West Georgia Woman Magazine December 2019

Woman

Complimentary

December 2019

West Georgia

TM

Dr. Kathryn Melton

Fun Winter Dates that Won't Break the Bank

Angel on Earth

Champagne Entertaining on a Boxed-Wine Budget

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What’s inside ...

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Angel on Earth

27

Fun Winter Dates that Won't Break the Bank

20

Chasing Happiness

33

Champagne Entertaining on a Boxed-Wine Budget

26

Cops, Kids and Christmas

40

12 Ways of Christmas Giving

In Every Issue:

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30

Daily Fare

37

Local Happenings

36

Womentality

44

Kids Korner

Here Come The Holidays!

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Christmas is Around the Corner Are you ready for Christmas? I'm ready to take a much needed break from work and spend quality time with friends and family. There is always something magical in the air this time of year, and I love taking time to relax, recharge and spend time with my family and friends. I hope you will take some time to take care of yourself this holiday season, too!

Please don't forget to pick up our 2019 Holiday Guide and use the coupons from our community partners included inside. If you don't have a print copy, you can view our beautiful Holiday Guide online at www.westgeorgiawoman.com. You can also download the coupon page from our Facebook or Instagram pages @WestGaWoman. While you're there, follow us!

In This Issue Our cover feature this month is Rockmart, Ga., resident, Dr. Kathryn Melton. Twenty-two years ago, Kathy was a counselor who owned her own practice specializing in domestic violence, sexual abuse, recovery and anxiety disorders. In addition to helping a close family member who was abused, she had multiple clients who were victims of Photo by Keith May domestic violence.

As Kathy delved deeper into the issue of domestic violence, she realized there was nowhere in Paulding County for women and children to go to for help to escape their frightening and potentially life-threatening situations. Starting with $1,700 from just one community fundraiser, Kathy founded Shepherd’s Rest Ministries in Dallas. Shepherd's Rest is a faith-based, nonprofit, family violence crisis center providing shelter and services to women and children who have been displaced from their homes due to domestic violence.

She now serves as executive director of the organization.

Celebrating its twenty-second anniversary this month, Shepherd's Rest has provided emergency shelter to over 3,000 battered women and children and has provided legal advocacy to 5,500 victims of domestic violence.

Kathy is an extraordinary woman with a kind heart and a passion for serving others. Read more about this angel on earth and how she's helping battered women start again on page 10.

Do you feel as if you are always chasing happiness? Cheryl Francis gives some advice on things you can do to create lasting happiness on page 20.

On page 26, we share information about the Carroll County Fraternal Order of Police "Cops, Kids and Christmas" program and how you can help brighten a child's holidays this year.

Check out our fun winter date ideas that won't break the bank on page 27 and on page 33, Shala Hainer tells us how to champagne entertain on a boxed-wine budget.

Thank you for reading West Georgia Woman magazine! I sincerely wish all of you peace and joy this Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Publisher

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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!

Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

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We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: (404) 502-0251 Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com

Woman

Volume 5 • Issue 2 December 2019

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West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2019. 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. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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West Georgia

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

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Charlene Brooks, Janet Flanigan, Cheryl Francis, LPC and Rose Isaacs

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Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com Angela Brooks Dailey, owner and publisher of West Georgia Woman magazine, has lived in West Georgia most of her life and has a deep love and appreciation for the area.

She received her B.B.A in management from The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga., and is a Civil and Domestic Relations mediator and arbitrator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. She lives in Carrollton, and has two wonderful children, Zachary and Sydney Dailey.

Angela enjoys reading, spending time with her children and extended family and loves to watch Sydney play soccer.

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Angel on Earth

By Janet Flanigan 10 by Zachary Dailey Photos

Dr. Kathryn Melton and Shepherd's Rest Ministries Faithfully Serve Women and Children in Crisis

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T

here are times when a person seeks out a specific career path, and there are times when their career chooses them. This happened to Dr. Kathryn (Kathy) Melton in 1997 when she realized a great need in her community.

Starting with funds from just one community fundraiser, Kathy founded Shepherd’s Rest Ministries in Dallas, Ga. Shepherd's Rest is a faith-based, nonprofit, family violence crisis center providing shelter and services to women and children who have been displaced from their homes due to domestic violence. She now serves as executive director of the organization.

Celebrating its twenty-second anniversary this month, Shepherd's Rest has provided emergency shelter to over 3,000 battered women and children and has provided legal advocacy to 5,500 victims of domestic violence.

Hitting Close to Home Although she initially had other plans, Kathy recognized her purpose in life early in her career because of a very personal reason: she had a close family member who was a victim of domestic violence.

“My core driver for my career choice was the

Expert Experience

The difference between finding a

house and a home.

violence my family member suffered,” she shares.

“Interestingly, we never really talked about it.” Now, through her work at Shepherd's Rest, Kathy offers women the opportunity to talk about the crimes committed against them so they can successfully reclaim their lives.

“Originally, I had plans to become an attorney," she relates. Instead of entering into law, she felt led to have a more personal relationship with women who were victims of domestic violence and earned her doctorate in counseling and family practice.

"Now, while I am not a lawyer, I often find myself in the courts advocating for victims," she says.

In 1992, she founded her private practice, Dallas Family Counseling Center. Kathy focused on individual, group and family counseling.

She specialized in issues of domestic violence, sexual abuse, recovery and anxiety disorder while concentrating on healing and restoration.

In addition to helping her family member through her situation, she had multiple clients who were victims of domestic violence.

As Kathy delved deeper into the issue, she realized there was nowhere in Paulding County for women and children to go to for help to escape their frightening and potentially life-threatening situations.

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Starting with funds from just one community fundraiser, Dr. Kathryn Melton founded Shepherd’s Rest Ministries in Dallas, Ga. Shepherd's Rest is a faith-based, nonprofit, family violence crisis center providing shelter and services to women and children who have been displaced from their homes due to domestic violence. She now serves as executive director of the organization.

The Categories of Abuse Kathy says there are three categories that take place in the cycle of domestic abuse. The first is what is called a category-one batterer. “In a category-one situation, it is the first time and a single episode of violence,” she says.“The man has no history of violence, is very remorseful and is driven to find help so the behavior isn’t repeated.”

The violence is not necessarily committed against the woman. It may be directed toward objects, such as punching walls, throwing items or breaking things with the intention of scaring the woman with the insinuation being, “You are next."

A category two-batterer, if not held accountable for his actions, will repeat the abuse and the behavior will escalate over time. The batterer will intimidate his victims and may even blame the woman for his behavior.

It is common for him to say things such as, “It's your fault I did that,” or, “Why did you make me do that to you?”

A category-three batterer is a serial abuser. “He feels compelled to abuse and batter his victims,” she explains. “But we have found that if we can get to individuals early on, they can learn to control their anger and violence. We put so much emphasis and money into the ‘end of things.’ If we put more energy toward the front end, working with people before things escalate and teaching batterers to take responsibility, then this will better serve the victims, abusers and the community as a whole.

“One of most important strategies of early detection is getting the man into the Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP),” she says.

“This 24-week program is geared to help with impulse control, self-soothing techniques and how to walk away without conflict.”

There is an emphasis within the program on controlling anger and rage and strategies to deal with these emotions so the batterer does not lose control. “I do not disdain the men who are batterers,” she says. “I pity them. But I know they can be very dangerous.”

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“Honeymoon Phase.” After the abuse, the perpetrator expresses remorse to the victim and tries to minimize the behavior. He may also blame the abuse on his partner. During this phase, the abuser typically demonstrates loving behavior, gift-giving, takes the victim on trips and exhibits helpfulness.

He tells the victim the abuse will never happen again. His loving behavior will strengthen the bond between them and will usually convince the victim to stay in the relationship.

“Because she wants to keep the family together, the woman experiences what is known as ‘magical thinking,’” she explains. “She believes if she only behaves in the ‘right’ way, it will control the situation. Children are also on high alert. They may be playing normally, but when they hear the abuser's car pull up, they will scatter and hide.”

Often, the victim will develop a “learned helplessness.” “When a situation arises for her to make a decision, she will wait until she can get a Kathy, with some young participants during the Community Taking ‘read’ on her batterer's mood before making any a Stand Against Violence Walk on Oct. 11, 2018. Photo: Shepherd's decision,” she says.

Rest Facebook.

The Phases of Family Violence Just as there are traditionally three categories of batterers, there are generally three phases in the cycle of family violence.

The first is known as the “Tension Building Phase." Tension builds over common household issues such as money, jobs, childcare or the home.

Verbal abuse begins, and the victim tries to appease the abuser by giving in to avoid the abuse.

Typically, nothing the victim does will stop the violence and, eventually, the physical abuse begins.

The second phase is known as the “Battering Phase.”

It is usually not a result of the victim’s behavior but triggered instead by an outside event or the abuser’s emotional state.

Next, is the

“

A Community in Need As Kathy learned more about domestic violence, she was increasingly aware of the need for protection in her county for women and children who were victims.

“In 1997, there were no services available for victims of domestic violence in Paulding County, and I wanted to change that,” she says.

Starting from scratch, Kathy organized a gospel singing fundraiser that netted $1,700 to start Shepherd’s Rest Ministries.

The doors officially opened on Dec. 26, 1997, as the only shelter in the county to serve victims of domestic violence.

The fledgling organization rented a facility in Hiram that served as its first shelter location.

From those humble beginnings,

In 1997, there were no services available for victims of domestic violence in Paulding County, and I wanted to change that.

“

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Shepherd’s Rest was immediately supported by the local community, and it took only three years for the board to purchase a facility in Dallas with a clear title. This facility now serves as the crisis house.

Continuing to grow, they purchased a second facility in 2009 that serves as a transitional home for women and children, where the families can live for up to two years.

Services Provided Shepherd’s Rest's services include providing a 24-hour emergency shelter for battered women and children; a 24-hour crisis line; emergency food and clothing; medical screenings; legal advocacy; assistance with school enrollment; outside referrals for daycare, housing, counseling and other local community resources; individual advocacy; and support groups for youth ages 7 and up.

Through their legal advocacy services, Shepherd’s Rest has assisted 5,500 individuals with temporary protection orders (TPOs) and stalking orders through the courts.

In addition to their emergency protection services, they have a weekly women’s enrichment therapy group for victims throughout the community. "This

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group has had a profound impact on the lives of women and their children and has encouraged hundreds of women as they learn about domestic violence and new ways of coping,” she says.

It Takes a Village No organization, especially one such as Shepherd’s Rest, exists in a vacuum; it takes community-wide support to be successful. “We have had such support from so many in our community, starting with that initial $1,700 fundraiser,” she relates.

To help women and children have a successful and safe re-entry into their lives, there are a myriad of legal and personal channels to navigate. This navigation is much easier when an organization has cooperation among various county-wide organizations and offices.

They partner with the sheriff's office and city police departments, adult detention services, Division of Family and Children Services, juvenile court, the Board of Education, local apartment owners, local mechanics, the Paulding County Board of Commissioners, probate court, Legal Aid, the Domestic Violence Task Force, the local faith

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Shepherd’s Rest's services include providing a 24-hour emergency shelter for battered women and children; a 24-hour crisis line; emergency food and clothing; medical screenings; legal advocacy; assistance with school enrollment; outside referrals for daycare, housing, counseling and other local community resources; individual advocacy; support groups for youth ages 7 and up and a weekly women’s enrichment therapy group for victims throughout the community.

community and individuals.

“We do not receive any government funding or grants, and we are blessed to have so many people and businesses to donate their time and services," she shares. "For example, our healthcare professionals and therapists are volunteers. We have volunteers who drive our women to work and on errands. We also have received support from Uber and Lyft with donated rides. We have had gifts of furniture, donated cars, reduced rent and financial counseling. And we could not do everything we do if we did not have such strong backing from our local faith community."

In addition to these organizations and individuals, Kathy expresses her tremendous gratitude for the many local businesses that provide support to the ministry. “Some supporters donate a block of gift cards that we can offer to our women in crisis," she says. "These are used to purchase essentials when they have to leave their homes in a hurry. Our sponsors also help with Sam’s Club cards and Kohl’s gift cards. Other donations are offered in support of our clients getting back on their feet. We have also been blessed to have been given many automobiles.

We love cars! They allow our women some freedom

to get to work and get back to mainstream living and independence.”

Dedicated Volunteers A critical part of the success for Shepherd’s Rest is its individual supporters, and not just through financial donations. Volunteerism is extremely important to the ministry. Volunteers are needed for manning the 24-hour crisis lines, driving women to work and errands, fundraising and general tasks.

“To become a volunteer, you must first fill out a modest application," she explains. "Next, you must have a criminal background check and a clean driving record. When these steps are completed, we provide training and plug you in to our ministry.”

Because the location of the crisis house and transitional home is not disclosed for the protection of the residents, volunteers must be incredibly discreet and exceptionally trustworthy.

Men are welcomed as volunteers but must undergo the background checks and training, and must be mindful that these women have endured some horrific experiences at the hands of other men in their lives so, contact with residents is minimal.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, here is some basic information provided by Shepherd’s Rest to help you get started on the road to recovery.

Dynamic Opportunities Faith-based Academic Excellence Family Focused

Please Join Us for Admissions Open House

• Call the Shepherd’s Rest 24-Hour Domestic Thursday, January 23, 2020 at 9 a.m.

Violence Crisis Line at 770.443.5213 Register today at www.oakmountain.us or • Develop an escape plan. Know that if arrestCall 770-834-6651 ed, the accused may be released prior to Leave a Lasting Legacy. trial. If you feel unsafe, consider entering an emergency shelter • If there is an arrest, trial or conviction, contact your area’s district attorney’s office, your victim’s assistance representative and the judge for your case to be advised of your rights • If an argument is unavoidable, try to have it 222 Cross Plains Road, Carrollton, GA 30116 in an area with an exit • Identify best escape routes from your home Male volunteers often do repairs and physical work • Have a packed bag and keep it at a relative around the home facilities. or friend’s home so you can leave quickly “We appreciate our men and what they do to keep our homes safe and running,” she shares.

• Identify one or more neighbors you can love all of our volunteers and are grateful for trust to call the police if they hear a distur- “We everything they do.” bance from your home There are many ways to make a difference at Shepherd's Rest. If you can't volunteer, you can • Make sure your children know how to call sponsor and organize a fundraiser to benefit the police the battered women's shelter; make a financial • Decide where you can go if you have to leave contribution or become a monthly financial partner through monthly gifts of $25 or more; donate food, the home – friends, relatives or battered toys, clothing, bed linens, towels, household items, women's shelter cleaning supplies, paper products, diapers, cell • Keep important papers with you and ready phones, office supplies or furniture; donate used automobiles; or sponsor a shelter family during the to go: Social Security numbers, bank card, Financial and other donations are always money, birth certificates, insurance papers, holidays. gratefully accepted and are tax deductible. visa, green cards or work permits • If you live outside of Paulding County, find A Full Life the numbers for local women’s shelters and Kathy has been happily married for 48 years, has services and also keep handy police and three adult children and nine grandchildren. She takes time to refresh and rebuild her energy and sheriff’s numbers. Georgia Legal Services spirit through various hobbies and activities. One of number: 404.894.7707 her favorites is her membership in a local motorcycle 18

ministry, where she rides her Harley-Davidson and helps spread the gospel.

She and her husband are huge history buffs, and they enjoy visiting local landmarks such as the Etowah Indian Mounds and the New Echota State Park. They also enjoy playing golf together and cherish family time with their kids and grandchildren.

Kathy is actively involved in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), an Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, where she was recently promoted to captain.

She serves the CAP as a character development instructor and has been the commander over the Bartow-Etowah Composite Kathy, left, with some of her cadets. She serves the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Squadron – GA129 since 2017.

Air Force, as a character development instructor. She has been the commander over the Bartow-Etowah Composite Squadron – GA129 since 2017, and was recently promoted to Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, the rank of captain. Photo: Facebook. the CAP is a public service organization that carries out achievements while earning increased responsibility emergency service missions on the ground and in and honors. the air when needed. The CAP provides comfort in times of disaster, searches for and finds the lost An Advocate for Women and they work to keep the homeland safe. There are 60,000 members in almost 1,500 communities When Kathy was called to build a shelter for nationwide. battered women and children 22 years ago, she The CAP’s cadet program offers youth a could never have imagined it would have grown curriculum that focuses on character, leadership, into the amazing ministry that it is today, helping fitness and aerospace. Cadets participate in thousands of women free themselves from their these elements and advance through a series of abusers. She finds it especially gratifying when the women who have lived at Shepherd's Rest in the past and, sometimes, even their grown children, come back for a visit, healthy and happy.

The families of the Shepherd’s Rest community are never far from Kathy's thoughts, and as long as there are battered women and children in need, this angel on earth will continue working diligently to provide a safe and loving place of refuge for them. WGW

Kathy, center, is a member of a local motorcycle ministry, where she rides her Harley-Davidson and helps spread the gospel.

Photo: Facebook.

To learn more about Dr. Kathy Melton and Shepherd's Rest Ministries, or if you have an interest in volunteering, call 770.443.5213 or email her at kmelton158@gmail.com To make a donation, mail checks to: P.O. Box 737 Dallas, GA 30132 19

Chasing Happiness

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O

ne of my favorite books states, “A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” Many people may interpret this message as the need to give a physical gift. So, we purchase things that we or others do not necessarily need, to create a smile, or get in the company or good graces of others.

As we enter this time of gift giving, I recommend you change your focus from the need to fill up on things that you believe will create happiness, to focusing on things that will create lasting happiness.

Please do not misunderstand my message. Gift giving does provide a sense of happiness and satisfaction. Research shows that giving gifts provides the giver with as much satisfaction as the recipient and enables the giver to experience a positive attitude.

Researcher, Elizabeth Dunn, author of "Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness," concludes that spending money on others may have a more positive impact on happiness than spending money on oneself.

Essentially, it seems the motive behind gift giving is

what delivers happiness.

It is not unusual for us to think that we would be much happier if we had this or that or, to feel as if life would be so much better and easier if we had that one “thing” we desire. Consider the use of any

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Many people lavishly purchase gifts to create this happiness that often seems to elude us.

type of electronics these days. Moment by moment, we are bombarded with advertising messages suggesting that we are not truly happy until we have this specific watch, television or tablet.

All of these things are appealing and leave us with a sense of inadequacy if we do not have them in our possession. Unfortunately, once we get that particular item we want and feel that we need so badly, the euphoric feeling we experience lasts only for a short while.

Before we know it, we move forward in seeking out the next thing that will make our lives much easier and happier.

Pursuing Lasting Happiness Christmas is drawing near. Try to reminisce about Christmas last year in your household. Gifts were decoratively wrapped in extraordinary packaging and placed under the tree. On that day, each child had gifts, that if stacked, may even have been as tall as them. As each gift was opened with eagerness and excitement, you may have heard echoes of “This is just what I wanted!”

You may feel happy as you recall the emotions you felt as the gifts were opened. Ask yourself,

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“Where are those gifts now?” If a gift brings only temporary feelings of happiness, then, what is truly happiness? Do we necessarily need to purchase or give things to create happiness? I am not so sure. We continue to find that many people lavishly purchase gifts to create this happiness that often seems to elude us.

We are usually not permanently happy from material gifts given or received. Like alcohol, the buzz eventually wears off. So, we begin seeking out the next appealing thing. Sometimes, things can become an extra burden in our lives. We now have the additional task of ensuring that the gift is protected, cared for and does not get damaged.

Caring for these things, in fact, takes precious time away from living life authentically with the people we love.

Gifting something that someone is not at all impressed with will detract from happiness. The conflict then begins with attempting to outgive.

This process creates a feeling of disappointment or feeling let down. One way or another it seems someone always has more, or is giving more, and the competition or cycle to catch up ensues.

I want to suggest that instead of cycling through these moments of temporary happiness, that we

•

•

•

• develop and pursue lasting alternatives. What are those, you may ask? I am referring to life experiences that create memories.

Psychological research suggests that, in the long run, experiences make people happier than possessions. Think of the lyrics to the famous song, "Memory." A few lines in the song state “I remember the time I knew what happiness was. Let the memory live again … If you touch me, you’ll understand what happiness is. Look, a new day has begun." Let this gift giving season be the beginning of that new day for you.

• Redirect your desires. To enjoy long-term happiness, consider incorporating experiences in your gifting this year. People feel less awkward when comparing their experiences than they do about comparing possessions.

Therefore, chase after experiences that create lasting memories. A consistent pattern of family time will provide bonding that will outdo any monetary expenditures. These experiences will improve your relationships.

• Be a friend to others. Creating and maintaining friendships is a gift that can last a lifetime when nurtured. Friendship brings a

fountain of comfort during difficult times.

Be a person of integrity. Someone with integrity is consistently concerned about others. This person always desires to do the right thing regardless of the circumstances.

This is a gift that extends beyond your lifetime.

Consider Mother Theresa or Martin Luther King Junior – they were people of integrity, and their legacy continues. Being trustworthy and managing life with the utmost integrity and character that can be modeled by others is a gift that keeps on giving.

Give yourself the gift of health. Get and stay healthy. Not much needs to be said about this.

This gift not only enhances your well-being, but also positively impacts those who are in your sphere of influence. You will also look good and live a full life.

Find your purpose. Be intentional in developing approaches to leave a legacy. This is a gift I regard as a forever gift. That which is developed and utilized to make a lasting impact in the lives of others will continue for a long time.

Be open to academic challenges and learn new things while developing new skill sets. The knowledge you gain can be shared and may awaken gifting in others. Honing a skill will boost self-esteem and contribute to pursuing your purpose in life.

These simple things require no demands and have no additional monetary value. Yet, they can create lasting happiness.

When you attempt to integrate these into your life this holiday season, you will become a conduit of happiness and wealth. WGW Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a full-service counseling agency. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid Adult trainer and regularly provides seminars and trainings to the community on various mental health issues. She has partnered with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy to train individuals in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Visit heartmatterswellness.com for more information about Cheryl and her work.

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DONATE $100 AND WE WILL MATCH $100

SHOP WITH A COP EVERY YEAR, THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CARROLLTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDES CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN THROUGHOUT WEST GEORGIA WITH THEIR “SHOP WITH A COP” PROGRAM.

Contact: Eddie LeBlanc – 770.318.5618

@carrolltonfop

T

he Carrollton Tony Jackson Garrett Lodge #35 of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is an organization that consists of full-time employed and retired members of local and state law enforcement.

The lodge also consists of associate members who support the FOP's mission.

The FOP is the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement personnel, with more than 330,000 members in more than 2,200 lodges. The Tony Jackson Garrett Lodge #35 was chartered on April 24, 1975, and was named for a Carrollton police officer who was killed in the line of duty.

The FOP is very active with helping local underprivileged and special needs children and children who have been affected by crimes – either as victims or witnesses. The lodge also supports FOP members, members of public safety, the Special Olympics, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), as well as numerous other local groups and civic organizations.

About Cops, Kids and Christmas This year's "Cops, Kids and Christmas" event will be held on Dec. 10 at Walmart in Carrollton for special needs children and Dec 12 at Target in Carrollton for the underprivileged and those who have been affected by crimes.

On the day of the event, the kids meet the officers they will be shopping with at the Carrollton Police Department. Then, Santa Claus drops in, listens to the children's Christmas wishes and takes photos with them.

After time spent with Santa, the kids climb into police

26

cars with the officers and are encouraged to play with the patrol car P.A. system, lights and sirens on the way to shop.

Once the cops and kids arrive at the store, breakfast is provided for the children. After breakfast, the children go with their police officer partner to shop for their gifts.

They are given, on average, $200 to $250 for Christmas shopping and are encouraged to purchase whatever they would like within the budget.

"Some of the kids select items they need, such as clothing or personal items," says Detective Sergeant Dan Keever, past president of the FOP. "Some of them purchase gifts for their siblings and parents. It touches your heart to see these children – some of whom have so little – think about others before thinking of themselves.

Another fun thing about the event is watching the kids as they speak over the patrol car P.A. system and flip the switches to change the lights and the sounds of the sirens while riding in the car to shop. It is so much fun to interact with these kids and see the big smiles on their faces."

Det. Sgt. Keever says this event means so much more than just a nice thing the FOP does for the community.

"Cops, Kids and Christmas" gives children positive interaction with law enforcement and helps to plant the seed that the children can count on the police when they need them.

If you would like to make a donation to help kids in Carroll County, call Eddie LeBlanc at 770.318.5618, or you can mail your donation to the Carrollton FOP at 115 West Center St., Carrollton, Ga. 30117.

The Carrollton FOP is a nonprofit 501(C)(8) organization, and all donations are tax deductible. WGW

Fun Winter Dates

That Won't Break the Bank

27

T

he dreary days of winter. It's cold, gets dark earlier and many outdoor activities are not available or an interesting option for most people. Not to mention the fact that the majority of your expendable funds are probably tied up in gift giving for the holiday season.

So, how do you keep your relationship interesting and stay warm and toasty at the same time? These 15 winter date ideas will warm you up and keep you mostly indoors without breaking your bank account.

• Host a holiday dessert exchange party.

Invite friends and family over and ask them to bring the ingredients for their favorite holiday desserts or cookies. Everyone will have fun baking and creating together. Once the desserts are complete, divide them up among yourselves so everyone will have some of every dish.

• Have a sleepover. Invite your friends or family to stay overnight. Have them bring their own sleeping bags and tell them to come over in

28

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their pajamas. Watch movies, share appetizers or play board games until you fall asleep.

The next morning, get everyone involved in making a delicious breakfast.

• Decorate the Christmas tree together. If you use a live tree every year, it's fun to dress up in warm clothes and visit a tree farm to find the perfect tree for your home. If you use a fake tree, go to the store together to search for inexpensive ornaments, or make paper chains and string up popcorn to trim the tree.

• Pretend you have no power.

Things always seem a bit more exciting when the power is out.

If you have a fireplace, build a fire or light candles all over the room. If you don't have a fireplace, pick up a couple of cans of canned heat at your local dollar store and roast marshmallows and hot dogs over those.

• Creat festive cocktails. Make

Pretend you have no power.

use of the leftover spirits in your cabinets and create delicious holiday cocktails for yourselves, or to share with friends and family.

Simple recipes can be found online.

• Host your own paint and sip party. Most craft stores have canvas painting kits that aren't too expensive.

Invite your friends over and have the "Ugliest" or "Prettiest" painting contest with inexpensive prizes for the winners.

• View the holiday lights together. Walk or drive around town together and take in all of the beautifully decorated downtown businesses or homes in your area. Bring along hot chocolate to keep you warm.

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• Plan for next year's adventures. Sit down together with the calendar and discuss the things you would like to do next year. Check out local events, festivals or parades and save those dates in your calendar.

• Book a brewery or winery tour in your area. Some of these business offer tours and samplings for free or little cost.

• Sign up for an inexpensive cooking class.

Have you always wanted to learn how to cook?

There's no better time to learn than when it's cold outside.

• Check out your local community theater.

There are usually many holiday plays to enjoy around Christmastime and most cost around $10 to $15 dollars or less for a ticket.

• Workout together indoors. Working out together is a great way to bond and keep yourself healthy during the dreary winter months. There are thousands of free workout videos available online.

• Check out Groupon. Groupon often has some great deals for holiday experiences at sometimes more than half off of the regular price. There are usually other discounted experiences available as well, such as minigolf, bowling or museum tours.

• Go to trivia or karaoke night at a local restaurant or bar. This is a great way to have some inexpensive fun and meet new people.

• Take a road trip for the day. Explore a city that isn't too far away and check out what they have to offer tourists. Eat an inexpensive lunch at a roadside cafe on the way. WGW

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Daily Fare With

e s o R f e Ch

Chef photos by Keith May.

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.

30Recipe photos by Zachary Dailey.

Breakfast Casserole

” Enjoy a quick and easy breakfast

casserole while opening presents on Christmas morning. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, onions or bell peppers make excellent additions to this casserole as well.”

Ingredients 1 pound hot breakfast sausage 10 eggs 1/2 cup milk 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 16-ounce mini tater tots Salt and pepper

Preparation Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9-inch-by-11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Brown breakfast sausage in a skillet until throughly cooked. Remove sausage with slotted spoon and set aside.

Line bottom of baking dish with the tater tots to completely cover bottom of pan.

Evenly sprinkle cooked sausage over the tater tots.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk together – seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Pour egg and milk mixture over tater tots and sausage.

Top with shredded cheese.

Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until eggs are set.

Serves 6 to 8.

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”

Nuts and Bolts

”

” Get creative with the dry

ingredients and try cheese crackers, bagel chips or different varieties of nuts. ”

Ingredients

Preparation

2 cups corn Chex cereal

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

In a small bowl combine melted butter, Worcestershire, hot sauce, seasoning salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well.

In a large aluminum baking pan, combine cereals, peanuts and pretzels.

Pour butter mixture evenly over mix and stir well.

Bake for one hour, stirring every 10 minutes or until mix is dry.

Serves 6. WGW

2 cups rice Chex cereal

1 cup wheat Chex cereal 1 cup roasted peanuts 2 cups pretzel sticks

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 teaspoon seasoning salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 32

1 teaspoon onion powder.

Champagne Entertaining on a Boxed-Wine Budget

By Shala Hainer

33

B

ringing people together for the holidays builds stronger bonds, creates memories and spreads the joy of the season.

Spending tons of money on those parties might make them more glamorous, but you don’t need money to grow the love and friendship of the people you share your time with.

Keep the focus on the people at the party, not the expense, and you can truly create an event to remember.

Time of Day Different times of day create different expectations with parties. If your party starts at 6 p.m., people tend to expect food hearty enough to count as a meal, and possibly plenty of cocktails. Even lunch brings the expectation of a full meal.

Instead, shoot for a midday get together that requires only snack-type foods such as cheese and crackers and veggies with dip. Most people don’t drink much alcohol during the day, so you can even skip that altogether and offer a basic holiday punch along with water and a few soda options.

Another perk to a midday party is that your family and friends might have their evenings booked quickly with work parties and kids' holiday activities, so an early afternoon shindig will be easier to fit into their schedules.

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When you’re planning a party for more people than you usually have over, you might run short on things like chairs, plates or servingware.

Although you can rent

chairs and buy serving pieces, keep your budget in mind by asking people you know if you can borrow items.

Your friends might have folding chairs they can easily bring with them, or family members might have just the right serving tray to show off your amazing desserts.

To make sure they let you borrow items in the future, return the items promptly after cleaning them. Sending a handwritten thank-you note after gives a personal touch to show your appreciation.

Potluck Instead of taking on all the expense on your own, share it with your partygoers. If everyone brings one dish, there will be more than enough food for everyone. To make sure everyone doesn’t bring the same thing, ask people to commit ahead of time to what they plan to bring, or send out a sign-up list of what you would like. Include desserts as well as sides, and let them know what you’ll be providing – often the meat choice, like a ham.

While you can provide some simple beverages, ask the attendees to bring their own alcohol if they want some and if it’s appropriate for your party.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Drop in for light refreshments.

CASA will be collecting gift cards and unwrapped toys to distribute for children in foster care.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH 5 PM - 6:30 PM CASA OFFICE 110 DIXIE STREET, STE 100 CARROLLTON, GA 30117 Contact CASA for more info: 770.838.1964 admin@carrollcasa.org

Decorate with Nature Decorations can get expensive in a hurry, so keep them simple and inexpensive by gathering items from nature. Pine cones offer nearly endless decorating options, from putting a bunch in a bowl on the table as a centerpiece to spray painting them a holiday color and gluing them together in a tree shape. You can also place them around a large candle, garnishing with sprigs of red holly berries.

If you have pine or juniper trees in your yard, trim a few branches to use for decorations, bringing the scents of the season inside as well. These can be tied together in bunches over doorways or put in vases for taller, more dramatic looks.

Other inexpensive decorating ideas include wrapping empty boxes and stacking them around – even small ones for the table centerpieces. Go to the dollar store and buy some cheap wine glasses of different sizes and small ornaments – fill the glasses with the ornaments and group them together, or turn the glasses upside down (putting ornaments inside) and place a tealight candle on the top. You might also find some cute holiday ribbon or colorful tablecloths to dress up your home even more.

Activities Keep the party hopping with fun activities that don’t break the bank. Create a snowflake cutting station with plain paper and scissors, and vote at the end on who made the best snowflake. Play a version of “Name that Tune,” but use only holiday music.

Turn on your favorite seasonal movies, or play a holiday version of charades.

Regardless of the activities you choose, remember that the people are there because they love you, and they will be happy just spending time with friends and family. It’s not about the glitz and glamour. Instead, it’s all about sharing your most precious commodity: your time. WGW

35

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women

Photo by Brian Hamilton/https:// commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phyllis_diller_2-25-2007.jpg

“What I don’t like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day.”

– Phyllis Diller

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”

– Peg Bracken

“Don't let the past steal your present. This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.”

– Taylor Caldwell

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.”

– Laura Ingalls Wilder

“Lessons from a Christmas tree: Be a light in the darkness.

We all fall over sometimes. You can never wear too much glitter. Bring joy to others. Sparkle and twinkle as often as possible. It’s okay to be a little tilted .”

– Jane Lee Logan 36

Local Happenings

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

37

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, supporters, friends, family and those fighting breast cancer.

Visit their Facebook page @GertrudesHouse or email them at GertrudesHouse@yahoo.com.

Cancer Support Group at Tabernacle Baptist Church Has your life been impacted by cancer – whether your own or someone you know?

F

P

CARROLLTON FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE PRESENTS

BINGO

Tabernacle Baptist Church hosts a faith-based cancer support group providing spiritual and emotional support to those diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, those in remission and caregivers.

Meetings run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Carrollton, Ga. For more information, call 770.832.7063 or visit the website at tabernacle.org.

Carrollton Main Street's Holiday Wishes Christmas Parade The Holiday Wishes Christmas Parade will dash, dance and prance through the heart of Carrollton, December 5, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The procession of floats, cars and trucks, walking groups, marching bands and Santa Claus will begin its journey at the Depot on Bradley Street, cross Adamson Square and finish up at the Neva Lomason Library on Rome Street.

For more information, call Carrollton Main Street, 770.832.6901 or go to www.carrolltondowntown.com.

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12

By Shala Hainer

40

Ways of Christmas Giving

T

here’s something exciting about waking up on Christmas morning and running to the tree to open presents.

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying Christmas presents, there are other ways to give to people you love, and the community, that can fulfill and enrich your life as well as the lives of those around you this holiday season.

1. Give experiences. Instead of giving material items, share experiences with people you love. This might be walking through the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and their holiday light display, buying tickets for indoor skydiving or even a latenight showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at a local movie theater.

2. Make something. Homemade gifts deliver love alongside the gift itself. These can be food items, like turtle cookies to represent turtle doves, or other thoughtful items such as no-sew blankets or decorated photo frames.

3. Adopt a family. Many organizations including churches and schools have lists of families who can’t afford a traditional holiday. Find a family that is similar to yours – for example, same number of children or the same ages – and adopt that family for Christmas. Instead of giving gifts to each other, each of you can buy a gift you would like and give it to the adopted family instead.

4. Donate to charity. When you and your family have everything you need, give gifts in honor of the people you love to charities.

Try to make these relevant to the people you are honoring with your gift. For example, if someone is a cancer survivor, perhaps donate to the American Cancer Society, or a local support group.

5. Volunteer. The holidays are the ideal time to show people who have fallen on hard times that there is still enough love to spread around. Help brighten their holiday by volunteering at a soup kitchen or reading Christmas stories to children in a group home.

6. Make some cards. Host a card-making party instead of giving gifts. Create handmade cards to give to children needing long-term care in the hospital, for the troops deployed overseas

or for residents of a nearby nursing home.

7. Spread cheer. In addition to making cards, plan ahead to spread cheer by singing Christmas carols or sharing your talents in some other way with local assisted living centers, hospitals, children’s group homes or other groups who might be separated from their families. If singing isn’t your thing, do you play an instrument? Prepare a quick performance! Get the kids involved with

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simple holiday-themed magic tricks or a short comedy show.

8. Make ornaments.

While many gifts get tossed aside soon after Christmas, making ornaments together creates memories you can relive year after year.

Pick a theme every year, such as The Grinch, then put on the movie and laugh together as you make ornaments.

Trade ornaments with each other so you can remember the laughs and cheer every time you hang the ornament on the tree.

9. Write letters. The art of letter writing has been somewhat forgotten in this digital age.

But the personal touch of giving a loved one a letter in your own handwriting is a gift that will never go out of style. Instead of traditional gifts, write letters to people you love telling them what you love about them. Recount specific memories, and share with them your hopes for their future. These letters will be treasured by those you love.

10. Make a scrapbook. No, you don’t have to get fancy with expensive decorations. But instead of giving a traditional gift, set aside photos all year. Actually print the photos, and don’t keep them stored only in your phone! When the holidays roll around, put the photos in a book, even if it’s an inexpensive book where you just

42

slide the photos in the sleeves. It’s a precious gift of memories your family and friends will appreciate.

11. Perform random acts of kindness. A little kindness goes a long way, so decide as a family to perform one act of kindness each while you’re together. For example, when you see a person dining alone on Christmas Eve, quietly tell the waitress you would like to pay for that person’s meal, but that she shouldn’t tell the person who paid. Or, do something unexpected like leave a big tip for a waitress or offer to babysit for a neighbor who never gets to go out without the kids.

12. Worship together. Sharing time and faith with the people you love is a gift that never gets old. Explore opportunities to celebrate the season with worship, either with special holiday programs, nights of prayer, candle-lighting ceremonies or Christmas Eve services. This can strengthen your bonds and bring you closer together as you grow your faith together.

Alternate 12: Serve one another. For Christmas, show your love for your family by serving each other in some way. For example, if your husband usually takes out the trash, make it a point to do it for him one day. Have your daughter clean your son’s room, and your son can do the dishes for you while you relax. This might take a little planning, but get the entire family on board. They will enjoy getting out of their normal chores while feeling good about how excited you are to have your chores taken care of as well. WGW

Woman

West Georgia TM

Magazine

2019 Holiday Guide

Money Saving Coupons Inside!

Pick up Your Print Copy Today or View Online at www.westgeorgiawoman.com

43

Kids Korner

By Charlene Brooks Photos by Zachary Dailey

Reindeer Ornament

T

hese homemade ornaments are a great way to spend time with each other during the holiday break, and they are so simple to make.

Smaller children will need help cutting out the reindeer and snowwoman shapes, but the rest of the craft is so easy, even the smallest one in your family can help. The kids will love trimming the Christmas tree with their own holiday creations.

Googly eyes Small, red pom-pom Scissors Glue Instructions

Materials White or brown foam sheet Red Yarn

44

Cut out the reindeer head shape out of the foam sheet.

Using scissors, poke a small hole in the top of the reindeer head.

Thread yarn through the hole and tie.

Glue the googly eyes to the foam sheet.

Glue the pom-pom at the bottom of the foam sheet for the nose.

Snowwoman Ornament Materials Red and white felt Small, red pom-poms Red bow Googly eyes Orange foam sheet Small plastic pink flower Red yarn Scissors Glue Instructions Cut a snowwoman shape out of the white felt.

Glue the red pom-poms to the lower part of the

snowwoman's body.

Cut a hat shape out of the red felt.

Glue the hat to the snowwoman's head.

Using scissors, poke a small hole in the top of the snowwoman's hat.

Thread yarn through the hole and tie.

Glue the plastic flower to the top corner of the hat.

Glue the googly eyes on the snowwoman's face just below the hat.

Cut a carrot-shaped nose out of the orange foam sheet and glue to the snowwoman's face just below the eyes.

Glue the red bow just below the nose. WGW

May the gifts of the season ... peace, hope, love, health and happiness be yours throughout the New Year.

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Merry Christmas Word Search Word Bank

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Merry Christmas Crèche Jesus Rudolph Manger Ornaments Santa Claus Happy Holidays Gifts Frankincense Seasons Greetings Wise Men Family North Pole Christmas Tree Reindeer Shopping Angel Candy Canes Elves

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Advancing Health

More heart attacks occur over the holidays than any other time of the year.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions cause no physical symptoms — until it’s too late.

Know the warning signs and be ready to call 911 for help if you feel any of these symptoms: Chest pain that doesn’t improve with rest Pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain or discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes Pain or discomfort that spreads to your shoulders, neck, arms or jaw Unexplained sweating Cool, clammy skin that may appear pale Shortness of breath Nausea or vomiting Dizziness or fainting Unexplained weakness or exhaustion Fast or irregular pulse

How healthy is your heart?

Learn more about your heart disease risk. Take our free, online heart risk assessment today at tanner-heartcare.org/heart-risk-quiz.

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