WGL January-February 2014

West Georgia

Li V ing Jan./Feb. 2014

Life . Art . Music . People

Knight moves Area group takes term ‘Going Medieval’ to a level Page 42 all its own.

Football fare Delicious twists and simple tips for Super Bowl treats! Page 48

Romantically challenged? See ideas that will impress your loved one. Page 8 A complete guide to parks designed for our four-legged friends. Page 10

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West Georgia

Li V ing Volume 4 . Issue 1 Jan./Feb. 2014 Publisher Marvin Enderle publisher@times-georgian.com

Editor Mitch Sneed msneed@douglascountysentinel.com

Advertising Melissa Wilson melissa@times-georgian.com

Photographer Ricky Stilley ricky@westgaliving.com

Contributors Christine Keefe Joe Garrett Ken Denney T.L. Gray Winston Jones Rob Duve Marilyn Van Pelt

From the Editor If the mission of West Georgia Living is to show a sampling of the things that makes our region so special – it’s a mission accomplished with this issue.

We feel like we have a little something for everyone, including stories of activities and places that you may not have known were part of the place we call home. Like our cover story by writer Ken Denney on the Society for Creative Anachronism where members harken back to Medieval times, dressing up “in armor to take to the fields with swords, ballistae and crossbows” as they live out an era for which we have a deep fascination. Ken’s story captures the mentality and thoughts of the group and Ricky Stilley again captured some incredible images that make you feel like part of the period.

As many of you know, Times-Georgian reporter Winston Jones is a dog lover. So who better to take a look at our area’s special places for man’s best friend? Winston takes us on a tour of dog parks across three counties, looking at what each facility offers. We take a tour of a special “ice block” home in Tallapoosa in our “Homes of Distinction” feature.

As February nears, love is in the air. So on

page 8, we bring to you 10 unique ways to show your special someone how you feel.

But there is more – from incredible food, to caring for a plant that many of us have at home and a review of a great book by a local writer. I may be a bit partial, but I think you will find something that you will like in the following pages.

I’m rambling and we haven’t been properly introduced. I’m Mitch Sneed and I was recently named editor of West Georgia Living. I’m excited to be a part of the West Georgia Living team. I feel fortunate to have been named editor, especially considering the incredible product that Amy Lavender-Buice and the entire team have established. It’s like someone else built this incredible house, and now I get to move in and live there. I promise to keep the grass cut and it looking good.

Please let me know how you think we are doing along the way and tell us what you would like to see. Some of our best stories come from our readers. So if you have a story idea let us know. My email is msneed@ douglascountysentinel.com.

Sincerely, Mitch Sneed

To advertise in West Georgia Living, call Melissa Wilson at 770-834-6631.

West Georgia Living is a publication of the Times-Georgian.

West Georgia Living is published bi-monthly.

Submissions, photography and ideas may be submitted toMitch SNeed c/o The Times-Georgian, 901 Hays Mill Rd., Carrollton, GA 30117.

Submissions will not be returned unless requested and accompanied with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

West Georgia Living reserves the right to edit any submission.

Direct mail subscriptions to West Georgia Living are available for $24 a year.

Copyright 2013 by the Times-Georgian

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West Georgia Living

Nov./Dec. 2014

Marvin Enderle is Publisher of West Georgia Living, the Times-Georgian and the Douglas County Sentinel.

Melissa Wilson is the Advertising Director for West Georgia Living and the Times-Georgian.

Ricky Stilley is the Photographer for West Georgia Living and IT Director for the Times-Georgian.

CONGRATULATIONS to the 5,500 Southwire business people who earned our company the honor of

GEORGIA MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR. Together, we deliver power.

Contents

8

10

16

22

34

42

Features

Photos and Cover Art by Ricky Stilley.

On the Cover: Society for Creative Anachronism go back in time, taking medieval fantasy to the next level.

10 A Dog’s World: Man’s best friends has no

trouble finding recreation space in West Georgia and Winston Jones takes us on a tour.

22 ‘Ice Block’ House: In our homes feature we

34 Method Man: Lithia Springs native Walton

42 Going Medieval!:

The Society for Creative

Anachronism are re-enactors of a magical era from the past.

take a look at a unique home in Tallapoosa that has beauty inside and out.

Goggins is one of Hollywood’s top actors, but read what he says is his greatest role.

Departments Life

Love in the Air

8

Art

6

Artist’s Corner Review by T.L. Gray

West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2013

30 64

People

Take 5: Andy Denney

Garden

Feature Plant: Christmas Cactus 16

Food

Football fare: Tasty treats

56

48

Come By and Visit Us!

The Holidays are behind us, winter is still upon us, and we need to get ready to work in our yards and gardens.

It’s time to get busy planning and preparing, for spring will be upon us before we know it! If you vegetable garden, flower garden, or just love a beautiful yard, it starts with good soil. The #1 secret to growing is PH level and proper nutrients.

• Have your soil tested to determine what’s needed, lime, fertilizer or specific nutrients, Test your soil at least once a year, ideally in the fall or at least two months before any planting.

• Observe the location conditions, morning or afternoon sun, full sun, partial shade, ease of watering, well drained but not too dry, free of rocks, and sunny. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of growing fresh vegetables in your own backyard.

• The fun part is deciding what vegetables you would like to grow and eat! Use the vegetable chart below to help decide type, when, and how to plant.

Keep this chart for future reference

Vegetable type Asparagus Beans, Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Lima Beets Broccoli Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrots Cauliflower Collard Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Kale Lettuce Mustard Okra Onions Peas, Garden Peas, Southern Peppers Potatoes, Irish Potatoes, Sweet Pot Radishes Rad Spinach Spi Squash (Bush) Squ Squash (Winter) Squ Tomatoes Tom Turnip Tur Watermelons Wat

When to plant vegetable seed

Distance in ft. between rows (garden tractor cultivation)

Distance in ft. between rows (hand cultivation)

Distance in inches between plants or hills in row

January 15 to March 15 4-5 3-4 April 1 to May 1 3 2 April 1 to May 1 4 4 April 1 to June 1 3-3 1/2 2-2 1/2 February 15 to April 1 2 1/2 -3 1-2 February 15 to March 15 2 1/2-3 2-3 January 15 to March 15 3 2-2 1/2 March 25 - April 20 5 3-4 January 15 - March 20 2 1/2 -3 1-2 March 1 to April 1 3 2 - 2 1/2 February 1 to March 10 3 2-3 March 12 - June 1 3 2-3 April 1 to May 15 5 3-4 April 1 to May 15 3 2-3 February 1 to March 10 3 1 1/2 -2 January 15 to March 1 2-3 1 1/2 January 15 to April 1 2-3 1-2 April 1 to June 1 3 2-3 January 1 to March 15 2-3 1-2 January 15 to February 15 3 2-3 April 1 to August 1 3 2-3 April 1 to June 1 3 2-3 January 1 to March 1 3 2 1/2 -3 April 15 to June 15 3 2 1/2 -3 January 15 to April 1 2-3 1-1 1/2 January 15 to March 15 2-3 1 1/2 -2 April 1 to May 15 5 3-5 April 1 to August 1 5 3-5 March 25 to May 1 3-5 2 1/2 -3 January 15 to April 1 2 1/2 - 3 1 1/2 - 2 March 20 to May 1 6 4-5 Note: Planting Dates in this chart are appropriate for MIDDLE Georgia.

18 3-6 36-48 12-18 4-6 15-18 18 36-48 3-4 18 18-24 8-9 36-48 24 8-10 8-10 4-6 18-24 3-4 1-3 1-3 18 12 12 2-3 4-8 36-60 36-60 30-36 4-6 36-72

Southern Home & R Ranch Garden Center is getting ready for a wonderful year of gardening and growing, in addition we are now w your local are and pasture Southern States brand independent dealer. We carry a wide selection of the best lawn and garden products along with pond care products, from names you know and trust. Come by and visit, take a look around, and talk with our knowledgeable staff. Cathy, Lyle, Janet, Angelia, and our newest member, Carl Brack (Known by many!). They will be happy to help you with your gardening, pasture, or farming needs.

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Love in the Air Ten tips for a happy Valentine’s Day

Greg Hendrix, owner of Mountain Oak Florist

M

emorable moment: What to really impress your special someone. How about thinking back to your first date or a special date from early on. Follow every detail. That is usually the time when you tried so hard to be romatic. By re-creating that date, you may rekindle that spark.

Blooming brilliance: Flowers are always a standard on Valentine’s Day, but let’s face it red roses are way over done.

The folks at Mountain Oak Florist say think different colors, because they offer many varieties of rose hues. But more than that, what flower is you love’s favorite? Do some research and make that the gift this year.

The gift of time: We often forget that the most precious gift is time shared doing something that you and your loved one enjoy. Think ahead and make time, even if you have to take a vacation day to plan something special. From a day spent at the mall, to finally making time for a long winter walk at Tanner or Sweetwater Creek State Park. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time.

Get creative when it comes to dinner. You really don’t have to spend $85 to $250 on a romantic dinner at a restaurant. Why not have a nice candlelit dinner at home?

Write a letter, don’t buy a card: Why depend on someone else paid by Hallmark to tell your special someone how you feel? You can do it much better. It doesn’t have to rhyme, it just has to come from the heart.

Silence says so much: Is your relationship under stress? How about sweet silence to set the tone? both been 8

West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

stressed out lately: You could wander through libraries and bookstores with coffee shops that encourage browsing. Rediscover passages you love from your favorite books, and enjoy the quiet.

Steer clear of the obvious: Flowers and jewelry are sweet, but been there and done that. How about making a cake, cookies or gift certificates for your services. The gift certificate idea might be just the ticket for you if you’re short on cash but high on love this Valentine’s Day. You could offer to run errands for your loved one, make a nice dinner, clean the house, repair the car or give a massage.

Get a room: Changing up your surroundings can give an automatic boost to your love life. A hotel room eases the pressures and habits of home life, allowing you and your special one a place to run wild. We often get so comfortable at home, we resort to that tired behavior. The key is planning.

Special place, special person means a special time.

Dress for success: No matter is you are going out on the town or simply having a quiet dinner at home – take a page from Ricky and Lucy and dress for dinner. You will find that being dressed to kill will make for a killer time with your loved one this Valentine’s Day.

Picture perfect: Want to give a great gift that will really matter and make them say, “awwwww?” Look through your photo collection and frame one that captures a special moment the two of you shared, or choose several images to create a photo montage or a slideshow of your relationship highlights. It WGL can’t miss.

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SHANNON MIKECHEATWOOD BARNES MIKE TIM BARNES FORDHAM TIMSID FORDHAM HALL

MIKE CONNER ZACH ROBINSON TODD RUPP

SID LEE

MARK FOSTER GREG WALKER

GONE TO THE DOGS

West Georgia boasts several free, off-leash dog parks, with large fenced-in spaces to give man’s best friend a place to play

M

any of us recall days past of a more rural society, with wide open country fields where dogs could run free and leash laws had yet to be invented. Those days are long gone.

Today, most pet owners live in apartments or homes with small yards and little room for dogs to stretch their legs. Most dogs are no longer outdoor animals, but indoor companions that still need some outdoor running and exercise. Free off-leash dog parks, with large fenced-in spaces, have sprung up in many communities to fill this need.

My experience with dog parks began about five years ago, when I would take my newly-adopted rescue dog, Joy, for an occasional visit to a park in Cobb County. I soon realized that dog parks are as much about socialization of human owners as it is about giving dogs a place to exercise.

As dog parks were built closer to my home, the visits with my two dogs, Joy and Kali, went from weekly r 10

West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

Britt and Casey Fike take theit pit bull terrier Ragan for a walk at Longview Park on a late fall day.

Life Story by WInston Jones Photos by Ricky Stilley

Anette Trotter and her Boston Terriers Rocky and Rascal pose at Longview Park.

to daily. Now I’m not sure how I ever lived without a dog park. It’s become the center of both mine and my dogs’ lives.

First of all, I meet a lot of wonderful people, from all walks of life, that I wouldn’t otherwise know.

On any given day, the park may have college students, who live in student housing that these days have more liberal pet policies. There’s also the dog owners who have just gotten off their jobs and are bringing out their caged canines to work off a

little energy. Then there’s the senior citizens whose dogs offer them a chance to get outside and meet new people.

The dogs are of all breeds and many mixtures, as the trend to adopt Jan./Feb. 2014

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West Georgia Living

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George Turner takes hits pitbull Roxy for a stroll along one of many trails in Longview Park.

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Jan./Feb. 2014

shelter dogs rather than kennel animals, seems to be growing. Dog parks usually have two separately fenced sections, one limited to dogs under 30 pounds and the other side for the bigger dogs. Both sections have benches for people to sit and water fountains with spouts for both human and canine species. The parks also have dispensers with free bags to clean up after your pet.

There’s always something to talk about with other park visitors because we all have one thing in common -- a love of dogs. People who just own dogs are not the ones who bring their dogs to the park.

A dog park is a place to relax and enjoy the moment. There’s no screaming machines like in an amusement park, no gridlocked traffic jams and no hassles of work. Dogs live entirely in the present and a dog park is a place where their owners can “be here now” with them.

Some pet owners like to throw balls and sticks for their dogs to fetch and bring back. Some dogs like to race around the perimeter of the lot, trying to outrun their canine counterparts. Some wrestle and play with other dogs. Some like to dig holes, which their owners, by park rules, are supposed to fill back up.

legged pooches.

My Joy and Kali love to chase squirrels. Our park has many of those furry, nut-chewing visitors so my dogs get a good workout running across the park, circling the trees and barking. The squirrels always win the chase over my short-

Dog parks are self-policing and the atmosphere and attractiveness of the park depends upon the dog owners maintaining control of their pets and picking up after them.

Dogs are a lot like people. They all have different personalities, even those of the same breed. Often personalities don’t mix and dogs don’t get along with other dogs. That’s when their human owners have to intervene to keep fights from starting. Sometimes there’s no other choice but a quick exit from the park.

Most dog parks have similar rules. Some animals are not welcome in the park, including vicious, aggressive dogs, sick dogs, dogs in heat and puppies under six months old.

Jan./Feb. 2014

West Georgia Living

13

Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies and have the tags displayed on their collars. I also recommend dogs have shots to protect them from diseases they might catch from close proximity to other dogs, such as bordetella, or kennel cough.

parks. Most parks have nearby picnic tables for that purpose. I have no sympathy for someone foolish enough to bring a fast food bag into a dog park and then complain when a dog begs for food or grabs the bag and tears into it.

Likewise, people should know better than to wear clothes to a dog park that they don’t want dirtied. Dogs and paws equal dirt. Prepare for it.

Parents shouldn’t take toddlers and small children inside a dog park and they shouldn’t allow their kids to run after and chase the dogs. This is a rule I’ve seen broken many times and I fear for little children’s safety.

Dog parks are good for dogs, good for people and No matter how tame, dogs have animal instincts that tell good for the community. them to chase moving creatures, knock them down and A warm, spring morning, with birds chirping and possibly bite them. There’s other nearby parks made squirrels running, a slight breeze blowing, and me playjust for children. ing with Joy and Kali as they run through the grass. r People are not supposed to take food into the dog That’s a dog park. That’s paradise.

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West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

DOG PARKS IN CARROLL AND DOUGLAS COUNTIES Longview Dog Park

Lithia Springs/Woodrow Wilson Park

711 Longview Street

Mt. Vernon Road

(Near intersection with Hay’s Mill Road)

Lithia Springs, GA

Carrollton, GA

2171 Mack Road Douglasville, GA

About one acre

About one acre

Single fenced area, not segregated by dog size

Separate fenced areas for small, large dogs

Drinking fountains for dogs, people

Drinking fountains for dogs, people

Benches

Cleanup bag dispensers w/ bags

Deer Lick Dog Park

About 1.5 acres Separate fenced areas for small, large dogs Drinking fountains for dogs, people Cleanup bag dispensers/ user donated bags Benches

Benches Nearby picnic tables Dog play equipment

WGL

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Garden Story and photo by Marilyn Van Pelt

Christmas Cactus:

A great gift for the ineprt gardener

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West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

Helpful hints for a holiday horticulture standard:

I

have the uncanny ability to keep houseplants alive for years. There are a lot of us out there. I am not afraid of them. I don’t talk to them and I don’t mist them. I am the boss. Sometimes, I euthanize plants in the compost pile, but they rarely die on my watch.

I have plants and clones of plants my son gave me in a dish garden 20 years ago. I have a 42-year-old Christmas cactus that blooms every year. It is so big that I left it in my last house and the new owner lets me visit it sometimes.

You may have gotten one this year yourself. Rest assured, those plants that are standards during that season are often among the strongest going. Care is the key.

What would the holidays be without all the plants that are associated with the season? Poinsettias, amarylis, Christmas cactus, Christmas trees, holly, mistletoe, garlands of evergreens, berries, pine cones, magnolia leaves and other festive decorations make our homes beautiful and fragrant. Most of the greenery is tossed after the holidays, but what about the potted plants? What do you do if you are left with the responsibility of caring for a live plant? What if you have a black thumb and you have been known to kill plastic flowers?

I have a partial laissez-faire attitude concerning the care of live plants. I choose easy plants that don’t need special treatment. In addition, I look at the requirements of a plant when I get it. I water about once a week if necessary. My plants get enough light but low light plants do especially well inside.

My flower pots have drainage and I use good potting soil. I fertilize them occasionally. If a flowering plant is healthy and doesn’t have a bloom, I may put a fake silk flower in the pot until it does bloom. Those silk flowers sure do look real.

Christmas cacti are hardy specimens that can live longer than the owner. I have read on the internet that never lies that some are documented to be over a century old. Many people keep these plants for decades because they are easy and don’t require special care. Once the days shorten (usually in October) some recommend no watering at all until November.

Then it is recommended to withhold water again once bloom-

ing is over for a bit longer than a month this time.

If signs of new growth appear, it’s time to start watering again. You can remember this--or not. I just water mine once a week.

This is also a good time to repot the plant and put it in some new, clean, well draining soil. Repotting is recommended every few years but I don’t repot them often. The last time I repotted my 42-year-old plant, I should have hired some circus acrobats. I was on a ladder in the driveway with a hammer and a trowel. I knew it was the last time I would be able to do it alone.

Pruning is recommended to make Christmas cacti bushier so I occasionally inadvertently prune my plants by moving, bumping or repotting them. I just use the accidental amputations to start new plants by putting 1-4 cladodes (segments) in a cool dry place for 2-3 days and then I plant them in a well draining potting mix until new growth starts, watering sparingly until roots form. I now have too many Christmas cacti.

Even though light manipulation is recommended to make sure your Christmas cactus blooms at Christmas, I have always put my plants in good indirect light inside the house (year round) and they seem to bloom beautifully, on time for the season. An ideal location is a bright, cool room that you don’t use during the evening so that your cactus will be left in darkness and enjoy cooler temps. This difference in daytime and nighttime temps will help to initiate buds.

In the interest of preventing confusion, I should mention that there are Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter cacti. The main difference is the time of bloom. Regardless of which type of cactus you have, avoid high temperatures and heat fluctuations when the plant is flowering.

If you have a toddler or a cat, file this article away for a time when you can have houseplants again. In the meantime, remember to keep your silk and plastic plants dusted. WGL Jan./Feb. 2014

West Georgia Living

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IT’S ONE OF THE CORNERSTONES OF THE GO WEST PHILOSOPHY. The UWG family is committed to being a caring, active par t of the local community—and the global one.

For some, that means ser ving in soup kitchens, taking foreign aid trips to struggling communities around the world, or par ticipating in benefit runs or events. For others, it means writing letters for those who can’t do it themselves, tending to an abandoned or abused animal, or teaching a young mother to read.

Our sponsored organizations and depar tments collect toys for children, socks for the elderly, and canned goods for those in need. Our Ser ve West programs include on- and off-campus clean-up initiatives, community education projects, and much more.

Ever y day, our faculty, staff, students, and alumni prove that amazing things happen when you Go West and Give Back. gowestgeorgia.com

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Jan./Feb. 2014

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Get Healthy West Georgia Weight Loss Challenge Coming in January

If you’re thinking about making the resolution to get healthy in the new year, there’s a great local resource to support your decision.

The 2014 Get Healthy West Georgia Weight Loss Challenge is a free, 12-week program in which teams and individuals compete to lose weight, increase exercise and improve nutrition. Led

by Tanner Health System’s Get Healthy West Georgia initiative, it will be launched in late January across Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties.

Get Healthy West Georgia has proven tools to support your healthy lifestyle changes. The program’s Web site, www.

GetHealthyWestGeorgia.org, makes it simple to stay on the path toward a healthier

you with a free online fitness and nutrition tracker, group exercise calendar, Healthy for Life classes and convenient weigh-ins to track your progress.

Last year more than 1,200 people joined the weight loss challenge. Together, they lost more than 2,500 pounds through a shared commitment to eating healthy, getting active and staying accountable for their progress.

The best part of the challenge is that it’s completely free, and it’s a local program managed by west Georgia community members. Anyone who lives or works in Carroll, Haralson or Heard counties can participate. Everyone wins when the community gets healthy together.

Prizes will be awarded in a variety of team and individual categories. Log in to www.

GetHealthyWestGeorgia. org to check out what you can win, or form your own team and compete for both individual and group prizes.

Get Healthy West Georgia is a three-year initiative developed to improve nutrition, increase physical activity and reduce obesity in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties. Led by Tanner Health System, Get Healthy West Georgia is made possible by an initial grant from the Community Foundation of West Georgia and support from additional sponsors. It is also made possible through support from Get Healthy, Live Well, a community transformation

grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Get Healthy, Live Well is a community network, built through collaboration and partnership, working to educate, promote and develop sustained conditions for healthier lifestyles where people live, learn, work and play in west Georgia. More information is available online at www.

GetHealthyWestGeorgia. org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ GetHealthyWestGeorgia.

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Homes

Tallapoosa’s ‘Ice Block’ house

Story by Ken Denney Photos by Ricky Stilley

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Jan./Feb. 2014

Arthur Colvin was a jeweler and optician who moved to Haralson County from Pendleton County, Ky., at around the turn of the 20th Century and designed the famed ‘Ice Block’ house in Tallapoosa.

A HOME WITH A STYLE ALL ITS OWN

D

During this series of distinctive houses from across west Georgia, we’ve shown you Victorian homes, Mediterranean, Greek Revival and even a Mid-Century Modern home. But to wrap things up, we present the most unusual style yet: a house built of “cracked ice.”

OK, it’s not really made of ice – just concrete block molded in the shape of ice which has been freshly chipped. But there is only one place in the region where you can find such a thing, and that is the town of Tallapoosa.

There are several of these decorative block homes around town, all of which are built of a material designed by a man who, like so many, came to Tallapoosa in search of a fortune.

Arthur Colvin was a jeweler and optician who moved to

Haralson County from Pendleton County, Ky., at around the turn of the 20th Century.

From all accounts, Colvin was one of the many hundreds of people who had heard about Tallapoosa as a lush, prosperous paradise along the Georgia-Pacific Railroad. That was because a shameless booster named Ralph Lincoln Spencer had been publishing ads in newspapers across the east coast, convincing numerous northern investors to contribute money for a town that mostly existed on paper.

Colvin was one who not only believed the hype, but helped further the town’s reputation, as well as the investment potential of the antebellum South as a whole. During a 1901 visit home, Colvin was quoted in the Cynthiana, KY., newspaper as r Jan./Feb. 2014

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saying “the South is the place for those desiring a change of climate and residence,” and that “millions of dollars have been invested by Northern men in Atlanta alone in a few late years.”

Not much else in known of Colvin, except that he tried to practice what he preached. Not long after moving to Tallapoosa, he started a decorative concrete block business in the old Foundry and Machine Works on Atlanta Street, currently the location of the Piggly Wiggly store.

The business thrived for a few years, but was apparently no longer in existence on the eve of the First World War. It’s not known how many homes were built with the blocks, but the largest concentration of them by far was in Tallapoosa.

There were two types of molds for Colvin’s concrete blocks. One, called “biscuit blocks,” looks a lot like the designs pressed into mass-produced cookies of the time (think Oreos). The second pattern, however, resembled the ice blocks that were then used by virtually everyone to r 24

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Homes Terry and June Youngblood bought the house in 1992 and have made few alterations since.

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keep food fresh in iceboxes.

ing turned out by Colvin’s factory.

The most interesting feature of the house is a brilliant, stained glass window set in the landing of a richly detailed staircase in the main room of the house. Back in the day, such architectural features could be ordered from the catalogues of woodworking firms all over the country, so that even a family of modest means could have a home with elaborate trimmings.

Of the two patterns, the “cracked ice” design seems to have been most popular, perhaps because it gave the illusion of coolness in the sizzling summers of the South. There are several examples of the design across town, one of the best of which is what area residents still call the Mark Albert Greene house on Bowdon Street.

More than 100 years after it was built, the house is now owned by Terry and June Youngblood, who bought the house in 1992 and who have made few alterations since. Sometime in its past, the house appears to have had a addition put onto the rear; and what seems to have been an flat “widow’s walk” roof originally has been altered to create a slight pitch.

The Greenes were a prominent family in town at the dawn of the 20th Century.

Albert (called Bert) and his father, Mark Allison Greene, had designed Tallapoosa’s water works and they lived on adjacent properties on Bowdon Street. But while the senior Greene chose a typical wood frame house, Bert elected to build his house out of the concrete blocks be-

But time has given the Youngbloods The original house is an almost some additional benefits. The interior woods Greene chose for his home have perfectly square, two-story building with four windows on either side. Such now aged into a patina that could never be reproduced in a modern home. There homes would have been inexpensive at the time, but there are individual touches is also such hardware as hinges, doorinside that show that Bert Greene added knobs and latches that would sell for a premium at a reproduction hardware some embellishments that are well appreciated by the current owners. store. These features give the Young r

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bloods’ home a wealth of detail that could hardly be matched by modern construction methods.

Terry Youngblood says there are a couple of disadvantages in owning a “cracked ice” home. For example, the house is cool in the summertime, but the lack of insulation between the concrete block and the interior walls present some heating issues in the winter.

And the distinctive pattern of the blocks that give the illusion of them being chipped from ice creates crevices which collect dirt, requiring power-washing.

But the Youngbloods wouldn’t have it any other way. When they were first married, they looked for several houses in the neighborhood but something about the old Greene house kept calling them back. They have worked hard to clear the property of some overgrown bushes and now enjoy sitting on their shaded porch, watching the parade of life along one of Tallapoosa’s main WGL streets.

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ABOUT THE ‘ICE BLOCK’ HOUSE • Arthur Colvin’s concrete blocks came in two patterns: ‘biscuit block” and the more popular “cracked ice” type.

• No one is exactly sure when the Bert Greene home was built, except that it was around the turn of the 20th Century • Homeowners could order such elaborate details as this finely turned staircase from a catalogue and have them shipped directly to towns like Tallapoosa.

• The stained glass window feature (seen on page 27) gives a touch of elegance to the Greene House • The aged woods inside what is now the home of Terry and June Youngblood could never be reproduced by modern means.

• The Tallapoosa Historical Society has produced a book detailing some of the historic homes across the city, including several other “cracked ice” homes.

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Art Story by Christin Keefe Photos by Ricky Stilley

‘Art has opened up the world for me’ Questions and Answers with artist Joe Liner

When did you become an artist?

I’ve always been an artist. I started when I was four. This is when I was a foster kid, and I had prayed and asked God to give me something to make people love me. Art was all people had talked about. When people noticed that I was always drawing, they would come look at it and praise what I had done. That’s how people got to know me.

To me, charcoal is the most pure form of art. The amount of detail I can create with it is unbelievable. There’s no color to hide what it really is. The detail just excites me.

People were made from dust just as like charcoal. It is life.

When were you adopted?

I got adopted out of foster-care when I was 11, and I’m 43 now. Things started getting a bit more positivefor me Did you have any sort of training? for me. My parents started saying that I needed to find I didn’t have any formal training. As I got older, I got some direction and choose what I wanted to do with my better and better. I’m self-taught. I love doing the artwork life. All I did was draw the artwork that reflected my I do. If I would have had deadlines I would have been thoughts. My parents kept pushing me which was really incredibly stressed pumping out pieces like students do. fortunate. I was really fortunate to be adopted by such caring, loving people. They gave me direction. They Do you have a favorite medium to use in your artwork? bought me countless art supplies so I never stopped.

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r

Liner said his pieces in charcoal are his favorites and these are two of his best.

Above, a work called “Grace of Gold” shows a prospector panning for cold. Left, is one called “Stairway to Heaven” an emotional image of a man down on his luck. r Jan./Feb. 2014

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Joe Liner’s ‘Heal Our Land.’

Liner’s ‘Finish the Race.’

When did you decide to be a full-time artist?

When I was in high-school, local businesses would pay me to do murals. I got so excited about people paying me to do it. Most people still don’t like to pay artists. I was eighteen when computers were coming out and that brought graphic artwork. When minimum wage was $4.25, I was making $10 an hour. My artwork took me from having nothing to having, money, insurance, and notoriety. When I brought my first check home to show my dad, he apologized for ever doubting my art could be a full-time artist.

I went blind from diabetes. I have diabetes retinopathy.

Today I can see everything clear as a bell, but back then I couldn’t see anything. I was blind for years of my life.

I prayed and prayed to be able to see again. I couldn’t live like that. My eyes had explosions of blood. Retinopathy is where blood vessels in the back of your eye burst. It looked like I was looking through vaseline jars.

I prayed to God and asked, “Heal me or kill me.” I heard a voice that said everything was going to be Ok. Warmth and peace fell over me. A few months after that, I regained vision.

What inspires your artwork?

You need pain to do artwork. Pain produces art. It always brings up the beauty for some reason. Now I’m in the position where I want to create again.

Do you consider yourself a graphic artist?

My charcoal and graphic work are two different things.

Graphic art is where I make my money. My charcoal is what I want people to know me for. Art has opened up the world for me. The world bad been so small and cold, but then it expanded. I get to do something I love as a job.

WGL

There seems to be a lot of religious influence in your artwork. What meaning does that hold for you?

People Story by Mitch Sneed

A man of character Lithia native Walton Goggins is Hollywood’s ‘Method Man’

W

alton Goggins is recognized as one of Hollywood’s best actors. But to some who make their living on the screen, being called a character actor may be less than flattering – but not this Lithia Springs native.

Goggins said he lives the roles he plays and becomes the man seen on screen.

“The life of a character doesn’t just exist between action and cut,” Goggins said.

The fourth season of the FX hit “Justified” premiered Jan. 7 and his character Boyd Crowder is again at the center of the mayhem. He also had a much talked about performance as Venus Van Dam, a transvestite hooker, on the motorcycle club 34

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cult favorite series “Sons of Anarchy” last summer and fall.

Goggins said in a telephone interview that he has been fortunate to play characters with depth depth – making for roles that push his limits and demand something out of the ordinary.

“Some actors go their entire career hoping and praying for one television role like any one of those or like Shane Vandrell on ‘The Shield,’” Goggins said. “I have been so blessed.

No question about that.”

He never stops looking for those roles.

Goggins recently finished production on writer/director William Monahan’s “Mojave” with Garrett Hedlund and Oscar Issacs. He plays “Jim,” an entertainment lawyer experiencing an existential crisis. r

He recently completed production on writer/director Ross Clarke’s adaptation of Craig Clevenger’s novel “Dermaphoria.” Goggins plays ‘Eliah Blanc,’ a New Orleans mover and shaker whose pastimes include the funding of meth labs. Walking on an edge that sometimes goes to the dark side is something Goggins said is especially challenging.

“Whether it’s Boyd Crowder or Billy Crash or Blanc – the challenge is to make those who see the film decide if he is good or bad,” Goggins said. “If you can make someone think that the character is scum one second and Robin Hood the next – then you have done something”

Goggins as “Venus Van Dam” in the FX hit “Sons of Anarchy”

Coming off a year when he was featured in two Oscar nominated films, Goggins is in demand. Last year he was seen in Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” and the edgy “Django Unchained” by Quentin Tarantino.

Goggins said he always hoped, but never dreamed of the places his career has gone.

“It’s amazing how things work out,” Goggins said. “If you would have told me when I was a kid at Beulah Elementary that I would one day have the opportunity to work with people like Steven Spielberg and Quintin Tarantino — I would have said you are talking to the wrong guy.

“Now to have that happen, what is it, 36 years later and to have been fortunate enough to do that, all in one year on two films that have had such an impact, is very gratifying to say the least.”

In “Lincoln,” Goggins became Congressman Clay Hutchins, a Democrat in the House of Representatives who switched sides in the slavery debate and helped enact the 13th Amendment, which abolished r slavery.

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Goggins, left, as “Boyd Crowder”; in the FX hit “Justified” with good friend and co-star Timothy Olyphant.

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His role in “Django Unchained” was that of the ultimate bad guy — Billy Crash — a bounty hunter for Leonardo DiCaprio’s character plantation owner Calvin Candie. The story called for Crash to do Candie’s dirty work, and his character personified the evils that often accompanied slavery.

Then again, Goggins said sometimes playing those who are just plain bad are just as much fun.

“I am so very grateful for the turn of events in my artistic life,” Goggins said. “It gave me as an actor the chance to be part of exposing today’s society to a very painful period in our nation. The films showed two different approaches to battling slavery, one through legislation and one through revolution.

“I went from a person on the right side of history in ‘Lincoln,’ to another person that was about as ugly as it gets during that period. It was an unbelievable experience. Some would say a challenge, I say ‘how good is that’. I have the wind at my back so to speak. I got the opportunity to work with the best in two films that will r

be remembered.”

experience for Goggins. He produced and starred in the 2001 “Best Short Film” Oscar winning “The Accountant.”

While viewers can see Goggins on television every Tuesday night in his “Justified” Emmy nominated role of Boyd Crowder he said it has been a slow climb up.

Goggins, who as 10-year-old teamed with his mother to become a champion clogger, he said it took baby steps along the way.

From walk-on roles on “In the Heat of the Night” and “90210” in 1992, to playing beside Robert Duvall in “The Apostle” and the likes of Harrison Ford in “Cowboys and Aliens” – the roles he plays are hard to forget.

“If you are a carpenter you don’t start out building the tallest skyscrapers in Atlanta,” Goggins said. “You start remodeling a little house and then get to build a house and move up from there. You do good work and word of mouth helps you grow, build a reputation.

“It’s been that way for me. I’ve been so fortunate to have worked with people who have allowed me to grow and make a lot of mistakes along the way. Each job, each role, I give it all I can. I’m making a living doing something that I love.

That is so cool, man.”

Being associated with an Academy Award is not a new 38

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“Life is extremely good,” Goggins said. “I make a living doing something I love and at times I feel like I get to do something that makes a difference. Whether it is through character I play or through the causes that I have been able to support – that makes it even better.”

He said life is great, but for more reasons that work. Goggins said his work isn’t the best part of what’s happening for him right now. Goggins is a dad. He and his wife Nadia have a son – Augustus Somerset Goggins, who just turned 3.

“It has ehanced my life in ways I can’t put into words,” Goggins said. “I always heard people say that nothing compares to having a child – but it blows my mind every day. I didn’t know it was possible to love something as I love my son. It’s like nothing else matters, but at the same time it makes you understand that every second is precious.

“I mean I was changing my son’s diaper when I heard I had been nominated for an Emmy. At that moment, the diaper was more important. I never saw myself as a celebrity, so that’s not it for me. Doing work that people respect and enjoy, being a good friend are all important. But being a father – that is the best role I have ever had.”

WGL

Goggins said being a father to his 3-year-old son Augustus is the best role he has ever had.

Jan./Feb. 2014

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Life Story by Ken Denney Photos by Ricky Stilley

A LOOK INSIDE THE WORLD OF THE

Society for Creative Anachronism

I

f you are looking for a kingdom of elves, and dwarves and Halflings, then you need to draw your cloak about you and continue your journey over the Misty Mountains.

Because the people who inhabit the Shire of Depedale, a physical realm that is part of a vast organization called the Society for Creative Anachronism, have nothing to do with magic rings, or wizards. Instead, they are people who want to discover and pay tribute to the realities of medieval life – the arts, the crafts,

I

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the culture and everything that make up the rich tapestry of a time which shaped so much of Western culture.

“Every kid wants to put the cooking pot on their head, and get the garbage can lid, and suddenly they are in the Middle Ages,” says Tonya Vots, a spokeswoman for the Shire of Depedale, which is part of a larger division known as the Kingdom of Meridies. Within that world, Vots is known as Mistress Jocosa d’Auxerre.

Consider the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) as the origin of

cosplay. Long before Dragon Con and similar conventions, where people dress up to pretend they are superheroes, or fantasy figures, there was a group of people who decided to take their own interests in medieval fantasy to the next level.

It may seem extreme to dress up in armor and to take to the fields with swords, ballistae and crossbows – ancient weapons of the medieval world – but in many ways, members of the SCA are no different than Civil War re-enactors, or those who re-stage epic battles r

of World War II. They are all fascinated by an era that is far removed from the Modern World, and they study that era with various degrees of fanaticism.

Some SCA members spend hundreds of dollars on hand-made tunics, chain mail and helmets, not to mention reproduction swords, shields and boots, all so that they mentally transport themselves to another era in time – specifically

somewhere between the 5th and 15th centuries, a broad period of time that shaped much of Western culture.

Each SCA member chooses the time period in which they portray, so that a visitor to an SCA event will see reenactors of the end of Roman Times, all the way to the classic days depicted in Robin Hood. The incongruity of such different eras appearing side-by-side at a

single SCA event is what makes “anachronism” part of the group’s name.

Knights With a Southern Drawl Some may not be surprised to learn that the SCA had its roots in the 1960s, in, of course, Berkeley, California. r It was there, in May 1966, that a Jan./Feb. 2014

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group of history buffs decided to hold a medieval style tournament. That initial event proved so popular that a second was held and the group has been expanding ever since.

For reasons that defy easy explanation, there was a crossover appeal to science fiction fans; thus, for example, at the University of Georgia in the 1970s, members of the SCA formed the core of the campus science fiction and fantasy club. But modern members of the SCA, particularly those who take part in events from across west Georgia, eschew the fantastic and favor the mundane. Therefore, you will see no dragons being “slain’ at SCA events – but you will see men and women studying the ancient combat skills of sword and shield, the kind of warfare conducted at Agincourt and Boswell Field.

Today, the SCA is a vast, non-profit organization that has active chapters in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, South Africa and Australia. The organization 44

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reckons there are at least 60,000 people who keep one foot in the modern world, the other in a past world they have created for themselves.

Nationally, the SCA is divided into “Kingdoms,” each of which is ruled by a King and Queen, who gain their thrones by winning a semi-annual Crown Tournament. There is also a Prince and Princess, who are heirs to the throne, and a council of Great Officers who take care of the governing duties necessary within these realms.

The Southeastern United States is one vast dominion known as the Kingdom of Meridies. It runs as far north as southern Kentucky and as far south as the Panhandle of Florida. Within Meridies, as is true for other SCA kingdoms, there are many subdivisions called Principalities and local chapters called Baronies, Shires and Cantons, each of which is governed by their own set of officers, who also plan SCA events.

There is some overlap in some of

these subdivisions, however. The Shire of Talmere, for example, covers the counties of Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup, but there is also the Shire of Depedale (pronounced Deep Dale), which is a chapter for Douglasville, Villa Rica, Austell, Lithia Springs, Hiram and Winston, Ga. Depedale was created in 2010 and is one of the youngest chapters within the Southeastern realm.

The Depedale group meets on Saturday afternoons, generally at Deer Lick Park in Douglasville. All the members of good friends, but the tent flap is always open for newcomers and the curious.

Come for the Fighting, Stay for the Art While the SCA is all about the study of the medieval period, there is no denying the fact that the sight of armored men in combat, and catapults in action, make for an arresting visual sight r

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for those passing through Deer Lick Park on a Saturday.

In fact, members of the Depedale group don’t hide the fact that the combat aspects of the Middle Ages are the main draw for new members. But lest you think the fighting consists only of people whaling away at each other with sword and shield, be aware that safety is the primary concern among the group.

To begin with, the fighting done on the fields of Douglas is far more realistic than it appears. So to stave off the occupational decapitation, fighters do not use their expensive, real swords – instead their weapons are made of wood, modeling the actual heft and striking style of a sword, yet designed to fray or shatter after sustained contact.

The main goal of those who participate in these fights is not to maim; rather, like everything else about the SCA, it is to r study the combat styles used in medieval times.

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At a recent event, for example, a group of fighters were being taught the ancient art of attacking a wall of shield bearers.

As two teachers barked orders, the men linked their shields in such a way as to form an interlocking wall of obstruction. But their attackers included men armed with long poles whose job was to reach the places where the shields were locked and break open the seal so that swordsmen could penetrate and break the line.

Seeing such combat up close shows that there were practical strategies and tactics used on fields of combat which have nothing to do with Hollywood or Pay-TV depictions of fighting. It is all a part of learning the skills, not just simulating the combat – and that is the appeal for the true Medieval Re-enactor, however elaborate his costume or the nickname he has given himself to portray this world.

And while the fighting is going on, there are many other activities taking place. Craftsmen are discussing and demonstrating various types of weaving and clothing construction, while still others discuss dance, embroidery, hunting styles and even food. An SCA event is less about swordplay than it is a virtual symposium on Middle Age lifestyles, culture and manners.

WGL

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Food

Lamb Brat Satays with Stout Dipping Sauce

Fantastic Football Food T

his time of year is always one of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, there’s the immense feeling of joy in knowing that the holiday season is over and we’ve somehow managed to survive the onslaught visitors who’ve passed through over the past month and a half. Then, there is the slowly approaching sorrow as we realize football season is about to end and we’re going to have to wait nine months for it to return. However, we can always reside in the comfort that, with playoffs and bowl games right around the corner, there will be tailgating and tailgating means food.

Tailgate food has come a long way since the early days of hot dogs boiled on a camp stove accompanied by a case of some long forgotten brand of beer. Duck, venison, quail and numerous other foods not traditionally thought of as tailgate food are being found at even the smallest of venues accompanied by local wines and very respectable micro-brews from nearby.

The two factors of tailgate food that have remained constant, however, are the ability to cook using grills, camp stoves, and other traveling cooking equipment and the ability to feed a crowd of happy, slightly frozen football fans. The recipes presented here can be accomplished as easily in a parking lot as they can be in a kitchen and are easily expandable to feed larger groups.

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Story by Rob Duvé Photos by Ricky Stilley

Lamb Brat Satays Ingredients:

1 lb. pork shoulder with some fat, cubed ½ lb. lamb blade steaks, deboned, all fat removed, and cubed 1 clove garlic, very finely chopped 1 tbsp coarse sea salt

1 tsp ground white pepper 1 tsp dried marjoram ½ tsp caraway seed ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp red pepper flakes 10-12 small green onions

Using either a large knife or meat cleaver, chop all meats into pieces about ¼ of an inch in size. This can also be accomplished in a food processor by pulsing until the desired consistency is reached. Using your hands, fold in the remaining ingredients, except the green onions.

Fold until the spices are well blended with over handling the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours.

Trim the root end of the green onions. Trim the green end as well leaving about two inches past the white. On the hot grill or in a hot skillet, caramelize the onion on two sides very quickly making sure the centers remain crisp. Let cool briefly then form about ¼ cup of meat around each onion stalk, leaving the green end exposed Grill or pan fry until well browned and cooked through.

Food

Stout Dipping Sauce The quintessential tailgate food would have to be the Brat (pronounced “Brot�).

The natural, one handed food on a bun, perfectly grilled and left to slow simmer in beer has been a tailgate tradition for almost as long as there has been football.

However, the repeated appearance of the Brat has also lead to the need for something just a little different. As mentioned on page 48, the perfect Brat will have been grilled then left to steep in a quality beer for some time before it is ready to serve.

But the lamb brat satays need the perfect dipping sauce and this one is the perfect thing.

Sp

Ingredients: 1 large Vidalia onion 3 tbsp bacon drippings 2 tbsp quality local honey 16 oz Stout beer Sea salt and pepper to taste Clean and slice onion into thin strips and place in a large skillet with bacon drippings, salt, and pepper.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are lightly caramelized and have a light brown appearance. Add honey and stout beer, turn the heat up to medium high, and reduce until almost a syrup. Puree in a blender or food processor and add sea salt and pepper to taste Jan./Feb. 2014

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Food

Jambalaya

Jambalya Jambalaya is one of those things that is a meal in a bowl that keeps one warm, has numerous flavor profiles, and can feed four people or 40. This recipe will feed four but you can expand it as needed.

Ingredients: ½ lb. chicken thighs, diced ½ lb. Andouille sausage 1 tbsp quality Cajun Seasoning 2 tbsp quality olive oil ½ cup yellow onion, diced ½ cup green pepper, diced ½ cup celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 ½ cups chicken stock

1 tsp Worchestershire sauce 1 tsp Louisiana hot sauce 1 cup Jasmine rice 1 bay leaf In a bowl, combine chicken, sausage and seasoning, mixing very well to coat. Set aside. In a large skillet, add olive oil, onions, green peppers, and celery (The Trinity) and saute over medium high heat for about 5 minutes. Add chicken and sausage to the skillet and cook until lightly browned.

Add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Add chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, rice, and bay leaf and cook until rice is just tender.

Remove bay leaf and serve.

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A SHORT GUIDE TO DEEP FRIED For as long as people have been gathering to celebrate their favorite team in a playoff or bowl game, there have been deep fried goods as part of the occasion. Also, for as long as there are cooks, there have been tips, tricks, and recipes that they swore they would never release to the World. One of mine is what I simply call “Fry.” After having trusted numerous online recipes that repeatedly let me down and after quite a bit of trial and error, I came up with a mixture that helps me accomplish nearly all of my deep frying needs with one, simple recipe. From wings to fish, this one does the trick.

Ingredients: 1 cup All Purpose Flour 1 cup Cornstarch ¼ cup Quality Cajun Seasoning 2 tbsp Baking Powder With this recipe, the cornstarch helps to make things crispy without turning hard as tends to happen with all flour breading. The baking powder helps to make things light as well be using the available moisture to help keep things light. The Cajun Seasoning might seem an odd addition but it has some of the essential spices that many fried chicken and shrimp recipes require such as thyme, oregano, white pepper, and paprika.

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Food

WINGS Traditionally, wings are deep fried without any breading. However, I tend to like a bit more crunch on my wings and since it is one of the more requested things that comes out of my kitchen, I can say that others like the added crunch as well.

For about 20 wings, place half a cup of Fry Mix in a one gallon zip top bag and coat all wings thoroughly. Place on a platter or rack and let stand for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The salt in the mixture (derived from the Cajun Seasoning) will draw out some of the surface moisture creating what is essentially a very thin batter on the wings.

When the coating looks consistently moist, deep fry the wings in your choice of oil that has been heated to 350 degrees until golden brown. The baking powder will react with the moisture from the chicken as well as the heat to create a very light and crispy coating that stands up very well to any sauce you would like to coat the wings with.

Enjoy!!

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West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

IPA TEMPURA VEGETABLES Traditionally, seltzer water is used to help achieve a light, fluffy tempura batter. The carbonation in beer accomplishes the same thing while adding very flavors that are very agreeable to deep fried foods. Use this quick mixture to batter squash or zucchini strips, green beans, asparagus (my personal favorite) or just about any vegetable you like.

1 cup Fry Mix 1 ½ cups quality IPA beer Whisk beer into Fry mix to make a somewhat thin batter, adjusting the amount of beer to reach the desired consistency. Coat vegetables thoroughly in batter and shake off as much excess as possible. Fry in 375 degree oil until golden brown. Remove from oil with a spider or some other strainer making sure to shake off as much oil as possible and allow to drain on a rack above newspaper or paper towels. Placing freshly fried tempura directly on to paper would only allow so much oil to drain away and as the paper becomes saturated, it limits the amount of oil that can be drawn out.

Jan./Feb. 2014

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West Georgia Living welcomes new publisher You may have noticed a new name atop of the staff list on page 4 of this edition of West Georgia Living.

Marvin Enderle has been named publisher of West Georgia Living, the Times-Georgian in Carrollton, the Douglas County Sentinel in Douglasville and associated weekly newspapers. All of the newspapers are owned by Paxton Media Group, which is headquartered in Paducah, Ky. Enderle begins his new responsibilities Jan. 6.

Enderle had been the publisher of The Enquirer-Journal in Monroe, N.C., since May 2004, and had served as publisher of Paxton Media Group’s newspaper in Russellville, Ark. Enderle was also publisher of The Enquirer-Journal from August 1997 until December 2000.

Enderle said he looks forward to becoming active in the communities the newspapers serve.

“I am excited about moving to Carrollton and working with the staffs at our newspapers that have served communities in west Georgia so well over the years,” Enderle said. “As a team, we will continue to make positive improvements in an effort to stay ahead of the changes in an ever-evolving newspaper industry.”

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Way, where he served on the board of directors, and chaired the Community Investment Council. He served on the board of the Union County Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Monroe Rotary Club.

“Leonard Woolsey, former publisher, has shared with me his enthusiasm for the area and the people who live and work here,� Enderle said. “I look forward to meeting our readers and advertisers and becoming involved in the communites.�

Enderle and his wife, Jeanie, were active parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Monroe, where he served as a lector and was a member of the parish’s finance and pastoral councils. He was also on the board of the Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. A native of Kelso, Mo., Enderle began his newspaper career in 1979 as a district manager at the News-Leader in Springfield, Mo. He has held various positions at newspapers in Coffeyville, Kan., Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Norwich, N.Y., and Rockingham, N.C.

Enderle is looking forward to getting to know the people here.

While his professional career in the newspaper industry began after graduating from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in political science and an enlistment in the United States Air Force was completed, Enderle said his interest in newspapers began at an early age.

“Leonard Woolsey, former publisher, has shared with me his enthusiasm for the area and the people who live and work here,� Enderle said. “I look forward to meeting our readers and advertisers and becoming involved in the communities.�

“My family began delivering our hometown newspaper in the early ’60s. So, I delivered newspapers as a youngster. As a teenager, I sold newspapers door-to-door with my dad who worked in the circulation department of The Southeast Missourian.�

Woolsey, who joined the Times-Georgian in 2006 following the retirement of Tom Overton, left the publisher’s post on Friday, Dec. 20, to assume the position of president and publisher of The Daily News, located on Galveston Island, Texas.

– Marvin Enderle, publisher

WGL

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1 Most people would never guess I … was a quiet, shy, introverted kid in high school.

The teaching profession and a long time as a school administrator forced me out of my introverted nature.

2 My parents always taught me: … To be early for all appointments, listen to those in authority, and do my best because my work represents me.

3 Favorite historical character: …Christopher Columbus. He was a rakish sea pirate who convinced someone else to pay for his adventures, didn’t know where he was when he arrived, and began the exploitation of a continent of content and gentle people; yet, history remembers him as the “man who discovered America.” I just hope my mistakes will be similarly forgotten.

4 My first job was: … washing cars at my stepfather’s full service Chevron service station. I would work from 6 a.m.to 10 r 56

West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

Take

5ive with

Andy Denney English Composition Instructor Oak Mountain Academy Faculty

The world according to Andy Denney: ‘In the mountains, everything you want or need is either uphill or downhill from wherever you are, requiring a walk uphill either way. At the beach there are all the tasty shrimp, fish, and oysters. Besides, the sound of the ocean masks my tinnitus.’ p.m. in the summer for $20 a week, washing cars, changing oil, repairing flat tires, cleaning windshields, and pumping gasoline. Our most expensive gasoline was 39.9 cents per gallon. I wrote a song about it, which can be found on cdbaby.com or itunes by searching my name.

5 When I was a kid I wanted to be … a doctor, preacher, game show host, or a poleclimbing lineman for the telephone company.

6 My hero is: my lord and savior, Jesus Christ. No explanation is necessary for those who know Him. 7 If I won the lottery I would: buy a beach house, then probably be broke again in a month, giving money away to the many people in need around me.

8 Beach or mountains: Definitely the beach. In the mountains, everything you want or need is either uphill or downhill from wherever you are, requiring a walk uphill either way.

At the beach there are all the tasty shrimp, fish, and oysters. Besides, the sound of the ocean masks my tinnitus.

9 When I’ve 10 minutes alone I like to: just relax and have quiet time. Sixty got here fast, and I’m trying to savor all the little moments.

10 My favorite TV show as a child was: “The Twilight Zone.” My favorite episode starred Arthur Hunnicut as a grizzled old mountain man who died along with his dog while hunting.

On the beginning of their journey through the afterlife, his dog barks a warning and stops him from being tricked into entering hell, where the mysterious gatekeeper tells him dogs are not allowed. They journey on to heaven, where dogs are allowed. WGL

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Arts & Events JANUARY 27 SOUP KITCHEN The Carroll County Soup Kitchen is open Jan. 27-31. A hot meal is served from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and takeout meals of soup and sandwiches will be available. The Soup Kitchen is located at 345 Beulah Church Road in Carrollton. Volunteers are needed by 8:30 each day.

AFTERSCHOOL ADVENTURES Neva Lomason Library in Carrollton will have Afterschool Adventures on Monday, Jan. 27, at 4:30 p.m. Ages 5-10 only.

RIDE WITH P.R.I.D.E. Georgia Teens Ride with P.R.I.D.E. course is held every fourth Tuesday of eac h month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 240 Rome St., Temple (Temple Rec Center).

CHAT WITH CHAIRMAN Douglas County Commission Chairman Tom Worthan will meet with residents at Fire Station No. 1, South Sweetwater Road at Groover’s Lake Road, Lithia Springs - Open to the Public, Time: Monday, January 27, 6 p.m.- 7 p.m.

Free Admission - one-on-one conversations with Chairman Worthan on any topic 770-920-7269 SWIM LESSONS Carrollton Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department is registering for swim lessons at Lakeshore Pool. Sign up online or at the Stall58

West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

ings Community Center. If you have questions regarding swimming lessons, contact Courtney Robinson at 770-832-8828 or email cstevens@ carrollton-ga.gov.

The Greater Carrollton Area... Whatever you’re looking for, look here first.

AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURE dogriverlibraryfriends.com Sometimes we forget how many great things there are to see, do and experience in our own hometown. Before you spend your Neva Lomason Memorial Library time and money somewhere else, why not look here first? You might be surprised by some of the treasures in your own backyard!

January 27, 2014 @ 4:30 pmExplore the shops, restaurants and galleries of Carroll County historic downtown districts. Turn a few pages at Horton’s Books JANUARY 31at one of our many restaurants, serving in Carrollton, the oldest bookstore in the state (and the county’s oldest business). Dine Join us for “Winter Fun.” Ages 5-10 up an eclectic mix of mouth-watering cuisines. Attend or host a tournament at our award-winning recreation facilities. See a show or exhibit at the Carrollton Cultural ArtsBLOOD Center, Townsend CenterDRIVE or Copeland Hall. Shoot a hole-in-one at your choice of years. several championship quality golf courses. Swim off the largest sand beach in the GA State Park System at John Tanner State Park. Camp, picnic,The hike or explore on horseback at McIntosh Reserve Park.

Hold your business weddingaor family American Red Cross willmeeting, hold reunion here. Cheer our home teams or learn a thing or two at the University of West Georgia or West Georgia Technical College. blood drive from 7 a.m. to noon on The Carrollton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is your complete local resource for planning and hosting groups and JANUARY 29 individual visitors in the Greater CarrolltonJan. Area. Contact us at 770-214-9746 or visit us onlineMedical at www.visitcarrollton.com and Friday, 31, at Tanner GOLDEN K KIWANIS on Facebook. Come by the Log Cabin Visitor Center at 102 North Lakeshore Drive in Carrollton.

Center/Carrollton in Classroom 2 of The Golden K Kiwanis Club will the Health Education and Wellness meet Jan. 29 for breakfast at the Learning Center. Donors may make Courthouse Cafe on Newnan Street. an appointment to donate blood by going to www.redcrossblood.org and PARROTHEAD CLUB using sponsor code “tannerhealth” The West Georgia ParrotHead Club, or calling 770-836-9251. Walk-ins a new nationally chartered/incorare welcome, but those with appointporated not-for profit club, meets ments will be given priority. at Max & Henry’s Restaurant, 108 Adamson Square, Carrollton, Jan. PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB 29, and the last Wednesday of every The West Georgia Shutterbugs Phomonth, 6:30 p.m. For more informatography Exhibit is being held at Caltion, email IslandTime Bob at pilaway Gardens through Jan. 31 from rate40@tropicaldreams.net.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day except Jan. 1-11. To learn more about the West JANUARY 30 Georgia Shutterbugs, visit www.

LIBRARY ANNUAL MEETING wgshutterbugs.org.

Friends of the Dog River Library Annual Meeting is set for 6 to 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 1 at the Dog River Library Community SCHOLARSHIPS Room, 6100 Georgia Highway 5.

Carroll EMC is accepting applicaFree Admission, Open to the Public tions for the following scholarships: - report of 2013 activities and planWalter Harrison Scholarship (due ning for 2014, election of officers February 1, 2014), Washington Youth - new members welcome! Contact: Tour (due March 1, 2014) and Lerlie Wes Tallon 77.920.7593 wtallon@ and Millard Copeland Scholarship co.douglas.ga.us or see http://www.

r

(due to UWG Financial Aid Office by March 1, 2014).

Applications are available on Carroll EMC’s website, carrollemc.com.

session on Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carroll County Board of Education office, 164 Independence Drive, Carrollton.

FEBRUARY 4 BLOOD DRIVE The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Higgins General Hospital in Bremen. The blood drive will be held in the Bloodmobile parked on campus. Donors may make an appointment to donate blood by going to www.redcrossblood.org and using sponsor code “tannerhealth” or calling 770.836.9261. Walk-ins are welcome, but those with appointments will be given priority.

FEBRUARY 12 JURIED ART SHOW The Carrollton Cultural Arts Center and the Carrollton Kiwanis Club present “The High School Juried Art Show” Feb. 12-March 3 at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center in the Galleria. Opening reception Saturday, Feb. 16, beginning at 5 p.m. or immediately following the Art and Music Showcase. Admission is free. Call 770-8381083 for more information or email Renee Fitts at rfitts@ carrollton-ga.gov.

BLACK EDUCATION EXHIBIT February is black history month. The Douglas County Museum of History and Art will feature our black education exhibit all month long. Before integration in 1968 there were two high schools in Douglas County, R.L. Cousins High School and Hutcheson High School. The exhibit features photos, report cards and annuals from that era. The museum is open Tuesday and Thursday from 1pm to 5pm other days by appointment. Special group tours are available. Please call 770 949-4090 for information. The museum is located at the Old Douglas County Courthouse 6754 Broad Street in Historic Downtown Douglasville. You can also contact us at douglascountymuseum@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheDouglasCountyMuseumOfHistoryAndArt

FEBRUARY 13 BOARD OF EDUCATION The Carroll County Board of Education will meet Jan. 16 with the Executive Session at 6 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at 164 Independence Drive, Carrollton.

FEBRUARY 6 CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Are you feeling helpless and alone because of the loss of your husband? Do you feel left out and alone as you try to adjust to a new social life without him? If so, join Circle of Friends, a group formed to help meet these needs, sponsored by Martin & Hightower Funeral Home.

The group will meet Feb. 6 and each first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Family Care Center at Heritage Chapel. For information, call 770-836-1466.

FEBRUARY 25 BUMBLEBEE BALLET Bumblebee Ballet for ages 3-6 will be held on Tuesdays from 4-4:30 p.m. or 4:30-5 p.m. at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center in classroom 3. Fee is $25 per six-week session. This low-key ballet class focuses on fun dancing without high-cost recital and costume fees. Children may wear dance clothes of their choice. Ballet shoes required.

Sessions will be Feb. 25-April 1; April 15-May 20. Participants will perform at the Children’s Hour Concerts at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.

WGL

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FEBRUARY 10 WORK SESSION The Carroll County Board of Education will have a work

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JOE GARRETT: Resolving my New Year’s Resolutions

’ve never met a biscuit I didn’t like. So this is going to be the year to really make a change. I’m going to stick to my resolutions for 2014 to gain a few extra pounds, watch a little bit more television and cut back on exercising. I plan to fully implement the discipline it takes to succeed. It’s important to have goals.

For the next few weeks, magazine covers will tempt us in the checkout aisle at the grocery store with stories ranging from “5 steps to bonding with your cat this year” to “6 things to make your hubby sexy for 2014.”

I’m confident I’ll never bond with a cat, but I can almost assure you the writer of the sexy hubby story has never been married for longer than two years.

Since I rarely keep all of my resolutions, I’ve decided to implement the baseball grading system to determine my results. If I average .300 or better, then I’ll consider it an excellent year. Last year, I kept many of my resolutions.

Once again, I vowed to refrain from eating any rutabagas since they make my stomach rumble. I didn’t eat one bite. I resolved to learn how to play a Billy Joel song on the piano. I learned two. I promised to spend more time sitting still, playing with my children and taking long bicycle rides through the west Georgia

countryside. Check. Check. Check. I even stuck to my resolution to never shave my chest hair despite it being the cool thing to do. Burt Reynolds would be proud.

• Avoid wearing skinny jeans, blue jean shorts, or any type of britches with patterns on them.

But this year is going to be different.

• Reconnect with old friends, create lasting memories with my family and shell peas with old folks on a front porch.

I kicked off 2014 with a generous helping of black-eyed peas and collard greens while watching college football bowl games. But as for the present, the real game is on because this is the year I resolve to: • Write the second paragraph to my novel that begins like this: “As Harvey washed the dishes, Delores couldn’t believe her eyes.

He actually was helping with household chores. She no longer cared if his t-shirt had holes. She knew this was her moment. This was her moment to surprise him with a soft kiss.

Just as her heart fluttered with the excitement to embrace Harvey, he let out a large belch. Delores turned around and went back to her needlepoint. And Harvey kept washing dishes.”

• Refrain from speaking any harsh language when I hear an Auburn fan shout “War Eagle.”

• Refuse to utter the words “anywho,” “peeps” or “we’re pregnant.”

There will be others added to the list as the year progresses, but as for now I plan to implement the discipline it takes to succeed. I’m even reconsidering eating healthier and signing up for Weight Watchers.

“I’ve been married to you almost 14 years and it’s not going to be different,” my wife argued. “You’re the best friend a biscuit has ever had.”

I refused to argue and told her I would be back soon as I pondered my future. Instead of taking a long walk, I decided to go for a drive.

With visions of a prosperous and healthier new year ahead, I knew there were other things to add to my list. So I stopped at Big Chic to pick up a two-piece meal with fries, a dinner roll and sweet tea. One can’t plan the future on an empty stomach.

Garrett is a Carrollton resident and businessman. You can read more of his columns at joegarrett1.wordpress.com or contact him at joe_garrett@bellsouth.net

Book

Review Book Review by T.L. Gray Novel by R.M. James T.L. Gray

‘Hear Me Scream’ “Something’s always happening in a garden. Sooner or later it all turns to compost, including the gardener.”

Biography: R.M. James wrote plays as a child and forced her sisters read them. As she got older, her stories evolved into short movies. Her film and literature studies edged her into one of her truest callings: fiction writing. The majority of her time goes into caring for her family, taking nature shots, and imagining new scenes for another novel. She lives in Kentucky.

Description: A global economic crash and the release of a deadly virus, exterminates most of the world’s population. From the ashes of a ruined nation a new breed of humans arises.

Raven Carrier, guided by a strange voice inside her head, is on a dangerous mission to find her stolen son — or else die trying. Along the way, she meets Ata, a blue-haired girl with an uncertain mission of her own. Together, the two survivors tackle the evils of a lawless state.

Nico Lowell travels from county to county curing the sick and injured. While his healing and sharp senses have saved many lives, he is unable to heal his own weakening body from self-destruction. He cannot fully exist without another, one he has searched for his entire life, until he catches the scent of her spilled blood from miles away. He puts everything on the line to reach her before it’s too late.

Imprisoned by the rebel soldiers who brutally abused and murdered his family, Camden Sickles struggles to conform 64

West Georgia Living

Jan./Feb. 2014

to the vicious militia overpowering the southern region. In captivity, he learns of the Sorrows, the next step in human evolution. This northern government has deprived the people of basic liberties, including the right to exist. Camden, a southern slave, is forced to do unspeakable acts of degradation until the day he breaks and discovers what it takes to fight for freedom.

For Raven, Nico and Camden, their destinies coincide around Ata. For family, Raven follows the girl to a decaying city. For life, Nico vows to protect her from harm.

For freedom, Camden guides her to the uncharted wilderness. For survival, humanity must keep her alive.

The girl screams and all hear.

Review: Over the generations, many stories have been told about what mankind expects following a paradigm shift in society due to the presence of pandemic diseases, weapons of mass destruction, and cataclysms extending from earthy or cosmic disasters. Tales of the apocalypse r

have been around since the first telling of Revelations, and even before that. Being fragile and certain of death, the human condition naturally fears the inevitable, and the human imagination fill those fears with extraordinary tales of survival. Thousands of stories have been told before… and thousands will still be told as long as the earth turns, and each is unique in its telling as is this new tale from author R.M. James titled Hear Me Scream.

This particular tale is really a story about four main characters searching for lost loves. The first character to whom we are introduced is Raven Carrier as she sets out on a journey to locate her missing son. She has to disguise herself as a young man because the world is so evil and women are a high commodity. She doesn’t know where she’s going and is led blindly by a simple voice in her head.

Raven doesn’t understand how, but she’s more than mere human.

Along her journey, Raven stumbles upon a naïve and defenseless girl with blue hair named Ata. Ata searches for Zemy, though she’s never met or seen this person in her life, but knows she must find him. Though Raven wants to journey alone to find her son, the voice in her head tells her that Ata is important and for her to protect her and keep her safe from the Sorrows – a band of rogue militants bent on dominating the few human survivors after a world-wide outbreak that killed off most of the population.

Not long into their journey, the two girls meet Nico, a healer, whose own journey has him searching for a lost part of his soul – a woman he’s never met, but knows is in danger and needs his help.

Among the Sorrows we meet Camden, whose family is brutally murdered and he becomes a slave to the rebel forces and desires nothing more than to be free and read his books. r Jan./Feb. 2014

West Georgia Living

65

These four lives converge in an epic journey that pits Sorrows against Carriers, rebels against everyone, and everyone against each other. But, our four heroes must conquer their human fears, prejudices and weaknesses in order to work together if they are to find what they seek and survive in this new post-apocalyptic world.

“I see myself writing with a few more published novels under my belt. If I could spend my life reading and writing, I’d be a very happy gal.”

Author Q&A: What do you want readers to take away most after reading Hear Me Scream?

A: The power of perseverance: How far is one willing to go for a goal? May it be protecting a love one, like Nico, or looking for a loved one, like Raven, or in the case of Camden, how far can one go before breaking?

R.M. James Author ‘Hear Me Scream’ –

Q: What is coming up next for you?

A: I’m working on a country noir, which is day by day turning into as crime/suspense/thriller? I’ll see what it becomes when I’m finally done.

Q: Where do you see yourself professionally in five years?

A: I see myself writing with a few more published novels under my belt. If I could spend my life reading and writing, I’d be a very happy gal.

Q: Who are your greatest literary influences?

A: Influences? That one is tough. I read from every genre and I learn something new from every good book I read.

But I do admire John Steinbeck. And I love the Bronte sisters, if I had to name a few.

Q: What do you consider is the best book you’ve read?

A: I don’t think I have a favorite book, but every year I do stumble upon a favorite read. This year is no different: The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock. An awesome southern Gothic novel. I highly recommend it.

Botton line: Hear Me Scream by R.M. James is an excellent read. The writing style is beautiful, dynamic and thrilling. It captures the strength of the survivor’s heart and the imagination of the survivor’s spirit. As a reader, you will WGL want to get your hands on this book.

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in interest rates will have a direct impact upon the price of home you will qualify for. This is another reason why now is the time to seriously consider the purchase of a new home.

Why should I buy a home NOW? For years the news has been full of bad news regarding Real Estate markets and has been touting the fact that it was a “Buyer’s Market�.

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What Is The Inventory Level In The Local Market?

In the local market we are beginning to see reduced inventories, and in some communities we are starting to see some new construction. New construction was unheard of a few years ago. The reduction of inventory is creating a market that is slowly beginning to swing in the seller’s favor. For the buyer that is hesitant to purchase an existing home, new construction homes give them another option for consideration.

What About Rising Home Prices?

For years we experienced declining home prices and a bountiful inventory of homes to choose from. Slowly but surely home prices are inching upwards, and since purchase price is in most cases the most significant consideration for most buyers, some buyers may be discouraged by this trend. By taking the step now you may be taking advantage of your best opportunity to get into a starter home or to upsize into a home that is more suitable to your changing needs. This may also be an opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity to possibly build some long term equity.

An important thing to keep in mind is that Real Estate is a cyclical market. It has its ups and it has its downs. Historically Real Estate has been a good investment, and now is the time to take advantage of the combination of factors that still make this a good time to buy.

What Do Interest Rates Look Like Right Now? Mortgage rates are still at historically low rates.

This is great news for buyers hoping to capitalize on home prices before they increase any further. Many Mortgage experts are already projecting that interest rates will likely inch back up in the following year possibly by as much as a full point. A slight increase

LEARN MORE: Britt.duffey@duffeyrealty.com 770.354.0120

Duffey Realty

 �  � � � �  ­

Britt Duffey

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What every West Georgian should know about...

Nutrition Keys to Healthy Weight Loss

Q

I need to lose 30 pounds. What’s the quickest and best way to accomplish that before June?

A

Think in terms of lifestyle change. Fad diets only provide quick fixes for short-term results. By making healthful eating choices, engaging in daily physical activity and changing your behavior, you can achieve a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Keep track of what you eat and drink and how much physical activity you get so you can identify behaviors you would like to modify.

A balanced diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein while minimizing the intake of saturated fats, sodium and added sugars.

Portion control is key. Eat a variety of foods and keep everything in moderation.

Sara Wilburn, MS, RD, LD Qualifications Sara Wilburn is a registered and licensed dietitian and serves as a clinical outpatient dietitian for Tanner Health System. She earned her bachelor’s in dietetics and nutrition and master’s in food and nutrition services and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Mississippi. Wilburn will teach the Healthy for Life classes during the Get Healthy West Georgia 2014 Weight Loss Challenge.

Q A

What you eat is just one part of the energy balance equation; the other is physical activity. How much exercise do you get now? If it’s only 15 minutes, try adding a 15- to 20-minute walk during your lunch break.

Identify what motivates you. Make exercise fun and enjoyable. Challenge yourself by setting small, attainable goals weekly. Surround yourself with supportive people.

Before you know it, your long-term goal will be met!

How can I eat healthy when dining out?

other meals that day. Check online menus for calorie and nutrition information. Choose foods that are steamed, broiled, baked or grilled and limit fried items or foods described as “crispy” or “rich.” Start by placing half your meal in a to-go box before you begin eating. You’ll save calories and have lunch for tomorrow.

Q

Are there any good online resources to assist with eating and healthy lifestyle choices?

A

GetHealthyWestGeorgia.org has a variety of free resources to help you reach your goals. It can help you track your eating and increase physical activity, proven keys to successful weight loss.

Joining the Get Healthy West Georgia weight loss challenge in January is another great way to stay focused.

Participate with a team for extra motivation and you can even win prizes for sticking with your healthy lifestyle. For mobile devices, I recommend the following apps: • CalorieCounter.com • MyNetDiary • MyFitnessPal • HealthyDinnerFinder.com • LoseIt! • Weight Watchers Mobile • Fooducate

Plan ahead, consider the menu, and choose foods carefully to stick to your healthy diet. If you know in advance you’re going to a restaurant, cut back on calories during LEARN MORE: WWW.GETHEALTHYWESTGEORGIA.ORG | 770.836.9871

WEIGH IN AND GET HEALTHY WEST GEORGIA! Compete for great prizes. Lower your blood pressure. Enhance your heart health. Reverse or prevent diabetes. Improve your cholesterol.

Sleep better.

You’re invited to join this free, 12-week weight loss challenge.

Compete on your own or with your team to lose weight, complete challenges, win prizes and become a healthier, more active you.

Get easy-to-use online tools to help you track your calories and exercise, join unique fitness challenges and more.

Last year, more than 1,200 people joined the challenge, losing more than 2,500 pounds through a shared commitment to eat healthy and get active together. Kick off the new year by weighing in and lightening up!

Join the movement for a healthier west Georgia—sign up today at

www.GetHealthyWestGeorgia.org!

The 2014 Get Healthy West Georgia Weight Loss Challenge is right around the corner!

Weigh-ins will be held throughout west Georgia from Jan. 19-26.

Visit www.GetHealthyWestGeorgia.org to register and find a convenient weigh-in site! The Get Healthy West Georgia 2014 Weight Loss Challenge is open to residents in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties.

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What every West Georgian should know about...

INSURANCE

Q A

Michelle Allen (770) 841-5060 allenm48@nationwide.com Qualifications

What does an Umbrella Policy cover?

It can cover a range of situations such as dog bites, social media slander, slip and falls and damage to the property of others. Parents with younger children should consider to get the coverage, as kids are active on social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Parents could be held liable for what their children say online.

Q A

Who needs an Umbrella Policy?

This policy is recommended for anyone who is concerned about having to pay for a claim with their future earnings or have assets, such as a house, that could be lost in a lawsuit. Accidents could happen to anyone. This additional coverage offers much value as courts are awarding monetary judgements that are exceeding the coverage on most home and car policies. Give us a call at 770-841-5060 and we will discuss your options with you.

Coverage is more affordable than you think

Call the Michelle Allen Agency for help in protecting what matters most to you! 770.841.5060

When you add

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Michelle Allen has 13 years in the financial services industry where insurance was integrated. Â She began by offering credit insurance on loans. Â From there she went on to helping families with life insurance and annuities. Â Opening her agency and working with Property and Casualty insurance was her way of being able to offer more to her clients. The Michelle Allen Agency is 2013 On Your Side Certified which is an award given to agencies that have a proven track record of excellent customer service. Â Her agency operates daily on the principal of putting people first and building true relationships with every member. Â

Q A

What is an Umbrella Policy?

It is a policy designed to reduce the chances of you and your family suffering financial ruin. Your homeowner’s or auto policy might not have enough liability coverage to cover legal judgements in which you would be required to pay. If your liability coverage is not enough, your future earnings could be used to pay the difference.

Join me in Villa Rica.

Michelle Allen Michelle Allen Agency (770)841-5060 allenm48@nationwide.com www.facebook.com/michelleallenagency

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What every west Georgian should know about...

Preparing Your Lawn for Spring

Q A

Jutt Howard Director of Sales North Georgia Turf, Inc. Qualifications Jutt Howard has been involved in the green industry for 15 years. He received a marketing degree from the University of West Georgia in 2010 and a certification as a Turf Grass Professional from the University of Georgia and PLANET in 2011. He has been involved with the family business, NG Turf, since 2010. He currently oversees production and sales at one of their 5 locations throughout the state where they grow 10 varieties of Bermuda, Zoysia, Fescue and Centipede grasses.

Q A

What can I do during the winter months to prepare my lawn for spring?

Q

What is a pre-emergent and when should I apply it?

Warm season turfs such as Bermuda, Zoysia and Centipede will not come out of dormancy and began to green up until about mid-April. However there are still several important things that need to be done prior to spring to ensure a healthy beautiful lawn throughout the season. Taking a soil test will give you valuable information regarding your soils fertility and needs for the coming season. Your local extension agent or an NG Turf representative can assist in the steps necessary to conduct the soil analysis. Lime to raise your ph levels should be applied in the winter; however, fertilizers should not be applied until after the threat of any frost.

April 15th is generally a safe date. Winter is also a good time to service your lawn equipment as well as sharpening or replacing the blades on your mower.

A

Pre-emergents are herbicides that inhibit the germination of selective weed seed. While they do not prevent germination of all weed species they tend to do a very good job with crabgrass and annual bluegrass. Crabgrass seed begins to germinate when the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees at a depth of 1 inch. In the Atlanta area this is usually around mid-March. Therefore I recommend making an application between February 15th - March 1st.

Certain types of per-emergent can provide a blanket protection up to 6 months. Remember to always read herbicide labels thoroughly to be sure the product can be used on your particular turfgrass and that it controls the weed(s) you are trying to manage. A few examples of pre-emergent are listed below.

Should I scalp my lawn in the winter?

A general rule of thumb is to allow the turf to come out of dormancy at the level at which it when into dormancy. If you need to lower the level of the turf then do so at slight increments as it begins to green up in the spring. The turf plant puts on new leaves as it comes out of dormancy so make sure that adequate sunlight and oxygen can reach the turf at ground level. A lawn with excessive thatch or if maintained over two inches could inhibit the new growth.

benefin (Amaze, Balan, Crabgrass Preventer) oryzalin (Surflan) pendimethalin (Halts) prodiamine (Barricade)

LEARN MORE www.NGTurf.com 770-832-8608

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What every west Georgian should know about...

Oak Mountain Academy

Q

What is the application process for Oak Mountain Academy?

A

The admission process at Oak Mountain Academy is straightforward as we strive to admit missionappropriate students who are guided by a respect for faith, family, each other, and the Academy Honor Code. Interested persons contact our Office of Advancement to set up a visit consisting of a meeting with the Director of Advancement and the Head of School. After learning about the Academy, a tour of the campus is provided. Interested families then establish a time for the student to visit campus, complete the assessment process, and to meet teachers and students.

Ample opportunities are provided for parents to ask questions and seek guidance in their decision to choose an independent college-preparatory education.

Transcripts, immunization records, a current report card, teacher recommendations, and school discipline records are all submitted as part of the process.

Upon completion of all assessments and paperwork, the complete packet is presented to the Admissions Committee for consideration and a final decision.

Paula Gillispie

Head of school, Oak Mountain Academy, Carroll County’s only independent, college preparatory, faith based, day school.

Qualifications

A life-time educator, Paula Gillispie taught in the public schools for twenty-five years, twelve of those in neighboring Fayette County. Earning her graduate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, she began working in independent schools in Virginia. In 2010, she returned home to Georgia to begin her tenure as Head of School at Oak Mountain Academy. Additionally, Paula chairs school accreditation teams for the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a division of AdvancED.

Q

Is there a deadline for admissions applications each year?

A

No, Oak Mountain Academy incorporates a “rolling admissions” process. Available places are fi lled

throughout the year, making admissions a year-round event.

The only disadvantage to waiting until late in the school year is the risk that all financial assistance funds will already be distributed. Each Wednesday “on the Mountain,” we host “Welcome Wednesday.” Th is is an Open House day when interested families may drop in and visit without an appointment. Additionally, we host major Open House events each year with the next one occurring on January 15, 2014.

Q A

Is financial assistance available at Oak Mountain Academy?

As a non-profit, independent school, Oak Mountain Academy’s income is tuition driven. For most families both at the Academy and beyond, choosing an independent, collegepreparatory education for their children involves a monetary sacrifice. In an effort to provide a more affordable educational choice, the Academy provides some fi nancial assistance. With the services of an outside agency, Financial Aid Independent Review (FAIR), the level of financial need is established and reported to the school. A Financial Assistance Committee then disburses the available funds accordingly. Additionally, we have two scholarship funds established by OMA families.

Our goal is to make the tuition as affordable as possible for the families of Oak Mountain Academy.

LEARN MORE www.oakmountain.us 770-834-6651 paulagillispie@oakmountain.us

Where do our students go when they leave the Mountain? ! i���� ! � � � �� ��n �� �� t�� �� tod � � e � Clas c��� �� s � P�ea�

ANYWHERE THEY WANT. STOP BY ANYTIME FOR A VISIT Please visit us on the Mountain to learn how we help our students make the most of their potential.

NOW ACCEPTING CLASS RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2013—2014 SCHOOL YEAR.

Financial Aid Available

Find out more about OMA by scanning this QR code.

222 Cross Plains Road Carrollton, GA 30116 770-834-6651 www.oakmountain.us

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What every West Georgian should know about...

Buying an Automobile

Q A

Sales Manager Walker Cadillac, Buick, GMC Inc.

Qualifications

Todd has been in the Automotive Industry Since 1978 in Sales, Service and Finance and has worked with Walker Cadillac Buick GMC as Sales Manager since 2000.

With Cadillac, Buick and GMC Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles and you’ll get something you never thought possible: new car confidence with a used car price tag.

The name “Certified” has always meant passing our strict standards, but now it also means Owner Care: a vehicle benefits package that raises our already great coverage to new heights. It’s why our vehicles deliver more satisfaction and certainty than any ordinary used vehicle.

Todd Rupp

Q A

whether a person qualifies for a particular credit card, loan, or service. Most credit scores estimate the risk a company incurs by lending a person money or providing them with a service, specifically, the likelihood that the person will make payments on time in the next two to three years. Generally, the higher the score, the less risk the person represents. The higher the credit score, the better the interest rate a customer should receive.

Why Buy A Certified Pre Owned Vehicle?

Q

What is Onstar?

A

Built into every new Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, OnStar keeps you safely connected while in your vehicle. With OnStar, you’ll enjoy services like Automatic Crash Response, Navigation, Roadside Assistance,Hands-Free Calling, Emergency Remote Unlock of Your Vehicle, and Theft Detection.

Why is knowing your Credit Score important?

A credit score is a complex mathematical model that evaluates many types of information in a credit file. A credit score is used by a lender to help determine

LEARN MORE www.walkergmauto.com• 770.832.9602

www.walkergmauto.com

770-832-9602

Highway 27 N Park St (HWY 27) • Carrollton

Ask the Ex ert Q A

Dr. Lona D. Bibbs Pediatric Dentist

Qualifications

Dr. Bibbs earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Bibbs is a Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Northern District Dental Society, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Georgia Dental Society, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She is currently on staff at Piedmont Hospital--Newnan, Georgia. Dr. Bibbs has been in private practice since 2005 and has offices in Newnan and Carrollton, Georgia.

Q A

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What every West Georgian should know about...

Preventing Dental Disease In Children At My Kidz Dentist we work with our patients and parents on educating them about the importance of diet, oral hygiene, and how to prevent dental disease rather than treat it. The most important dental appointment is the first!

If your child is over one year of age and has not seen a dentist, they are overdue!

At what age does the eruption of my child’s teeth begin?

Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth to erupt through the gums are the lower central incisors, followed closely by the upper central incisors.

Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies.

Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).

At what age should my child see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric dentistry and the professional organization of pediatricians supports the “first dental visit by the first birthday.” My Kidz Dentist sees infants, adolescents, and teens from Age 0-18. Many parents are not aware that tooth decay is an infectious disease. In fact, it is the #1 infectious disease amongst children.

Q

What can parents do to prevent dental disease?

A

More than 80% of the bacteria in a child’s mouth come from the mother’s mouth. It is no surprise that dental disease is the number one cause for missed school absences whether it be a tooth ache, oral injury, or trauma to the mouth. We feel the most important dental appointment in anyone’s life is the first dental visit - either by age one or within 6 weeks of the first tooth coming into your child’s mouth. Don’t wait until you “see a dark spot” or “until the child is 4 or 5”. It’s also best if BOTH parents come for this important appointment so everyone in the family has the same information and prevention plan.

LEARN MORE: www.mykidzdentistry.com | (770)253-4488

Loving your child's smile like our very own!

My KIDZZ Dentist, Dentist Dr. Dr Lona D. D Bibbs Pediatric Dentist, Carrollton and Newnan Georgia TM

www.mykidzdentistry.com

1741 Newnan Crossing Blvd.

Newnan, GA 30265 P: 770.253.4488 F: 770.253.4498

Two Locations To Serve You!

1109 South Park 6W Suite 203 Carollton, GA 30 P: 770.253.4488 F: 770.253.4498

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What every West Georgian should know about...

Cremation, burial and funeral planning

Q

One of the biggest questions asked today is, “What is appropriate to wear to a funeral?”

A

Tradition used to hold that black was the only appropriate color, but that is no longer the case. Funeral attire is still generally conservative, but bright colors are not necessarily out of place at a service. While more conservative dress is still favored most often, funerals that may reflect a favorite hobby or certain lifestyle may find mourners arriving at a funeral home in biker gear, to give but one example. Again, the presiding rule is to respect the wishes of the family and the deceased, and to pay tribute to them in a way that’s fitting.

Ellen Wynn McBrayer

Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory and Meadowbrook Memory Gardens As always, we remain “A Family Serving Families®....Since 1950”

Qualifications

Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory has been in business for over 64 years and is now three generations strong with the same loving family, offering the highest quality service with the most affordable funeral & cremation packages. Ken Duncan, Vice President, has been part of the Jones-Wynn Family for 32 years. Some Recent Distinctions for Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory: National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence winner for 11 years (2003-2013) The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Pursuit of Excellence Winner of Best of the Best Award (One of only three in the Country 2007), 2010 Georgia Family Business of the Year Award, 2009 Ellen Wynn McBrayer named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 under 40”, 2004 Dana Wynn was nominated top 5 Funeral Service Person of the year in the Country. Ellen McBrayer has been interviewed on Fox Business about funeral service on the show – “Where the Jobs Are” and also featured in the NFDA Nationwide Consumer Education Video about funeral and cremation service.

Q A

Can I really have a funeral and cremation? Are they the same thing?

Yes, you can because a funeral and a cremation are not the same thing. Rather, cremation is one way a family can lay a person to rest; it is another option for families to consider along side earth burial and entombment in a mausoleum. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides families with increased flexibility for commemorating their loved one’s life. A family might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation; a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present; or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. It’s completely a matter of family preference.

Q A

How much does a funeral or cremation cost?

The total cost for your services, including cremation or burial, is driven by the type of service that you and your family plan. You have a broad range of choices when it comes to planning funeral and memorial services. From simple to very elaborate, there are a variety of ways you can plan a meaningful service that enables you and your family to remember and honor your loved one.

Talk with your funeral director, ask questions, and they can offer a wide variety of options to accommodate any request and any budget. For example, our funeral home & crematory, we have our simple cremation starting at $950, our cremation packages starting at $1225, and our funeral packages starting at $4990.

To submit a question about Funeral or Cremation Service: email ellen@jones-wynn.net or send a message to Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory Facebook page.

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What every West Georgian should know about...

The Spine

Q

Is it bad to have curves in your spine?

A

We have essential curves in our spine that are needed to ambulate on two legs. We all have a cervical (neck) and a lumbar (low back) curve that each resemble a C-shape from the side view. Our thoracic (mid back) and sacral/ coccyx (tail bone) curves resemble a reverse C-shape. We are born with these curves, and their preservation is essential to have a healthy spine. Each of these curves needs to measure (in degrees) within a particular range to be considered an overall stable structure. Changes in our structure, both bad and good, can be seen directly in our posture.

There is also a curve called a scoliosis that is not normal to have, and this is considered a lateral bending of the spinal column. This type of curve is most commonly found in adolescent girls, and can be an inherited condition.

Without careful watch, a scoliosis may worsen over time.

Gwyn Goodwin Doctor of Chiropractic

Qualifications

Gwyn Goodwin has been a Doctor of Chiropractic since 2002. She is a graduate of Oak Mountain Academy, Butler University, and Life University. Dr. Gwyn has practiced in San Juan, Puerto Rico for the past ten years. Recently she and her husband, Dr. Clyde Navarro, have opened Integrative Body Health in Carrollton. Dr. Gwyn has a fellowship in pregnancy care and pediatrics through the ICPA. She and the team at IBH offer a new approach to chiropractic by utilizing Chiropractic Biophysics technique and protocols.

Q

Why is it important to correct posture?

A

Correcting poor posture may alleviate and prevent injuries and health conditions. Many of these injuries include disc injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, strained muscles, lifting injuries, back pain, neck pain, headaches,

Q A

shoulder, and ankle injuries. Our bodies are designed to function and work in harmony, meaning, in proper alignment.

When the body works better, we tend to feel better. Remodeling the spinal curves improve our posture.

How do patients respond to spinal remodeling?

Patients respond very well to this combination of treatment. There are cases in which vertigo, headaches, dizziness, numbness, and tingling have resolved. This occurs by improving and correcting the loss of the cervical lordosis (the curve in the neck). Our daily activities tend to change our neck position by forcing our head and neck forward. This posture puts excess tension and stress on the spinal nerves and into the spinal cord. The spinal cord and nerves cannot function well if they are flexed forward for long periods of time. These changes tend to bring the mid back forward with it, creating a “hump”. This may cause compression to the lungs and many individuals find it difficult to breathe. Restoration of the curves in all areas of the spine allows our body to function the way in which it is more intended.

Learn More: www.integrativebodyhealth.com (770)832-1640 or (770)832-1645

“A Different Approach to Chiropractic”

775 South Park St. Ste. 102 Carrollton, GA 30117

((770) 77 832-1640 OR (770) 832-1645 Se Habla Español ww www.integr ativebodyhealth.com

Changes... Results... Optimal Health

James Long, DMD Long Orthodontics

Qualifications

Dr. Long received his DMD degree from the University Of Louisville, and was named Alpha Omega Honor for outstanding scholastic achievement in Dentistry, graduating fi rst in his class. He graduated from Emory University in Orthodontics and Maxillo Facial Orthodontics in 1976. Dr. Long is a fellow in the National Academy of Dental Science, and a Diplomate in the World Federation of Orthodontics. He has practiced on the southside of Atlanta for over 30 years. Dr. Long has offices in Douglasville, Newnan and Peachtree City.

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What every West Georgian should uld know about...

Orthodontics

Q

I am an adult and want my teeth straightened, also I am missing a tooth in the back of my mouth. I get good check ups by I am just not happy how they look. Is there anything that can be done?

A

The hardest thing to do in any project is to finish it. The same goes with your dental work. This is where the orthodontic specialist can best help. In this example, the orthodontist will work with the dentist to properly align and correct your teeth so they are stable and ready for replacement.

That will give you the look and feel that you have always wanted.

Learn more at www.LongOnSmiles.com

LONG

Orthodontics

We’ve been straightening teeth for over 30 years

We Run on Passion

Lisa Long and Lt. John C. Long, graduating artillery school in Ft. Sill, OK

For a Beautiful Smile for Life!

James Long,DMD

Everyone is approved for interest-free in-house financing!

One of Georgia’s Elite Providers of InvisalignŽs

New Patient Special!

$300 Off Comprehensive Case

Douglasville 3666 Hwy. 5, Suite 100 Douglasville, GA 30135 (770) 949-7259

Peachtree City 1280 Hwy. 74 S., Suite 110 Peachtree City, GA 30269 (770) 461-9642

Newnan 84 Jefferson Pkwy., Suite B Newnan, GA 30263 (770) 251-2660

Please mention this ad offer when making your appointment!

Everyone is approved for our interest-free, in-house financing!

Offer not valid with any other discounts.

Visit your New

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1355 South Park Street, US Hwy 27 Carrollton, GA 30117 Open 24 Hours

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