5ENERGY-SAVING RESOLUTIONS
1 SEAL GAPS & INSULATE DRAFTY DOORS AND WINDOWS. AND WINDOWS.
2 3
OPEN YOUR CURTAINS AND BLINDS DURING THE DAY.
SET CEILING FANS TO ROTATE CLOCKWISE TO PUSH WARM AIR DOWN . PUSH
SET YOUR THERMOSTAT TO 68 DEGREES OR LOWER. OR
4 ADD RUGS TO HARDWOOD, LAMINATE OR TILE FLOORING.
5
Photo by Zachary Dailey
Joyful Blessings
Before Christmas, I was so frightened that someone in my family was going to get sick, forcing us to celebrate the holidays in a different way – yet again! I can't tell you how many times COVID has ruined our Christmas celebrations – I'm sure many of you can relate.
With all the flu and RSV going around, I kept my fingers crossed the entire month! My grandchildren, Sydney and I were sick earlier in the month, but when Christmas rolled around, we all just had the best time! Thankfully, we were all healthy and well, my two sweet great-nephews stayed with me a few days before Christmas, then the family was able to gather at Papa Walt and Nana's house for a loud and boisterous Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning, Sydney spent the morning with me and Dan, then Zach, Jordan, Sydney and the grandbabies came over in the evening. Oh, what fun!! I couldn't believe how fortunate we were to be able to spend that precious time together. The blessing of having my family all in one place was truly the most joyful and best gift of all.
In This Issue
Our feature this month is Marie Yuran. Two years ago, Marie was in a terrible car accident and miraculously survived. While doctors were doing tests to determine the extent of her injuries, they discovered Marie had cancer. She later found out she has an incurable estrogen-positive breast cancer.
After experiencing the grief and shock of the news that she had an incurable cancer, Marie prayerfully discovered her purpose was to give back to the community by offering support for others in a similar situation to her. She and her husband, Patrick, are now working with Tanner Health to create a new support program for cancer patients and their families: the Cancer Patient Supportive Care Program.
On page 10, learn more about Marie and how she is determined to thrive in spite of her potentially terminal diagnosis.
I wanted you to meet Marie and Patrick in this month's issue because we will begin offering a column each month – written by Patrick – to help others who have received a cancer diagnosis navigate through the overwhelming and frightening process of diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
In this issue, you'll also learn if adoption is right for you, how to treat crepey skin, the dangers of posting photos of your children or grandchildren online, some less common extracurricular activites for children and Chef Rose Isaacs' delicious recipes.
Thank you for reading! Please continue to shop locally as much as you can and continue to do business with our wonderful community partners whose advertisements are included in this issue. We couldn't provide West Georgia Woman to the community without them!
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Happy New Year!
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Thriving with Purpose
By Shala Hainer
Photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography.
Cancer journey inspires Marie Yuran to focus on helping others
Everything happens for a reason. That saying often feels overused, or used as an excuse to justify situations no one can explain or understand. However, like most sayings, it’s popular because it’s often true.
Carrollton, Ga., resident Marie Yuran relates to that statement. Two years ago, Marie was involved in a terrible car accident – one she was lucky to have survived. While they were doing tests to determine the extent of her injuries, the trauma physician made an unexpected discovery: unexplained spots on the CT scan, indicative of cancer.
If the car accident had not happened, Marie would not have known about the cancer potentially until it was too late for treatment. “Prior to this event, I had no indication that I had anything wrong with me,” she remembers. “I survived a car crash that should have ended my life. In fact, I believe this car accident saved my life, and the good Lord has a purpose for me being here and has plans for me.”
A Life of Positivity
Marie developed her positive attitude early in life, growing up in Nicholson, Ga., a small town outside Athens. “I grew up on a 350acre farm surrounded by many extended family members,” she recalls. “We literally had a path through the woods to my grandparents’ house. Reflecting on these years, I realize I was surrounded by unconditional love and high expectations. I also learned the value of hard work and perseverance.”
She says the values she learned growing up helped shape who she became as an adult. “When you start something, you finish it. Life is not about what you do for yourself – it is about what you do for others. Working as a
team is more effective than trying to go at it alone. Looking back on these concepts, they have laid the foundation for my life's work and relationships.”
Marie met future husband Patrick in high school in 1988. “We were seated in alphabetical order in Mrs. Robinson’s homeroom,” she relates. “I was a Wheeler, and he was a Yuran.” They were drawn together by many shared interests, including a love for the performing arts – they spent time performing together in their high school theatre.
Now married for 26 years, the couple has a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Jackson, and they stay very involved with family. “My family means the world to me, and I treasure every moment we have together,” Marie says. “I have four nieces and one nephew. Three of my nieces are in their 20s, my other niece is in 5th grade and my nephew is in 4th grade. I have a younger sister, Ethelyn, and younger brother, Wesley. They both make me laugh, and we truly enjoy spending time together.
“My immediate and extended family are a continual source of support and inspiration. This importance on family is a direct reflection of the example my parents have provided. Their unconditional love and support have been a foundation for my entire life.”
A lifelong educator, Marie has worked in several locations across the country. Her first position was in Jackson County, Ga. After she married Patrick, the couple moved to Montana, where Marie served as the only special education teacher for the entire district, which was only one school that served grades K-8.
After four years in Montana, they moved to Rockville, Md., where she taught middle school in Montgomery County for 10 years. “During the following 10 years in Montgomery County, I grew as
Marie, with her husband Patrick, and their furbaby, Jackson.
an educator,” she shares. “I moved into teacher leadership positions, started a new special education program for students with autism and accepted my first leadership role in special education.”
They moved back to the Athens, Ga., area in 2011, where Marie served as the department chair for the special education department at Clarke Central High School. “While I was at Clarke Central, I had the opportunity to grow my leadership skills and learn from one of my most influential mentors, Dr. Robbie Hooker. He pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and showed me how to lead with compassion while expecting the best of those you lead and serve. Through the seven years I worked at Clarke Central, I served as the Associate Principal and eventually Principal. When I began working at Clarke Central, only 11% of our students with disabilities were graduating from high school. When I left Clarke Central, over 70% of our students with disabilities were graduating from high school. I will forever be grateful to the team of exceptional educators with whom I served to make these outcomes possible for the students of Clarke Central.”
In 2018, Patrick accepted an offer to serve as Oak Mountain Academy’s Head of School in his
hometown of Carrollton. Marie began working as Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Coordinator at West Georgia Regional Education Service Agency (RESA). “GLRS is the special education arm of West GA RESA. In this position, I really get the best of both worlds. My team and I provide professional learning and coaching for special education teachers and leaders in our region.”
Life After the Diagnosis
When the doctors told Marie she had cancer, the news was both good and bad: it is an incurable estrogen-positive breast cancer, but treatments are available.
Marie and Patrick first met with Dr. Bradley Larson at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton to discuss treatment options. He suggested they also see Dr. Kevin Kalinsky at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., as well, as he is one of the leading breast cancer specialists in the state. Both doctors recommended the same treatment.
“We pretty much knew it was cancer prior to the official diagnosis,” she remembers. “However, the mixture of fear and immense sadness was
Please Help Us Build a Memorial Bench for Dr. Fred Richards
Sculptor Kevin Shunn will be creating a bronze memorial statue of Fred with a bench.
The Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police is collecting donations through its Barry Carroll Foundation for this project.
If you wish to donate to Fred's legacy project, please make your check payable to the Barry Carroll Foundation, with "Fred Richards Memorial Bench" in the memo line.
Checks can be dropped off at the City of Carrollton Police Department or mailed to:
Barry Carroll Foundation c/o Chief Joel Richards, 115 W. Center St., Carrollton, Ga. 30117.
Or, you may donate through PayPal or Venmo using the QR codes on the left. Please reference the "Fred Richards Memorial Bench" in the "for" section.
overwhelming. All of the medical staff explained with compassion and hope that I had incurable but treatable cancer. They shared that my journey would be a marathon, not a sprint.”
Every cancer journey is unique, and every treatment plan must be personalized. As the cancer progresses, treatments change to meet the new challenges involved with each stage of the disease. Marie is currently on her third treatment plan.
“The miracle of modern medicine has given us many treatment options, and new treatment options are being developed all the time,” Marie relates. “I am focused on working each treatment plan for as long as I can and look forward to the advancement in treatment options.”
Marie shares that even though they were expecting to hear the news that the spots on the CT scan were cancer, having the official diagnosis made it feel real, and they both went through a range of emotions trying to wrap their heads around the news.
“We were devastated, and the grieving process was intense! We felt all the emotions … shock, anger, sadness, bargaining, depression and eventually acceptance. We had to mourn the life we once knew, the life we had been planning for, and
eventually embrace the new life we have today – a beautiful life we do not take for granted and live with intention every minute.”
Marie says she learned to deal with the strong emotions involved with cancer treatment by talking about how she’s feeling, checking in often with Patrick and family.
“In the beginning, we talked about it all the time,” she says. “During the ‘shock phase’ of the medical decisions and finding a new normal, it is all consuming. Eventually, things settled down and we got into a routine, which is a gift.”
As many as 49% of cancer patients struggle with depression and anxiety, according to BioMed Central, with an estimated 73% of those patients never receiving mental health treatment. With breast cancer specifically, the depression symptoms can continue more than five years after the diagnosis.
The American Cancer Society says cancer patients, and their caregivers, are also at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder following the diagnosis. Some studies show one in three people in those situations develop PTSD.
“Big opportunities in a community that makes me feel right at home.”
I am
These feelings of physical, emotional, social or spiritual distress often makes it difficult to cope with cancer treatment, says the National Cancer Institute. However, people living with cancer and their caregivers can find support in different ways, including counseling, support groups, engaging in activities that bring them joy and sometimes medication. NCI notes that every person in this situation should try various approaches to manage their mental health in this stressful time until they find the right fit.
“There are good and bad days for sure!” Marie notes. “Actually, the descriptors ‘good and bad’ do not honor the depth and intensity of my emotions. Emotions can feel all-consuming, making it hard to move through day-to-day activities. There can be swift swings in emotions in short periods of time. Often unexpected emotion creeps in based on unknown triggers or experiences.
“I have found that giving myself permission to feel all the emotions makes this journey more manageable. It can be difficult when others tell me how strong and brave I am when I am completely exhausted both mentally and physically. Identifying those loved ones and friends across my daily environments who I know can ‘hold space’ (thank you, Patrick!) with me have been immensely helpful in managing the rollercoaster of emotions.”
After the initial shock that comes with a cancer diagnosis, patients often feel continued stress
B. ’23
Happy New Year!!!
New YEAR
New YOU New HOME
Cathye Dowda Cota
he has gone out of his way to plan several dream vacations for us – trips that are on my bucket list, and he does something he calls 'holding space' for me. As the one on the receiving end of this, it feels like him being completely present with me, actively listening to me – what I am saying and what I am not saying – and accepting where I am emotionally. I am not really sure how I support him other than telling him I appreciate him and all he has sacrificed to support me on this journey. I am intentional about being present when we have time together. I truly cherish our moments together and share with him how much they mean to me.”
Living Each Moment
Marie and Patrick used her cancer diagnosis as a springboard to live life fully and not waste a moment together. In addition to planning some dream vacations and making memories, they’ve embarked on some new journeys together locally.
Last year, Patrick launched a new venture: The REAL Theatre in Carrollton, a not-for-profit professional regional theatre organization committed to the creation of performing arts experiences in the pursuit of community connection and discovery.
and anxiety from consistent testing – and the waiting involved for the test results – as well as trying to decide on new treatment plans, and the knowledge that they are living with a potentially terminal diagnosis. Marie deals with that stress by sticking to a routine, spending time with loved ones and swimming several times a week, including participating in Aqua Tabata and aqua kickboxing classes.
“Some days are better than others,” she says. “It has been a journey to figure out how to live and thrive with this diagnosis. I found that a routine is key for me. I am still working full time. Focusing on work brings some normalcy to a chaotic situation. I found that I lean into the things I can control. Cancer is out of my control.”
Marie also finds strength in her faith. “Opening my heart asking for help from the Lord and admitting that I cannot walk this journey alone. Words cannot describe being humbled by our humanness.”
She credits her husband with being a stalwart supporter, helping her through the good days and the bad ones. “Patrick comes to most of my appointments with me, he has really worked to get himself in a much healthier mental and physical condition to be there for me when I need him,
Diehard University of Georgia fans, Marie and Patrick celebrate after a UGA touchdown.
“The REAL Theatre is a dream come true for Patrick,” Marie relates. “We share a love for the performing arts, and it is one of the things we connect over. He is the most alive and at his happiest when he is involved in the performing arts in some form, and I love seeing him light up in this way. I also really don’t think we would have ever taken the leap to start this non-profit theatre if it weren't for my cancer diagnosis.
Marie knows that
forever
changes
of people who
although cancer
her life and the
lives
love her, it can also give gifts. The gifts she’s discovered while living with cancer include:
• Giving herself permission to focus on what is really important
• Not sweating the small stuff
• Choosing herself and her loved ones
• Letting others “love” on her
• Enjoying the small things
• Celebrating big
• Not waiting on making her dreams come true
“One of the valuable lessons from this journey is that we must keep living and moving forward
Redefining Care Beyond the Diagnosis
At Tanner Health, we address the full impact of cancer — body, mind and soul. Our care goes beyond medicine, offering holistic support every step of the way.
You can help provide educational resources, wellness programs, peer support and more for cancer patients and their families through the Cancer Patient Supportive Care Fund.
Learn more at: tanner.org/cancer-giving Scan to support
Tanner Cancer Care
with life. We can’t live our lives on pause just because of a medical diagnosis. We have to keep moving and stay engaged on this journey or else we are wasting valuable time. There is life to be lived and memories to be made!”
In addition, the couple is working with Tanner Health to create a new support program for cancer patients and their families: the Cancer Patient Supportive Care Program.
“Following the shock of the diagnosis and settling into the first treatment plan, I began reflecting and praying around my purpose,” she recalls. “Throughout my life I have been fortunate. I have been able to easily identify and walk in my purpose. This curveball led to prayerful intentionality regarding my purpose moving forward. I am here for a reason. What is it?"
Marie says she felt inspired by the incredible care she’s received and the courageous people she met on this journey. With that thought in the forefront of her mind, she knew her purpose was to give back to the community by offering support for others in a similar situation to her.
“Our vision: Nurture and uplift cancer patients, especially those with a new diagnosis, and their loved ones by supporting wraparound services including educational resources, patient navigation support, exercise and nutrition, mediation, peer support, community connection and mental health, allowing for the care of the whole patient through the Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center at Tanner Health. We are still in the planning process and are working collaboratively with Tanner to identify and implement initial steps.”
Her Advice
Although her cancer wasn’t found in traditional breast cancer screenings, Marie recommends every
“The REAL Theatre” is a vibrant staple 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.
A CELEBRATION OF BROADWAY: MUSICAL REVIEW
February 27th: 7:00 PM
February 28th: 7:00 PM
March 1st: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
VISHAL VAIDYA: BROADWAY COMES TO CARROLLTON
- Masterclass with Vishal Vaidya
- Conversations with Vishal Vaidya
- A Concert with Vishal Vaidya
A BROADWAY SING-A-LONG
April 2nd: 7:00 PM
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF
By Tennessee Williams
April 24th: 7:00 PM | April 25th: 7:00 PM
April 26th: 2:00 PM | April 26th: 7:00 PM
THE ROTARY CLUB OF CARROLLTON: 4TH ANNUAL ROTARY’S WEST GA TALENT COMPETITION
October 23rd: 7:00 PM
DREAMGIRLS: THE MUSICAL By Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen
November 13th: 7:00 PM
November 14th: 7:00 PM
Nov. 15th: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
SEASON 2025
THE BROADWAY BRADSHAWS: BROADWAY COMES TO CARROLLTON
- Masterclass with The Broadway Bradshaws
- Conversations with The Broadway Bradshaws
- A Concert with The Broadway Bradshaws
A DISNEY CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG WITH THE BROADWAY BRADSHAWS
December 10th: 7:00 PM
THE REAL THEATRE, INC. IS A 501(C)(3) NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION | For more information call 470-729-0916 or visit us at www.there
to reach out and engage in counseling or support groups. Do what meets your needs and works for you.”
She notes that what each person living with cancer needs is different, so it’s important not to compare your journey to someone else’s. Be honest with your support group about how you feel and what you need, especially because this can change from day to day.
statement was at the time. However, looking back, this statement is so true. At the very least you will settle into a new normal and begin focusing on your healing journey.”
She reminds women to stay in control of their care: ask many questions, get multiple opinions and find a doctor who is the “right fit.”
“The right fit does not mean that one doctor is better than the other,” she explains. “It simply means find the doctor you connect with, trust and the one who makes you feel like a person, not a patient. This is the person that will be helping you fight for your life. You need to be able to say anything and everything to your doctor. Your mental health is also really important, so do not hesitate
“Sometimes, the question of what you need can be really hard to answer. Often, we do not know what we need, cannot articulate what we need and are angry that we need anything. So be patient with us and make every effort to maintain the relationship we had prior to cancer. So many things in our lives are out of control – normalcy is super important.”
Marie talks about a strategy she learned as a lifelong educator: using person-first language. This method emphasizes the person before their disability or condition.
“I am a woman, daughter, sister, wife, aunt, friend, educator, mentor, a DAWG fan, mom to a fur baby, leader, musician, cook, swimmer and hiker who happens to have cancer and is thriving.
“My message: You are still who were before cancer. Cancer is a part of your story but does not define who you are.” WGW
Treating Crepey Skin
By Sandra Bolan
With age comes wisdom, along with spontaneous weight gain, deteriorating eyesight, creaky joints, grey hair and wrinkles. Some women embrace those tiny creases around their eyes, claiming they’re symbols of a life filled with laughter (not signs of getting old), while others will slap on every lotion to erase and reverse any hint of aging.
Age also tends to bring crepey skin, which means it looks as thin as tissue – or crepe – paper. Crepey skin is not the same as wrinkled skin, but wrinkles do go hand in hand with crepey skin.
Young skin bounces back immediately when pulled away from the body. But as you age, your body produces less collagen and elastin, meaning when you pull away that same section of skin in your later years, it doesn't snap back into place like a brand-new rubber band. Instead, it just hangs there.
Causes
If you use a tanning bed, that mid-January sunkissed glow is the No. 1 reason for your crepey skin. Another common cause is large weight fluctuations – along with dry skin, alcohol consumption, smoking,
lack of sleep, stress, environmental pollution, some medications such as prednisone and just good oldfashioned aging.
Prevention
The most obvious way to prevent crepey skin is to slather on a broad-spectrum UVA/UBA sunscreen with an SPF of 50, even in the winter and on cloudy days.
Keeping your skin dewy and supple also requires moisturizer, preferably one with alpha or beta hydroxy acids.
Your eyes may be the windows into your soul, but your skin reflects the food you put into your body. When you eat highly processed and fried foods, your skin looks sallow and saggy. Focusing on staying hydrated with lots of water every day and consuming foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, tuna and brown rice, helps maintain skin's elasticity.
Treatments
The best way to maintain that youthful glow is by living a healthy lifestyle. That includes minimizing stress, getting at least eight hours of sleep each night and exercising. A little pampering with regular massages – particularly of the face, legs and arms –goes a long way and feels great, too.
You can buy hundreds of dollars worth of agereversal face lotions, but sometimes something as simple as an at-home sugar-based exfoliation can help your skin look better.
Exfoliating removes the skin’s top layer of dead skin cells, but too much or too aggressive exfoliation can damage the skin.
Use cleansers with hydroxy acid. They won’t reverse crepey skin, but they can keep your skin from getting thinner. Topical retinol creams can
reduce the appearance of crepey skin, as well as help restore its elasticity and increase collagen.
If you want something more drastic or longer lasting than what can be found on the drugstore shelf, your options range from fillers to facelifts.
Dermal fillers are injections, typically around the eyes, nose and mouth, that smooth out the face’s fine lines. Although these fillers are injected by a professional, they can get a little heavy-handed (no doubt you've seen images of lips that look like they just escaped from a suction tube.) Like exfoliating, less is more when it comes to fillers, and they aren’t permanent. Fillers typically last around four months.
The next level of treatment is laser resurfacing. The laser creates microscopic holes in the skin, which then contracts while healing, resulting in skin that looks baby-bottom smooth.
Cryolipolysis, commonly known as fat freezing or CoolSculpting, is a non-surgical method of removing the body’s underlying layers of fat. This procedure can be used on the face, but it's more commonly used to banish stubborn belly fat. The downside to this treatment is it takes months for the results to be noticed.
Radiofrequency therapy heats the skin, which then builds up its collagen and tightens it. This procedure has a reputation for being particularly painful and expensive. The best candidate for radiofrequency therapy is someone who has a small area they want treated, such as wanting to tighten the neck area or love handles.
Finally, there’s cosmetic surgery. This is a good option for someone who has undergone a dramatic weight loss, like 100 pounds or more. Cosmetic surgery is just that – surgery. The doctor removes folds of skin while nipping and tucking other areas.
A healthy lifestyle from early on helps you avoid most crepey skin, but once it appears, it's good to know options exist from over-the-counter treatments to surgery.
“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”
More to Love
Is Foster Parenting Right for You?
By Sandra Bolan
More than 440,000 U.S. children need foster care, and roughly 11,000 of those kids are right here in the state of Georgia.
A shortage of foster families means many of these children are not only separated from their biological families, but living in group home environments.
Do you have what it takes to provide a stable, but temporary, nurturing home for a child, who, through no fault of their own, can’t live with their biological parents?
What is Foster Care?
established in the early 1900s, with the eventual formalization of the foster care system, which is the temporary placement of children ranging in ages newborn to 21 (in most states) in a home led by someone other than the biological parents.
Foster care dates back to the 15th century when poor children could become indentured servants until adulthood. The modern era of fostering was spearheaded by The Children’s Aid Society. Initially known as the Orphan Train Movement in 1853, it took abused, homeless and orphaned children off the streets of New York City and sent them by train to other parts of the United States to work on farms. Laws governing the care of children were
No parental experience is necessary to become a foster parent, but the vetting process is rigorous. In Georgia, potential foster parents must be at least 25 years of age, undergo federal and state background checks, have a valid Georgia driver’s license, pass a drug test, complete a medical exam, pass a home safety inspection, provide employment and family references as well as complete a training program. The size of the foster home doesn’t matter, but the foster child must have her own bedroom and bed to sleep in.
A foster parent should be compassionate and patient, as the child may not understand why she can’t live with her family. Or, she may have trauma from neglect or abuse, or both. Despite being removed from the home, the ultimate goal is reunification with her biological family, if possible.
How They Got There
Children enter the foster care system because they’ve been subjected to either emotional, physical or sexual abuse in the family home, or because of parental drug addiction, poverty, homelessness or mental illness.
As a result of one or more of these issues, many of these children may have depression, PTSD, anger issues or heightened fears and anxiety. They may also be educationally delayed or lack social skills. Needless to say, foster children come into your home under some pretty tough circumstances. It will take a lot of time, care and compassion. You must take time to reflect on yourself and your lifestyle to make sure you are willing and capable of being a part of the process.
A good foster parent understands that any child placed with them is there temporarily. But that doesn’t mean the kids can’t be showered with love and affection and given emotional, cognitive, physical, spiritual and social guidance. Many former foster children report that it took only one meaningful connection with a foster parent to influence the trajectory of their lives.
Foster parents can teach children what a loving family looks like, how to respect each member of the family and how to treat others with compassion and kindness. They also help break the cycle of abuse.
Before you say, “Yes, I want to change the course of a child’s life,” ask yourself if you are emotionally and psychologically prepared to handle a child who comes with so much baggage.
No matter your current situation – empty nester, never had children or still have kids at home – foster children upset your family’s status quo. From having another person to feed, get dressed and out the door to school on time, to emotional outbursts, it may be a lot for your family to deal with. Are they on board? Are your children OK with having another
child in their home, more specifically, one who may be socially awkward or not understand how to play with or share toys?
Do you have a support system? Neighbors, friends or a church you can turn to in times of emotional stress? How about your boss and co-workers? Will they understand if things slide temporarily as your family dynamic shifts? The old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” is never truer than when it comes to helping rehabilitate foster kids. Yet, in spite of all its challenges, being a foster parent can be an enormously rewarding experience, and a chance to make a lasting difference in the life of a child. WGW
RESCUE MAIDS
Daily Fare
Chef Rose With
Chef Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband, Shawn and their son, Sebastian. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts.
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 photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography, daileylifephotography@gmail.com
Recipe photos by Andrew Agresta, Agresta Photography, www.agrestaphotography.com
French Onion Soup
Ingredients
4 large yellow onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
6 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices French baguette, about 1 inch thick
1 cup, shredded Gruyère and Swiss cheese mixture
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Preparation
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions, salt and sugar. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally for 30 to 40 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown.
Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning. Add minced garlic to the pot with the onions, and cook for one to two minutes.
Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Pour in the beef broth, and add the bay leaf and thyme.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow to cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Set aside.
Preheat oven broiler to high.
Ladle soup into oven safe bowls, leaving 3/4inch from the top.
Add a slice of toasted baguette, and top with cheese.
Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2 to 4 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve hot.
Serves 4
“Take your time caramelizing the onions to create the depth of flavor that makes this soup iconic.”
Chicken Piccata
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut in half to make 4 cutlets
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 lb pasta of choice, cooked according to package directions
Preparation
Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place the flour into a shallow dish, and dredge each piece of chicken, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the chicken cutlets.
Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of leftover flour to make a roux.
Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the white wine, and allow to simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Then add chicken broth, lemon juice and capers.
Let simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the remaining butter until melted and sauce is slightly thickened.
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
Let the chicken simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve on top of prepared pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serves 4. WGW
“A bright, lemony dish to brighten up a chilly January evening.”
Who's Watching?
The Dos and Don’ts of Posting Photos of Your Kids Online
By Sandra Bolan
Social media helps you share updates on your family’s milestones with grandparents and other family and friends who live around the world. But do you know who else is watching when you share personal photos of your family online?
There’s a new phenomenon known as “sharenting,” which is when wellmeaning parents overshare. Back in the day, the only people who saw that embarrassing naked bathtub pic all parents take of their toddlers were the kids' would-be spouses when they were older. Now, parents post them to social media not realizing all the nefarious ways that cute and innocent picture can be manipulated. Sometimes, the most innocent photos can wreak the most havoc. For example, that first day of school photo has just informed the world what grade
your child is entering and potentially what school they attend and the neighborhood you live in.
That "Happy Birthday" post just told everyone your child’s age, exact date of birth and name –
which is all a fraudster requires to steal their Social Security number and start applying for lines of credit. Kids are easy targets because they won’t realize their Social Security number was stolen until decades later when they apply for their first credit card.
Predators can also quickly get a detailed timeline of your child’s day based on all the photos you post. They can figure out which school your child attends, extracurricular activities they like and participate in, routines and schedules – along with general likes and dislikes – and use that information to lure your child.
Social media photos create a digital footprint, and children have no say in what gets posted, so the way they’re perceived online is out of their control. This is problematic because as a child ages, those old posts undermine his or her ability to tell their own story because it’s already been told – through the lens of a parent.
Maintain Your Privacy
• First, closing your accounts won’t wipe out your digital footprint. That will remain as long as there’s an internet. What you can do is change all your privacy settings to private. When sharing photos with friends and family, use WhatsApp, Flickr, Google Photos or Messenger.
• Turn off your phone’s GPS so photos can’t be geo-tagged.
• Don’t show your children’s faces. Photograph them from behind or put an emoji on their faces.
• Don’t post their real names. Use nicknames.
• Ask your friends and family to not post or repost any photos of your family without first asking your permission.
• At big events, such as birthdays, request guests put their phones away. If someone refuses to ditch the phone, takes photos and posts them on their very public account, explain to them why you don’t want pictures of you or your family on social media, and ask them to remove them.
• Go through your current followers on social media and block everyone you don’t know.
• Last, go through all your social media posts and delete every single image that can identify the city you live in, your street, the school your children attend, birthdates and other personal information.
Excellence in Adult Primary Care
Lee Stringfellow, M.D.
William Berard, M.D.
Kevin Webster, M.D.
Andrew Rho, D.O.
Simone Berard, M.D.
Joanne Gaw, M.D.
Schuyler Cook, D.O.
Jessi Stockham, FNP-C
Think Before You Post
Before you post anything to social media, ask yourself these questions:
• "Is my child in a state of undress, including bathing suits and crop tops?"
• "Are there any identifiable landmarks in the photo?"
• "Is the image in any way potentially embarrassing today or 10 years from now?"
If "yes" is the answer to these questions, don’t post it. Even if your photo looks “safe,” think of
the absolute worst way it can be interpreted or manipulated. If this photo were to resurface in the future, could it derail your child’s presidential campaign?
Even with all these safeguards in place, there’s still the potential for your photos to be used in ways you didn’t intend. Once you post any image on social media, no matter the platform, you no longer own that image. Instagram, Facebook, X and others own your images and can use them however they want. They can do this because when you signed up for the account and consented to the contract’s terms and conditions, buried in there was your consent for the company to utilize your images however they choose.
If It’s Not Posted to Social Media, It Didn’t Happen
If a child grows up constantly having to pose for photos, they learn to seek out external validation for everything they do versus just living and appreciating the moment. Seeking out external validation from “likes” has been associated with anxiety and depression and is especially problematic for young girls, as their likeability within society is sometimes based purely on their physical appearance.
While everyone loves photos of kids doing embarrassing or ridiculously cute things, once you put it out there for the whole world to see, you’ll lose control of how it’s received, manipulated and disseminated. Stranger danger no longer refers to that creepy person lurking in the shadows, but to everyone parked behind their keyboards. WGW
More than Sports
Lesser Known Extracurricular Activities for Kids
By Sandra Bolan
After sitting in a classroom all day and flexing their mental muscles, kids need an outlet that excites and interests them. That’s where extracurricular activities come in. Whether they’re athletic, academic or arts-based, extracurriculars help children build self-confidence, learn new skills, develop their social skills and learn how to work with others toward a common goal.
Children also figure out the importance of punctuality and time management, as they have to get all their homework done and still get to practice or class on time. Another benefit of participating in extracurriculars is kids get to meet other people with whom they share a common interest. And sometimes, what begins as a hobby may also turn into a fulfilling career.
How to Choose
Just because we live in a sports-obsessed nation doesn’t mean your child has any interest in playing the game. Never force a popular activity on your child, as there are hundreds of options to choose from.
Categories of extracurricular activities include academic, art, cultural/languages, community,
government and leadership, media, music/ performing arts, social activism, sports and tech. Within those are endless options, some of which may be considered less popular, but still of great value and worthy of your child giving them a try.
How do you help your child decide which extracurriculars are right for them?
First, when your child is left to her own devices, what does she like to do? Shoot hoops, draw, read, bake or pretend to be a pop star or superhero? Search for extracurriculars that harness what she already loves to do.
Sports
There are more than 8,000 sports in roughly 30 categories including aquatic, climbing, cycling, ice and snow, motor, strength, running and archery. In 2017, The Hunger Games hit the big screen, and thanks to Katniss Everdeen’s archeress skills, USA Archery memberships rose by 25%.
Archery dates to 20,000 BC and was initially used to hunt for food. It transitioned to a form of warfare in 10,000 BC but was replaced by guns in the 10th century. However, archers didn’t lay down their bows and pack up their quivers. Instead, they turned it
into a sport. Archery made its Olympic debut in 1900. What benefits can an archers gain from the sport? It improves concentration as well as hand-eye coordination.
En Garde! Fencing, or swordplay, is often associated with pirates, but the sport dates back to the Egyptians who utilized swords in duels and warfare. Fencing has been a competitive combat sport since 1896 and, like archery, fencing gained modern-day popularity with children thanks to the movies such as The Princess Bride and Sleepy Hollow.
The martial arts may look like they’re rooted in violence, but no matter whether it’s Karate, Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do or the more modern martial arts of kickboxing and MMA, all of them follow a code –fighting occurs only on the mat or in the ring, not on the streets. Martial arts practitioners not only gain physical strength and endurance, but they also gain self-discipline and self-defense skills.
The Arts
There was a time when drama kids were deemed weird.
But being a thespian is more than performing Shakespeare in the Park. A theatrical production requires not only actors, but singers, dancers and musicians, set designers, painters, costume designers and make-up artists, along with organized and bossy people to direct and stage manage.
Movies require every one of these skilled people, along with camera operators and stunt performers.
Other artistic extracurriculars include music, photography, illustration, writing, graphic design, pottery, glassblowing and blacksmithing.
Academic
For kids who just can’t get enough academia, there’s no shortage of afterschool options. If your child loves to debate with you at every turn, student government might be a great place to harness that skill.
For parents who have concerns about how much time their children spend playing video games, it might be considered “research” for learning the ins and outs of how games are created. About 20 years ago, more STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs emerged into public schools, tapping into those skills.
No matter what your child’s interest is, there is likely an organized afterschool program available to help encourage her to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for it.
Keeping children involved in positive extracurricular activities helps with their overall development as well-rounded individuals, helps them reduce stress and expend some of their endless childhood energy. WGW
LocaL Happenings
Nursing From The Heart
Breastfeeding Support Group
This group meets the third Thursday of each month from 11:00 to noon at the Villa Rica Library located at 869 Dallas Highway, Villa Rica, Ga.
These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Weight checks for your baby will be available at no cost. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us.
Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.
Domestic Violence Support Group
There is Hope is a support group for women survivors who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, domestic violence.
This is a private group where women survivors come together and share their personal stories of experience, strength and hope.
This group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at a private location. A ZOOM option is available.
There will be guidance for help and resources available as needed. At times there will also be guest speakers.
Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information and to obtain the privacy contract with the physical address or ZOOM meeting ID and passcode.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Groups
Has your life been impacted by the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide? You are not alone.
These groups offer peer support for anyone who has been affected by suicide loss.
There is no cost to attend.
Group meetings in Carrollton are the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 306A Bradley Street.
For more information, contact Ivey Rollins at iveyrollins@gmail.com or call 470.729.0909.
Group meetings in Douglasville are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 6167 Priestley Mill Rd., Room 226.
For more information, contact Terri Johnson at chose2live@aol.com or 770.765.2181.
Group meetings in Newnan are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 2564 Hwy 154.
For more information, contact Lynn Bradley at 770.301.4890 or email nbll.bradley170@gmail.com, or contact Nancy Bradley at 770.251.6216.
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 CEO Urges Policymakers to Stay
Informed at Power Breakfast
Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) welcomed a room full of community leaders, government officials and industry figures at its recent
Power Breakfast on Thursday, Dec. 5. The annual event gave a high-level report of the co-op’s biggest opportunities and challenges on a local, statewide and federal level.
To an everyday consumer, electricity is no novelty. It is considered a constant. To those in the industry, it is ever evolving, always changing, and even threatened at times. Carroll EMC’s President and CEO, Tim Martin, took time to breakdown how record inflation, increased demand and bad policies are impacting the reliability of power distribution across the state and nation.
“In only four years, we’ve experienced more than 12 years of normal inflation,” said Martin. “Most all of the materials we purchase have gone up at least 40%, and some things, a lot more. For us, those prices aren’t going down. That’s the base moving forward.”
For example, bucket trucks have increased by 32%, poles by 47%, guy wires by 85% and traditional transformers by 88% since 2019.
“There is good news,” added Martin. “Growth allows us to spread these increased costs across more consumers and kilowatt hour sales. We’re doing our best to minimize the impact on our Members.”
Left to right: House Representative David Huddleston, House Representative Trey Kelley, Senator Tim Bearden, Carroll EMC
CEO Tim Martin, House Representative Jutt Howard and House Representative J Collins. Photo: Carroll EMC.
Not only are the cost of materials going up, but the haste push for cleaner energy is also moving too quickly for the grid to maintain its current capacity. Martin explained that the demand for electricity is growing while “always available” energy generation is being retired without an equal replacement. Always available energy is from sources like coal, natural gas and nuclear that have reserves which can be dispatched at any time, unlike wind and solar.
“Demand is rising, and retirements are happening too soon,” said Martin. “We need to make sure we time these properly, so we have enough generation and planning reserves. Natural gas is going to be a key part in maintaining a reliable grid.”
Carroll EMC has maintained a diverse energy portfolio and continues to add necessary generation to meet the needs of its Members and forecasted increased demand. The state of Georgia is also in good shape as far as grid reliability. However, it is in the hands of policy makers to make good decisions that benefit electric cooperatives and its consumers.
Martin closed his presentation with an update on the joint fiber project with SyncGlobal Telecom and Crossbeam Fiber. Phase I of the project is complete, which offers service to all EMC Members in Heard County as well as those in southern Carroll and eastern Haralson counties. Phase II is currently underway in Haralson County, western Carroll County and portions of Polk and Paulding counties. It is estimated to be completed by mid-year 2026. The design stage for Phase III is underway.
Because of this project, more than 8,000 Carroll EMC Members have access to high-speed, broadband service.
“We have more than five thousand miles of line, so it is going to take a long time to build out in fiber,” said Martin. “But we’re not going to stop until all our Members can sign up for broadband service.”
Carroll EMC System Engineer Earns Advance Certification
Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s (EMC) System Engineering Supervisor, Tyler Collins, recently earned his Professional Engineering (PE) license, a credential that takes a minimum of eight years to achieve.
To become a licensed engineer, Collins completed a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, passed a comprehensive five-hour exam, worked under the supervision of a licensed PE for another four years, submitted an extensive application to the state for his license and passed an
Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s (EMC) System Engineering Supervisor, Tyler Collins, recently earned his Professional Engineering (PE) license, a credential that takes a minimum of eight years to achieve.
eight-hour final exam.
“Earning a PE license is considered to be the highest achieved licensure in the engineering field,” says Collins. “This shows my colleagues and others in the community that my commitment and expertise will be used to provide value back to my community with the work that I oversee and complete. When I began my career, I didn’t know the path I would take. After working at Carroll EMC, I realized the value earning my PE license could bring to my career, my family and my community. It proves that I am competent and motivated to continue to provide great work to our area.”
Collins began working at Carroll EMC as a student employee in 2013 and then as a co-op student in the system engineering department in 2015. In 2018, he was hired as a System Engineer, and in 2024, he was promoted to System Engineering Supervisor. In his current role, Collins oversees and maintains the coop’s control center and electrical software system in addition to overseeing the co-op’s growing electric vehicle program.
With his PE license, Collins can sign and seal construction work plans and drawings and must document extra hours of continuing education every year to maintain it. Earning this license is not only a testament to his competency but also his commitment to ethical and quality work.
“I am proud of Tyler and all his accomplishments as an engineer and a leader at Carroll EMC,” says Jarrod Kilgore, Manager of System Engineering for Carroll EMC. “He has been at the forefront of our system planning and improvements for the last few years, as well as leading research and initiatives around emerging technologies like electric vehicles.
This licensure is the culmination of all his hard work and makes him an even greater asset to the cooperative and our members.”
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 56,000 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, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
West Georgia Technical College Collaborates with Microsoft to Launch Data Center Academy at Douglas Campus
West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Microsoft to develop a Microsoft Data Center Academy at WGTC’s Douglas Campus. The academy is designed to equip students with advanced skills for careers in cloud computing and information technology.
The new Microsoft Data Center Academy will provide students with a curriculum focused on industry-recognized CompTIA certifications, including A+, Server+, and Network+, all aimed at fostering key skills in cloud computing, networking, and data management. This hands-on training will enable students to meet the rising demands of IT roles in various industries, contributing to a highly skilled workforce prepared to excel in the digital economy.
“This partnership with Microsoft marks a pivotal step in our mission to provide high-quality, relevant education that aligns with industry needs,” said Dr. Julie Post, President of West Georgia Technical College. “The Microsoft Data Center Academy will not only prepare our students for in-demand technology careers but also strengthen the local workforce with professionals who are skilled and ready to lead in a digital world.”
Microsoft Scholars Program
As part of this collaboration, WGTC will offer full scholarships to eligible students under the Microsoft Scholars Program. These scholarships will cover 100% of tuition, fees and testing costs for the duration of the student’s educational program. Designed to expand access to quality technical education, these scholarships ensure that students can focus on their studies without the burden of financial constraints, paving the way for greater success in the field. Scholarship recipients will have the honor of being named Microsoft Scholars, providing a distinctive edge in the job market upon graduation.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Microsoft in providing our students with access to an outstanding technical education program tailored to the demands of today’s digital landscape,” said Brittney Wells, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at WGTC. “Through the Microsoft Data Center Academy, students will gain not only the technical skills but also the professional credentials that are essential for a successful career in technology.”
WGTC’s ongoing mission is to support the workforce development needs of the community and surrounding regions by offering educational opportunities that prepare students for highdemand careers. With this partnership, WGTC strengthens its role in driving regional growth and ensuring students are job-ready with the necessary credentials to succeed.
For more information about the Microsoft Data Center Academy and scholarship opportunities at West Georgia Technical College, please contact Tara Shackleford at tara.shackleford@westgatech.edu.
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.
West Georgia Technical College Douglas Campus.
Kids Korner
Super Snowman
Materials
Empty plastic water bottle
Black, white and orange paint (or whatever colors desired)
Paintbrush
Ribbon, any color
Pompom, any color
Glue stick
Instructions
Begin by dropping a dollop of white paint inside an empty water bottle.
Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of water. Shake the bottle until the mixture turns the inside of the bottle completely white.
Once you have achieved a uniform white color throughout the bottle, tie a ribbon around the upper midsection for the snowman's scarf.
Glue a pompom to the top of the bottle.
Paint the top of the bottle the same color as the pompom to resemble a beanie.
Paint the eyes, carrot nose and buttons on the front of the bottle.
By Jordan Dailey
Craft photos by Zachary Dailey
Simple Snowflake
Materials
Wrapping paper tube or toilet tissue tube
Paint in two shades of the same color
White construction paper
Paintbrush
Scissors
Instructions
Take an old wrapping paper or toilet tissue tube and squeeze the tube to create an oval shape. Dip the oval-shaped tube in two different shades of the same color of paint – alternating between both colors each time – then press it onto the paper to create the outline of a snowflake.
Use a paintbrush to flick both shades of paint onto the paper, creating small dots that resemble falling snow. WGW
Winter Word Search
The choice for cancer care is clear.
HyperSight from Varian — exclusively at Tanner Cancer Care
Tanner Cancer Care is proud to be the first community cancer treatment provider in the nation — and the only one in the Southeast — to offer the Varian TrueBeam radiotherapy system with HyperSight.
This leading-edge technology redefines radiation treatment with an unprecedented level of accuracy and clarity — providing almost clinical-level diagnostic images in seconds instead of minutes.
The innovation empowers our team of radiation oncologists to accurately locate and track tumors in real time. It also minimizes exposure to healthy tissues and delivers higher, more effective doses of cancer-destroying radiation.
Clearer. Faster. Better. For you. Watch the video at tanner.org/HyperSight.