West Georgia Woman Magazine Issue August 2023

Photo by Zachary Dailey

Presented By

FUTURE OF TALENT

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

7:30AM - 9:00AM

West Georgia Technical College - Murphy Campus

176 Murphy Campus Blvd., Waco, GA 30182

Chris Clark's presentation promises to pro ide attendees with an eye-opening and thoughtpro oking e ploration of the talent shortage currently faced by Georgia. This engaging discussion aims to initiate a dialogue within our community, encouraging positi e changes for the future. The topics co ered during the presentation will include an e amination of degree programs with the best and worst) ROI, an analysis of the demographic challenges confronting hospitals and schools, the urgent need for skilled trade training, and much more.

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Purchase tickets at www.carroll-ga.org or www.haralson.org.

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Featuring Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber President

Each team feature will include a season preview article, schedule, roster, info box, action photos, head shots and more!

Football preview publishes August 2023.

Celebrating Men

We always enjoy publishing our annual "Man Issue" in August each year. It's the one time of year we are able to celebrate the awesome men in our community. I usually have a difficult time choosing our features for this special issue because there are so many amazing men!

Sometimes, when people learn I own a women's magazine, they ask me if I don't like men. Of course I like men! I have a wonderful partner, Dan, a fabulous son, Zachary, and a precious new grandson on the way, Benjamin. There are so many other men I care for and admire as well, including many of our community advertising partners.

When I started West Georgia Woman, I was determined to share positive and uplifting stories of hope and courage about the wonderful women in our community – without disparaging men in the process. And I'm grateful to have the opportunity to feature men on occasion. We all have something wonderful to give, regardless of our gender, and we definitely all have a story to share.

In This Issue

Our feature this month is Dr. Dalton Lemelle, Jr. Dr. Lemelle is a retired 20-year enlisted Air Force veteran who has dedicated his life to service, first through the military, now through the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation, Inc. headquartered in Dallas, Ga.

As a lifelong advocate for learning, he's obtained seven college degrees, in spite of the fact that he graduated high school with a 5th-grade reading comprehension level.

On page 10, learn more about Dr. Lemelle, and his passion for teaching others to learn.

Do you have a hard time convincing the men in your life to go to the doctor when they're sick, or to schedule important annual health screenings? On page 24, learn about the different exams they should be scheduling during all stages of life.

Have you recently lost a spouse or went through a divorce? On page 31, Sandy Bolan shares what you need to know before you dive in the dating pool again.

Staying healthy is more than exercising on a regular basis. Eating right is extremely important for men's health as well – especially after age 50. On page 35, learn about the best foods for men over 50 and how they can keep him healthy and well for years to come.

It's that time again. Time for our third annual West Georgia Women's Extravaganza, a partnership with West Georgia Technical College. This year, our event will be held Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the new WGTC campus located at 500 Technology Pkwy. in Carrollton. Tickets are only $5 if you preregister, and only preregistered guests are guaranteed an exclusive swag bag! We hope to see you there! Check out page 41 for more information and to register. Sponsorships and vendor spots are still available, but they're selling out quickly. Get your vendor booth before it's too late! Booths start at $50.

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.

Take care!

Photo by Zachary Dailey

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.

This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women!

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Let us know! Email your suggestions to features@westgeorgiawoman.com.

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The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the contributing authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine or any employee thereof.

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, Buchanan, 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

Volume 8 • Issue 10 August 2023

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey

angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor

Editorial Contributor Shala Hainer

shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover/ Graphic Design

Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Jordan Dailey and Rose Isaacs

Advertising Sales

Sharon@westgeorgiawoman.com

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.

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

Teaching Others to L.E.A.R.N.

By Shala Hainer

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Dr. Dalton Lemelle, Jr. advocates for lifelong learning

Seeing a problem is easy. Thinking that something should be done about it takes a little more effort. But actually stepping up and pouring time and energy into creating a solution takes a special type of person.

Dr. Dalton Lemelle, Jr. is one of those people. He’s dedicated his life to service, first through the military, now through the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation, Inc. headquartered in Dallas, Ga.

Originally from Opelousas, La., Dalton joined the Air Force as a young man and worked in several positions, including administrator, recruiter, dormitory superintendent and men’s varsity basketball coach.

Each position placed him in the mentor slot with many new airmen, and he began to notice a trend – many of the people he worked with didn’t truly understand the importance of continuously learning, nor how to continue with their educations.

“Back then, and now, I believed individuals do not know how to learn,” says Dalton. “I do not mean the normal meaning of learn; I came up with an acronym for L.E.A.R.N. which is Leadership, Education, Accountability, Respect, Nurture. I believe that my Air Force training and coaching experience led me to the conclusion that if someone masters these five words and follows their meaning, they will become successful people.”

He explains that his military training helped him find his passion for helping others learn how to learn. “Being a part of the best Branch in the Armed Forces and in the World, we constantly strived

Dr. Lemelle is a retired, 20-year Air Force enlisted veteran with seven college degrees, in spite of the fact that he graduated from high school with a 5th-grade reading comprehension level.

Dalton doesn’t just talk the talk – he walks the walk when it comes to education. He knows the power of never giving up on the learning journey.

“As an advocate for lifelong learning, I attained seven college degrees through in-residence and distance learning – four of the degrees were achieved while being in the Air Force,” Dalton remembers. “I accomplished this despite the fact I graduated high school with a 5th-grade reading

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comprehension level. Because of the many barriers that stood in my way, which were removed by a team of people who assisted me through communicating, teaching, tutoring and educating me on how to selfadvocate, I was able to 'Rise Up' and become the advocate for lifelong learning.”

With his firsthand knowledge of how challenging navigating the educational system can be, as well as the obstacles he observed with his military team, Dalton knew he had to be part of the solution.

The L.E.A.R.N. Foundation

In 2000, Dalton was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, working as the men’s varsity basketball team coach. He realized the men on his team didn’t have access to all the tools

they needed to be successful in their military careers, careers after the military and in life overall. He began visualizing an organized group to help give people those tools. “I coached men’s basketball for six years, then retired in 2006,” he says. “The base’s leadership allowed

me the opportunity to travel with the team and play college teams as long as members of my basketball team were excellent at their jobs, enrolled in college taking at least one college course and participated in the different seminars that the base offered. Team members were held accountable to make up any lost time they experienced while playing basketball – they were respectful for the opportunity they were given to play basketball at such a highly competitive level while being in the Air Force. They respected the teams they competed against, and they nurtured the new incoming airmen who arrived in their squadron, and the new players.”

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In 2008, two years after he retired, he was working as the head basketball coach, athletic director and social development director at the Little Rock Job Corps Center, located in Little Rock, Ark. “I took the experiences from coaching and mentoring my military team in North Dakota and applied those same principles to my different positions at the Little Rock Job Corps Center.”

Knowing that those principles worked, when he moved to Georgia, he created a non-profit agency to reach out to the community in 2014: the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation, Inc. Serving people of all age groups from elementary students to elderly citizens, Dalton recruited a team passionate about helping others find success.

“My team and I offer over 100 years of educational experience working in a myriad of academic and educational roles,” he says. “This sets us apart.”

One of the goals of the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation

Dr. Lemelle enjoys coaching basketball in his spare time.

is to serve every person regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background to give them the skills to prepare them to lead a successful life.

“Three principles are expected from individuals that participate in our programs,” Dalton explains. “First, get actively involved within the community by performing community service projects. Second, we set positive examples for peers and become role models or mentors/ success coaches to younger members of the community. Finally, they must use the resources

available to better prepare themselves academically, educationally and socially.

“Our outlook with any individual who enters any of our programs is to prepare each of them for the next 10, 20, 30 or 40 years of their life, not just for the one, two, three or four years they are with us.”

Since its inception, the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation has served over 1,000 families from Paulding, Polk, Carroll, Clayton, Bartow and Floyd counties, through programs such as book, food, toy and clothes giveaways; educational workshops; financial aid assistance and DD-214 form retrieval assistance for veterans. “Having the experience to develop, implement and manage programs from its infancy stages helps ensure that you ensure all the little things are done in an exceptional manner,” he shares. “My favorite part of my work is assisting with changing someone’s life and assisting with their dreams, while eliminating as many barriers as we can so that they can be successful. The beauty is when the person can witness their change. I am grateful to have the opportunity to assist as many people as we can.”

Helping Veterans

A relatively new program with the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation, Veterans Upward Bound receives Department of Education funding to help veterans meet their educational goals at no cost to them. The

Local student, Mauranson Lewis, looks on as Dr. Lemelle restocks the foundation's food pantry.

Serving the West Georgia Community for 95 Years

program assists veterans by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in college, career and life after military service.

Dalton explains that veterans often need additional support when they leave the military. “The mental and physical strain it takes to be the very best person you can be each day for an extended period of time causes a complete wear and tear on the whole body. Also, living in a sheltered environment as we have, causes us to lose sight of what’s needed for survival in the ‘real world’ once we leave our comfort zone.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes challenges veterans face as they readjust to civilian life. Veterans are used to a certain amount of structure to their day, which is often lacking as a civilian, according to the VA.

While in the military, many veterans never had to apply for a job, so trying to do so as a civilian can be an almost insurmountable obstacle. Some struggle to figure out how to find basic necessities that were provided to them in the military, such as housing, as well as services such as dental and healthcare.

In 2016, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation published a study showing some surprising statistics related to veterans. The study

shows 53% of veterans say they have faced at least four months of unemployment after leaving the military, in part because they had trouble deciding on a new career path, they didn’t have the necessary resources to apply, and they didn’t know how to network with hiring managers. Forty-nine percent said they struggled to translate skills learned in the military into civilian job requirements.

Dalton says the Veterans Upward Bound program helps provide much-needed hope for veterans who may feel lost after they leave the military.

“Veterans are constantly being let down by a

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system in place that is not established to consistently assist a veteran with basic needs,” he says. “We have focused on ensuring that we will provide top-notch services to our all of our veterans who seek assistance from Veterans Upward Bound.”

Filling a Gap

After retiring from the Air Force, Dalton noticed a gap not many people were talking about: a lack of men seeking postsecondary education.

Helping young men understand the importance of obtaining a post-secondary education is a vital part of the

Until around 1990, there were more men than women in colleges and universities. Since then, the number of women enrolling in colleges and

universities has begun to far outpace the men. About 60% of all post-secondary students today are women.

The education gap is compounded for Black

L.E.A.R.N. Foundation.

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skills. “These activities reinforce critical topics such as time management, learning styles and study skills to encourage men of color to create relationships that take advantage of campus resources, to become involved and proactive about success, and to navigate barriers that prevent them from getting support,” Dalton explains.

He says working on the book was very different from writing and defending his doctoral dissertation, which was based on a similar topic: the current low retention and graduation rates of Black males at community colleges nationwide.

“The experience was different because not every day I had the opportunity to have a book published by the leading education book publisher in the world,” he shares. “Knowing that the book was located in over 150 colleges around the nation was a feeling words cannot describe.

“The best feeling in the world is when you share your vision with someone and then that person believes in you and sees the results of your vision as clear as you do. This is what happened concerning the idea of creating a ‘How to be Successful’ guide for Black males who are enrolled or going to college. The experience of writing the book was easy

students. While 63% of white males who enter college graduate within six years, only 36% of Black male students graduate in that same timeframe, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Additionally, lower numbers of Black high school graduates enter college: 54% compared with 67% of white high school graduates.

Dalton wanted to be part of that solution. “Since 2008, while I lived in Little Rock, and now Dallas, I have played a vital role in the retention, success, and graduation of Black males or African American males through initiatives programs,” he shares. “Because I have successfully developed, implemented, and managed Male Initiative Programs for different colleges across the nation, I decided that through my L.E.A.R.N. Foundation, we can also have a major impact with partnering with colleges and universities with raising funds to assist with recruiting, retaining and graduating male college students.”

He has years of experience researching the topic of the college gender gap. In 2013, Dalton published The College Experience for Men of Color, addressing pressing issues Black men face during the college experience. In addition to insights from successful students and working professionals, the book includes activities to help readers develop their

Back l to r: Dr. Dalton Lemelle, Jr., wife, Robin, daughter Sierra, son-in-law, Yarlyn Trinidad, son, Deion (a veteran of the US Navy) and mother, Eula Lemelle (front row).

because people believed in me and my colleagues who also played a role in co-authoring the book. I believe the hard part is selling your idea or vision to someone or group. If you can do that, I believe that the fun part is producing the work.”

Finding Balance

While the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation is his brain child, Dalton continues to live a life of service in other ways while making his work/life balance a priority.

He and his wife, Robin, have two grown children. Deion, 31, holds a Masters of Public Policy degree from the Harris School of Public Policy at University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Tuskegee University. A disabled Navy veteran, Deion is the Director of Scheduling for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Sierra, 27, is married and has a beautiful 2-monthold baby daughter. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications, with a concentration in public relations. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Languages and Literature with a concentration in Spanish. Sierra lives in the Dominican Republic, where she served as a Peace Corps volunteer. She is currently an English

• Personalized Student Success Plans

• Academic advising

• Personal counseling

• Career resource workshops

• Providing resources to individuals teaching them how to count money

• Information on postsecondary education opportunities

• Student financial resource assistance

• Assistance in completing applications for college admissions

• Assistance with financial aid submission/completion

• Coordination with nearby postsecondary institutions

• Tutoring (traditional/virtual)

• Success coaching

• Graduation success coaching

• Aptitude assessments

• Mental and social wellness workshops

• Education/counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students

• Guidance on and assistance in secondary school reentry, alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts, entry into general educational development programs or postsecondary education

• Programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for individuals who are limited English proficient, individuals with disabilities, individuals who are homeless children and youths, individuals who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system or other disconnected students

Services offered by the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation

instructor, teaching and tutoring elementary students.

Dalton’s day job is with Kennesaw State University, where he serves as the TRIO Programs director. He manages two Upward Bound Programs and one Upward Bound Math Science Program,

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities

Throughout the year, the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation hosts food, clothing, book and toy drives. For these drives, they seek donations and offer volunteer opportunities.

For volunteer opportunities, subscribe to their mailing list at www.learnfoundationinc.org. Donations are accepted through the website as well.

They are developing a food pantry and clothing closet at their main office for the people they serve –donations can be dropped off at:

168 N Johnston St, Suite 103

Dallas, Ga 30132

Future plans include offering more initiatives such as a community garden, a mental health and wellness initiative for veterans, and a mentorship program with veterans and students.

which reach 180 high school students in Paulding and Polk counties.

“Our programs provide qualifying students with no-cost state-of-theart services designed to assist them to achieve successful completion of high school graduation, entry into college, the workplace, college

graduation and beyond,” he explains. “We utilize our platform to help students overcome all the barriers preventing their success.”

In 2016, Dalton wrote grant proposals to fund the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science Programs at KSU.

“I was blessed with the opportunity of implementing each KSU program from scratch,” he says.

“Each program has been extremely successful –each program was re-awarded for a second cycle, 2022 through 2027.”

Dr. Lemelle's day job is with Kennesaw State University, where he serves as the TRIO Programs director. He manages two Upward Bound Programs and one Upward Bound Math Science Program, which reach 180 high school students in Paulding and Polk counties.

With the growth of the TRIO programs and the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation, Dalton credits his staff as well as the discipline he learned in the military with his ability to juggle multiple projects successfully. “I am able to balance my KSU Programs and L.E.A.R.N. Foundation programs because both are my vision,” he related. “My Air Force background and training makes it very sustainable to successfully implement and manage five different programs and still coach a men’s basketball team as a hobby while maintaining a strong work/life balance. I have the best staff around. My staff have that burning passion as well. Bottom line, my passion is helping as many people as I can.” WGW

THINGS HE SHOULD DISCUSS WITH HIS DOCTOR

By Sandra Bolan

When men finally do get face-to-face with their doctor, they don't always share the truth, or they withhold information, according to health research expert John Elflein. Nearly half of the men surveyed reported fear of embarrassment for the reason they didn't tell the truth about their health.

“Men (want) to see themselves as forever strong and capable of handling anything. They see going to the doctor as a weakness,” says Dr. Tisha Rowe, founder of the telemedicine network RoweDocs. She calls this the superhero syndrome. Personal and cultural definitions of masculinity may also play into men’s avoidance of the doctor’s office.

When men finally do see a doctor, the No. 1 question they ask is, "Do I have to have a prostate exam?"

The answer is – it depends. Annual screening in the form of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam doesn’t need to start until men hit their 50s, according to the American Urological Association.

However, annual screening for African American men should start at age 40 because they are 1.6 times more likely to get prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die from it, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. ypically, men would rather clean toilets with a toothbrush than go to the doctor, but their lives could depend on going to those important annual health screenings.

Men are much less likely than women to make those life saving appointments, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Fifty-five percent of the men surveyed had not had a physical exam in the previous year, yet 40 percent of them had at least one chronic condition. Nearly one-fifth of the men who were 55 or older said they had never had a colon cancer screening, and close to 30 percent said they will wait longer than necessary to seek medical attention when they are in pain or sick.

One way to get the men in your life – husband, father, brother, son – to the doctor on a regular basis is to go with him. But stay in the waiting room while he visits with the doctor – he may be too embarrassed to discuss his medical issues in front of you. He should bring a list of questions or concerns with him so he doesn't forget anything important.

It’s also a good idea to write down his family’s medical history – who has heart disease, cancer or diabetes and who has had strokes, for example.

The Next Generation of West Georgia Women

J. Collins, with his daughter, J.J.

Another popular question is, "Do I need a colonoscopy?"

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the CDC.

Colonoscopies can detect any dangerous polyps and can help you stop the cancer before it even begins. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colon cancer begin regular screening at age 45.

Health Screenings at Every Age

20s. He should everything checked – height, weight, BMI, vision, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Getting checkups at this age is about establishing his baseline numbers. He should also schedule twice-annual dental checkups and an annual skin checkup with a dermatologist. HIV and STD testing may also be needed if he's sexually active or engages in high-risk encounters.

Just as women need to do self-breast exams, men should also self-check their southern bits once a month for testicular cancer. Most often, the first symptom of testicular cancer is a lump on the testicle, or the testicle becomes swollen or larger, according to the American Cancer Society. (It’s normal for one testicle to be slightly larger than the other, and for one to hang lower than the other.) Some testicular tumors might cause pain, but most of the time they don't. Men with testicular cancer can also have a feeling of heaviness or aching in the lower belly or scrotum.

This is also the time to have a mental health check up.

30s. Unless he's had a major medical crisis or undergone massive lifestyle changes that have upped his stress levels and weight on the scale, there are not many changes this decade in terms of annual screenings.

40s. This is when family history comes into play. If there is a history of colon or prostate cancer in the family, this is when he needs to begin screening for those, potentially every five years. People at average risk of colon cancer should begin regular screening at age 45. Those screenings are typically one every 10 years.

A blood glucose check should be done, especially if his BMI is over 25.

50s. Prostate exams need to be scheduled each year, as well as blood pressure and lipid tests. This is the time in a man’s life when fatigue sets in and the libido can slow down, therefore testosterone levels

should be checked, along with nutrient deficiencies. But if you eat a well-balanced diet, the latter can likely be skipped. It is also at this time when years of fun in the sun may start to show. Melanoma is more common in men vs. women over the age of 50, according to the Academy of Dermatology.

60s and up. The annual check up stays pretty much the same now, with a few additional tests. You should now have semi-regular screenings for Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as over-all mental health check-ins. “After worrying about deadlines and the toils of everyday life for years, many older men just sit around getting stressed out even though they’re retired and living in a beach house,” says Fletcher.

Although osteoporosis is thought of as a women’s disease, the National Osteoporosis Foundation says men are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than get prostate cancer.

Roughly 80,000 men break a hip annually and they are more likely than women to die within a year due to complications related to that break.

At all ages, vaccines should be updated, regular dental checkups and skin checks should be done on a regular basis depending on what his primary care doctor recommends. WGW

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. 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 photo by Zachary Dailey. Recipe photos by Agresta Photography

agrestaphotography.com

@agrestaphotography

Sweet Tea Brined Chicken

Ingredients

4 cups water

4 black tea bags

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup kosher salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Zest from one lemon

2 cups ice cubes

1 chicken, quartered

2 tablespoons all purpose seasoning

Preparation

In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and stir in the sugar, lemon zest, pepper and kosher salt until they dissolve completely.

Add the ice cubes to the brine mixture and stir until they melt and cool down the mixture. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.

Pour the sweet tea brine over the chicken, making sure it covers the chicken completely.

Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate the chicken in the brine for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.

When ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.

Season with all purpose seasoning. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

Serves 4

" Perfect for tailgates or barbecues by the pool! "

Chocolate Coconut Hummus

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup coconut milk

Pinch of salt

Optional toppings: chocolate chips, sliced strawberries, shredded coconut

Preparation

Place the chickpeas, cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, coconut milk and salt in a food processor.

Process the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more coconut milk.

Taste the chocolate hummus and adjust the sweetness or cocoa flavor according to your preference.

Transfer the chocolate hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with optional toppings if desired.

Serve the chocolate hummus with sliced fruit, pretzels, graham crackers or any other dippable snacks.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Serves 4 to 6 WGW

" Makes a perfect and healthy addition to kids' lunches. "

By Sandra Bolan

The death of a spouse is rated as the most stressful life event we can experience, with a score of 100 points, according to the Holmes & Rahe scale of major life stressors. Divorce comes in second with 73 points. Needless to say, how you choose to grieve the death of your spouse and how long it takes for you to “move on” is completely unique to you.

When it comes to dating, everyone will have an opinion. Your in-laws may never want you to date again, while your friends might try to get you out there within a few months because they think you need companionship.

Dating After Death

Before you dive back into the dating pool, start by rejoining your social groups or find new ones with people who didn't know you as a couple. Try new things, especially ones you felt you couldn’t do as a married person – long-term travel or skydiving, for example. When deciding if you’re ready to date, ask yourself if you need or want companionship from a romantic partner or do you just want sex? There’s no wrong answer, as long as you know what you want. These are the exact same reasons single/never married people date, so why can’t they be the same for you?

Your last first date may have been decades ago, and it ended in marriage. It’s possible to find another

person to love, but don’t expect it to be the same as it was with your deceased partner. Allow yourself to find a uniquely new relationship with someone else.

Those first few dates may have you filled with guilt because you feel like you’re cheating, even if before your spouse’s death he told you to find someone new. This is normal. A new love doesn’t mean you’re dishonoring the memory of your former spouse. Where it becomes a problem is if you constantly talk about him and compare your dates to him.

It’s OK to talk about your deceased husband, but if that’s all you talk about, your date will start to feel like he is playing second-fiddle to a ghost. It also may mean you’re not ready to move on. Initially, it may be easier to date a widower who has been where you are and knows what you're going through.

Dating After Divorce

Unlike dating after the death of a partner, dating post-divorce may have more landmines to maneuver, such as if you have young children, potential trust issues or are recovering from emotional or physical abuse. Divorce still needs to be grieved, whether it was sudden or you saw it coming. There’s no timeline for when it will suddenly be OK to re-enter the dating world, but research indicates it takes one to two years for a divorced person to let go of their partner and successfully date again. The length of time, however, is not as important as what you do during that time, such as mourning the loss, selfreflecting, figuring out what your role was that led to the relationship’s demise and determining what you want from a new partner.

Dating while still in the process of getting divorced is not advised by experts because you’re emotionally and psychologically multitasking, which could impede your healing. When you re-enter the dating world, it will be just as awkward as it was in your teens and 20s. Don’t go in looking for a new partner. Date several people, especially ones who don’t fit your typical type. By venturing out of your comfort zone and casting a wider net, you’ll be

more capable of figuring out what you’re willing to tolerate in another person and what are now deal breakers.

Children

If there are children involved, when and who you date becomes even more complex. Don’t introduce him to your children too soon. Experts suggest waiting at least six months because you want to know this person will be around for the long haul. It can become emotionally confusing to a young child for another adult to come into their world only to one day disappear.

When a new partner is introduced to your children, be prepared for an ice-cold to lukewarm reception. There may even be some jealousy. Talk to your children about their feelings and if they can’t be overcome, you may need to consider ending the relationship.

Moving on with a new partner after death or a divorce is not easy, and every one of your friends and family members will most likely be happy to share their opinions with you. Listen to and consider them, but ultimately it's up to you to decide what’s best for you once you get back out there. WGW

Welcoming Dr. Rachel Harper to Widener Family Dentistry

UGA & DCG Alumni

Hinman Scholar

Inducted into OKU & the National Dental Honor Society

Certified Solea laser dentist to help provide the highest quality of dental care

Dr. Harper is married to Dr. Chris Harper. they enjoy raising corgi puppies and quarter horses on their small farm

Providing Leading Edge Dentistry

Solea Laser Dentistry

90% of Fillings with no shot or drill 3D Digital Imaging

Crowns, Veneers, and all Aesthetic

Makeovers designed by both Doctors in house

Digital 3D printed splints & Dentures

Same day placement and restoration of implants

Now Serving West GA in Two Locations

• Carrollton 110 Executive Dr, Carrollton, GA (770) 834-4847

• Bowdon

106 Sue Avenue, Bowdon, GA (770) 628-5557

Best Foods for Men Over 50

By Sandra Bolan

Making it to the age of 50 is a milestone that most definitely deserves a big party.

But it also seems to be the magical age where every medical risk – high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and cancer goes up exponentially.

The “normal” part of aging also includes a slowdown in metabolism. Women know all too well about this. But men don’t get off the hook so easily with this one because their metabolism also takes a downward spiral.

There are many medications that can help reduce this, bump that up and level something else out, but the food we eat is the best medicine for all of those “old age” ailments. So, make the most of those reduced calories by eating foods that contribute to a healthy mind and body.

This is, unfortunately, when we have to finally admit to ourselves that we can no longer eat like our 20-year-old selves did.

So, skip the processed meats (cold cuts, sausages and yes, bacon), as well as deep-fried everything and opt for more foods in their natural/unprocessed state. It doesn’t mean you have to eat so-called "rabbit food" – salads and other raw veggies. But if the packaged food you’re about to put into your grocery cart has a list of ingredients as long as your arm, leave it on the shelf.

There are some healthy pre-packaged foods such as rice, pasta, beans, bread, oats and cereal, although Coco Puffs should not be a part of your regular diet. When buying these items, choose the whole wheat, whole grain versions as they’re higher

in fiber. They’ll make you feel fuller longer and take longer to digest.

Fiber

Men over the age of 50 require 30 grams of fiber a day, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Choosing brown rice over white will up your fiber intake, but it may also help reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes because the fiber helps ward off surges of hunger and spikes in blood sugar.

Oats are another high fiber source – 7.5 grams per cup. Eating just one cup of cooked oatmeal two to four times a week resulted in a 16 percent reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to the American Journal of Public Health.

Protein

Quinoa is another food you should add to your list. It’s a slow-burning complex carbohydrate that is also high in protein, lysine and magnesium. If you’re still hitting the gym or even new to working out, a bowl of quinoa post-workout will do the body good because it aids in muscle and tissue repair.

Another great source of protein is still meat, but you’ve really got to think about the type of meat you consume. Leaner is better.

If you love beef, ensure the cows were grassfed. “Grass-fed beef has the holy trifecta of muscle building: it’s the No. 1 food source of creatine, which increases muscle mass by speeding protein to muscles; it’s rich in CLA, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid and it provides more than one-half the recommended daily intake of protein in a four-ounce serving,”

according to Eat This, Not That (ETNT).

Pork is also another healthy choice, as long as it’s a pork tenderloin – it’s as lean as a skinless chicken breast. A threeounce pork tenderloin has less than

three grams of fat and 120 calories.

You see that guy at the gym who looks to be in his early 30s but is well over 50? Ask him what he eats in order to stay so ripped. Most likely, part of his diet includes eggs. Each little sphere has about seven grams of protein, which can help slow down an aging man’s muscle loss. One egg is also roughly 70 calories. Eggs also contain lutein, which may reduce the risk of macular degeneration that can lead to blindness.

One more good thing about eggs: just one contains about 15 percent of the daily recommended amount of riboflavin, which is a B vitamin that can convert food into fuel. Eggs have also been shown to aid in fat loss.

Healthy Fats Do Exist

If you like fish, good. Keep eating it because fish is high in omega-3 and is a source of healthy fat. Foods with healthy fats include wild salmon, mackerel, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, almonds, walnuts and avocados.

Eating healthy fats has also been shown to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke and lower the bad LDL cholesterol while raising the good HDL. Healthy fats may also lower blood pressure.

Along with the above-mentioned foods, other heart-healthy eats include beans and legumes (lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts). Eating legumes at least four times a week resulted in a 22 percent reduction in heart disease, according to a Harvard cohort study.

Consuming beans on a daily basis may also reduce bad cholesterol by 5 percent, says the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Tomatoes and Cancer

Cancer is not picky about the age or gender of its host. But men over 50

are at particular risk for prostate cancer.

Tomatoes may just be cancer’s kryptonite. Men who ate more than 10 tomatoes a week reduced their risk of developing prostate cancer by 18 percent, according to a study published in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, an antioxidant that fights off toxins that can cause DNA and cell damage. Lycopene can also be found in other pink or red foods such as watermelon, pink grapefruit, cabbage, papaya and sweet red peppers.

Other cancer-fighting foods include cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. They all contain tumor-blocking compounds and antioxidants that may slow the reproduction of cancer cells.

Men Get Brittle Bones, Too

Believe it or not, women are not the only ones susceptible to osteoporosis as they age. Between 4 and 6 percent of men over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, while 33 to 47 percent have osteopenia or soft bones, according to American Family Physician.

To help keep older bones strong, up your intake of calcium to 1,000 mg/day and your vitamin D to 15 mcg/day, says American Bone Health.

A glass of milk is not the only way to get your calcium. Other foods that can help you get your daily recommended amount – about three servings – include low-fat and fat-free dairy products as well as fruit juices (not fruit drinks). Low-fat dairy sources also have a second benefit. They can be helpful in staving off gout, which is a form of arthritis marked by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Gout causes joint pain and could increase the risk of kidney stones.

Don’t forget about your leafy greens like kale, mustard greens, swiss chard, romaine lettuce and spinach, as they’re also good sources of calcium.

Heart-healthy Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that is an essential part of a heart-healthy diet. Potassium-rich foods lowers blood pressure and helps combat the negative effects of sodium in your diet. It's recommended that men consume about 3,400 milligrams of potassium every day.

Potassium-rich foods include raisins, dates, oranges, tomatoes, greens, mushrooms, peas, halibut, tuna, low-fat milk and yogurt. WGW

LocaL Happenings

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group

This group meets the third Thursday of each month from 11:00 to noon 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.

Carrollton Kiwanis Club

8th Annual Bob Reeves Memorial 5K

Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 9 a.m. at Hobbs Farm Greenbelt Trailhead in Carrollton. $35 after 9/16 and on the day of the race (No t-shirts available on registration day).

Register at www.runsignup.com.

Carroll County BOE Sets Tentative Millage Rate

At a July 26 called meeting, the Carroll County Board of Education voted to set the tentative millage rate at the current rate of 17.5 mills. This tentative rate will allow the board to further examine district needs and garner taxpayer input at three public meetings before setting a final millage rate for 2023.

Maintaining this same millage rate would result in more property tax revenue due to an increase in property values, as shown in recent assessment

notices sent by the Carroll County Board of Tax Assessors. Public hearings are required any time more property tax revenue will be collected over the previous year due to property reassessments.

This tentative millage rate will be finalized at the August 21 monthly board meeting.

Southwire to Open Customer Service Center in Dallas-Fort Worth Area

In support of its long-term modernization strategy and in an effort to continuously improve customer experience, Southwire will open a new Customer Service Center (CSC) in the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), Texas area next year.

The nearly 1.2 million square foot facility will distribute products for the full suite of Southwire solutions, including business segments such as Commercial, Residential, Utility, Industrial and Tools, Components and Assembled Solutions (TCAS).

“At Southwire, we’re investing more than a billion dollars into modernization, integrating newer and better equipment, systems and technology into our operations to increase efficiency, enhance competitiveness and ensure the capability and capacity to support our strategic growth,” said Southwire’s President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Stinson. “We’re committed to providing industry-leading customer service and being an employer of choice, and this customer service center is a testament to those efforts.”

For more than 70 years, Southwire has been delivering power responsibly to customers throughout the world. A leader in the multi-billiondollar North American market, the company is enhancing its proven legacy, trusted reputation and longstanding, disciplined financial management by building upon its strengths to attain sustainable, strategic growth.

“This CSC will take Southwire’s customer service to a new level,” said Norman Adkins, chief operating officer. “A modern, automated facility in the center of the United States will provide world-class fill rates and on-time in-full deliveries for our customers. We look forward to the growth opportunities that this facility will bring to our company.”

The CSC is expected to employ 250 team members and will be comfort cooled, enhancing the team member experience. The facility will also

offer modernized storage solutions and automated material handling.

“We’re pleased to welcome Southwire to Fort Worth,” said Mattie Parker, Mayor of Fort Worth. “Southwire provides power responsibly to customers around the world, and now they can modernize their operations with new, state-of-the-art technology at their Customer Service Center at AllianceTexas. Southwire joins more than 560 companies that have already enjoyed long-term growth inside the modern-day, Texas-sized success story that is AllianceTexas.”

The investment will effectively streamline Southwire’s entire product offering to the Southwest and Midwest U.S. and emphasize the company’s commitment to customer service.

“We’re excited to open a new CSC in the DallasFort Worth area and build on our commitment to deliver best-in-class service to our customers. At this facility, we will distribute products for the full suite of Southwire solutions and offer customized service plans that will further differentiate Southwire,” said Aaron Asher, senior vice president of distribution, transportation and materials management.

The facility is currently under construction at Hillwood’s Alliance Westport 25, 14800 Blue Mound Rd., Fort Worth, Texas, 76177 and is expected to be complete by the second quarter of 2024.

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 many important electrical markets. 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, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions, and the company provides a variety of field and support services to customers around the world. For more information about Southwire’s products, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com.

Art Takeover Returns to Downtown Carrollton

Art Takeover returns on August 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Carrollton at Adamson Square. This event will bring local artists and creators, live music by Kelley Warner and hand-crafted specialty beverages to downtown Carrollton.

Organizers of the event invite the public to check out local creators’ works while exploring the

shops and galleries downtown. Attendees can sip and dine from downtown eateries and enjoy art demonstrations and live music.

“Art Takeover is a fun way to showcase all the things people love about Carrollton,” said Downtown Coordinator Alyson Moffit. “Artists, local musicians and great food are all part of what makes our downtown unique and vibrant.”

Participating downtown eateries will offer specialty beverages during the event.

More information and updates can be found at www.carrolltonga.com/annualevents.

Center for the Arts Announces New Season

The Carrollton Center for the Arts’ 2023-2024 season celebrates the center’s pivotal role in Carrollton’s arts world with performances, exhibits and special events.

“We have a great season this year,” said Center for the Arts Manager Tim Chapman. “We have four different types of season ticket packages to appeal to a variety of different patrons, but all with affordable pricing.”

Several acts will perform on the main stage this season, including award-winning male chorus Chanticleer, October 6; Statler Brothers' sons and country duo Wilson-Fairchild, November 4; Carpenters tribute Top of the World, January 20 and Irish tenor Emmet Cahill, March 21.

The new season will feature three Carroll County Community Theatre productions: Frankenstein 1930, September 14-17; Last Night of Ballyhoo, December 1-3 and Something Rotten, March 8-10 and 15-17.

The Carroll County Community Chorus will

Art Takeover returns on August 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Adamson Square in Downtown Carrollton.

present Christmas in Carrollton, December 8-9 and Somebody to Love, April 12.

The Carrollton Jazz Orchestra returns with their Fall Concert, November 9; Christmas with the CJO Concert, December 14 and Spring Concert, April 20.

The Carrollton Wind Ensemble will perform an original score to accompany the 1925 silent film Phantom of the Opera, October 19-20; their Christmas Concert, December 12 and Bon Voyage Concerto, May 3 as the group prepares for its Italian tour.

The Carroll Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Masterworks Concert will be performed February 9.

Several puppet-related shows will be a part of the center’s season, including: Grasshopper Tea and The Basement of Wonder, August 19; Carrollton Puppetry Theatre: A Christmas Carol, December 7-9; Paperhand Puppet Intervention’s directors Donovan Zimmerman and Jan Burger use assorted junk to create giant puppets, masks, shadow plays and spectacle performances, January 18 and Tanglewood Marionettes: Hansel & Gretel and An Arabian Adventure, June 25-28.

The beloved Christmas classic, Nutcracker Ballet, returns to the center, November 17-19.

A variety of exhibitions are coming to the center’s Roush Gallery and Galleria, including: Outlets featuring UWG student artists, August 17 - September 21; Potential Space: A Serious Look at Child’s Play, photos by Nancy Richards Farese, August 31 - October 16; Season’s Greetings Card Competition and Exhibition, November 2-December 14; School Arts, featuring local high school students’ work, October 2-26; painter Curtis Bartone’s Out of Disorder, October 26 - December 1; mixed media artist Sarah Swanson’s From This Mad Passion exhibition, January 4 - February 12; Kiwanis High School Art and Music Showcase, January 22 - February 25; wood artist Jonathan Levi Rutherford’s Space in Time, February 22April 1; AP and IB Students Exhibition, featuring works by high school students pursuing Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate art programs, March 4-16; Art Takeover UWG Juried Student Exhibition, March 21 - April 11; Art Swap with Gadsden Museum of Art, April 18 - May 30 and FABRICated: Works by Virginia Derryberry and Marcia Goldenstein, May 30 - July 8.

The Carrollton Artist Guild’s Small Packages show, featuring works that fit within a cubic foot of space and a selection of the Carrollton Writers’ Guild members’ work, returns, November 2 - December 14. The guild’s Musing on the Masters: Carrollton

Artist Guild Juried Exhibition will be displayed April 11 - May 20.

The Arts Festival of Carrollton will once again welcome more than 70 visual artists from across the United States, October 14-15.

A luncheon with author Nancy Richards Farese, September 1 joins the Susan Hayward tribute film, I’d Climb The Highest Mountain, January 7 on the center’s special events calendar.

The Center for the Arts suggests patrons purchase season tickets, which saves 20 percent off the face value of tickets and guarantees seats to sold-out performances and concerts.

Season tickets can be ordered by phone at (770) 838-1083, purchased in person at the Center for the Arts at 251 Alabama Street, or online at www.carrolltonarts.com.

Current season ticket holders can renew, now through July 21. New season tickets sales began July 24 and end August 18. Individual event ticket sales begin August 19. Center for the Arts membership packages can also be purchased. For questions concerning the Carrollton Center for the Arts, please call the center’s box office at (770) 838-1083.

I am PREPARED. I am WEST.

Last Night Market of Summer at Lake Carroll

Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Station, conference rooms 1-4.

Register: https://ugasbdc.training/uwg/0394-001

For more information, contact Jennie Blandenburg at jdodd@georgiasbdc.org or call 678.839.5082.

Annual Safety Summit Connects Schools, First Responders

The City of Carrollton’s Night Market returns to the shores of Lake Carroll for the last time this summer with live music, local vendors, food trucks, brews and other activities Friday, August 4.

The park features three pavilions, picnic tables made of recycled materials, smoker grills and a playground. It is located on North Lakeshore Drive, adjacent to the public docks area, near the dam. A second phase of the park’s expansion is under construction and will include an enlarged boat ramp, wooden boardwalk, fishing platforms, event pavilion and shoreline retaining walls.

Night Market will run from 6 to 9 p.m. The Porch Band will perform throughout the evening.

The August event is the third of three Night Market events this summer. Each has drawn big crowds and showcased a wide variety of vendors, musicians and food.

For a list of Night Market vendors, go to www.carrolltonga.com/nightmarket.

UWG SBDC Hosts Women's Business Summit 2023

Are you ready for the tools to get your business off the launching pad? Have you been waiting for the right time to set achievable goals? Is your business growing more rapidly day by day, and you need a refreshed strategic plan?

It is time to build your business toolkit with the essentials for success.

Come learn from a diverse group of women business leaders, on topics that will leave you ready to tackle the goals ahead of you.

Tips and tricks for women business owners and door prizes offered throughout the day.

Cost: $99 Get a 25% off early bird discount.

Carroll County Schools held its 11th annual Safety Summit Friday, July 21. School Safety Teams along with first responders from local public safety and health agencies reviewed emergency plans and discussed safety measures in preparation for the new school year. Teams from each school collaborated with first responders in tabletop exercises that forced them to think through their preparation and reaction to specific emergency and crisis situations.

Carroll County School System is a leader in safety and was the first school system in Georgia to implement an annual safety summit.

Over the past year, the district invested $330,000 to install a new cloud-based camera system on the bus fleet, allowing administrators to capture video footage in real time. The district spent another $100,000 updating and replacing video cameras, access control points and master stations across the district.

Through partnerships with Carroll County Sheriff's Office, Whitesburg Police Department, Villa Rica Police Department and Mt. Zion Police Department, Carroll County Schools provided a total of 12 resource officers across the district, including an additional officer at Central High during the 22-23 school year.

Beginning this fall, the district will work with individual schools to utilize $50,000 of state funds per school to address additional safety concerns.

“We greatly appreciate the support of our local emergency management, law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel and Tanner Health System,” Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Support Services Terry Jones said. “Safety and security is a team effort that takes all resources working together. The Safety Summit provides us with a great opportunity to align our efforts through communication and collaboration to keep the health and safety of our students and staff as our top priority.” WGW

The City of Carrollton's Night Market returns Aug. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lake Carroll.

Kids Korner

Wishing Wand

By Jordan Dailey

Instructions

Make the magic wand frame with the popsicle sticks and hot glue in your desired shape.

Cut the plastic wrap to match the shape of the wand. Do this twice to have a front and back.

Materials

Plastic wrap

Popsicle Sticks

Tissue Paper

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scissors

Take your desired color tissue paper and tear into enough small pieces to fill the inside of the magic wand. Glue the plastic wrap to the front and the back of the wand, leaving a hole to stuff the shredded tissue paper into. Stuff the wand with the shredded tissue paper. Seal the hole with glue.

Craft photos by Zachary Dailey

Tin Man Art

Materials

1 empty mint can

4 pipe cleaners

Buttons

Paint and paint brush

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

A Special Resting

Instructions

Paint the mint can whatever color you desire. and allow to dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Make the legs and arms out of the pipe cleaners and insert the pipe cleaners into the desired amount of buttons. Glue the arms and legs to the painted mint can.

Glue miscellaneous buttons to the body to create your own work of art! WGW

Place

For Natural Burials and Ashes Among Towering Trees, Rolling Streams, Hills and Meadows

Come see why so many are choosing this beautiful, affordable and peaceful setting to celebrate and remember a life passed.

Back-to-School Word Search

Word Bank

School Bus

Teacher

Books

Pencil

Ruler

Calculator

Apple

Backpack

Notebook

Classroom

Library

Lockers

Homework

Eraser

Report Card

Principal

Get an Exam Room Faster with ‘On My Way’

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Use ‘On My Way’ in your Tanner MyChart app to spend less time in a waiting room at Tanner Urgent Care locations. With On My Way, you “reserve” your spot, putting you into Tanner Urgent Care’s patient flow even before you arrive.

How It Works

Select “Menu,” then “Find Urgent Care.”

Choose your Tanner Urgent Care location.

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Check in with the front desk when you arrive.