West Georgia Woman Magazine August 2021 "The Man Issue"

Complimentary

August 2021

West Georgia TM

Pastor Mark Stroud Shares the Love of Jesus in West Georgia and Beyond

The

MAN

ISSUE

Featuring: Greg Hendrix Shane Sauls Mark Stroud

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Shane Sauls Dedicates His Life to Serving Men Struggling with Addiction Page 10 Photo by Zachary Dailey

What’s inside...

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Local Happenings

the Faith 20 Sharing Mark Stroud

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Celebrate His Success Greg Hendrix

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44

Kids Korner

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Renewed and Regenerated Shane Sauls

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A Few Good Men I really enjoy publishing our "Man Issue," each year. August is the one time of year we are able to celebrate (in print) some of the remarkable men who live and work in West Georgia. This issue always causes quite a stir around town!

It's interesting to learn more about these valued members of our community, and we are thrilled to feature some of our wonderful male friends.

In This Issue Shane Sauls is a walking miracle. After spending 20 years struggling with addiction and experiencing three different drug overdoses, he turned his life around after entering a treatment program at No Longer Bound, now known as The Blake House, in Waco, Ga. Twenty months after entering the program, Shane was a changed man.

Now he works at The Blake House helping other men struggling with addiction.

Join us in congratulating him on celebrating 10 years of sobriety this month!

On page 10, learn more about Shane, his beautiful family (who I love!) and how he's Me, with Pastor Mark Stroud.

I wasn't exactly "camera dedicating his life to helping men struggling with addiction. ready," but I couldn't pass up I met Kingdom Rock Family Worship Center Pastor Mark Stroud in 2011 when we the opportunity to have a picwere both participants in Leadership Haralson through the Chamber of Commerce. ture taken with my friend!

Mark was with me – quite by accident (or perhaps he was placed there right when I Photo by Zachary Dailey needed him?) – during one of the most difficult challenges of my life. On the evening of our Leadership Haralson graduation, I knew I would be losing my job – through no fault of my own – the next day. I was completely devastated and in deep emotional pain. Mark stayed behind that night and listened to me as I shared my tremendous pain and sadness with him. I must have cried a few buckets of tears that night.

I'll never forget the look of compassion on Mark's face as I cried and as he prayed over me.

Mark, I know I've told you in the past how thankful I am you were there, but I want to officially put it in writing. Thank you for your kindness, caring and compassion during a terrible time in my life. Thank you for comforting me and praying for me right when I needed it. I am so grateful for you and your friendship.

On page 20, learn more about Mark and an extremely difficult personal challenge he was able to overcome, the Kingdom Rock Family Worship Center and Mark's lifelong dedication to God and his congregation.

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I want to thank the men who have helped make our publication a success: Gary Burton, magazine distributor; Dr. PRESENT Fred Richards, friend, advocate and editorial contributor; Dan Keever, loyal supporter; Jason Studdards, our printer's sales West Georgia Women's Presenting Sponsor executive; my amazing son, Zachary Dailey, photographer; and last but not least, all of our fabulous male advertising partners.

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This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015

Volume 6 • Issue 10 August 2021

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

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Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

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Renewed and Regenerated

Shane Sauls Dedicates His Life to Serving Men Struggling with Addiction Through The Blake House 10

By Angela Dailey Photos by Zachary Dailey 11

W

e were all children at one time who had big dreams for the future. None of us grew up thinking we would become an alcoholic or struggle with addiction. Sometimes, by the time reality hits an addict, it's close to being too late.

As their lives fall apart in a downward spiral around them, and they fall deeper into the bottomless pit of addiction, the child they once knew themselves to be – the one with bright hopes and dreams for the future – is just a distant memory.

Shane Sauls knows exactly what it's like to be in that situation. He was an addict for 20 years, starting with alcohol at the age of 14 and gradually progressing to marijuana and other drugs, then pills and, finally, becoming an intravenous drug user.

"I was addicted to any and all drugs that I could get my hands on to change the way I was feeling," explains the 45-year-old Carrollton, Ga., resident.

Shane is celebrating 10 years of sobriety this month.

He now spends his life sharing his message of regeneration, redemption and hope with other men through The Blake House, a place of refuge for men struggling with addiction.

A Premature Beginning When Shane was born premature to parents Terry and Mary Ann Sauls, he weighed only 2 pounds and came very close to death. The first 42 days of his

life were spent in the NICU in Columbus, Ga. Once he was well enough to be brought home to Villa Rica, Ga., he spent his early years doing what most children do; playing sports, being social and playing outside.

Shane experienced a fairly normal upbringing. He was a mischievious child who never met a stranger.

Both his parents worked, and they lived in a nice, older neighborhood.

Shane and his older sister, Shannon, attended church regularly with the family. His mom was the nurturer, and his dad was the disciplinarian. Family time was very important to the Sauls.

Troubled Teen Things began to change for Shane when he reached the age of 14. Shannon, five years older, was already married and out of the house, leaving Shane as the only child in the home.

"As I got into high school years, I started feeling a lot of insecurities, not really knowing who I was or what I wanted to do," he says. "I saw my friends start to plan their lives and have plans; I didn’t really have any. That put a lot of pressure on me. I never had a mindset on a career. I was never goal-oriented."

It was during this time he began to experiment with drugs and alcohol. "The first time I ever did drugs, it was with a best friend of mine," he says.

"Honestly, it was because I didn’t want to say no to peer pressure. I was in the situation that my parents had always warned me about, and I didn’t say no. I didn’t say no to something I was scared to death of. From there, I just continued to experiment with different drugs. It became a false sense of security.

I could hide behind the happy-go-lucky, party guy."

After graduating from Villa Rica High School, Shane attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC), but he eventually dropped out.

Lost Boy When Shane was just 21 years old, his mother passed away, a defining moment that would dramatically change the course of his life, starting him on a path of self destruction and the beginning of a dangerous struggle with addiction.

"My addiction definitely started right Shane Sauls struggled with addiction for 20 years. He is celebrating 10 years after high school when I lost several people of sobriety this month.

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who were very close to me, my mother being one of them – when I was 21," he says. "My mother was the one person I had in my life who I felt like I could trust and always had my back. She was no longer available. It was a type of pain that I had never felt before. I felt even more lost after that. So lost that it caused me to start to self-destruct in a way that I thought I would never do."

Shane began to party more and more, and he was enjoying the life of being single with no responsibilities. Things changed when he met a beautiful girl named Jennifer, who was the drivethrough teller at his bank.

"I remember walking in one day and seeing this beautiful blonde girl from behind, and I had to get to know her!" he exclaims. "The rest is history."

Shane and Jennifer were married in 2002. The young couple didn't realize Shane was an addict while they were dating, but they began to find out pretty quickly, right before the wedding and over the next 10 years.

Shane spent the week before their wedding in detox. After they were married, within a span of three years, Shane went from being a single, party guy to having twin girls and a son, a mortgage and real-life responsibilities.

"Jen always says I was the biggest loser she knew by the time she finally figured out that I was really an addict," he relates. "I would spend the next 10 years going to several detoxes, getting arrested and entering into two different long-term treatment programs."

Shane put Jennifer and his family through hell during those 10 years. He would do whatever he had to do to get high – even depleting their accounts of the money that was earmarked for their household bills.

"Jen would have to go to her parents for bill money," he shares. "She worked at the bank, and they would call her every time I came to withdraw money – embarrassing. I would break into people’s houses to get pills and take pills from my friends and family’s cabinets. I would fake injuries and go to the doctor to get meds. There was really – in a sense – nothing I wouldn’t do to support my addiction."

Shane was so deep into his addiction, he began to systematically destroy every relationship in his life.

Early on, friends and family attempted to help him and offered support, but Shane didn't want to be held accountable for his actions.

"Any and all of my friends from childhood, I ended up burning bridges with them," he says.

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Addiction and Regeneration from a Wife's Perspective

Regeneration "The selfishness of the addiction and through I met Shane when I was 21 years old. I fell in Once again, Shane the shame and guilt, all love with him from the moment I saw him.

Things checked himself into a of my relationships were moved pretty fast for us.

We were married with treatment program at negatively impacted. three babies before I knew it.

Our lives were out No Longer Bound, now They were trying to keep of control from the day we were married, probably known as The Blake healthy boundaries in their before then. We have spent the majority of our House, in Waco, Ga. lives, and I was running marriage on a wild roller coaster.

He completed the 20 from them because they Shane has been a drug addict for as long as I month program and left were trying to hold me can remember, looking back. Up, down, good, a changed man. Now accountable. " bad, happy, angry, sad. No one day was ever he works for The Blake Eventually, his dad the same. I had become numb and was ready to House as the director of had enough and severed move on with my life. The day I moved on, was fundraising and public the relationship – for the the day things started to change. Shane went to relations. most part. Jennifer had No Longer Bound West Georgia, now The Blake Shane says his faith also had enough. She House, the day I told him that I was done and inspired him to finally was done with Shane and couldn’t take that life anymore. reject drugs and turn his After almost four months with no contact, I took wanted a better life for life around. the babies to see him.

Much to my surprise, there their children. He had "First and foremost, was a very different man standing in front of me. I already spent one year went back and forth with God for awhile, because I am a believer. God," away from the family I was still very skeptical and didn’t trust God and, he exclaims. "More than in treatment, but went especially Shane.

The more we would visit, the just realizing that I had right back to feeding his more I knew that his heart had really changed.

The a responsibility to be a addiction soon after. more my own heart started to really change. husband and a dad. That "My relationship I can remember saying “He will never get it, he responsibility didn’t come with my children was will never figure it out.” That was true, he didn’t with pressure – it came on a surface level," he figure it out. With the help of The Blake House with honor – and I finally explains. "They loved and God, Shane learned how to love himself started realizing the duty me dearly, but I spent and how to be a leader, a husband and a father.

I had as a husband and a the days when I was high Today, the man I married no longer exists. He is father. I really keep that being happy, laughing a new man. A bold, strong, courageous, good close to my heart, even and crazy, and the days looking man of God. We are celebrating 10 years today. Wanting to be that when I didn't have of sobriety. That is what The Blake House does. example for my children. anything, I was laying in They partner with God and they heal the broken A good, Godly example hearted and bind up their wounds! bed all day, throwing up, – not that I am perfect – – Jennifer Sauls in pain and missing work. but to be that example I never could hold down a for them. Be there to job for very long." support Jen and the kids, physically, emotionally and Shane finally came to the realization that he was spiritually." going to lose his wife and children for good after Through his treatment at The Blake House, Shane Jennifer made him leave their home for the first time realized he was living a selfish life. He was tired of in 10 years. taking from people and wanted to do something She had discovered Shane was using drugs while different. the kids were in the house when she came home "The real joy comes from loving others and giving from work on day. back," he says. "I no longer had a taking mindset.

"My relationship with my wife finally came to I had a giving mindset. God changed my heart and a halt when she kicked me out," he says. "I had made me new. The scripture we have adopted at nowhere to go. I could tell she was really serious The Blake House is II Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore this time. So, I realized that I crossed that threshold if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; The old of realizing that everyone was done with me and I things passed away; Behold, new things have come. wasn’t able to help myself. I needed professional "We realize the importance of a relationship with help again."

Christ and that is the foundation of becoming free At this point in his life, he had already overdosed from that lifestyle. When we walk in that relationship, three different times.

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we don’t identify with that old man anymore. We are who he says we are."

Shane had left his wife and children a total of three years seeking treatment and recovery. The most difficult challenge for Shane was restoring the relationships his addiction had destroyed.

"Restoring my relationships seemed harder and longer than the addiction, at times," he relates.

"I knew it would take a very long time. It would be seen in my actions and not my words. I knew something had changed in me, but I knew that it would be a very long process. It took a lot of patience and obedience in obtaining this freedom I

he hurt as a result of his addiction.

have today. It took so much to rebuild those relationships.

Once you lose trust, it’s a very hard thing to recoup."

Shane was eventually able to restore all of his relationships with the people

The Blake House The Blake House mission is to provide a place of refuge for men struggling with addiction and allow Christ to regenerate them physically, spiritually and mentally. As a non-profit, it relies on donors, fundraisers and revenues from its two thrift stores (located in Carrollton and Bowdon Junction) to operate the ministry and provide quality care for men in the program.

The Blake House differs from other programs

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Addiction and Regeneration

in that it focuses on a joining the program has from the Kids' Perspective Christ-centered approach a mental health condition Belle, 18: Watching my dad go through his to recovery. "We believe addiction was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, that requires medication, that as you are healed but I wouldn't trade it for anything because of the man this program may not spiritually and come closer he is today. We wouldn’t have the bond that we do be right for them. All to Christ, you will be a new today if it wasn’t for what we have been through. It has over-the-counter or creation," he explains. "We made me a stronger person and it’s brought our family prescription medication want each man to be new!" closer. It’s also taught me lessons that I can carry with must be approved. me the rest of my life. I’m so thankful for my daddy. I The typical recovery People who require love him so much. program, called the medical attention – Trott, 15: Trust the process, and just know that God Regeneration Program, unless they have received will forever love whoever is struggling with addiction, is 10 months. After the prior approval from The and He will do what is best for them. initial program, graduates Blake House – will not can choose to stay an Zoe, 18: Watching Dad go through his addiction be accepted into the was tough. Him coming clean was one of the best additional 10 months as program as the program decisions he has made for himself and our family. an intern. Internship is a Today, he sets a good example for me, Belle and Trott. is not prepared to meet volunteer program where I feel like it has taught me and Belle how a man should special medical needs. men learn to serve others, treat us and how Trott should treat women. This has As the director leadership skills, life skills showed us that with God, anything is possible. To of fundraising and and prepares them for their become clean from any addiction, you need to believe public relations at The in yourself, because God believes in you, too. I am next step in life.

Blake House, Shane so thankful for the man my daddy is today. He loves There is a one-time nonme, Belle, Trott and Momma with his whole heart and is responsible for refundable fee of $4,000 would do anything he needs to for us. developing, organizing to help cover the costs for and executing annual the resident seeking treatment. The program does fundraisers, and assisting in establishing partnerships offer two scholarships each month. The Blake House with local churches, companies and other community does not accept insurance. "However, we will not non-profit organizations. Shane also represents The turn anyone away whom we believe truly wants help, Blake House at public speaking and community regardless of funds," Shane says. events. In addition to these duties, Shane helps lead, A typical day for a man in the program starts with mentor and teach the men in the program. a 6 a.m. wake up, breakfast, chores, quiet time and The Blake House is always in need of monetary a two-hour class. The men work at The Blake House and food donations, prayer, participation in its two from 10 a.m. to noon, then break for lunch. After fundraisers each year and vehicle donations (donors lunch, the men work until 5 p.m. Then, they have will receive a full tax deduction). The Blake House dinner and recreation. From 7 to 9 p.m. they have also welcomes referrals from the community for men small groups, homework and prayer. Bedtime and who need help overcoming addiction. lights out is at 11 p.m.

The men typically work only at The Blake House, Healed, but Not Completely Fixed but they do sometimes work in the community, where they are usually serving others as volunteers.

Shane doesn't like to identify himself as an addict The expected outcome of each graduate is sobriety, to live in a newly found identity in Christ, to be able to apply all the tools the graduate has learned for real life situations, get and keep a job, stay connected and involved in some type of community organization such as a church or Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous, and to become an asset to society. The graduation rate at The Blake House is 40 percent.

The program does not allow any narcotic or non-narcotic pharmaceutical drugs that are mind Abigail Whorton, Chief Operating Officer altering, such as tranquilizers, sleeping pills or antidepressants. If someone who is interested in

18

"I realized that everything I had was right in front of me – my beautiful family, people who loved me and people who believed in me."

work his therapy.

His father, Terry, remarried 15 years ago, and both he and his wife, Karen Anne, are very supportive of Shane.

"She is an amazing 'Momma,'" he smiles. Shane also has a very close relationship with his sister, Shannon Smith, a real estate agent who lives in Villa Rica.

He still misses his sweet mom, who passed away too soon, and carries her kind and loving spirit with him every day.

"My mother, Mary Ann, has had the most impact on my life," he shares. "For me and my sister, she was the epitome of unconditional love – she loved us and everyone she came in contact with – like Shane, with his beautiful family from left: Shane, Belle, Trott, Zoe and Jennifer.

Jesus does. She taught me to Photo by Cagliani Captures. always forgive people when you are wronged and, as hard as that can be, in recovery because he doesn't believe he is an I have carried it with me. She had such a servant’s addict anymore. heart.

I remember seeing her serve all my life. She "I do not identify with that," he explains. "God showed me it’s not about us, it’s about others. has healed me of that desire. But also, I am no Unfortunately, she passed away before she saw the different than anyone else. I am one bad decision man I try to be today." from changing all that. I have been healed, but I Shane wants anyone who may be struggling with am not completely fixed. I do have to keep a lot of addiction to know there is a way out of the darkness healthy boundaries in my life, today. The things that are important to keep me grounded. We made a lot and they can be healed. He is living proof that miracles do happen, if you're willing to put in the of changes in our lifestyle. It was a huge adjustment hard work. in the beginning. And for me, that’s knowing that I "There is always hope," he shares. "We are never can’t ever have a beer, or anything for that matter. too far away. It doesn’t matter how far down the It’s a slippery slope, and I am totally okay with that." rabbit hole you go; God always provides us a way After 10 years of sobriety, Shane says it's not a out when we want it. But we have got to be willing struggle to stay away from drugs. He never even to give up one thing, for everything. And for me, thinks about using anymore. the things I thought were everything, was nothing.

"What I realized as I went through The Blake I realized that everything I had was right in front of House was that it wasn’t the drugs that were me – my beautiful family, people who loved me and the problem, it was me that was the problem," people who believed in me." WGW he relates. "I was my problem. I had a lot of woundedness and hurt that The Blake House helped To learn more about The Blake House, me heal. I have been given the tools to be able to call 770.537.1221. To donate, visit the deal with life in a completely different way than I website at www.theblakehouse.net ever had."

A Message of Hope Shane and Jennifer live in Carrollton with their three children, daughters, Belle and Zoe, 18, and son, Trott, 15. Shane enjoys fishing, playing golf, being outdoors and spending time with his family.

He takes great pride in his yard and considers yard

or you can mail donations to: The Blake House 60 Waco School Road Bremen, Ga. 30110 Follow them on Facebook @TBH.TheBlakeHouse and Instagram @theblakehouse

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Sharing the Faith Kingdom Rock Pastor Mark Stroud Shares the Love of Jesus in West Georgia and Beyond

By20 Angela Dailey. Photos by Zachary Dailey

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K

ingdom Rock Pastor Mark Stroud felt the calling of God from an early age. "I always had a sense of the Lord's presence," he explains. "His presence was with me, although I did not quite understand what it was. I had an intense desire to know Him. I even tried to baptize myself in the bathroom sink when I was 8 years old. The Lord always comforted me and spoke to me."

The 51-year-old Bremen, Ga., resident was born and raised in Atlanta to parents Jimmy Sr. and Barbara Stroud. Jimmy Sr. was an Atlanta police officer for 23 years, who rose to the rank of lieutenant before he retired and opened his own security company. "My dad was strict, but very loving and supportive," he says. "When I was younger, I wanted to be a police officer like my dad.

He passed away in 2000. He never met my son, but he'll see him one day."

A Tormented Child Mark received his elementary through high school education from the Atlanta Public School System.

Beginning at an early age, he suffered with anxiety and frightening nightmares. He also struggled with severe stuttering and stammering when he spoke in

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front of large groups of people.

The Stroud family went to church often – not every Sunday – but Jimmy Sr. and Barbara kept Mark and his brothers, Jimmy Jr. and Steve, in church as much as they could.

His mom was the spiritual one, the one who really influenced Mark heavily in the Lord. "She taught me about the Lord, and helped me grow spiritually," he says. "I would have nightmares quite often, and my mom would be the one to tell me how to pray and how to deal with those monsters in my dreams and in my closet. I was, I guess, a little bit tormented by that stuff as a child. My mom was loving, kind and nurturing, and she always prayed for me. Because of her, I have, I think, a very good view of women. From her, I learned how to treat my wife. I have always had a high regard and respect for women because of my mom's influence."

Mark's speech impediment was extremely damaging to his confidence and self-esteem. His classmates would laugh at him, his teachers were sympathetic and some adults attempted to "fix" him. "I felt wounded and never accepted," he shares. "Like I never had anything to say and no one wanted to hear what I had to say. Because of that wounding, the doubt, fear and the insecurity, I always stayed in the background. Talking with people one-on-one was usually no problem, but when I went in front of the class, it was horrible."

Mark remembers one instance in middle school where every student was asked to read in class.

"That was terrifying to me," he says. "Terrifying. It was like a slow hatchet going around the room. By the time it was my turn to read, I was so nervous and so fearful that I began to stammer. Of course, the children were so wonderful to richly encourage me – negatively. Even into my adult life, at points in time, I have had this problem. But knowing those times and then seeing who God has allowed me to become today, that just strengthens me."

In spite of his speech problem, Mark did very well in school. He was a Georgia Merit Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society, and worked part-time as a bagger in a local grocery store. He was also the battalion executive officer in JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps). After high school, he attended Morehouse College.

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Mark continued to struggle with fear, insecurities and stuttering throughout his teenage years into adulthood. "Although, If you ask my brother, he'll

back out to my car and I say I was a bit arrogant in cried all the way home. I high school," he laughs. said, 'Father, I tried, I tried, "You can put on a nice I tried!' and then, I just had front, but deep inside, it's to let it go." still there. I didn’t realize A year later, Mark saw that this warfare was the young woman's mother surrounding what would again. "And do you know turn out to be my greatest what I did?" he laughs. "I gift – my voice. If someone dodged her!" would have told me then The woman finally that I would spend the rest spotted Mark and asked of my life speaking in front him if he remembered who of crowds, I would have she was. Mark was vague in laughed. God definitely his response, recalling with does have a sense of embarrassment his visit to humor." the prison.

Mark's stuttering would "She said, 'Yes! You continue to rear its ugly prayed for my daughter! head from time to time, You prayed for my even after he found his daughter and she was so calling as a pastor. blessed!'" he recalls. "I When he first became said, 'What?' She said, 'Yes, a pastor around the age she talks about you all the of 31, a woman asked time! She was so blessed!' him if he would visit with So then I asked her, 'Was her daughter, who was in there another minister prison for murder, and pray Kingdom Rock Family Worship Center Pastor Mark Stroud has always felt the presence of God, even as a young child. there that day?' and she for her. said, 'No, it was you! It was Mark went to the prison with his Bible in hand and scriptures ready, eager to tell the young woman you!' And then it hit me. It was like the Lord took a big anvil and dropped it right on my head. It hit me, about the Lord.

He sat down in front of her with the glass partition and the thought came: 'I never needed your ability, but your availability. I needed you to be there.' And in between them, and they both picked up their evidently, what I took for ridicule and mocking, she phones. "I opened my mouth and stammered and was getting strength and joy on the other side of stuttered and stammered about 95 to 97 percent of the time," he shares. "She is on the other side of the that glass. I'm thinking she was laughing at me, but God was doing something over there. So, he used glass, laughing. I thought, 'Lord, it's coming all over my pain to minister to her. And I said, 'Wow.'" again! I'm trying to serve you!' But I just couldn't Little by little, Mark began to overcome his battle read it without stammering. I finally held the Bible with stuttering. "I realize now, around my greatest up, and I pointed to the scripture!"

Mark was sweating, embarrassed and despondent strength, was my greatest battle," he relates. "The battle was, 'Be quiet, you have nothing to say. No as the woman continued to laugh. He had the one wants to hear what you have to say. Keep your desperate thought that if he couldn't read the scripture to her without stammering, then at least he mouth shut. Be silent.' To become older and do this, I realize that a lot of people want to hear what I have could pray for her – with the Lord's help. to say. I found my identity in the word of God. He "I held my hand to the glass, and I'm thinking, 'I know you've got me Lord, I know you'll help me pray gave me the confidence that I needed to 'grow' my way out of it." for this woman.' But I stuttered and stammered all the way through. Finally, I heard the sweetest sound I've ever heard: It was the bell. Bing! Then, over the Witnessing the Power of God intercom, 'Inmates, please return to your room,' he laughs. "She got up, of course, and chuckled as Mark has had several encounters over the years she was leaving. I got my stuff from the guard, went that he can only explain as God's divine power at

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work. One such encounter was when a distraught family called Mark on Christmas Day. They asked him to come to the hospital for an emergency visit with their mother, who was deathly ill. When he arrived, the discouraged family was gathered around the dark and gloomy room.

"I felt the leading of the Lord to immediately go to the foot of her bed and pray," he shares. "I went to my knees. I did not want to wake her so I gently laid my hand on her foot and began to pray. After a few moments I got up and walked to the head of the bed. I gently touched her on the shoulder. She immediately woke up, turned toward me, and said, 'Where have you been?' The family gasped audibly, and some of them screamed. I became nervous, having not meant to awaken her. They quickly explained that she had not been asleep, rather, she had been in a coma for several days. The doctors had said she would never wake up, and the family had gathered to say their final farewells. We cried and rejoiced together over the goodness of the Lord. He had once again done the impossible."

When members of Mark's congregation come to him for guidance, he ministers to them right where they are in their lives. "First and foremost, we begin our sessions with prayer, acknowledging our need for God to intervene in their situation," he explains.

"I try to always have a sympathetic and listening ear without condemnation or judgement. I encourage them to not curse where they are, but to instead, magnify where they are going. Because there is Jesus there is hope."

Bishop Dale C. Bronner Sr., senior pastor and founder of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral in Austell, Ga., has had a tremendous impact in Mark's professional life. Bishop Bronner became his pastor when Mark was 19 years old. "Throughout the years, he has taught me the word of God and has been an example of Jesus Christ," Mark says.

Kingdom Rock has group prayer every Sunday morning at 9 a.m., followed by the worship service at 10 a.m. Mid-week Bible study is each Thursday at 7 p.m., and it is online only. Mark invites everyone to visit during the weekly worship services. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A New Blessing Kingdom Rock is currently building a brand new media facility/worship center at 276 Helton Rd., right

Kingdom Rock Kingdom Rock Family Worship Center is a nondenominational, family-oriented, multicultural Christian church located at 180 Helton Rd. in Bremen. Its mission is to exemplify the love of Jesus Christ and spread the gospel to the world.

"We want to foster a loving and accepting family atmosphere where all can seek an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ," Mark explains. "We want people to learn and grow in Christ."

In addition to sharing the gospel, Kingdom Rock partners with the Bremen Food and Clothing Bank to help feed local families, sponsors community prayer gatherings, provides media broadcast services to local churches and provides media support and training for community functions as needed.

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Mark, inside the partially constructed future Kingdom Rock worship center and media facility. He has dreamed of building this facility for over 15 years.

up the street from its current location.

"This media facility is the actualization of a dream that started over 15 years ago," Mark explains. "Our goal is to broadcast the gospel of Jesus Christ through podcasts, video presentations and movies. I know not everyone will respond to my voice, but perhaps they will hear and receive the gospel through a multitude of other voices. My heart is to make Jesus famous throughout the world."

The new building will facilitate two online radio stations, Roku channels, editing and filming, as well as become the new worship center. The Kingdom Rock congregation solicits your prayers and would appreciate any financial contributions to help with the completion of the project.

"Jesus’ love extends to you right where you are. No matter how good or bad you have been you are eligible to receive His grace."

A Fulfilling Life and Career Mark has been married to his wife, Sumiko, for 28 years. They live in Bremen, with their son, Nicholas, and their cat, appropriately named Sunday Morning. He has no grandchildren yet, but his daughter, Jasmine, and son-in-law, Mitchell, have two cats, Mario and Rita.

Mark's mother, a church administrator, and his two brothers still live in Georgia. His entire family is extremely supportive of his career choice. "They stand with me in happy times as well as difficult times," he smiles. "I could not do ministry without them. My mother has had the most significant impact in my life. She taught me spiritual truths and demonstrated to me the love and grace of God. Her prayers remain an inspiration to me. Her compassion and ability to forgive, stir me to serve others to this day."

Mark enjoys Bible study, archery and electronics.

Being raised in a large city, Mark particularly enjoys small-town lliving. "The people are friendly and approachable," he relates.

A self-proclaimed romantic at heart, Mark enjoys listening to love songs and watching romantic comedies with Sumiko. "My wife has been the shoulder that I have cried on, my personal cheerleader, my personal administrator and my best friend," he shares. "She is an excellent role model, and definitely the Proverbs 31 woman. I couldn’t do ministry without her."

Mark is also very thankful for his congregation at Kingdom Rock. "I love my congregation – they are

very loving and supportive," he says. "They are very good to me."

Mark wants everyone to know that no matter where they are in their lives, they can always seek out God's love. "Trust in Jesus!" he exclaims.

"Salvation is not qualification based. Jesus’ love extends to you right where you are. No matter how good or bad you have been you are eligible to receive His grace. WGW

To learn more about Pastor Mark Stroud, Kingdom Rock or to listen to his sermons and podcasts from other partners, visit the website at www.kingdomrock.org Mail correspondence or donations for the new media facility to: Kingdom Rock P.O. Box 1285 Bremen, Ga. 30110 Follow the Kingdom Rock channel on Roku, YouTube and Amazon Fire Stick.

Visit the Kingdom Rock live radio channel at www.revive365radio.com to listen to quality Christian music.

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Daily Fare With

e s o R f e h C

Photos by Zachary Dailey

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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.

Veggie, Egg and Cheese Mini Muffins

Ingredients

1 tablespoon onion, minced 1/2 cup sweet potato, finely grated 1/4 cup fresh spinach finely chopped 2 eggs lightly beaten 1/2 cup cottage cheese 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Preheat the oven to 350° F.

Grease 12 mini muffin cups with nonstick spray.

"

Stir together all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Fill muffin cups to the brim.

Make these muffins ahead of time for busy school or work mornings.

"

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until firm to the touch

and golden brown around the edges.

Before serving, let muffins cool for about 5 minutes in

the pan to allow them to firm up a bit.

Use a paring knife around the edges to help remove

muffins.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Store in refrigerator in airtight container for 3 to 5

days if needed.

Serves 6.

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Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients 2 cups canned chickpeas 1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation Preheat oven to 400° F. Grease a ribbed baking sheet.

Drain chickpeas and pat dry with a paper towel while removing any skins that come off.

Gently toss chickpeas with oil, sugar, cinnamon and salt.

Spread in an even layer on prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until brown and crisp.

Shake pan every 10 minutes to get even browning.

Serves 4. WGW 28

"

Makes a great after school snack!

Switch up the seasonings and try them savory by omitting sugar and replacing cinnamon with cumin.

"

Local Happenings

Due to our country's current health situation, please call or email the organizations included in our local events section to inquire about in-person meetings.

West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group

This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840.

Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

Hope For The Journey This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Tracy Stallings Community Center at 118 South White St. in Carrollton.

These events are free to breast cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer.

Learn more at www.hopeforthejourneywestga.org, email execdirector@hopeforthejourneywestga.org or call 770.214.1491.

Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the lives of young girls and women. This group meets the

third Saturday of each month at Heritage Baptist Church in Douglasville, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This program is open to all girls ages 7 to 17.

For more information, call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org.

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton.

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us.

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

Gertrude's House Breast Cancer Support Group This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Lithia Springs Family Chiropractic at 1758 Lee Rd. in Lithia Springs.

This group is open to all survivors, caregivers,

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Domestic Abuse 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 Facebook group where women survivors come together and share their personal stories of experience, strength and hope.

For more information, please contact hopefulone807@gmail.com.

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 9 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.

categories pertaining to writing and graphic design.

Professional communicators representing cooperatives of various industries, including agriculture, electric and service, submitted entries in the competition. The awards recognize the best in writing, publications, photography, and programs and projects. The 2021 contest drew 492 entries representing more than 40 cooperatives from across the United States and Canada. Judges selected 173 submissions to receive awards.

This year, three communications pieces from Carroll EMC were showcased as winners for the categories of personality profile featurette, direct mail and miscellaneous promotional. The department was awarded second place for the article, “The Job of a Lineman Runs in the Family,” and for a bill stuffer informing Members of the cooperative’s electric vehicle incentive programs.

It was also given third place for a holiday-themed graphic design.

“With so many different avenues to reach our internal and external audiences, it is so important to strategically plan a variety of communications pieces,” said Kelly Hester, Communications and Corporate Events Coordinator for Carroll EMC. “We’re always learning new ways to communicate more effectively with our Membership, and these awards are a positive reflection of that effort.”

CCA is a non-profit organization of 350 professionals who communicate for cooperatives, and it is the only professional communications organization dedicated to serving those associated with member-owned businesses. The organization was founded more than 65 years ago and aims to improve the skills and effectiveness of all cooperative communicators.

Communications at Carroll EMC Distinguished Among Cooperatives The Communications Department at Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative was distinguished among fellow co-op communicators at this year’s Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA) Communications Contest annual awards ceremony.

The department received top recognition in three

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Carroll EMC Communications Assistant, Brittany Shadix, left, and Communications and Corporate Events Coordinator, Kelly Hester, right, show off their plaques after receiving top recognition in three categories pertaining to writing and graphic design. Photo by Carroll EMC.

Carroll EMC Communications Receives National Award

the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

WGTC Student Awarded National Scholarship

The holiday themed graphic design incorporated elements of the cooperative, including bucket trucks, hardhats, lightbulbs and powerlines, into a traditional ugly Christmas sweater design. Photo by Carroll EMC.

Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative received national recognition as a 2021 Spotlight on Excellence award recipient sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators (CREC) and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The cooperative received a Gold Award for a holiday themed graphic design used for internal and external communication.

The annual Spotlight on Excellence Awards program recognizes the best communication and marketing efforts by electric cooperatives and related organizations. Entrants competed with electric cooperatives of similar size in 16 categories.

Electric cooperative communicators and marketing professionals submitted more than 720 entries in the Spotlight on Excellence program. Faculty members from the University of Missouri – Columbia and University of South Carolina, as well as noted professionals in the fields of marketing, web design and digital communications, and newspapers judged the event, which uses a finite scoring system to determine the winners.

Winners are recognized during the CONNECT conference, a national conference for communications and marketing professionals, to be held virtually in June, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The CREC was organized in 1982, and seeks to advance the recognition, education and professionalism of electric cooperative communicators and their affiliated organizations. This volunteer association works on behalf of more than 4,000 electric cooperative communicators across the United States.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 52,000 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

Newnan resident Rosanna Bowles, a Clinical Laboratory Technology student at West Georgia Technical College, has been awarded a national scholarship from the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

In a continuing effort to encourage young people in the laboratory profession, the ASCP offers scholarships to outstanding students enrolled in an accredited laboratory science program in their final clinical year of education.

"This year, the ASCP received hundreds of applicants for the ASCP Foundation Scholarships making the award decisions very difficult,” said Dr. Phyllis Ingham, Program Director for WGTC Clinical Lab Technology. “The selection committee not only looks for outstanding academic achievement, but the students must also exhibit leadership within their program, college/university, have strong personal goals, and service in the community. Rosanna without a doubt is exemplary in all these areas.”

In addition to being a full-time student, Bowles is an essential worker, wife, mother of two teenagers, and is actively involved as a leader in both laboratory science and her community, serving within the CARE Ministry at her church and as an ASCLSGA Developing Professionals House of Delegates Representative for Georgia, all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA. “The ASCP Foundation Scholarship is a Godsend for me,” Bowles said. “I am a Certified Nursing Assistant, working only as I’m needed, so this scholarship will really help with tuition, books, fees, and anything else I need to complete my last year of college.”

Bowles received a $1,000 ASCP scholarship – the maximum amount a student could receive.

“As her program director and mentor, I am so proud of her accomplishment, and nothing makes my heart smile more than seeing our students' successes and being able to celebrate with them,” Ingham said. “I can't wait to see all that lies ahead in Rosanna’s educational and professional journey as she enters the exciting field of laboratory medicine".

Founded in 1922 in Chicago, ASCP is the world’s largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals. ASCP provides excellence in education, certification,

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CAREERS.SOUTHWIRE.COM 32

and advocacy on behalf of patients, anatomic and clinical pathologists, and medical laboratory professionals.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, visit www.westgatech.edu.

break through and find hope, strength and purpose.

Join us Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for brunch, speakers and music at City Station in Carrollton.

For more information and to register, visit www.SohillsRadiant.com.

Register by September 19.

Hosted by Radiant Women’s Ministry at Southern Hills.

The West Georgia Women's Ultimate Extravaganza

Rosanna Bowles. Photo by WGTC.

"Miss Lillian – More Than a President’s Mother" Tickets are now on sale for the one-woman play, “Miss Lillian – More Than a President’s Mother,” coming to the Carroll County Schools Performing Arts Center Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

The show is a fundraising event for the Community Foundation of West Georgia’s Power of the Purse, a women’s giving circle.

Tickets range from $20 to $35 and are being sold through the Townsend Center by phone at 678.839.4722, online at www.townsendcenter.org or in person at the Townsend Center during office hours (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Groups of eight or more receive a 15 percent discount.

The play introduces the audience to Miss Lillian Carter, a woman who refused to bow to the attitudes of her Southern surroundings, a freethinker who enjoyed professional wrestling, who nurtured the best human qualities in all with whom she interacted.

Break Through Women’s Event Are you stuck? Living in uncertainty, sadness, trying to seem perfect or just keep up? Learn how to

Join West Georgia Woman magazine and West Georgia Technical College for the Ultimate West Georgia Women’s Extravaganza Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WGTC Murphy Conference Center located at 176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, Ga. Celebrating Women with a Day of Learning and Leisure!

This community event will bring women in West Georgia and East Alabama together in a fun, interactive and entertaining environment while helping them learn more about women’s health and wellness, female empowerment and educational opportunities for women, as well as offering valuable fellowship and networking opportunities.

The event will include keynote speakers Sara Claudia Ministries and Deborah “Dr. DJ” JohnsonBlake, vendors, food, a complimentary beauty bar (paraffin wax hand treatments, eyelash application, hand massages, eyebrow waxing and hair extensions performed by the WGTC Cosmetology Department.

Each attendee may choose two complimentary beauty bar services.), shopping, multiple giveaways, health and wellness information, breakout sessions, swag bags, entertainment and more!

Presenting "Heroic" sponsor: Tanner Health System.

Influential sponsors: Scott Evans Nissan and Carillon Oaks-Heflin.

Empowering sponsors: 3:16 Healthcare/ Spa 3:16 and West Georgia Gastroenterology Associates, P.C. Activist sponsors: Suzanne Whitworth, State Farm Agent, Downtown Gowns and Carroll County Commission Chair Michelle Morgan.

See page 6 for more details or visit the website at www.westgeorgiawoman.com for more information.

For more information on becoming a sponsor or vendor, call Terri Stitcher at 678.664.0509 or email Terri.Stitcher@westgatech.edu.

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By Angela Dailey 34Photos by Zachary Dailey

Celebrate HIS SUCCESS

Flower Power Mountain Oak Florist and Design Owner Greg Hendrix Blooms Where He Was Planted in His Hometown of Carrollton, Georgia

35

G

reg Hendrix, 45-year-old Carrollton, Ga., native and co-owner of Mountain Oak Florist and Design, has always had a bit of a green thumb, but Greg says his choice to become a florist was influenced by his grandmother, Mary McCalmon.

He grew up off of Highway 113 on his family's farm, where his parents had a poultry business and raised cattle. The farm has been in his family for three generations, and now consists of cattle, horses and goats.

Greg's parents, Richard and Nancy, were extremely loving and supportive of Greg and his older brother, Scott. "My parents were always there for me in anything I needed or did," he shares.

Living on a farm, Scott and Greg learned the value of hard work, and spent their summers working for their parents and granddad, J.G. McCalmon.

"I lived accross the street from my grandparents," he explains. "My grandmother would cook breakfast and lunch for us every day during the summer while my brother Scott and I worked on the farm for our summer jobs. I think my love for flowers and plants all stems from growing up in the outdoors and helping my grandmother with her flowers in her yard and garden."

When he was growing up, Greg could always depend on his older brother for guidance. "Scott was always there for his little brother and always spoiled me," he laughs. "My brother was always someone I looked up to and always admired."

Scott still lives in Carrollton, where he and his wife, Ashley Smith Hendrix, work for Smith Brothers Supply Company.* Smith Brothers is a local, family owned and operated company offering electrical, plumbing, heating and air and irrigation and drainage supplies as well as appliances, tools and

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770.832.7076 Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

hardware for commercial and residential customers.

Smith Brothers has been in business since 1962.

Greg's dad passed away two years ago, and his mother works for Greg at Mountain Oak Florist. They are very close, and Nancy lives in the home where Greg grew up, directly across the street from him.

"My mom is my biggest fan," he exclaims. "She has always been there for me through the rough times and has always supported me so much!"

Mountain Oak Florist

Mountain Oak Florist has been in Carrollton for over 40 years. Greg purchased the business from Kathy Garner in 2008.

As the lead designer for Mountain Oak, Greg has grown the business exponentially over the last 13 years.

He started out with two employees, and now he has six. He says the secret to his success is his fabulous team.

"We have a great team that cares about our customers, and we offer great customer service," he explains. "We strive to provide the best service to our wonderful and loyal customers."

"I think my love for flowers and plants all stems from Mountain Oak offers custom designed growing up in the outdoors and helping my grandmother flower arrangements of fresh and with her flowers in her yard and garden." permanent flowers that are designed with each individual customer in mind.

Greg and his team are dedicated to providing personalized service, quality and care from the smallest arrangement to the largest.

Greg also offers in-home consultations and design throughout the year. A large part of the business consists of decorating people's homes during the holiday season.

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*August 6, 2021. Retraction from the original article published August 1, 2021, listing the incorrect ownership of the company. The owners of Smith Brothers Supply Company are Ronald R. Smith Testamentary Trust (75 percent) and Ray H. Smith (25 percent). We deeply apologize to the owners for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Mountain Oak Florist and Design is located at 520 Maple St. in Carrollton.

A Gifted Artist With every floral arrangement he creates, Greg gives his clients something truly extraordinary.

With his innovative design skills incorporating nature and artistry, each floral arrangement is an exclusive work of art.

Although floral artistry is a skill that comes naturally to Greg, he knows there are always new things to learn. "I can never stop learning and growing," he explains. "Someone once told me, 'If you think you have learned it all, that's the day your business starts going downhill.'"

He often reaches out to his mentor, Sharon McGukin, for advice.

Sharon has been involved in various segments of the floral industry for over 35 years. She was the owner of Designer’s Touch, a retail flower shop in Carrollton, for 15 years. Since then, she has worked as a floral commentator and instructional designer presenting design forums throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Sharon has worked in Asia for the home décor industry as a product development consultant, and there are numerous YouTube videos of her sharing her extensive knowledge of the floral industry.

"She is a rockstar in the floral community and is my flower 'Momma,'" says Greg.

A Big, But Uncertain, Industry Whether it's sharing friendship, love or apologies to weddings, birthday celebrations and mourning, the flower industry is big business globally.

The global flower industry brings in over $104 billion in revenues each year, with over $26 billion spent in the U.S. alone, according to marketing research firm Brandon Gaille.

The total value of cut flowers in the U.S. each

year is approximately $7.5 billion. There are over 23,000 businesses operating in the flower industry, employing around 83,000 people in the U.S. floral market, which includes florist retailers, wholesalers and floriculture growers.

Fresh flowers are typically associated with the floral industry, but garden plants and outdoor bedding is responsible for 46 percent of revenues annually.

By far, the largest revenue producers for the fresh cut floral industry is Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas and Chanakuh. In fact, 81 percent of revenues for floral businesses come from these holidays, according to Brandon Gaille.

Surprisingly, floral gifts for Father's Day bring in 4 percent of total earnings for the industry.

Between 1950 and 1980, the floriculture industry experienced exponential growth due to an increase in median incomes, a growing import-export system – making it possible to ship floral products globally – and the introduction of new markets.

By 1994, the industry's annual revenues were in the billions of dollars for the first time. Then, the growth came to a halt.

The floriculture industry has been hovering around a net-zero growth pattern for approximately 25 years, says Brandon Gaille.

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Although still valued at over $100 billion, the industry may struggle to find areas of growth as early as 2024, as consumers may search for other products for gifts instead of flowers during periods of economic uncertainty.

However, the firm says the U.S. and Germany will continue to push the sales trends higher to support businesses in this industry.

A Fragile Product Of the fresh flowers grown in the U.S., 76 percent come from California, Washington provides 6 percent of the market, followed by Oregon and New Jersey with 4 percent of the market share.

The majority of floriculture imports by the U.S. come from Colombia (78 percent) and Ecuador (15 percent).

Although the floral industry brings in large revenues, it can be a very fragile business for retailers and wholesalers. Due to the extremely short shelf-life of fresh cut flowers, almost half of all flowers (45 percent) that are grown for sale are thrown away before they can be sold.

Much preparation is involved before consumers receive their lovely bouquets and other floral

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arrangements on their doorsteps. Growing, picking, grading, then packing and shipping are the first few important steps.

From the moment the fresh flowers are cut, there begins a race against time to preserve the life and beauty of the blooms.

In the hotter areas of the world, such as Africa and South America, the flowers are placed in buckets of feeding solution immediately after cutting. Then, the delicate flowers are sent to cooling units within 15 minutes of cutting to prevent deterioration from the heat.

Keeping the blooms chilled is extremely important to maintain flawlessness for transporting. So as to not shock the freshly cut stems, the flowers are cooled gradually, eventually reaching temperatures of 35 to 39 degrees. After 24 hours of cooling, the flowers are taken out of the coolers and undergo quality control and size checks.

The blooms are sorted into bunches of the same size and placed in more feeding solution while waiting to be carefully packaged. Typically, within a two-hour period after leaving the coolers, they are loaded onto trucks and transported onto planes that will ship the flowers all over the world.

Most of Greg's flowers are imported, and all of his roses come from Ecuador. "They have the best climate and weather for the best rose production in the world," he explains. Some of his flowers come from Honduras and Holland. He does get some flowers that are grown in California, but most come from overseas. He purchases his flowers from a wholesaler based in Atlanta.

Greg has been in the business long enough to know just about how many flowers he will need to run the business to reduce waste. "I've learned when the slower times are and when the busier times are," he says. "We do pretty well not having to throw away many flowers. I've learned to buy smarter over the years."

If you've ever purchased fresh cut flowers from Mountain Oak Florist and Design, you've probably noticed they seem to be of a much higher quality and often last much longer than flowers you may have received elsewhere.

As soon as the flowers come in off the delivery truck, Greg and his staff take the extra step of conditioning their flowers with a solution that helps them stay hydrated, giving the flowers an average life-span of about two weeks.

"That's one extra step that we don't have to do, but we do it because it helps the longevity of the vase life," he says.

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COVID-19 Effects on the Industry

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hit, I was really scared. We continued to do funeral arrangements and gradually began to improvise When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in mid-March by doing curbside pickup and porch delivery. Most last year, the entire flower market collapsed and weddings were cancelled. Everything I incorporate remained stagnant for approximately six weeks, until into my business, from interior home decor to gift the end of April, according to the BBC. sales, was basically cut out – besides the flowers.

Flower shops began to close, and borders were We couldn't even do the candle bar. We had to rely shut down, preventing importers from bringing their on fresh-cut and plant orders from our wonderful products to the market. Suppliers in South America customers. Our customers were very loyal to us and Africa also lost their connection to the market. In – they were so great. They kept us going. Some those six weeks, billions of dollars were lost. customers would order fresh-cut flowers or plants The flower industry is still reeling from the effects during that time just to be a good support system for of COVID. The majority of weddings – also one us, which was amazing." of the largest income producers for florists – were Greg was able to bring his staff back around reduced in size or canceled completely due to state August of last year, and things have only just recently and government shutdowns. Many weddings were begun to go back to normal for the shop. But postponed until 2021 or even 2022. shipping and wholesaler issues continue to be a Greg is thankful he made it through the worst challenge. of COVID and came out on the other side – still in "We are still having trouble getting certain business – but perhaps a bit bruised. "The greatest flowers, such as roses, peace lilies, hydrangeas challenge a business owner faces is when things and snapdragons – just about any flower, really," happen outside of your control, for example, he says. "The greenhouses were shut down for so COVID-19," he explains. "We had to shut down and long, and there weren’t people available to manage let the staff go – all except for me and and my mom. the warehouses. That means there were no plants For two weeks, we were shut down completely. growing to take the place of the mature plants. In the The first couple of weeks to a month after COVID beginning, we couldn’t even get a simple peace lily

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for a while. Funeral cages and the oasis foam that you build the arrangements on are in scarce supply."

Due to supply chain issues, Greg and his staff have had to make do with what is available. One week, they didn't receive their red roses, so they had to use a different color rose in their arrangements.

"We've had to navigate the best way we can, use what's available and make it work, basically," he explains.

Glassware also continues to be in short supply. For Mother's Day, Greg and his team had to look far and wide to find enough vases to prepare for the holiday.

"There is still a shortage of glassware," he says. "We don’t have the ample supply that we need."

Along with short supply and high demand comes higher prices. Everything in the floral industry has increased in price, from flowers to supplies to shipping. "It’s hard even getting the supplies and flowers here, because there's not enough delivery drivers," he says.

"Several companies have told me it will take four to eight weeks to receive the products once I order something. It’s crazy. We're worried about Christmas, now. A lot of the products we need to host our big open house at Christmas will be very slim as far as what we can provide because of supply chain issues."

Mountain Oak Florist's Offerings Mountain Oak Florist and Design offers professional and courteous daily floral delivery service to residences, hospitals and funeral homes in Carrollton and the surrounding areas. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

You can always depend on Greg and his staff to help you after a friend or loved one passes.

They pride themselves on designing flowers that beautifully convey your expressions of sympathy and serve as a lovely tribute to your deceased loved one.

"It's heartwarming to me when someone comes in the store when they have lost a loved one and being able to provide a little bit of comfort through flowers during their most difficult time," he says.

For weddings, parties or events, Mountain Oak Florist has the skills and expertise to create amazing and breathtaking floral displays that will complement any occasion and meet your budget and style expectations.

Once you have chosen the date for your event and are ready to begin planning, Greg will set up a private consultation with you at the event site or at Mountain Oak. "Many people are having their receptions now, after having small, private weddings

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last year due to COVID," he says.

Weddings are also coming back in full force.

Mountain Oak is close to being booked up for the rest of the year on weddings, but they still have a few openings available in the schedule. "Now everybody is wanting to get married it seems like," he laughs. For larger weddings, the staff will only work one per weekend, but for smaller weddings, they can accomodate working two.

Whether you prefer a look that is classic and traditional, modern and trendy, soft and romantic or unusual and offbeat, Greg and his team will assist you in creating a truly unforgettable celebration that will exceed all your expectations with stunning, high quality flowers and remarkable design expertise.

If you're searching for just the right gift to give to a friend or loved one, Mountain Oak offers a beautiful array of green and blooming plants, dish gardens, fruit baskets, gourmet and gift baskets, baby gifts,

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candy, greeting cards, home decor, scented candles, silk flowers, stuffed animals, pottery and more.

Greg was just about to launch his new candle bar when COVID hit last year, which was a disappointing setback. But the candle bar is now fully operational and available to the public for private and corporate events.

This is the perfect opportunity to get together for bridal and baby showers, bachelorette parties, ladies' night out and corporate team building events.

At the candle bar, a maximum of 15 participants will learn the techniques required to become a chandler, or candle pourer. There is no minimum number of participants.

For only $45 per person, participants will create and pour two, 8-ounce candles, choosing from 10 seasonal scents.

Guests work directly with Greg as they enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and finger foods.

Candle bar events typically last an hour

Greg has a wonderful support group that he relies on during challenging and busy times at the shop. "I have the best friends, family and employees anyone could ever ask for," he smiles. "They are always willing to step in and help whenever needed, especially during the busy times of the year."

Some valuable lessons "I have the best friends, family and employees anyone could ever he's learned through business ownership ask for. They are always willing to step in and help whenever is customer service, needed, especially during the busy times of the year." patience, and time and Greg, with one of his employees, Stacy Deline. money management.

"But if I could do one thing over again when and a half. starting my business, I would have saved more Greg and his team also offers in-home money," he says. "I would have been more mindful consultations for design and home decor. "We’ll go of my spending. When I was younger, I didn’t to the person's home, they will tell me their wants appreciate the value of the dollar. The older I and needs, and then I suggest starting points and decor ideas that would liven up the space or make it get, the more conscious I am about having that cushion of savings, learning ways to save money warmer," he explains. If decorating isn't your cup of in the business and how to make smarter financial tea, Greg and his team will also go in and decorate decisions." your home for you. One thing Mountain Oak Florist With help from his family, friends, staff and is famous for is their fabulous Christmas decorating. supportive clients, Greg continues to bloom where Two people from the florist will go to an individual's he was planted in his hometown of Carrollton, Ga. home and decorate for the holidays. If you have an "I see my business still growing," he says. "I want interest in having Greg and his staff decorate your home for Christmas, call well in advance. They book to continue learning and providing the best floral design for all my wonderful customers in Carrollton up quickly for the holiday season. and the surrounding areas." WGW

Planning for the Future

Greg loves working with his clients and serving his community every day. He is a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, and his business also supports various women's civic organizations in the area.

After 13 years as a business owner, he understands there will be challenges, but he knows you have to be determined to push through those challenges with hard work and dedication. "In this type of business, you must know your market, and you must be willing to put in the hours to make your business successful," he relates. "What I like best about my business is I can really let my creative juices flow and be creative every day," he says. "The most difficult part is separating my personal life from my business life, because I'm a people pleaser, to a fault."

To learn more about Greg Hendrix and Mountain Oak Florist and Design, call 770.834.2024 or visit the website at www.mountainoakflorist.com Follow them on Facebook @mountainoakflorist and Instagram @mtnoakflorist 43

Kids Korner

Silly Bookworm Bookmarks

Materials

Paper clips String, various colors Scissors Hot glue gun Googly eyes

Instructions Cut four pieces of string about four inches in length.

Loop each piece of string through the top of the paper clip and tie a knot at the base.

Glue googly eyes to the front of the paperclip.

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By Jordan Dailey Photos by Zachary Dailey

Back-to-School Bus Tissue Holder

Materials

One box of tissues Black, red, yellow and white construction paper School glue stick Scissors Black marker

Instructions

Cut yellow construction paper to cover the length and width of the tissue box.

Glue in place.

Cut six 2-inchby-2-inch strips of white construction paper for the windows. Glue in place – three on each side.

Cut one rectangular strip of white construction paper for the back window. Glue in place.

Cut four circles from the black paper for the tires.

Glue in place.

Cut four smaller circles from the white construction paper for the wheels.

Glue in place in the center of the tires.

Cut two small circles and an octagon from the red construction paper for the brake lights and the stop sign. Glue in place.

Draw smiley faces in the windows and decorate the remainder of the school bus as desired. WGW

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