her beautiful grandchildren! Born and raised in Cherokee County, after the birth of her first son, Tracey originally opened her business out of necessity. Desiring to stay home with her baby, she realized the struggle to survive on

Live Clean only provides services for families and businesses in Cherokee County, and they have nine cleaning crews providing great work day and night. Keep an eye out for their Live Clean Kias around town; you can’t miss them!

Micah Fowler is Canton’s Main Street director, 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton. 770-704-1548. Micah.Fowler@ Canton-Georgia.com

Infant Communication:

mama

Talking and Feeling By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S. Words do more than communicate thoughts and facts. They allow us to organize and categorize those thoughts and facts — just as numbering systems allow us to do arithmetic after we’ve run out of fingers and toes to count on, or file names let us access previous work on a particular topic. Children who are only weeks old begin to babble and coo, then move to squeals and squeaks, then repetitive tongue and lip movements, all in a fairly predictable sequence. As children age, they spend a fair amount of time experimenting and playing with sounds. Children play with giggles, cooing, wailing, grunting, moaning and bubble

blowing on their way to their first word, just as they play with their feet or body parts on their way to sitting up, crawling and walking. The pleasure gained in the mastery of sounds helps drive development forward. Be honest. You know those sounds are fun to make because you mimic them just to see that little face light up. While infants begin uttering sounds for the sheer delight of doing so, they won’t attach meaning to those sounds until around twelve months of age. Once this happens, children discover the power of words to cause

action; saying “mama” is likely to bring mom to the scene. Children also discover that words can call forth mental images of the people or things the words mean; saying or thinking “mama” will bring up a mental picture of mom. Such images can be very comforting to a child when mom isn’t physically present, such as at bedtime. Most parents are familiar with children’s nighttime chants, a mix of words and syllables that call up images of the child’s world that are temporarily out of sight when we turn off the lights. While the uttered name may not magically or instantly produce mom, the mental image or picture attached to the name provides important comfort until she actually appears.

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

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Why Dehumidify? By Robbie Matiak

Thanks to living in Georgia, we’re familiar with that muggy, sticky feeling of summer air in the south. Experts agree that homes should have a humidity level of 40-60%. Newer constructed homes are built tightly, which is great for insulation value and energy efficiency, but that same insulation prevents the exchange of stale air for fresh outdoor air, trapping moisture from showers and baths, cooking and more. Also, outside air can cause issues in older homes when air seeps through cracks in electrical outlets, floors and around doors and windows. Excessive humidity can make you feel miserable in the one place that should offer the ultimate in comfort, your home. Summer energy consumption and costs can increase dramatically as the thermostat is adjusted to a lower and lower temperature to help off-set that muggy feeling, resulting in your home’s HVAC system running almost non-stop. There are also health concerns with excessive humidity. When humidity exceeds the recommended level, the air in your home becomes a breeding ground for insects, dust mites, mold and mildew. This can destroy furniture, create an unpleasant aroma, and potentially trigger breathing issues for those with compromised immune systems, allergies or asthma. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “As many as 10% of the general population and

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90% of people with allergic asthma are sensitive to dust mites.” Modern HVAC systems offer a level of dehumidification, but for those experiencing an excessive moisture problem, the Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification System is a wholehouse solution. While there are portable, single-room dehumidifiers available on the market today, they require daily emptying of the collection

receptacle to prevent overflow. They also use more energy to operate and only affect the room in which they are running. The Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems are integrated directly into your home’s HVAC system(s), eliminating the need for manual emptying of the water collected, offering relief throughout the home, with an increased capacity for dehumidification.

Honeywell TrueDRY™ Dehumidification Systems also provide energy savings. ENERGY STAR® estimates that homeowners can save up to 6% on cooling costs for every degree the thermostat is turned up. Since air with less humidity feels cooler, TrueDRY™ helps reduce energy costs because you can turn your thermostat up, and run the HVAC system less often. In addition, TrueDRY™ uses significantly less energy than your HVAC system. Enabling Honeywell’s RedLINK™ Wireless Technology and their fullsuite of wireless-enabled comfort systems will provide an even greater efficiency by putting the control of your home environment in the palm of your hand, even when you are away, via the web portal or the mobile app. You’ll be able to remain connected to your home from anywhere in the world. As your system operates, every RedLINK™-enabled component is communicating, allowing your system to learn as it operates, optimizing itself for comfort and efficiency based on your family’s needs.

Robbie Matiak is a project coordinator at R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 770-917-1795. RandDMechanical.net

Protecting Seniors from Falls in the Home By Tim Morris introduce ourselves to this couple.

LIFESTYLE Recently, I received a call from our local fire department. The officer was seeking advice on how to handle a situation in which his team was being called out every week to the same elderly couple’s home. This situation was a deep concern for his station, and they were very worried about the couple’s condition. Senior Services frequently gets calls from neighbors who worry about an elderly person living near them. Most of the time, Adult Protective Services is contacted to send an investigator out to evaluate the situation. In this particular situation, I and some of my staff members went out to meet and

When we arrived, the couple was very nice to allow us in their home. We wanted to evaluate their situation and see if we could offer assistance. We discovered the female had fallen several times. The home was cluttered with numerous obstacles. The couple was not willing to part with anything, and there was no storage space in the home. However, I’d seen worse and felt their situation was manageable. They had to be willing to let others help them. We got them started with an assessment to try and get them homemaker help. We can help others seniors by looking throughout their homes for things that may cause them to fall. Rugs that are placed over carpet cause a lot of falls. It’s best not to put rugs down.

Furniture sticking out in pathways also causes falls. Installing grab bars in bathrooms would prevent many falls. In this case, a hand bar leading down a step or two to the laundry room would help prevent this lady from falling. In my experience, pets are the number one cause of senior falls. These are just some of the simple steps people can take to make the homes of their senior neighbors and loved ones more safe. If you have questions or need advice, please feel free to contact Cherokee Senior Services. L

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

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Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings and Celebrations

Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1970 Eagle Drive Woodstock 678-932-2097 Funeral Homes

Walmart Stores, Inc. #5275 Training Academy 6435 Bells Ferry Road Woodstock 770-926-2606 Retail Department Stores

Canton Family Life | SEPTEMBER 2016

River Green Academy

Twin Creeks Softball Complex

200 River Green Avenue Canton 770-479-6729 Child Care Centers

JJ Biello Park 250 Brooke Boulevard Woodstock 770-924-7768 Government — County

Sunnyside Church of God

CrossFit Canton

2510 E. Cherokee Drive Woodstock 770-693-1018 Churches

857 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite A Canton 770-633-4111 Health & Fitness

SERVPRO of Cherokee County Fire & Water — Cleanup & Restoration

Vincent Financial Group

1360 Union Hill Road, Suite 11A Alpharetta 770-924-3848 Fire & Water Damage Restoration

14205 Highway 92, Suite 104 Woodstock 770-485-1876 Financial Services, Financial & Estate Planning, Investment Advisors, Wealth Management

Stressed-Out

Trees By Mark Russell

City life can be stressful, and this goes for trees, too! Here are the top two reasons trees get stressed by the urban environment: 1. Grading and soil disturbance — The first question to consider when a tree is showing signs of stress is, “Has there been any grading or soil disturbance within the last three-to-five years?” Tree roots seeking water grow slower than diesel-powered equipment moves dirt (changing the water flow pattern). When re-graded or dirt is added on a tree’s root system, the tree is forced to obtain its growth resources from leaf production to

regrow its roots back to the surface, and the signs of stress usually don’t appear until year 2 or 3. Solution: Call a Certified Arborist before you grade! If you’re planning to install any features such as driveways, retention walls or any sort of soil disturbance/regrading, hire a consulting arborist to help establish a root protection zone. Your trees will thank you for it for years to come. 2. No mulch — In the urban environment, we constantly use blowers and rakes to remove leaves that, in the natural forest environment, not only supply the tree with nutrients but also help to maintain moisture during the hot, dry months of summer. This lack of organic material on top of their feeding root system adds stress to trees. Can you imagine trying to drink from a cup of dry dirt?

Solution: Apply 3-4 inches of mulch, 4-6 feet out from the base of the tree’s trunk. This will hold in moisture, and as it breaks down, it will give the tree plenty of nutrients on which to feed. You can request a load of free wood chips at AboutTrees.com.

Mark Russell is an I.S.A. Certified Arborist and the owner of 770-Arborist Tree Health Care in Canton. 770-272-6747. 770Arborist.com

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Atlanta Hand Specialist 3 Audio Intersection 45 BridgeMill Dentistry 33 Budget Blinds 39 Burns Law Group 36 Canton Arts Academy 21 Canton Wellness Center 55 The Carpenter’s Shop 17 Christian Preschool Cherokee Theatre Company 56 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 13 Sports Medicine Clean Office Exec, LLC Cover, 28 & 29 Dance Imagination 16 Dentistry at Hickory Flat 53 Downtown Kitchen 42 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. 27 DV Pediatrics 30 Fun Finds & Designs 11 The Goddard School 25 Goin’ Coastal 21 Good Hands Appliance Repair 16 H&H Electric & Security, LLC 19 Healing Hands Youth Ranch 39 Jyl Craven Hair Design Inside Back Landscape Matters 21 Masterpiece Framer 23 Milan Eye Center Inside Front Next Step Ministries 20 North Georgia OB/GYN Specialists 9 North Georgia Tax Solutions 43 Northside Cherokee Orthopedics 5 & Sports Medicine Northside Hospital-Cherokee 1 Owl-o-ween 7 Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 27 Patriot’s Day Ceremony 15 Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics 43 and Dentistry at Canton Pharmoore & Woodstock 51 Health Mart Pharmacy Plastic Surgery Center of the South 32 Pleasant Union Farm 37 R & D Mechanical Services, Inc. 31 Rejoice Maids 43 Riverfest 47 Studio 5 Salon 5 Stork Watch 11 Technical Resource Solutions 49 Towne Lake Primary Care 10 Wellstar Family Medicine 41 WellStar Health Systems Back Cover Woodall Family Realty 40 56

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