WGL January-February 2015 by Times-Georgian

West Georgia

Li V ing Jan./Feb. 2015

Life . Art . Music . People

What to Wear?

Dressing for fun, for work and big events

Plus ...

Movies for 2015 Accessorizing dinner Survive an ice storm ... And much more! $3.95

Vol. 5/Issue 1

ǡ At Southwire, we believe education is the key to success. Through partnerships with the University of West Georgia (Southwire Sustainable Business Honors Program), West Georgia Technical College (Southwire Center for Manufacturing Excellence), Carroll County Schools (12 for Life) and Carrollton High School (Southwire Engineering Academy), we are helping students build brighter futures. It’s another way we deliver power...responsibly.

West Georgia

Li V ing Volume 5 . Issue 1 January/February 2015 Publisher Marvin Enderle publisher@times-georgian.com

Editor Ken Denney ken@times-georgian.com

Advertising Melissa Wilson melissa@times-georgian.com

Photographer Ricky Stilley ricky@times-georgian.com

Design Richard Swihart rswihart@messenger-inquirer.com

Contributors Taylor Boltz, Rob DuvĂŠ, Joe Garrett, Cecelia C. Lee, Rebecca Leftwich, Megan Moody, Shelly Murphy, Charles Robinson, Josh Sewell.

F r om the E ditor Happy New Year! We at West Georgia Living hope all of you will have a happy and prosperous New Year, and we plan to bring you lots of good stories and enjoyment in the months ahead. This issue is all about What to Wear - the clothes you wear for fun, for business and special events. We'll give you some advice on what to shop for when you head out on a weekend trip, or to a wedding, or to a job interview. We even tackle a question familiar to anyone who works from home: do you dress up, or just wear your pajamas? And there's also a practical guide for men on how to tie a necktie. Our resident chef, Rob DuvĂŠ, carries the theme further as he provides some great recipes for main dishes accessorized by savory sauces. And Shelly Murphy discusses the proper fashions for gardening in your yard. But we have other great features. Remember last year's paralyzing ice storms?

Megan Moody has some advice for how not to become icebound on your metro commute this winter. Thomas Hays tells us how statthe massive new bronze stat ue of a howling wolf came to life at the University of West Georgia. And Josh Sewell tells us what movies to be watching for during 2015. In case you get cabin fever this winter, we have a guide to some nearby state historic destinations. And starting this month, Ricky Stilley will be photographing west Georgia's most distinctive houses of worship. All this, plus the usual listing of events, a book review and much more. So put your feet up by the fire and settle in for a good, long read. Regards,

Ken Denney

To advertise in West Georgia Living, call Melissa Wilson at 770-834-6631. West Georgia Living is a bi-monthly publication of the Times-Georgian. Submissions, photography and ideas may be submitted to Ken Denney 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 2014 by the Times-Georgian

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

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

Melissa Wilson is the Advertising Director for West Georgia Living, the Times-Georgian and the Douglas County Sentinel.

Amy K. Lavender-Buice is Editor Emerita of West Georgia Living, and Editor of The Haralson Gateway-Beacon and Tallapoosa Journal.

Ricky Stilley is the Photographer for West Georgia Living and IT Director for the TimesGeorgian.

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C o ntents 14

60 Photos and Cover Art by Ricky Stilley. On the Cover: Evan Harte, Sydney Bolding and Mallory York show off fashions for work and play on the campus of the University of West Georgia.

F eatures 14

Villa Rica artist Sally Storey Jones' paintings capture reality with a touch of fantasy.

Go ahead! You CAN dig around in the dirt and still be a well-dressed gardener.

It may be cold out, but it's not too early to begin pondering what to wear to those spring weddings.

Last year's ice storm is a reminder that preparedness is essential for survival.

D epartments Cinema

2015 Preview

artist

Sally Storey Jones

take 5

Meet Alicia Michael

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

Food

Accessorize your meals

Books

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wind Song"

events

Your January-February calendar

Come By and Visit Us!

Well, It’s been another cold winter, here for just a little while longer they say, but Spring is really coming, so let’s get our yard and garden ready now that spring is on its way!

Whether you vegetable garden, flower garden, or just love having a beautiful yard, it starts with good soil. The # 1 secret to successful growing is knowing if the PH level is correct and you are providing the proper nutrients. • Have your soil tested to determine what’s needed, lime, fertilizer or specific nutrients, Test your soil at least once a year, ideally in the fall or at least two months before any planting. • Observe the location conditions, morning or afternoon sun, full sun, partial shade, ease of watering, well drained but not too dry, free of rocks, and sunny. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of growing fresh vegetables in your own backyard. • The fun part is deciding what vegetables you would like to grow and eat! Use the vegetable chart below to help decide type, when, and how to plant. Keep this chart for future reference Vegetable type Asparagus Beans, Bush Beans, Pole Beans, Lima Beets Broccoli Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrots Cauliflower Collard Corn Cucumbers Eggplant Kale Lettuce Mustard Okra Onions Peas, Garden Peas, Southern Peppers Potatoes, Irish Potatoes, Sweet Radishes Spinach Squash (Bush) Squash (Winter) Tomatoes Turnip Watermelons

When to plant vegetable seed

Distance in ft. between rows (garden tractor cultivation)

Distance in ft. between rows (hand cultivation)

Distance in inches between plants or hills in row

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

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

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West Georgia's 'Must-Have' clothing for men S omewhere between a Warren Sewell suit and a Loretta Lynn concert T-shirt is the real me.

love a man for what’s on the inside, they’re lying. Please don’t wear another cardigan until you’re over 70.”

where, including church and a good meat ‘n three lunch spot. The following styles will help you score points with locals 365 days per year:

Fashion has never been my forté, even though I once had an award-winning style. In eighth grade, the students at Carrollton Junior High School voted me “Best Dressed.”

There are, of course, some items a man should never wear again for the next 50 years and beyond. Although styles tend to resurface, the following items should be buried forever:

· Carhartt coveralls—Everybody loves a working man.

I still think the contest was rigged.

· Acid-washed blue jeans—They were an insult to the blue jean industry and just plain ugly.

Since I make my living as a financial adviser, my mentors have always encouraged me to look impeccably sharp. Perhaps that’s true, but somewhere along the way I decided to quit trying to be somebody I’m not. So one morning I decided to quit wearing a tie. And my neck has been thanking me ever since. Life’s too short to be uncomfortable. Through the years, my fashion has changed with the times. My mother dressed me in a polyester leisure suit in the 1970s, and a Miami Vice suit with a sock tie in the 80s, before I started to chart my own course. And I’ve made some poor decisions. “You could have probably gotten a whole lot more dates had you not worn that cardigan sweater,” said local fashion expert Matt Carter. “You looked more like Mr. Rogers than Robert Redford. Even though women will tell you they 8

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

· Air-brushed T-shirts—Oh yes, I owned several of these tacky shirts painted with my name and a beach scene in the background. · Tighty-whities—Unless you sport six-pack abs, it’s best to find a boxer short. · Fanny Packs—Even though Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey recently declared “I’m not afraid of the fanny pack,” these things should be outlawed in our society.

· Tuxedo T-shirts—The trend begun by local men’s clothing legends Charles Willis and Daniel Jackson always substitutes if your neck size has outgrown your shirt and tie in the closet. · Men’s Dickies leather steel toe work boots—Don’t ever mess with a man wearing a pair of Dickies. · Warren Sewell suits—Even though the Bremen clothing industry has changed, the local company still makes a terrific suit to wear to a wedding, funeral or to Judge Dennis Blackmon's court room.

It doesn’t take long for anyone who has spent time in urban cities to realize the dress code for the west Georgia region has its own flair. Therefore, for any male who recently relocated to this area, it’s important to embrace the styles that are appropriate to wear almost any-

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a good shirt and a pair of khaki britches from the Squire Shop in Carrollton. More importantly, it’s best to listen to your spouse and friends when the dress code is on the line. They won’t let you leave the house wearing a cardigan. And they’ll even tolerate your Loretta Lynn concert T-shirt as long as you keep it in the house.

JOE GARRETT

You just can’t get this kind of advice at GQ. WGL

CINEMA

Must-See Films of 2015 2015 is shaping up to be one of the best movie years in recent memory. There are plenty of high-profile blockbusters on the horizon, as well as smaller titles for those with outsidethe-mainstream tastes. Here are just a few of the many films I’m looking forward to over the next 12 months: “Blackhat” (Jan. 16)

The primary reason I’m excited for this computerhacking thriller is that Michael Mann directed and co-wrote. He made “Manhunter” and "Heat,” for crying out loud – that should be enough reason to buy a ticket. Granted, he also made “Miami Vice,” but nobody’s perfect. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, who keeps choosing interesting projects during his time away from “Thor.”

“Jupiter Ascending” (Feb. 6)

Andy and Lana Wachowski are polarizing filmmakers, but their films are never boring. Their latest got bumped from its original summer slot, leading to whispers that the movie’s a stinker, but it looks like fun, cheesy scifi to me. Mila Kunis plays a down-on-herluck house cleaner who’s targeted for assassination by a ruler on another planet. Channing Tatum is a genetically engineered soldier who arrives on Earth to protect her.

“Fast & Furious 7” (April 7)

The latest chapter in the uber-popular franchise will have to overcome real life

rework its plot. It will be interesting to see how the film addresses his absence while simultaneously telling an entertaining story.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (May 1)

The first “Avengers” destroyed box office records, and the upcoming sequel is poised to do even more damage. Now that all the character setup is out of the way, writerdirector Joss Whedon can jump straight into the storytelling, which looks to fracture superhero alliances and upend the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Coincidentally, the teaser trailer became available while I was compiling this list and it looks amazing.

“Pitch Perfect 2” (May 15)

Sequels aren’t just for comic book movies and action flicks. Anna Kendrick’s surprise smash about an all-girl a cappella group is getting a follow-up as well. Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Anna Camp, Brittany Snow and several others return for the characters’ senior year at Barden University. Even more Courtesy of War intriguing (for me, at least) is ner Bros. Pictur es tragedy that actress Elizabeth Banks is before it gets back to the brainless is making her feature-length fun of previous installments. Paul Walker, directorial debut. one of the series’ co-leads, died in an unrelated car accident midway through filming, forcing the sequel to massively Untitled Cameron Crowe Project (May 29) A new Cameron Crowe movie is always cause for celebration because they appear JOSH SEWELL so infrequently. Even when they misfire January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

(“Elizabethtown”), they’re still full of interesting ideas and themes. Not much is known about his latest, a romantic comedy about a defense contractor working in Hawaii, but look at this cast: Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, John Krasinksi, Alec Baldwin, Danny McBride and more.

director Francis Lawrence, along with screenwriters Danny Strong and Peter Craig, plan on turning an alreadytoo-long book into almost five hours of story. I hope they’re not taking notes from Peter Jackson’s “Hobbit” trilogy.

“Jurassic World” (June 12)

“The Good Dinosaur” (Nov. 25)

The second Pixar film of 2015 (after June’s “Inside Out”) is about a world where dinosaurs never became extinct, and showcases the vocal talents of Neil Patrick Harris, Judy Greer, Bill Hader, Frances McDormand and John Lithgow. I already can’t wait to see it with my daughter.

Colin Trevorrow, who directed the fun, charming “Safety Not Guaranteed,” is tackling the latest sequel about theme park dinosaurs running amok, and I’m hearing that it has direct ties to the original film. That sounds much better than going the full reboot route. Also exciting? This will be Chris Pratt’s first leading role since becoming a household name with “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The film also stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Jake Johnson and Vincent D’Onofrio.

“Star Wars: Episode VII” (Dec. 18)

“Trainwreck” (July 24)

Amy Schumer is a fantastic comedian, one with a clear voice and raunchy sensibility. So it makes perfect since that she’s collaborating with director Judd Apatow for her feature screening debut. The movie boasts a hilariously random cast, including Ezra Miller, Daniel Radcliffe, John Cena, Brie Larson, Bill Hader, Marisa Tomei and Tilda Swinton.

“St. James Place” (Oct. 16)

In this thriller, an American lawyer travels to the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War in an attempt to rescue a pilot. Oh, did I mention Tom Hanks plays the lawyer? And that the film is directed by Steven Spielberg? And that the Coen brothers cowrote the screenplay? We don’t even know who next year’s Oscar nominees are yet, but expect this one to be a major player in the 10

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

2016 Academy Awards ceremony.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2” (Nov. 20)

The most successful young adult franchise since “Harry Potter” wraps up next year. In addition to making Jennifer Lawrence a superstar, the series is the rare cinematic adaptation that manages to improve on the books. That’s a good thing, considering most fans agree the final novel is the weakest of the three. I’m also curious how

We will have to wait until the end of 2015 to see one of the most anticipated films of the last three decades. The “Star Wars” saga, once thought dead because of George Lucas’ lackluster prequels, came roaring back to life last year with the news that J.J. Abrams - now in charge of the "Star Trek" franchise would direct the first entry in an all-new trilogy. Not only that, the film would include Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) in some capacity, most likely handing the narrative’s reins over to a new cast of characters. Factor in also Abrams’ eye for talent, including terrific young actors like John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Lupita Nyong’o, and suddenly I’m excited about “Star Wars” again. WGL

“When we do this together, as a community or small group, the impact is much greater and lasts longer.”

“One of the things that really attracted me to West Georgia Cardiology was the community outreach,” said Dr. McFarland. “I looked for a good fit with how I practice, my philosophy and my passion. Dr. Rouse is a visionary, not just about the office, but about health and community and getting the message out there so people can live longer, stronger lives.”

The “Run With Your Doctor” program gives women a chance to focus on themselves, make a healthy change and develop groups to help make sure the changes stick. It also enables parents to set healthy examples for their kids – as the children see their parents exercise regularly, it creates a ripple effect where the kids start to live a healthy lifestyle as well. “When you develop groups to help make a change, you encourage each other and hold each other accountable, creating a cohesive group that makes it work,” said Dr. McFarland.

est Georgia Cardiology is looking forward to touching more lives by welcoming Dr. Kathryn McFarland to the practice. Dr. McFarland brings a strong medical background and a spirit for service.

Dr. McFarland was raised in a family dedicated to service. “My brother and I grew up tutoring and volunteering our time, so community service and outreach is extension of who I am and what I do,” she said.

Impacting the Community’s Health She is passionate about a few things, including exercising, helping west Georgia residents make positive lifestyle choices and educating women about their specific heart health issues. Dr. McFarland is implementing new programs to reach out to the community with her message of health. Every other Saturday, residents can join Dr. McFarland for the “Run With Your Doctor” program. “I wanted to really focus on how we impact the community and make a change,” she explained.

As part of the program, she makes herself available to run or walk with residents and give them a chance to ask health questions. As more people join, they can form their own groups that meet more often to walk or run. “I wanted to give people the opportunity to interact with their physician, exercise together, encourage each other, make connections in their community and form groups to help meet goals, together, as a community,” Dr. McFarland explained. Also, she’s planning a “Go Red Luncheon for Women” in February to help educate women about heart health. While enjoying a heart-healthy lunch, attendees can learn information specific to women’s heart health presented by a female cardiologist, as well as testimonies from women who had heart attacks without realizing what was hap-

pening. The goal is to encourage women to pay attention to their bodies and see a doctor immediately if they experience symptoms of a potential heart issue. Visit West Georgia Cardiology’s website and watch the Times-Georgian newspaper for more information on these programs.

Making the Change Dr. McFarland chose cardiology in part because her skills often are needed during a critical moment, which gives her an opportunity to make an impact in someone’s life. “It’s the greatest time to bring change,” she said. “I tell patients, ‘By the grace of God, you lived.’ Then I explain changes that can keep them alive, such as stopping smoking, losing weight, exercising regularly and eating a heart-healthy diet. I can teach them how small changes add up to big differences, and people respond.” She said her best advice is to be persistent when making healthy changes. “You won’t achieve life changes in five minutes,” she explained. “It takes time and effort. Start walking 10 minutes a day two days a week, and keep at it until it’s 30 or 40 minutes three to four times per week. Cut out sodas, then fat, then move to a heart-healthy Mediterranean diet. Everything is a stage and a process. Stick with it and the process pays off.” - Paid advertisement January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

hurches OF West Georgia

DOUGLASVILLE FIRST UNITED METHODIST In the early 1800s, residents of what would become Douglas County began worshiping at a church building near a large flat rock, located two miles west of the present-day city limits of Douglasville. As the Methodist congregation grew over the years, they tore down the Flat Rock Church and used the timbers for a new building on the corner of Broad Street and Rose Avenue. In November 1889, the church moved to the center of town and continued to grow. An entirely new structure was built on Prestley Mill Road in 1966, and now sits on a large campus that includes a Family Life Center. This year, West Georgia Living will continue to showcase our region's most distinctive houses of worship.

PHOTOS BY RICKY STILLEY 12

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

The stained-glass window contains memorials to Mary O. Suddeth, Margie S. Tyson, and Rader Gene Tyson. Below, sunlight filters through the windows of the main sanctuary.

January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

ARTIST'S CORNER

Sally Storey Jones Painter, Villa Rica, Georgia

When did you begin painting? Around age 10, I started drawing cartoons I found in the Sunday morning newspaper comic strips. My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Dorothy Cornett at Lakewood Elementary, encouraged me by including me in the creation of a wall mural for our classroom. What are the subjects for your artwork? A variety of subjects appeal to me: orchids, fairies, frogs, and historical buildings. My work has been described as somewhere between fantasy and downhome country expression. I enjoy painting local historical landmarks: Carrolltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Hall, Baptist Church, Maple Street Mansion, the Carroll County Courthouse and Adamson Square. There are many

STORY BY KEN DENNEY PHOTOS BY RICKY STILLEY 14

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

"Yellow Tulips"

"Watercolors are my true passion and have held my attention ever since the first class. Most of my art consists of watercolor paintings from my own photographs.” images from Roopville, Villa Rica, Bowdon, Bremen and Douglasville. Upcoming projects on my list are the Carrollton Presbyterian Church and the train at Pine Mountain’s Gold Museum. I have painted commissions of local barns, old home-places, a Masonic Lodge in Norcross, an Oliver (Farm Equipment Company) tractor, and Wessinger’s Service Station in Bowdon. What is it about local landmarks that interest you? I like to take an old photograph of a dark, decaying building which may not still be standing and try to recapture the original dignity of the building. How did you learn to paint? After a brief session of summer classes as a teenager at Atlanta’s High Museum, many years passed after I married and raised three sons, knowing that some day I would pursue this passion for art. In 1992 I signed up for noncredit classes at the Atlanta College of Art in the High Museum, to study pastel painting. So excited to be involved in art again, I attended eight quarters nonstop. Circumstances again sidetracked my art until 2003, when I was introduced to watercolors in classes at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center by Patsy Monroe Harper, one of the most noted watercolorists in northwest Georgia. This time, I could not stop painting. I painted four to six hours every day. What media do you use? Watercolors are my true passion and have held my attention ever since the first class. Most of my art consists of watercolor paintings from my own photographs.

Clockwise, from top: "Carroll County Courthouse 1928," "Carroll County Courthouse 1893," "Surrounded by Sunflowers," "Touched by a Rainbow," and "Catch of the Day." Who are your influences? My love of art began at an early age, inspired by watching my mother paint. My watercolor teacher painted large colorful florals and I painted only flowers for two years. She encouraged me from the very beginning, so much that I had the nerve to exhibit my art in 2003 in Carrollton’s first MeccaFest. Has your art changed? Overall, colors are brighter and I hope the

emotion shows more now. I want my art to be bright, happy and cheerful. Originally, I avoided including people and telephone poles thinking they were a distraction, but now I believe they add to the realism. A patio gift, a statue of a frog couple, started my path to a collection of frog art. What are your interests outside of art? I enjoy photography with my digital camera, being able to snap unlimited shots of any and every thing, unlike having to be careful of the expense of film and developing in the past. Before watercolors, I enjoyed writing short

November/December January/February 2015 2014

West Georgia Living

"Carrollton City Hall and Fire Department 1916"

essays, trying for humor, based on my early life experiences. Writing about family memories, I hoped to entertain my mother, and make her laugh. Several of my articles were published in community newspapers. My writing class had a collection of our essays published. The fact that the book cover was accidentally attached upside down added another element of humor to my work. Creating floral arrangements for homes and doctor’s offices was my passion for many years. For 20 years, I owned a custom picture framing business, framing part time for the State of Georgia and Cobb County offices. How can people acquire your artwork? Currently my giclee prints, notecards,

bookmarks and postcards are available at The Pineapple House on Maple Street and Horton’s Book Store on the Square in Carrollton; Sassy Ladies Gift Shop and Pine Mountain Gold Museum in Villa Rica. I make notecards using the images of over 100 paintings. My website is with Fine Art America: sally-storey-jones.artistwebsites. com . What inspires you to paint? I get ideas unexpectedly, and one of my favorite inspirations came from a white teapot in the shape of a frog. I turned it into a full color painting, Frog Pond. Also, My son unearthed a nest of baby rabbits while mowing the lawn, and Catch of the Day was the result. After 11 years in watercolors, I still enjoy

painting subjects that touch me emotionally. I am always excited when I begin a new painting because I am as surprised as anyone at its outcome upon completion. There have been many exciting moments, having my art accepted into the Douglas County Courthouse Gallery was my first gallery experience and Bradley Street Gallery was my first showing in Carrollton. I enjoy having my work displayed in local area venues – restaurants and doctor’s offices. I am very thankful for the support and encouragement I received over the years from everyone, and especially my husband, Gene Jones. He has attended enough tent shows and gallery events to try the patience of a saint. WGL

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West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

You're As you Dress

Only as Old

When a woman reaches a certain age, she realizes that shopping in the juniors department isn't going to cut it anymore. At this point, she turns to others for advice. Usually, her friends will direct her to a store with styles they feel are "age appropriate." But when she takes a look at the racks, she sees a bewildering array of styles to choose from: whether it be the teenagestyle short shorts and crop top, the hit-or-miss pantsuit, or the sweater and skirt combination. What's a girl to do? As a woman matures, she begins to create a couple of different theories about fashion. One, that she has to hide herself behind layers and layers of clothing. Two, that she can get away with stealing from her daughter’s closet (if she has a daughter.) Or three, every season means she must buy new clothes. But these are all myths; age doesn’t have to mean being trend-less, foregoing what you love, or getting rid of what you already have. It’s all about maneuvering your way through the racks and finding what best elevates your look, and which look allows you to age gracefully while still showing a sense of style. The best place to start is by listening to your body. Dressing for your individual body type and size (and doing so without judgment) allows you to wear what is actually best for you, not what you think you should wear based on age. Some teenagers cannot wear the slim-cut baby-tees of their peers and instead focus on the simplistic elegance of a button-up and belt. And just because a woman is 63, it doesn’t mean she can’t rock leather pants and a silk shirt - but she might want to re-think the motivation behind the outfit.

STORY BY TAYLOR BOLTZ PHOTOS BY RICKY STILLEY

Sydney Bolding, a student at the University of West Georgia, describes this style as a “Free People” outfit. She’s wearing a flowing, off-white dress with a brown cardigan, a jean jacket and green cargo jacket, accessorized by a brown scarf and pearl necklace. January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

Basic

Style

Tips

• Invest in shapewear! Everyone deserves to have problem areas helped out. • Clothing should be comfortable to wear, while flattering the narrowest part of your body. This might mean wider waistbands or high waisted jeans, or having a fingerwidth of space between your body and the actual garment. It might mean accentuating with a belt or scarf. • Don’t wear denim head to toe. • Never buy a boring coat. Coats can easily transport an outfit from frumpy to trendy. Camel, pea, and leather coats remain suitable and trendy for all ages. • When you shop, look at those around you. Focus on your peers and what they find themselves buying. If you’re the oldest person in a section of the store, maybe that’s not the place for you. And the same holds true if you’re the youngest.

West Georgia Living

Let’s take a look at the typical style guide through the age groups.

20s: At this age, women typically pick clothing that flaunts the figure and shows some skin. The strategy for skin: allow one major group to dominate. For example, if you have some cleavage, don’t show off the legs. But if you’re showing off legs, keep the top more concealed. It’s at this age when women should figure out what fabrics and cuts work better for their body.

forever. While shopping, start picking pieces that you might wear everyday like a nice buttonup top and wide-leg trouser pant. Be sure to buy for fit first. Shoes are key to keeping boring outfits playful. If you’ve got a white shirt, denim pant, and black blazer, you can spice it up with bright pink flats. Jewelry also aids this sense of playfulness. Women in this age group should invest in a statement necklace that can complicate any solid colored, high-neck dress or outfit.

Women in this age group can dress more playfully, with more eclectic choices. Pattern mixing, pastels, neon, and unexpected color pairing remains acceptable.

However you don’t have to shy away from super trendy outfits and dresses. Balance is key. If you’re wearing a sequin dress, maybe opt for a less snug size and nude pumps. If the dress has sleeves, try three-quarters length to make the dress more sophisticated. Dresses with a higher neck-line, with embellishments or patterns, make the dress seem more sophisticated as well.

Remember to buy clothes that fit correctly. This will allow you to wear the clothes more often.

That being said, go ahead and mix patterns, colors and proportions. Even try out textures!

It’s also the age when women need to embrace the blazer and the pencil skirt. These will immediately classy-up the wardrobe while still being trendy, since patterns and colors are a-plenty.

30s: Ladies, it’s time to start building a timeless wardrobe that you’ll have

January/February 2015

As women mature, we tend to shy away from things like color and patterns. But we should become bolder as we get older. This doesn’t mean neon and sequins,

though they make great accents to a more conservative little black dress.

40s: Embrace some color, ladies, particularly the reds and oranges, the purples and blues. Jewel tones look fabulous on any one at any age. However, allow the color to be the focal point. It offers a youthful appearance without looking like you are trying too hard. Along with color, try to embrace the pantsuit. This might be hard; the tendency is to see the pantsuit as frumpy and manly. However, with proper tailoring, the pantsuit, um, suits. And don't be afraid of the knit dress! Its ease and simplicity allows for thousands of different accessory combinations. A longer length creates a sophisticated feel. Denim is still in, but try a white denim with a black tux stripe down the side or a bolder color. This offers a little spice to a tried and true piece. Also be sure to try one size smaller, since denim stretches easily. Elongated toppers or cardigans are an easy way to spice up a normal tank top. Women at this age might also

want to take a page from the younger crowd on the pairing of loose-fitted clothing with tighter clothing. Leggings are great with a chunk-knit sweater, but in order to avoid looking like a teenager, focus on wearing a top that covers the backside.

50s:

mini-skirts. Skirts should be at least kneelength or even longer. Trendy fashion for women in this group includes trench coats, turtlenecks, A-line skirts, waist-length jackets, shirt dresses, eternal blue jeans, gowns with classy shrugs, or other classical items. Heels are flattering. Wear them if you can, but feel free to opt for wedges.

Shop for fit first! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay to mix trends with classics, just maintain that balance and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the mixed trends overpower each other. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shop in your daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closet, for example. Sometimes trends, like bows and pointy heels, are better suited as accessories to a sophisticated black sweater and denim outfit, not a neon pleated skirt and silk top. Sometimes a bold piece of jewelry is more chic. Opt for one piece thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bigger and bolder. Quality over quantity rings true specifically at this age. Most of your clothing should be worn year round, and at this point everything might be tailored to perfection. That being said, try not to show too much skin. Trendy pants can be just as stylish as

60s: Much like the 50-year old, tailoring is key here too, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let yourself hide under black and gray. Embrace the jewel tones again, but pair with less flashy shoes and jewelry such as nude pumps and pearl earrings. Be wary of reds and pastels since they draw attention to the capillaries in the skin that might have broken with age. Flatter the best parts of you and camouflage the rest. You know yourself and your body. Choose a blouse to keep top and bottom similarly voluminous when wearing soft fabrics. If the top is too form-fitted, you might run the risk of being bottom heavy. Try a statement coat! Bold prints and patterns are wonderful

accents to classic outfits. Wide belts (two inches), used to clinch roomier blouses or cardigans, work wonders on silhouettes. Keep patterns to a minimum. You'd be better off sticking to one pattern, preferably one simple and consistent. That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play around and discover what looks best. Sometimes, though, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to focus on wearing solid colors. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shy away from jeans! But instead of the low-rise skinny jeans, focus on trouser or bootcut if you might be wider at the bottom. These give the wearer a taller and more slender appearance. For those smaller at the bottom, skinny and straight-leg jeans are great! Brands like Old Navy and New York and Co. have higher rises, allowing for stomach control. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ In general, the key to dressing trendy is to be yourself. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anyone tell you what you should be wearing, because everyone is different. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important is that you look and feel the way you truly want to. Remember: you are wearing the clothes; they are not wearing you. Carry yourself with pride because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always in fashion. WGL

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? g n i d d e W What do I Wear to a

t’s so exciting when you see the lovely calligraphy on the envelope: the names of the couple inviting you to attend, asking you to RSVP. But after you’ve picked out a gift, wrapped it all nice and elegantly, it will hit you, maybe in two days, two weeks, or two months before the wedding, especially if you’re a female, you will suddenly ask yourself: What am I going to wear?

a pantsuit in light fabrics and soft colors.

Well, never fear! It’s much simpler than it seems. Summer, spring, fall or winter, wedding attire boils down to the invitation. How that small card is written and presented is the biggest clue as to how formal the wedding will be, and thus how you are expected to dress.

Kala from Prom USA in Douglasville said “You will want to avoid anything too flashy, like sequins or heavy beading, as they may cause you to look overdone.”

“Pinterest (a set of online photo collections) dictates so much about what everyone is doing,” said Nancy Lloyd of Bowdon’s “Simple Elegance,” a bridal shop. “There’s no etiquette rules that says you have to do this. Everything is more personal.” Once you’ve discerned whether the wedding is going to be casual, semi-formal, or formal – black tie and white tie will usually be noted on the invitation – the rest is a piece of cake.

The Basics

The evening semi-formal wedding would call for an even dressier cocktail dress or pantsuit, something in a bolder shade. The men should aim to wear a lighter suit or blazer in the morning/afternoon and a dark suit in the evening.

A morning/afternoon formal wedding calls for a cocktail dress or a longer dress; while a longer evening dress or dressy cocktail dress would be appropriate for the evening formal wedding. Men should wear a dark suit or conservative shirt and tie in the morning and a dark suit or tuxedo (if the invitation says black tie) in the evening. Black-tie events also call for women to step it up. "More often than not,” Kala said, “black tie events are held in the evening, so a floor length gown or an elegant cocktail dress is a perfect option. Heels are a must – just be sure to choose ones you can still dance in. You can dress up your look even more with statement jewelry and glamorous curls.”

Morning/Afternoon casual weddings, before 6 p.m., usuSummer/Spring Weddings ally call for an afternoon sundress or pants and blouse. Here, sandals are welcome. In summertime, dresses for women are usually brighter, colorful and floral. Breeziness is good, since you’re most Evening casual weddings after 6 p.m. call for a cocktail likely going to be outside where the lighter fabric will dress or pantsuit. Men can get by with a sports jacket allow air flow, so avoid the women’s suit and pack sunand blazer with or without a tie. screen. Loose fitted clothing creates a balance between comfort, formality and style, but avoid anything too Morning/Afternoon semi-formal weddings are the hard- skimpy or provocative, since that tends to take away est to judge for dress code. However, these typically call from the nature of a wedding. for a less dressier attire than the afternoon sundress. Try If it’s windy, it might be better to choose a longer or tighter dress or skirt in order to avoid anything that STORY BY TAYLOR BOLTZ might get caught in the breeze. Avoid heels if you’re going to an outdoor wedding, because you will sink into PHOTOS BY RICKY STILLEY January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

the sod. Instead, choose wedges, flats, or strappy sandals depending on formality. Sandals tend to be more casual than flats, which tend to be more casual than wedges, but there are always exceptions. Much like summertime, spring welcomes the colorful and floral dresses. The subtle hues and small, girly patterns create a fun and fresh nature much like spring. You’ll focus on the same types of shoes as well, looking for mostly flats, wedges and sandals since you might be outside.

Nancy Lloyd of Simple Elegance in Bowdon steams the wrinkles from a bridal gown.

Winter/ Fall Weddings not required,” or something along those lines, meaning that the bride wants you barefoot. No shoes to worry about!

Inherently, winter means cold, which means tights. Tights and outerwear like shawls, wraps and jackets are welcome in the winter and fall weddings, as well as warm fabrics and jewel tones, dark floral prints, rich textures like faux fur, and earthy tones. A knee length dress with tights instantly indicates classy while still being fun and festive. Shoes tend to be harder, since everyone wants to reach for the warmest shoes they have, especially if it’s an outside wedding. However, pumps work just fine, as well as heeled booties - so long as the heel isn’t too thick and you’re indoors.

The formal beach wedding means a full length, elegant dress, but you can still get by with a nice sandal since heels are no fun in the sand. Utilize bright colors and bold patterns while still being sensible; beach weddings are supposed to be fun. “It’s more relaxed,” said Karen Terry from Social Butterflies in Carrollton. “You wouldn’t want to be real fancy, but you wouldn’t want to go in your short shorts.”

Kala notes that “ankle boots with tights are a suitable shoe choice for a casual winter/ fall wedding. Many casual weddings are held outdoors, making it difficult to walk around if wearing heels.”

Theme Weddings

Pantsuits are just fine in lieu of dresses, as are blouses and long skirts – whatever you need to stay warm. “There are no truly set colors, such as you wear dark colors in the winter,” Lloyd said. “(People) are wearing everything from pastels to jewel tones to dark colors year round.” This means you have to use your best judgment when pulling out the pastel pink for a December wedding.

Beach Weddings Many people book beach weddings. But don't 22

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

think this means casual: there have been semiformal and even formal beach weddings. If it's a truly casual beach wedding, focus on a light and breezy dress with strappy sandals. The semi-formal beach wedding allows you to wear a short or tea-length dress, something that hits the knees, with shoes that are easy to slip on or off. However, the invitation might say “Shoes

Now, there are all kinds of themes for the bride and groom to pick from: western weddings, rustic weddings, vintage weddings, the list goes on and on. These themes usually deal with a color palette, so unless you’re in the bridal party, you don’t necessarily have to match the exact color. Pick a color and utilize it in some part of your outfit. You can coordinate it in with a pattern on the dress or the shoes. Just try to somehow intertwine the look or theme of the wedding into your outfit.

Mountain Weddings Like beach weddings, mountain weddings are much more casual than church weddings. Wear a wedge to keep the heels looking fresh and clean, not to mention keeping your bal-

ance on uneven terrain. Brightly colored sundresses are also welcome, as well as a fun maxi dress or skirt. You might also be able to get away with cowboy boots.

to “aim for simple, no-fuss looks as opposed to sultry or edgy ensembles. Hair and makeup should look romantic and somewhat natural.” Other advice? Don’t wear blue jeans, T-shirts, or costumes unless specified. Casual shoes, boots and flip-flops are usually not acceptable unless the invitation states otherwise. Don’t wear white or off-white, so as to not clash or take away from the bride.

Black Tie This occasion typically calls for a white dress shirt, black bow tie, an evening waist coat, and a dinner suit jacket for men. Women typically wear an ankle, cocktail, or tea length evening dress. Both wear nice shoes.

And finally, don’t look unkempt or wrinkled – it’s always good to look your best!

White Tie The most formal of the weddings. This usually means a white piqued shirt and vest for men, with a black cutaway coat with tails. The color of the tie (always a hand-tied bow) is not optional. For women, this occasion means a full-length evening dress. Both genders wear nice shoes (and, yes, men your white tie shoes really are called "pumps.")

“You can get away with just about anything these days,” Terry said. “It just depends on the bride and what style wedding she’s having.”

Kala stated that proper undergarments remain key.

it is unfortunately ignored by many,” she said. “Wearing the right undergarments can sometimes be just as important as what you wear on the outside. They are the foundation for a seamlessly elegant look. Meaning, no bra straps should be visible, and if you wear a backless dress, you must wear the proper bra to go with it.”

“Although this seems like an unspoken rule,

She also went on to say that less is more and

Other Tips

But, when in doubt, “You can’t go wrong if you have a classic dress that could go for anything,” Lloyd said. “If it’s simple and elegant, it could go anywhere.” WGL

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KNOW YOUR KNOTS

and the narrow end on your left, ending just above your navel. Aim to keep the narrow end in place while you create the knots by moving the wide end only.

Details matter in the business world - not only in doing the job, but also in the impression you make on others in the process.

For the half-Windsor: Begin by crossing and wrapping, as with the four-in-hand. From the right side, bring through the neck loop and back to the left, then cross the front and bring up through the neck loop from the right side. Tuck down through the neck loop, tighten and adjust.

emember learning to tie your shoelaces when you were a child? Conquering a few basic tie knots can help boost your confidence while sharpening your appearance.

For most men, that means mastering the art of tying a necktie. Yes, ties are uncomfortable, and knotting a tie is sometimes complicated. Nevertheless, a tie is a necessity in some business and social settings. While we at West Georgia Living can't do much about making ties more comfortable to wear, at least we can help you learn how to tie one on. You know what we mean. If you never learned by watching grandpa or dad, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources out there for the self-motivated, from YouTube videos to websites like www.ties.com . And while necktie knots are as complicated and unlimited as tie-wearers choose to make them, most beginners should start with the three most basic and widely used: The Windsor, the half-Windsor and the four-in-hand. Begin tying all three basic knots by draping the tie across your neck with the wide end on your right 24

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

For the four-in-hand: Cross the the narrow end with the wide end and wrap it around, bringing it back to your right. Cross again, this time bringing the wide end up from underneath. Tuck it back down into the front neck loop you’ve just created in the front and tighten the knot by pulling on the wide end. Adjust by sliding the knot up into the appropriate position at your top shirt button.

SOMETIMES YOU JUST CAN'T AVOID WEARING A NECKTIE REBECCA LEFTWICH

For the Windsor: Cross narrow end and bring up into the neck loop from underneath, bringing back down and to the left. Bring it under the small end and to the right, then up through the neck loop and down to the right again. Cross the front again, bring up into the neck loop from underneath again, then tuck down through the neck loop you’ve just created. Tighten and adjust. These three basic knots will fit just about every situation and type of shirt. But there's no telling when you might have a more important function to attend, so it's time to man-up to That Tie Which Most Men Fear. For the bow-tie: start with the end on your left 1½ inches below the one on your left side. Cross the longer end over the shorter, and pass up through the loop. Now, double the shorter end so that it looks like a tiny bow tie, then

place it across your collar. Hold that front loop with your thumb and forefinger and drop the long end over the front. Fold it as you did the first end, then poke it through the first loop and tighten everything up. Now you are ready to be the best man, go to a gala, or to accept a mission from your government to outwit a super villain in his hollowed-out volcano lair. Here are more tips for male accessorizing courtesy of Carroll County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Daniel Jackson, who spent 28 years in the clothing industry: • Your tie should end at or below your belt buckle or the top of your pants. • Small, neat prints; solids; and repeating stripes are considered the most traditional and dressy ties. Solid ties are especially popular right now. • Historically, the most popular colors for solid or patterned ties are red, burgundy and navy. In the past few years, non-traditional colors like yellow, gold, bright green, royal blue, pink and salmon have also been popular. • Save your fun ties – the ones with scenes, logos and pictures of Spongebob – for casual or everyday dress. Choose traditional ties for formal business occasions. • Pair your ties with solid shirts for a classic look, but don’t be afraid to change things up occasionally with neat checks and stripes. French cuff shirts are best for the most formal of events, but be aware that you will need cufflinks to complete the look. • Novices may want to stick to solid ties with patterned shirts or vice-versa until they become more comfortable mixing the two. • Pocket squares and bow ties can add a bit of flair and originality. For inspiration, look no further than Monday Night Football. Sportscasters are some of the sharpest dressers out there these days. WGL

Illustration by Ken Denney

January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

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What to Wear to a

JOB INTERVIEW To get hired, you need to make a good impression

t's one of the great, unwritten rules of life: what you wear says a lot about you. This is especially true for those preparing for a job interview. You probably know that you can’t just go to the meeting in a pair of jeans and a crumpled T-shirt - but you also don’t want to walk in wearing a suit while the interviewer sits in khakis and a polo. So how do you dress to impress?

Evan Harte, a student at UWG, is wearing a white button up with a gray blazer and coordinating blue, white and gray striped tie with blue slacks. This is the sort of outfit designed to impress at a job interview.

“Professional dress is most important because you only get one opportunity to get that initial first impression,” said the Georgia Department of Labor’s Manager Dennis Dorsey. “It’s like toothpaste – you squirt it out of the tube and you can’t get it back in there.” The first thing you should do is research the company. Find out what the employees wear to the job you want, and dress a little better. You can do this by watching employees enter and leave work, or go into the building if it’s a public space. You can even call the HR department and just ask what they want you to wear. “If someone wears a coat and tie to an interview at the warehouse, they’re probably going to look at him kinda funny," Dorsey said. "I recommend (in that case) khakis and dress shirt, long-sleeved.” If the normal employee outfit happens to be as casual as shorts and a T-shirt, step it up to those nice khakis and a polo or longsleeved dress shirt. If khakis are the norm, slacks and a blazer are your best bet. If slacks are common, go ahead and wear a suit. Again, always dress a little better than is the norm.

UWG student Mallory York is wearing a matching three-piece suit with a simple pearl necklace and patent heels.

For women, suit skirts are always acceptable, as long as they are modest and long enough to cover your thighs while sitting. Match your skirt with a nice blouse, blazer, or suit jacket, depending on how professional the employee norm is. Make sure your shirt is not revealing with a low cut. The bloggers at Undercover Recruiter have a few tips on dressing for interviews: “Make sure your clothes are neatly ironed and pressed ... Make sure [they] fit properly ... Avoid articles of clothing with loud, busy prints. It’s best to wear solid colors that flatter your skin tone.”

STORY BY MEGAN MOODY PHOTOS BY RICKY STILLEY January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

Color is very important. Try to stick to dark, muted colors, like black, navy or grey. Avoid bright hues like orange or yellow which can be distracting. You don't want the interviewer spending more time staring at the colors of your outfit than listening to your qualifications. The same goes for patterns – go for solid colors that won’t distract.

said, there's really not much they can do. Your hair should be washed and look neat. If you’re looking for an excuse to get a trim, an interview is a great reason – just make sure to give yourself a few days before the interview in case the trim doesn’t look right. For women, you can tie your hair back into a professional ponytail or bun. For men, make sure your facial hair is neatly trimmed.

“You can certainly add a pop of color to a neutral interview outfit,” says About.com’s job search expert Alison Doyle. “Pale colors are a great way to add color without appearing too authoritative. For example, a pale blue blouse under a woman’s dark gray suit can subtly soften a look. A splash of bright, bold color (such as a red scarf or tie) conveys authority, and can be great for managerial positions. However, limit the number of brightly colored items to one, and make sure it is not the dominant color of your outfit.”

“Some of the ladies especially will have their hair dyed in a loud color,” Dorsey said. “It’s just distracting. Whoever’s interviewing them is paying more attention to her hair than to the questions and answers. You want your ability, your skills, and your knowledge to be more memorable than your clothes.” Also make sure to be on time for your interview. Nothing will hurt your chances more than showing up 15 minutes late. It wastes your interviewer’s time; he could be doing other things if he didn’t have to wait on you. Mostly, though, being late shows disrespect both to the company and your future coworkers.

Always make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. Avoid the dress shirt with a stain on it, even if it’s a light stain. Iron your clothes the night before your interview and set them out so that you’re not rushed in the morning. Try them on beforehand as well to make sure that they still fit and aren’t too baggy or too tight. “Your shoes should be dictated by where you’re going,” Dorsey explained. “If you’re at a manufacturing facility, wear closedtoe shoes. Tennis shoes are completely unacceptable.” Clothes are not the only part of an outfit. Ladies, we have to be careful of our make-up. A job interview is not the time or place to cake on the eye shadow and lipstick. Try to limit yourself to concealer or foundation and natural shades of lipstick and mascara. Don’t go crazy with bright eye colors or try to make your lips as red as a fire truck. Save that for the celebration party when you get the job. As far as jewelry is concerned, try not to wear anything that dangles or which you would be 28

West Georgia Living

tempted to play with during the interview. It can distract both you and the interviewer. Limit your jewelry as much as possible – one pair of simple earrings, maybe a bracelet or necklace, and no more than one ring on each hand. It’s best to avoid perfume and artificial fragrances entirely. You never know if your interviewer will be allergic or if they’re sensitive to smells, and there isn’t a worse time or place to find out. Stick with unscented deodorant and nothing else. Dorsey has this to say on the subject of tattoos: “During my day, someone who had tattoos? You looked at him and you thought ‘What in the world

January/February 2015

is wrong with this individual?’ Now tattoos really don’t bother me. They might bother some people, so that’s why I recommend a long-sleeved shirt." Once you've been hired, Dorsey

In general, dress so that you feel professional and confident, and try to display this confidence in your body language. Make your first impression one that will stick with your interviewer. With the right outfit and the right nonverbal cues, you will be unstoppable. WGL

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DRESS PANTS

What to Wear to wORk?

or more than 40 years, my dad – who sold advertising for a print news media group – went to work every day in a dark suit, dark necktie, and black wingtip shoes with leather soles.

As a young go-getter he moved from Montgomery to Atlanta, just after the Georgia office stopped requiring its salesmen to wear hats. His company further relaxed its dress code in the early '70’s, when salesmen were allowed to lighten their looks with slacks and sport coats, and by the time he retired in 2001, Casual Friday was firmly entrenched. Daddy never observed Casual Friday. He had learned years before that he was not destined for the front edge of fashion trends. That was on the memorable day he arrived at work decked out in a groovy salmonpink leisure suit that my mom had bought him. Mama may have thought dad looked wonderfully handsome and capable - but his boss did not agree. For the rest of his career, my dad stuck to his winning formula of dark suits, dark neckties, and black wingtip shoes with leather soles. Obviously, he would have been overdressed for the typical 2015 workplace, where dressing up is trending down. In fact, a recent article on clarkhoward.com listed men’s dress clothes among “Four Things You Should Always Buy Used.” “They're usually in fantastic shape because few men dress up for work anymore,” wrote Theo Thimou, the website’s content director and author of the article. “Instead, today's standard office outfit usually

REBECCA LEFTWICH 30

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

BLUE JEANS

Brittney White, Mandy Baeumel and Roddy Clifton of Southwire. Photo by Ricky Stilley

includes khaki pants and a golf shirt.” Daniel Jackson has watched the evolution of business wear from the front row. Before he became president and CEO of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Jackson spent 28 years in the retail clothing industry, 26 of them as owner of The Squire Shop in Carrollton. “It is an interesting industry, in that when I first got into it, suits and neckties were the norm,” Jackson said. “We have transitioned far, far away from that.” Personally, Jackson still favors suits and ties for work, especially when greeting business prospects from other countries and cultures. He says he’s ruined more than one good pair of pants trekking through dust and briars at potential building sites, but he has no regrets. “If you choose to dress up, you’ve made a statement to anyone you may encounter,” Jackson said. “People respond in a more appropriate way. You show people that you take them seriously and respect them more if you’ve chosen to polish up, dust off and put on something nice.” That’s not always possible in an ever-changing workplace, some of which requires what

Jackson called “industry dress.” In fields such as construction, healthcare and athletics, for instance, suits and ties are rarely practical for every day. It’s still possible to make a good impression, however. “If it’s neat and clean and pressed, it doesn’t have to be a jacket and tie,” Jackson said. One gray area in the business wear arena is the home office. A librarian by trade, Russell Palmer works out of his Carrollton home in the digital technology field for an Atlantabased, not-for-profit corporation. His duties include training the staff members at libraries, museums, and archives in the use of open source software and writing product documentation. His job requires that he travel to conferences and meetings, at which Palmer follows his industry’s current guidelines for business casual dress. He prefers “the uniform of a male librarian”: button-down shirts, khakis, dress shoes and – and, as location and season dictate – a sports coat. “Librarianship is odd,” Palmer said. “I don’t know of many other professional organizations that offer multiple sessions on how to dress at major conferences, but one can almost always find a session on that topic at

the American Library Association Annual Meeting (ALA).” Despite its best efforts, the ALA offers little guidance for a librarian in a non-traditional role who often feels uncomfortable in his poorly insulated home office. Palmer’s situation passes even further beyond the ALA’s rulebook once he factors in wife Dawn’s fulltime job on the University of West Georgia campus and the needs of the couple’s 3-yearold daughter, Ella. This means that in the summer, Palmer’s home-office workwear of choice is shorts and a T-shirt with a fan “turned up to 11.” Winter workwear is jeans, tee shirt and a fleece, with a hat on extra-cold mornings. Palmer may be breaking ground without the ALA’s help, but he’s doing it with a large dose of pragmatism and a sprinkling of pop-culture librarian humor. “Certainly, there are some in the library world that are fashion challenged,” he joked. “I’m not going to show up on ‘Project Runway’ anytime soon. But I do know ‘What Not to Wear.’” While Palmer is busy adjusting his wardrobe to match industry, family and work-at-home needs, Jeanne Buchanan is celebrating her 40th year with Southwire Company, where January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

corporate dress code has also had to roll with the times.

Russell Parmer can dress casually when working at home. Photo by Ricky Stilley

Buchanan, Southwire’s director of employee resources, joined the company in an era when men wore suits and ties to work. Women’s business wear was slowly moving beyond suits with skirts, but still required strict monitoring. “Women could wear pants, but they also had to wear tunic tops that came below their hips,” Buchanan said. She said Casual Friday was “a very big deal” when it first made its way to Southwire in the late 80’s. “Shirts had to have collars and be tucked into pants,” Buchanan said. These days, Casual Friday at the company is significantly more relaxed for female employees. Jeans, sneakers and open-toed shoes typically replace the dressier suits and shoes, pantsuits, slacks, pullovers and tucked-in, collared shirts that mark the other four corporate workdays of every week. Policy manuals and employee handbooks in the ensuing decades have necessarily addressed fashion trends – everything from hot pants to culottes, to city shorts to capris. Currently, most company’s policies align neatly with many standard high school dress codes. “No T-shirts with offensive slogans,” Buchanan said. “No tank tops, no mesh or net shirts. No halter tops or spaghetti straps, no athletic wear. No revealing clothing, no pants above mid-calf.” Buchanan also has seen at least one “unmentionable” requirement make its way into written policy. “It really stuck in my mind when we had to spell out that women had to wear undergarments,” she said. Underwear may be an uncomfortable subject, but it’s a basic one for women in the workplace. In fact, it’s an important part of a bigpicture, practical approach that incorporates all aspects of appropriate female workwear, from revealing clothing to tacky accessories. “If you would wear it to the county fair, don’t wear it to work,” Jackson said. “Your clothes make an important statement to whomever you’re interacting with. They say, ‘Whatever this assignment is, it’s important. I take it seriously. I’m prepared. I expect you to take me seriously, because I take you seriously.’”

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

A more diverse culture breeds more opportunities for different looks. In a company with several generations of people working

alongside one another, a huge gap in may exist in what employees aged 20 to 30, 30-50 and 50-plus expect to wear on the job. For instance, Jackson may consider "business casual" to be adopting a mock turtleneck and jacket instead of a suit and tie. However, that may not be how younger employees define the term. So how do you know how you should dress for workplace success? In general, applying a few universal guidelines can guarantee an appropriate wardrobe choice is available for each occasion – no matter what the generation of worker. “If in doubt, it’s better to overdress than underdress in an interview or business setting,” Jackson said. Jackson recommends building a work wardrobe which consists of classic pieces unlikely to go out of style. For men, that means a suit or jacket and slacks, along with dress shoes. Women may have more choices, but overall, a more tailored look is suitable for work, whether the preference is for pantsuits, jackets with matching skirts or separates. As for color, navy, charcoal, lighter gray and

black have stood the test of time, Jackson said. “After you choose the foundational pieces, you can begin to work in current fashion,” he said. “Change up a few colors or accessorize to suit your personal taste.” Jackson specifically urged those entering the workforce or new hires to exercise caution in choosing business wear. As far as body modifications go, tattoos, piercings, streaked hair and other outward expressions of creativity are personal choices, of course. But when these are combined with non-traditional attire, such creative embellishments may distract a potential employer from the inner qualities that make a prospect an ideal employee.

three applicants for a job. How that particular situation unfolded can serve as a cautionary tale for anyone in the workforce. The first applicant made a great impression on the panel by showing up in a neat suit, tie, dress shirt and dress shoes. The second also wore a suit, but it was wrinkled and untidy, giving him a disheveled appearance. The final applicant was memorable in business casual but not for the right reasons. “He had on a sport shirt that obviously had just picked up from the store, because it still had the folds in it,” said Jackson, who also learned what size shirt the man wore from the plastic “XL” sticker still attached to his shirt pocket.

“It’s fine to choose to be a little more creative and independent,” Jackson said. “You just have to realize you may have to work a little harder at first to prove yourself.”

That applicant was an engineer, well qualified for the position for which he was interviewed. But he might as well have showed up wearing my dad’s infamous leisure suit.

Taking a little extra time and pride in your appearance can pay big dividends in the business arena, especially when you’re competing with other, equally qualified applicants. Jackson once was part of a panel that interviewed

“He may have been the smartest one of the bunch, but he made a terrible impression,” Jackson said. “We didn’t even consider him for the job.” WGL

1332 Bankhead Hwy. Carrollton, GA 30116 Phone:(770) 832-9013 Holiday Hours: M-F 9am - 8pm Sat 9am - 5pm Sun 1pm - 5pm

West Georgia’s Premier Outdoor Outfitter!

January/February 2015 West Georgia Living

Taylor Kinna says layering is the most important thing to consider when dressing for the outdoors.

Getting

DRESSED UP for Mother Nature

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

ressing for the outdoors is not always as easy as pulling on a T-shirt, sandals and shorts. When you are up in the mountains, deep in the woods, having the right outfit and gear can make all the difference between a great overnight trip and a miserable time. Taylor Kinna knows. He not only spends a great deal of time outside, he does some pretty active things - including kayaking and fishing. When he's inside, he's usually working at Barnes Store in Carrollton, using his expertise to sell outdoor gear to both old pro woodsmen and hardly-know-what-they're-doing amateurs.

STORY BY KEN DENNEY PHOTOS BY RICKY STILLEY

Planning Kinna says the secret to a great outdoors trip is planning - and that means knowing where you are going, how long you will stay and what you will be doing. With those factors in place, it's easy to figure out what to bring, how much stuff you need to carry - and, most important-

ly of all, what to wear. We might as well get this out of the way first: dressing for the outdoors is expensive. If you really want to enjoy your trip, then you want clothes that are made for the outdoors and which are designed for outdoor activities. Nothing can ruin an outdoor adventure faster than sitting in clothes soggy with rain or sweat, or suffering blisters from cheap footwear. For a truly memorable trip in the outdoors, without the hassle of creature discomforts, it's far better to invest in quality gear made of advanced materials, designed for the elements. So let's plan a hypothetical, overnight kayaking trip into the mountains to do a little fishing. "The first thing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to worry about, really, is rainstorms," Kinna said. "In the spring, it can get up to 70 degrees during the day. Then, you get soaking wet and it turns to 50. It's a quick weather change."

Layers Kinna recommends dressing in layers to be prepared for anything, and he says you should have three basic layers: a base, a middle layer and sturdy outerwear. The base layer is simply what you wear against your skin. It should be designed to manage moisture, specifically sweat, that can make you cold and uncomfortable. Kinna recommends a long-sleeve shirt,

even in warm weather. Stay away from cotton; it absorbs moisture. Instead, go for a merino wool shirt or one made from specialized synthetic fibers. The middle layer is your insulating layer - like a thick shirt, a sweater or a light jacket. As you move, you're going to get heated, so it's always good to have something you can remove, but which you can put back on once you stop being active. It's always cooler in the mountains, especially if you are near a lake or stream, so like the Scouts say: be prepared. Your outer, or shell layer, is designed to shed rain. It should be made for that purpose alone and worn over the other layers to keep them dry in inclement weather. If wind and water penetrate to those inner layers, you are going to be cold and miserable. "The biggest thing I would say not to do when planning a trip is not having a good rain jacket," Kinna said. And he recommends carrying one that will pack up small and tight to minimize both the weight and bulk you will have to manage in the woods.

Footwear A good pair of socks is your first line of defense for dry, comfy and blister-free feet. Instead of your basic, cotton tube sock you're going to need athletic or multisport socks; the kind designed for cross-training and running. Thicker material around the heels and sides of your feet is a must if you want to avoid blisters. January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

And forget about wearing your favorite old gym shoes. Those are designed for the sidewalk and other civilized surfaces. You're in the he-man wilderness, so you need soles that won't rub away because you've walked over 10 miles of rocks, brambles and logs. You also want something light and weathertight, so the standard-grade running shoe just won't cut it.

Headgear Being in the elements means there's nothing between the sky and your head. That doesn't mean you are exposed only to rain, but also sunlight. Kinna says a standard-issue baseball cap is fine, but many of the people who shop at his store are satisfied with the old-style boonie hat; the kind of headgear familiar to anyone who's been in uniform. They are floppy and not particularly stylish, but they are light and have a wide brim. And they don't care if they're wadded up and shoved into a pocket or back pack.

Eyewear Trooping through the woods means pushing through brush and limbs. Anyone who's ever had a cornea scratch knows that the pain pretty much sucks all the fun out of life. It's all the worse when you're miles away from an eye doctor. A good pair of sturdy sunglasses can both protect your eyes and enhance your vision, particularly when you are fishing.

Kenna says a good quality cooler can keep your provisions chilled for days. You will need a bag to carry some of your stuff, especially a good supply of water to remain hydrated. The Barnes Store carries a line of insulated carry-alls that can keep ice frozen for days on end, which means cool water and unspoiled food throughout your stay. If you're fishing, you will want light tackle as well. Kinna recommends a spinning reel as the ideal tool for challenging Mother Nature from a kayak.

Kinna's shop carries a line of polarized sunglasses that are designed to filter out certain colors of light based on the color of the lenses. "The blue lens is great for the open water," he says, since it cuts down on the glare from the water. "The green lens penetrates the lake water better. If you're fishing the flats, or fishing the edges of the lake looking for bass on bed, it’s a necessity."

"A lot of times, on the rivers and the streams, you need something that’s going to cast light lures, which is the spinning reels because most of the time you’re going to be fishing for bluegill or trout or whatever’s on the stream; you’re not going to be at the big lakes with the big bass."

Accessories

Finally, think about being safe. As important as anything you wear, you will want to have safety gear on hand for any contingency. If you're out on the water, Kinna says, a personal floatation device is a necessity. If you're going to be in rough water, you need a throw rope.

Some people like day trips, others like overnight or multi-night stays. Whichever you decide, you will need some accessories. But be aware of your plan. You don't want to carry more stuff than you need. "Anytime we’re on a trip we usually are three, four, five days out. A lot of guys like to do the day trips and day trips are great, but if you’re going to do an overnight trip. Old school was bring a tent, bring a mattress bring all this stuff – kayaking you can’t do that. You have to go light." 36

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

Safety

And keep in mind that your cell phone just may not work in the deep woods, so think about taking a VHF radio. ••• The woods are lovely, dark and deep, and they can also be a fun place to be with your buddies. Enjoy the good times and ensure good memories by dressing out the right way. WGL

WellStar and Mayo Clinic. Working together. Working for you. Achieving our vision of world-class healthcare is even closer now that we are a proud new member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, an innovative collaboration which brings the expertise of Mayo to our patients. As the ďŹ rst and only member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in metro Atlanta, our depth of specialty care will be enhanced with new resources and tools while keeping patient care right here at home. Innovation. World-class care. WellStar. For more information, please visit wellstar.org/mayo. For physician referral, please call 770-956-STAR (7827).

The vision of WellStar Health System is to deliver world-class healthcare through our hospitals, physicians and services. Our not-for-proďŹ t health system includes WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital) and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; the WellStar Medical Group; Urgent Care Centers; Health Parks; Pediatric Center; Health Place; Homecare; Hospice; Atherton Place; Paulding Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; and the WellStar Foundation.

We believe in life well-lived. 37

West Georgia Living

September/October 2014

FOOD

Accessorizing Your Main Course Dress up your dinner with these dish and sauce combos Thyme leg quarters with white wine mushroom sauce

Thyme Leg Quarters with White Wine Mushroom Sauce

Rob Duvé

hen you're getting ready for a big evening, you don't first choose the accessories and then pick a suit or a dress to go with them. To look your best, you first pick a great outfit and then choose the proper accoutrements to complete your look. Well, it's just the same when you pick the meal for the night. Once you've decided you want a particular dish, you need something to make it really pop. Finding a great sauce that not only tastes well on its own, but also pairs well with the flavors that you’re presenting, is just like matching cuff links or pearls with a stunning outfit.

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

This is a simple preparation that combines classic, simple flavors, which marry very well with a rich sauce that can stand on its own, or go with everything else on the plate - no matter what sides you chose.

Thyme Leg Quarters 6-8 chicken leg quarters 3 carrots, roughly chopped 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped 1 cup dry white wine 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season leg quarters with sea salt, pepper, and thyme leaves and place skin side up in a large roasting pan. Fill spaces in between with carrots, celery, and onions and add white wine. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and continue to bake for another 20 minutes. Let stand for five minutes before plating.

White Wine Mushroom Sauce 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 shallot, finely diced 1 cup sliced mushrooms ½ cup dry white wine 1 cup chicken stock 1⁄4 cup pan drippings from leg quarters 1 tablespoon all purpose flour Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add butter, olive oil, shallots, and mushrooms and sauté until the shallots are just translucent. Reduce heat to medium and add white wine. Simmer until wine had almost completely reduced being careful not to scorch. Whisk flour into chicken stock and pan drippings and add to skillet, whisking thoroughly, and simmer until thickened. Either pour sauce over the chicken leg quarters or put on the plate before plating everything else, using it as a sauce bed.

Almond Crusted Catfish with White Chocolate Beurre Blanc

Almond Crusted Catfish with White Chocolate Beurre Blanc I’m sure there will be people thinking that a white chocolate sauce for catfish is one of the craziest things they’ve ever heard of. However, I can assure you this is a very interesting set of flavors, which work well together. The base of this recipe was created out of sheer boredom when a friend and I were working a slow Thursday dinner service and the owner's wife wanted something simple. We came up with the almond crusted fish and I liked the idea of a simple, classic sauce with an interesting twist.

Almond Crusted Catfish 4 catfish fillets 1 cup finely chopped almonds 1 tablespoon butter ½ cup fresh honey 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt butter in a large, oven-safe skillet, add fillets to the skillet and season with sea salt and pepper and set aside. In a small skillet, combine honey and Cajun seasoning and bring to a boil over medium high heat, whisking constantly, and simmer until the honey begins to reduce by just a bit. Lightly brush each fillet with spiced honey to cover completely. Cover each fillet completely with finely chopped almonds. Place skillet over high heat and sear the back of the fillets for 1-2 minutes then place the skillet in the oven to finish. About 5-7 minutes

White Chocolate Beurre Blanc 1 small shallot, finely diced ½ teaspoon minced garlic ½ tablespoon olive oil 2⁄3 cup dry white wine 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons white chocolate, finely chopped pinch of sea salt In a large skillet and over medium high heat, sauté shallot in olive oil until just translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute or two. Add white wine and cook until reduced by half, then add heavy cream and reduce by half again. Remove from heat and whisk in white chocolate until completely melted. Add sea salt to taste and drizzle a few tablespoons of sauce over each fillet.

January/February 2015 West Georgia Living

Stout Steak Sauce

Stout Steak Sauce I have always been of the opinion that if you have a good cut of steak and it is seasoned properly, there is no need for a steak sauce of any kind. Yet, sometimes, even I want to have a change of pace and dress up a steak with an interesting sauce or flavor. This recipe, based on the dark beer called stout, is not only one of the oldest in my collection but it is definitely an interesting set of flavors that will go very well with whatever cut of steak you might choose.

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

2 12 ounce bottles stout beer ¼ cup finely chopped white onion 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon minced garlic ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper Sea salt to taste In a large skillet, sauté onions in butter until the edges just begin to brown, then add garlic and sauté for an additional minute or two. Add remaining ingredients, whisking thoroughly to combine, and reduce over medium heat until very thick.

...

Keep in mind that, with just a small addition or substitu-

tion, most sauces can create a new flavor profile that might just work perfectly with some other dish. For example, adding a pinch of allspice to the steak sauce recipe, then serving it with a pork loin roasted with root vegetables such as sweet potatoes or turnips. Exploring how to change up a sauce should not only be tried, it is strongly encouraged.

Enjoy!

Roll up those sleeves for

FLU SHOTS

hose who have had the flu remember it in detail: Three years ago; missed more than a week of work; could barely get out of bed; couldn’t keep anything down; didn’t feel better for days. The flu is not just a bad cold. It hits much harder and can linger for up to two weeks. That’s up to 14 days of fever, cough, body aches, severe headache and extreme fatigue – not to mention possible complications, such as pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, or the worsening of chronic diseases like asthma or heart failure. To avoid being sidelined by a flu bug this year, there’s one simple step you can take: Get a flu shot. “Getting vaccinated for flu every year is the single best way to keep the virus away,” said Saman Razzak, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician with Tanner Primary Care at Mirror Lake, part of Tanner Medical Group. “The time to get your shot is now. You should get vaccinated as soon as shots become available in your community.” Vaccinating early gives your body time to develop virus-fighting antibodies well before flu season is in full swing, according to Dr. Razzak. Each year, experts from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study flu virus samples from around the globe. Then they develop a vaccine that protects against the flu viruses most likely to circulate in the coming months. Look for updates on this year’s flu vaccine at www.flu.gov. “That doesn’t mean you can skip your flu shot this year,” said Dr. Razzak. “Immunity to flu viruses decreases over time, which means you may not be fully protected now. Also, there may be strains of flu in circulation now that were not included in the previous year’s vaccine. Without a current flu shot, you won’t be protected against those.” Experts recommend the vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. It’s especially important if you are at high risk for serious flu-related complications. That includes those who are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), or who live with someone who does.

Saman Razzak, MD, a board-certified family practitioner with Tanner Primary Care at Mirror Lake, recommends getting an annual flu shot as early in the flu season as possible.

A FLU SHOT REMINDER The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for all people ages 6 months and older. While the vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone, certain groups are at higher risk for complications from the flu, including: • People ages 65 and older • Children younger than 6 months old • Pregnant women • People with certain ongoing medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease. It is best to get the shot between September and mid-November.

Worse, the flu spreads very easily through droplets that are formed when people who have the flu speak, cough or sneeze. Those droplets can enter another person’s body through their mouth or nose, or if they touch a contaminated surface and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. People who have the flu are contagious up to a day before their symptoms develop, meaning that you can spread the flu before you even know you have it. People remain contagious up to seven days after they become sick. “Consider the toll flu takes on your body - longlasting fever, discomfort, tiredness and missed days of work, school and normal activity - and then schedule your flu shot,” said Dr. Razzak.

Roll Up Your Sleeve …

Ready to take a shot at better health? Flu vaccines are available at all Tanner primary care offices and on a walk-in basis at Tanner Urgent Care centers. You can find a physician near you offering Aside from the symptoms of the flu — which include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body flu vaccinations by calling 770.214.CARE. And if fear of needles is what’s stopping you, ask about aches, headaches, fatigue and possible stomach whether you could receive the vaccine through a upset, including vomiting and diarrhea — the nasal spray instead. flu can also be deadly. The CDC estimates that as many as 49,000 deaths have been attributed to – Paid Advertisement the flu since 1976. January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

GARDENING

From 'yarden' attire . . . to Well-Dressed Gardener PHOTOS AND STORY BY SHELLY MURPHY

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

here are all kinds of gardeners. They run the gamut from nitty-gritty, do-it-yourself plantaholics like me, to those who never buy more plants than their spouse can get in the ground the next week, to garden club ladies with designer fingernails who hire everything done - except snipping blooms for a centerpiece. The outfits all these gardeners choose for doing outside tasks are as varied as themselves. My own "yarden" attire is so atrocious I only garden in back where no one can see me: Worn-out jeans, my husband's old dress shirt, a tattered straw hat, mismatched gloves, and clodhopper shoes complete my ensemble. I start the gardening day looking homeless; by evening I look like the grandmother of Charlie Brown's friend, Pig-Pen. In sharp contrast, there are neatniks, like Diane Rooks and Marilyn Van Pelt, two master gardener friends who for years cared for plots near mine in the Buffalo Creek Demonstration Garden. Dressed in a pink polo shirt with matching sun visor, white shorts, socks and shoes, I always marveled how Diane looked almost as good after working for several hours as she did when she arrived. The same was true of Marilyn. I once gave a novice gardener a start of every perennial I had that could be dug and divided. She insisted on helping me, but first had another appointment. When she returned three hours later, over 75 plants were in bags, ready to go. It amused me that she planned to dig in red clay soil wearing a pastel tank top, beige Capri pants, and glittery thong sandals with a fresh pedicure, a gold ankle bracelet and even a toe ring!

The main goal with proper garden attire is protection. Cover yourself up from head to toe. Skin cancer is on the rise and new research indicates that few, if any, sunscreens offer adequate protection. Bug sprays contain harmful chemicals. Moreover, many of us have allergies and/or sensitivities to both. A host of evils are lurking out there waiting to play “gotcha”: Scorching sun; treacherous thorns, burrs and brambles; poisonous, biting and disease-carrying insects; stumps, stones and slippery spots. Any of these can send one to the ER in an instant, and that's the reason every outfit should have a pocket with a cell phone in it. Were it not so rigid, expensive and hard to find, a medieval coat of armor might be in order for gardening. Fortunately, space-age technology provides lighter protective clothing options these days. And comfortable, supportive shoes with good tread will always be a necessity. Last October, I noticed the soles of my old "yarden" shoes were worn in places. Ever mindful that for four fall seasons in a row, a hard tumble had landed me at the local orthopedic clinic, I used the internet to find good garden shoes in my long, narrow size. (Mind you I only wear size 9s, but 10s feel so good, I just go ahead and buy 11s.) I was elated to find plain black garden clogs on the fifth attempt. They appear comfortable and have good tread. With any luck, they will enable me to safely navigate my rocky, backyard slope. No doubt I will eventually need a stem cell transplant from a mountain goat to keep up the pace. While web surfing, wouldn't you know a pop-up ad appeared for UV-protective moisture-wicking clothing for staying cool in warm

weather. Whoever heard of such a thing? Being 5 feet 12, with legs that start almost at my elbows, I was thrilled they had tall size, charcoal-colored pants for women, even if they were a bit pricey. The prospect that those 35” inseams might stay tucked inside my socks and dissuade tiny red bugs from sneaking through prompted me to click “Add to Cart.” Of course, new pants called for a new shirt with similar features. No tall sizes here, so I ordered a size larger in lilac. Since buying two yielded a 25% savings, I selected another one in blue. Luckily these hang far enough over my shoulders that the sleeves meet my gloves so pesky mosquitoes can't feast on my wrists. Since my order total was only $5.00 shy of free shipping, I treated myself to Nitrile-coated gloves in violet for only $6.95. One can hardly be seen in a new outfit sporting a dirty old hat. Especially one with a broken strap. How could such a thing protect one from the sun's harmful rays? I toyed with splurging for a new Tilly, the signature hat that UGA emeritus garden guru Allan Armitage wears at every speaking event. But when I saw they cost nearly $100, I opted for a wide-brim straw hat the color of dirt with SPF50+ sun protection at

a fraction of the cost. Another pop-up ad touted cooling bandanas that activate with a 5-minute soak in water. This latest gizmo was not only cheap but on sale. I couldn't resist. Whether or not it will prevent a melt-down this summer remains to be seen. Thank goodness I already have sunglasses and a thermos to tote drinking water. Depleting next season's garden budget at this rate means less for necessities like new plants. So here I am in my twilight years, at last—a well-dressed gardener. While I learned years ago one can bury a lot of troubles by digging in the dirt, owning the latest protective gear also brings satisfaction. Indeed, I'm tempted to put this garb on and post a new selfie on Facebook. Come spring, I might even spiff up my front yard for a change so I can wave at passersby. There's only one problem. No way am I ready to go outside and get these new duds dirty. WGL Shelly Murphy is a Carroll County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer and author of "Compost Happens: Confessions of a Plantaholic."

Come By and Visit Us!

Southern Home & Ranch Garden Center 1110 NORTH PARK STREET • CARROLLTON, GEORGIA • 770-832-0114 HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY 8AM-7PM • SUNDAY 12PM-5PM

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January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

Primary Care Group of West Georgia

Are PHYSICAL EXAMS a thing of the past? I

t used to be that you would go get a physical exam every year just to make sure you were as healthy as you felt. After much debate among insurers and politicians annual exams are a lot less "physical" than they once were. Today you may read promotional material or news reports that a physical exam is fully paid for by your insurance coverage. The exam that is covered may not be the exam you are expecting.

When you read closely you see the words "wellness exam" and "preventative care." Those words come from the Affordable Care Act and those office visits have less to do with your current physical condition but a lot to do with predicting your future health. The visits that your health insurance covers at no cost to you, are meant to address some hard topics that you may not really think about in your busy day to day life. You should expect some typical items like scheduling adult screenings such as a colonoscopy, addressing needed adult immunizations like a flu shot and a discussion of your height weight and blood pressure. 44

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January/February 2015

What you may not expect are those items most important to the "wellness exam." How is your home arranged? Are there rugs that could cause you to fall? Is your tub slippery? These items may seem silly at first thought, but if you know someone who fell and broke their hip, you know that type of injury is painful and debilitating. A wellness visit begins to address your desires regarding your medical care should you become unable to make your own decisions. We all know that it is smart to prepare a will to address your financial issues after death but we have also learned it is important to address your medical issues in advance should you not be able to make your own decisions while you are still living. We all know people living with Alzheimer's and memory loss. Unfortunately if those people have not written out their wishes some other caregiver is making those decisions for them. In our office we have put together a team of

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SNOWMAGGE 46

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

EDON

SURVIVING AN

ICE STORM I t is a cold day in January. Or February.

The roads are crowded when you leave work. Traffic crawls forward as the snow swirls around your car. The other cars move an inch at a time; eventually they stop altogether. You want to move your car to the shoulder of the road, but the ice makes that difficult without sliding out of control. This is it. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re stuck.

NOW WHAT? STORY BY MEGAN MOODY PHOTOS BY RICKY STILLEY January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

Last year, the winter weather in Georgia was severe and unexpected enough to leave thousands stranded, some for more than 24 hours. Hour-long commutes became overnight campouts on the high48

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January/February 2015

ways. Even five minute drives turned into 2-hour ordeals. The weather will be worse this year, but hopefully we’ll all be more prepared. “Winter will be colder and drier than normal, with near- to abovenormal snowfall,” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s longrange weather forecast for 2015 “The coldest periods will be in early to mid-December, from late December through early January, and in mid- and late January. The snowiest periods will be in

early and mid-January.” Driving in such weather can be tough. Fortunately, there are many ways to prepare yourself for the coming onslaught of wintery mix and for the possibility of being stranded in the cold. The most important thing is to stay warm. Douglas County Emergency Management Director Jason Milhollin recommends keeping blankets in the trunk or back seat of your car to help with this. You should also try to conserve your car’s gas by turning it off when you’re stuck. “Try not to get below a half tank or quarter tank of gas,” Milhollin says. “You’d much rather have the heater working than the car constantly running, and it won’t work if it’s out of gas. Don’t let the car run the whole time; turn it back on if you get cold until you get warm again.” Last year, many who were stranded on roadways eventually abandoned the warmth of their cars to search for food and water. Keeping snacks on hand will ease those hunger pangs. For water, use containers that won’t freeze overnight and shatter, or keep an aluminum can and matches to melt snow into drinkable water. This will keep you from journeying into the freezing cold, meaning you can stay with your car and drive away as soon as the roads clear up. “The biggest thing,” Milhollin says, “you don’t want to get out and start walking, especially if you’re confused or don’t know where you are. Stay with the vehicle unless you know exactly where you’re going.” During winter, check your car’s fluids often and keep extra bottles of oil, brake fluid and other car necessities on hand. Keeping your windows clean so that you can see out of them properly is important, so invest in an ice scraper and windshield wiper fluid that won’t freeze in the winter. Get your car to a mechanic early in the season and have them check your battery, radiator, brakes and heater so that noth-

ing will break down on you in the middle of a snow storm. Good tread on your tires is important, so replace them if they are becoming worn, and make sure they are well inflated.

things that can keep minor injuries from becoming major problems.

“Mounting the right tires on your car or truck can give you a huge advantage when trekking through snow,” according to DMV. org, an unaffilated private website with auto and safety information. “Many car makers and tire manufacturers recommend changing all four tires to snow tires in the winter ... If you live off the beaten path, you can even buy snow tires with studs to help you get where you’re going all winter long.” Some people were also stuck at work last year, such as the teachers watching over classrooms of young children while their parents tried to reach them. Keeping rock salt at your place of work for frozen walkways can help you reach your car for the extra blankets and supplies you keep there.

Of course, the best way to deal with the cold weather is to avoid going out altogether and stay in the safety of your own home. Even then, however, the power could go out or the pipes could freeze, leaving you with no heat, light or water. To prepare your home for the winter weather, you can cover the windows with plastic, which will help trap heat inside the house. Leave your faucets dripping so that the running water keeps the pipes from freezing. Wrapping newspapers around the pipes will insulate them from the cold and also help prevent freezing. “Allow more heated air near pipes,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Open kitchen cabinet doors under the kitchen sink. If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Thaw the pipes slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer.”

“Once roads get clogged up, there’s no way to treat the road,” Milhollin said, adding that last year "everybody tried to leave their workplace at the same time. That put a lot of people on the road, especially once everybody started getting stranded." Once stranded, many parents became concerned about their children in school.

Make sure you have plenty of extra blankets around the house. It would also be a good idea to invest in a battery-powered space heater, or a power generator – just make sure to only use generators outside to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from getting into the house. Fire detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are great ways to help keep you safe.

If you don’t have anyone you need to pick up, however, staying at the office until the roads clear up can be a great idea. You can store several things at the office, such as board games to relieve boredom and a sleeping bag in case you’re trapped there overnight.

Flashlights and battery-powered lanterns are always good to have around. Some people prefer candles in case of power outages, but if left unattended, these can easily catch the house on fire and cause bigger problems than lack of vision.

Extra food and water are never bad ideas, and your coworkers and refugees from the road will love you if you keep enough for them as well. Another important thing to keep around is a first aid kit. Many cuts, bruises and other injuries that seem minor during normal circumstances can become emergencies when stuck during a storm. Antibiotic wipes, gauze, and painkillers are just a few of the

Most preparedness agencies recommend three days’ to a week’s worth of food, water as well as supplies of prescription medications, including those for your pets. Canned foods and non-perishables are essential, along with a hand-operated can opener. Plastic forks and paper plates will keep you from needing to do dishes, which can be hard to do if your pipes are frozen.

“The biggest thing, you don’t want to get out and start walking, especially if you’re confused or don’t know where you are. Stay with the vehicle unless you know exactly where you’re going.” — Jason Milhollin

Douglas County Emergency Management Director

January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

“Consider what you can do ahead of time to store your food safely in an emergency,” says the United States Department of Agriculture. “If you live in a location that could be affected by a flood, plan your food storage on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water. Coolers are a great help for keeping food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours – have a couple on hand along with frozen gel packs. When your freezer is not full, keep items close together – this helps the food stay cold longer.”

"Mounting the right tires on your car or truck can give you a huge advantage when trekking through snow. Many car makers and tire manufacturers recommend changing all four tires to snow tires in the winter ... If you live off the beaten path, you can even buy snow tires with studs to help you get where you’re going all winter long.”

— DMV.org

an unaffiliated private website with auto and safety information

Try to think about problems specific to your home. If you have outside pets, bring them inside when the weather gets too cold, or at least provide them with an adequately warm area and plenty of unfrozen water and food. If you have babies, keep extra formula and diapers on hand. Same for necessary medications and hygiene products. Perhaps the biggest concern during winter emergency is how our loved ones are doing. Keep your cell phones charged and set meeting points in town to regroup with your family in case you can’t get home when your communications fail.

West Georgia

Li V ing In the next issue.... The ARTS Coming in March 2015 50

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January/February 2015

Always make sure that you stay informed of dangerous weather and road conditions. Keep a battery-operated radio or weather radio in your home or at work and check the broadcasts for any hazards that would prevent you from getting to work or getting back home. Stay alert, and make sure your friends and family know the weather forecast as well. “Let somebody know when you’re heading out and what time you expect to be there,” Milhollin recommends. “A lot of single people don’t think about that. They’re used to being on their own. No one knows where they’re going, and they get stranded. (If someone knows where you were going) we can send people out to check and look for signs that you went off-road.” In the end, the goal is to stay warm, stay safe and stay in the loop. Don’t let the snow scare you – prepare emergency kits for your car, office and home, and everything will be just fine. Help your neighbors and fellow refugees, and they will help you. Together, we can beat the upcoming winter season. WGL

Tammie Pero-Lyle (770) 832-0911

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Dr. Bob Reeves and Dr. Karen Clevenger (above) dance up a storm, while Roy Johnson looks over World War II relics on display.

Swing Time In October, the University of Georgia went back in time; back to the Swing Era of the 1940s. Students and residents alike dressed in the styles of 1944, when war raged over seas and people tried to cope over here. The event, staged in the Campus Center Ballroom, featured a full, 20-piece jazz band, courtesy of the tuxedo-clad University of West Georgia Jazz Ensemble. It was all part of a special exhibit of displays and series of lectures on World War II and the homefront.

PHOTOS BY CHARLES ROBINSON Hannah Koval, of Kennesaw State University Swing Dance Association, with an unidentified partner. 52

West Georgia Living January/February 2015

From left, Brehana Griffin, Abigail Cotton, Beth Scott and Rachel Garmon of the UWG Dance Team strike a familar World War II pose at the end of a dance routine.

Phillip and Xiaojuan Christian

Korean War veteran Marvin Gunn and daughter, Mrs. James W. Nauenburg, dressed for the occasion.

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AliciA MichAel Owner, Carrollton Collision Center Early in life I learned … How to adapt. We moved a lot when I was young and I oftentimes had two or three schools in one year. You learn quickly how to adjust to new surroundings and circumstances. When I have 10 minutes to myself ... I develop a new project to add to my list of things to do. It’s both a blessing and a curse. I've always wanted to have dinner with ... The head basketball coach of Duke University, Mike Krzyzewski. Most people would never guess that I ... Am an introvert. I love people, but I tend to function better one-on-one or in smaller groups. My parents instilled in me ... Work ethic and determination. Near the top of my bucket list is ... To ride a motorcycle through the countryside of Ireland. I'm very proud of ... My family. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. My idea of a great day is ... Every day. Each one is an opportunity to learn something new, meet someone who can change your perspective, or be someone who can impact others. My favorite quote is ... “If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.” —General Eric Shinseki, retired Chief of Staff, U. S. Army My greatest desire is ... To leave this world better than I found it. WGL Photo by Ricky Stilley January/February 2015

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BOOKS

A Poetic Celebration of Life, Beauty and Harmony “Wind Song” by Robert C. Covel, Vabella Publishing, Carrollton Ga., 2014. 68 pp Editor’s Note – Our usual book reviewer, Robert Covel, takes time off this issue so that his own book can be reviewed by a guest writer.

ind Song creates an exquisite poetic universe imbued with beauty, energy, and blissful epiphanies. Although depicting life on Earth and the frailties of the human condition, Wind Song celebrates life, elevates the spirit, and enlightens the mind of the reader. And Robert Covel, the poet, does it with an art overflowing with grace and subtle humor. Covel asserts the genius of man as artist and creator. By means of enticing sensorial and sensual images, along with signs and symbols, these poems tempt, tantalize and tease the reader. Rich in figurative language and such devices as alliterations, similes and rhythms, these poems convey beauty of form while exploring creative ideas. Here, the simplicity of everyday life is entwined with elevated, abstract concepts. In “La Triviata,” a clever play on words, the reader witnesses an after-dinner gathering of trivia fans. The simple game is transformed into an intricate ritual among “sounds of agony 58

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January/February 2015

and joy.” It reaches a more serious moment of enlightenment and soars to the heights of a sacred altar where truth is on the balance. The line: “The quest for truth: minor but not trivial” becomes a parable for our human existence in search of ideals.

About the Reviewer

In “Mundane,” the human experience of growing into maturity stages a person’s life from the desires and pleasures of youth to the gradual process of aging. The reader discovers hidden rewards in the glories of the years: “Aging, not letting go or losing youthful joy, / but a deepening awareness / of clarity and simplicity.” This is a poem of life affirmation, filled with compassion, humor, and wisdom: “Stillness and serenity attract the simple joys.” Wind Song is poetry accessible to any reader willing to indulge in the pleasures of a remarkable poetic experience. The title conveys a variety of meanings, emotions, and nuances that speak to our humanity. The suggestive image of “wind song” that unifies this poetic universe mimics the voice of language: sounds and words. As Covel says, “the voice of language, wind song, scatters its notes across the sands of time.” Even in our present digital area, “our thoughts and consciousness upload to drifting iCloud memories.” Wind song embodies the voices of nature as well as the cosmic manifestations of energy that infuse emotions into our lives: Voices of nature awaken our senses and our intellect. The cycles, the seasons of the year, the irrevocable passing of time is measured by sounds, rhythms, melodies, like a “Symphony of senses rising from the firmament.” In “October Sunrise” the poet awakes to “The whisper of the air among the leaves”… “Birds emerge to morning song / among the vibrant leaves: / Aubade, a hymn to light …/ The glory of the morning celebrates the day’s return to life.” Nothing appears to be static in his poetic world. Even the statue of Buddha in the poet’s garden,

Cecilia C. Lee holds a PhD from Emory University in Romance Languages and Literatures. She is Professor Emerita from the University of West Georgia. She has published six books on Spanish and Latin American Literature, a family memoir, and numerous articles and book reviews on prose and poetry. She has translated and published literary works and has lectured in many countries. She writes poetry and hopes to soon publish her first book of poetry.

with his enigmatic smile, is the center of great activity in the poem, “Feeding the Buddha,” where chipmunks and birds, gray doves and cardinals partake of a feast of sunflower seeds, millet, and nuts, like a communion ritual of the creatures, until “crows chastise the congregation.” The poem “Synesthesia” depicts the sounds of nature fused with visual imagery and other sensorial images “as light and sound” become “symphonies of light.” Love poems present an array of synesthetic imagery deepening the feelings and enhancing beauty in poems such as “Full-moon Birthday Song” and “First Light” dedicated to Doloris, his wife: “Your smile, on an autumn day, like sunlight, filled my life…my soul is filled with the harvest / of our love’s fertility.”

In the end, Wind Song is the voice of poetry. Covel’s poetic voice seeks beauty, unity, and harmony in the style of Renaissance poetry. It brings outbursts of passion, the contrast of light and shadow and exuberance of the Baroque: “As we turn to illumination of a new and greater Dawn.” Some of his poems resemble Cubist paintings made of geometric figures and basic lines that seek the essence of things, the permanent, rather than the transitory: “Circumference equi-distant points resolve / around a point, inscribe eternity.” A play of mirrors leads to mirages and labyrinths as images of the world and the human mind. Light and color, in a concrete and symbolic sense, are also significant elements of Covel’s poetry, by which he gives objects form, life, and meaning. More than an impressionistic technique, his is a suggestive and magical way of looking and interpreting the world. Here, the poet delivers vibrant and bright glances of life, nature, and the world. “Bubble Dreams,” for example, is a whimsical image of life and dreams, ephemeral yet beautiful and worthy. “The bubble floats / wind-wafted: / a drifting dream / of rainbow swirls / across it buoyance curve. / The world reflects itself / upon the iridescent arch, / an ethereal microcosm / on an evanescent globe”… “The bubble burst, / exhales its gentle breath / a moist impression of a tender kiss.” Robert Covel’s vocation as a poet is a labor of love that he generously and happily shares with his audience: I stand here still and sing my lofty songs that carry over walls to waiting ears. Their minds and hearts together will attend and grow as thoughts and feelings intertwine. Bob Covel’s Wind Song is a work of art that sings the song of life in multihued beauty, before “the bubble bursts”. Wind Song is poetry of great quality, full of surprises, deep feelings, and enchanting moments. Let the poems speak and touch you; you will be glad you did. Poetry, after all, is for all. WGL

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West Georgia Living

Call of the

Wild

Bronze wolf sculpture takes up home at University of West Georgia uring the summer of 2014 a team of sculptors, aptly named the “Wolf Pack,” worked together to create a larger-than-life bronze wolf sculpture for permanent residence at the University of West Georgia athletic complex off Lovvorn Road.

Led by Kevin Shunn and Ryan Lamfers, the team worked rigorously and diligently for 3 ½ months to produce a giant, howling wolf nearly seven feet tall and 10 feet in length. The final work of art was installed in time for Homecoming 2014. Much planning and research went into the design and creation of the Wolf. It was cast from clay sculpture, which was built upon a framework of dense foam, wood and steel known as an armature. This skeleton gave the

THOMAS HAYS

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

general size and form over which the oil-based clay was molded into the pose of a howling wolf climbing atop a boulder. Once the basic pose was done, the sculptors started adding details drawn from nature. Because the sculpture was based on a timber wolf, known for its thick, wispy coats of fur, much time and attention was spent recreating this texture in clay. All features unique to wolves - especially large claws and teeth - were carefully rendered. Upon completion of these details, a base was created to match the rock on which the finished casting would be mounted. With the clay sculpture finished, it was covered with a rubber-like liquid that, when set, captured all the intricate details carved into the clay. This was a nervewracking step, because any mistake would nullify all the previous and equally detailed work by the sculptors. Knowing they would need much help for this phase, the Wolf Pack got help from their families and the art family of UWG. Sometimes working in crews as large as 10, the pack covered the entire clay figure in rubber. This molding was then separated into sections, and wax was cast into each, so that all the original details were now transferred into wax. Next, resin-bonded sand molds were created, encasing each of the wax sections of the sculpture. The sand molds were cleaned of wax and reassembled, each containing a hollow void where once there was wax. Bronze ingots were melted in large furnaces and poured into every sand mold, creating bronze castings of the wax sections. January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

Once the molten bronze had hardened, the sculptors went to work smoothing out all the rough spots of each section of the wolf. These separate bronze pieces were then stacked together into the finished sculpture and welded into place. The next step was to "chase" the assembled wolf. Chasing is the process of grinding away all the weld seams and other rough areas of cast metal sculpture, recreating the textures originally seen in clay and unifying and blending all the surfaces. This process took place in several stages, starting with general reshaping and cleaning up and concluding with an overall treatment of the textures of the sculpture. The wolf was then welded to its bronze rock base, which was also finished in the same way as the rest of the sculpture. A coating was applied to the sculpture, oxidizing the bronze and giving its final brown surface color, or patina. Now completed, the final step was to put it in place. The Wolf Pack joined forces with members of UWGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities and grounds crew to lift the sculpture with a backloader, secured to the top of a flatbed trailer, and transported to site: an exposed, natural boulder located between University Stadium and the site of the future baseball field. It took the Wolf Pack most of Homecoming day to lift the sculpture by crane and to install the Wolf onto the boulder. After three months of work, the completed bronze sculpture now stands guard over a corridor between the two playing fields, an imposing presence that hopefully inspires UWG players - and intimidates their opponents. WGL

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

Historic Destinations Native American, Civil War history a short drive from West Georgia

uch of Georgia’s Native American and Civil War history is just a couple hours away from west Georgia. But even kids (and adults) who would prefer going to the dentist than learning something will find these destinations entertaining, since many combine nature outings and impressive scenic vistas. Number One:

CHICKAMAUGA AND CHATTANOOGA NATIONAL MILITARY PARK

3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga Open 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. No Fees except at Point Park, Lookout Mountain Battlefield What’s there: Hiking trails, picnicking, monuments, exhibits, historical lectures and archeology. The park is pet friendly, but keep your animals leashed

The northwest region of Georgia, from Chickamauga to Atlanta, and the counties of west Georgia, are filled with history and sites worth exploring.

On Sept. 19, 1863 – three months after Gettysburg – Union forces under Gen. William Rosecrans confronted the Confederate troops of Gen. Braxton Bragg on the west bank of Chickamauga Creek. During fierce fighting all day, Bragg managed to push the Federal troops back, but could not break their line. During the next day’s battle, Rosecrans was misinformed that some of his troops were out of position, creating a potentially vulnerable gap in his lines. But shifting troops to fill the fake gap, created a real hole – one that opened up just in time to be exploited by Gen. James Longstreet. A third of Rosecrans' army fled to Chattanooga, where U.S. forces were besieged for months by the victorious Confederates. The federals struck back in late November, driving the Confederates from most of their mountain strongholds and, after a two-day struggle at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, forced Bragg to evacuate. Chattanooga was now a base for the federals, and Sherman used it the next spring to launch his march into Georgia. The park covers over 9,000 acres and contains the battlefields of Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. As a bonus, the park also includes the Moccasin

KEN DENNEY

Illustration by Ken Denney January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

Bend Archaeological District, where an ancient Native American trading settlement was located.

Number Two RESACA

Interstate 75, Exit 320 What’s there: Hiking, monuments, annual reenactment, Confederate cemetery

If your taste for history includes out-of-the way places, then this tiny town in northwest Georgia is a destination for you. This was the location of the first great battle of Sherman’s four-month Atlanta Campaign, but its significance has been lost to all but serious historians. After being forced out of Tennessee after the Battles for Chattanooga (see above), Bragg was replaced by Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, who wintered his troops in Dalton and prepared for a spring assault by U.S. Gen. William T. Sherman. When Sherman finally began the attack, he tried to cut off Johnston’s railroad supply line by sneaking his troops south of Dalton to the town of Resaca. But when U.S. troops hesitated to take the town, Johnston sent his whole force there. From May 13 to May 14, 1864, both sides pummeled each other to no real advantage, but at a cost of nearly 8,000 casualties. On the second day, Sherman did get behind Johnston’s supply line by crossing the Oostanaula River, forcing Johnston to move even further south. It was the beginning of a series of maneuvers by both armies that historian Shelby Foote called the “Red Clay Minuet,” and it continued all the way to the Chattahoochee River. The state-maintained Resaca Battlefield State Historic Site is 500 acres and is still under development. There is a one-mile trail at Fort Wayne, a Confederate site with well preserved entrenchments. Each year, there is an elaborate reenactment of the battle, with reenactors also demonstrating army and civilian life during the war.

Number Three

NEW ECHOTA HISTORIC SITE

1211 Chatsworth Hwy., Calhoun; I-75 exit 317 via Ga. 225 Open Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $7 for adults; $5.50 for youths; $6.50 for seniors What’s there: Reconstructed buildings, interpretive exhibits, walking trail

This was the capital of the Cherokee Nation from 1825 until their forced removal in the 1830s. Visitors can see the restored, twostory council house; the Cherokee Supreme Court; and a printer shop where the first 64

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

Indian-language newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix, was published. At its height, several hundred Cherokee convened at this site for annual council meetings, arriving by foot, on horseback and stylish carriages. It was a seat of government modeled after that of the United States, but became a virtual ghost town after the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Removal Act in 1832, and Georgia troops began harassment missions against Cherokee farms, ferries and stores. A group of Cherokee not supported by their government signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1835, which was ratified by Congress over the objections of Cherokee leaders. Soon after, the Cherokee were forced into internment camps and made to leave their once prosperous farms as white settlers moved in. There are 12 reconstructed buildings at the site, including government facilities, the home of a missionary, an 1805 store and many outbuildings. Souvenirs may be purchased at the visitor’s center, and there are many exhibits on display. Nature trails lead to the place where the majority of Cherokee camped during council sessions.

Number Four ROME

North of Carroll and Haralson counties on U.S. 27; I-75, exit 290 via the Canton Highway / U.S. 41

The Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto came through the area now known as Rome in 1540, where he met indigenous people known as mound builders. In the centuries that followed, these people were replaced first by the Creeks and then by the Cherokee. It was in this area that many Cherokee leaders took up residence, living in fine homes indistinguishable from those of the European descendants in Georgia who coveted Cherokee lands and farms. Among those homes is “Chieftains,” 501 Riverside Parkway, residence of Ca-nung-da-cla-geh, or Major Ridge, an ally of Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812. When Ridge signed the Treaty of New Echota in 1835, ceding Cherokee lands to the federal government, President Jackson enforced the treaty over the objections of other Cherokee; thus began the forced eviction of the Cherokee to US territories beyond the Mississippi along the “Trail of Tears.” Before the Civil War, Rome was an important manufacturing and rail center for the Confederacy. After capturing Atlanta, and while chasing Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood from Georgia, William T. Sherman stopped in Rome long enough to have a photograph of his staff taken under an oak tree that still stands at 312 East Fourth Ave. Visi-

tors will also find the home of Berry College founder Martha Berry at 24 Veterans Memorial Highway, and those interested in some U.S. presidential history will find the grave of Woodrow Wilson’s first wife and hometown girl, Ellen Axson Wilson, at Myrtle Hill Cemetery, South Broad and Myrtle streets. The Hill is itself the site of the 1792 “Battle of Hightower,” where a punitive mission led by U.S. forces against the Cherokee came to a bloody end.

Number Five

ETOWAH INDIAN MOUNDS HISTORIC SITE 813 Indian Mounds Rd. S.W., Cartersville; I-75 exit 288, west via Highway 113 Open Wednesday-Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $6 for adults; $4 for youths; $5 for seniors What’s there: Six earthen mounds, museum with film, gift shop, picnicking.

This 54-acre site was occupied over 500 years beginning around 1000 A.D. by indigenous people of the south Appalachian Mississippian culture, ancestors of the Muscogee, or Creek people. They created an artistically and technically advanced culture, ruled by leaders who built their homes atop the 63-foot earthen knoll that dominates the site. Archeologists have found clay figurines and other funereal goods inside other mounds. The site is the best preserved Mississippian Culture site in the Southeast and has been known by European peoples since the 1830s. For much of its recent history, it was owned by the Tumlin family, who carefully protected the site until handing it over to the state. William T. Sherman visited the area in 1844, 20 years before the Civil War, and became friends with the Tumlin family. Sherman had known similar mounds in his native Ohio.

Number Six

PICKETT’S MILL BATTLEFIELD HISTORIC SITE 4432 Mt. Tabor Church Road, Dallas; I-20 exit 44 via Highway 278 and Highway 92 Open Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $5.50 for adults; $3.00 for youths; $3.50 for seniors What’s there: 4 miles of trails; picnicking, visitor’s center with artifacts and a film; preserved battlefield earthworks.

One of America’s best preserved Civil War battlefields is right next door in Cobb County. This 765-acre site is almost exactly as it was when Confederate and Federal troops fought a battle so bloody they called it “The Hell Hole.” In May, 1864, U.S. General William T. Sherman and Confederate General Joseph Johnston moved south from Dalton, outflanking one another as Johnston tried to block Sherman’s advance on Atlanta. The armies had

been following the railroad, which was a vital supply line for both armies, when Sherman suddenly detoured toward Dallas, forcing Johnston to pursue. They clashed at New Hope Church on May 25, fighting to a standstill. On May 27, Sherman tried again to get around Johnston through these fields but found them heavily reinforced. The federals launched an attack at 5 p.m., but the troops struggled through thick underbrush at the bottom of a ravine. Confederate forces atop the ravine fired down into Sherman’s troops, who ultimately sustained 1,600 casualties. Confederate troops only lost 500 men. It was such a lopsided loss that Sherman failed to mention the battle in his memoirs.

Number Seven

KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK

905 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Marietta; I-75 exit 267B, follow signs along US 41, North Open daily, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. No fees; shuttle bus to mountaintop: $3 for those 12 and over, $1.50 for youths What’s there: Shuttle bus and hiking trail to mountain top, museum with exhibits and field, 18 miles of trails, self-guided tours, monuments and interpretive signs

This 2,965-acre park contains three of the key sites of the June 27, 1864 battle that proved to be a costly defeat for Union forces, marking the only time Sherman tried a direct assault against Confederate troops. In an effort to break past the Confederates, Sherman launched an attack against four points of the Confederate line anchored on Kennesaw. Two of the assaults, against Kennesaw Mountain and Pigeon Hill, were feints; the main assault was in the center, where a poorly sited Confederate redoubt on a hill jutted in front of the main line. Wave after wave of federal troops attacked` the position, but the Confederates would not break and Sherman finally abandoned the effort. Unnoticed during the main battle, a federal unit was able to cross Olley’s Creek far to the south, giving the federals an opening to flank the Confederates virtually without firing a shot. Sherman lost 3,000 men during the attack, most within the first 20 minutes. The Confederates sustained only 1,000 casualties. But with US forces in their rear, the Confederates had to abandon their position and fall back to the Chattahoochee, the last natural barrier to Atlanta. The visitor’s center is at the base of Kennesaw Mountain, where visitors get selfguided tours to the rest of the park, including the key Confederate position known now as

Cheatham’s Hill. A very large monument there honors the Illinois troops who gave their lives at the spot. The walk to the top of 1,800-foot Kennesaw Mountain is good exercise, as are the miles of trails through the park. Also on view is the farm of Peter Valentine Kolb, where a small combat occurred days before the main battle.

Number Eight ATLANTA

East of Carroll, Haralson and Douglas counties on I-20

People who go to Atlanta to find traces of its Civil War history will be disappointed; not just because Sherman burned the city, but because Atlanta has often been careless about preserving its past. Nevertheless, as the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement and the unofficial capital of the South, Atlanta is full of historic sites worth the visit. To begin with, there’s the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site (Auburn Avenue west of Jackson Street) which contains King’s boyhood home, historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and his gravesite. And there’s the Carter Presidential Center, 441 Freedom Parkway, a combination library, museum and humanitarian center for the 39th President of the United States. The Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, serves as the city’s “attic,” containing several exhibit halls, including some dedicated to the Civil War. And Civil War buffs can combine a visit to the Atlanta Cyclorama, 800 Cherokee Avenue, with a trip to the Zoo Atlanta, since both are located in Grant Park. And if you want to “meet” some of Atlanta’s historic figures firsthand, there’s always one of the city’s top tourist destinations: Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Avenue, burial site of Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones and 25 of the city’s mayors, including Maynard Jackson, the first African-American mayor.

Number Nine

SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK

1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs I-20, exit 44 via Blairs Bridge and Mt. Vernon roads 7 a.m. to sunset $5 parking fee What’s There: Hiking, picnicking, river rapids, fishing

Most people who visit this 2,500-acre park do so for the nine miles of walking trails, fishing, and just to enjoy nature. But the ruin of an old textile mill on the site is part of one of the untold tragedies of the Civil War. In 1864, the park was the location of New

Manchester Mills (sometimes called Sweet Water Factory) that was part of a large mill complex built by enslaved people in 1847. Most of the employees of the five-story, waterdriven mill were women, and since it was the Civil War, the mill was turning out materials for use by the Confederacy. A second mill, similar to New Manchester, was in Roswell. As Sherman neared Atlanta, he sent out cavalry to try to find places to cross the Chattahoochee. His troops found both mills, and Sherman ordered both destroyed. To punish the owners and workers, he also ordered that the women workers at both factories be deported from the South. Most of the women sent north never found their way home again. The New Manchester mill was never rebuilt, and it stands today as a magnificent ruin. The park contains a 215-acre lake where fishing is allowed. Also, there are canoes and kayaks for rent. The visitor’s center contains a museum and a gift shop.

Number Ten

MCINTOSH RESERVE PARK

1046 W. McIntosh Circle, Whitesburg Via Alt. US 27 from Carrollton or Newnan; Highway 5 from Douglasville Open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission free for Carroll County residents; $3 for others Horse riding fees: $3 per horse; bicycle fees: $2 What’s there: Walking trails, horseback riding, camping, picnicking

This 527-acre park is a favorite for people in west Georgia who enjoy nature walks, horseback riding and peaceful picnics alongside the Chattahoochee River. But the park has its origins in a bloody chapter in the story of Creek Indians. The park is named after William McIntosh, son of a Scot trader and a woman who was part of a prominent family within the Creek Nation. He was a powerful voice within the Creek nation who had supported Gen. Andrew Jackson during the Creek Indian War, when a group of Creek, known as the Red Sticks, sought to halt encroachment on their lands by European settlers. McIntosh continued to support the United States, much to the dislike of many within the Creek government. When he and a small band of like-minded Creeks took it upon themselves to cede all Creek lands in Georgia to the U.S. (save a “reserve” of land for McIntosh’s own use), the Creek National Council ordered him assassinated. On May 1, 1825, a group of Creek attacked McIntosh at this site, leaving him dead and his plantation and livestock destroyed. WGL January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

Personal attention is the 'Key' to Duffey's Success B

ritt Duffey takes it personally - his work for accesses the multiple listing services and uses his clients, that is. technology to help clients buy or sell homes, but we take a personal approach with all cliFor nearly three decades, family owned Duf- ents. Whatever client we're working for is the fey Realty has thrived by offering this sort of most important client at that time." personal touch to every client, helping them find the home they need, or to sell their home Duffey, who has been working as a Realtor with quickly and efficiently. the company since 2002, said he and the other agents at Duffey Realty devote as much time as “Clients aren't just people we're trying to sell necessary to each client. "We hold their hands a house to," said Duffey. "We want to make the from start to finish. We take pride in taking as dream of becoming homeowners a reality.” much time and giving as much attention as that client needs." The business's entire culture focuses on family, where all the agents become part of that fam- That attitude extends to communication. Dufily. "We love and respect and care for them like fey tailors his communication style to match clifamily," explained Duffey. "We want to continue ents' preferences, making the process of buying to nurture that atmosphere, which translates or selling as simple and stress-free as possible. into how all our agents treat their clients as well." “We're constantly reviewing the ways we interact with clients,” he said. “If they're tech He said all 15 agents who work with Duffey savvy, we might communicate mostly by text Realty take the responsibility to uphold the or email. For other clients, we might call them motto “The Company with the Personal Touch.” or visit them personally, sitting down at the All the agents are skilled at representing both dinner table with a glass of tea to review a buyers and sellers, catering to each client indi- contract. We accommodate whatever the client vidually. needs.” “That's what separates us from other real estate Knowing that a powerful Web presence is key companies,” Duffey explained. "Every company to helping clients find the house they want,

West Georgia Living

January/February 2015

Duffey Realty is undergoing a major website renovation, with the new site set to roll out in mid-January. “When the renovation is complete, ours will be the premier real estate website, not just in Carroll County but in the state of Georgia,” Duffey said. He believes the new website is important, but it's not meant to take the place of spending one-on-one time with clients. “We don't ever want technology to replace us,” he explained. “We use it as a tool to enhance and improve our service to our clients, but we don't want it to become who we are. We still take the time to sit down with clients to find out what they want and need.” Based in Carrollton, Duffey Realty covers all of west Georgia and beyond, including Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding and Douglas counties, as well as portions of eastern Alabama. “We're committed to west Georgia,” said Duffey. “We think West Georgia is the perfect place to live. It has a small-town feel with the amenities and benefits of a bigger town. We're proud to be a part of this community and appreciate the support throughout the years.” - Paid Advertisement

EvEnts

Calendar of Events

January/February JANUARY THURSDAY, JANUARY 1

and 5:30 p.m. at The Oaks Assisted Living, 921 Tickets are $20-25 in advance, $25-30 at the Old Newnan Road in Carrollton. Information: door. Information: 770-537-6455. MOMS Club of Villa Rica: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 770-832-9010. FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Fullerville Baptist Church, 423 Old Town Road in WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 Villa Rica. Park play days, field trips, tours, crafts, Manhattan Transfer: Live Art presents the book club and a monthly moms night out. InforBremen Alzheimer’s Support Group: 10 a.m. at Grammy Award-winning jazz vocal group at mation: villaricamomsclub@yahoo.com. First Methodist Church, 321 Hamilton Ave. in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Maple Street in Carrollton. Information: 5K Resolution Run: A community event spon- Bremen. Information: 770-832-9010. 678-839-4722. sored by and for Southern Hills Christian THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 Church Outreach and Missions at Hobbs Farm/ Cruise-In: 5-9 p.m. at Bojangles, 750 GeorCarrollton Greenbelt. First, second, and third Carroll County Tea Party: 7-9 p.m., Stallings gia Highway 61 in Villa Rica. Cars, trucks and place prizes will be awarded for each age category in the 5K event, which begins at 10 a.m. Community Center, 118 S. White Street in Car- motorcycles welcome. Information: 770-4595624. Register at sohillscc.com/connect/events. Infor- rollton. Information: 770-668-4942. mation: 770-832-1446.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

Cruise-In: 5-9 p.m. at Bojangles, 750 Georgia Cruise-In: 5-9 p.m. at Bojangles, 750 Georgia Highway 61 in Villa Rica. Cars, trucks and motorHighway 61 in Villa Rica. Cars, trucks and motorcycles welcome. Information: 770-459-5624. cycles welcome. Information: 770-459-5624.

FEBRUARY

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

Carrollton Alzheimers Support Group: 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at The Oaks Assisted Living, 921 Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver: 7 p.m. at Mill Old Newnan Road in Carrollton. Information: Carrollton Alzheimer’s Support Group: 10 a.m. Town Music Hall, 1031 Alabama Ave. in Bremen. 770-832-9010.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6

January/February 2015

West Georgia Living

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Bremen Alzheimer’s Support Group: 10 a.m. at First Methodist Church, 321 Hamilton Ave. in Bremen. Information: 770-832-9010.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

cycles welcome. Information: 770-459-5624.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Carroll County Tea Party: 7-9 p.m., Stallings Community Center, 118 S. White Street in Carrollton. Information: 770-668-4942.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

MOMS Club of Villa Rica: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fullerville Baptist Church, 423 Old Town Road in Villa Rica. Park play days, field trips, tours, crafts, book club and a monthly moms night out. Information: villaricamomsclub@yahoo. com.

John McCutcheon: The folk music legend will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Maple Street in Carrollton. Information: 678-839-4722.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Cruise-In: 5-9 p.m. at Bojangles, 750 Georgia Highway 61 in Villa Rica. Cars, trucks and motor-

Cruise-In: 5-9 p.m. at Bojangles, 750 Georgia Highway 61 in Villa Rica. Cars, trucks and

motorcycles welcome. Information: 770-4595624. Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson: 7:30 p.m. at Mill Town Music Hall, 1031 Alabama Ave. in Bremen.Tickets are $25-35 in advance, $30-35 at the door. Information: 770-5376455.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Sisters in Christ Women’s Conference: Sisters In Christ Ministries, a registered nonprofit (501(c)(3) organization, will be holding its 18th Annual Women's Conference at Mt. Holly Church, 4685 North Hwy. 27 in Carrollton, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The event is free. Information: www.sistersinchrist.com. WGL

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January/February 2015

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West Georgia Living

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What every West Georgian should know about...

Ask the Ex ert

Buying A Home Now

Britt Duffey REALTOR ÂŽ Duffey Realty

Britt has been a RealtorÂŽ 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 RealtorÂŽ in Georgia and Alabama.

Q A

What Do Interest Rates Look Like Right Now?

What About Rising Home Prices?

What Is The Inventory Level In The Local Market?

For years we experienced declining home prices and a bountiful inventory of homes to choose from. Slowly but surely home prices are inching upwards, and since purchase price is in most cases the most significant consideration for most buyers, some buyers may be discouraged by this trend.

In the local market we are beginning to see reduced inventories, and in some communities we are starting to see some new construction. New construction was unheard of a few years ago. The reduction of inventory is creating a market that is slowly beginning to swing in the sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favor. For the buyer that is hesitant to purchase an existing home, new construction homes give them another option for consideration.

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Why should I buy a home NOW?

Q A

For years the news has been full of bad news regarding Real Estate markets and has been touting the fact that it was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketâ&#x20AC;?. As we head into a new year that trend seems to be changing. With home prices increasing and inventories declining in some markets, now may be the time to seriously consider the purchase of a new home. Here are some compelling reasons to buy in 2015.

By taking the step now you may be taking advantage of your best opportunity to get into a starter home or to upsize into a home that is more suitable to your changing needs. This may also be an opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity to possibly build some long term equity.

Mortgage rates are still at historically low rates. This is great news for buyers hoping to capitalize on home prices before they increase any further. Many Mortgage experts are already projecting that interest rates will likely inch back up in the following year possibly by as much as a full point. A slight increase in interest rates will have a direct impact upon the price of home you will qualify for. This is another reason why now is the time to seriously consider the purchase of a new home.

An important thing to keep in mind is that Real Estate is a cyclical market. It has its ups and it has its downs. Historically Real Estate has been a good investment, and now is the time to take advantage of the combination of factors that still make this a good time to buy. LEARN MORE: Britt.duffey@duffeyrealty.com 770.354.0120

Duffey Realty

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What every west Georgian should know about... THE BEST-DRESSED LAWNS WEAR ZOYSIA Choosing what to wear to this year’s New Year’s bash is a big decision, but it’s just one night. On the other hand, choosing what kind of sod to put in your yard is a long-term relationship! In our part of the country, the best dressed lawns wear Zoysia all year round.

Q Why Zoysia?

Helen Albrightson

Business Manager Qualifications A native of Wisconsin, Helen joined NG Turf in 2001. Her responsibilities include oversight of internal functions including accounting, sales, marketing and human resources. Helen has been a Certified Turfgrass Professional since 2005.

Zoysia is a shade tolerant, warm season turf that stands up to our hot, dry summers and a lot of use and abuse. If you have kids or pets, Zoysia is a great choice. Zoysia is also fairly low maintenance. It produces little thatch, offers substantial pest and disease resistance, spreads to fill in thin areas and crowd out weeds, and grows relatively slowly – meaning less frequent mowing is required. It’s not perfect for everyone, though. Zoysia turns a golden brown in cooler months and will not green up again until after temperatures reach 65-70 degrees.

Q Which variety of Zoysia is best for my lawn?

We offer two great varieties of Zoysia: the fine-bladed, bright green Zeon and the medium bladed, darker green El Toro. Which you choose really depends on your personal preferences. Both varieties will thrive in full sun and some shade; Zeon is the more shade tolerant of the two varieties. NG Turf calls Zeon “the barefoot grass” because of its soft touch.

More and more golf courses are converting to Zeon for their shady areas. It also establishes well many types of soil and seems to retain its color longer into the cool season. El Toro’s dark green color is great for home lawns and it is durable enough for commercial installations. Both varieties are grown year-round at NG Turf and can be installed as dormant sod during winter months.

What special insider tips will help my

Q Zoysia sod look great year after year? if you install your sod during the winter, it will A Remember, remain dormant until spring, however, it will still require

about one inch of water per week to keep the roots moist and prevent desiccation. During the warmer months, it takes about three weeks for new Zoysia sod to become fully established. Be patient and water only as needed to supplement natural rainfall. Once your Zoysia is actively growing, be sure to keep it on a regular schedule of mowing and watering. Zoysia tends to be a low thatch producer, but to be on the safe side, keep your lawn trimmed to no more than 1 ½ inches and use the minimum recommended amounts of fertilizer in the spring when the grass is about 50% green, generally after May 15. Consult with your lawn care professional for any preventive and post-emergent weed control specific to your home lawn.

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

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What every West Georgian should uld know about...

Orthodontics

Q A

Your initial consultation will give you the opportunity to meet our team, learn more about orthodontics, receive a complete initial exam, and find out what treatment options will best meet your needs. During your initial consultation, we will: Review your dental and medical history forms Provide a complete oral exam, with X-rays, to determine whether treatment is necessary Help you create a customized treatment plan Discuss all financial information, insurance options, and payment plans

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.

we will schedule your first appointment and your doctor will place your new orthodontic appliance. This appointment generally takes about an hour, and during this time our team will be available to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible.

What is an initial consultation?

How about scheduling appointments?

Q A

Visiting the orthodontist about every four to eight weeks is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. Our practice will work with you to make sure that your appointments are as convenient as possible. When scheduling appointments, please let us know what days and times work best for you.

Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have, and we will provide all of the information that you need to determine what treatment is right for you. Please contact our practice to schedule your initial consultation.

Q A

What happens after the initial consultation?

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We understand that â&#x20AC;&#x153;life happensâ&#x20AC;?! If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re running late or need to reschedule, please let us know and we will do everything we can to accommodate you. Contact our practice when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready to schedule your first appointment, and our friendly scheduling coordinator will assist you. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to working with you.

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What every West Georgian should know about... Buying Local

Does a dealer’s reputation matter?

Yes, absolutely! Walker Cadillac Buick GMC has been in the West Georgia area for 46 years. It is our goal to be the exclusive new or pre-owned dealer when anyone asks “Where should I buy my next car?” and we can stake our reputation on being that preferred dealership.

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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.

How does buying locally play a role in the local economy?

When a West Georgia resident makes a purchase at Walker Cadillac Buick GMC, the residual effect of that transaction allows us to make donations to local schools,

non-profit organizations, and other charities. It is the generosity of many local small businesses that make this community so great.

Will you really pick my car up for service?

Yes, we sure will! We have been offering vehicle pick up and delivery as well as shuttle service and loaner cars since the late 1960s. We want to make your service experience as painless and easy as possible; if that means picking up your car, we will be glad to make that happen. We’ve even been known to make house calls for simple repairs. LEARN MORE www.walkergmauto.com• 770.832.9602

www.walkergmauto.com

770-832-9602

1492 N Park St. • Carrollton

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What every west Georgian should know about... KEEPING YOUR PET HEALTHY on physical examination that the lay person would not detect. With your veterinarianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help you can detect diseases early which means they can be treated earlier resulting in a better outcome. The physical examination by your veterinarian is the most important part of your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual check-up.

Q Why are puppies and kittens vaccinated in a series instead of just once?

Jason P. Harden, DVM Veterinarian at Carroll County Animal Hospital Dr. Jason Harden is a native of Carrollton, GA. He graduated from Oak Mountain Academy and continued on to the University of Georgia where he received his degree in Biology and his docorate in veterinary medicine. His interest in veterinary medicine include surgery, exotic medicine, and ophthalmology. Dr. Harden is married to Chloe Harden, and they have 2 children, Maggie and Reese. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Animal Hospital Association. He is the chairmen of the Oak Mountain Academy school board, a member of the Carrollton Lions Club, and on the board of directors of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.

For dogs and cats, we vaccinate them based on their likelihood for exposure to disease, but generally speaking we would begin vaccinating them at 6 weeks of age and for dogs we continue this at 9 weeks, 12 weeks and 15 weeks. For kittens we vaccinate at 9 weeks and 12 weeks. The reason we do this is that these immature pets have been nursing and agents (maternal antibodies) in the motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milk will inactivate the vaccines. These agents stop working at different times for each pet, and as the maternal antibodies stop working the pets own antibodies are building up to protect them. They will not be protected fully until they have been fully vaccinated.

Q At what age do my pets need to be spayed or neutered?

We usually recommend having them spayed or neutered at 5-6 months old. We normally recommend performing these procedures to reduce the risk of certain cancers, uterine infections and marking behavior. We would always recommend these surgical procedures from a veterinarian who will be there for the surgery and any post-operative needs.

Q Why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t I just give my pets their vaccines?

Some owners do this and - except for the Rabies vaccine - most vaccines can be found online or at feed stores. It is, generally speaking, a bad idea. Since pets age so much quicker than humans, subtle changes can be detected

LEARN MORE www.carrollcountyah.com 770-832-2475

Carroll County

Animal Hospital Because Emergencies canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be scheduled....

We now offer extended staffed hours!

Regular Office Hours: Mon. - Sun. 8am - 6pm Extended Emergency Medical and Surgical Hours 6pm - MIDNIGHT

(770) 832-2475

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What every West Georgian should know about... Are there trends in funeral services?

Q A

Are there trends in funeral service! Yes. Our trusted association, the National Funeral Directors Association, has been keeping updates on funeral directors and families we service for over 125 years. Here are a few interesting facts about the new trends in funeral service today that have become important in funeral service: personalization, advance funeral planning, cremation, meeting a family’s needs through technology, green funerals, and the new face of the profession. Personalization: Personalizing a funeral makes it personal in unique ways that honor your loved one’s life. .

Ellen Wynn McBrayer

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

Qualifications

Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes & Crematory has served our community for over 64 years. We keep our funeral home synonymous with its name & reputation of serving & caring for families. We are three generations carrying on one tradition. We offer the highest quality service with the most affordable options.

Advance Funeral Planning: No one likes to think about funerals, but an increasing number of adults fi nd that preparing for the inevitable is a wise decision. Planning one’s funeral in advance allows individuals to do their homework and select a funeral home that will meet the emotional and financial needs of their family.

Cremation: More individuals are choosing cremation, and funeral directors are striving to make families aware of all the choices available to them. Funeral homes have been helping families with these options for many years. Cremation is just one way a family can lay a person to rest; it is another option in addition to earth burial or entombment in a mausoleum. Meeting a family’s needs through technology: In recent years, consumers have increasingly relied on the Internet as a leading resource for information. In response, businesses have increased their presence on the Web, and funeral service is no exception. In order

to enhance service to families and community, many funeral homes now have their own website. Having a presence in cyberspace allows funeral homes to easily display their products and services, which, in turn, provides the consumer with the freedom to conduct research at-will.

Green funerals: Being green in funeral service is a natural consequence of today’s American ecoconsciousness. Consumer lifestyles and values, whether environmental, spiritual, philosophical or conservation oriented, are reflected in consumer attitudes toward products and services in the market and affect decision making. Th is includes attitudes toward death and funerals. Green funeral choices are expected to grow in popularity in the U.S. as this eco-consciousness grows. The New Face of the Profession: Funeral service has traditionally been a male-dominated profession. Today, 57 percent of mortuary science students in the United States are women. Many of these women have discovered and are attracted to the skills and traits needed as a funeral director, including communication skills, compassion, a desire to comfort those coping with a death, as well as organizational and event-planning skills. Our Jones-Wynn Family has always believed in male and female involvement in funeral service. Our founders Clyde and Shirley Jones were both licensed funeral directors. Shirley Jones was one of the fi rst women funeral directors to be licensed in the state of Georgia. We remain, “A Family Serving Families”....Since 1950”

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Top 10 Most Important Things to do to Keep Your Car in Top Running Condition :

Q A

Chris Brannam

Manager Express Oil Change and Service Center Carrollton

Qualifications

Chris has been with Express Oil Change and Service Center for 12 years. Chris started as an Oil Bay Hood Tech, later was promoted to Service Manager. He was named Honor Roll Manager of the Year in 2012 for Express Oil Change and Service Center. Chris advanced through the ranks trained by Bro Billy Runels, the stores first manager. My wife Janet and I have been together since 1986 and have two sons Blake and Justin. Blake also works for Express Oil Change. Chris and his wife are members of Holy Ground Baptist Church.

Q A

1. Battery - fully charged and no corrosion 2. Fluid Levels - oil, coolant, brake, power steering, washer fluid 3. Tires - Tread depth, wear pattern, inflation 4. Brakes - pad life, rotors, noise 5. Fuel - filters, injectors, proper octane 6. Belts and Hoses - soft, worn, cracked, rotten 7. Spark Plugs - engine tune up, how often 8. Alternator Repair - checking and testing 9. Lubrication - Grease fitting, wheel bearings, ball joints 10. Maintenance - intervals and schedules. What can I do to increase my Fuel Mileage ? There are several things you can do to increase your fuel mileage. Maintenance is the most important thing you can do. Make certain you have a clean air filter at all times. Change your oil more often ( every 3,000 to 3500 miles ) instead of manufacturers recommend interval. Maintain proper inflation of your vehicles tires ( listed inside drivers door jam ). Have your fuel filter changed every 30,000 miles or as needed. These are a few things you can do to help your fuel mileage. To increase it further, keep from heavy acceleration and do not drive in a hurry. How do I know when to Replace my Serpentine Belt? A serpentine belt is made of rubber molded over a core of stranded natural/synthetic fiber cords. Over time, the rubber will dry rot and crack. In some cases the belt/cords will stretch and if the belt doesn’t break first, the slop from the stretching could cause your vehicle accessory systems (electrical, power steering, water pump, AC) to not function properly. You should inspect your belt at every oil change or have someone check it for you so that you won’t get stranded from a broken, rotten, old serpentine belt.

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105 CENTRAL HIGH RD CARROLLTON, GA 30116

770-834-3339 Next to Home Depot

West Georgia Living

A/C CHECK

A/C REPAIRS (IF NEEDED) Valid only at Carrollton store. Not valid with any other A/C offer. Coupon Code: CACFR Expires 9.30.2014

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ALIGNMENT CHECK

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Valid only at Carrollton store. Not Valid with any other Alignment offer. Coupon Code: CALFR Expires 9.30.2014

Valid only at Carrollton store. Not Valid with any other Brake offer. Coupon Code: CBR20 Expires 9.30.2014

September/October 2014

SUMMER SPECIAL!

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INCLUDES OIL CHANGE, FUEL SYSTEM CLEANING, ROTATE & BALANCE, BRAKE INSPECTION, ALIGNMENT CHECK, & WIPER BLADES Most cars and light trucks. Valid only at Carrollton store. Not Valid with any other offer. Coupon Code: CSS119 Expires 9.30.2014

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Christina Schoerner, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Health Coach

Qualifications Schoerner is a registered dietitian nutritionist and health coach with Tanner Health System. She earned her bachelor’s in dietetics from Samford University and her master’s in nutrition from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She recently completed a fellowship in adolescent nutrition at UAB and worked as a dietitian at a weight loss resort in New York this past summer.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What every west Georgian should know about... KNOWING THEIR 5

What are your “5?”

The five key health indicators to know are blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and weight. By keeping your five numbers within the healthy ranges, you can improve your health and even control and prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

How do I find out my numbers?

Routinely visit your primary care provider for blood work to determine your cholesterol and blood sugar. You can check your blood pressure with a personal device, at your doctor’s office or at a local pharmacy. Know your weight and BMI by weighing regularly to track gains and losses. BMI can be calculated online at www.GetHealthyLiveWell.org or at your doctor’s office.

What are some easy changes I can make in my daily diet?

Adopting a healthy diet can have a positive effect on your five numbers. Many people think that to “eat healthy” and lose weight, they have to start an extreme diet plan or be very strict with their eating. This is not the case: making small, healthy changes every day can lead to lifestyle changes that not only impact your weight but all 5 health indicators as well. I recommend starting with some of these changes: Go for 5 fruits and vegetables a day, gradually reduce or replace sugar-sweetened beverages with water, and fuel your body every three to four hours with nutrient-dense foods.

To learn more and to find healthy recipes and nutrition information, visit www.GetHealthyLiveWell.org.

Go for 5

GET HEALTHY LIVE WELL

servings of fruits and veggies a day. Get your healthy on with every bite. Eating 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day has very real health beneﬁts. It can help to prevent heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers. The fact is, eating more fruit and vegetables may be the single most important dietary change you can make to improve your family’s health. Going for 5 is easy. Simply add an extra serving to meals and snacks you already eat. Whether it’s canned, frozen or juiced, all are nutritious. Working your way to ﬁve a day is a tasty way to get your healthy on.

Learn more ways at

GetHealthyLiveWell.org.

Easy ways to add 5 a day: 1. Add fruit to breakfast. 2. Snack on raw vegetables. 3. Drink 100% juice instead of soda. 4. Add veggies to any pasta dish. 5. Keep fruits and veggies in sight.

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What every west Georgian should know about... Oak Mountain Academy

Q A

Paula Gillispie

Head of School Oak Mountain Academy, Carroll Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only independent, college-preparatory, faith-based, day school

Oak Mountain Academy is a college-preparatory school. Please explain. Oak Mountain Academy is a college-preparatory school, preparing all students for not only entrance into college but the successful completion of a college education. From the moment a student enters the Academy, the preparation begins for the historic 100% college admission rate of the Academy. The foundation of the educational experience is grounded in the basic values of honesty, respect, and responsibility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Warrior Way! Whether students are in the classrooms, on the playgrounds, on stage, or on the playing fields, the values are reinforced and expected. As students progress, study and organizational skills, as well as time management skills, are paired with the essential academic skills in preparation for college success. Oak Mountain Academy has a College Counseling office, dedicated to successful college admission for all students. The College Counselor meets with students and parents beginning in middle school to discuss the importance of course selections, GPA, and ACT/SAT testing. With the Registrar, student schedules are individually planned to ensure students are prepared for college admission requirements. In the junior year, individual meetings with students and parents occur as preparation for the college application process begins. Finally, by November of the senior year, college applications are submitted, and the waiting begins.

Qualifications

Earning her graduate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, DC, Paula is a lifetime educator in her fi fth year as Head of School at Oak Mountain Academy.

Learn more at: www.oakmountain.us 770-834-6651 paulagillispie@oakmountain.us

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September/October 2014

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BAD NIGHT, BIG DAY Tanner Urgent Care is here for you. Your presentation to clients is Monday — but it’s Sunday, and you can’t shake that fever and cough. Fortunately, Tanner Urgent Care is open weekends and evenings, so you can see a doctor even when your doctor’s office is closed. Most insurance plans accepted.

Walk in for treatment of: • Sprains and strains • Cuts and scrapes • Burns and rashes • Fevers • Colds and ﬂu • And more

To learn more, visit www.TannerUrgentCare.org or call 770.812.9445.

Tanner Urgent Care/Carrollton

Tanner Urgent Care/Bremen

1480 Highway 27 South, Carrollton Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

100 Tanner Drive, Bremen Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tanner Urgent Care/Villa Rica

Tanner Primary Care of Wedowee

101 Quartz Drive, Suite 101, Villa Rica Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1030 South Main Street, Wedowee Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon 256.357.2188