We Are Henry - Spring 2024

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The beauty of Spring is upon us. As we soak in the warmer temperatures and the bright colors of flowers in bloom, it's also a great time to enjoy the zesty taste of a freshly baked Key Lime Cake like the one on our cover. The recipe for this lovely dessert made by Caroline Rainer can be found in this issue of We are Henry.

50 YEARS OF SERVING HENRY COUNTY

Henry County Fire Rescue.

by MICHELLE FLOYD

Sure, being a firefighter involves risking your life to help others in the event of an emergency, but it’s also about finding your second family.

“Hanging out at the kitchen table with the crew is the most comfortable place in the world,” explains Billy Petite, current assistant chief of EMS operations with the Henry County Fire Rescue, where he has worked for the last 21 years. “It’s where healing happens.”

Operations staff get assigned to a shift that includes 24 hours on starting at 7 a.m., then 48 hours off. Team members also can sign up for overtime shifts since the department is dozens of employees short at the moment.

At the start of that day-long shift, crew are expected to report at 7 a.m. sharp in their uniforms to be ready to start the day, whatever that may hold since each one is different. In addition to responding to calls during that time, they are expected to load vehicles with appropriate gear and equipment; inspect, clean and repair vehicles so they are in working conditions; and conduct or participate in training exercises.

“When we go to a call, it’s usually someone’s life-changing event. These people are at their worst time and we’re their last option,” says Justin Wynn, current lieutenant of operations at Henry Fire, where he has worked the past 23 years. “I’ve been on calls where we’ve got a cat out of a tree to a grandparent

having a heart attack or a mother having a baby. We’re there to provide care for their problem.”

Currently, the department, which is celebrating its 50th year in operation, houses 16 fire engines and three ladder trucks, 14 medical response ambulances, two rescue squad vehicles and four quick response vehicles at 16 fire stations across Henry County. All employees are cross-trained as at least a basic firefighter and at least an advanced EMT with a starting salary between roughly $40,000 and $55,000 per year.

“It’s very rewarding – it’s not just a job, it’s more of a calling,” says Craig Hutter of the Prevention Division for the department he has worked for the last 23 years. “We all just want to help people.”

Wynn recalls that even in just the last 20-plus years that he has been in the department, that Henry County has grown from 43,000 residents in 2001 to 140,000 after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, causing an influx of new residents, to now housing around 250,000 people in the county.

“We’ve had to drastically change — we needed more stations, more staff, more equipment,” explains Wynn, who attended all of grade school in the county. “Our county has grown so much over the years, adding big industry and all of the chain stores and restaurants, and it comes with high rates of speed and having one of the most dangerous stretches of Interstate 75.”

“It’s very rewarding – it’s not just a job, it’s more of a calling.”

Craig Hutter

(L

TO R) CAPTAIN CRAIG HUTTER, LIEUTENANT FIONA HARDY, LIEUTENANT CHRISTOPHER GADDIS, ASSISTANT CHIEF OF TRAINING MICHAEL HICKS, SERGEANT JOHN EISELE, FIREFIGHTER BENJAMIN FLEMING AND LIEUTENANT JONATHAN DEMARCO

This past year, the department received 40,000 calls, some of which were serious and many of which were not, which causes even more problems with wasting resources. “It was just always taught to call 911,” says Hutter. “But it’s a huge education for residents that you only need to use it for what it’s meant for.”

Employees recall that they have seen calls for things like itchy hands and feet, not being able to find a television remote control, needing their lights turned off in their home, animals in homes and asking where an ambulance is going.

“Sometimes we can’t respond to an emergency because we have calls not as emergent,” admits Kortney Cheek, a lieutenant paramedic who has worked with the department for eight years.

Henry Fire staff conduct trainings for children and adults and also welcome residents to visit any of their locations for more information about their departments.

“We want the public to come by to ask questions,” says Wynn, adding that scheduled ride-alongs also are available for residents. “We’re not just sitting there coloring and playing video games. We’re extremely busy.”

Employees also take time to train themselves on equipment, changes in procedures, advancements in science and healthcare and improving their skills.

“The education is endless,” says Cheek. “We can’t stop training - we do trainings with our crew on an almost daily basis.”

Employees must renew their EMS licenses every two years, which requires a certain number of hours and classes. This is on top of the 40-plus weeks of school they attended for basic fire and EMS certification to get a starting job.

“The level of knowledge we receive is mind-blowing,” says Fiona Hardy, who joined the team two years ago after retiring as a flight attendant with Delta for 17 years. “You learn so much.”

Petite explains that science and medicine are constantly changing, so they have to continually enhance their skills. “They are educated at a much higher level of fire and EMS,” he says.

When they aren’t training, responding to calls or keeping the firehouse clean and up to working order, staffers do try to take a break and rest for some of their shift — and meals are another big part of their day.

“We start thinking about what we want for dinner right after breakfast,” says Wynn.

Having a diverse staff means that many fire stations often enjoy a variety of ethnic meals at various levels of expertise. Favorites include authentic meals like birria tacos, French chicken dishes and buffalo chicken sandwiches to basic hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, chili and spaghetti.

“We take care of each other — we’re a family,” says Wynn. “I learn every aspect of being a fireman but also about being a man.”

FROM THE STADIUM TO THE NATIONAL STAGE

Ola High School Marching Band to perform in Washington, D.C. Parade.

by ERIN LOPEZ

Countless hours of preparation in the form of practice, rehearsals, and fundraising have led to an exciting opportunity for Ola High School’s Marching Band.

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the Ola High School Marching Band, made up of 90 students from the 9th through 12th grades, will be performing in The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.

Mike Bearden, the Director of Bands at Ola High School, said that he is proud of his students and the dedication that they bring to the classroom each day.

“The band program consists of some of the highest academic scholars. We have students that are on the Student Council and athletes. We have students that are involved in the band, choir, orchestra, and theater,” said Bearden. “These are some of the brightest students that I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with.”

Bearden states that marching band is considered an extracurricular for the students, adding many more hours to the school day and weekends, but it is rewarding in also providing the students with many important skills and life lessons.

“It takes some of the hardest working kids to do marching band. It’s hundreds of hours of rehearsal to get the show on the field,” said Bearden. “It’s a major level of dedication for these kids. As much work as it takes, it’s probably one of the most beneficial things for kids.”

Bearden brings 22 years of experience to Ola High School, two of which he has spent as their Director of Bands.

He is excited for the new opportunities he is embarking on with the Ola High School Marching Band.

Alongside his Assistant Director of Bands, Josh Singleton, both work tirelessly to support the band students and continue to grow and expand the band program.

The parents of the students and the local community are also very supportive of the students, often organizing fundraising events to support the band and help in making the program successful.

These fundraising efforts are important not only throughout the year, but also to ensure the students are able to attend this national parade.

“Parents and students have done outreach to gain support from the community and our friends and families. We have held various fundraisers to help offset the cost so students can attend. We also have a team of chaperones who are parents that will help organize before the trip and provide assistance the whole time,” said Kerri Helm, Band Booster President and Band Parent. “We are so grateful to the community that supports us.”

Throughout the year, the Ola High School Marching Band can be seen regularly performing at football games. The marching band also has received numerous awards over the years from performing in regional and national competitions, giving them experience performing for bigger audiences on larger stages.

Regarding the opportunity to perform in a national parade, Richardson stated that “It is a great honor to have our band participate in this awesome experience.”

This is not the first time that the band has performed outside of Georgia, but Bearden hopes that this performance will help improve their chances of performing in larger parades in the future.

“Ola has traveled to Hawaii and Philadelphia, and they’ve been a part of the London Parade,” said Bearden. “They were supposed to do a big parade the year the pandemic hit and they ended up not being able to go. We’re trying to get that pattern of big performances started again so we can one day apply for the Rose Bowl Parade or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

For the students, being able to perform in a national parade is a culmination of all of the hard work they have brought to the band program over the years.

“Excitement is mostly what comes to mind when I think of the Cherry Blossom Parade, having the opportunity to take my love for band outside of a high school stadium,” said Emma Mullis, Ola High School Senior and Drum Major. “I cannot wait to see all of my years of band take me to something on this level.”

“I have dedicated so much of my time practicing music to be a part of this amazing band program. Our marching band season with competitions has really prepared me for such an event as this one,” said Erin Richardson, Ola High School Senior and Clarinet Section Leader.

Along with performing in the parade, the students will get the opportunity to experience Washington, D.C. by visiting national landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr, Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, touring the Smithsonian Museums and the National Mall, and attending a performance presented by The National Symphony Orchestra at The Kennedy Center. (L

DIRECTOR OF BANDS), JOHNNY MATHIS, JASMINE COOK, JASON PAYNE, CHRISTIAN BEARDEN, ELI JOHNS, JJ TODD, EMMA WILLIAMSON, LILY HELM, ELENA POWELL, JOSH EDGE, FRONT ROW – MADISON PYRTLE, ERIN RICHARDSON, JORDYN MURRAY, SAVANNAH BURNS, EMMA MULLIS, KARLA MINO, LUCAS BECK AND MIKE BEARDEN (DIRECTOR OF BANDS)

“I am excited to be given this experience that not a lot of people get to do,” said Ava Shoup, Ola High School Senior and Mellophone Section Leader. “I am looking forward to not only the memories that will be made on this trip, but also the amazing experience of participating in the parade.”

For Ola High School Principal Nicholas Ellis, Ola High School’s band represents hard work and dedication from the entire cluster of Ola schools, working together to prepare the students as they have progressed in their educational career.

“Ola High has a strong and proud tradition of success within our Band program,” said Ellis. “Having our band students perform in a time-honored tradition, such as the Cherry Blossom Parade, will be another great accomplishment for our Fine Arts program. I am very excited for our Mustangs.”

“Historically, we have been a fine-arts-focused community and school, from our feeder elementary arts programs to the hard work at Ola Middle School,” said Ellis. “These opportunities offered at all Ola Cluster schools have helped to build and develop a fantastic arts program at Ola High.”

He is excited that the students will be able to experience elements of their educational instruction on a larger scale.

“I feel that travel helps to connect things learned in the classroom as students will make connections with the place they will visit. Washington, D.C. offers so much history, art, and culture; our students will benefit from this experience,” said Ellis.

Ellis is proud of and grateful for those that made this parade possible for the Ola High School band members, including the

dedicated staff, hardworking students, and supportive families and community members.

“I thank Mr. Bearden, Mr. Singleton, our Mustangs, and supportive families who have made this event possible,” said Ellis. “I know they will do a great job and represent Ola High at its best.”

Bearden believes that this parade will be the beginning of many wonderful opportunities for the Ola High School Marching Band.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be their band director. And I think this Cherry Blossom Parade is the start of something pretty special. It’ll be what kickstarts, I think, an amazing future,” said Bearden.

“It is a great honor to have our band participate in this awesome experience.”

Erin Richardson

The Simplicity of Cycling

Using bicycles to get around in Japan.

by PETO FALLAS

Sometimes what we initially resist, can unexpectedly transform into something we will cherish the rest of our lives. Such is the case with my recent trip to Japan where my son suggested as a destination to celebrate his upcoming high school graduation.

“Just roll with it,” I told myself.

Upon the completion of the trip, I was amazed by the discipline of the Japanese culture on multiple aspects such as cleanliness, respect for each other, simplicity, punctuality, organized public transportation, and of course the use of the bicycle.

From bustling city streets to serene countryside paths, bicycles hold a special place in the hearts of the Japanese people, embodying a myriad of cultural values and societal norms. People of all ages are seen riding.

Bicycles were introduced to the country in the 19th century, and the first ones arrived around 1870. At the heart of Japanese culture lies a deep appreciation for simplicity and functionality,

traits that are epitomized by the bicycle. In a country where space is at a premium and efficiency is paramount, bicycles offer a practical and efficient means of transportation for millions of people. Whether navigating through crowded city streets or meandering along tranquil countryside roads, the bicycle allows individuals to traverse their surroundings with ease and grace.

Cycling is not just a mode of transportation; it is a way of life embraced by many Japanese individuals seeking to lead active and environmentally friendly lifestyles. The act of cycling promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and a deep connection with nature, values that are highly esteemed in Japanese society.

Regardless of one’s social status or background, the simple act of riding a bicycle becomes a shared experience that promotes camaraderie and mutual respect. Characteristics that we should emulate in our country, and even more specifically Henry County.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PETO FALLAS

“All of our programs revolve around three pillars: healthy lifestyles; academic success; character and leadership.”

Ebony McClendon

IMPACTING YOUTH TODAY, FOR A GREATER FUTURE

The Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County.

by MONROE ROARK

Henry County’s own Boys & Girls Club location has been helping young people for nearly three years, and one in particular has been singled out as a prime example of how teens can benefit from the facility’s numerous programs.

The Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club recently hosted its Youth of the Year celebration gala and announced that Kaci Chandler has been named the club’s Youth of the Year. The 17-year-old is a junior at McDonough High School, where she was named to this year’s homecoming court.

“Kaci has been an extraordinary leader in her club,” said Christin Jackson, a spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. That sentiment was echoed by Ebony McClendon, the director of the Shaq Club which opened in August of 2021.

“We don’t pick anybody that we wouldn’t consider a leader because this person will represent the club for an entire year,” she said. “Kaci helps out around the club. Her grades are good. She is always helping out with our younger members. She has just become a really good role model.”

Kaci is considering what she might want to do after high school, and she has listed her main interests as cosmetology and fashion design. She has credited the club with helping to improve her communications skills and exposing her to different life paths through college/career readiness programs. She especially appreciates her club for starting a hair club to help with cosmetology skills.

“She is interested in business and entrepreneurship,” said McClendon. “She is one of our quieter kids, but she has really started to come out of her shell.”

The Shaq Club has an entrepreneurship program by which young people create their own products. Other clubs also operate at the facility on Holly Smith Drive in McDonough,

the former site of Henry County Middle School, and there are athletic programs in place as well.

“All of our programs revolve around three pillars: healthy lifestyles; academic success; character and leadership,” said McClendon.

Just over 360 young people were registered participants at the club as of mid-February, and McClendon said an average of 170–180 of them stop by each day between the end of the school day and 8 p.m., when the club closes. Transportation is provided to the club from a half-dozen public schools in the county.

“We are about serving more kids more often and with greater impact,” said Jackson.

The importance of the club’s mission is not at all lost on Kaci Chandler. “Teens are the leaders of the future,” she said. “They will mold the future of our society.”

SCULPTmed Aesthetics

Renew Your Skin and Body.

DR. SHOBHA RAO, M.D, FACOG, URPS

SCULPTmed Aesthetics is a growing addition to Eagles Landing OB/GYN where the women of Henry County and the surrounding community can receive the latest in non-surgical treatments for toning the body as well as pelvic floor treatments.

“As gynecologists we understand women experience changes due to pregnancy, menopause, aging and weight fluctuations,” explains Dr. Shobha Rao, M.D, FACOG, URPS, president and senior managing partner of Eagles Landing OB/GYN. “We want to empower women’s wellness.”

At SCULPTmed Aesthetics you will find services ranging from cosmetic treatments to gynecological health procedures – all offered with the expertise of a physician’s office. SCULPTmed Aesthetics provides solutions for fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (sunspots), skin laxity, loss of facial volume, laser hair removal, body toning/sculpting, pelvic floor issues and more.

“As a dual board-certified gynecologist focusing on female pelvic floor issues related to changes associated with aging skin as well as vaginal aging and childbirth, I believe the majority of women could benefit from VTONE and MORPHEUS8V offered at SCULPTmed Aesthetics,” says Dr. Rao.

VTONE is a non-surgical, highly effective treatment that helps to tone and train muscles of the pelvic floor allowing women increased urinary control, reduced bladder leakage and improved sexual sensation. VTONE treatments are offered in-office over a series of six to eight 30-minute treatments during a three-month period. Most women will experience optimal strengthening one to two weeks after their final treatment. Maintenance treatments are recommended annually.

MORPHEUS8V is an easy, minimally invasive, in-office procedure that combines microneedling techniques and radiofrequency energy to help promote collagen and elastin to restore and rejuvenate vaginal tissue. Together with VTONE, many women can treat their urinary incontinence without needing a bladder mesh surgery.

SCULPTmed Aesthetics services are also available to persons who want to restore a more youthful look to their skin and body or remove unwanted hair.

With InMode Evolve, women can shrink areas of stubborn body fat, tighten skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. InMode Evolve is a non-surgical, non-invasive, body contouring device that offers women a slimmer, tighter, more youthful look that can be accomplished with zero downtime.

Patients seeking face and body contouring may be interested in MORPHEUS8 or MORPHEUS8BODY. MORPHEUS8 stimulates the production of collagen in the deep layers of the skin, improving skin laxity around the chin and neck, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, minimizing lines, as well as tightening sagging skin without surgery. MORPHEUS8BODY works great for patients seeking treatment for thigh dimpling, loose upper arm skin and sagging abdominal, back, and jaw tissue.

If age spots, sun damage, vascular lesions, rosacea and freckles are areas of concern, SCULPTmed Aesthetics offers Lumecca. With Lumecca, patients can experience improvement in skin discoloration related to vascular and pigmented lesions. While Lumecca can be used to treat all areas of the body, common areas for treatment include the face, neck, legs, hands and arms.

At SCULPTmed Aesthetics women who no longer want to spend their time shaving, plucking, or waxing unwanted hair can undergo the quick, efficient laser hair removal treatment provided by the InMode Laser Diolaze. This advanced method of laser hair removal penetrates the root of the hair, heating it and preventing future hair from growing. Patients can target hair on underarms, back, lip, face, neck, legs, arms, stomach, and bikini area.

Conveniently located in one location, Eagles Landing OB/ GYN and SCULPTmed Aesthetics are committed to providing innovative health solutions to women. Our team is ready to help you achieve your desired wellness and beauty goals. Visit eagleslandingobgyn.com to learn more about all of our stateof-the-art treatments offered at SCULPTmed Aesthetics.

Eagles Landing OB/GYN and SCUPLTmed Aesthetics

3333 Jodeco Road, Suite D

McDonough, Ga 30253

770-474-1919

www.eagleslandingobgyn.com

Monday through Friday 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

“ We want to empower women’s wellness.”

Dr. Shobha Rao

(L TO R) SUSAN BAILEY CNP AND DR. SHOBHA RAO M.D, FACOG, URPS

A LIFE IN COLOR

Local artist hopes to share work with the world.

by ERIN LOPEZ

Since the age of five, Bernard Gore of Hampton has daydreamed vivid images in vibrant color.

Captivated by the countless possibilities for creativity in his elementary art class, Gore eagerly picked up a pencil and paper and began bringing to life the images and stories in his mind.

“I’ve always been a daydreamer,” said Gore. “When I went into art class and I saw all the compositions on the boardspurple, red, blue, green, yellow, white - I was blown away.”

As a child, he did not mind when the weather was bad, as he could stay inside and create art.

“Other kids probably had to stay in the house but I didn’t mind because I had something to do. I could draw and write,” said Gore. “I learned to read at a real early age because of art, because of comic books.”

Since he began his artistic journey as a young child, he has never looked back.

Thousands of pieces of artwork later and with an impressive inventory of created work, Gore’s dream is now to be able to share his art with the world.

“I really need a one-man show to put all my stuff in a gallery and I think that stuff will really be a good thing,” said Gore. “My artwork is no better or worse but it’s really different from other artists. Every piece is unique.”

Other than in grade school, Gore said that he has had no formal artistic instruction over the years. He simply sees a scene or topic in his mind and brings his creations to life in the form of colorful compositions.

His paintings on canvas and painted, carved relief sculptures are easily distinguished by many layers of vibrant colors, dots, and shapes to create captivating stories and compelling subject matter and narratives.

“I put a lot of paint over paint for it to be real thick. Then I will come in with dotting it out, putting other features and everything on it. So, when a person looks at the art, they have to look left, right, front, bottom, in the middle, and they keep going back. It’s kind of hypnotic art,” said Gore. “There’s not a color I don’t like. It all makes up a story.”

With no assistance, Gore himself brings to life elaborate paintings and carved relief sculptures of animals, historical figures, cultural masks, landmarks, and various works depicting scenes and stories from the Bible, to name a few.

“I really love Biblical art. If I read the Bible, and I read how the characters and situations and everything went, it comes to me in that piece. I can sculpt it out because I can see it in the piece of wood and I already know how to cut it out and what characters are going to be here and there,” said Gore.

Gore, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, states that art provides him a sense of peace and allows him to remain active.

“It keeps stress off you and keeps you positive. It really helped me mentally,” said Gore. “I keep doing art every day. I paint every day. Not a day goes by that I don’t paint. It’s what keeps me going.”

He states that his art reflects a lifetime of love for the craft.

“It’s just been a lifelong story for me,” said Gore. “When you see me, just think about art.”

Gore attributes his ability to create his artwork to God and hopes to continue creating elaborate and colorful works of art for many years to come.

“I give all glory to God, it’s nothing I do,” said Gore. “I just love doing art. I feel blessed doing it.”

For more information, contact: goryah7@gmail.com.

“There’s not a color I don’t like. It all makes up a story.”

Bernard Gore

“Carpentry has always been a fascination for me, and woodworking in general.”

Chris Bradley

The Beauty of Wood

Creating custom art and furniture.

by MONROE ROARK

Chris Bradley sees wood differently from the average person.

“I’ve always loved the artistry of the natural product that wood is, and the entirety of its lifespan – from a tiny little seed into a full tree, into processed lumber, into furniture or houses, after which the wood can then be reprocessed again and turned into more things,” he said. “It’s this continuingly renewable resource that we have available to us, and it’s an amazing product to be able to utilize. I’ve always had a fascination with it.”

It should be no surprise that someone with that kind of perspective has built a lifetime resume of creating artistic and functional pieces of all kinds. Having lived and worked in Georgia for almost a decade, he recently was the manager of BarnBeautiful, a furniture and home goods carpentry store in Stockbridge which is now closed, and is now working solely through his own company, Corbin Carpentry.

“Carpentry has always been a fascination for me, and woodworking in general,” said Bradley. “Most of what I do is custom work.”

Bradley’s projects have been a healthy mix of the common and the very specialized.

He has done art restoration work on wood sculptures. He has built tiny homes in their entirety from the ground up. He has done installation work, gas, plumbing, HVAC – “a little bit of everything at one point or another,” as he put it.

One client in particular, with whom he began working through BarnBeautiful, has allowed him to craft some truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

“She has come up with these brilliant designs that are incredibly artistic and have a lot of changing angles and complex shapes. It has been really challenging to figure out how all of those different angles and components fit together,” he said. “It has been a real joy to work on pieces like that, because they are completely unique. There’s no other piece on the planet like it. It’s really cool to get an opportunity to work on something like that.”

In an era when big-box stores and the Internet make it so easy to buy a carbon copy of what everyone else has, Bradley is pleased that a sizable portion of the marketplace is still interested in investing in custom work.

“I would say that in the past five to ten years there has been a steady change in what I’ve noticed from a consumer standpoint, as far as people appreciating more of where a product comes from than just the product itself,” he said. “There is more visibility for makers and artists to be able to put their work out there and see it appreciated by many more people than it would have in the past. I think a lot of that has to do with social media.”

Word of mouth has been sufficient enough to keep Bradley busy of late, but he is gearing up his new website, corbincarpentry. com, in hopes of increasing his exposure. Samples of his work can also be seen on his Instagram page @corbincustomcarpentry.

STILL HAPPEN

Surviving a devasting cancer diagnosis.

by TERRY MCAFEE

The year was 2008 when Brandi Benson made a decision to put her college education on hold to join the United States Army. After months of stateside basic and advanced training she was deployed to the ongoing war in Iraq in December. She was placed close to the front lines where constant explosions and hostile activities were ongoing. She was aware and understood she had been deployed to a war zone, but what she didn’t know was she was about to engage in a war from within her own body.

During a day of fitness exercising Brandi noticed a bump in her upper thigh which had seemingly just magically appeared. Needless to say, Brandi was very concerned, but tried to play it

off as mental stressors of her deployment or physical exertion, after all she was exhausted and fatigued. Her friends talked her into going to the medic station and upon examination she was flown to a hospital in Baghdad for a CT scan and then on to Germany for an MRI revealing the bump as a cancerous nerve sheath tumor which was a grim diagnosis. Terrified with this news, Brandi would call her mom who immediately made plans to be by her side.

Within a few days Brandi would arrive at Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland. With her mother at her side, they learned her cancer was Ewing’s Sarcoma which was news no one wanted to hear as Brandi was given a 15% chance of survival with eight to 12 months to live. The stage was now set for an aggressive attempt to save Brandi’s life. Her mother reminded her that miracles happen all the time and she can be a miracle too! So aggressive chemotherapy started with regiments of five days on then eight days off for 10 months. Additionally, Brandi had to also endure multiple blood transfusions as part of her treatment plan.

Today, Brandi continues to be cancer-free with a story of victory for all to hear. She has authored a book titled “The Enemy Inside Me” and speaks to groups about her journey and recovery from Ewing’s Sarcoma. To learn more about this veteran, speaker, author, and cancer survivor and the Ora Lee Foundation, please visit brandilbenson.com and oralee.org.

“Basic training had taught me how to fight, how to use a gun, throw grenades, how to push past my physical limits, combat techniques, and how to defend my country. But this was a different kind of battle.”

Brandi Benson

Developing Leaders

Student Leadership University.

by J.M. SYLVER

Students from Strong Rock Christian School got the opportunity to attend Student Leadership University where these young minds experienced leadership training from exceptional leaders. “It teaches kids how to be leaders. They learned what it means to be a leader and think critically,” says Dr. Jay Sanders, Strong Rock teacher, chaperone and parent to one of the students.

Student Leadership University (SLU) comes in four installments: SLU 101, SLU 201, SLU 301 and SLU 401. SLU 101 is what some Strong Rock Christian School students embarked on this go around in Orlando, Florida.

First impressions of the event? “It was way better than what I thought it would be like,” says Ailie Vaughn, Strong Rock Christian School student.

The things that stood out for the students? “Having this mindset of rising above, being the leader you need to be,” says Caleb Sanders, Strong Rock Christian School student. “You have to rise above the ordinary,” says Caroline Burdett. “Not to have a pigeon mentality. Eagles are going to be your leaders. Pigeons are not going to be as strong,” explains Ailie Vaughn. “How you can affect leadership with your own personality,” adds Julian Castellanos.

How will these students utilize what they have learned at Student Leadership University? “Lift others up around me and be what I learned,” says Caleb Sanders. “How can I make myself the best possible captain or teammate,” says Ailie Vaughn. “I want to be able to use my influence to help others,” says Caroline Burdett. “Building a solid foundation at home, is definitely going a long way in helping me lead outside the home,” says Julian Castellanos.

And the impact of Student Leadership University? “I got to see him grow, develop and learn,” says Dr. Jay Sanders of his son. “They were able to place these concepts into everyday life.”

“I thought it was really impactful, it helped me change my perspective on some things,” says Ailie Vaughn. “I can dream and it can also be God’s plan,” says Julian Castellanos.

Student Leadership University occurs throughout the year at different levels and locations around the country and the world. SLU is devoted to students, giving them leadership training that can help them now and in their future.

(L

TO R) EVAN BRYANT, CALEB SANDERS, JULIAN CASTELLANOS, NOAH HELLER, JEFF WALLACE, ELLIE HOENES AND MILLIE JACOBI

“ You have to rise above the ordinary.”

Caroline Burdett

(L TO R) BACK ROW – MILLIE JACOBI, NOAH HELLER, CAROLINE BURDETTE, EVAN BRYANT, JULIAN CASTELLANOS, ANABELLE WHITE, OLIVIA WELCH FRONT ROW – AILIE VAUGHN, ELLA WHITE, MILAN PATEL, ELLIE HOENES, CALEB SANDERS

MRS. ANGELA SMITH

SOARING TO NEW ACADEMIC HEIGHTS

New program offers students the tools to succeed.

by MICHELLE NUNNALLY

A new program at Creekside Christian Academy is helping students to reach their full academic potential. The new Learning Solutions program began this school year with a focus on reading interventions through Creekside’s STARS (Support To Achieve Reading Success) program.

“Research tells us that 90% of students who struggle in reading at the end of first grade will continue to struggle with reading by the end of fourth grade,” explains Creekside Christian Academy’s Learning Solutions Director Angela Smith.

With this in mind, Creekside Christian Academy (CCA) went to work assisting students struggling academically by offering 30 minutes of additional small group instruction, four days a week to qualifying students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

“Candidates for our STARS program are those students who are reading below grade level standards, and show significant academic struggle due to gaps in reading,” says Smith.

STARS students receive instruction in all areas of reading including phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling based on the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading instruction, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Student progress is regularly assessed to ensure needs are being met.

“One of the most exciting things I have seen in all of my students is the improvement in their confidence,” states Smith. “I was able to have four students graduate from the program at the end of our first semester because they went from reading below grade level expectations to reading above grade level.”

Smith went on to share that a particular student who was very timid and apprehensive when it came to reading is now reading for fun. He even volunteers to read out loud in class. While another student’s confidence has soared as she works hard to improve her reading skills. Her mother shares how grateful she is for the Learning Solutions program. “Our daughter has been working with Mrs. Smith consistently since the beginning of this year and she has shown huge improvements. She made more progress in these short months than the program even suggests is common… I can say with full confidence that she is getting the very best every day through Learning Solutions.”

Such success stories made the decision to expand Learning Solutions easy for Creekside Christian Academy. Next school year, CCA will offer four distinct specialized programs including the expansion of its STARS program to include personalized reading interventions for qualifying sixth through eighth graders, the school’s new MARK program (MATH: Achievement, Recovery, and Knowledge) will offer personalized math interventions for students in grades 1–8, PACE (Program of Academic and Creative Enrichment) will provide exploratory and student-driven enrichment time to qualifying gifted and talented students in grades k-2, while CCA’s new AIM program (Advancement in Mathematics) will deliver qualifying students in grades 3–5 a rigorous course of study that moves at a rapid pace and incorporates more challenging and complex mathematical learning.

“I truly didn’t expect to find this level of help right here at CCA, but I’m beyond grateful.”

Creekside Christian Academy parent

Pathway to Success

ELCA offers students a way to overcome learning challenges.

by MONROE ROARK

Students at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy are taking advantage of a groundbreaking program to move past their individual learning challenges and find success in high school, college and beyond.

The Arrowsmith program was created in the 1970s but was installed at ELCA in 2011. It serves students in grades 3-9 (eight students are in the program right now). Arrowsmith is only offered in 25 states, and ELCA is the only school in Georgia offering it.

It is a three-year program that addresses specific learning difficulties by identifying and strengthening cognitive capacities. It helps students with ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing and other types of learning disabilities.

“Rather than have compensations, the program addresses the root causes of the disability. Through neuroplasticity we are able to change the pathways of the brain to correct the problem,” said Misty Weber, who helped get the ELCA program started and oversaw it for several years. “Each program is unique to the individual.”

Dr. Wanda Cowan is founder of Able Christian School in McDonough and also serves as a consultant at ELCA with the Arrowsmith program. Her research a number of years ago led her to see the positive aspects.

“I was looking for a program that supports the way the brain learns, and how to help the brain find new neuropathways to learning, to overcome struggles and challenges faced academically as a result of deficits in the brain,” she said. “I took a look at [Arrowsmith] and was very impressed with what I saw.”

Students at Cowan’s school, which specializes in different ways for students to learn, have access to Arrowsmith through a partnership with ELCA.

The ELCA students in the program utilize it for three class periods a day, allowing them to have a normal overall school experience.

“The avenues it opens up for these kids are absolutely astounding,” said Lisa Schuerman, one of the current Arrowsmith teachers at ELCA. “It doesn’t just put a Band-aid on it like accommodations do. It’s fixing it for life so they can go on to the next level in school or wherever they want to go, and they’re better suited to deal with some of those deficiencies that they have.”

Now that it has been serving students for more than a decade, there are plenty of real-life examples of how well it works.

Weber cited one student who is about to graduate from college while making the dean’s list every year with zero accommodations. Others are already successfully in the workforce; Weber mentioned that one former student is an aviation mechanic and another is a preschool teacher.

Here is what one parent had to say:

“My son graduated from the Arrowsmith program two years ago. When he entered the program in the sixth grade, he had a lack of confidence and faced many academic challenges.

Arrowsmith has been an answer to prayer for our son. He is now a very confident 11th-grader and is maintaining an A average. We will forever be grateful for the Arrowsmith program.”

Want to learn more? Visit elcaonline.org/merit.

“It doesn’t just put a Band-aid on it like accommodations do. It’s fixing it for life.”

Lisa Schuerman

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Haven House offers help in domestic violence situations.

by MONROE ROARK

Haven House has been a vital resource in Henry County for nearly four decades, and it is as busy as ever.

It was founded to help women going through domestic violence situations who needed support when going to court. A shelter was opened in 1999 as the organization recognized the need for more services, which now include case management, counseling services, support groups and legal assistance.

“We don’t just accompany victims to court,” said Haven House director Katie Tucker, who has been with the agency for 17 years. “We help with the whole temporary protective order process.”

Just off the square in McDonough, on Depot Street, is the Blessings Thrift Store. For years it has been a resource both for community members wanting to contribute to Haven House’s mission and people who need the items it provides.

“We take all gently used items that the community wants to donate,” said Tucker. “We always encourage people to bring clothing, linens, toys, household items, things like that, because we go through those items and give to the people that we’re providing service to – they get all those things for free. Any money that’s generated from the sales at our thrift store goes to help us buy supplies, groceries, gas for our van, things of that nature.”

About a decade ago a new shelter and a new administrative office were built for Haven House by Henry County through SPLOST funding. People who need help can make arrangements by calling, explaining their situation and scheduling an appointment.

Haven House receives 3,500 crisis calls in a year and processes about 400 temporary protective orders in that amount of time. Last year the agency helped about 700 people with shelter either

in its own facility or elsewhere – adults and children who needed desperately to flee.

“We either bring them into our shelter if we have space and it’s safe, or if we’re full we find a safe shelter for them immediately,” said Tucker. “They don’t go on a waiting list. If they need to get out of an abusive situation, we’re going to get them out right then.”

About 60 percent of the funding for Haven House, which has an annual budget of just over $1 million, comes from grants. The rest is from donations made by the general public, including a significant amount from the faith-based community.

The big fundraiser for the year was in early February, a “casino night” event at the Locust Grove Event Center. It was the first such activity since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It saw a huge turnout, with 284 tickets sold and thousands of dollars raised.

“Getting through the events of the last couple of years was unreal,” said Tucker about the pandemic. “I feel like residentialbased nonprofits like ours were the forgotten people. We didn’t close our doors. We didn’t get to work from home. Just being crafty through all that was was an interesting ride, to say the least.”

Staffing can be an issue. It is not the easiest environment in which to work, with stories from clients that can take an emotional toll. But Haven House will keep moving forward.

“We just continue to do what we need to do to help support survivors and support each other,” said Tucker.

For more information about Haven House, visit henryhavenhouse.org or check out the agency’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

“We either bring them into our shelter if we have space and it’s safe, or if we’re full we find a safe shelter for them immediately.”

Katie Tucker

(L TO R) ANTHONY MILITELLO (BOARD VICE PRESIDENT), MEGAN COX, KATIE TUCKER (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR), GINGER IRBY (BOARD TREASURER), MAXEY HEBERT (BOARD SECRETARY), PAUL DAVIS AND OBEZIAH BULLARD (BOARD PRESIDENT) NOT PICTURED: MIA BRODER, RAMANI DAMERA, JESSICA OWEN, SOPHE POPE, RACHEL THURMAN AND KRISTY VIGIL

SHUNDREA BROWN (DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS)

BAYLIE MADDALONE (CASE MANAGER)

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The digital edition includes an assortment of stories–new and old–plus fun tips and tidbits.

Felice Anniversario

Pasta Max Café celebrates 30 years.

by MIKE BOYLAN

(L TO R) PATRICK ZITZ, SHANNON ZITZ, DOUGLAS ZITZ, BARBARA FITTERER-ZITZ AND PATRICIA FITTERER

Doug Zitz and his family have been providing outstanding Italian food to the people of Henry County since 1994. The restaurant has operated in three different locations over the years, but they have been in McDonough, just off the square, for the past 15 years. While other businesses and restaurants have come and gone, Pasta Max Café has maintained its popularity.

“I think it comes down to consistency,” said Zitz. “We’ve got a great staff that works hard and is very loyal. They have been here a long time and know how to provide excellent service and quality.”

Family has always been central to Pasta Max Café. When the restaurant was first launched, Zitz’s father came to help set it up. Soon, Zitz was getting help from his wife, Barbara, and her parents. Zitz’s mother-in-law, Pat, has enjoyed getting to know the customers, many of whom refer to her as Miss Pat. Today, their sons, Shannon and Patrick, can often be found at the restaurant helping out. Shannon has been working with his father full-time since graduating from college. He manages the dining room and is becoming proficient in the kitchen as well. Many of the others who contribute to the restaurant’s success often feel like family. They, in turn, give that same feeling to each customer that comes in for a meal.

Pasta Max Café has great ambience, but the food is what has kept people coming back for more across four decades. Zitz makes fresh pasta every day, and each pasta dish has fans that would proclaim it the best they’ve ever had, but many regulars now come for the seafood.

“At Pasta Max Café we believe an intimate atmosphere in the right location, personal and attentive service and great company are what separates a delicious dinner from an unforgettable experience.”

“The grilled redfish, halibut, and grouper have all been daily specials and very popular,” said Zitz. “The specials always let me try some different things as well.”

Zitz has a long history in the kitchen. He attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, his hometown, and then made his way to south Florida and worked in some of Miami’s finest restaurants. He started working in a French restaurant and followed it with some time in places serving Italian cuisine. It’s only natural that many of his influences can be found throughout Pasta Max Café’s menu.

Henry County has obviously undergone numerous changes since Pasta Max Café first arrived, but perhaps the most significant changes happened around the square in downtown McDonough. Pasta Max Café had accumulated many followers at their previous locations, but, as more storefronts opened around the square, bringing more foot traffic and energy to the area, more people found Pasta Max Café as well and became some of the restaurant’s many regulars. Some people may always

get their favorite dish, but there is enough variety to keep diners trying new things at each visit.

There are several pizza choices on the menu, including a Greek pizza, with Greek olives, sundried tomatoes, sausage, mozzarella, and feta cheese, and a BBQ pizza with black beans, corn, sweet peppers, and grilled BBQ chicken, that are standing orders for some families, while others swear by The Agnolotti, a ravioli-like pasta filled with prosciutto, spinach, ricotta and parmigiana, and served with herbed tomato sauce, pesto sauce, and parmigiana creme.

Zitz and his family will celebrate the official anniversary this July, but each meal feels special for the crew at Pasta Max Café. They want everyone to feel welcome, as they provide a captivating dining experience close to home. They’ve created a lasting legacy in Henry County and are looking forward to many years to come.

Pasta Max Café is located at 50 Griffin St. in McDonough. Visit pastamaxcafe.net or call 770-320-9311 for more information.

Key Lime Cake

by CAROLINE RAINER

I started working on this simple recipe after visiting St. Simons Island and having a lime cupcake from a local dessert shop. It is so simple to throw together and always a crowd favorite in the spring and summer at cookouts, although I think my favorite way to enjoy a slice is with a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. I hope you enjoy it as well and share it with all your friends and family!

Cake Ingredients

• 1 box of Duncan Hines lemon cake mix

• 3 eggs

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup lime juice

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 package of instant cheese cake Jello mix

• Zest of 1 lime

Cake Directions

1. Follow directions on the back of boxed cake mix (I used Duncan Hines as an example to have a specific recipe, but any brand will do!) The only substitution made to the boxed cake directions is using 1/2 lime juice and 1/2 water instead of all water.

2. Add zest of 1 lime

3. Incorporate 1/2 a package of the cheese cake Jello mix powder to your batter (This will make your cake extra moist and add a creamy flavor.)

4. Bake according to box instructions.

Icing Ingredients

• 2 sticks of unsalted butter

• Pinch of salt

• Zest of 1 lime

• 1 32 oz bag of powdered sugar

• 1 to 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• Green food coloring to desired color

• 1/2 tsp almond extract

Icing Directions

1. Let butter rest to room temperature then cream in stand mixer until it is an even texture

2. Slowly incorporate entire bag of powdered sugar

3. If icing is too stiff, add a small amount of lime juice until it reaches the desired texture. (I usually use about 1.5 tbsp.)

4. Add a pinch of salt, lime zest, and almond extract

5. Add food coloring until you reach the color you like (I usually add a very light amount so it has the color of a Key Lime Pie.)

6. Once the cake is fully assembled, use remaining lime slices and extra zest to decorate the Key Lime Cake and enjoy!

TEA TIME

Stockbridge savors mexican flair at Boba Lubu Tea.

by MIKE BOYLAN

Gabby Torrez opened Boba Lubu Tea in Stockbridge late in 2019. It was her goal to create a spot where people of all ages could gather and have conversations over a cup of coffee or tea. One trend she noticed gaining in popularity was boba tea, a beverage that contains edible pearls filled with fruit flavor or tapioca, so she figured she could bring something new and exciting to the area to bring people out. Six months after the cafe opened, the Covid-19 pandemic began.

“We survived because we stuck together,” said Torrez of her family business. “It was tough because not a lot of people knew we were there or what boba tea even was. We were closed for a month, unsure of what would happen.”

One of the local rules for businesses operating in the early days of the pandemic ended up saving Boba Lubu tea. Prior to 2020, Boba Lubu Tea was just a place for hot and cold beverages. When they were told that only places that served food as well would be allowed to re-open, Torrez decided to add some deli items. This led to the addition of some breakfast items and soon a whole new clientele knew about the cafe and discovered the joys of boba.

“We open at 7 a.m. and we sell a lot of breakfast items and coffee,” said Torrez. “Our deli items do well throughout the day as well.”

Whether you are looking for baked goods like muffins, cakes, or banana nut bread or lunch items like wraps, sandwiches, bagels, and tortas, Boba Lubu Tea has some tasty items that appeal to every palate. The stars of the show are always the beverages that come in a wide variety of flavors. There are milk teas that run the gamut from vanilla and strawberry to rose, winter-melon and jasmine, over a dozen flavored teas, slushes, smoothies, mocha blasts, and special drinks like the Ferrero Blast, a Ferrero Chocolate Smoothie, the Black Dragon, which is

“My family is Mexican American, so we’ve added our taste to the recipes.”

Gabby Torrez

the house tea with a layer of coffee, and Flaming Mango/Peach, which is a mango/peach slush with a spicy twist, among others.

Another element that has attracted customers over the years is the way that Torrez has added a Mexican flair to boba.

“My family is Mexican American, so we’ve added our taste to the recipes,” said Torrez. “We get coffee from Chiapas, Mexico, use Piloncillo, [a form of pure cane sugar that is] often referred to as Mexican brown sugar, we’ve added horchata recipes, and our mocha drinks feature Mexican chocolate as well.”

Boba Lubu Tea provides a sense of community to those who gather there for a game or a conversation. Customers know they can sit back and relax with people, and have some time away from the stresses of the world.

Boba Lubu Tea is located at 930 Eagles Landing Parkway in Stockbridge. They offer on-line ordering and curbside pick-up for customers on the go. For more information, visit bobalubutea.com.

(L TO R) CHRISTOPHER PRADO, DIANA DÍAZ, ÁNGELA MEDINA, EMILIANO MEDINA, NEFTALÍ PRADO, NOELY NÁJERA, GABRIELA TORRES, NAOMI VALENCIA, ASTRID MONDRAGON AND SAMUEL MEDINA.

TIPS FOR Poor Posture or Scoliosis?

When to see a specialist.

While poor posture, caused by tech neck or heavy backpacks, may not directly lead to a scoliosis diagnosis, being proactive about your child’s spine health is important to avoid fatigue and muscle pain.

“When we walk, our head and neck should be centered over our hips. With poor posture comes less efficient movement, meaning fatigue may set in earlier,” said Medical Director of Children’s Scoliosis and Spine Program Dr. Dennis Devito.

“If you walk or sit bent over, not only are you more likely to tire sooner, but you may develop muscle pain as well.”

Flexibility and core strength are good indicators of a normally developing spine, but if your child is experiencing pain or stiffness, keep an eye out for some of the signs of scoliosis to determine whether it’s time to seek further testing.

There are six common signs of scoliosis to look for in your child:

• Uneven shoulders and shoulder blades

• Unequal distance between the arms and body when standing

• Uneven hips

• Ribs that are prominent or stick out in one area

• Muscles that are prominent in the lower back or that bulge on one side

• Uneven skin folds at the waist

If you think your child may have scoliosis, talk to your child’s pediatrician and ask about getting a scoliosis screening. Early detection is important. While most kids with scoliosis will not have harmful long-term effects, some cases do result in serious problems later in life if not treated. Treatment for scoliosis ranges from simply keeping an eye on your child’s spine to wearing a back brace or even corrective surgery in severe cases.

To learn more about scoliosis, visit www.choa.org/spine.

Insight above provided by Dr. Dennis Devito, Medical Director of the Scoliosis and Spine Program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Disclaimer: This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911.

GRACE & TRUTH

A Season of Hope

No matter our circumstances, there is hope.

by DR. ART FULKS

Spring brings a sense of vibrancy and newness as temperatures rise, flowers bloom, and (of course) pollen drapes everything.

For Christians, spring brings a reminder that our daily hope in every season is anchored, not in a refreshed natural landscape, but in Jesus Christ who makes believers a new creation through faith in Him.

The Bible proclaims, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” [1 Peter 1:3–4]

God’s mercy and love toward us were demonstrated through the death of Jesus Christ on a cross for our sin. [Romans 5:8]

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter [Luke 24:1–8] validated God’s acceptance of His sacrificial payment for our sin. Jesus’ resurrection overcame the power of death, restoring our relationship with God and giving us a certain hope of eternal life with Him. That is why the Bible calls this the “Gospel” (good news).

The great thing about this good news is that it brings us hope no matter whether the skies are clear and sunny or cloudy and gloomy. This hope is real whether it is spring, summer, fall, or winter. This hope is present whether our circumstances are pleasant or difficult. And we can experience this hope whether we are feeling positive or discouraged about life on any given day. Why? Because this hope in Christ is not dependent on our environment, circumstances, experiences, or feelings. It is wholly based on a restored relationship with our Creator God that was accomplished in Christ.

Let me encourage you to take time in this season that reminds us of fresh beginnings, to consider the best news. Through faith in Jesus Christ, God does not give us the chance to be better… but to be made totally new. [2 Corinthians 5:17] And this hope is available 365 days each year – whatever the season in which you may find yourself.