West Georgia Woman Magazine Issue January 2024

Woman

Complimentary

January 2024

West Georgia

TM

Betty Cason Lifetime of Service

NEW Mindset, NEW Result

Making Your Own Vision Board

Stamp Out Depression The Benefits of Exercise on Your Mental Health

Learning to Let Go Healing Through Forgiveness 1

Going Above and Beyond

Our Primary Care Health Providers work with an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) to coordinate with Medicare and provide you with the quality healthcare you deserve. Our alliance with the ACO helps us save patients money by avoiding duplicate medical testing and unnecessary appointments. As your Primary Care Provider (PCP) we want to make your health our priority.

Get Well. Stay Well.

Physicians Care Group of West Georgia

Primary Care, Lung and Sleep Medicine

Primary Care, Lung and Sleep Medicine 100 Professional Place • Suite 204 Carrollton, GA 30117

Primary Care • 770.834.3351 2

Lung and Sleep • 770.838.5864

www.pcgofwestga.com

Lineman School

Scholarship Application Deadline: March 8

Walter Harrison

Scholarship Application Deadline: Jan. 30

Washington

Youth Tour Application Deadline: Feb. 16

(770) 832-3552

carrollemc.com

Scan the code with your smartphone camera!

3

First female mayor of Carrollton Betty Cason leads with purpose Page 10 Photo by Zachary Dailey

What’s inside...

10 Lifetime of Service

22 New Mindset, New Result 29 Healing Through Forgiveness

32 Taking Time to Recharge

42 Stamp Out Depression

In Every Issue:

26 Daily Fare

Local Happenings 36 4

44 Kids Korner

Complimentary

December 2023

Discovering

Carroll County

AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY PRESENTED BY:

&

Woman West Georgia

TM

Magazine

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

5

6

7

A Season of Change I can't believe it's the New Year already. Time just flies by way too fast. At West Georgia Woman, we're always working and planning ahead, so time really does move more quickly, it seems.

Did you make any resolutions this year? I have a few changes I'd like to make.

The number one change is that I'd like to get in shape and get healthier. I turned 50 last month, and I know I need to get in gear and start taking better care of myself.

In This Issue Our feature this month is Mayor of Carrollton, Ga., Betty Cason. Before becoming Carrollton's first female mayor, she served as Probate Judge in Carroll County for 22 years.

On page 10, learn more about Betty, her lifetime of service and her unwavering dedication to her work with the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates.

Do you want this year to be the best one yet? Do you have a few lofty goals you'd love to achieve? On page 22, learn how creating your own vision board can help you see what you have the potential to Photo by Zachary Dailey become in the New Year.

Are you harboring resentment toward someone who has hurt you? Are you finding it difficult to forgive?

On page 29, learn how practicing forgiveness can help you stop being a victim so you can live your best life.

After all the excitement of the holidays, it's easy to find yourself feeling a little let down. You might be surprised to learn the post-holiday blues is actually a thing. On page 32, learn more about the symptoms and what you can do to recover, recharge and help yourself out of that post-holiday rut.

Speaking of depression, did you know regular exercise can help people with mild to moderate depression? On page 42, learn how exercise can improve your mind, body and spirit.

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

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

Happy New Year!

8

Publisher

Finding our voice. Knowing our value.

Making a difference.

TM

We welcome your comments West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and and suggestions.

Contact us: work in West Georgia.

Our mission is to engage, inspire, (404) 502-0251 and cultivate a cohesive community Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com for all women in West Georgia by Follow us! @WestGaWoman sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives.

This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our community advertising partners.

Please be sure to show your support Need a copy? We mail thousands of copies each month to households by doing business with these VIPs through Direct Mail or get yours from (very important partners) so we will our racks at Kroger, Smith Brothers Supbe able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West ply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot, Neva Lomason LiGeorgia women! brary and the Tanner Health System MedPlease be sure to tell them we sent ical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly you! in Bowdon, Buchanan, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; The Little Inspiring women wanted.

Do you know an interesting woman Giant Grocery in Sargent; Leaf and Bean who should be on the cover of West Coffee, Crook's Grocery (Temple Ave.), Piedmont Hospital and Lee King pharmaGeorgia Woman? Is there a special cy in Newnan; Tanner Health System's project or organization you would Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings like us to feature in our magazine? in Villa Rica; Kroger (Chapel Hill Rd. and Let us know! Email your suggestions Highway 5) and Food Depot on Hiram to features@westgeorgiawoman.com.

Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Share your special events.

Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Send your upcoming events to: Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Kroger on Ridge Rd. calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com in Hiram; WM Grocery and Chuckwagon restaurant in Roanoke, Ala; Tanner Health Need to advertise? Email: System and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Ala. We have them in larger quantities at Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com Publix (Bullsborough Drive), Lee-King and Call 404.502.0251 Thompson pharmacies in Newnan, the The views, opinions, positions or strat- Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville, Pubegies expressed by the contributing lix at Mirror Lake and New Georgia, CVS authors are theirs alone, and do not in Bowdon as well as hundreds of other necessarily reflect the views, opinions, retail locations and medical offices in 18 positions or strategies of Angel Media, cities in eight counties in West Georgia LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine and East Alabama. 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.

Mail correspondence to:

West Georgia Woman Magazine P.O. Box 2782 Carrollton, GA 30112

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

Volume 9 • Issue 3 January 2024

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, Sydney Dailey and Rose Isaacs

Advertising Sales

Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2024. 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.

9

By Shala Hainer

10Photos by Zachary Dailey

Lifetime of

Service

First female mayor of Carrollton leads with purpose

11

W

hen most people think of role models, their minds immediately go to celebrities and famous athletes. But it turns out the most influential role models are the ones people see and interact with every day.

Betty Cason, the first female mayor of Carrollton, Ga., knows the importance of strong role models, especially for women. She had a couple of the best in her mother and grandmother. From her mom, she learned the value of hard work and dedication, and how important it is to take the time to do a job right.

“My mom was a stay-at-home mom for the most part,” Betty remembers. “She was a very talented quilter. In the summertime, after canning and freezing vegetables from the garden, she would piece together quilt tops from scrap fabrics. Then in the winter, she and her friends would have quilting days. They would prepare something for lunch and quilt for the whole day.”

Betty recalls watching her mom and her friends share quilt patterns from Progressive Farmer Magazine and noticing the incredibly detailed work her mother took the time to put into her impressive creations. “Mother had the most beautiful stitching ability,” she says. “Almost all the stitches on the quilts were the same. She only used a sewing machine to sew the lining for the quilt.”

Her family was close-knit, and she has vivid memories of spending time with her grandparents and cousins on the weekends. Her paternal grandmother, whom she called Mama Brown, taught her the value of positivity and the power of love.

“My Mama Brown was the love of our lives,”

12

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770.832.7076 Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

Betty relates. “She was kind, a great cook, beautiful, and gave the best hugs. She always found good in everyone. My Granddaddy would point this out to her, and she would say something to the effect that he had a pretty whistle. I have so many great memories of my grandparents and family.”

Raised For Success Betty was born and raised in Bowdon, Ga., as the youngest of four children – she has two older brothers and one older sister. With almost five years between each sibling, her family enjoyed a unique dynamic, with her older brothers already working or living outside the home for as long as she can remember.

“Growing up in Bowdon in the 60s and 70s was pretty much the same as any small town,” she says.

“It was safe to walk anywhere you wanted to go.

Life is beautiful, Let’s capture it. .

Dailey Life Photography

@DaileyLifePhotography

404.444.9072 daileylifephotography@gmail.com

13

"We walked to school because at that time, if you lived in the city limits, they did not provide bus transportation. It was always exciting to go home with a friend who rode a bus – it was a real treat to ride the school bus. Now, most children are not excited about riding a school bus like we were.”

She watched the teamwork between her parents and learned the value of working together.

Her father worked for a wholesale grocery company, but in his home life, he shared his work ethic with his children without focusing on traditional roles.

“I can say our family was different than a lot of families,” Betty shares. “We didn’t have ‘male’ and ‘female’ jobs – we just did what needed to be done.

My dad was a great cook, and although he worked all week, he loved to make his recipes. Especially on winter Sunday afternoons, he would make a great stew of some kind. We decided our dad was a chef before his time.”

Betty says church was an important part of their lives, and they attended Sunday school and church nearly every week. “This was the social life of most people in small towns during this time,” she remembers, saying this was part of the foundation that helped shape her future.

Finding Her Calling Watching her older siblings find first part-time, then full-time jobs her entire life, she knew she was going to start work as a teenager as well. She was lucky enough to find jobs that grew her base of role models – in an era and area where women didn’t work outside the home often, Betty surrounded herself with female business owners.

“Bowdon was a retail hub because of the local manufacturing and business during this time,” she explains. “The retail jobs I had were all businesses owned and run by women. These women were very successful and were great role models.”

She used what she learned from her mother, grandmother, and employers to begin shaping her career. After graduating from Bowdon High School, she earned her first position in local government with the City of Bowdon.

“I worked during the day and attended Carroll County Technical School at night, now known as West Georgia Technical College, pursuing an accounting degree,” she says. She continued to fulfill her love of knowledge by attending the University of West Georgia. She graduated from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government through the

Wishing You Good Health and Happiness in the New Year!

Bremen • Carrollton • Douglasville 770.537.2375 • 770.836.1466 • 770.489.2818

www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com

14

University of Georgia and The Institute of Judicial Education at the University of Georgia.

Betty married and became the mother of a stepson, then had a daughter. She became a partner in Buttercup Farms, working as a beef cattle and poultry farmer while continuing to give back to the community by working for the City.

“I was able to combine the two and work for one of the Georgia Poultry Labs that had been located in Bowdon because of the volume of poultry farms in Carroll County and East Alabama,” she shares. “This began my interest in economic development and the impact it had on our communities. I was able to help secure grants with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, which began a relationship that enabled me to participate in the U.S. Department of Economy Development Finance Certification Program. It was so interesting to learn that as exciting as it can be to have an industry interested in locating to the area, not every company is a fit for your community. This information has proven invaluable to me in my position as Mayor working with our local Chamber of Commerce.”

Betty continued working in local government as the city clerk for Bowdon while dealing with the challenges of her marriage ending and being a single mother. One of her best friends, Kathy Martin, began encouraging Betty to take a huge leap of faith and pursue a position as Probate Judge of Carroll County.

“I had never run for political office, and this was very scary,” she shares. “I was a divorced female running for public office in the late 1990s. I was privileged to have known Judge Wilma Wilson of Bowdon all my life, and I contacted her about my interest since she was retiring. She was so excited, but because of her position, she could not endorse a candidate. She was, however, very informative about the position.”

Betty won the election, and she first took office on Jan. 1, 1997.

In addition to getting used to her new position, Betty was thrilled to see her personal life moving in a positive direction as well. In 1998, she married Don McKenzie, and they began blending their family of his two daughters and her one daughter – she now had three young women to help shape through her example.

“My daughter, Angie, was pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience at Florida State University, so I was excited to have bonus daughters here in Carrollton,” Betty relates. “The oldest of the three, Lisa, and her husband, Chris, moved next door to us, and

We Are Your LOCAL Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Appliance Store

770.832.6341

10 City Hall Ave. • Carrollton

www.smithbrotherssupply.com

with them came a beautiful bonus granddaughter, Lindsey. A few years later, they gave us a grandson, Peyton. I now have three additional bonus granddaughters: Kaydance, Kinleigh, and Kasilyn. I am so blessed to be able to share in their lives. With Angie, I have been the proud Mimi of a grand cat and now a grand dog. She and her husband Dan live near Charleston, S.C., which is a great place to visit, may I add.

“After several years of being a research scientist, Angie has now retired and become the owner of her own business, Plot to Pot. She is an organic farmer. She not only grows and sells her plants and vegetables, but she also makes jellies, sauces, and other items she sells at markets, online individually or in gift baskets.”

Judge for the People Often considered the “people’s court,” Probate Court tends to see people at their best and their worst. In part, the court presides over wills and estates, issues marriage and weapons carry licenses and appoints and oversees guardians and conservators for minors and adults with health or mental health concerns.

15

OFFICIAL NEWCOMER’S GUIDE PRESENTED BY:

&

Woman West Georgia

TM

Magazine

Pick Up Your Print Copy Today or View Online at www.westgeorgiawoman.com WELCOME TO

Carroll County Georgia

16

Official Newcomer's Guide

“Probate cases were sometimes very hard, especially in contested matters,” Betty remembers.

“I saw so many families leave my courtroom knowing that their families would never be the same. Adult and minor guardianships could also be very emotional and weigh heavy on your heart.

It was very difficult to see people suffering from a debilitating illness who must have someone else make decisions for them, especially when some days were good.”

She remembers a case of an educated elderly gentleman who was a pillar in the community, but he was now in need of assistance making decisions for his future. When people realize they are in a position where they need to relinquish control of their money and decisions to someone else, it can be a very delicate situation.

“When the hearing was over and I had announced the decision, he said to me, ‘Young lady, I have had walk-around money in my pocket since I started working at 12 years old, and now you are taking my money from me.’ I looked at him and called him by his name and told him as long as I was judge, he would always have walk-around money in his pocket.

As a judge, you must find some method of coping with the circumstances – you have to make decisions that take away people’s ability to make decisions

PERSONALIZED, FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE CITY-WIDE DELIVERY WE ACCEPT MEDICAID AND MOST INSURANCE WE HAVE CANDLES, GREETING CARDS AND GIFTS INCLUDING

NORA FLEMING, TERVIS AND COLLEGIATE ITEMS

770.834.3393

623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME? Let’s Chat.

Cathye Dowda Cota

770.722.3947 homelifegroup@kw.com

Helping Families Find Theirhomelifegroup@kw.com Dream Home!

for themselves, so with this case, giving him walkaround money made him happy, and that made the tough decision a little easier to deal with.”

As a judge, Betty did much more than sit on the bench. She often worked to enact change when she saw areas that needed improvement.

“One of the most appalling things I learned very quickly when I took office in 1997 was in Georgia, there was no age requirement for getting married,” she says. “I consulted a lot of authority because I thought this had to be wrong when the Probate Court could issue a marriage license to a 13-yearold child. I began to work with others to get this law changed, and thankfully it did change to age 16 with parent’s consent and now to age 18.”

Part of her jurisdiction as probate judge was mental health cases. As she began to realize the depth and reach of these cases, she also saw how broken the system was when it came to helping with mental health crises. If someone was in crisis, two people – sometimes from law enforcement – who witnessed the person’s behavior in the last 48 hours and felt the person was a threat to themselves or others could come before the Probate Court Judge.

Based on the information in the affidavit, the Judge determined if they met the criteria. If the judge agreed, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office would apprehend the person and transport them to a hospital for evaluation.

“This process was not very effective,” she explains. “People were not even there 24 hours and were back home with medication for five days and told to make an appointment at Pathways, our local community mental health agency provided by the State of Georgia. As judges, we all were very frustrated with the treatment and process, and we began a campaign to get things changed.”

Their work, along with a federal lawsuit against the State of Georgia involving practices at the state mental hospital in Milledgeville, led to the State

17

agreeing to improve the mental health services.

They provided a Mental Health Crisis Line and a mobile crisis unit to send to the person in crisis.

“This sounded great, and as judges, we were so excited that people were finally going to be able to get help,” Betty remembers. “You can’t imagine how difficult it was to see people lose everything they had worked for to substance abuse, or because they were suffering from mental health issues and could not get treatment. Although the program was helpful in some areas, it didn’t work well in most. In 2008, we formed a task force, and Carroll County Mental Health Advocates came to be.”

This group identified obstacles in connecting people in crisis to treatment and support. They used the CASA model to develop by-laws and a training program for the advocates and worked with medical and mental health facilities to develop the necessary forms for the advocated to be able to obtain medical and treatment information.

“We were off to a great start,” Betty says. “But we soon recognized a big issue was getting people to participate in the program because it was strictly on a volunteer basis. There were so many times I was ready to throw in the towel, but every time, God would remind me that if we only helped one person,

it was worth the effort. He would send me a flicker of hope, and I would continue.”

Her hope grew when Jodie Goodman expressed an interest in becoming the director, which was a part-time position. Under Jodie’s leadership, the program began to flourish.

“We worked with our then Solicitor Doug Vassy on a pre-trial diversion program for people arrested for mental health/substance abuse misdemeanor crimes. The rest is history,” Betty shares. “With Jodie’s leadership and that of the Carroll County Mental Health Advocates Board, we received grants and raised money from the community. People in this community realized the need, and the support was overwhelming from the community, local governments and businesses. We could not have been successful without the partnership with Tanner Health System, Willowbrooke Behaviorial Health, and Pathways.”

Betty was instrumental in realizing the need and planning for mobile crisis units for Carroll County. These units respond to possible mental health incidents with the intent of de-escalating the incidents and evaluating the best way to address the mental health concerns without unnecessary arrest and further trauma for people experiencing

Introducing “The REAL Theatre,” a vibrant addition to the Carrollton community’s cultural landscape. REAL, signifying Raw, Elemental, Artistic, and Live, encapsulates the essence of our company. We are a passionate, forwardthinking theater company dedicated to delivering captivating and genuine theatrical experiences.

Love Letters

featuring: March 1st - 7:00 pm - Jay Gill & Meredith Warner March 2nd - 2:00 pm - Bill Hearnburg & Bunny Godard March 2nd - 7:00 pm - Joe Garrett & Terri Ducker March 3rd - 2:00 pm - Doug Chanselle-Hary & Michelle Morgan

1

SEASON 2024

Conversations with...

Cicily Daniels & Vincent Michael

The professional guest artist series provides exceptional artistic experiences that enrich, inspire, and transform the community by presenting a diverse range of guest artists and performances. Through these opportunities, we seek to foster a greater appreciation of the arts, encourage creative expression, and build connections between people.

The Broadway Bradshaws April 12th - 7:00 pm - Popular Broadway Hits April 13th - 2:00 pm - Disney On Broadway April 13th - 7:00 pm - The Golden Age of Hollywood April 14th - 2:00 pm - Popular Broadway Hits “Evita” is a musical that tells the story of Eva Perón, the charismatic and controversial First Lady of Argentina. It follows her rise from poverty to power, her marriage to President Juan Perón, and her transformation into an iconic figure, all set to a captivating score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

with...

EVITA Masterclass Doug Chanselle-Hary & Patrick J. Yuran

Directed By: Patrick J. Yuran

September 3-8, 2024

This 3-day Masterclass in Directing provides exceptional training and performance opportunities that empower participants to discover their creative potential, develop new skills, expand personal perspectives, and connect with others who share their passion for stage directing.

The REAL Theatre, Inc is a 501 c(3) not-for-profit corporation F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c a l l 47 0 -7 2 9 - 0 9 1 6 o r v i s i t u s a t w w w. t h e r e a l t h e a t r e . c o m

18

770.462.5005 a mental health crisis. The units typically consist of two-member teams of co-responders – a law enforcement officer, who is also a certified paramedic, and a licensed professional counselor.

Together, they evaluate the situation and the person in crisis and work with mental health partners to determine the best course of immediate action and treatment moving forward.

“I have always said mental illness and substance abuse knew no socioeconomic status, no racial preference or religious affiliations, and no one was exempt. It would affect every family in some way,” Betty says. “We now have two mobile crisis units that operate in Carroll County. They have answered over 900 hundred calls in just over two years, with only one person being arrested. Our mental health advocates and mobile crisis units have been recognized nationally, and we have been invited to present to numerous government-affiliated organizations as a model. The success of this program has been because of the hard work of the Board, staff, volunteers and community partners.”

9. This felt like a new undertaking since I hadn’t had children at home in quite a while. My daughter was in her late 30s at the time, and believe me, things have changed since she was growing up.

After serving 22 years as a Probate Court Judge, I decided to retire to be able to give the girls the support and care they needed. This was a very hard decision, but after a lot of prayer, I knew it was the right one.”

Shortly after announcing her retirement, people began asking if she had considered running for

The Road To Mayor While Betty enjoyed serving as a Probate Judge and the ability the position gave her to enact valuable change locally and statewide, life threw an unexpected curveball that led her to believe the time had come to retire from her position in December 2018.

“My life took a drastic change in that my husband and I became parents again to two of our grandchildren,” she explains. “They were ages 4 and

19

Mayor of the City of Carrollton – the next election was slated for November 2019.

“I had given some thought to what I would do after I retired, and running for political office was one of the considerations,” Betty shares. “I hadn’t planned on retiring yet, but God’s plan doesn’t always work on our timeframe. After a few months of retirement, I decided this would be a great opportunity to stay in the working arena, so here I am. I am beginning my second term, and I have to say, I have enjoyed almost every minute.”

Every leadership position comes with challenges, but no one could have predicted the biggest challenge Betty would face. Less than three months after taking office, Betty found herself in the unprecedented position of leading the City when the world shut down for the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is something with no instruction book – it was day by day,” she recalls. “One positive is I was asked to serve on Governor Kemp’s COVID Task Force, so I had a heads up on things that were coming down the pipe. My heart was breaking for all the people who were sick and dying, and there was nothing that could be done to help them. The hospitals were overrun. Medical tents were having to be set up outside the hospital, and other facilities were being converted to treatment centers. The medical professionals were working night and day, not being able to go home to their families for fear of giving the virus to them. It was one of the most impactful events that most of us will ever see in our lifetime.

“Many businesses were shut down, and companies lost their workforce. Only essential businesses were allowed to remain open, and schools were shut down – children were having to complete their education via computers and the internet, which some children did not have. That has had long-term effects on their social skills as well as their learning process. It has had a tremendous impact on our country that still affects us today in many ways.”

Betty recognizes that serving as Carrollton’s first female mayor means she’s a role model for many women in the community, including her granddaughters who live with her. She remembers the women who helped shape her, and she is grateful for their influence.

“People ask me how I do what I do – I couldn’t do what I do without God’s help,” she relates. “My faith has carried me through so many times when life was dark. I am blessed with a wonderful family and dear friends who are always there for me. I am very

20

thankful for all the opportunities I have had in my life that I never dreamed would have been, which have made me the person I am today.

“I’ve been privileged to serve in leadership positions in the Georgia Council of Probate Court Judges, Constitutional Officers of Georgia, and Georgia Municipal Government Association. As a young girl growing up in Bowdon, I never believed that one day, I would sit on the State of Georgia Judicial Council with the Supreme Court Justice or serve as the first female Mayor for the City of Carrollton. I guess it is a good thing we don’t always know where our journey is going to lead us.” WGW

Luxury Style That Lasts

Farm Fresh Fescue for Year-round Color

• Multiple Sod Varieties • Certified Turfgrass Professionals • Pickup and Delivery

770-431-1340 NGTURF.COM | Q

UA

LI T Y S O

D

21

Making Your Own Vision Board

By Sandra Bolan

I

f you can see it, you can be it.

That’s the premise behind vision boards, which are visual representations of someone’s path to her goals and dreams.

For decades, personal growth coaches and selfhelp gurus have had their clients utilize visualization techniques to help them achieve their goals, whether it be professional or personal.

The premise, according to these experts, is that if you visualize yourself in a specific scenario, it will manifest itself into becoming reality. Basically, these influencers believe that if you have a goal to be your company’s next CEO, for example, then you should

22

picture yourself sitting in the boss’ chair, and one day, it will happen.

However, there many steps between “seeing” and “being.” That’s where vision boards come into play.

How to Make a Vision Board Before you let your inner crafter go crazy making a vision board, decide what gives you meaning and what type of person you want to be. Once you figure out what you want, ask yourself why you want it. Hopefully the “what” and “why” align with your values.

The most common vision board themes consist of career (new job or promotion); health (lose weight, quit smoking or drinking, or run a marathon); love (find a life partner or rid yourself of toxic relationships); money (make more, spend less or save for something special such as a big vacation or big-ticket item) and social (volunteer, join special interest social clubs or make new friends).

Now it’s time to get your supplies together. Vision boards don’t have to be fancy; they can be mounted on cork, poster, magnetic or white boards. Other

basic tools required are scissors, glue, push pins or magnets.

There aren’t many rules when it comes to creating a vision board, but one rule is that the images must accurately and realistically depict the future you’re trying to achieve. The other rule is that when it comes to picking inspirational words or phrases, they should be positive.

Images and inspirational quotes can come from magazines, Google, Instagram, Pinterest or even your old photo albums.

Be patient and take your time finding just the

Because a HOME is much more than a house.

Shala Hainer, Realtor Cell: 770.842.8500 Office: 770.240.2004 shalahainer@gmail.com 23

Once your board is put together, strategically place it somewhere that requires you to look at it every day – preferably multiple times a day.

Common locations are beside the bathroom mirror or on the fridge.

When you look at it, really look at it and take a few minutes to meditate on your visions becoming reality.

Over time, you may find some of the images or even the end-goal will shift. That’s OK; just revamp the board accordingly.

Do the Work Just because you’ve created the vision board doesn’t mean the work is done and your dreams will magically come true. This is when the work starts.

The vision board just keeps you from wandering off course.

We all have hopes and dreams. Some people achieve them, while others spin their wheels, getting caught up in the daily grind, leaving their dreams to forever be just that – dreams.

Utilizing a vision board can help you achieve clarity, help you concentrate and remain focused on where – or who – you want to be in the future. WGW right images and words. Once you have all of the elements, lay them out, then step back and take a look at what you’ve created. You may find some images and words just don’t work with the overall vision. Tweak these items if necessary.

Once you’re ready to assemble the vision board, there is no template, nor is there a right or wrong way to do it, so just let it flow.

How you organize a vision board will most likely be a reflection of your personality. For example, if you’re very detail-oriented, the items may be meticulously laid out and highly organized. You may even have sub-groups. On the other hand, if you’re more of a free spirit, images might be torn haphazardly out of magazines, while quotes may be scribbled on scraps of paper and randomly placed on the board. Again, any way you create your vision board is perfectly all right. It's yours to do with as you please.

Since the purpose of the vision board is for you to see yourself achieve your goal, don’t be afraid to include photos of yourself standing on top of that mountain you literally want to climb or sitting in a fancy CEO’s office. What better way to see yourself achieve these goals than actually putting your photos in those desired situations.

24

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

The Next Generation of West Georgia Women PERSONALIZED FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES DEDICATED TO ONLY ONE LOCATION

www.jcollinsfuneralhome.com 770.459.6090 206 South Carroll Road Villa Rica, Georgia 30180

W. E. BROOKS LAW FIRM Immigration Attorney Abogado William E. Brooks Abogado de Inmigración • Family Petitions • Refugees/Asylum • Permanent Residence • Citizenship • Adjustment of Status • Investment/Employment Visas • Immigration Detention

• Peticiones familiares • Refugio/Asilo • Residencia Permanente • Ciudadania y Naturalización • Ajuste de Estatus • Visa de inversionista/Visas de Trabajo • Detencíon por Inmigración

Helping Immigrants Live the American Dream!

Ayudando a los Inmigrantes a vivir el sueño americano

1.800.903.7344 Correo Electrónico: infohou@webrookslaw.com

WE

B

W. E. Brooks Law Firm

Se habla español Payment plans available/Planes de pago disponibles

WWW.WEBROOKSLAW.COM 25

Daily Fare With

e s o R f e Ch 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, Dailey Life Photography daileylifephotography@gmail.com Recipe photos by Agresta Photography www.agrestaphotography.com

PRESENTED BY

706.882.2576 1415 Lafayette Pkwy • LaGrange, GA 30241 26

www.AutoGalleryChevyBuickGMC.com

Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate Ingredients

2 cups milk of choice 2 chai tea bags

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 4 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger A pinch of ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)

Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

Preparation In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium-low heat. Do not boil.

Once the milk is hot, add the chai tea bags or loose-leaf chai tea to the milk.

Let it steep for about 5 to 7 minutes on low heat, or until you achieve the desired level of chai flavor. Remove the tea bags.

In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, ground ginger and ground cloves. Stir until well combined.

Slowly whisk the cocoa-spice mixture into the chaiinfused milk, ensuring it’s well incorporated.

Continue to heat the mixture while stirring gently until it’s hot and steaming.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking by adding more sugar or spices.

Once the hot chocolate is ready, pour into mugs.

If desired, top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder for garnish.

Serves 2.

"

A perfect warm drink for a cold January evening.

"

27

Citrus Salad "

Ingredients 3 cups arugula

1 blood orange

1 pink grapefruit 1 navel orange

1 pomegranate, seeds removed Salt

1/2 small red onion or 1 shallot, chopped 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon honey Lime juice to taste

Preparation Peel citrus, remove as much pith as possible (the white, spongey substance you see when peeling the fruit).

Slice into wheels.

Remove any pits.

In a serving bowl, place the arugula, layer the fruit, sprinkle with salt, and garnish with chopped onion, pomegranate seeds and walnuts.

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey and lime juice until well combined.

Taste, adjust seasoning as needed, and drizzle over salad.

Serves 2. WGW 28

Bright citrus and arugula make for a light salad. Grilled chicken can also be added to make it a meal. .

"

Letting Go of the Past

Healing Through Forgiveness

By Sandra Bolan and Angela Dailey

B

eing hurt by someone you thought cared about you is an emotional sucker-punch that’s exceptionally difficult from which to move on.

Some people actually never get over the betrayal and may carry a grudge forever.

Forgiving someone you feel has wronged you may seem counterintuitive, but to live a life filled with love and healthy relationships, it has to happen.

Holding onto grudges for years, even decades, can contribute to depression and anxiety, as well as a failure to embrace new opportunities.

In the meantime, the person who wronged you may be living her best life. Forgiveness can bring you peace and can free you from the control of the person who hurt you. You may even be able to find some compassion, empathy or understanding toward that person.

The Power of Forgiveness Forgiveness is tough and requires a conscious decision to do so. But just because you forgive doesn’t mean you forget or that you condone the person’s actions. It just means you’ve decided to not waste any mental or emotional energy on being angry and hurt. You don’t even have to tell the

person you forgive them, nor do you have to bring them back into your life. It’s all about you and your emotional healing.

Letting go of bitterness and grudges can make room for peace of mind and improved physical and emotional health, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Forgiveness can result in: • • • • • • • •

Healthier relationships.

Improved mental health.

Less anxiety, stress and hostility.

Fewer symptoms of depression.

Lower blood pressure.

A stronger immune system.

Improved heart health.

Improved self-esteem.

Even though you were hurt, take a hard look inward and ask yourself, “What role did I play in this situation?” It takes a lot of courage to admit you were not completely blameless.

Of course, if the emotional or physical trauma was inflicted upon you as a child or adolescent, you aren't to blame. The adults in your life were supposed to protect you, not harm you, and they didn't. Although the trauma you may have

29

Discover the Endless Possibilities

at West Georgia Technical College Second Tuesday of Every Month 9 AM - 5 PM No Appointment Needed Giveaways No Application Fee Meet with Admissions & Financial Aid Representatives

www.westgatech.edu 855.286.3462 received as a child is probably the most emotionally devastating hurt you'll experience in your lifetime, that doesn't mean you can't forgive and help yourself.

There is no timeline to process the hurt put upon you by someone else. You may cry, experience anger or feel guilt, along with a host of other emotions. Let all those feelings come out.

Depending on how deep the wound goes, you may also want to ask for help. It's important to seek out a licensed therapist to help you work through those traumatic experiences so you can move on and live a full and productive life.

Forgiveness is not about Once you the person who harmed have achieved you, it's about you. forgiveness, you Recognizing the value may want to reach of forgiveness and how out to the person it can help improve your who harmed you life is the first step. to get answers to any questions you may have, especially “why” the person did what they did. In doing this, you may

30

An Equal Opportunity Institution

find out the offender has no idea she hurt you. You may also find that she doesn't care, or is in a state of denial, refusing to face the truth about her actions or behavior toward you.

Depending on how the meeting goes, it could lead to a reconnection, or reopen the emotional wound it caused. Be prepared for either.

Moving Forward While processing the forgiveness of one person, this might be the perfect time to take inventory of your circle of friends, lifestyle and work environment.

If any of them foster negativity, it's perfectly OK to remove them from your life.

Forgiveness is not about the person who harmed you, it's about you.

Recognizing the value of forgiveness

and how it can help improve your life is the first step.

More ways to move on include:

• •

• •

Making a conscious decision to forgive the person who has offended you.

Identifying who you need to forgive and what traumas need healing.

Acknowledging your feelings about the hurt you experienced, recognizing how those feelings are affecting your behavior and working to release them from your life.

Beginning therapy with a licensed professional or joining a support group.

Releasing the power and control the offending person and situation has had over your life.

When You Can't Forgive Forgiveness is difficult – especially when the person who has wronged you doesn't admit or acknowledge hurting you. If you find yourself stuck in the loop of struggling to forgive, you can try: •

Thinking about times when other people have forgiven you, even when you felt you didn't deserve it.

•

Practicing empathy by putting yourself in her shoes and seeing things from her point of view. What were the circumstances that led to her behavior? Think about how you would have reacted if you were in the same situation.

Speaking with a spiritual leader, an impartial friend or family member, or counselor.

Do You Need to Be Forgiven?

What if you're the one who needs forgiveness?

It's important to do an honest self examination and acknowledge the wrongs you have done and how they have affected the people around you. Try to avoid judging yourself too critically. We all make mistakes, and none of us is perfect.

If you're truly sorry and want forgiveness, reach out to the person you harmed. Let her know you are sincerely sorry for what you've done, and ask for forgiveness without making excuses for your behavior.

Forgiveness is hard. When you feel wronged by someone, you can either dwell on it and live in the victim mindset, or forgive, move on and become the better person. Choose the latter if you want to live your best life. WGW

PreK-3 to 12th Grade College-Preparatory Academy

ic em ce ad len Ac cel Ex Family-Oriented Atmosphere

Admissions Open House Thursday January 25, 2024 9:00-11:00am Register Here:

Fa En ith vir -B on as m ed en t

•

•

Dynamic Opportunities

31

Getting Over the Post-holiday

Blues

How to Recover and Recharge

By Angela and Sydney Dailey

32

T

he holidays are typically full of stress, but with some fun thrown in here and there (actually, pretty often) to make all that stress worthwhile.

But when the holidays are over, some people may experience sadness or depression, financial anxiety, trauma from those get-togethers with dysfunctional family members or they may just be plain worn down from all the travel and parties.

If this sounds familiar, decompressing and recharging after the holidays may be necessary – even if you took a vacation at the end of the year.

Post-holiday Blues After the holidays, you might be sleeping poorly, experiencing fluctuations in your overall mood or just aren't feeling great.

The symptoms of the post-holiday blues period are similar to those of a typical anxiety or mood disorder: Experiencing difficulty concentrating, having no energy, feeling anxious and suffering with insomnia. Luckily, these symptoms are short-lived, unlike clinical depression. How long symptoms last depends on each individual. However, if after some time, you still aren't looking forward to upcoming events you used to enjoy and are remembering Christmas with sadness instead of happiness, then it may be time to speak with a professional.

•

Why the Post-holiday Sadness?

•

•

The holidays are a major disruption to your lifestyle. Half the month is spent partying, traveling, eating things that are bad for you and drinking in excess. Not to mention those family gatherings with, let's be honest, some people who we'd rather not interact with at all. In other words, you pay an emotional cost for your merrymaking and revelry by coming down hard when it's all over.

You spent a lot of time pretending during the holidays. Whether it's schmoozing with the supervisor you can't stand or playing Secret Santa with that incredibly annoying coworker, letting Uncle Ernie give you those disgusting wet kisses on the cheek or listening to cousin Alice tell (and show) everyone how well off she is financially, you spent half of your break pretending to be nice and full of Christmas cheer. The weight of navigating difficult relationships and situations over and over takes a toll on your mind, body and spirit.

•

•

•

You ate and drank more calories in one month than you have all year. The alcohol and sugar-fueled diet you imbibed (or survived) on has you feeling overweight and depressed. Alcohol is a widely known depressant, and research suggests that junk food has been linked to depression.

You spent more time than usual with your family and friends. Your social battery is probably running on empty from all of the friends, family and strangers you encountered.

Holiday parties, gift exchanges, visits from family members, Christmas shopping and even a run to the grocery store (especially in a small town) can be very draining because of the amount of people you encounter.

Your holiday season didn’t go as planned.

From surprise sicknesses that canceled important plans to family bickering, so many things can put a kink in your holiday plans.

When these things happen, it is hard to not be disappointed things didn’t go smoothly.

You haven’t had enough time for yourself.

Chances are, you have done a lot for others this holiday season, like cooking holiday meals, going above and beyond shopping for

33

gifts, cleaning your home before visitors drop in, donating your time to charity and many other things that put stress on yourself for the benefit of others.

Getting Over the Post-holiday Blues •

•

•

You Need Assistance DoDo You Need Assistance

Get some fresh air. During the winter months, you are most likely not getting outside as Caring a Loved One? Caring ForFor a Loved One? much as you would during other seasons due to the cold weather. Finding time to get Services Our Our Services outside and enjoy the crisp, winter air can be very restorative. Simply being outside has Safety Supervision/Transportation Safety Supervision/Transportation shown to lower heart rate, stress levels and Dressing/Bathing Assistance Dressing/Bathing Assistance blood pressure, so find a nice bench in your

Medication Reminders Medication Reminders favorite outdoor spot or find a walking path Meal Preparation Meal Preparation you've yet to explore.

Hospice Support Hospice Support Make time for you. It’s time to recharge and do something for you and only you.

1-800-381-9165 Carve some time out of your day to enjoy a 1-800-381-9165 lreaves@nwga-rightathome.com nice shower and curl up with a book, watch lreaves@nwga-rightathome.com jdeville@nwga-rightathome.com jdeville@nwga-rightathome.com your favorite movie or television show and order your favorite takeout for dinner, or take rightathome.net/northwest-georgia rightathome.net/northwest-georgia Website: www.rightathome.net/northwest-georgia Website: yourself on a much needed date (doing your favorite things, of course). Self-care can go a long way when you're trying to recharge. before, the holidays are a major disruption to Get back into your normal routine. As stated your lifestyle and routine, and when routines

•

are disrupted, it can mean your body and mind pay for those changes. Easing back into your regular schedule can be a great way to regulate your mental and physical health after the holidays. This can also be a perfect time to adjust and add or subtract things from your routine to start the year off with a bang.

Take a break from excessive drinking. Many people participate in "Dry January," in which they choose to abstain from alcohol after a month of enjoying far too many holiday cocktails. Taking a break from drinking might be exactly what you need to regulate your mental, emotional and physical health. You can reevaluate your relationship with alcohol, feel better about yourself and save money in the process. You may even lose a few of those pounds you packed on last month.

The holidays can leave you not feeling your best mentally, physically and emotionally, but listening to your mind and body is the best way to get out of a post-holiday rut. If your symptoms of anxiety and depression persist, make an appointment with your primary care physician. WGW

34

35

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.

36

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.

PFLAG Carrollton Support Group PFLAG Carrollton provides a free monthly peer facilitated support group for adult members (ages 18+) of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as their family, friends and allies, as a resource for families struggling with acceptance of their LGBTQ+ loved ones.

The goal is to meet people where they are and lead with love. PFLAG’s mission of support, education and advocacy from a place of love can help struggling families, as well as the community at large.

Support group meetings (for adults 18+) are led by a PFLAG trained facilitator and held on the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 101 Somerset Place in Carrollton.

Confidentiality and safety are top priorities.

Contact Julia Houser, pflagcarrollton@gmail.com for more information.

Carroll EMC Blood Drive Carroll EMC will host a blood drive Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, in the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at the Carrollton office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you'd like to sign up for an appointment, please call 770-832-3552 or visit redcross.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Carroll EMC Offices Closed New Year’s Day All Carroll EMC offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, for New Year’s Day. All payment systems will be unavailable for year-end maintenance from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. this day. To report a power outage, call 770-832-3552 (Option 1) or report it online at carrollemc.com or on the Outage Pal app.

Carroll EMC Power Breakfast Offers Industry Insight Local and statewide stakeholders of Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) had keen ears at the annual Power Breakfast held Tuesday, Dec. 12, to hear of the co-op’s current state of affairs

Carroll EMC’s President and CEO, Tim Martin, touched on industry insights like grid reliability, clean energy and infrastructure security as well as more localized efforts relating to work order automation and broadband during the annual Power Breakfast held Tuesday, Dec. 12.

and endeavors that will impact them and their constituents going into the new year.

Carroll EMC’s President and CEO, Tim Martin, touched on industry insights like grid reliability, clean energy and infrastructure security as well as more localized efforts relating to work order automation and broadband. But before diving into the big topics, Martin wanted to remind the room of the cooperative’s purpose in formation and purpose in continuation.

“I don’t do this often, and I don’t think it’s shared enough,” said Martin. “And that would be our mission statement. Our vision is to enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve. In 1936, that was bringing electricity to rural West Georgia.

Now, we’re doing this with broadband.

“We don’t want to be just an electric utility,” he added. “We want to really provide innovative solutions for our members that are safe, reliable and affordable.”

Shifting the focus to reliability, Martin highlighted the cooperative’s individual efforts to keep constant power flowing to members. Since implementing distribution automation in 2015, which in short allows system operators to isolate outages and refeed power from a different direction while repairs are being made, the average outage time has been reduced by 77 minutes per meter. Employees have also worked to streamline and digitize the work order process to better organize data and keep members updated on their projects.

37

“That’s something to really be proud of,” Martin said. “It’s taken us years to get here, but it benefits the members more than they know.”

Not all aspects of reliability are in the cooperative’s direct control, though. A year ago, the electric grid faced record-high demand when temperatures dropped below freezing for a consecutive number of days. This resulted in load shed across the south, but fortunately, EMCs in Georgia were unaffected.

However, concerns for grid capacity remain as the resource mix shifts to natural gas and renewables and questions arise if those resources can meet the increased energy demand.

“The electric grid is changing,” said Martin.

“Generation is changing from fossil fuel to renewable generation, which is great, but as we do that, it has to be done in a thoughtful manner and can’t be done too fast. We have to make sure we have the capacity to meet all the needs for our members.

“Exciting news is nuclear,” he continued. “Vogtle three is now online, and Vogtle four will be online the end of first quarter 2024. This will increase the amount of carbon-free energy we’re able to purchase and serves as a more sustainable source than some renewables.”

In closing, Martin highlighted the cooperative’s solar and electric vehicle advancements, including the installation of a solar flower at the Carrollton office and a public-facing charging station at the Chick-fil-A in Bremen. He ended on a high note by outlining the major milestones for fiber buildout.

Crossbeam, the residential broadband company for SyncGlobal Telecom and the cooperative’s partner in building the fiber network, connected its 1,500th customer in November.

“It’s life-changing,” said Martin. “If you talk to the members who now have access to broadband speed internet, they didn’t realize life could be so good. It allows them to do things from home that they weren’t able to do before, and that’s why we’re doing this. It’s all for our members.”

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

Community Builder.

38

Karen Freeman Named WGTC’s 2024 Rick Perkins Award Winner

Karen Freeman, an Early Childhood Care and Education instructor at West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), has been named the College’s 2024 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction (RPA) winner. Photo provided by WGTC.

Karen Freeman, an Early Childhood Care and Education instructor at West Georgia Technical College (WGTC), has been named the College’s 2024 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction (RPA) winner. Freeman will represent WGTC at the regional competition in March, and if selected as a regional finalist, will compete at the state competition in Atlanta in April.

The announcement was made on November 29 at WGTC’s Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership and RPA Banquet, an annual event that celebrates the finalists for both awards.

Freeman was nominated by WGTC’s School of Business and Public Services Dean Babs Russell and Associate Dean Jeremy Eason.

“Ms. Freeman has been an outstanding Early Childhood Care and Education Instructor at WGTC's LaGrange Campus for 17 years,” Russell said.

“She exhibits student-centeredness, leadership in her field, and she makes significant contributions to technical education as she prepares students to become future educators. Freeman is active throughout our communities coordinating student

They Could Be Learning About Your Business Right Now

Advertise Today and

GET NOTICED. 404.502.0251

SALES@WESTGEORGIAWOMAN.COM

39

NEW YEAR ,

Healthier

YOU

Varicose Veins Spider Veins Leg Swelling Tired, Achy Legs Heaviness or Fatigue Restless Legs at Night Itching, burning legs Leg ulcers 40

210 Executive Dr. Carrollton, GA 30117

678-833-1444 trufflesveinspecialists.com

internship opportunities in schools and childcare centers and participates in a variety of local events promoting all WGTC programs while serving as an enthusiastic representative for her career field.”

The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction honors technical education’s most outstanding instructors. Formerly known as the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, the award was renamed in honor and memory of Thomas “Rick” Perkins, an instructor at West Georgia Technical College. The award has been an ongoing statewide event since 1991 and is designed to recognize technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.

In addition to Freeman, finalists for the Rick Perkins Award included Jessica Bishop, Allied Health and Nurse Aide Instructor; SherRee Davis, Registered Nursing Instructor; Jennifer Jiles-Davis, English Instructor; and Jason Kennedy, Social Sciences Program Chair and History Instructor.

Shadariah Mason Named WGTC’s 2024 GOAL Award Winner

West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) has named Shadariah Mason as its 2024 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Mason is a currently a Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) student from Shiloh, Ga. Photo provided by WGTC.

West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) has named Shadariah Mason as its 2024 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Mason is a currently a Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) student from Shiloh, Ga. The announcement was made on November 29 at WGTC’s GOAL and Rick Perkins Award (RPA) Banquet, an annual event that celebrates finalists for both awards.

GOAL, first launched in 1971, is a statewide program of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) that honors excellence in academics and leadership among the state’s technical college students. Local GOAL winners are selected at each of Georgia’s 22 technical colleges.

Mason, nominated by Medical Laboratory Technology Program Chair Dr. Phyllis Ingham, was chosen by a panel of local leaders. Other finalists included Hannah Hill, a Welding and Joining Technology student; Kamaren Holland, a Computer Support Specialist student; and Loyce “Misty” Smith, a Registered Nursing student.

“Shadariah is an asset to this MLT cohort,” said Ingham. “She is kind, compassionate, intelligent, and a resilient person who has a clear sense of direction and purpose. I am confident that she will represent WGTC and TCSG with the same warmth, support, insight and hard work she exhibits daily in our MLT classroom and as a student at WGTC.” Mason will represent WGTC at the regional competition on March 7 at Central Georgia Technical College in Warner Robbins. The nine regional finalists, three finalists from each region, will be announced at the 2024 State GOAL and Rick Perkins Award Conference in April. If selected, Mason will participate in the state competition during the conference. A panel of leaders from the business, industry and government sectors will interview the finalists and choose one to be the 2024 State GOAL Winner, TCSG’s Student of the Year, the recipient of the GOAL medallion and a brand-new car courtesy of KIA, the statewide corporate sponsor of the GOAL program.

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

41

Stamp Out

Depression

The benefits of exercise on your mental health

By Sandra Bolan

W

hen you’re depressed, the very last thing you want to do is take a class at the gym with bouncy music and a perky instructor.

But that is exactly what you should do because exercise is proven to be a mood booster, which is especially important for people who suffer from mild to moderate depression.

For some depression sufferers, exercise works just as well as anti-depressants, plus it comes along with the added benefits of protecting against heart disease and diabetes. It also improves sleep and lowers blood pressure.

Researchers have found that people with depression have a smaller hippocampus in the brain versus a “normal” person. The hippocampus regulates a person’s mood. Exercise helps the hippocampus’ nerve cells grow, which is how it aides in alleviating depressive episodes.

Working out also releases endorphins, which are the happy hormones we all want pumping through our bodies. Endorphins are also responsible for that runner’s high.

If running or doing high intensity interval training is not for you, don’t worry. Researchers have found that when it comes to alleviating depression, the best form of exercise is actually low intensity sustained over a longer period of time. In other words, endurance training.

Weightlifting and resistance training not only build much needed muscle, they also are just as

42

effective in helping the depressed feel better.

Regular exercise also provides psychological and emotional boosts. Because you’re meeting goals

AFFORDABLE • FLEXIBLE • TRUSTWORTHY All Equipment Sanitized Between Clients • Judgement-free Pet Friendly • Organizing • Carpet Shampooing Grout Cleaning • Interior/Exterior Window Cleaning Complimentary Farm-fresh Eggs For Every Client

Service Areas: Carroll County, Grantville, Hogansville, Moreland, Newnan, Peachtree City, Senoia and Sharpsburg References Available Upon Request

LET US BE YOUR HEROES! CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE 678.548.4876 Rescue.Maid123@gmail.com

@Rescue Maids

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomorrow have been trusted resources known for advocating for the business community in Carroll County and West Georgia. We have a new look and a commitment to Carroll County that is stronger than ever!

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO YOU!

We are grateful to our members, the business community, and our community leaders for your unwavering support in 2023. Our goal for 2024 is to take both organizations from “good to great”.

With your support and engagement, we will be launching our new brand and visioning strategy to include new logos and taglines for both organizations. We will strive to create amazing customer experiences to your benefit in all that we do.

Thanks again for your investment, engagement, and participation this year and welcome to your new and improved organizations for 2024.

We are the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomorrow Growing Business - Building Community!

and challenges, and no doubt getting compliments on your physical transformation, your self-confidence goes through the roof.

If you workout in a gym, the camaraderie and social interaction, or just a smile or hello from a classmate, also helps to boost your mood.

When you’re depressed, it’s easy to self-soothe with a bag of chips or bottle of booze. Working out, however, is a much better coping mechanism. Not only because of its physical and emotional benefits – no matter your mental state – but because it’s a way to distract yourself from your negative thoughts.

For that one hour, all you’re doing is focusing on the moment and how you're getting healthier.

How to Start If working out has never been a part of your life, starting is tough, regardless of whether you live with depression. First, find workouts you like – boxing, circuit training, CrossFit – the options are limitless.

Second, set tangible goals for yourself – even if it’s just getting through to the end of class.

What you don’t want to do is think of exercise as a chore. Instead, think of it as another therapeutic tool in your ongoing battle with mental health. Like

therapy, to ensure you don’t skip out, schedule your workouts in your calendar as appointments with yourself.

• Approximately 1 If you miss a in 10 American workout, don’t adults struggle with beat yourself up. depression.

Just get back at • It’s estimated 17% it the next day. of the United States You don’t population will suffer have to look a major depressive for research to episode in their lifetime. confirm what • Exercise is a behavioral people who therapy that can be already workout used in conjunction with know; when your pharmaceuticals. body feels good • For some milder cases and strong, so of depression, regular does your mind. exercise (3 to 4 times a Give yourself the week) can replace antigift of time this depressants. Discuss year to work on this with your doctor your physical and before beginning an mental health. exercise program or Your body and discontinuing your mind will thank medications. you for it. WGW

43

Kids Korner Hand Penguin

Materials Glue stick Googly eyes White, blue, orange, and black construction paper Scissors White pom poms or cotton balls Pen or pencil Instructions Use the pencil or pen and black construction paper to draw an outline around your hand.

From the white paper, cut a circle a little smaller

44

By Jordan Dailey Craft photos by Zachary Dailey

than the size of the palm of the hand and glue in the center of the hand cutout.

Use the rest of the white paper to cut out the hills of snow. Glue to the bottom of the blue construction paper.

Glue the hand just above the hill line.

Glue two googly eyes at the top of the hand for the eyes.

Cut a triangle from the orange construction paper.

Glue the triangle upside down below the eyes for the beak.

Glue various sizes of pom poms or cotton balls to the top of the blue paper for the snow.

Fireworks Windsock

Materials

Cardboard tube or construction paper Glue Scissors String or yarn White paint Paint brush White ribbon, 4 pieces about 6 inches long Instructions Roll the construction paper into a tube and glue in place. If using a cardboard tube, wrap and glue construction paper around the cardboard.

Paint firework explosions on the outside of the tube. Allow to dry.

Cut two holes through the top of the tube.

Run the string or yarn through the holes and tie together.

Glue the 4 pieces of the white ribbon to the bottom of the tube. WGW

770.744.3870 LibertyEagleAcademy.com 45

New Year Word Search Word Bank Ball Champagne Midnight Fireworks Balloons Clock Countdown Baby Celebrate Hourglass January Resolutions Kiss Cheers Party Noisemaker

46

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

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

47

“Tanner offers relentless devotion to caring for people where they live.

The goal is to keep you close to your loved ones and home — which is critical for quality of life.”

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

Bonnie Boles, MD, MBA Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Information Officer Tanner Health System

We’re one of the largest employers in west Georgia and east Alabama, with more than 4,000 team members.

Experience

commitment.

Making sure each one of them is empowered to be themselves makes us a destination not just for care, but a career.

To be a healthcare provider of choice, we have to be an employer of choice. #ExperienceTanner for yourself. careers.tanner.org.

48