West Georgia Woman Magazine Issue April 2023

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West Georgia WomanTM Complimentary April 2023 Amanda Carden The Truth About GREENWASHING Sandie Creek Polocrosse Club Welcomes USA-Zimbabwe Ladies to McIntosh Reserve Preparing for the Unexpected Helping Kids Find Their Voice
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Child Advocacy Center Executive Director Amanda Carden helps children find their voice Page 10
Kids Korner 44 In Every Issue: Daily Fare 26 Speaking Out For Kids 10 What’s inside... 21 Preparing for the Unexpected Sandie Creek to Host Polocrosse World Cup Primer 33 Local Happenings 38 29 The Truth About Greenwashing
Photo by Zachary Dailey
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A Precious New Addition

As you can see from the photo, I have some important news to share with you. I'm going to be a "Grangie" again! I'd like you to meet my newest little grandbaby.

Chelsie is going to have a younger brother or sister, and Zachary and Jordan are going to have two babies under 2! Eek! They'll be fine, though. They are wonderful, loving parents and I couldn't ask for better for my grandchildren!

We don't know the gender yet, but I'll keep you updated when we find out! I'm so excited to find out if it's a boy or a girl.

In This Issue

Our feature this month is the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Executive Director Amanda Carden. Amanda and her staff see and hear the worst of the worst on a daily basis as forensic interviewers, and their work truly is a calling.

As a young teacher, Amanda discovered one of her disabled students was experiencing sexual abuse, but could not clearly express what he was going through. This fueled Amanda's desire to learn the skills necessary to help children just like him. So when she became the executive director of the CAC, she took the training required to become a forensic interviewer.

On page 10, learn more about Amanda and how she's helping abused children find their voice.

If something were to happen to you tomorrow, such as a serious disability or death, would you or your family be able to survive financially? On page 21, learn about the types of insurance you should consider purchasing to give you peace of mind in case the unexpected happens.

Have you ever heard of the term, greenwashing? Greenwashing is the act or practice of making a product, policy or activity appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is, according to Merriam-Webster. On page 29, we share the truth about large corporations that are deceiving the public through claims of being more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

The World Cup USA Ladies Polocrosse Team will square off against the Ladies Team of Zimbabwe during a three day event April 14-16. The event, hosted by the Sandie Creek Polocrosse Club of Carrollton, will be held at McIntosh Reserve Park in Whitesburg, with a test match on Friday, April 14, and tournaments on Saturday and Sunday. On page 33, Corey Cusick tells us more about this exciting international event and how you can participate.

Thank you for reading! There's so much more inside!

Please do business with our community partners whose advertisements are included in West Georgia Woman. It is only through their partnership that we are able to give you this beautiful magazine each month.

Happy Easter!

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Publisher

Finding our voice. Knowing our value.

Making a difference. TM

West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.

Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives.

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Angel Media, LLC. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

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Need a copy? We mail thousands of copies each month to households through Direct Mail or get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Smith Brothers Supply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot, Neva Lomason Library and the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Fabiano’s Pizzaria, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Crook's Grocery (Temple Ave.) and Lee King pharmacy in Newnan; Tanner Health System's Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings in Villa Rica; Kroger (Chapel Hill Rd. and Highway 5) and Food Depot on Hiram Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Kroger on Ridge Rd. in Hiram; WM Grocery and Chuckwagon restaurant in Roanoke, Al. and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Al. We have them in larger quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), Lee-King and Thompson pharmacies in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville, Publix at Mirror Lake and New Georgia, CVS in Bowdon as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in 18 cities in eight counties in West Georgia and East Alabama

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey

April 2023

angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

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Editorial Contributor

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Photographer for cover/ Graphic Design

Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Corey Cusick, Jordan Dailey and Rose Isaacs

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West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2023. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Print or online reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submissions will be included as space is available.

West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are not in compliance with our editorial policy. If you wish to have your submission returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your submission.

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• Issue
This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015
Volume 8
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Photos by Zachary Dailey

Speaking Out For Kids

Amanda Carden helps children find their voice

Child Advocacy Center Executive Director

When you see the worst of the worst every day, it’s easy to become jaded. But

Amanda Carden, executive director of the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center, uses what she sees at work to fuel her passion to help even more children who could be victims of abuse.

Born in North Carolina to parents from Alabama, Amanda has lived in West Georgia for more than 35 years. She lives in Carrollton, Ga., with her husband, Brian, and their 11-year-old daughter, Abigail, who they lovingly call Abs.

Amanda knew early on she wanted to work with children, and she decided to become a teacher. With a heart for children with disabilities, she earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in special education, later earning her specialist degree in educational leadership – all three degrees are from the University of West Georgia.

She spent 15 years working in the Carrollton City School District, learning about every level as she moved up. “I had a long career in public education with Carrollton City Schools as a classroom teacher, school-level administrator as an assistant principal and then principal, and finally as a district-level administrator,” Amanda says. “I’ll always be an educator at heart, but I once heard someone say the best educators are advocates for children.”

She explains that as an educator, your actions become very intentional, including how you see and interact with the students. “Kids come to school with so much more than bookbags on their backs,”

Amanda shares. “They experience so much more than you know. They have experienced things that would buckle adults.”

When Amanda started her teaching career, she worked with special education students who were classified as having low-incidence disabilities. These students had severe intellectual disabilities, autism or severe behavioral disorders. Less than 20% of students with disabilities are considered low-incidence. Because of their unique needs, teachers need highly specialized skills and knowledge to teach these students.

As a young teacher, Amanda discovered one of her students was experiencing sexual abuse. Because of his disabilities, he was unable to clearly express what he was going through.

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As a young teacher, Amanda Carden discovered one of her disabled students was experiencing sexual abuse, but could not clearly express what he was going through. This fueled Amanda's desire to learn the skills necessary to help children just like him.

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“We will never know completely what that child experienced because he was unable to tell us at that time,” Amanda recalls. “There was no one in our area trained to talk to the student about it. I knew then at some point, some day, I was going to learn the skills to be able to talk to children just like him about situations just like that.”

Forensic Interviews

Amanda decided to act upon her promise to herself, and when she discovered the executive director position at the CAC, she knew it was her time, as that position requires training as a forensic interviewer.

“That student was unable to adequately share what happened to him,” she relates. “How do we know it ever stopped? We don’t, because the alleged victim was a child who no one had the skills to have a neutral fact-finding conversation with based on his cognitive level to determine exactly what happened and who had done it. That put the fire in me – people with disabilities are a core passion of mine.”

She says there were a number of agencies involved with that student already, but no one was specially trained to talk to him about potential sexual abuse.

“I had skills and training to teach, but an allegation of child abuse is an entirely different process,” she explains. “Being at ease with kids and talking to children is great. But this type of conversation is very different. Be mindful of how you say things and how you engage the child. Stay neutral so they can tell their truth without any bias from the person who is talking to them.”

A forensic interview, which is one of the main services offered by the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center, happens when a specially trained interviewer who is objective and unbiased has a neutral, fact-finding conversation with the child to determine whether a crime has occurred, specifically a crime of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. That in itself takes special training, but as an added challenge, the interview must be conducted in a legally defensible manner so it can stand up in court if necessary.

The interview is often watched remotely by representatives of the Division of Family & Children Services, the district attorney’s office and law enforcement officers. If the interview was not conducted in the child-friendly environment in the CAC, the child might have to meet with each of those groups independently, rehashing the story

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over and over.

“Forensic investigators are trained to do it appropriately, and it’s in a child-centered, trauma-aware environment,” Amanda explains. “This prevents the child from having to tell the story multiple times. All parties are here and receive the information at the same time.”

The CAC offers forensic interview services to children ages 3 to 18, as well as adults with developmental challenges.

“I was trained in the ChildFirst model, which is a forensic interview protocol – there are several protocols nationwide,” she says. “They all are slightly different, but they have some overarching commonalities to ensure they are legally sound. The training is offered through the ZeroAbuse Project, and ChildFirst is a nationally accredited forensic interview protocol aimed at being a neutral fact-finding conversation that is developmentally appropriate for the child.”

Amanda explains that talking to adults and children is different – you must be aware of childhood development and how it progresses. “You have your typical childhood development,

abuse might need in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties. They partner with a multidisciplinary team that includes DFACS, the district attorney’s office law enforcement officers, mental health therapists, family advocates, local school system employees and medical professionals.

The forensic interview process ensures all necessary parties receive the same information at the same time, which helps the team make recommendations for the next step for the child.

Amanda explains that this multidisciplinary team model is not the same as working directly with an organization like DFACS. “We’re different. We are a nonprofit,” she says. “I’m very thankful for DFACS, who is one of our partner agencies, but we are a

770.462.5005

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The Carroll County Child Advocacy Center staff from left to right: Amanda Carden and Jeliegha Brown (forensic interviewers), Beth Kimbrell, Kaylie Callahan and Allison Robinson (forensic interviewer). In addition to forensic interviews, the CAC serves as a type of hub for other services children of abuse might need in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties. They partner with a multidisciplinary team that includes DFACS, the district attorney’s office law enforcement officers, mental health therapists, family advocates, local school system employees and medical professionals.

very nonthreatening agency because we don’t have authority. We are a service. It is never lost on me or our staff that what brings you here is never a positive situation. We can absolutely be the best support for whoever is providing their care. Our whole purpose is to support in whatever aspect that is moving forward. We have no authority, so things here are very gentle. We serve you and the child you love, who you brought here. It’s never lost on any of us this could be our family.”

The Child Advocacy Center model isn’t new – it began in 1985 in Huntsville, Ala., where the National Children’s Advocacy Center is now located. Before the Carroll County CAC opened its doors in

2013, there wasn’t a central resource for children suffering from abuse. “Children had to go to the CAC in Troup County or Atlanta if they needed a forensic interview,” shares Amanda. “It couldn’t be completed in Carroll County, or in Heard or Haralson. A core group got together here to start the process, and they reached out to the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia to find out how to make it happen.”

That original core group included representatives from state and local government, law enforcement, DFACS and the district attorney’s office.

“A well-rounded community takes care of its children, our most valuable asset,” Amanda says. “A community is not complete if can’t provide care for its children. It took that core group to pull the agencies already here together, and we just celebrated 10 years of service to children.”

The core group of founders reached out to the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia to find out how to get started. “They sent an amazing lady, Nancy Chandler, to a stakeholders meeting, and she guided the process – who do you need, how do you make it happen,” relates Amanda. “She said we had all right people and agencies here already, so now all we had to do was pull them together.”

CAC’s services begin when their partners in law enforcement notify them about a potential abuse situation. “There has been a report made concerning

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One of the family waiting areas at the CAC. During a forensic interview, a specially trained, objective and unbiased interviewer has a neutral, fact-finding conversation with the child to determine whether a crime has occurred, specifically a crime of physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The interview is often watched remotely by representatives of the Division of Family and Children Services, the district attorney’s office and law enforcement officers. This protects the child from the trauma of having to tell the story multiple times.

allegations of child abuse, either physical, sexual or emotional – that is how you get here for a forensic interview,” she explains. “That is the protocol for the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center. We’re not an investigative body – we do the neutral, fact-finding conversation. All law enforcement in all three of our counties allow us to talk to the children – our law enforcement partners are amazing, but we have the training to speak to the child about what occurred. If we need to testify in court, we have the credentials to speak about what the child discloses.”

She says DFACS is often involved, as some of the cases are first reported to them, and then they contact law enforcement.

“The most heartbreaking thing is how busy we are,” Amanda shares. “We are starting off the first three months the busiest we’ve been in 10 years. There was a jump in numbers in 2020 during the COVID years, but that number has maintained. In 2018, we conducted 187 forensic interviews. In 2022, that number was 310.”

The CAC conducted more than 100 forensic interviews during the first three months of this year. “People often ask if abuse happening more, and I tell them it’s been around since the beginning of time – we are just becoming more aware,” she states. “I’m hoping these numbers reflect that it’s now being reported. When you know better, you do better. That’s my hope.”

Other Services

CAC recognizes that abuse is often only one piece of the puzzle for many families. Some of the children they serve are already receiving community services in other ways, but part of the CAC model is to look at the big picture of what is going on with each child so staff can determine the best way to serve that child.

“I like to say we all have a cookie,” Amanda explains. “Sometimes it’s really little, this event that brought you here. Sometimes that cookie is huge – health issues in the family, job instability, an abuser in the home –sometimes the primary

breadwinner, and your life takes a different shift immediately. If you have to eat the cookie in one bite, you’ll choke. We help you take little bites. We have so many partners in the community who can help.”

The CAC helps families connect with therapy, housing, food and security, Medicaid, childcare assistance, school registration, along with many other services. “We do a warm handoff – we don’t just tell you where to go for services, we make a phone call for you with your permission and let them know you’re on your way. We help find out the exact process to get you everything you need.”

Staff members help the children they serve find the right style of therapy for them, recognizing that trauma doesn’t end when the abuse does. Their case management also includes other ways to support families, like talking overwhelmed parents through the judicial hearing process.

The committed staff takes turns being on call so they can be available 24/7. “Our multidisciplinary team works after hours, and so do we,” Amanda says. “If law enforcement needs a forensic interview at midnight, we respond.”

She says they prefer to follow the model created by one of their mentors, Mary Beth Nelson, who is well known and respected in the child advocacy circle. That model suggests the team wait for the child to get one or two good nights of sleep before the interview. But when a child is in crisis, sometimes interviews need to happen immediately.

“We experience more of that here when a child is a witness to violence, such as family violence or

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homicide, and there are safety concerns that need to be taken into account,” Amanda explains.

Training the Public

Part of the CAC model is training adults in the community to prevent, recognize and appropriately respond to child sexual abuse. As part of the prevention piece, the training includes tips on how to ensure an adult is never alone with a child, giving people who interact with children as part of their jobs or volunteer work ideas on how to create procedures to protect both the adults and the children.

“A big part of our mission here is getting adults in the counties we serve trained to recognize the signs of abuse and, most importantly, to know what to do if they are made aware something is happening,” Amanda relates. “How do you report that? Not to act as investigators, but how to report it and keep children safe. As parents, as teachers, as Bible school workers, as coaches, how to record and report, as well as create environments that are safe and to keep yourself as a professional above reproach.”

She mentions that many people don’t realize

Darkness to Light Community Training

The CAC offers training to adults to teach them how to prevent, recognize and appropriately respond to child sexual abuse.

This training is through Darkness to Light‘s Stewards of Children curriculum and is available to those in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties FREE of charge.

Any adult member of the community can participate in this training. It takes 2 hours to complete and is certified for continuing education for social workers, licensed professional counselors, law enforcement, early child care providers – Bright From the Start, nurses, EMS and attorneys.

To schedule a training session that meets your needs in regards to time and location, email allison@cc-cac.org or call 770.832.8733.

abuse happens to children from every walk of life, in every neighborhood – the only thing abused children have in common is that they are abused. But people tend to shy away from talking about sexual abuse.

“If people can’t bring themselves to talk about it, they will never be able to prevent it,” adds Amanda. “Our children deserve that if they tell an adult, the adult knows what to do and how to report it – they are expecting you to do something to help.”

Amanda encourages the public to be mindful of who is hurting children. More than 96% of abused children know their abuser – often, they live in the same household. “Don’t ever think it will never happen to your kid,” she warns. “If you think that, you won’t be vigilant or aware.”

Community Support

The Carroll County Child Advocacy Center never charges families for its services, even though forensic interviewing requires extensive training and a unique skillset that doesn’t come for free.

“Because we are a nonprofit, we need staff who are passionate about the work, and we need other people in the community who are financially willing

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to invest,” adds Amanda. “When you say it’s for the children, and when you share the reality of what occurs to children, and share they can’t get this service anywhere else in our backyard, it gets attention. This is our call to arms – we can make amazing things happen in this community for our kids.”

She shares that the CAC applies for federal grant funds, which typically fulfill up to 25% of their budgetary needs, but there are projected cuts to those funds in the new fiscal year. Those funds are restricted, which means they can only be spent on certain functions. They also receive funds from local grants, but those are often one-time funds.

“Donations are our lifeblood, and community support is how we stay open to serve the children,” Amanda says. “That money is critical. We are so blessed with community and business support. No one is charged for any service we provide. If you were going through something like that with your child, the last thing you’d want to do is worry about paying for services. We want to keep it that way.”

While the CAC used to hold a large annual fundraising event, COVID changed their fundraising strategy. They now orchestrate a Pass the Pinwheel fundraiser during the month of April, which is Child Abuse Awareness Month.

“We pass the pinwheel throughout our entire service region,” Amanda explains. “It starts in my yard, and I pass it to you with the expectation that you make a donation and pass the pinwheel to someone you know. You can contribute any amount – if you have $10 to give, that’s great. If you have $10,000, that’s amazing. This allows anyone in our community to participate at a level where they feel comfortable.

“It is amazing the response we get from it. It’s so exciting. It raises awareness –people call and want to know how to get the pinwheel in their yard –

just call and we’re on our way! I keep one in my car, and I’m getting it to your house tonight,” Amanda laughs.

She mentions that donations fund more than salaries. The CAC offers different resources and support, all thanks to the generous donations from the community. It could be paying for a hotel for a weekend for a family in crisis who can’t go back to their house that night, or loading up a family’s car with groceries because they have nothing to eat this weekend, for example.

CAC’s needs aren’t small, but they aren’t insurmountable. “We’d love to raise $70,000 through Pass the Pinwheel,” she says. “The most critical component here at CAC is our staff. I’ve worked with some doggone good people, but these people are incredible. It’s never lost on me that these ladies could go elsewhere and do really great work. They are committed to the children of this community and to this organization. Donations help keep these amazing folks here.” WGW

If you'd like to learn more about Amanda Carden and the Carroll County Child Advocacy Center, or to participate in the passing of the pinwheel this month, call 770.832.8733, email info@cc-cac.org or visit the website at www.cc-cac.org.

To make a donation to help the CAC help children in Carroll, Haralson and Heard counties who have suffered abuse, donate through the website or mail checks to:

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CCCAC P.O. Box 314
Ga.
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30112

Preparing for the Unexpected

Protecting yourself and your family with insurance

Most of us don't like to pay for insurance, and we certainly don't want to pay for extra coverage such as disability or longterm care insurance. The common consensus is that we spend our whole lives paying premiums for insurance that we most likely will never use, unless it's for life insurance, of course.

You may feel that having more insurance coverage than what the law requires is a waste of money. Then, something horrific occurs – perhaps a weather event destroys your home, you suffer a serious medical emergency or worse – you die and leave your family to pay for your funeral and debt.

You hope to never make a claim, but when the unexpected happens, because you have insurance, you, or your loved ones, will have the financial ability to rebuild your lives.

Insurance Policies

There are two components to every policy – the premium and the deductible.

The premium is your monthly or annual payment to the insurance company. The more comprehensive the coverage, the more expensive the premium. Where you live, your lifestyle and previous claims may also affect the premium.

If you have to make a claim – before you can be reimbursed by the insurance company – you have to pay the deductible. Depending on what type of

insurance you're buying, the deductible is typically anywhere from $250 to $2,000. This is the amount you will have to pay before any insurance proceeds are paid to you. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium.

To help reduce your premium, you can opt to have a higher deductible. Most people typically choose a deductible somewhere in the middle. Remember, if you make an insurance claim, you have to be able to pay the deductible, so don’t choose the highest one if you can't afford to pay it if you have to make a claim in the future.

Auto

Insuring your vehicle in Georgia is a legal requirement. It also protects you from having to pay the full cost of repairs and medical expenses as a result of a collision. Some policies will also provide coverage if you damage another person’s property, as well as expenses incurred when hit by an uninsured driver. Legal costs may also be covered.

Note that car insurance doesn’t cover nonaccident repairs such as oil changes, flat tires or a dead engine. But most insurance companies typically offer some type of roadside assistance with your policy. You can also ask to add towing and rental insurance to your auto policy, for an extra fee, so you will be covered if you break down or have an accident and lose the use of your vehicle while it's

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Good neighbor. Great auto rates.

funeral expenses if you die. Death is inevitable, and sometimes, sooner than expected. No one should leave their loved ones with the burden of paying for their funeral. The median cost of a funeral in 2021 was $7,848 and the median cost of a cremation was $6,970 according to the National Funeral Directors Association. This could be more or less, depending on what your family members choose at the time of your death.

Life insurance pays a tax-free lump sum to a designated beneficiary upon your death. Its purpose is to pay for the policyholder’s funeral expenses, any debts she may have as well as lost wages.

If you have a spouse or children who depend on you financially, you should have enough life insurance to replace your income if you were to die unexpectedly. Forty-four percent of U.S. households would face financial hardship within six months if the primary wage earner were to die and for 28 percent, it would only take a month, according to LIMRA, an industry funded research firm.

Disability

being repaired. You may need to ask for these types of extra coverage, as some insurance companies don't always include it in the policy.

Home and Renter's

If you own a home with a mortgage, the mortgage company requires you to have home insurance. However, if you rent a house, apartment or even a room within someone else’s home, insurance is not required and is often an expense many people forgo. But you shouldn’t.

Renter’s insurance covers your personal belongings, such as your clothing, electronics, dishes and furniture in the event of a fire, natural disaster or theft.

A renter's policy may also include coverage to protect you from lawsuits by those who are injured in your rental property, or living expenses coverage that will pay for your additional costs if you have to leave your home if it is destroyed, damaged or uninhabitable.

Life

You should have some type of life insurance policy – at the very minimum – enough to pay for your

You don't have to work in a high-risk job to need disability insurance. In fact, many disabilities aren't even work-related. Diabetes, cancer, back pain and arthritis are among the most common causes of disabilities, according to the Council for Disabilities Awareness. And more than one in four American women workers today will experience a serious disability before reaching normal retirement age, according to the Social Security Administration.

If you become disabled or sick and are unable to work, disability insurance replaces around 40 to 70 percent of your base salary.

Long-term Care

The Department of Health and Human Services says adults who are turning age 65 have a 70 percent chance of needing long-term care at some point in their lives.

Long-term care (LTC) insurance can help cover expenses such as nursing home stays, in-home care or adult daycare.

If you are purchasing a life insurance policy, you may be able to buy a policy that combines longterm care and life insurance, or you may be able to add this coverage to your policy as a rider.

Insurance manages your risk and buys yourself and your loved ones protection from financial ruin. Hopefully, you'll never have to make a claim, but if you do, you’ll be glad to have the coverage. WGW

22 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas Richardson, TX Call me for a quote today
Agent 1654 Maple St Carrollton, GA 30117-4117 Bus: 770-834-6570 jill@jillduncaninsurance.com Jill Duncan
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MARCH 30 - APRIL 27

DEPOT ON BRADLEY I CARROLLTON, GA

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For a limited time, come and experience DaVinci’s Last Supper. The interactive exhibit is comprised of individual installations and a full-size reproduction of the High Renaissance classic, The Last Supper. The exhibit includes an audio accompaniment, in both English and Spanish, that walks through the creative choices that gave rise to DaVinci’s poignant recreation of Christ’s final meal with his apostles and the announcement of his betrayal.

Tickets are $20 for adults with reduced pricing for youth and large groups . carrolltonarts.com/thelastsupper

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Daily Fare Chef Rose With

Chef Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn and their son, Sebastian. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts.

After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro. She is a personal chef who offers cooking lessons, baby food prep, date night dinners for two and more.

Learn more about Chef Rose at www.chefrosecooks.com. Chef Rose and recipe photos by Zachary Dailey.

706.882.2576 1415 Lafayette Pkwy • LaGrange, GA 30241 www.AutoGalleryChevyBuickGMC.com PRESENTED BY

Breakfast Cookies

Swap out raspberries and chocolate chips for your favorite toppings – raisins, strawberries, butterscotch chips or even chopped up chocolate candy. "

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 1/4 cups mashed overripe banana

1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, sunflower or almond)

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 cup fresh raspberries

1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350º F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix oats, banana, nut butter and maple syrup until combined. Carefully fold in raspberries and white chocolate chips.

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop out portions of dough and shape into cookie shapes.

Top with extra raspberries and chocolate chips if desired.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Store covered in refrigerator. Makes about 12 cookies.

"

Black Bean and Vegetable Wraps

Ingredients

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 teaspoon ground cumin, divided

½ teaspoon salt, divided

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 cup chopped red cabbage

1 cup sliced radishes

1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed

½ teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 ripe avocado

1 tablespoon lime juice

4 (8-inch) whole-wheat tortillas or wraps

Preparation

Combine cilantro, vinegar, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a mini-food processor or blender.

Pulse until finely chopped.

With the motor running, slowly stream in oil. Transfer the vinaigrette to a large bowl. Add lettuce, red cabbage and radishes, and toss to coat.

Mash beans, chili powder, garlic powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.

Mash avocado with lime juice in a small bowl. Spread some of the mashed beans and avocado over each tortilla.

Top with the salad and roll up.

Serves 4. WGW

"
A great way to incorporate lovely spring vegetables into your lunches!
"

The TRUTH About

We bring a refillable water bottle everywhere we go, sign up for paperless billing and recycle. We do all these things because we’re told it’s the environmentally responsible thing to do. But is that really true?

Some companies that push bottled water and paperless billing, for example, are actually greenwashing the public.

What is greenwashing? It’s the act or practice of making a product, policy or activity appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is, according to Merriam-Webster.

How do you know if a company is greenwashing you? First, their advertising is filled with meaningless buzzwords such as natural, eco-friendly, sustainable, green and waste-free – without explaining how they relate to the product.

Second, companies push “environmentally responsible” products, but their raw materials, manufacturing operations and supply chain are anything but environmentally responsible.

In fact, a Harris Poll found that 72 percent of North American company executives surveyed admitted they were fully aware their company was greenwashing the public.

Bottled Water

An example of greenwashing is bottled water. Companies are convincing consumers it’s safer

to drink water sourced from a crystal clear stream and in a plastic bottle than it is to drink their own municipal tap water in a glass. These companies are greenwashing on two counts. First, many companies

29
By Sandra Bolan and Angela Dailey

claim their water comes from a babbling brook, when it’s really tap water. Second, companies are charging consumers for something they can access for free.

Single-use plastic bottles are recyclable, so no harm no foul. However, this assumes all plastic bottles get recycled. Of the 8.3 billion tons of plastic bottles produced annually (worldwide), only 9 percent are recycled. The remaining 91 percent end up in the oceans – killing more than 100,000 marine animals and 1 million seabirds a year – as well as in landfills.

Companies also fail to mention not all components of the bottle can be recycled – in particular the label and cap. Single-use bottles also can’t be infinitely recycled because the process downgrades the plastic’s quality to the point where it becomes useless and ends up in the landfill.

Paperless Billing

When it comes to paperless billing, by not having a hardcopy statement mailed to us, we believe we’re saving trees. Wrong. Companies push paperless billing because it’s cheaper for the company, not because it’s environmentally responsible.

They don’t have to purchase the paper or pay an employee to create and print an invoice, then put it in an envelope. And the company doesn't have to purchase the postage to mail the invoice.

Paper milling does not cause deforestation. The demand for sustainably sourced paper creates a financial incentive for foresters to responsibly manage their land.

"Paper is one of the few products on earth that already has an environmentally sustainable, circular life cycle," says Kathi Rowzi, Two Sides North America president.

Two Sides challenges greenwashing companies in a non-confrontational way by educating senior management and CEOs with facts from legitimate, third-party sources that substantiate the distinctive sustainability properties of paper products and the steady, continuously improving environmental record of the North American paper industry.

"North American paper is made from an infinitely renewable natural resource – trees that are purposegrown, harvested and regrown in sustainably managed forests," she explains. "It's manufactured using mostly renewable, carbon neutral bioenergy in a process that uses water, but in reality consumes very little of it. And paper products are recycled

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more than any other material. But many consumers believe paper is bad for the environment because corporations and other organizations they trust are telling them so."

Rowzi says 65 percent of consumers who have seen anti-paper greenwashing are influenced to go paperless, and that is a huge threat to the economic security of the over 7 million people who depend on the healthy North American paper, printing and mailing industry.

Just

Burt’s Bees

a Few Examples of Major Corporations Accused of Greenwashing

H&M Clothing Stores

Allegation: Advertised its ingredients “come from nature” and were obtained via “responsible sourcing methods,” when harmful chemicals were actually utilized.

Coca-Cola Company

Allegation: Markets itself as “sustainable” and “environmentally-friendly” while generating more plastic pollution than any other company in the world.

Dasani/Poland Spring

Allegation: Marketed its plastic water bottles as “100% recyclable,” however, the caps and labels aren’t recyclable.

ECOS

Allegation: Marketed their products as non-toxic/safe/earth-friendly. They contained chemicals harmful to people and pets.

Source: Truthinadvertising.org

So, next time if you don't really want to go paperless, click "No" when a company asks you, and don't be afraid to print out those emails. Paper is not bad for the environment. We need your help to support the sustainably managed North American paper, print and mailing industry, and to stop greedy corporations from trying to add more to their bottom lines by deceiving the public.

Consequences

1. Greenwashing misleads well-meaning consumers into making what they believe are environmentally responsible purchases.

2. It undermines companies that participate in actual sustainability efforts. It also makes it harder for consumers to distinguish between real and false claims.

Allegation: Misled consumers with claims their products had environmental attributes.

Method Household Cleaning Products

Allegation: Claimed their products were non-toxic, however, they contained chemicals harmful to people and pets.

REI

Allegation: The outdoor clothing and gear retailer marketed waterproof clothing as sustainable when the items contained substances harmful to the environment.

Whole Foods

Allegation: The company says it is committed to environmental sustainability and stewardship, but it's "slack-filled" packages use more raw materials and produce more waste when packages are thrown away.

3. Resources (water, energy, materials) are wasted and contribute to pollution as well as a higher carbon footprint, because companies produce products not as environmentally friendly as claimed.

4. Depending how misleading the greenwashing claims are, there can be legal consequences from the government’s Federal Trade Commission.

5. The company’s reputation can take a hit, negating all the financial gains executives thought greenwashing would bring them.

If you suspect a company may be attempting to greenwash the public, don’t just blindly follow its advice.

Do your research, and make an educated decision. You may be surprised to discover the grass really is greener on the other side. WGW

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Sandie Creek To Host Polocrosse World Cup Primer

Local club welcomes USA-Zimbabwe Ladies for three-day event at McIntosh

On the eve of the 2024 Polocrosse World Cup, seven members of the United States Ladies Team are coming to Carroll County for an international competition this month.

The three-day event, hosted by Sandie Creek Polocrosse Club of Carrollton, will be held at McIntosh Reserve Park in Whitesburg on April 1416, with a test match set for Friday, April 14, and the tournament on tap for Saturday and Sunday.

The international showdown – the first of its kind hosted by Sandie Creek Polocrosse – leads up to World Cup practices and the 2024 Polocrosse World Cup hosted by South Africa next July.

The USA Ladies Team will square off against the Ladies Team of Zimbabwe, and Sandie Camp of Sandie Creek Polocrosse is extremely proud to host an event of this nature in her own backyard.

“We’ve never hosted an international competition

33
Photo by Wade Liner

before, but our park at McIntosh is perfect for it. It takes a pretty goodsized field to play on,” Sandie says. “We don’t charge anything to come watch. So bring a chair and plan to spend the day. We’ve got a couple of food vendors. It’s a very fun, fastactioned sport that is for all age levels.”

She notes there is a $5 parking fee that McIntosh Reserve charges, but outside of that it’ll be three days of free, family friendly fun.

Sandie Creek Polocrosse has hosted an American Polocrosse Association (APA)-sanctioned tournament once a year for the past 12 years, but this month’s competition marks uncharted waters for the club.

Polocrosse may seem a bit foreign to most folks across the Georgia landscape – Sandie Creek Polocrosse is the only club in the Peach State and one of 44 nationwide – as it combines elements of polo, lacrosse and netball.

The modern game first originated in Australia during the 1930s and now features more than 6,000 players worldwide. The United States began fielding teams a little over 30 years ago and has competed in every Polocrosse World Cup – held every four years –since 2003.

Camp was first introduced to the sport when local businessman Steve Adams hosted a clinic on his

grounds, and she’s been hooked ever since.

The concept of polocrosse serving as a family sport, along with the challenges of quick-thinking on the field and, most importantly, taking care of yourself, your horse and your equipment through exercise and training made it an appealing endeavor.

It ultimately led to the launch of the Sandie Creek Polocrosse Club 15 years ago.

“Husbands and wives play together, our kids play with us. It’s based on level. It’s not a handicap, where high-graders play with you. You play against your own individual level, which makes it a lot more fun and fair,” she explains. “It’s a team sport. You have to take care of your teammates, but it’s a onehorse sport. We only get one horse we play for the

34
Photo by Sophia Solomon
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tournament, so our horse is our priority.”

The handling of horses is paramount, and Sandie ensures that all of her members understand that, first and foremost. She notes how she takes her horses to Vacation Bible School at Midway Church and does outreach with the church by traveling to local communities and neighborhoods for horse rides and parades.

“Our horses are so gentle because they’re handled so much,” she says. “It doesn’t hype your horse up. It really kind of calms them down because they’re acclimated to so many things.”

The Sandie Creek Polocrosse Club competes in five sanctioned tournaments a year between March and October with the national tournament being held every other year in October.

And just as this particular international event exemplifies, the sport of polocrosse encompasses a world community and family.

“When we go on the field, we cheer for each other and root for each other. When we’re playing,

we play to win. But off the field, we’re a community,” Sandy says. “We have big dinners together. We’ll cater dinner every Saturday night at our tournaments. We want it to be more of a community, too. Not just go and compete and you’re done. It’s family. So that makes it really special to all of us.”

The USA Ladies Team is coached by Rob Shuttles, along with assistant coach Gordon Duff and manager Wade Liner. The players representing the United States who will compete against the Zimbabwe Ladies include Ashley Barbour (Grand Bay), Sarah Desai (Carolina), Dori Johnson (Lone Star), Kat Liner (Carolina), Aubrey Shuttles (Lone Star), Emma Strider (Bay Area) and Megan Swift (Music City).

The World Cup test match on Friday, April 14, will start at 5 p.m. with the tournament running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday at McIntosh Reserve Park. WGW

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Photos by Stacy Upshaw

LocaL Happenings

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group

This group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Villa Rica Library located at 869 Dallas Highway, Villa Rica, Ga.

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Weight checks for your baby will be available at no cost. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us.

Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.

Domestic Violence Support Group

There is Hope is a support group for women survivors who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, domestic violence.

This is a private group where women survivors come together and share their personal stories of experience, strength and hope.

This group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at a private location. A ZOOM option is available.

There will be guidance for help and resources available as needed. At times there will also be guest speakers.

Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information and to obtain the privacy contract with the physical address or ZOOM meeting ID and passcode.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Groups

Has your life been impacted by the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide? You are not alone.

These groups offer peer support for anyone who has been affected by suicide loss.

There is no cost to attend.

Group meetings in Carrollton are the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 306A Bradley Street.

For more information, contact Ivey Rollins at iveyrollins@gmail.com or call 470.729.0909.

Group meetings in Douglasville are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 6167 Priestley Mill Rd., Room 226.

For more information, contact Terri Johnson at chose2live@aol.com or 770.765.2181.

Group meetings in Newnan are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 2564 Hwy 154.

For more information, contact Lynn Bradley at 770.301.4890 or email nbll.bradley170@gmail.com, or contact Nancy Bradley at 770.251.6216.

38
39 SEE SEE EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE As set forth in its student catalog, West Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity (Title IX) Coordinator, Dean of Students, 770.537.5722, 176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, GA 30182. ADA (Section 504) coordinator is Executive V.P. of Administrative Services, 678.664.0533, 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117. www.westgatech.edu what WGTC has to offer. 4:00PM - 7:00PM APRIL 13: DOUGLAS & LAGRANGE APRIL 18: CARROLL APRIL 25: COWETA Join us for tours, giveaways, & demonstrations! Chat with representatives from our programs of study, financial aid, admissions, adult education, & more!

Carroll EMC Blood Drive

Carroll EMC will host a blood drive Tuesday, April 4, in the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at the Carrollton office from 10 am until 3 pm. If you'd like to sign up for an appointment, please call 770-832-3552 or visit redcross.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Carroll EMC Names Washington Youth Tour Delegates

Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) named Audrey Browning and Eli Jarrett of Carrollton High School as this year’s delegates for the Washington Youth Tour (WYT). The two will travel to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong, leadership trip in June.

Applications for the WYT were accepted November of last year through mid-February for students ages 16 or older attending high school in the cooperative’s service territory or whose primary residence receives power from Carroll EMC. Browning and Jarrett, both rising juniors at Carrollton High, were selected as the top two candidates after applying and participating in a panel interview.

“I was very impressed by both students not only because of their personalities but because of their ambition,” said Human Resources Administrative Assistant for Carroll EMC and interview panelist, Cole Cook. “I believe they will make the most of the trip and represent the co-op well.”

WYT is the state’s oldest youth leadership program and annually brings more than 1,000 student delegates from electric cooperatives around the country to the nation’s capital. Coordinated by the co-op’s statewide organization, Georgia EMC, for more than 50 years, it is a well-organized and fast-paced trip packed with activities. The program is designed to give students a taste of democracy in action, expose them to the nation’s rich history through visits to national monuments and museums, and encourage students to become politically aware citizens.

This year’s trip takes place June 15-22. Browning and Jarrett will be accompanied by chaperones from Carroll EMC including Community Relations Specialist Ryan Sammon and Communications Specialist Brittany Shadix along with other

chaperones and delegates from EMCs across the state.

“I’m excited to serve as a chaperone for this year’s trip,” said Shadix. “I was introduced to electric cooperatives through the WYT as a senior in high school and have wanted to go ever since. It’s an honor to finally get the chance to experience this trip!”

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 54,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

12 for Life® Partners with Independent Electrical Contractors to Offer Electrician Certification to Students

Southwire’s 12 for Life® is pleased to partner with the Independent Electrical Contractor’s (IEC) Atlanta and Georgia Chapters to provide a Skills-Based Electrical Installer Program to its students.

12 for Life, a collaborative partnership that began between Southwire and Carroll County Schools in 2007, provides classroom instruction, on-the-job training, key work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. Through the program, students are motivated to stay in school, graduate and move ahead to become successful, productive members of the communities in which they live. Due to its growth and success in the west Georgia area, a second site for 12 for Life was added at Southwire’s campus in Florence in 2010.

40
Carroll EMC representatives Anna Warfel, Ryan Sammon and Cole Cook surprised the delegates at school to let them know they would participate in this year’s Washington Youth Tour.
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Students who participate in the IEC Installer program will receive 36 hours of in-person, handson training that will prepare them to qualify for employment in an electrical wiring occupation after graduating from high school.

“This partnership is a practical way for us to connect electrical contractors with a trained workforce. According to IEC, there’s a need for at least 10,000 electricians across the United States, and many of those electricians are needed here in west Georgia,” said Joel Grubbs, 12 for Life site supervisor for Carroll County Schools. “Jobs in manufacturing may not be readily available when they graduate, so this training will give them an additional opportunity for employment.”

The certification program consists of nine days of training that are focused on interactive learning and includes hands-on activities. At completion of the training, each student will receive a course completion certificate, an OSHA 10 certification and a first aid card. Students will also qualify for the IEC’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program.

“The IEC’s Atlanta and Georgia Chapters are proud to work with Southwire and the Georgia Industry Foundation for Training (GIFT) to implement our Basic Skills Installer Training in the 12 for Life program through the Carroll County School System,” said Niel Dawson, executive director of IEC Atlanta and Georgia Chapters. “The program will provide ongoing basic skills training in the electrical field and expose them to a high-paying skilled trade that has the potential for a meaningful career. We look forward to this program continuing for years to come and the expansion of it in other school systems.”

Southwire has a long-standing relationship with IEC, a trade association representing more than 3,300 members with 50 chapters nationwide. Both organizations remain dedicated to providing training for aspiring electricians, teaching a variety of skills like general tool safety and demonstration, electrical theory, pipe bending and more.

“The success of getting this program off the ground for our 12 for Life students is a testament to the partnership Southwire has with IEC. What started with just an idea almost a year ago has turned into a great success to add value to our students after graduation,” said Bill Fowler, senior training instructor at Southwire and board member for IEC GIFT. “We have also accomplished a way to help the industry and the IEC with qualified talent to enter the electrical industry.”

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire

Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers and an emerging influence in the electrical industry. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, components, contractor equipment and hand tools. For more on Southwire’s products, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com.

Milestone Investment Management, LLC and the Carrollton Center for the Arts

Bring Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ Exhibit to West Georgia

Area residents and visitors can immerse themselves in an Italian art treasure without traveling overseas when the Carrollton Center for the Arts brings The Last Supper Experience to the Depot on Bradley March 30 – April 27.

A life-size reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterwork is the centerpiece of this interactive exhibition, which takes the visitor through the creative choices that resulted in the artist’s poignant depiction of Christ’s final meal with his apostles.

"I am very excited to bring this exhibit to our town, since so few of us will ever have the chance to go to Milan to see the original," said Arts Superintendent Tim Chapman. “Although the original has survived natural disasters and war, it is nearly invisible due to erosion and attempts at preservation. In many ways, this sort of exhibit may

42
12 for Life® Partners with Independent Electrical Contractors to Offer Electrician Certification to Students. Photo: Southwire

be the best way to see such treasures in the future."

The Last Supper Experience features 32 individual installations and an audio accompaniment in both English and Spanish. Curated in Europe, the exhibition breaks down each section of the painting, examines every detail and looks at its impact and legacy. Guests end their journey through the show standing in front of a life-size reproduction of da Vinci’s painting.

“The Last Supper provides a more in-depth view of the well-known artwork following the artist's sketch studies, research into recreating spatial depth and the piece's influence on future pop culture and art,” said Carrollton Visual Arts Coordinator Marcella Kuykendall.

The exhibit will run Thursdays through Sundays, March 30 – April 27, at The Depot on Bradley at 455 Bradley Street in downtown Carrollton. Tickets are $20 for adults with reduced prices for children ages 12 and younger and large groups. For more information and tickets, call 770.838.1083, or go to www.carrolltonarts.com/thelastsupper.

Da Vinci: The Last Supper Experience is sponsored by Milestone Investment Management, LLC., located at 551 Newnan St. in Carrollton, Ga. See page 23 for more information or visit their website at www.milestoneinvestmentsllc.com.

What: Da Vinci: The Last Supper Experience

When: Thursdays through Sundays, March 30 –April 27

Where: The Depot on Bradley in Carrollton

Local Voices: An Evening of Poetry

Just Poetry, a special interest group of the Carrollton Writers Guild, celebrates National Poetry Month with the eighth annual An Evening of Poetry April 7, 2023. Eight local poets will read their poetry. This event is for members of the guild, their guests and the community at large.

The evening will include a wine and cheese reception from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carrollton Center for the Arts located at 251 Alabama St. in Carrollton, Ga. Admission is free.

“Poets in the group have published 18 volumes of poetry and earned 13 nominations for the Georgia Author of the Year Award in Poetry,” said guild member Eleanor Hoomes.

To learn more about CWG Inc., visit www.carrolltonwritersguild.org.

City of Carrollton Launches Comprehensive Plan Update Process

Surveys, meetings and listening sessions will help Carrollton set goals and chart the city’s future direction as it updates its comprehensive plan.

Every municipality in Georgia is required by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to maintain and update their comprehensive plan every five years to ensure that cities achieve minimum planning standards.

While strategic plans are developed for specific areas of the local government, like parks and recreation, the arts or downtown, the comprehensive plan marries these plans into a single document that will help guide the growth in Carrollton over the next 20 years. The plan guides city leaders when making decisions, helping ensure their actions follow the direction of the community’s vision.

Community participation is the backbone to a successful comprehensive plan. The planning process creates opportunities to gather input from the community to develop a vision for the future of Carrollton and a guide for achieving this vision. The city is encouraging its citizens to participate in one or more of these upcoming workshops:

Workshop #1: Development Quality, Neighborhoods & Housing, Land Use

Thursday, April 13 @ 6 p.m.

WPA Center

Workshop #2: Parks & Recreation, Beautification, Tourism & Health

Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m.

Lakeshore Park Gym

Workshop #3: Transportation, Infrastructure, Services & Safety

Thursday, April 27 at 6 p.m.

Fire Station #23

Steering Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 23 at 6 p.m.

City Hall

Town Hall Meeting: Presentation of Findings

Thursday, June 15 at 6 p.m.

Train Depot

The public can also complete a survey at www.carrolltonga.com/comprehensiveplanning that will be included with the other responses and input gathered during this process. WGW

43

Kids Korner

Easter Bunny

Glue pompom below the eyes for the nose. Glue Easter grass below the nose. Glue cotton ball to the back of the rabbit for the tail.

Materials

Pink felt, foam or construction paper

Googly eyes

Plastic Easter grass – 3 strips about 6 inches long

Cotton ball

Pink pompom

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scissors

Instructions

Cut the pink felt into a rabbit shape.

Glue googly eyes to the face of the rabbit.

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Craft photos by Zachary Dailey

Crazy Caterpillar

Materials

1 big pompom and 8 small pompoms

Light green construction paper

Pipe stem, any color, about 6 inches long

Large googly eyes

Scissors

Green marker

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Instructions

Draw a leaf on the light green construction paper.

Glue the large pompom to the top of the leaf.

Glue the small pompoms in a curved pattern for the caterpillar's body.

Glue the googly eyes to the large pompom.

Fold the pipe stem in half.

Glue the pipe stem to the top of the pompom for the caterpillar's antennae. WGW

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