WGL May-June 2013 by Times-Georgian

West Georgia May/June 2013

Life . Art . Music . People

The Sky’s the Limit Head out to parts unknown as we send you on a trip around the world, courtesy of frequent flying residents, such as Richard Haney.

Ever wonder what you look like through someone else’s eyes? See what some international visitors had to say, page 52 See our latest feature in the Homes of Distinction series, page 56 Get new perspective on our area via the Silver Comet Trail, page 10

Take a trip, but don’t forget the food! page 26

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West Georgia

Li V ing Volume 3 . Issue 5 May/June 2013 Publisher Leonard Woolsey leonard@westgaliving.com

Editor Amy K. Lavender-Buice amy@westgaliving.com

Advertising Melissa Wilson melissa@times-georgian.com

Photographer Ricky Stilley ricky@westgaliving.com

Contributors Ken Denney T.L. Gray Joyce McArthur Katie Allen Ross Gail Woody

From the Editor Dear Readers: Well, summer is here, and you know what that means: family vacations, weekend getaways and road trips! We know you’ve all got vacation on the brain, so we’ve put this issue together with travel in mind.

Of course, we’re continuing our Home of Distinction series. This issue features an atomic-era home built by Addison Smith in Carrollton – complete with bomb shelter! (Imagine looking for that feature in a home when your house hunting.) Also, with spring in the air, everyone is looking to get outside and work in the yard or the garden. Well, our local gardening experts never disappoint. In this issue, they’ve provided us with information on growing azaleas and which type is right for you: native or hybrid. We also have the opportunity to learn all about corn, its history in America and the roll it plays in our food system today.

We’ve gathered some traveling tips and fun stories from a few local globe trotters in hopes they’ll be helpful to you and your family. Employees from Southwire who’ve traveled all over the world gave us some solid do’s and don’ts for international travel. Retirees Anita and Hugh Reid recounted one of their most memorable trips and shared some of the lessons they’ve learned on their travels. We also sat down with a few visitors to our own land to get a little perspective on what it’s like to visit the United States. For those of you who won’t be traveling abroad, we’ve got some fun tips on what to pack in your cooler when you hit the road. These foods will fill you up without breaking your wallet and are a nice change from the usual chips and candy we are all tempted to throw in the car with us on long trips.

And don’t miss our “staycation” piece on the Silver Comet Trail – an adventure close to home. But if you do decide to set sail, we hope you have as much fun planning your trip as we did gathering these facts for you. Bon voyage! Sincerely,

Amy K. Lavender-Buice

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 to Amy K. Lavender-Buice 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 2011 by the Times-Georgian

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

Leonard Woolsey is the Publisher of West Georgia Living and the TimesGeorgian.

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.

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Contents

Features

Photos and Cover Art by Ricky Stilley.

34 The Sky’s the Limit: Learn all about a vintage 10 Peddle on: Learn a few things about the Silver

bi-wing beauty that calls west Georgia home. Its owner, Richard Haney, calls himself one lucky man.

Comet Trail and plan a ride of your own down this historic path!

28 Antarctica Bound!: Sit Down with the Reids 42 I’ve Got a Ticket: Learn from the pros the

as they recount their exciting adventure inside the Antarctic Circle.

best way to tour another country without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Departments Life

People

Take 5: Tom Worthan

Tips for Travelers Tanner Medical branches out

Art

Garden

Feature Flower: Azaleas Corn of the South

22 23

Book Review 50 Artist’s Corner: Mary Tolleson 52

Food

Travel Treats

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

GOING NATIVE – Shady style…. Native Azaleas – State Wildflower of Georgia Since 1979, the Native Azalea has been the official state wildflower of Georgia. Native Azaleas are a member of the rhododendron family and are deciduous shrubs. Most varieties of Native Azaleas have fragrant blooms, some more than others. Bloom color is spectacularly diverse and can be white, pink, yellow, orange, red or any combination of those colors. Plant several selections and you can have blooms in your yard or garden from March all the way thru August. Native Azaleas will become more drought tolerant once established, but water regularly the first few years. If you could

have only one plant in your shade garden or understory, the Native Azalea should be it. This plant is highly prized throughout the Southeast for it’s hardiness, lovely blooms and fragrance. The most common problem with growing Native Azaleas is finding them for sale. WE CAN HELP!! JUST ARRIVED at Southern Home & Ranch, a wonderful selection of Native Azaleas in stock and they are, Admiral Semmes, J.E.B. Stuart, Robert. E. Lee, Millie Mac, Lisa’s Gold, Tallulah Sunrise to mention a few, while supply lasts. NOW! ON SALE $24.99 NEW plants and products are arriving weekly. Our Garden Center staff is ready to help with all your gardening needs and questions. Please come by and visit us soon! Excerpts from Carol Hight and shadygardens.blogspot

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Pub Notes From Publisher Leonard Woolsey

Discovering New Worlds “Come on, boys, we’re going for a drive.”

o many of us, going for a Sunday afternoon drive as kids was as normal as playing a game of pickup baseball in the cul-de-sac or gathering around the table to play a board game. For my younger brother and me, my dad calling out this sentence always signaled that our day was spoken for. While I might be dating myself, there was once a time in America where people actually just got into their cars and drove for the sheer pleasure of seeing new and unusual things. My mom would toss a few snacks into the car, my dad would drive us out to a nearby lake, and we’d just hang out for the afternoon. No real agenda or destination other than to find some place new. While my dad owned several cars when we were kids, nothing stood out like his gigantic – even by today’s standards – Plymouth Fury III. So big was this car, my brother and I could comfortably lie in the floorboards like they were custom-fitted bucket seats. I can still remember rolling down the windows of the behemoth of forest green iron and cruising down back roads with new scenery rolling past our eyes. We were, simply put, exploring the world with the wind in our hair. 8

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

West Georgia

In this issue of West Georgia Living magazine, you’ll find we are focusing a bit on travel around our community. As a matter of fact, we’ve discovered it is not always the destination that is the most interesting part of travel, but rather how we get there. This month, we’ll see west Georgia through the lenses of a vintage World War II airplane as well as the seat of a bicycle cruising down the Silver Comet Trail. Today’s world is different from the one where I grew up – I don’t recall gathering our kids together in the SUV so we could drive to no place in particular. Maybe it’s me – or maybe the world has changed. I don’t really know, but in today’s world of technology and with everyone’s fingers and faces focusing on the colorful screens of their smartphones, it is nice to remember how beautiful the world is when viewed with our own two eyes. So, this season when you feel the urge to do something different, stop the world and go out to explore west Georgia. Visit a park you’ve heard of from a friend but not yet visited. Or maybe drive to a coffee shop in the next town and take in the community. Whatever you choose, get out and see what our community offers. Vintage aircraft – or gigantic Plymouth Fury III – are optional. q

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Holiday Food Issue Coming December 2013

Submit your recipes now to be considered for West Georgia Living’s 2013 special holiday food issue. Submit all recipes (and pictures, if available) to Amy K. Lavender-Buice at amy@westgaliving.com, or drop them off at the Times-Georgian, 901 Hays Mill Rd., Carrollton. Please submit original recipes only, along with a little information about the recipe and the role it plays in your family's holiday traditions.

Life Story by Leonard Woolsey Photos by Ricky Stilley & Leonard Woolsey

The Silver Comet Trail A Uniquely West Georgian Adventure •

•

he Silver Comet Trail is almost like Disney World for cyclists around the Southeast. Sixty-one and a half miles from start to finish, the Silver Comet Trail is one of the longest continuous concrete rails-to-trails conversions in the world. And the best part is that the fun is less than an hour away from anywhere in West Georgia.

Yes, for those of you keeping score at home, that represents more than 90-miles of nearly perfect riding conditions and a big reason people travel from around the country to visit.

At the beginning (or ending, depending where you choose to start), the trail wanders across Cobb, Paulding and Polk counties. And if 60 some miles isn’t enough, you can add an extra 33-miles at the Alabama state line as the Silver Comet connects with the Chief Ladiga Trail. All told, you can travel from the outskirts of Atlanta (Smyrna, Ga.) all the way to Anniston, Ala., under the power of your two pedals.

In the past several decades, cyclists are discovering how former – and many times abandoned – railroads make for a perfect platform for creating trails to travel. Because the hard work (digging through hills or building bridges across rivers and streams) is already done, they make for a relatively easy conversion to recreational use.

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

But let’s digress. Just what is a rails-to-trails conversion, and why do they excite so many people?

Shortly after World War II, a special passenger rail service

May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

began between Atlanta and Anniston. From 1947 to 1969, people could hop the train and quickly find themselves transported between the two growing cities (and time zones). But as often happens, ridership declined and the rails soon found themselves abandoned until 1992, when the Georgia Department of Transportation stepped in, purchasing the rail for a potential high-speed train service. But that project never saw the light of day. Then, in 1995, efforts began to develop the rail beds from weeds to what many now consider one of the finest examples of a large-scale rails-totrails project in the country. Construction began in 1998 and ten short years later, work was completed – earning the Silver Comet Trail the title of the longest paved trail in the United States. With its relatively flat incline level, due in part to accommodate the rail beds, the trail is friendly to riders of all skill levels. Families or serious riders take to the trail seven days a week. 12

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

Featuring wide-open pastures, narrow forest passages and even a tunnel, the Silver Comet Trail is a Kodak moment every few miles. Adam Alvord, owner of West Georgia Cycling in Carrollton, remembers taking a special trip years ago. “My favorite memory is when I led a local Scout pack on a 50-mile ride. We started in Dallas and rode to Rockmart and camped out right next to the trail. The next day, we turned around and rode back – each Scout earning their cycling badge.” Stories of others traveling from all around the county to challenge the Silver Comet Trail commonly populate cycling blogs and websites across the Internet. Many stay at Bed and Breakfasts as

communities along the trail have discovered a unique opportunity to market themselves to visitors. Cedartown, just off of Hwy. 27, even features a self-service bike repair station at the beautifully refurbished train depot adjacent to the Silver Comet Trail. So get on your bike and ride – and take advantage of what many are considering one of the finest rails-to-trails success stories in the nation. wgl For more information on the Silver Comet Trail, visit http://www.silvercometga.com.

Learn how to save at least $200 off a wedding party of 6 or more tuxedo rentals.

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Garden Story by Joyce McArthur Photos by Ricky Stilley

What will it be ...

Native or Hybrid

f you’ve ever made a springtime visit to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain or to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, you know how magnificent a fully mature multi-acre azalea garden can be. These two examples of the South’s historic love of floral beauty and color in nature are must-see places to visit on any gardener’s bucket list. Both historical public gardens feature Japanese hybridized evergreen azaleas and Southeastern native deciduous azaleas. Hundreds of varieties of Indica, Kurume, Satsuki, Glen Dales, native azaleas and other hybrids are in Magnolia Plantation’s vast collection of thousands of mature and beautiful specimens. In addition, Callaway Gardens has in its Overlook Azalea Garden and the Azalea Bowl an equally diverse collection in its acres of evergreen and deciduous azalea borders. In the Middle, Lower and Coastal Southern United States, evergreen azaleas, such as the large flowered Southern In14

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

Azaleas? dica hybrids (Azalea indica, originally from Southern India), outnumber any other shrub in home landscapes and gardens. Peruse your local nursery in the Spring for the hearty and popular evergreen Formosa (rich lavender pink), George Lindley Taber (light orchid and white), and Mrs. G.G. Gerbing (frosty white), along with countless other specimens for your own landscape. Evergreen azaleas bloom in colors ranging from white to pink, lavender, purple, red and even salmon. Yellow, unfortunately, has been elusive to the propagators of evergreen azaleas, though some have managed to develop a creamy white evergreen cultivar just short of a true light yellow.

zaleas are in the Rhododendron family, and are found in North America and Asia in woodlands and lightly shaded hillsides. Asian evergreen species are similar in looks and growth habit to their American Rhododendron cousins. The Japanese Azalea hybrids have a much smaller leaf than the

native Rhododendrons you’ll see in the North Georgia Mountains, but the shape and color of the flowers, similar to the Rhododendron, give away the azalea’s true identity. Depending on the variety and hybrid, azaleas range from a compact 3 feet to a towering 10 feet tall and wide. They keep their glossy, oval/football shaped leaves all year around, providing a dependable backdrop to your garden plants even in the winter. Let these lovely shrubs have plenty of space to grow and spread – they are at their most beautiful when they are allowed to form to their own natural shape, rather than being pruned into boxes or balls. The arrangement of the blooms on the branches is so pretty on an un-sheared evergreen azalea – the flowers give the illusion that colorful butterflies are at rest all over the deep green, billowing plant. Large flowered hybrids are the most sought after, with their funnel shaped petals, freckled throats and long, elegant stamens. Blooms of these type may range from 2 1/2 to 6 inches across.

ur North American native deciduous azaleas are woodland beauties, with an upright, stiff branching habit, slightly fuzzy oval leaves, and a looser, open airier look than the evergreen types. Of the 17 species of native azaleas, all but two are natives of the Southeastern United States. Colors of the native species range from the soft white of the Alabama Azalea (Rhododendron alabamense), to the brilliant yellowish orange of the Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum), and the delicate pink of the Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens). One splendid feature of many of the deciduous species is their delightful fragrance, particularly the Alabama Azalea. On a warm Spring day, the air all around

the native azaleas smells heavenly. When you work in your garden, wafts of their sweet perfume travel with a

light breeze to your nose while you look around and wonder what that beautiful aroma is and where it’s coming from. May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

As a rule, both evergreen and deciduous azaleas prefer a slightly shady arden or filtered sun location in the home landscape, at the edge of a wooded area or below high trees, where the sunlight varies throughout the day with the movement of the sun and of the trees in the wind. Some are more tolerant of sun than others. According to the Azalea Society of America’s website (azaleas.org), many varieties, particularly deciduous azaleas, can handle more sun if they are given enough water.

n general, azaleas grown in full sun will have shorter stems, and may have more blooms, which will not last as long and may fade in a few days. In a little more shade, the same plant will have longer stems and fewer blooms, but each bloom will last longer in the softer light. Here in west Georgia, our summer sun is so brilliant and so hot that native azaleas will certainly struggle in full sun. Heat tolerance is an issue with deciduous species as well, more so than with evergreen azaleas. The Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum), not surprisingly, is the more heat-tolerant of the Southeastern natives and a good candidate for our blistering summers. Unfortunately, this species does not have the lovely fragrance of some of the other natives, but what it lacks in aroma, it more than makes up in its bright, eye-catching blooms that grace the garden with orange-yellow when most other perennials are just waking up in the spring.

zaleas have shallow roots and need a moist, well-drained soil. With our heavy clays here in Georgia, thoughtful preparation for planting is in order. Several methods will work in your yard to keep a newly planted specimen happy and healthy. Raised beds will keep the roots above the clay and allow drainage, especially after heavy rains. Planting high by raising

Tammie Pero-Lyle (770) 832-0911 102 Trojan Drive, Suite A Carrollton tperolyle@allstate.com

the root ball an inch or so above the surrounding soil level, or by mounding soil above the clay and planting the azalea in its own little hillock, will allow water to drain away from the shallow roots. Digging and amending an entire garden bed by tilling in organic matter, such as humus or compost, to about one foot deep throughout the bed will foster healthy root systems in all of your new plantings.

ertilizing is a simple task with azaleas. They really don’t demand anything except plenty of humus and decomposing organic matter in the soil as mulch around the plant. The decomposition of the mulch releases enough nutrients into the soil for the azalea’s good health and vigor. They prefer a soil pH of 4.5 to 6.0, which is typical with our west Georgia soil. Proper pH level helps the plant with its uptake of nutrients through the root system. As with any other garden planting, testing the soil’s pH and nutrient levels is the best first step before the azaleas go into the ground. Your local county Extension Office has bags for your 1 pound soil samples, and will provide you with written information on how to take soil from your garden to have it tested by the University of Georgia’s Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Laboratory. To choose azaleas for your own landscape, the best place to start is to visit one of the historic gardens mentioned earlier, or to seek out any local public gardens that feature azaleas. March through June is the bloom time for many evergreen and deciduous azaleas, so now is the time to start researching a few websites to see what’s blooming and where. Seeing the plants in their mature forms and sizes will help you determine which choices are best for your yard and which locations in your yard are best for the mature size of the plants. Joyce McArthur is a Carroll County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer and the 2013 Vice President for the Carroll County Master Gardeners.

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Garden Story by Gail Woody Photos by Ricky Stilley

Where Corn is King C

orn is the name we use for grain maize. In Native American lore, maize was one of the “three sisters.” It was planted and grown together with beans and squash, which supported each other in their life cycles and provided a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins and vegetable fats.

Corn as we know it today would not exist if it weren’t for human cultivation and development. Corn is a human invention that does not exist naturally in the wild and can only survive if planted and protected by humans. It was started from a wild grass called Teosinte. Growing corn long ago was vastly different than today. By daybreak, the farmer would hitch up the mule. For 18

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

breaking land, a turn-plow called a “half horse” was used. For plowing young corn, a 2-inch scooter was used, as well as a half sweep and a “fender” sliding next to the row to keep fresh dirt off the young corn plant. This process took place every time the mule was brought out to plow and was reversed at the end of a long day of planting and plowing corn. With a shake of the line, we started with a “git up” and a “Gee” or “Haw” for guidance – that’s left and right for the mule.

chose to spend countless hours with my father as he plowed that powerful-smelling red earth. My fondest memories are following behind him and stretching my legs to find his sunken

shoe print in the newly-plowed soil. I waited for any chance to say gee or haw in commands to his mule. Before we could afford a corn planter or fertilizer distributor to pull behind the mule, my Dad planted the corn by hand. He dropped two grains of corn per step. For many years, he planted, fertilized and covered several acres by hand. I once read that a farmer and his mule walked 30 miles a day on average. Dwight Eisenhower was correct when he said, “Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.” Today, corn is grown and harvested by enormous air conditioned tractors on thousands of acres of land. I dare say

this corn could not be as sweet as the corn planted and harvested by my father. Grown around the world, corn is one of the world’s most widely used food staples, third only to rice and wheat. In the United States, it is one of the largest grown commodities, accounting for 90 percent of the total value and production of feed grains.

orn is directly used for food consumption as well as industrial products, such as ethanol. There are more than 4,200 different uses for corn and corn products in the United States. Ninety percent of the starch consumed is produced from corn. Corn sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup, supply more than 56 percent of the U.S. nutritive sweetener market. Thirty six percent of our corn crop is fed to livestock, 27 percent used for ethanol production and 13 percent is exported to other parts of the world. This accounts for 44 percent of the world export market.

There are several types of corn grown around the world, but only two major types are grown in Georgia: field corn and sweet corn. Field corn, or “Dent,” accounts for the largest percent. It is typically yellow, though white is also produced and used specifically in the food market. Sweet corn is purchased fresh, frozen or canned for eating. It is consumed as a vegetable and is developed to have a higher sugar content than regular field corn. Two favorite heirloom varieties of sweet corn for the small garden are the Golden Bantam Sweet and Silver Queen. Corn consists of an outer covering (pericarp) that protects the kernel and preserves the nutrient value inside. It resists water and water vapor and is undesirable to insects and microorganisms. The endosperm accounts for about 82 percent of the kernel’s dry weight and is the source of energy (starch) and protein for the germinating seed. Starch is also the key component in fuel, sweeteners, bio-plastics and other products. The germ is the only living part of the corn kernel. The germ contains the essential genetic information, enzymes, vitamins and minerals for the kernel to grow into a corn plant. About 25 percent of the germ is corn oil, the most valuable part of the kernel, which is high in polyunsaturated fats and has a mild taste. The tip cap is the attachment point of the kernel to the cob, through which water and nutrients flow. This is the only area of the kernel not covered by the pericarp. Corn is now becoming increasingly important as a natural energy source. Ethanol is produced from plant matter. The plant matter is broken down into simple sugars and starches, then fermented and distilled into alcohol. Corn, sugar cane, barley and sunflowers are all common plants used in ethanol production.

Many large farms in the Midwest have planted corn in all or part of arden their land areas to take advantage of the government subsidies that are offered for the corn production that is needed to supply the ethanol production needs. Ethanol can be used in all cars in low concentrations, such as 10 percent ethanol. It can be used in specialized cars, trucks and minivans known as “flexible fuel vehicles” in concentrations up to 85 percent ethanol.

o try your hand at making your own corn meal, pick mature corn at the end of the season, remove the husks, clean and cover in a moisture free room. The corn can be dried on the cob or shelled by hand and allowed to dry completely. To keep the gray furry mold off, store the kernels in airtight containers. For grinding corn you’ll need any one of the several types of grain mills that are on the market. Hand-crank, cast-iron grinders are available from Mother Earth News General Store or Smithfield Implement Company for around $20. One cup of kernels yields about 1-1/4 cups of meal, and you should get a satisfactory consistency in two to three grinds, depending on how you set the mill. A fine setting will do the job in two passes, but you’ll have to work a lot harder. If you choose a coarser grind to save your strength, the corn will require an extra trip through the machine. There are as many pests that love corn. Several varieties of cut worms, flea beetles, aphids, corn borers and fall army worms give the corn farmer problems. To help reduce worm numbers, plant corn as early as possible and apply mineral oil on the corn silks five to six days after silk emergence. Varieties that show resistance to damage are Country Stay Gold, Victory Golden, Silver Cross Bantam, Golden Security and Silvergent. Gail Woody is a Carroll County resident, gardener, and an ISA Certified Arborist. Statistical info is cited from USDA web site.

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Life Story by Tony Montcalm Photos by Tony Montcalm & Kieran Reynolds

Tanner Evolves into a Health-Focused Destination Hospital

hen you’re sick, you go to the doctor. If you’re really sick, you go to the hospital.

Ergo, the hospital is a place for really sick people. Right? Well, that standard of thought is rapidly changing. “The modern hospital facility is changing,” Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System, recently said. “Increasingly, medicine is delivered on what we call an outpatient basis – that is, a patient comes in, receives a test or procedure, and goes home to recover within 24 hours of the test or procedure. So you’re seeing modern hospitals develop a more holistic atmosphere that’s miles away from the cold, sterile, whitewashed hospitals of yesterday.” Tanner Memorial Hospital was just that type of facility when it was built in 1949. Patient comforts were few, and accom22

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

modations for family and visitors were even fewer. Staff did what they could to make patients comfortable; a challenge in a facility where even air conditioning wasn’t available until some years later. Through the years, though, as the climate of health care has changed, so has the region’s largest hospital facility. The old wood-frame 1949 hospital along Dixie Street is gone, and roughly on its footprint now stands the John H. Burson III, MD, Atrium – a soaring space more typical of an upscale hotel than a hospital. Periodically throughout the week, the space is filled with the tinkling notes of a Steinway baby grand piano, or the sweet melody of a singer’s song as part of Tanner’s Harmony for Healing music therapy program. The performances are free, and visitors and patients alike are encouraged to take a seat

and listen, relax and escape the stress that might accompany treatments or caring for a loved one in the hospital. Musicians from throughout the region donate their time and talents to Harmony for Healing. Research has shown that music can aid healing and provide a bit of respite even for the well. Tanner Medical Foundation organizes the program, which is a prime example of how hospitals have become more than a place to go if you’re very sick. “Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton is designed to afford patients the highest level of care and comfort, while also taking note of our responsibility to serve their loved ones, visitors and the community as a whole,” said Howard. “As a community-based healthcare provider, Tanner is committed to the obligation we have to our neighbors.”

Take a Stroll Medical professionals increasingly recommend taking at least 10,000 steps a day. Other benchmarks for better health include at least 30 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise five times a week, or a total of 150 minutes of exercise in a given week. While encouraging residents to lead healthier, more active lives, Tanner also provides residents with a place to get that physical activity: a mile and a half of daylight walking trails on the campus of Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. Ample parking for the hospital’s walking trails is available in the Clinic Avenue Parking Deck on the hospital campus, adjacent to the newly constructed emergency department, with quick and easy access to paths that wind under tree canopies and around a pond on the hospital campus.

Benches and picnic tables also are featured in the space, and large areas of maintained greenspace between the trails is available for more passive recreation. And if Carrollton is a bit of a drive, a daylight walking trail is also available on the campus of Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica. Along the Dixie Street side of the hospital is the Dixie Street Walking Park, donated by Carrollton residents Jim and Cheryl Gill. The park provides a paved walking path for short strolls beneath the ancient oaks that stood in front of the original Tanner Memorial Hospital.

Grab a Bite Hungry? Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton serves up far more than the typical hospital fare. The Tanner Café,

located on the ground floor on the Dixie Street side of the hospital, features a fresh salad bar, grill options and more, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. “Tanner Café is where a lot of folks meet for lunch,” said Howard. “We also see a lot of people come in on Sundays after church for a meal. It’s treated like a secret among the regulars, I think, who don’t figure it occurs to most folks to grab a bite to eat at the hospital.” And on the other side of the hospital, just off the new outpatient surgery atrium along Clinic Avenue, is Bistro ’49, serving unique soups, sandwiches and a full line of Starbucks coffees. Bistro ’49, named in homage to the year Tanner Memorial Hospital opened, serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

Part Hospital, Part Art Gallery “Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton has benefitted tremendously from the generosity of the region’s thriving arts community,” said Denise Taylor, senior vice president and chief community health and brand officer for Tanner Health System. “Not only do talented local musicians give of themselves for the hospital’s Harmony for Healing program, but many visual artists from west Georgia and throughout the Southeast have contributed original pieces of art that are on display throughout the hospital.”

portrait of C.M. Tanner, the Carrollton grocer who provided the initial funds to build the region’s first hospital. More exclusive art can be found hanging in the outpatient surgery atrium on the ground floor along Clinic Avenue. “It’s worth a visit just to grab a cup of coffee and take a look at what the hospital has on display,” said Howard. “After all, parking and admission are free.”

Go Fish

There are numerous pieces of original art hanging throughout the facility. The Tanner Heart and Vascular Center lobby, on the first floor just off the John H. Burson III, MD, Atrium offers several unique local examples.

With the new emergency department that opened earlier this year, Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton also added an 1,100-gallon freshwater aquarium and turtle habitat.

Opposite the Tanner Heart and Vascular Center lobby is the Health Education and Wellness Learning Center, where visitors can find several more pieces, including an original

Located in the emergency department lobby, the habitat boasts hundreds of turtles and fish—including map turtles, sliders, painted turtles, mud and musk turtles, pink bellied sidenecks, Chinese stripped neck turtles, as well as a number

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

of fish, including longfin black tetras, blood parrot fish, kissing gouramis, blue gouramis, and blue, yellow and orange African chichlids. The aquarium was a gift from Carrollton Emergency Physicians, PC, a practice of board-certified emergency physicians and advanced practice providers who serve the emergency departments at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton and Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica. “This is a great addition to the hospital, because it’s something for visitors and patients to enjoy, and kids love it,” said Howard. “I make a point of stopping by when I can to watch the fish and turtles. It’s fun and relaxing.”

Class is In Session In 2008, Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton opened its Health Education and Wellness Learning Center, featuring six new classroom facilities, including a 300-seat auditorium with fold-down LCD screens and a cinema-quality digital projector. “We needed a place where we could continue a dialog with the community about the region’s health,” said Howard. “We needed a venue that would allow our medical professionals to engage with our neighbors. That’s what the Health Education and Wellness Learning Center gives us.” The center, located along the Dixie Street side of the hospital, hosts regular classes, such as Tanner’s free “State of the Heart” cardiac education series, featuring speakers from Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists covering a wide range of heart-healthy topics. The center also is used to host community events, like Tanner Cancer Care’s annual “Celebration of Life” event for cancer survivors.

in Carrollton.” Such features for the hospital will become ever more important as it continues to grow into a regional destination, serving patients from throughout the health system’s ever-expanding service area. “Our region’s population is growing, and our population is aging,” said Howard. “We’ve been able to keep care available locally, and we’ve done that by focusing on providing high-quality services that our neighbors need. In just the past few years, we’ve seen significant growth in our cardiac services, cancer program, emergency medical services, surgical services and orthopedic program. All of this means more people will be visiting our facilities in Villa Rica and Bremen, but especially

With that, Tanner is continuing to add services at its Carrollton facility, including a new comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation unit scheduled to open later this year. The innovative new unit will add 20 beds – including a 320-square-foot transitional living apartment – to help people recover from orthopedic procedures, strokes, trauma and more. The unit is designed to help people learn to live independently again following a medical procedure. “That’s how the hospital is changing,” said Howard. “It’s more about advancing long-term health, making people aware of how valuable their health is and how we can help preserve it.” q May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

Don’t Forget the Food!

W W

hen packing the car this season as you prepare to head out to the wild blue yonder, don’t forget the food! Most people don’t think twice about packing snacks in the car on a road trip, but it really can save you a lot of money to spend a few minutes planning ahead and packing some family favorites that travel well. As a result, you won’t be leaking funds all the way to your destination as you stock up on treats at the gas station or food mart. The added plus: your home-made treats are going to be a lot better for you than anything you pick up at a convenience store. All you need is a cooler, some ice and some plastic containers and you have a world of menu possibilities at your fingertips. First things first – ditch the chips! Supplement chips with popcorn or a healthier chip or cracker substitute. Heck, have fun with it. Get the kids involved and let them pop their own popcorn and season it with their favorite spices. Try cinnamon-sugar popcorn or, if you have a member of the family who likes it hot, mix up a batch of spicy 26

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May/June 2013

popcorn for them.

warm up a few slices each morning.

Another great way to save and control calories is to bake homemade goodies ahead of time, such as muffins, banana bread, cookies, etc. If you know your hotel doesn’t have continental breakfast, or if you just want to take a taste of home with you, bake up a batch of muffins or banana bread before you leave and wrap it in plastic. It’ll keep for several days in the hotel refrigerator, then you can use the hotel microwave to

Of course, you want to give everyone in the car some healthy options, too. This is possible with just a few minutes of prep time. Mix some finger-friendly fruit, such as apple cubes and grapes, together with some lemon juice and nuts to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth on the go. You can also pre-peel and section an orange and throw it in a container for later. But don’t forget veggies are an option,

too! Slice up some vegetables ahead of time and pack some Ranch dressing in small containers for dipping. Veggies also taste great dipped in humus! If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have hummus without flatbread, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry. Simply toast it and slice it ahead of time and place the slices in plastic Ziploc bags. Before eating them, place the bag in the back window of the car and let the sun warm them up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no microwave necessary! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget those childhood favorites, either: peanut butter and crackers or meat and cheese rolls. Cut into pinwheels, a meet and cheese roll is perfect for tiny fingers. One of my favorites has always been trail mix, which is also easy to custom make at home to ensure everyone likes what is in it. Of course, there are things that come packaged in perfect sizes for travel, some you can package at home, some are packaged in-store and some are packaged by nature: string cheese, yogurt, whole fruit, a hard-boiled egg, granola bars, Lunchables, take your pick! The point is to not feel obligated to purchase sugar and fat-laden snacks just because you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t plan ahead. And, hey! If all this seems too complicated, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing wrong with a couple of homemade sandwiches. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eat! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; By Amy K. Lavender-Buice

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Inside the Antarctic Circle Travel

to the

ends of the

Hugh Anita Reid with

Earth and

A A

nita and Hugh Reid grew up in a time when travel meant little more than going to visit family or perhaps visiting a nearby national park. During their childhood, trains were the most exotic form of travel they could hope for, and far-away places were only reachable in the pages of books or on the glossy pages of National Geographic magazine. Anything outside of the continental United States was definitely out of the question. However, now that they are retired, the Reids have a whole new world at their fingertips. They can go to the places they’ve always dreamed of going ... and they do! 28

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May/June 2013

The Reids have been around the world it seems – Prague, Russia, Istanbul, South America, not to mention nearly all 50 states. However, their most memorable trip is an easy pick: Antarctica! In 2006, the couple decided to take a trip of a lifetime with another couple of longtime friends, Vic and Lorriane Cantarelle of California. “We were on a trip in New Zealand, and we said wouldn’t it be neat to do this,” Anita recalled. “Then [Lorraine] said

we better go ahead and do it before we get much older. I said, ‘That’s a good idea!’”

Hugh and Anita Reid making landfall in the Antarctic.

he Cantarelles got everyone on the waiting list, and then they waited ... for four years. You see, even though tours to the Antarctic are becoming more popular, there are still very few companies hosting the tours. And all tour companies are not created equal. There are tour organizations that take a large group on a cruise ship. However, this limits the activities available to tourists, meaning they usually don’t get to walk on the land. Needless to say, if the Reids and the Cantarelles were going to go all the way to Antarctica, by George they were going to step foot on land! So the group booked their passage with Antarctic Expeditions, which carries no more than 40 tourists on a converted ice breaker called the Antarctic Dream. Antarctic Expeditions allowed their tourists the unique options of hiking a mountain on the mainland, visiting the weather stations maintained by Chile and Britain, getting nose to beak with penguins and even taking a dip in the icy water – if you’re bold and brave enough. The Reids and their friends decided this was the tour group for them. So they put their names on the list and waited. Once their four years of waiting were up, the Reids and the Cantarelles felt certain they were in for an experience few others can boast of. And they were right.

hey made their way south in stages. First flying to Buenos Aires, Argentina, then making their way to Ushuaia of the same country before boarding the Antarctic Dream. Once on board, it was a two-day sail before they reached King George Island, the first of many Antarctic islands. To get there, they had to sail through

Drake’s Passage – a notoriously rough patch of sea known for its stormy waters. Luckily, the Reids trek through the passage was uncharacteristically calm.

pon getting their first taste of the Antarctic at King George Island, the Reids said the overall view and experience was pretty overwhelming.

“It was like a sheet of glass going over,” Hugh recalled, “but coming back was a whole different story. Waves were just pounding against the boat. Bang! Bang!”

“You were just struck by the size of these icebergs,” Hugh said. “You see them on television or in magazines, and you don’t realize how big these things are because you don’t have a point of reference. They’re intimidating. You can’t imagine how big that thing is.”

The Reids had a hard time dealing with those particular moments of the voyage, especially while trying to use the bathroom in their 96-square-foot cabin. “The door to the bathroom is heavy, and every time you tried to get out of there, the boat would rock and the door would slam shut,” Hugh laughed. “It took several tries just to get out of the bathroom!” But the trip wasn’t all hardship, by any means. In fact, the Reids say it’s unlike any other trip they’ve ever been on. “Whenever we talk to or visit Vic and Lorriane, this trip always comes up,” Anita said. “It was so amazing!”

“They’re literally mountains,” Anita agreed. But these mountains are unlike any mountains you or I have ever seen. They rise straight up out of the sea and tower over the watercraft. Floating next to one is like standing next to a sky scraper that’s as wide as it is tall – and, of course, you’re not even looking at the whole mass, rather just the bit that is sticking up above the water. The Reids also said the whole region seemed draped in grey. “The sky was overcast the whole time we were there, so the sky looked grey, May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

The Antarctic Dream

because I tried to get on deck to get my settings right.”

afety was always at the forefront for staff on the Antarctic Dream. Often, tourists were told to get below immediately, even though there was no sign of bad weather. “So we would go below and kinda hang around waiting for a chance to go back up, and they would tell us to go ahead and change or clothes because we weren’t getting back out today,” Anita recalls. “And within 5 minutes or so, we would hit a storm and [the waves] awful! But it was exciting!”

the ice looked grey, the land looked grey,” Anita said. However, what at first seemed like a canvas of grey, soon revealed itself to be home to myriad shades of pink, blue, red and green. “The colors are awesome, I really got some fantastic pictures,” Anita said. However, getting those great shots didn’t come easy. “You have to adjust your camera all the time because the colors are all so gray. So Vic and I sat and took pictures of each other to get the color the way it should be and adjust the white setting correctly. They yelled at me a lot

But the whole trip wasn’t a constant struggle to keep their feet under them. In fact, when the weather and wind were calm, the stillness revealed new discoveries. At times, it was so quiet, guests on the Antarctic Dream could hear chunks of ice break away from icebergs and glaciers and fall into the ocean. “It sounded like a bomb went off,” Anita laughed. “And we would all run to the window to see if we could see which one (iceberg) it was. However, they couldn’t always see where the ice had fallen in. Due to the calm waters, sound could travel over the water and ice for miles, so sometimes the group was hearing an chunk of ice fall in the water from several miles away. However, most were closer.

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“Here we were looking out the windows, and of course, the crew was telling us to sit down because a wave would be coming in a minute,” Anita said, “but it was fun.”

A Gentoo penguin splashes in the melt waters of a glacier on the shore of the Antarctic mainland.

he Reids say they did have a lot of fun confined to what many would consider cramped quarters. In fact, one of the highlights of the trip took place on the ship. Midway into their 17 day cruise of the Antarctic, the captain announced that he wasn’t sure he would be able to get the group inside the Antarctic Circle. It was a goal they were shooting for, but due to the weather and ice, they weren’t sure they were going to be able to reach it. “The captain had a map on the wall, and he would come and mark how far down we had gone every day,” Anita said. The day they were drawing close to the longitudinal coordinates, all the guests gathered in the viewing room of the ship and took turns going to check their location on the map as the captain amended it. “We knew it was just a number on the map,” Hugh said, “but it meant something to us.” And when the line representing the ship finally intersected the line represent-

ing that specific longitude, the group celebrated joining a unique club: those who have been inside the Antarctic Circle. The 40 people aboard the Antarctic Dream joined the ranks of British Captain James Cook – the first to cross into the circle – and famous explorer Sir Ernest Hugh Shackleton.

o, with their goals reached and curiosity satisfied, the crew began their voyage back to civilization. “It was so amazing to follow in their footsteps,” Hugh said. “I’d read about these places. Of course, we were never in any real danger the way they were, but to follow in their footsteps was re-

ally something. It was the excitement of experiencing something I’ve only read about, but without the fear of death.” The Reids agree that the lack of space was one of the most difficult things to deal with. And the spontaneity of the weather was more difficult to deal with than the temperature – since the weather wasn’t actually very cold, but they also agree it was all part of the experience. “You get to experience what it was like for explorers, but you get to take a step back. It was fun to step out of our comfort zone for a short time.” wgl (See more on page 32.)

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Tips from the Reids: • Make a list for packing, then update your list every time you pack your bags or return from a trip. This way, you won’t forget anything ... hopefully. • Purchase durable, sturdy luggage with wheels. • If you’re flying, always have enough in your carry-on bag to get you through the night in case your luggage is lost. This includes a change of clothes, toothbrush, and any medications you are on. • People often take too much clothing. Don’t be afraid to send your clothes off to be washed if you are on an extended trip. It’s a lot easier to keep up with a week’s worth of clothes and wash them each week rather than pack four weeks’ worth of clothes. • Leave important things grouped together near your bed when you sleep, such as passport, funds, ID, etc., so that you can grab them all quickly in the event of an emergency. • Get a Rick Steves’ Guide for your destination. It’s worth it! The map that tracked The Antarctic Dream’s progress into the Antarctic Circle.

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Vintage Beauty Graces the Sky!

t age 70, she remains a runway model – literally.

“She” is a 1943 Beech Staggerwing, an aircraft of such classic beauty that she turns aircraft enthusiasts into paparazzi. Whenever she appears at air shows, hosts of admirers snap her picture. When this biplane from a bygone era takes off and roars into the sky, younger pilots stop in their tracks to watch. The proud owner of this plane is Richard Haney, a retired businessman from Carrollton. When he saw the plane for sale last year, he “had to have it,” he says, and why not? With only 200 examples remaining of this particular model, it is one of the most sought-after vintage planes. Its unique design and modern comforts are all the more remarkable for the fact that it is built from sticks of wood and covered in fabric. When Haney was a boy on a farm in south Fulton County, he used to lie in his front yard and 34

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

watch the great, silver birds of the day: “DC-3’s, and DC6’s and Constellations,” all huge, propeller-driven passenger crafts. “I was always just fascinated. I loved airplanes. I knew every one that was in the sky back then.”

nable to qualify for military training due to his eyesight, Haney paid for flight lessons while in college – “I’d work a week (to) fly an hour.” As his businesses prospered, he was able to eventually collect a small fleet of airplanes, the crown jewel of which is the Beech Staggerwing. It’s called a staggerwing because, unlike other biplanes, the lower wing is set forward of the top wing. It’s a design that has never been repeated by other manufacturers, and was created in the early 1930s by legendary aircraft builder Walter Beech. Beech had intended the plane to be an executive aircraft;

the Learjet of its day. But when it debuted in the middle of the Depression, few people could afford its $14,000 starting price.

hen, professional air racers discovered just how fast it was. In 1933, the plane took the Texas Trophy; in 1936 it won the Bendix and then the Harmon trophies. In the meantime, Beech and his team tinkered with the design to improve flight dynamics, speed and creature comforts. “As it began to win races and people discovered how comfortable they were, then they began to purchase them,” said Haney. “But the military was the big purchaser, because they had all the money, and they had professional pilots. These were the planes the generals wanted because they were so fast.” With a top speed of 200 mph, the plane was already faster than most

of the fighter crafts in a world every professional soldier knew would soon be at war.

portant communiqués between various European embassies, a job they continued when war eventually broke out.

Haney’s plane started out its life with just that assignment. According to its serial plate, the plane was delivered to the Air Corps (by then the U.S. Army Air Forces) on Feb. 2, 1943.

n the late 1930s, the Army Air Corps, precursor to today’s Air Force, bought some of the planes with the latest design refinements and began using them in Europe to shuttle im-

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Haney sits in the pilot’s seat of his plane.

The plane still has its original Pratt & Whitney 985 “Wasp Junior” engine – a nine cylinder supercharged radial powerplant, which is rated at 450 horsepower.

It has mechanically driven, retractable landing gear that slowly cranks up flush with the fuselage by means of a bicycle chain.

tarting such an engine is a complicated affair. Because some of the cylinders hang upside down, oil has a tendency to collect in the combustion chamber. To make sure this hasn’t happened, the propeller has to be turned by hand a few times before the engine can be started. If a piston were to try to compress the incompressible fluid, some very expensive parts would shatter.

Once the engine is started, it’s loud. So loud that having a normal conversation inside the cabin is nearly impossible. But Haney says flying the plane is a dream, since the unique stagger of the wings makes the plane difficult to stall.

Haney keeps his staggerwing in a hangar at West Georgia Regional Airport and takes it to various air shows around the region, where it steals the spotlight from equally exotic aircrafts.

Underneath its skin, the plane looks like a balsa wood model. It is made of wood, with only a few bits of aluminum tubing. When originally shipped, it was covered with fabric stiffened by dope, but Haney’s plane is now covered with a synthetic material that is stronger and more durable. 36

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

or all these antiquated features, however, airplane aficionados say the five-passenger staggerwing is in many ways the equal to some modern planes. It has a range of 800 miles, making a day trip to Savannah and back an easy – if very noisy – adventure. It does guzzle the fuel, however: 26 gallons per hour at cruising speed, even more on takeoff. That’s why it has five fuel tanks.

It is a plane built for another era, when planes landed in grassy fields. Haney is only the latest owner of this vintage bird, a caretaker of both its history and its future. When told he is a lucky man for owning such a beauty, Haney has a quick response: “That I am.” wgl

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ing me a loving wife, three wonderful children and four adorable grandchildren.

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West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

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Crossing

your

There’s more to travel than just booking your flight

rossing your legs and pointing the soles of your feet at someone can get you in serious trouble in Muslim countries. Eating everything on your plate in China is the worst insult you can give a host. And giving the “A-OK” sign in Brazil does not – and we mean does not – mean “AOK.” An American traveling abroad can get into all sorts of trouble just by being American. But a typically-American gesture that has a different meaning in other societies is one thing; there are more serious matters as well. Americans are at risk for robbery due to the perception that all Americans are rich, and at risk for attack because of local objections to U.S. for42

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

eign policy. This should not discourage anyone from the experience of traveling overseas, seeing famous sites and exploring foreign cultures. There are simple, basic steps Americans can take to travel safely, and many of these are very similar to sensible precautions you would take while traveling to a large U.S. city.

here is a group of people in west Georgia for whom these issues are an everyday concern. Executives for Southwire are constantly on the move across the world, traveling to Asia and Central America and Europe, selling the company’s

advanced technologies and products. As the most seasoned international travelers in the region, these globetrotters have some good advice for any traveler, no matter their level of experience.

Will Berry

“We have our own ‘Southwire University’ that we use as a training platform,” says William Berry, senior vice president of Southwire International. “It has three parts – one is 10 Do’s and Do Not’s when you travel, and then there’s a training video. A third component is bringing in a security expert.” That expert provides employees with an eight-hour, intensive course in issues not normally encountered by ordinary travelers. Southwire and its advisors in international travel have ranked various countries according to the level of threat against travelers, especially Americans. Countries in Europe may be ranked a “1” or a “2,” while countries like Mexico may get a ranking of “4” – which means the company will hire drivers and take other precautions to protect its sales crew. Travel to countries with the ultimate threat level of “5” requires approval at the company’s highest level, and may require a special security team.

ortunately, however, such precautions are seldom needed. For the most part, Southwire travelers run into the same sort of problems and issues as an average tourist. But even then, Berry says, the best advice is not to stand out from the crowd.

“They (your foreign hosts) may figure out sooner or later that you’re American because you talk too loud, or you’re standing in a distracted way; wearing business clothes where there’re not a lot of people with business clothes on. You become a target. You have to have awareness (and) be attuned to things that look odd, even if you’re not familiar with an area.” Most foreign travel safety tips would be useful anywhere you travel – even to New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Berry says that Southwire employees are taught to avoid “rogue” taxis. When

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they arrive at an airport, they go straight to the taxi queue and thus avoid tricksters and con artists. “If you can, make sure you have the name of your hotel, or where you are going (written) in the language of the country that you’re in, so that the taxi driver can read it and know exactly where to go. Don’t dress in loud colors; take care of your money, and don’t have it exposed. Don’t go to an ATM and get a whole bunch of money and then walk around counting it.” Michael McDonald, vice president of

the company’s international business development, has some specific advice for thwarting robbers: “Use a ‘throwaway’ wallet. Carry a dummy wallet with some old, expired credit cards and an old driver’s license – basically old stuff that no one’s going to know (are expired) at first blush. If you get confronted, you just throw it to someone, or if they’re robbing you, you give it to them. It’s got 10 bucks, 15 bucks, a little foreign currency; just enough to make them think they’ve got your (real) wallet.” There are some specific steps travelers can take when booking a room. “Don’t book hotel rooms above the third floor because of fire risk,” McDonald says. “Don’t do it on the main, or the floor that fronts the street because of the bomb risk.” He advises booking a room in the back of the hotel, and then being aware of the location of all the building’s exits.

hile travelers will remember such things as a toothbrush and a charger for their phone, there are other items they should carry, McDonald says. “You should carry a flashlight, because the power is not so regular in a lot of these countries as in the U.S.” Travelers abroad may not anticipate getting sick, but that’s exactly what could happen if they violate cautions against eating at a street vendor’s food stand or drinking water of questionable quality. Both Berry and McDonald recommend signing up with a traveler’s medical insurance company and keeping its card on your person at all times. Such services provide a network of vetted medical professionals: care givers you can trust when you don’t know the word for where it hurts. In less critical situations, language may not be that much of a problem. Michael 44

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

Gallagher, vice president of SCR Sales for Southwire, has made dozens of trips to China. He has found that most places there – and in other non English-speaking countries – can accommodate the wandering Westerner. “Most places have Western hotels that are geared more toward Western travelers, so you try to know those hotel brands and stay there because their staff will always speak English.”

ost language issues arise when dealing with taxi drivers, he

Michael J. McDonald

said, but that is where a Western hotel concierge can help out, speaking to the driver in the local language. All the executives say that Americans who take their computers and smartphones along for their adventures should consider the security risks involved. Not only should they be careful to keep track of their gadgets, travelers should be aware than whenever they log-in or boot up, their activities can be monitored by cameras or wireless networks. Obtaining a password might be all a hacker needs to access a bank account.

One grim fact about foreign travel is that when Americans are abroad, they are no longer under the protection of the U.S. government or the Constitution. Activities that are totally innocent here – like carrying a pack of gum – can actually be illegal; Singapore has strict rules about how chewing gum can be disposed of to keep the city-state clean. “It’s so important to be real conscious of the laws and don’t do anything that’s going to break a law,” says Gallagher. “You don’t want to be arrested in a foreign country.”

he U.S. State Department has upto-date information about virtually every country on the planet on its website, travel.state.gov, including the often bewildering differences in laws and social customs that can get an American in trouble. On the same website, travelers can find travel advisories in which Americans are warned about country-specific threats posed to tourists in countries hostile to the United States, or which are dangerous due to internal unrest or other factors. When Southwire employees are abroad, they do have one level of protection not shared by the average traveler. Each day, wherever they are, they check in with the home office. Someone in Carrollton knows where each of these employees are. If, theoretically, they ever fail to be where they

International Travel Tips Southwire executives may be the most experienced international travelers in the region, and they have developed a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” that can help anyone traveling overseas. Do: • Protect your passport – it is the most valuable possession you have while traveling. Keep it safe! • Before traveling, tell your medical doctor where you are going. Ask if you will need any preventative medications, and verify that your vaccines are up-todate. • Have a valid visa, if required by the countries you are visiting. Confirm that it is valid before booking a ticket. You cannot board the plane without it. • Bring two different brands of credit cards. Sometimes the magnetic strip does not work or the seller will not accept certain brands. You will need a back-up card. • Use ATMs for foreign currency because they have lower fees and better exchange rates than hotels and banks. Before you leave, make sure your card is authorized for the country where you will be traveling. • Have the hotel or meeting location address available for the taxi driver in English and the native language. • Use the taxi queue at the airports and train stations. Also, make sure the meter is working before departing.

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• Secure your money to prevent a pick pocket attempt, especially in airports, subway and train stations. • Dress to blend in with others. Don’t: • Ride in rogue taxis or unauthorized cars. • Drink the water, use ice or eat raw vegetables unless you have been told it is okay by someone you trust. If you are told not to drink the water, only drink bottled water that is sealed. • Count or handle money in the open. • Wear clothes that make you noticeable, and do not wear jewelry. • Talk or act in a manner that will draw attention to you. What to Pack: • An ATM card and cash. • A first aid kit containing these items at a minimum: ibuprofen, adhesive bandages, antiseptic ointment, diarrhea and upset stomach remedies, and an oral antibiotic. • A flashlight. • Hand sanitizer, but remember to bring less than 3 oz. in your carry-on baggage. • A card for an international medical insurance service. • Prescription medication and/or sleep aids, which may help with jet lag. Have enough for the entire trip, plus some. • Spare glasses and/or contact lenses.

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are expected, alarm bells will ring. The sales crew says it would be a good idea for any traveler to set up such an alert system with their friends or relatives back home. While part of the fun of traveling is taking unexpected side roads, your personal support network should know that if you are not, say, in Paris on Thursday as you said you would be, something may be wrong. All recommend using Skype or similar services to stay in touch back home. Being free and Internet-based, such services are available across the globe, and you don’t have to face expensive charges for roaming or texting.

he main lessons of their training, the executives say, is really no different for anyone with a Southern upbringing: don’t draw attention to yourself, and be respectful. “You don’t walk around with a ‘USA’ flag shirt, and you’re not loud and you’re not obnoxious,” says Berry. “You go in with the mindset of respect and openness. We think we know the right way to do everything – but everyone thinks their way is right. So go in with an open mind.” wgl

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A few simple steps to make flying easier What is the best day of the week to fly? The middle of the week: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. What is the best time of year to fly? Fall, there are better rates and less congestion. What is the best way to find a good deal on flights? It’s often said that websites, such as Expedia, Priceline, etc., can offer you a little better deal, but I always suggest going to the air line’s web site to check their rates. Just be flexible about when you leave and you can get a better deal. And you can often get a hotel/airline package deal, just ask if they have a reciprocal agreement with a hotel in the area you’re traveling to, such as Las Vegas or New York. But, they don’t usually have such deals in smaller cities. What is a good destination for Americans that few people may think is a great place to travel to, like a best kept secret among travelers? The Turks and Caicos Islands, Liberia, and Costa Rica. For domestic flights, what are some good tips that make flying, handling lug-

gage, etc., a little easier? Get to the airport early! At least 4 hours early. This gives you plenty of time to get checked in and get your luggage processed so it actually ends up on your flight with you. On international flights, what should people expect when going through customs? Have all your documents ready for inspection and your customs form filled out. You do not have to claim every thing but customs will be looking at certain things in particular, such as your volume of alcohol, cigarettes, cash etc. What’s the best way to stay comfortable on a long flight? Wearing something comfortable is a must! A warm up outfit and sneakers is a plus. Bring your own pillow and a light blanket if you want. Also, bring some of your own snacks in your carry on bag. Why do the airlines ask you to turn off your electronics? Is this a safety issue? Your electronics could interfere with the avionics of the plane, including but not limited to auto-pilot and the navigational

Tips provided by Patrick Robinson, a former employee of Delta marketing. systems. Certain electronics can be turned back on once the plane reaches more than 10,000 feet. Before the planes descends, though, all electronics need to be turned back off. Please follow all air line and FAA regulations and the flight crew instructions at all times. These rules are for your safety.

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Arts & Events Spring Concert Children’s Hour Spring Concert on Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. in the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center Theatre. The concert will feature performances by participants in CPRCAD Cultural Arts programs. Free. Call 770-838-1083 for more information. Art and Music Showcase The Georgia Kiwanis Art and Music Showcase will be held on Saturday, April 27, at the Carrollton Cultural Art Center. The showcase begins at 3 p.m. in the Danny Mabry Theatre and features music showcase winners from Kiwanis Clubs throughout the state. Both galleries will be used for the art competition with art awards presented in the theatre following the music showcase. This is a one-day event and students will be competing for $15,000 in college scholarships that are sponsored by the Georgia Kiwanis District Foundation. Free Admission. Call 770838-1083 for more information. Pine Mountain Sidewalk Sale Please join us April 27 for a Sidewalk Sale at the Museum. Shop for Gifts or for yourself as most items are up to 20 percent off! With jewelry, gemstones, gold panning supplies, and more, we probably have something for everyone on your list! The sale runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pine Mountain Gold Museum at Stockmar Park, 1881 Stockmar Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180. Tell your friends! For more information, please contact Linda Shaw at lshaw@villarica.org or (770) 4598455 ext, 4. www.pinemountaingoldmuseum.com 48

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

Saddle Club Ride Join us for a horse ride Saturday, May 4, through the mountain and area just like they did in years gone by. Rides starting hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $39 per person to ride our horse, or $10 if you have your own horse. Part of the proceeds go to offset the costs of running the gold museum, including the care and feeding of the animals. Trail ride and horses furnished by Sandhill Trails and Hal Roberts Quarter Horses, locally owned and operated. Pre-registration required as we will have a limited number of spots available. Fun for the entire family! 10th Annual Prayer Breakfast Join us for our 10th Annual Prayer Breakfast on the National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 2, at 7:30 a.m. at Sewell Mill, 126 Hamilton Ave., Bremen. This event is co-hosted by the Haralson County Chamber of Commerce and the Haralson County Ministerial Association. We will have breakfast, special music and, most importantly, prayer. No charge but an RSVP is required to 770.537.5594 or email lrutherford@ haralson.org. Confederate Memorial Day The Andrew Jackson McBride UDC Chapter 1772 cordially invites everyone to attend Confederate Memorial Day Commemoration on Tuesday, April 30. There will be a Southern Cross of Honor Dedication for Private, Asa G. Chandler, Company B, 10th Regiment, Georgia Cavalry at noon at Tallapoosa East Church Cemetery. At 2 p.m. at the West

Georgia Museum of Tallapoosa will be the Confederate Memorial Day Program honoring Haralson County Confederate Companies. Special guest speakers will be Gregory Scott Caulley and Jan Caulley. Refreshments will be served. Please R.S.V.P. to Laura Braswell at 770967-7128. Antique Tractor Pull and Show Antique Tractor Pull and Show Saturday, May 25, at The Steed Farm, 2080 E. Hwy. 5 Carrollton, off US 27 at Hwy 5 and Ringer Rd. Sponsored by West GA Two Cylinder Club and The Steed Farm. Pull starts at 10 a.m. Free admission. Antique Farm Stock and Modified Weight Classes 3,500 - 10,500 and Open Wheelie Bars Required. Trophies. Signup from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. $10 per hook. Snack bars, vendors. Bring your lawn chairs. Kids Pedal Tractor Race and Pull begins at noon. Door prizes and raffle tickets for pedal tractor. Dennis 770-301-8388, Judy 770301-6319 or Patrick 770-301-6320. Cruise-In The Golden City Cruisers will have a cruise-in on May 18 at June 15 at the Mill Amphitheater, 105 Temple St., Villa Rica. The event starts at 5 p.m. and includes classic vehicles, cake walk, food and oldies music. Free admission.

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Tsedey Mekbib

First Impressions

A Few Visitors Turn the Tables and Share their Take on Us

ou might think that moving to a foreign country would be difficult. The different customs, the different language, the different food. They all add up to something that most of us are afraid of: something that is unfamiliar, strange and alien. Yet, every year, hundreds of thousands of people move to the United States from countries all over the world.

John F. Kennedy called America a “nation of immigrants,” and in many ways, we are just that. Our nation possesses an abundantly rich mixture of cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, ideologies and religions. We have been described as a melting pot, a salad bowl – a mosaic of people, experiences and beliefs. We celebrate our differences. We bask in our freedoms. 52

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

But how do we appear from the outside looking in? Getting an outsider’s perspective of the United States isn’t hard. The Internet has made it easier for people from many different places to connect and share their opinions, and it seems that almost everyone has an opinion on America.

erception can be a very tricky thing, though. There’s how we perceive ourselves, and there’s how others perceive us. The truth is usually caught somewhere in between. For a slightly different take on the perception of the United States, we might look to a unique group of people who have seen it from both sides. Among some of those hundreds of thousands of people who

move to the United States every year from countries all over the world, some have landed right on west Georgia’s doorstep, finding a home away from home at the University of West Georgia (UWG).

Alexandra Pederina

ccording to Kristen Etheredge, International Student Advisor at UWG, the University of West Georgia enrolls approximately 160 international students from more than 40 different countries nearly every year. She states that “United States degrees are recognized throughout the world for their excellence;” therefore, many people move to the U.S. to study and make themselves more marketable to employers in their home countries. UWG’s International Services and Programs department advises and helps to acclimate these students with everything from academics to immigration issues, taxes, health care and -- perhaps most importantly -- adjusting to the culture and customs of the United States. Etheredge explains that “[international] students come to the U.S. not only for the educational experience, but for the cultural experience.” In gaining this cultural experience, these students have both an insider’s and outsider’s perspective of the United States, giving them a point of view that is both unique and valuable. Alexandra Paderina of Russia, Tsedey Mekbib of Ethiopia, Ryan Godfrey of Australia, and Anna Obedkova, formerly a student at UWG and now a full-time staff member, also of Russia, all possess this unique and valuable point of view. Through their eyes, we can see the United States in a new and refreshing way.

hen they first arrived here, they each had differing expectations of what the United States would be, yet their first impressions were strikingly similar. Each student remarked on the

hospitality and friendliness of America, particularly of Georgia. Godfrey first arrived from Australia in 2009 and notes that “the people in Georgia are really nice and just good people to be around; they could never do enough for you. Everyone’s manners here are incredible and like nothing that I have experienced before.” Paderina agrees, noticing that “random people, who you may encounter in the street, are more friendly.” In addition to hospitality and friendliness, the food of the United States made a lasting impression on these new residents, but here, at least, Paderina and Godfrey disagree. The most difficult American reality that Paderina had to adjust to when she first arrived was the food. For her first two weeks in Amer-

ica, she couldn’t eat without getting sick. Godfrey, on the other hand, loved the big portions of Southern meals from the start, adding, “obviously the food is great here, especially in the South.”

fter the big, scary move to the United States and these initial impressions of America came the more difficult matter of acclimation. For a couple of the students, adjustments to American life and culture had more to do with physical comforts. Obedkova, who moved to Georgia seven years ago, struggled with the heat, explaining: “I am from the North of Russia. Even though I am cold-natured, I still have a very hard time when it gets hot.” Mekbib agrees that it gets very hot, having moved to Georgia from Ethiopia in May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

the dead of summer, and she adds a couple of other things that took some getting used to upon arriving in the states.

Anna Obedkova

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe daylight savings was the hardest [thing] to understand at first, because we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have that back home. Also, at first, I struggled with understanding the Southern accent and some of the terms used down here in the South, since they were not part of the English vocabulary we learned back home.â&#x20AC;? But even those Southern terms and phrases started to grow on Mekbib after a while; she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I subconsciously started using them myself!â&#x20AC;?

nterestingly enough, even Godfrey, who already speaks English, hit a bit of a language barrier upon his move to the states. He explains: â&#x20AC;&#x153;the accent and language barrier was tough at first; the first couple of days, it was tough trying to listen to people talk. Along with the Georgia accent, the words that people used was something I had to ask over and over what they meant.â&#x20AC;? Once the students adjusted to these challenges of their new surroundings, they began to build upon those first impressions of a country and region full of hospitality and friendly people. They saw what they loved most about the U.S. Mekbibâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love is for the people. She explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like the fact that people are friendly; most people are open-minded, [and] the fact that [the US is] a melting pot of many different cultures, ideologies, people and food.â&#x20AC;? Godfrey and Paderina echo similar sentiments, but Obedkovaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite thing about the states concerns stability and opportunity:

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I like about the US is that you have more freedom and certainty when it comes to building your future. If you get a degree from college or university, you will be able to find a job. It might not be necessarily a well-paid job, but you will be able to pay your rent and other bills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Russia, you might have several degrees and still not be able to support yourself, especially in bigger cities. Rent can be so high that a lot of young people (and families) actually cannot afford living on their own. Many young families have to live with their parents 54

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May/June 2013

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for long time before they can afford their own place. I am glad that while living here, I have an opportunity to fully support myself, to travel to Russia to see my family and friends, and to be able to save a little bit.”

ith the good comes the bad, and even though these new American residents couldn’t say enough about the things they loved about the U.S., they also had things they missed about their own home countries. Godfrey misses having a beach close by and, of course, family. Paderina misses the Russian community. She says, “in Russia there is a stronger sense of community. People are united in groups at school, university, work. And they are closer to each other within those groups. Americans are more individualistic. They are taught to rely on themselves only.” Obedkova, also hailing from Russia, misses public transportation! “We have public transportation everywhere in Russia, even in very small cities. I was surprised when I got to the US that there was no public transportation in smaller cities. I did not even have a driver’s license when I got here because I did not need it. In Russia, I could jump into a bus (without waiting for a long time) and get anywhere I needed to go within minutes.” Mekbib also comments on transportation, wishing that people had a little more patience in the United States, “especially people driving cars.”

verwhelmingly, these students’ perceptions of the United States were positive. Bravely, they journeyed from their countries of birth to learn about and immerse themselves in a new culture, and they did so with incredibly open minds and hearts. The United States has made an impression on them, certainly, but they have made an impression and impact on this

native as well.

the Arc of the Covenant is said to reside.

From them, I learned what America looks like from a unique and varied perspective, and more importantly, I learned a little more about their home countries of Ethiopia, Russia and Australia.

From Paderina and Obedkova, I learned about the hospitality and friendliness of the Russian people. Obedkova warns that “if you are invited to a Russian house, be prepared to eat a lot! When we are expecting guests, we usually cook the whole day or a couple of days prior to the scheduled visit!” Yum!

From Godfrey, the Australian who traveled to Carrollton and UWG to play basketball, I learned about Aussie Rules football, or “footy” as it is known in Australia. Apparently, this cross between American football and soccer “takes the nation by storm every weekend.” From Mekbib, I learned about a beautiful country that I knew relatively little about. She describes Ethiopia as “a land of 13 months of sunshine [and] of the most welcoming and the most down-toearth people.” She goes on to mention the wonderful food and history of the region, and notes that Ethiopia is where

ndoubtedly, these new residents (be they temporary or permanent) of the United States have left their mark on our country with their sharing of customs and stories of their countries of birth; I only hope that the U.S. has left a similar impression on them. Ultimately, we are all people with families, customs, opinions and passions; we may be from different places, and we may travel to different lands, but we are all still a part of a pretty amazing human family. wgl

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Life Story by Ken Denney Photos by Ricky Stilley

A Mid-Century Modern

Home of Distinction

alking into the Addison Smith house in Carrollton is like walking onto the set of “Mad Men.” You half expect to hear Sinatra on the hi-fi and see a Mondrian hanging over the massive stone fireplace. There are signs of the Atomic Age everywhere: the bomb shelter in the basement; the intercoms and control panels over the beds; the futuristic kitchen with the ahead-of-its-time island. It is a sleek, minimalist house, long and low, and seems to stretch on forever as one room flows into the next.

contemporary design.

Addison Smith had the house custom built in the late 1960s for his wife, Dorothy, and young daughter, Gloria. Smith was a mechanical contractor, founder of the company that still bears his name; a man obsessed with precision and detail, and a fondness for forward-thinking,

Set in a wooded lot on the edge of Sunset Hills Country Club, the overall impression is that you are in a tree house. That effect is especially felt on the enclosed patio on the second floor, where sliding windows that open into the kitchen allow a hostess to pass goodies out to her

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

Designed by the Atlanta architectural firm of Barker & Cunningham – more known for building churches than houses – the three-bedroom house covers some 10,000 square feet. It has a living room and, in the style of the day, a separate family room. Each bedroom has its own bathroom with pastel-colored fixtures and sunken bathtubs. Downstairs is a large rec room equipped with a bar and kitchenette.

Current owners Bobby and Gloria Stewart.

guests, while the outdoor fireplace kept them warm and cozy. The systems of the house have aged well, as might be expected from an engineer like Smith. Downstairs is a control room that looks like Scottyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s station on the Enterprise, with controls that regulate fans in every room, and motor-driven pumps that send water to the floors above. Everything is neatly labeled and arranged. Made for living life in the affluence of post-war America, the house is now occupied by Gloria and her husband, Bobby Stewart. They have kept it much as it was originally, but have gotten rid of the shag carpets and monochromatic colors of Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. The house was designed to fit what people imagined houses would be in the 21st Century, and in many ways it surpasses those expectations. There is no special place to park a jet pack or a personal helicopter, but it is designed to maximize the ease and comfort found through modern push-button living.

The Addison Smith house has many features associated with California Modern homes: sliding doors between rooms, numerous closets and cabinets, and low-sloping Aframe roof. The American flavor of Mid-Century Modern design is often called the California Modern style, known for its dramatic open spaces and emphasis on family living. One such open floor plan is shown above. At right is a control panel that regulates the temperature in every room as well as controls pumps that send water to the upper levels of the house. 58

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

Mid-Century Modern architecture in America reflects the International and Bauhaus movements in Europe, led by such architects as Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.

May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

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The best first steps? The ones you take together. The first step is keeping your little one healthy. You can count on the WellStar Pediatric Network to connect you with doctors who’ll take care of your baby every step of the way, from newborn to toddler to teen. WellStar pediatricians are experts at child development and age-appropriate care. They know tummy aches and playground scrapes and so much more. And because aches and pains don’t take a day off, many of our pediatricians offer same-day appointments, six days a week. To learn more, call 770-956-STAR or visit wellstar.org.

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Artist’s Corner

Book Review by T.L.. Gray Featured Artist: Tom Piccirilli

Summary: “Meeting the Black” is a powerful and emotional piece written by Tom Piccirilli describing what he was going through, both mentally and physically, before and after his recent operation on a brain tumor. Review: Wow! I’m familiar with musings, having written a few, and this one was honest, raw and beautiful. My eyes are filled, not with tears of sadness, but of hope. There’s a lot to be said for a great opening line. Some of the greatest works in literature have memorable starts. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife” – “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. “Call me Ishmael,” – “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville. Now I have another opening line that captured my attention. “Noir truth,” – “Meeting the Black” by Tom Piccirilli. My French may be rusty, but I know my colors very well, and instantly my mind interpreted the opening line of this memoir to say “black truth.” This made me instantly go to a dark place and wonder what could possibly be so black, void, or dark. Instantly a mood was set, and Piccirilli was faithful to deliver. The second line proved to be as powerful as the first, straight to the point, no holds 64

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

bared. “What I know: I’ve got a tumor in my head that’s halfway between the size of a golf-ball and a tennis-ball, according to the neurosurgeon.” Wow. I can’t even imagine what this author is going through, but I’m definitely hooked to find out. From his presence in the literary world, it seems Mr. Piccirilli has so far enjoyed a very successful writing career, having published more than 22 novels since 1990, two series, four novellas, more than 30 anthologies, two non-fiction works, and becoming a four-time winner of the

Bram Stroker Award, and two-time winner of the International Thriller Writer’s Award. It’s literally a writer’s dream come true. Some in this field would say he was a very lucky man, indeed. But in life, tragedy doesn’t look at a writing resume or care how much success someone might enjoy. Being a fellow author, his story touches my heart, and many times he echoed some of my own fears in this memoir. One of the most touching paragraphs states: “What I know: Things aren’t right. I’m

not myself. ... What if I can’t write? I’m not me. I’m not the person I’m supposed to be.” Many, many times these are the very same words that I mutter in the middle of my fear. So, I instantly related to Mr. Piccirilli, and he stole my heart.

you fight past your demons and shadows and enemy cells. Thanks to all of you.”

As his story progresses, Mr. Piccirilli talks about the love between him and his brother, the loss of a mother, father and stepfather to cancer, and we begin to see a picture of man who has in one way or another fought against cancer his whole life. Now, it is his own life he must battle for against this horrible disease.

Mr. Piccirilli continues to fight his cancer, and my heart and prayers go with him and his family. Crossroads Press, the publisher of Mr. Piccirilli’s work, has designated all proceeds, funds and sales for any and all titles, including this memoir, directly to the him and his family in an effort to help him in his fight against cancer. I’m not only a huge fan of this author’s work, but I’m now a huge admirer of his heart.

I can’t imagine the fear and the struggle this author must go through on a daily basis, but one of the best illustrations of his fight for hope is when he was given the advice to speak to his cells, to encourage them to fight, because he had not the strength to do it on his own.

This is the hardest review I’ve had to give to date, but it’s also the one I believe in most. So, if you get a chance, please pick up one of Tom Piccirilli’s titles today, send him a note of encouragement on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tompiccirilli), or say a prayer for him and his family.

“What I really want to say to my cells: ‘Look, blame me if you want, okay. I did you wrong. I ate bad s**t. I smoked cigars for a while. I’ve never been trim and fit. Hold the grudge, but don’t give up the good fight now.”

The latest update as of March 29 reports Piccirilli’s cancer is now in remission.

After a successful surgery and a trip to the lab, Mr. Piccirilli receives the bad news; Noir truth … his tumor is cancerous. Anytime anyone is faced with such a stark, bold and life-changing truth, one of the stages of grief, even though still living, is the self blame, self analysis and self reflection. My heart breaks as this talented author goes through this analysis and shares his vulnerable thoughts with us: “Consciously or unconsciously, for the price of a dark dream, you have brought about your own doom. I didn’t go after the wrong woman, I didn’t mouth off to a bad cop, I didn’t push a gun into a the ribs of the mob boss, I didn’t shove the old lady down the stairs in her wheelchair. I’m a lousy noir character.” Facing a terminal illness changes priorities. This writer of mostly horror and thrillers transforms into a love guru, telling everyone with every chance he gets how much he loves and appreciates them as he ponders his own mortality. He comes to another phase in his journey where his thoughts turn deep in his understanding of noir truths. There are so many quotes that have such a deep meaning that I want to write them all down separately and place throughout my house to remind me of them daily. Words of noir truth such as: “You can lose the fight, but you have to lose it fairly. You can’t cheat in the last reel. You take it on the chin or in the gut or in the back of the head, but you stand tall doing it. No blinking, no last minute wincing. You play your string out to the end.” We all hold onto hope when we face tragedy. We try to look for the positive amongst the terrible things that come into our lives. I wept when I read the final passage in this short memoir, where Mr. Piccirilli is told that his cancer is aggressive and terminal, and I’m sure some of you will weep as well. So, I leave you with his words, because he says better than I ever could. “What I know: I’m scared and will always be scared. I’m still here among the living. I fight because when you get down to it, you have no choice. You suck air, you focus will, you dream,

Till next time, T.L. Gray About the Author: Tom Piccirilli is an American novelist and short story writer. He has sold more than 150 stories in the mystery, thriller, horror, erotica and science fiction fields. Piccirilli is a two-time winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for “Best Paperback Original” (2008, 2010). He is a Tom Piccirilli four-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award. He was also a finalist for the 2009 Edgar Allan Poe Award given by the Mystery Writers of America, a final nominee for the Fantasy Award, and he won the first Bram Stoker Award given in the category of “Best Poetry Collection.” About the Reviewer: T.L. Gray is a local author from Temple, Ga. She has five publications including: “The Blood of Cain,” “Keezy’s 10 Awesome Rules for Teenaged Dating,” “Milledgeville Misfit,” “The Arcainians” and “A Kid in the Park” as part of the anthology, “Triumph Over Tragedy: Anthology to help Hurricane Sandy victims.” Gray is a 2012 Nominee for GAYA (Georgia Author of the Year Award), a NaNoWriMo 2012 Winner, and panelist in the recent Friends of the Library Literary Festival in Carrollton and the 2013 Georgia Literary Festival in Milledgeville. www.tlgray.net May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

Artist’s Corner Interview by Jessica Fountain Photos by Ricky Stilley

Mary Tolleson Tallapoosa, Ga. How long have you lived in Tallapoosa? Although I was away for about 10 years for college and got married, I was born in Tallapoosa. I have lived here my whole life. What kind of art do you do? I do historic buildings and homes, and if somebody wants their home drawn, I do that. Tallapoosa also used to be known as “Possum Snout” until the 1860s, so I do these possum pictures, too. I designed three different shirts for the local Possum Drop last year, and I have note cards and T-shirts featuring my whimsical “Southern Ladies.” I like to do anything that’s creative. I think that just goes with it. It sounds like you’re very passionate about the commu66

West Georgia Living

May/June 2013

nity. Are you an active member? We have a very historic town. Right now, the community is working on six shadowboxes. We’re putting information about the different historic buildings – pictures and facts – into QR codes, so people with smart phones can just snap a picture and learn about it. For example, we had a man here, and his name was Doodle Thrower. He was just a character. We have a video of him playing his harmonica, doing all these different things. And when you scan that QR code, the video comes up. It’s just like you’re seeing Doodle, and then he walks off into the woods at the end. The codes will be in the shadow boxes. How long have you been doing art? All my life I have liked to draw, but it was only when I went to college that I really got into it. I majored in Home Economics, and I loved art so much that I thought I would major in Home Ec and Art. After that, I taught Home Ec for one year, but for the rest of my career, I taught art. Art is just part of my life. It’s really my therapy.

What medium do you use? I only use pen and ink. I have tried everything, and this is just my thing. I like the exactness of it. You know, when you do watercolor they tell you, “Just let it flow,” and I just can’t do that. I have to contain it. People will call me and ask me to make signs, and I just can’t. This is what I’ve come down to really enjoy. I can sit in my chair with my drawing pad and my little dog, and I can draw. What are your favorite tools of the trade? The best thing I’ve found is a sketch pad, about 8 1/2 x 11, and in the back it has pockets where you can slip your things. The paper’s good, and it’s acid free. It’s not very expensive, so when I go out, I buy about three or four. I go into withdrawals if I don’t have a drawing pad. I buy my pens by the dozen at Costco. They’re just regular pens from Bic, and I really should switch to permanent. But I’m not drawing for them to be here for long years. It’s just for me. What do you call your pieces? I called my very first student teacher from West Georgia – she’s been my friend forever – and said, “I need a name for my exhibit. What could it be?” She immediately said, “‘Imagination Expanded.’ It’s what you do; it’s your imagination and you just expand on it.” So that’s what I call my things. Can you describe your version of the creative process? Unless someone asks for something specific, I don’t usually know the outcome. I would just start drawing. It may be a vase with flowers, or it may be a lady. If I start drawing a peacock, it could just be a peacock. Or it could be a peacock golfer! The only time I know the outcome is if someone asks for something.

Is your art on display anywhere? I have a couple of pieces at the library, and my art has been on display at the Dogwood Art Gallery in Tallapoosa. Of course, people always buy my note cards, too. And those are available at the

Dogwood as well. I thought it might be nice to say that I have a web site, but I just choose not to have one. Everybody does it, just about, except for some of the “my-age” people. But I just want to do my own thing. wgl May/June 2013

West Georgia Living

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Britt Duffey/ Duffey Realty . ........................ 69

Billy Upton/ State Farm.... .......................... 75

Monuments D & D Monuments.... ................................ 70

Lower Back Pain Tanner Ortho and Spine Center. ............ ..71

Roofing Crist Roofing.............................................. .72

Title Tax Walker Cadillac, Buick, GMC................... ..73

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Britt Duffey REALTOR ® Duffey Realty

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What every West Georgian should know about... Real Estate

What can I afford?

This is the most logical place to start. This is a tricky question. Your lender will give you an amount that you can borrow. It is up to you to decide what is reasonable for your lifestyle. I tell all of my buyers “Just because you are pre-qualified up to a certain amount doesn’t mean you have to buy up to that amount.” Find a home that meets your needs and desires, while leaving you plenty of money for life’s other pleasures.

Britt has been a Realtor® since 2002.As a life-long resident of Carroll County he knows the West Georgia market as well as anyone. Britt has been a recipient of The Top Producers Award for the past 10 years. In addition, he is a recipient of the Phoenix Award from the West Metro Board of Realtors in 2012 in recognition as a Top Producer for 10 consecutive years. Britt is a licensed Realtor® in Georgia and Alabama.

Do I want to purchase a home that needs repairs or one that is move-in ready? Some buyers are not intimidated by the thought of purchasing a home that is in need of some cosmetic repairs and upgrades. On the other hand; there are many buyers who are ready to back the moving truck up and start unloading furniture. Decide which type of buyer you are, and please share this with your REALTOR.

Q A

Do I need a REALTOR®? Statistically most home buyers these days begin their search on line. This is a great place to start, but to navigate the waters of home buying you should seek the professional assistance of a licensed Realtor. Not only will we show you the most current and up to date listing information, but we will help you understand the contracts and process of buying a home.

Why do I need to Pre-Qualify with a lender?

As a seller you would want to know that anyone who is viewing your home is qualified to purchase. This shows that you are serious about purchasing a home. It is also important in that it lets you know how much home you can afford.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. LEARN MORE: Britt.duffey@duffeyrealty.com 770.354.0120

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What every West Georgian should know about... Monuments

Q A

Diane Bingham Owner, D&D Monuments

Qualifications

Diane has been in the monument industry for 12 years. She is licensed and bonded and can work in any cemetery in the State of Georgia. She treats each family as her own with respect and dignity. She enjoys designing monuments and prides herself on unique and special monuments to remember your loved one.

Q A

Why should I buy my monument from a monument dealer? Most cemeteries will try to convince you to buy your monument from them. But only a monument dealer has the training and experience to give you the best advice and the quality work you deserve. You will only buy your cemetery memorial once in your life, so working with a company that designs and builds memorials full time will only benefit you.

What is the right type of memorial for my lot? Some cemeteries have regulations restricting the size, shape or material that you can use for your memorial. It will be helpful to know this information before you purchase a cemetery lot. This way, regulations wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prevent you from using the type of memorial that you like.

Q A

What are the different types of monuments? With todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technology a memorial artist can create a variety of monument styles, shapes and sizes. 1. Flush markers - these are placed flush with the ground 2. Bevel markers - these are not very high above the ground, with the back of the stone being a few inches higher than the front. 3. Slant markers - these stand typically 16 or so inches above the ground with the back of the stone straight vertical, and the front sloping at about a 45 degree angle. 4. Traditional upright monument these are typically a two piece memorial consisting of the monument and a base that it is attached to, or a one piece monument (called a monolith) with a portion of it buried into the ground. 5. Ledgers - these are flat to the ground memorials, which cover the entire individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grave. 6. Garden memorials - these memorials can range from benches to urns to sundials to almost anything you could imagine.

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What every west Georgian should know about... Lower Back Pain

Q A Q A

Ki-Hon Lin, MD

Board-certifi ed orthopedic surgeon Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic, exclusive orthopedics provider for Tanner Ortho and Spine Center

Qualifications

Dr. Lin earned his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at New England Medical Center in Boston. Dr. Lin also completed a fellowship in spine surgery at New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. He has a special interest in outpatient, minimally-invasive spinal procedures.

Q A

• If you have no swelling or after swelling subsides, apply a heating pad to your low back for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat every two hours as needed. • Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen. • If pain is manageable, keep moving! Although a short period of rest—one to two days—may help ease minor pain, long periods of rest actually hamper recovery by weakening muscles.

How common is lower back pain? The lower back is the most common site for back pain and injury. This area takes a beating from daily movements such as bending, stooping, sitting and lifting.

What causes lower back pain? Stretched or strained muscles and ligaments that support your spine are usually the culprit. The pain can range from dull and annoying to sharp and excruciating. Low back pain can also be caused by: • Arthritis of the spine • A herniated or ruptured disc in your spine, which often pinches a nerve and also causes tingling down the buttocks and legs.

What can I do about lower back pain? Low back pain caused by strained muscles usually subsides in a few days or weeks, depending on the severity of the strain. You can take charge of your recovery by following these measures: • If you have swelling, apply an ice pack to your low back for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat every two hours as needed.

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Q A

When should I see a doctor? If your lower back still hurts after following these self-care measures for three to four days, call your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience: • Radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakening in your arms or legs • Bowel or bladder problems • Fever or vomiting There are numerous treatments available for easing the burden of back pain. A spine care specialist can help determine the source of your pain and the most effective treatments for lasting relief. LEARN MORE AT www.TannerOrtho.org 770.214.CARE (2273)

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Ron Crist

President & CEO of Crist Roofing & Construction

Qualifications

Ron Crist has been in the construction industry for the last 26 years, including 12 years as the owner of Crist Roofing. Ron has certifications from Atlas, Owens Corning, GAF, Duralast, Genflex, the NRCA and is accredited with the BBB. Ron founded Crist Roofing in hopes to develop an honest, reliable, community friendly business. For the last 12 years Crist Roofing has not only met, but exceeded these expectations.

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What every West Georgian should know about... Roofing

How do I know if I need a new roof?

You can usually tell with a visual inspection of the shingles. A few key signs are lifted shingles, missing shingles, dips in the roof or leaks inside your house. Most reputable companies, like Crist Roofing give free inspections, so if you have any doubt make sure to call as soon as possible.

Why does a Roof need ventilation?

Roof ventilation is just as important as the roof. It will not only ensure the safety and long life of the roof and the home but it will also ensure the safety of the residents. Poor ventilation not only increases the cost of your energy bill, but it also shortens the life of the roof. When there is no ventilation there is nowhere for the vapors and hot air to escape, which causes the vapors to be absorbed into the wood that supports the roof. To make sure you have proper ventilation call a reputable company for a free inspection.

How do I know if my gutters are working properly?

There are several quick ways that you, as a homeowner, can check your gutters without even getting on the roof. The first and easiest way to check is by looking at the amount of water coming out of your downspout when it is raining. If there is very little water coming out it means the gutters are not working properly. Another easy trick is to look at the gutters, when it is raining, and make sure the water is not over flowing out of the sides of the gutters. We typically recommend that you clean your gutters 2 to 3 times per year.

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What every West Georgian should know about... Title Tax

What’s new with the title tax?

GREAT NEWS, Georgia residents! As of March 1, 2013 you WILL save money buying a new or pre-owned vehicle from a licensed automobile retailer like Walker Cadillac Buick GMC, Inc. For many many years Georgia residents have paid 7% sales tax AND an annual ad valorem fee, but that is NO LONGER the case. New and Used vehicles are now sales tax exempt for residents in Georgia. The fee taking place of sales tax is a Title Tax and will be charged at 6.5%. That is an instant .5% savings PLUS that vehicle will not be subject to the annual ad valorem fee.

Todd Rupp 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.

Q A

How are used vehicles affected?

The GA Department of Revenue created a system for calculating an average value for used vehicles. The 6.5% title tax is based on this DOR value minus any trade in and is not based on the selling price of the vehicle. In almost all cases at Walker to date, this system has saved the customer money. We realize this new tax system is very confusing and we would love the opportunity to address you questions or fears related to title tax.

How are new vehicles affected? The title tax on a new vehicle is based on selling price minus trade allowance minus available rebates. Before March 1st, the consumer paid sales tax on the value of the rebates. I know it doesn’t sound like a tremendous savings, but every hundred or so dollars help.

LEARN MORE www.walkergmauto.com• 770.832.9602

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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

What is Phase II treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The emphasis today on living longer, staying healthy, and looking attractive requires optimum treatment results. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional esthetic result that will remain stable without extraction of permanent teeth.

Should I wait until my child is a teenager?

The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment, for someone with a jaw discrepancy, is having to face the possibility of compromised results that may not be completely functionally healthy and may not stay stable.

Learn more at www.LongOnSmiles.com

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35 Years of All American Smiles

We Run on Passion

One of Georgia’s Elite Providers of Invisalign® Well-trained staff members with over 20 years of experience. We don’t just treat people; we provide care and accommodate your family needs. Dr. Long proudly honors and recognizes military families with a 20% discount. Douglasville Peachtree City 3666 Hwy. 5, Suite 100 1280 Hwy. 74 S., Suite 110 Douglasville, GA 30135 Peachtree City, GA 30269 (770) 949-7259 (770) 461-9642

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

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What every West Georgian should know about... Life Insurance Q

What types of life insurance are available?

There are two (2) types of Life Insurance available; Term or permanent. Term life insurance provides death protection for a stated time period, or term. Term life insurance is perhaps the simplest form of life insurance. It was developed to provide temporary life insurance protection on a limited budget. Since term insurance can be purchased in large amounts for a relatively small initial premium, it is well suited for short-range goals such as life insurance coverage to pay off a loan, or providing extra life insurance during urance nce protection pro the child-raising years. Permanent Life is commonly referred Life ferredd to Whole Lif L Insurance. There are many good features to Whole including a hole Life includ guaranteed premium for the rest off your life. life There is also a cash surrender value, which you can borrow row again row against after a few years. It’s more expensive, but has many advantages ntages over Term Insurance. ntage

Billy Upton Agent State Farm

Qualifications:

Billy has over 41 years as an agent with State Farm Insurance earning the highest award given by State Farm, the prestigious President’s Club Trophy as well as Lifetime Member of the President’s Club. He prides himself and his office team with getting to know clients on a first name basis and helping them with their needs.

What if I have life insurance att work?

Good for you, it’s a great benefit either you or you y employee buys at a low cost. It’s generally a group Term Term plan. But what happens if you get laid off ? What if you cchange hang jobs? What happens when you retire? The answer to all all these questions ons

is: “you now have no insurance”. If you retire, you’re now 65-66-67 years old. Just a small individual Life policy is now extremely expensive, if your health allows you to pass a medical exam! You need to buy Life Insurance while you’re still young, but even us older folks need to get as much as we can afford if there is no Life Insurance in place

Why is it important to buy life insurance while your young?

My thoughts are when you’re young (22-25-30 years old) you’re starting a family, buying a house, and all the other things that go with raising a family. You need as much as you can afford (and probably more). Buy a ton of Term Life insurance at a low price and keep it until the kids have moved out. Most Term can be converted to Whole Life at a later date without any medical exam (it’s a guaranteed benefit). If you would like to sit down with me and discuss Life Insurance for yourself and your family, please give me a call to set up an appointment. I can show your how inexpensive it can be for you. I’ll not try any high-pressure tactics to get you to buy. My job is of trying to educate people and let them make a choice, or not make a choice. But please do call! LEARN MORE billyupton.com • 770-949-5863

Honesty. Respect. Professionalism. Courtesy. Billy Upton, Agent 3417 Highway 5 Douglasville, GA 30135 Bus: 770-949-5863 billy.upton.bw8y@statefarm.com www.billyupton.com

Its how I treat all my customers. And you can be sure I’ll always do my best to meet your needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY

Serving Douglas County & West Georgia for over 40 years

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What every West Georgian should know about... Hearing Aids

Q A

Chris Sonnedecker

Owner & Hearing Instrument Specialist Affordable Hearing Aids

Qualifications

Chris began his career training under an audiologist with more than 20 years experience at one of the leading hearing aid companies in the world. Chris became one of the company’s top hearing instrument specialists in the Atlanta area. He then started his own company, Affordable Hearing Aids, and began practicing here in Douglasville. He has a total of 10 years experience treating hearing loss.

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Q A

things like background noise, squealing, phone, and television much better. Affordable Hearing Aids primary focus is raising the standard for patient care while making the best hearing aids more affordable.

How Do I Know Which Hearing Aid Is Best For Me?

Choosing the best hearing aid(s) is a balancing act of different factors like: level and type of hearing loss, vanity level, activity level, physical limitations (dexterity), and budget. This decision is best made with a combined effort between a qualified specialist and yourself. A good specialist will be sensitive to all your needs and take the time to explain all your options. Make sure your specialist takes the time to ask you about your needs before trying to recommend a hearing aid. This is a red flag and one of the easiest ways to tell if you are with the right specialist.

Why Are Some Hearing Aids So Much More Expensive Than Others?

Hearing Aids can vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The confusing part is they all can look similar. Unfortunately, this is how some people get taken advantage of. Again, this is why it is so important to go to the right specialist. Here is a simple way to look at the varying costs. The less expensive hearing aids are usually for people that lead a very sedentary lifestyle or are on a strict budget with low expectations. People that are still active usually do not do well with these hearing aids. The more expensive hearing aids are designed for people that are more active and social. They handle

Q A

Who Do I See For Hearing Aids?

There are two types of specialists that fit hearing aids; Audiologists and Hearing Instrument specialists. For the purpose of hearing aids, there is no difference between the two. Both carry the same licensing from the State Licensing Board. If you have a medical problem with your ears, you should see an Otolaryngologist at an ENT office. Whether you see an Audiologist or HIS, here is a checklist to help you choose wisely. • Make sure they care more about your situation than selling you a hearing aid. • Make sure there is a return policy. Fitting fees higher than a few hundred dollars are a red flag. No fitting fees might suggest they are more concerned with sales and you may find quality service hard to come by after the return policy expires. • Make sure the specialist uses a “Probe Microphone Measurement” when they fit your hearing aids for the first time. They will be required to put a probe in your ear canal while programming your hearing aid. If the specialist does not kow what this is, run!

For more information, contact Chris at (770) 694-6599 or affordablehearingaids@ahahearing.com

OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE THE BEST HEARING AIDS AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYONE • As little as $25 per month for digital/programmable hearing aids • 0% Financing for up to 18 months O.A.C. • Free life time care • We accept and file insurance

Save 40-60% off hearing aids! AFFORDABLE HEARING AIDS

8601 Baldwin Parkway, Suite 101, Douglasville, GA 30134

(770) 694-6599

www.ahahearing.com Email: affordablehearingaids@ahahearing.com

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What every West Georgian should know about... Contacting an Attorney for Family Law Issues

Q A

Tim MacMillan Attorney MacMillan Law Firm

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Tim MacMillan received his Juris Doctor in 1998. Tim practices in the legal areas of Family Law, Personal Injury, Workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Compensation, and Wills. He is also a certified mediator. He has been practicing law in Carrollton since July 2001.

Are Grandparentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entitled to visitation rights in the State of Georgia? The simple answer is yes. However, the burden is on the grandparents to show the court that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;health or welfare of the child would be harmed unless such visitation is granted and if the best intersts of the child would be served by such visitation.â&#x20AC;? As stated in O.C.G.A. section 19-7-3, the court may look at several things when determining if harm would result without the visitation, including, but not limited to where the child has lived, financial support provided by the grandparents and an established pattern of regular visitation. There are some limitations regarding the filing of said rights so an attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice would be recommended.

Q A

What is a Guardian ad Litem (GAL)? A Guardian ad Litem (G.A.L.) is an attorney who is appointed to represent the interests of a child (children). Generally, a G.A.L. is appointed by a Judge in divorce/custody matters or Juvenile Court issues. The role of the G.A.L. is to investigate allegations made concerning the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welfare, interview the parties and other witnesses involved, and make a recommendation regarding the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interests to the Court. The Court is not bound by the recommendations of the G.A.L.

How long does a divorce take?

An uncontested divorce can be completed in as few as 31 days from the filing of the divorce. This would involve a divorce action where the parties agree to everything and there are no issues remaining for a Court to determine. A contested divorce however may take a great deal more time. Depending on the level of discovery entailed as well as any forensic matter which may be involved it is much harder to put a time frame on a contested divorce. LEARN MORE www.macmillanlawfirm.com 770.834.0871

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MacMillan L a w

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770-834-0871 418 Bradley St. - Carrollton

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What every West Georgian should know about... Your Newspaper

Q A

Leonard Woosley

Where do you get your story ideas for the newspaper each day? Good question. Actually, we depend greatly on our connections in the community to help guide us on what is going on. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve a staff of reporters who spend their day talking with people, visiting businesses -- but many of our best stories come from readers calling or emailing us with ideas (hint, hint).

Woolsey is a long-time active member of Rotary, an honorary alumni of the Universtity of West Georgia, and immediate past president of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Woolsey has over 25 years of media experience in over a half-dozen states.

Q A

How do newspapers stay in business?

What is the most popular section of a newspaper?

A majority of the revenues in a newspaper come from advertising followed by circulation. Much like almost every other business, the newspaper model changed during the last several years. But the good news is most, like this one, redoubled their commitment to local businesses and communities with great success. The only thing a true community newspapers has in common with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (AJC, NYT, etc) is we both use newsprint. The business models are light years apart from each other and we are very healthy.

Research indicates obituaries are among the most highly read section of a newspaper. Some people like to joke they read them â&#x20AC;&#x153;just to make sure Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not in it today.â&#x20AC;? Pretty safe bet you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see yours -- if you do, check your pulse.

LEARN MORE publisher@times-georgian.com

Publisher of the Times-Georgian, Douglas County Sentinel and West Georgia Living Magazine.

Qualifications

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Katie Moore

Event Manager St. Andrews Golf & Country Club

What every West Georgian should know about... Wedding Planning

How far in advance should I start looking for a venue?

Am I locked into certain vendors based on the wedding venue I select?

It depends on how selective you are about which venue you want. Some venues are booked a year in advance, but you should be able to still have some options three to six months out. And if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re flexible about the date and what day of the week your ceremony is on, you open up more possibilities as most venues are busiest on Saturdays.

Should we expect to spend a small fortune on the venue if we want a nice wedding and reception?

Many venues require you to use their caterers and decorations to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;simplifyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; your wedding for you. And some people enjoy this â&#x20AC;&#x153;all-in-oneâ&#x20AC;? packaging. The downside to that is the cost is driven way up at these locations and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have as many options as to what you spend your money on. At St. Andrews we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have contracts with vendors so you are able to pick your own caterer, musician, decorator etc., or you have the option to do everything yourself. This way you are able to decide how much you want to spend on each aspect of your wedding. Learn More www.standrewsgolfcc.com 770.489.2200

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Katie has been the event manager at St. Andrews for the past two years, and has enjoyed planning weddings for the past five years. Her entire career has been in the service industry. She is passionate about helping brides plan their perfect wedding and ensuring everything is taken care of on their big day.

If you have a small fortune to spend, there are places that will take it from you. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard of weddings costing tens of thousands of dollars just for the location. But there are plenty of really nice wedding spots that can cost as little as a thousand dollars. If you do some research and take your time to see the different options you have, you will find it is possible to have a beautiful wedding and reception while working within any budget.

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Daytime sleepiness?

Joe. Java. Your daily grind. The brew. You’re not yourself until you have it. And you have to have it, all day long. Daytime sleepiness could mean you’re not sleeping as well as you should at night—a sign of a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA affects as many as 18 million Americans. Along with severe daytime sleepiness, signs of OSA include loud snoring, trouble concentrating when awake and others. Untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. The only way to diagnose and treat it is with a sleep study. The fully accredited Tanner Center for Sleep Disorders — with locations in Carrollton and Villa Rica — can help, providing comfortable, hotel-like amenities and a certified staff of sleep technologists and medical directors who are board-certified in sleep medicine.

Get back your days by taking back your nights.

Wake Up! All you need to schedule your sleep study at Tanner is an order form from your doctor. To find a doctor on Tanner’s medical staff, call 770.214.CARE.