West Georgia Woman Magazine July 2021

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July 2021

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Remembering Rosie the Riveter 1

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Local Women Keep Rosie the Riveter's Memory Alive Through the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia Stearman Restoration Project Page 10

What’s inside...

10 Remembering Rosie

34 "Tech Neck" is a Thing

26 When It's Time to Say, "Goodbye" 36 Back-to-School Bliss?

29 Fun 4th of July Party Games

Not Even Close

42 Keeping Your Family Fit and Healthy

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Celebrating the U.S.A. I'm so relieved things are opening up more in our communities, and I'm really excited that we can have 4th of July celebrations again!

There's nothing better than celebrating our nation's birthday with family, friends and neighbors. Let the parties, parades and fireworks begin!

I'm also looking forward to another very special celebration: The Ultimate West Georgia Women's Extravaganza – a partnership between West Georgia Woman and West Georgia Technical College – will be held Saturday, Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WGTC Murphy Conference Center in Waco, Ga. Learn more about this exciting event for women on page 19. Tickets are only $5 for preregistered guests and the first 100 people to purchase their ticket online will receive a special gift in their event gift bag! Visit www.westgeorgiawoman.com for more details.

I hope to see you there!

In This Issue Our feature this month is the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia and a team of its female volunteers who are restoring a PT-17 Stearman airplane from the ground up.

Photo by Keith May The unit is dedicating this project to "Rosie the Riveter" – the cultural icon who represented female workers in our nation's shipyards and factories, and whose valuable service kept our country running during World War II. The team kicked off the project in July 2020, but restoration efforts will take tons of man-hours (or should it be,"woman-hours?") and extensive funds before its completion. Learn more about the CAF Airbase Georgia and this exciting project on page 10.

Is your marriage over? Many believe divorce destroys families, but it doesn't have to be that way. On page 26, Sandra Bolan shares how to handle your divorce with compassion and grace.

Are you gearing up for a fabulous 4th of July? Read page 29 to learn how to play some fun and patriotic outdoor games.

In just a month, the kids will be going back to school. Most parents are elated just thinking about the prospect of getting the children out of the house and back to a normal routine. On page 36, read our take on the humorous downside that accompanies that back-to-school bliss.

There is so much more to read inside!

Thank you for being a part of our lives each month. We really appreciate you! I invite you to become a West Georgia Woman magazine insider. Visit our website at www.westgeorgiawoman.com and sign up today to receive your free digital issue in your inbox each month. Please do business with our community advertising partners who are included in this issue. They help us provide you with this lovely magazine each month. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

See you next month,

Publisher

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Finding our voice. Knowing our value.

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

Volume 6 • Issue 9 July 2021

Publisher/Editor

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Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

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Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Jordan Coffman and Rose Isaacs

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Remembering Rosie

By Angela Dailey 10 by Zachary Dailey Photos

Local Women Keep Rosie the Riveter's Memory Alive Through The Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia Stearman Restoration Project11

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s each day goes by, the memories of World War II and the Greatest Generation continue to fade. The courageous men and women who fought and won the great war are mostly in their 90s or older.

In 2020, there were only 325,574 veterans left of the 16 million Americans who served, and 296 are dying every day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the number of WWII veterans left in the state of Georgia was only 6,314.

By 2032, the chances of any WWII veterans still living is very small.

There are local people making sure the legacy of those who fought – and supported those who fought – lives on for generations to come.

2,000 combat pilots; Camp Gordon in Augusta and Hunter Field in Savannah trained enlisted men for the battlefield; Fort Benning in Columbus was the largest infantry training school in the world; More than 28,000 Georgians worked at the Bell Bomber plant in Marietta; 13,000 civilians were employed at Robins Field in Macon; and thousands of shipyard workers in Brunswick and Savannah built close to 200 Liberty ships to transport supplies and soldiers to the front, according to the New Georgia Encyclopedia.

At military installations throughout the state and coastal shipyards, thousands of women entered the workforce for the first time to meet wartime production needs. Throughout the nation, the percentage of women in the workforce increased from 24 percent at the beginning of the war to WWII in Georgia 36 percent at the end. Many women worked in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as Georgia had over 320,000 citizens sign up for military service, and countless others were employed industrial plants and munitions factories. Of the more than 28,000 employees at the Marietta Bell in wartime industries – including historic records of women. Due to an infusion of federal dollars into the Aircraft plant, 37 percent were women.

The Great War completely transformed Georgia's state, WWII had a tremendous impact on Georgia's economy, ended the Great Depression in the state economy. Each major city in Georgia housed a and gave thousands of women their first taste of military installation. independence. Homeownership increased, as did The University of Georgia's naval school trained the percentage of citizens who were able to have electricity, air conditioning and indoor plumbing.

At war's end, numerous women were forced to retire from the workplace and continue their pre-war domestic duties – although many women wanted to keep their jobs. The women who remained in the workforce worked much "softer" jobs such as sales and clerical work, and Wartime Posters Encouraging Women to enter the workforce. Throughout the nation, the percentage of women in the workforce increased from 24 percent at the beginning of the war to 36 percent at the end were often paid of the war. At war's end, numerous women were forced to retire from the workplace and rcontinue their half of what their pre-war domestic duties, although many women wanted to keep their jobs. The women who remained in male coworkers the workforce worked much "softer" jobs such as sales and clerical work, and were often paid half of what were paid. their male coworkers were paid.

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housed the historic aircraft.

Over the years, the CAF has continued to grow, adding medium and heavy bombers such as the B-29, B-25, B-17 and B-24 to the collection.

The organization is one of the Left: Operating a hand drill at Vultee-Nashville, woman is working on a "Vengeance" dive bomber, largest air forces Tennessee. February 1943. Right: Women at work on bomber, Douglas Aircraft Company, Long Beach, in the world, with Calif. October 1942. Palmer, Alfred T., photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. approximately 13,000 members and a fleet of more than 175 aircraft Preserving WWII Aircraft representing more than 60 different types of aircraft – including planes from several foreign countries and Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the other military conflicts since World War II. Commemorative Air Force (CAF) mission is to CAF members are all volunteers and are located educate, inspire and honor through flight and living in every state and 28 foreign countries. Members history experiences. have formed chapters in 26 states and four foreign The CAF was created in 1957, when Lloyd countries to foster camaraderie, with many of them Nolen and a group of former service pilots from actively supporting one or more of the classic military the Rio Grande Valley in Texas pooled their funds aircraft operated by the CAF. to purchase their first plane, a P51 Mustang. They formed a small organization to share the expenses and joys of maintaining the plane.

Airbase Georgia Soon after, the group purchased two F8F Bearcats to add to their collection. It was then that they Airbase Georgia is the Georgia chapter of the CAF. realized their mission would be to save an example It is a nonprofit, grassroots organization committed of every plane flown in World War II. to teaching WWII history and preserving WWII aircraft By the time WWII ended, almost 300,000 planes in its hangar facility. had been built in America. But by 1960, there were Formerly known as the Commemorative Air very few aircraft left in flying condition. Most of Force Dixie Wing, the organization achieved the the aircraft had been designation of Airbase decommissioned, stripped within the CAF on Feb. of their armaments and 18 of this year, due to abandoned or scrapped. its extensive growth and Neither the Navy nor accomplishments over the the Air Force were doing last 35 years. anything to preserve the "We are one of the historic WWII aircraft, largest, most active, so the group began and successful units to fervently search in the CAF," says CAF for any existing WWII Airbase Georgia Leader aircraft with the goal of Jim Buckley. "Our over preserving them for future 400 members, multiple generations. award-winning aircraft The CAF was chartered restorations, a maintenance as a nonprofit corporation Two sisters who left the farm to keep our airmen flying. NYA and machine workshop, trainees at the Corpus Christi, Texas, Naval Air Base, Evelyn in 1961. By 1965, the and Lillian Buxkeurple are shown working on a practice bomb continuous growth and organization had a 26,000 shell. August 1942.Howard R. Hollem, photographer, Public financial stability led to square foot museum that domain, via Wikimedia Commons. this milestone. We are

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tax-deductible.

Members are frequently allowed to ride the WWII aircraft to airshows, and monthly meetings are held the first Saturday of each month.

Non-members also have an opportunity to ride in the aircraft by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Airbase Georgia Living History program in exchange for a ride in a warbird.

Prices for rides range from $150 to $2,795, depending on the length of the flight and which aircraft is chosen.

Honoring Rosie

excited and proud to be honored with an Airbase On July 20, 2020, the airbase kicked off a designation.”

Stearman restoration project dedicated to Rosie Airbase Georgia's hangar is located at Falcon the Riveter – the cultural icon who represented the Field at the Greater Atlanta Regional Airport in female workers in factories and shipyards during Peachtree City, Ga. "The CAF is the oldest and largest WWII flying museum in the world," says CAF World War II. The PT-17 Stearman is being built Airbase Georgia Development Officer Chris Madrid. from the ground up, and the project is being led by several of the unit’s female members.

"We have seven operational WWII aircraft, and we "The Stearman is one of the most iconic trainers have restored three of those. Our latest project is of World War II, utilized in the primary training stage the Stearman. The Stearman is one of the most iconic trainers of the 30s and 40s, and this project is in which pilot candidates took to the air,” says Jim. “We think this will thrill many aviation and World War also a tribute to the men and women who built the II enthusiasts when it is restored to flying condition.” aircraft."

The aircraft that is being restored was accepted by The aircraft at Airbase Georgia consist of a the Navy on July 9, 1941.

Douglas SBD Dauntless, North American P-51 It was assigned to the Naval Air Station (NAS) at Mustang, Bell P-63 Kingcobra, Goodyear FG-1 Corpus Christi, Texas, and was transferred to Naval Corsair, North American LT-6 Texan, Beechcraft T-34 Reserve Aviation Base (NRAB) in Detroit, Michigan, Mentor and a Fairchild PT-19. on April 9, 1942.

Airbase Georgia is made up of male and female volunteers from all walks of life who are passionate about teaching and preserving combat aircraft.

Its members include pilots, mechanics, veterans, professionals, families and students. As long as you are 18 years or older, you can become a member.

"It's a 100 percent volunteer effort," Chris says. "We have a lot of volunteers. We couldn't do this without them."

CAF Airbase Georgia membership is $200 a A PT-17 Stearman trainer plane in the Airbase Georgia hangar. Before WWII pilots flew bombers year, and wing dues are and other military aircraft, most were trained to fly a Stearman. Five of the Airbase Georgia female $48 per year. All dues are members are working on restoring a plane just like this from the ground up.

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The Stearman's next assignment was for Naval Air Intermediate Training (NAIT) at Rodd Field in Corpus Christi, Texas, on April 1, 1944. It was then assigned to the pool in Dallas in November 1944 until it was stricken from the record on Nov. 30,1944, according to the CAF Airbase Georgia website.

Member Jeff Clark is helping the female members with the restoration. "It’s gonna be a really good project – they're pretty much my favorite airplane," he says. "The interesting thing about a Stearman is it’s actually a Boeing. It’s called a Stearman because it has its roots with a guy named Loyd Stearman. For the project, we have two separate air frames that were acquired from separate sources. It’s kind of a hybrid air frame. A lot of the air frame is metal, but some of the most important parts are made of wood.

There was a lot of demand for metal and steel in WWII, so using wood made sense. All of the wood and metal will ultimately be covered with Three of the female CAF Georgia Airbase members who are working on the fabric."

The Stearman parts the unit has for Stearman restoration project dedicated to Rosie the Riveter. Left to right: Robin Godfrey O'Reilly, Jane Simpson and Robyn Rosenzweig. Angela Decker and Lorraine restoration are going to need some DeLoach (not pictured) are also involved in the restoration project. serious TLC. Many of the pieces are corroded, dented and in need of repair. The women other parts as needed. will need to sandblast some of the parts and fix They have the horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, all the flight controls, wings, the center section, fuselage and a very strong airframe. Once the plane is assembled, they will put on an epoxy primer and cover it with fabric.

"The fabric covering process is really interesting," Jeff says. "We'll glue the fabric down, use chemicals to shrink the fabric and stitch the fabric to the ribs.That will hold it down tightly and form a nice taught surface for the airflow."

Three of the five women working on the restoration project are Robin Godfrey O’Reilly, Robyn Rosenzweig and Jane Simpson. They all have a family connection to WWII. Most of the PT-17 Stearman air frame is made of metal, but some of the most imRobin has been a member of the portant parts are made of wood. Inset, some of the ladies' completed fabric work CAF for about 10 years. Some of on the Stearman. Fabric photo provided by Jane Simpson.

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Robin's family members lived in Oak Ridge, Tenn., in the 1940s. They all took part in helping create the atomic bomb.

Oak Ridge, informally known as the Atomic, or Secret City, couldn't be found on any map in 1942.

It was only known as the Clinton Engineering Works, located on 60,000 acres of farmland surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains.

Oak Ridge was one of the United States' three secret cities with remote sites chosen by Manhattan Project Director General Leslie Groves, according to Historynet. The civilian inhabitants were removed, and the land was developed for the specific purpose of creating the atomic bomb.

About 75,000 construction workers and government personnel inhabited the gated district from 1942 to 1945, and the majority of them had no idea they were creating weapons-grade uranium.

The employees who knew they were working with uranium were instructed to call it by the code name "tuballoy."

"My grandfather and some aunts and uncles lived there in the 40s and were working on the atom bomb, unbeknownst to them," Robin says.

Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, the architecture firm who designed the communities within the Clinton Engineering Works, built several types of homes for Manhattan Project workers, including dormitories for single women and men.

Many of the homes were made of cemesto, a mixture of asbestos and cement. New residents were assigned housing based on their rank and position.

The houses were never sold, only rented, and modifications to the homes were forbidden.

Ten years Jane Simpson shows off some of the after the war, Stearman restoration parts.

the government put the houses up for sale. Most of the structures are still in use today.

Robin's purpose for becoming a member of the CAF was, first and foremost, to recognize and honor the veterans who sacrificed so much for their country during the war.

"I came to a veteran event here one year, and I was so impressed with Robin Godfrey O'Reilly the organization," she shares. "When they crank these planes up, it just gives you a chill. You are so proud to be an American, so proud of our military and the arsenal power that we have, and mostly proud of the tribute to the veterans who sacrificed so much for all of us."

Jane became a member of Airbase Georgia after attending one of its air shows. "They said, 'Hey, we need volunteers at the Dixie Wing,'" she says. "So here I am. I love it.” She also has close family ties to aviation during WWII. "My Aunt Mary was a young girl growing up in Greenville, Tenn.," she shares.

"She liked to hang around airports and she got her license when she was 16. When the war broke out for the Americans to get involved, she was too young to join the WASPs – the women’s air service.

So she went off and became a Top Gun instructor for the Navy at age 17. When I was a little girl, I knew I loved airplanes, but I didn’t know why. I finally met my Aunt Mary when I was 17, and that’s when I fell in love with it."

Robyn learned about Airbase Georgia after attending a CAF event several years ago at the Peachtree-Dekalb Airport. "I went online and volunteered," she says. "The reason I volunteered is because my grandfather was a B-17 pilot. I have a deep affection for WWII. I’m very proud of my grandfather and his 35 missions – which he did complete successfully and came home. It’s just a very passionate personal connection – the aircraft and all the people I’ve met. I really enjoy it, it’s a lot

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of fun."

The female members who will be completing the Stearman restoration project are beyond thrilled to have this opportunity – and to be able to dedicate it to Rosie the Riveter.

Robyn has been working with the American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) to help spread the word Robyn Rosenzweig prepares for takeoff in a PT17 Stearman. Inset: The flight mirror on a Stearman was used for communicating during the flight instruction process. Trainers (seated in the rear seat behind the pilot) were about what the able to gauge how the pilot-in-training was faring during the flight. women at Airbase members came up with the idea to get women Georgia are doing involved in working on one of the aircraft. When in Rosie's honor. The ARRA has been extremely we found out we got a Stearman, she brought the helpful to the group. idea up to someone here, and it kind of kicked off "We’ve gotten national recognition for Rosie the whole Rosie the Riveter thing. So we thought, the Riveter – finally," says Robyn. "She is the 'Who better to have a project in honor of than Rosie cultural icon symbol of WWII. This put women into the Riveter?' We think it’s a great idea to honor her. the workforce and getting involved. One of the

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She is the representative of all the women who put in the absolute effort to get us to be the arsenal of democracy for WWII. Being able to do this one is exciting. I like cars and mechanical things, so being able to put my hands on an airplane is really cool. I think this is going to be a great project and a lot of fun."

The two other female members who are working on the restoration project are Lorraine DeLoach and Angela Decker. All the ladies appreciate the hard work from some of the male Airbase Georgia members who have been helping them during the restoration. "Randy Hawkins is our lead mechanic, and he deserves huge kudos for teaching us," Jane says.

Airbase Georgia Tours and Events The Airbase Georgia CAF Historic Airpower Facility is available for tours, free of charge (you must call first), and special events for a fee.

The airbase welcomes citizens, students, teachers, scout troops, home schoolers and local youth organizations for tours.

At over 10,000 square feet, the hangar has frontrow views of the runway and can accomodate up to 400 guests for special events.

There is a smaller briefing room with full audio and video available to rent for business meetings, parties and seminars with less than 100 guests.

Although it is currently closed due to COVID-19, there is a museum onsite that houses artifacts and memorabilia of the wars of the U.S. in the last century.

There are mannequins dressed in authentic WWII uniforms; finely crafted plastic models of Allied and Axis warplanes; a large collection of WWII toys; weapons and gear of American, British, French, Russian, German, Italian and Japanese military services; WWII newspapers, military insignias, aviation art and several aircraft engines.

The museum's centerpiece is a 10-foot model of the USS Enterprise (CVA-6), the most decorated U.S. warship of WWII and veteran of all but two major battles. It is displayed with scale models of U.S. carrier aircraft of WWII. A large model of the USS Missouri battleship, a freighter (the Aldebarau) and a very large model of the CAF B-17 Texas Raider is also on display.

Educating the Community American consulting firm Oliver Wyman recently conducted a study that suggests there will be a pilot

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shortage – as many as 50,000 worldwide – between 2023 and 2025. The study indicated that carriers in North America and Asia-Pacific, including China, will experience the pilot shortage first and be hit the hardest.

"In North America, with an aging pilot population and heavy use of early retirements, the shortage reemerges quickly and is projected to reach over 12,000 pilots by 2023 – 13 percent of total demand," according to the study.

In recent years, Airbase Georgia has been diligently focused on education, with a mission to inspire future generations of pilots, aviation mechanics and citizens.

"In late 2019, we began working with local schools and aerospace employers to help solve the pilot and aviation mechanic shortage and also help teach World War II history at all grade levels," Jim says. "We also partnered with the tourism sector, and a foundation is being established to assist in our growth efforts."

For educators, Airbase Georgia offers a WWII Home Front lesson plan series and website designed for elementary, middle and high school students.

Topics include the Tuskegee Airmen, Rosie the Riveter, the Holocaust, Arsenal of Democracy, the

mass production of penicillin and D-Day weather.

Each lesson plan meets Georgia curriculum standards and is available at no cost to educators in Georgia schools. There is a subscription fee for all others. The airbase will be adding High School Aviation STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum this year.

All three women hope to see young girls become more interested in aviation. "They say we’re going to have a pilot shortage in our future, so what better time than now to start our girls into the aviation, science and engineering field so they will fill that role of pilots today and in the future," Robin says.

Jane and Robyn agree. "In my former life, I was working at the University of West Georgia," Jane says. "Education is so important for our young women. I see this as a such a wonderful educational experience, and also to get young girls excited about getting into STEM programs."

"This is a good STEM and STEAM thing," says Robyn. "This is a good place to start. This is super basic. I’m hoping to branch out to more groups that have inspiring women to join and get involved with working on the aircraft. I think it will be a lot of fun." STEAM incorporates art into the curriculum in addition to the other subjects.

Because a HOME is much more than a house.

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Airbase Georgia is also proud of its Living History Day program, an educational outreach program created in 2017.

Through this program, the community learns about different aviation-related topics in a hands-on setting, often while viewing aircraft related to the topics presented.

Living History Day draws the public closer to the story with presentations from experts in the field or from people who actually lived through the experience.

"CAF Airbase Georgia operates World War II aircraft to honor the Greatest Generation, the heroes at home and in battle whose unprecedented efforts won WWII," Jim says. “We have created a strong reputation in our local community and throughout the aviation industry because of our commitment to our mission, 'Keep ‘em Flying.' Our goal is to be embraced as Georgia’s World War II Flying Museum.

We do this through events and programs locally, regionally and nationally.”

WWII Heritage Days CAF Airbase Georgia will hold its 17th annual open house and fundraising event, WWII Heritage Days, on Oct. 9, 2021, at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field in Peachtree City.

It began as a one-day event in 2003 and is the oldest and largest annual World War II and 1940s themed event in Georgia. Last May, the Southeast Tourism Society designated it a Top 20 Event. This year, CAF Airbase Georgia museum joined the WWII Heritage Trail in Georgia – one of nine stops throughout the state.

The CAF WWII Heritage Days website encourages people to attend and, "Celebrate the 1940s, Salute the Greatest Generation and Inspire All Ages to Preserve the Legacy of America’s Veterans."

The airbase is dedicating its 2021 WWII Heritage

Days in honor of all Rosie the Riveters, the American women who worked in the military equipment factories during WWII. Admission to the event is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 11 to 17. Children 10 and under are free.

Activities for the day include warbird rides, military vehicles on display, food trucks, a PX (military store) and living history displays and presentations. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CAF Airbase Georgia headquarters.

As a special highlight, CAF Airbase Georgia is inviting owners of Stearman vintage aircraft to participate in a fly-in for the day.

“Thanks to the encouragement of our partners and local community, we have been inspired to bring back WWII Heritage Days so we can salute the Greatest Generation of the 1940s," Jim says, "especially since we were designated a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society last May.” "It's a can’t-miss experience for anyone who enjoys nostalgia, big band music, swing dancing, historic aircraft and military vehicles, antique cars and vintage fashion. The program includes educational activities and living history demonstrations for all ages," according to the website.

While the airbase continues its valuable work of aircraft preservation and educating the community, its female members will also be hard at work restoring the Stearman for Rosie the Riveter.

Their goal is to complete the Stearman restoration by 2024, the 90th anniversary of the Stearman’s first flight. At an estimated price tag of $150,000 for a complete restoration, the unit is still in need of donations to help with the project. But the women have faith they will get the necessary funds.

They know all they have to do is believe in Rosie's mantra, "We Can Do It!" WGW To learn more about the Airbase Georgia Chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, or to schedule a tour or special event, call 678.364.1110 or visit the website at www.airbasegeorgia.org.

Follow the unit on Facebook and Instagram @CAFAirbaseGeorgia To donate to the Stearman restoration project, you can donate online at www.cafstearman.com Mail checks to: CAF Airbase Georgia 1200 Echo Ct. Peachtree City, Ga. 30269

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When It's Time to Say, "Goodbye"

Handling Your Divorce With Compassion and Grace

26

By Sandra Bolan

W

hen you stand before God, friends and family to say ‘I do,’ you truly believe you’ll be with your spouse until death parts you.

A century ago, betrothing ourselves to another for life wasn’t really that long of a commitment because the life expectancy of the average American man was 46 and for women, it was 48.

Today, men live to an average of 76 and women, 81. So being in a relationship with one person for upwards of 50 years, versus 15 to 20 years, is challenging.

No one is the same person they were 10, 20 or 30 years from the day they said, "I do." So it can seem almost impossible for two people to evolve, grow and remain compatible with their spouse long-term.

For those couples who do manage to stay together, research claims many are actually miserable.

Reasons for not divorcing include everything from not wanting to disappoint their children and parents, their religious beliefs, not wanting to be viewed as a failure by society or the economic consequences of going from one income to two.

Then, there are the couples who do decide to divorce.

For every amicable divorce, there are horror stories about battles over who gets the family home,

who gets custody of the children, or even the pets.

Ideally, you don’t want to be one of those couples. You want to separate with grace and dignity. In 2014, when Gwyneth Paltrow introduced the world to the concept of “consciously uncoupling” when she divorced her husband, she and the phrase was mocked, to put it kindly.

But conscious uncoupling, which is ending a marriage or romantic relationship in a manner that shows two people can remain friends, is exactly what will enable both of you to move forward – in life and future relationships.

The decisions you make early on in the process will determine the tone for the entire divorce proceedings.

If you’re angry and vindictive, then that’s the kind of divorce you’re going to get, and the only winners are the lawyers.

If children are involved, it’s even more important to be civil with each other, as neither of you want to jeopardize your relationship with the kids. But that’s exactly what could happen if they overhear the two of you going at it with accusations and name calling.

Don't use your children as pawns to hurt each other, either. This causes severe emotional damage, not only for your children, but also for each other.

Your children deserve to be happy and need a

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Rules for Civil Disengagement

• Be clear it’s over. Let him know there is no amount of counseling that will change your mind.

• Set boundaries. Shift your relationship to light and polite conversation when you run into each other or talk only about the children. Avoid any topic of conversation that involves feelings.

• Apologize. Make amends. Tell your partner you’re sorry for hurting him.

• Be sympathetic. Even though you don’t want to be in a relationship with your spouse anymore, be empathetic to the fact it’s a onesided decision. Own that decision and take responsibility for it and the pain it’s caused.

• Be thankful. At some point, thank your former spouse for all the good things you shared. Don’t let the divorce rewrite your history and erase all the good times.

• Don’t seek to destroy. Let your spouse know the divorce is not about wanting to destroy him emotionally or financially.

• Be patient. You and your former spouse are in two different places. It will take time for the non-initiator to get to where you were when you asked for the divorce.

family home while you work out the legalese is going to make the divorce easier on the kids – or change the initiator’s mind – you’re wrong.

This just leads to more emotional confusion and conflict. Separating has to be quick and clean – like ripping off a Band-aid.

3. Ending the spiritual contract. For some couples, the most challenging part of divorce is the third phase. You both entered the marriage believing you would be together for 30 to 50 years or more. But that didn’t happen. So now you have to grieve the loss.

During this phase, your emotions will be all over the place, and resemble how you would feel if you lost a person to death: anger, denial, depression, bargaining, guilt, sadness and finally, acceptance. Both partners will go through the grieving process differently.

As you both maneuver through these processes, it’s important to keep your verbal assaults in check.

Lapsing into verbal attacks will only negate all the goodwill and progress you’ve made. Try to remember this isn't just about you.

Moving on with compassion and grace will help you, your spouse and your children make it through this difficult time in your lives. WGW

healthy relationship with both parents.

No matter how you choose to handle your divorce, you’re going to go through three phases.

1. Emotional upheaval. Usually, it’s one person who initiates the dissolution of the relationship – quite often to the astonishment of the other person. Right away, the couple is in two different places emotionally. It will take time for the non-initiator to comprehend the end of the marriage, and that’s OK. The initiator needs to understand this and be compassionate of the fact they are in two different places.

2. Breaking the legal contract. While we view marriage as more emotional than legal, especially since women are no longer sold to men for livestock or land, it’s still a legally binding contract. The house, cars and other possessions all have to be divided. The couple doesn’t have to be wealthy for this to get ugly. One of you will have to leave the marital home ASAP. Usually, it’s the one initiating the divorce. Living together in a dead marriage isn’t going to benefit anyone, especially the children. If you think staying together in the

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Fun 4th of July Party Games

By Sandra Bolan

J

uly 4 is the biggest birthday party of the year. But before the night sky gets lit up with fireworks, the entire day is usually spent with friends and family grilling, eating cake, drinking sweet tea and playing an abundance of outdoor games.

Fun With Food Eating contests. The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest isn’t just for the professionals. If hot dogs aren’t for you, you can have a food eating contest with watermelon, apple pie or anything else you want to over-indulge in.

Patriotic marshmallow golf. Before the party, take a bag of giant marshmallows and divide it into three parts. You'll need red and blue food coloring and two bowls of water. Add one color to each of the bowls. Dye two parts of the marshmallows red and blue by dipping them, one at a time, into the bowls of colored water. Allow the marshmallows to dry on paper towels. Leave the third part of the bag with the white marshmallows as they are. When you're ready to play the game, set up golf tees in the grass. Grab a driver, place a marshmallow on the tee and start swinging. Farthest drive wins.

Banana split relay. You'll need all the ingredients for banana splits: bananas, neopolitan ice cream, pineapple tidbits, strawberry and fudge sauce, nuts (or sprinkles) and whipped cream. Separate the ingredients in large bowls on a table. There can be up to seven people on teams – nine if you separate the chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Give each team an empty bowl. The teams race to see who can complete the banana split first, with each player having one task. For example, the first player on each team peels and slices the bananas and places them in the bowl, the second player places the ice cream in the bowl and so on.

Fun Outdoor Party Games Bean bag toss. If you don't have a traditional cornhole board, line up five paper plates, vertically.

The plate closest to the bean bag tosser is worth 10 points. Next farthest away is 20 points and so on.

The person with the most points, wins.

Old school water balloon toss. Throw a water balloon back and forth and try not to drop or break the balloon as partners move away from each other.

Step up this game by adding a pair of colanders.

One person holds the colander over her head while the other person tosses water balloons into the colander. Try not to break the balloon.

Flag balloon pop. Create the American flag by placing red, white and blue balloons on a wooden or cork board with thumbtacks. Put a prize voucher into some or all of the balloons. Throw a dart at the balloon and win a cool prize.

Lawn Twister®. Spray paint red, white and blue (and green as you need a fourth color) dots or stars on the grass in the same pattern as Twister®. Grab your indoor spinner and play.

"Let freedom ring" toss. Place several small American flags in the ground at different intervals, with some worth higher points than others, depending on how challenging it is to ring them.

Players take turns throwing the rings onto the flags.

Most points wins. Make this a fun, nighttime game by using glow necklaces for rings.

Test your knowledge. Put your knowledge of American history to the test with a game of Jeopardy. All of the clues are based on interesting Independence Day facts.

Lawn Bowling. Paint five empty wine or beer bottles in red, white and blue. Alternatively, you can use 2-liter soda bottles if you want to play on a hard surface. Set them up in the five-pin formation. Roll a soccer or basketball at the pins. WGW

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Daily Fare With

e s o R f e h C

Photos by Zachary Dailey

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Chef Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn and their son, Sebastian.

She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts.

After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro.

"

Works great on a grill or even indoors. Perfect for a summer backyard BBQ

"

Skillet Beans with Hot Dogs Ingredients

Preparation

Canola oil, for grill grate 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 to 3 slices of bacon, chopped 1 small onion, diced 1 (15-ounce) can small white beans, rinsed 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons molasses Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 8 hot dogs 8 hot dog buns Ketchup, mustard and relish for serving

Set up grill for direct and indirect cooking and heat to medium.

Once hot, clean and lightly oil grates with canola oil.

Heat olive oil in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet over direct heat.

Add onion and bacon.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and onions are softened.

Add beans, tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, Worcestershire and molasses.

Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer skillet to indirect heat.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Grill hot dogs over direct heat, turning occasionally, until warmed through, 5 to 6 minutes.

Grill buns, if desired.

Serve hot dogs in buns with beans, ketchup, mustard and relish.

Serves 6 to 8.

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Red White and Blue Corn Pudding

" Ingredients Pudding ingredients 1/2 cup white cornmeal or grits 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 Tablespoon butter 1 egg 1/4 cup heavy cream Pinch of salt

Fruit ingredients 1 cup blueberries 1 cup strawberries, chopped 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice Pinch of salt

Preparation For the pudding: 32

In a large saucepan, bring two cups of water to a boil.

This creamy cornmeal pudding is the perfect way to cool off on a hot Fourth of July day.

"

Gradually add cornmeal while vigorously whisking.

Continue to whisk until smooth.

Reduce heat to low.

Continue to cook and whisk until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in sugar, brown sugar and salt.

Keep cooking over low heat and stirring frequently until the mixture thickens again and the cornmeal is softened, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Whisk in butter.

In a small bowl, mix together egg and milk.

Vigorously beat egg mixture into hot cornmeal mixture.

Spoon into small ramekins or glasses.

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding.

Refrigerate overnight.

For the fruit: Mix blueberries, strawberries, 3/4 cup sugar, lemon juice and salt together in a small bowl.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Top set pudding with prepared fruit mixture and serve.

Serves 4.

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “In America nobody says you have to keep the circumstances somebody else gives you.”

– Amy Tan

By Robert Foothorap - http://www.arts.gov/about/Nearts/17-2007vol3/p11-tan.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47046790

“What I love about America is not necessarily the American Dream but the fact that there's so much spirit of fighting to continue to dream once the dreams are broken.”

– Chloe Zhao

“But this is the great danger America faces.

That we will cease to be one nation and become instead a collection of interest groups: city against suburb, region against region, individual against individual. Each seeking to satisf y private wants.”

– Barbara Jordan

“When you get to know a lot of people, you make a great discovery … It takes all the people – black and white, Catholic, Jewish and Protestant, recent immigrants and Mayflower descendants – to make up America.”

– Judy Garland “Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being.

With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry his own weight, this is a frightening prospect.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

33

"Tech Neck"

By Sandra Bolan

C

What it is and How to Prevent it

arpal tunnel syndrome. Bursitis. Rotator cuff tendonitis. Tennis elbow. What do all of them have in common? They’re the most common repetitive strain injuries we suffer from.

We can now add a new one to the list: tech or text neck.

Americans spend almost six hours a day working on a computer or laptop, as well as looking down at our phones texting, scrolling through social media or sending a quick email reply, along with playing Candy Crush.

For every inch we tilt our heads forward to look at a screen, the weight on our neck doubles. Our head weighs between 10 and 12 pounds.

When looking at a screen, those muscles, tendons and ligaments in the front of the neck compress and tighten, while simultaneously lengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments behind the neck.

The result? Tech neck.

The constricted muscles lead to a general ache/stiffness in the lower neck and upper back, headaches, pain between the shoulder blades, hunched shoulders and when you finally do lift your head, it’s a challenge.

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Severe cases of tech neck can result in numbness, tingling or weakness down the arms due to a pinched nerve in the neck or jaw pain because of cervical spine misalignment.

Sit Up Straight?

We’ve always been told to sit up straight. Our workstations are even designed so we have no choice but to sit with a ramrod straight posture in our ergonomically designed chairs.

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The ideal way to sit at one’s desk is at a 25 to 30 percent degree recline. What does that look like?

You know that co-worker who loves to lean back in his chair with his feet propped up on the desk? He may look like he’s slacking, but that’s actually the best way to sit at your desk.

When you lean back, your weight goes into the lumbar support of the chair, versus straight down your spine.

Symptom Relief Kicking your shoes off and sitting with your feet on the desk is not typically acceptable in an office environment. But there are other ways to alleviate tech neck symptoms.

• Buy a chair with good lumbar support.

• Try to get up from your desk every 15 to 30 minutes to take a quick walk. This helps recirculate the blood around the body.

• When working on a tablet or phone, move it to eye level instead of looking down.

• Do 10 minutes of yoga a day. Certain yoga poses can help reset your muscle imbalances, which is what causes your neck pain.

• Do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day. Along with all of its other health benefits, aerobic activity sends oxygenated blood to your fatigued muscles and flushes out the lactic acid, which causes inflammation, pain and stiffness.

• Then continue with deep tissue massages as well as chiropractic treatments. This can be beneficial in alleviating pain and stiffness.

While most symptoms of tech neck are more annoying than anything else, for some people, doctor intervention may be required, especially if you have weakness, numbness, loss of feeling or tingling in your arms and hands, or if the pain makes it difficult to sleep.

Nearly everyone spends more time then they should hunched over a digital screen. The technology isn’t going anywhere, so it’s up to us to take short time-outs to get the blood flowing again.

When you stand up, take a look around. You might find something, or someone, more interesting than what’s on your screen. WGW

35

Back-to-School Bliss?

Not Even Close

By Sandra Bolan

I

t's the most wonderful time of the year. Time for the kids to go back to school. We’ve all seen the memes of moms celebrating the start of a new school year, while their kids look miserable.

Reality is nothing like those memes. For parents, back-to-school means a return to driving the kids all over town for their activities; getting up well before the rest of the family to make the kids’ breakfast and pack lunches that will likely get tossed in the trash,

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and figuring out this new math so they can provide some semblance of homework help.

But before the first school bell rings and the endless carpool line forms, there’s the abundance of school supplies that need to be purchased.

The cost of school supplies could feed a small country. Nowadays, it costs roughly $500 to get just one kid back into the classroom. This includes the aforementioned supply list, new clothes, electronics, athletic and extra-curricular fees as well as uniform costs. The never-ending list of back-to-school expenses is enough to force more parents into debt.

Then there’s the forms requiring parental signatures. You filled out the exact same documents last year and the information hasn’t changed, but you still have to sign and date an inch-thick stack of forms.

There’s even homework for parents. Depending on the school, you’ll have to read a mammoth student handbook (has any parent in history ever actually read the entire thing?) that covers everything from disciplinary actions, alcohol and drug use, harassment and even toxic parents.

Back to Reality For the past few months, the alarm clock was all but forgotten, and you never rushed to get anywhere fearing you’d be called into the principal’s office for being tardy, yet again.

That all changes in a single day. Yes, getting kids out of bed is a challenge, especially if they’re teenagers who can sleep through anything. But getting kids into bed before Jimmy Fallon starts his monologue can be even harder. It seems that once dinner has been digested, kids get a second wind.

Remember those glorious summer days when you could get ready for work at your leisure, and the hot water was in abundant supply while your little angels slept through the morning? Not anymore. But studies have shown showering in cold water every morning is good for the soul – not.

If you have pre-teens and teens, they all want to look great for back-to-school.

The fact that they lived in their pajamas and never brushed their hair the entire summer is just a distant memory. Now, they want to dress to impress. Don't bother looking for your hair gel, deodorant, hair spray or makeup. On the bright side, at least you get your phone charger back during the daytime – if you can find it in their room.

Then, there's the homework. Mountains of it – even on the first day! Just the mention of the H-word has brought many CEOs to tears. Shame on you if you don't remember how to change a fraction to a percentage, or you have no idea who the fifth president of the United States was. It's only been 20 years since you were in school. Homework is a humbling reminder that you are indeed, not smarter than a 5th grader.

Ready for a back-to-school cold to run its course through your entire family? You got it. Strep throat is available in abundance, run-of-the-mill colds and the flu are all an important part of the most wonderful time of the year.

Judgement Days Geek. Nerd. Jock. Brainiac. Loser. Freak. Popular.

Cool. Chances are pretty good within minutes of

walking through a school’s doors for the first time, each student will quickly be labeled as one of these.

Returning kids, no matter how much puberty has changed them, will never be able to shake those original labels.

But they’re not the only ones who get judged and lumped into categories, deserved or not. So do parents.

Teachers stereotype parents – high maintenance, helicopter, free-range and tiger – to name a few.

Then there’s the judgement of the other mothers.

They guilt you into volunteering for things you have no time or interest in, shame you for bringing storebought treats for the kids’ post-game snack and they never let you live down the time you drove the kids to school in your pajamas.

After a summer of listening to the kids whine about being bored and having nothing to eat despite having a fridge full of food, you would think parents really would be throwing themselves memeworthy back-to-school parties. But they’re not.

They're just trying to make it through the day. With so much pressure on parents to get it right, it just might be the worst time of the year.

But no worries, fall break will be here before you know it. Then, after a week at home, you'll be ready for them to go right back to school again. WGW

37

Local Happenings

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

West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group

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

Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

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

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

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

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

38

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This group is open to all survivors, caregivers,

supporters, friends, family and those fighting breast cancer.

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

Domestic Abuse Support Group There is Hope is a support group for women survivors who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, domestic violence.

This is a private Facebook group where women survivors come together and share their personal stories of experience, strength and hope.

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

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Groups Has your life been impacted by the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide? You are not alone. These groups offer peer support for anyone who has been affected by suicide loss.

There is no cost to attend.

Group meetings in Carrollton are the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at 306A Bradley Street.

For more information, contact Ivey Rollins at iveyrollins@gmail.com or call 470.729.0909.

Group meetings in Douglasville are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 6167 Priestley Mill Rd., Room 226.

For more information, contact Terri Johnson at chose2live@aol.com or 770.765.2181.

Group meetings in Newnan are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 2564 Hwy 154.

For more information, contact Lynn Bradley at 770.301.4890 or email nbll.bradley170@gmail.com, or contact Nancy Bradley at 770.251.6216.

Carroll EMC Blood Drive Carroll EMC will host a blood drive Tuesday, July 6, in the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at the Carrollton office from 10 am until 3 pm. To sign up for an appointment, please call 770-832-3552 or visit www.redcross.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Carroll EMC Offices Closed for Independence Day All CEMC offices will close Monday, July 5, for Independence Day. They will reopen with regular hours on Tuesday, July 6. During this time, make payments at the kiosks, through the automated phone payment system (770-832-3552), online at carrollemc.com or via the free Carroll EMC mobile app. To report a power outage, call 770-832-3552 (Option 1) or report it online or via the mobile app.

Karen Handel Selected to Lead Carroll Tomorrow as President and CEO Karen Handel has been selected by the leadership of Carroll Tomorrow as the economic development organization’s new president and chief executive officer.

She will also serve as president and CEO for the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. This week’s announcement was made

by Loy Howard, chair of the Carroll Tomorrow Board of Directors, following an extensive executive search process.

Karen Handel. Photo provided by Carroll County “Early in the process, Chamber of Commerce. the search committee identified several key traits we were looking for in a candidate,” said Howard. “The ability to develop and execute Carroll Tomorrow’s vision for the community was at the top of that list. Leadership was also a very strong component. The board believes Karen has the ability and experience to lead our organization forward, elevating Carroll County, maintaining existing jobs and creating new opportunities. She will continue to work with local elected leaders to build a business-friendly environment. Carroll County is already a great place to live, work and play – a ‘county of opportunity;’ we are excited about the future of Carroll County.”

Established in 2001, Carroll Tomorrow is a unique countywide public-private economic development organization that serves as the staff for Carroll County’s four industrial development authorities. Along with city and county leaders, Carroll Tomorrow works closely with state economic developers and site selection consultants to support

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the expanding existing businesses and recruit new companies to the area, creating new career opportunities for area residents. The economic development initiative is a “one-stop-shop” for businesses seeking growth opportunities.

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce has been the economic engine for the community since 1955. Today, the chamber enjoys the success of an organization with nearly six hundred members, an active board of directors, and talented staff.

The chamber executes the annual plan through a committee structure with seven standing committees and other ad hoc committees as needed.

“I am excited to join this team to help build on the tremendous successes of both Carroll Tomorrow and the Chamber to make Carroll County an even better place for families and businesses,” Karen stated.

Handel currently serves as president of Cogent Strategies providing strategic counsel on business, public policy and communication matters. She served as president and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce in Alpharetta from 2000 until 2003.

On the national level, Handel served as a member of the US House of Representatives from 2017 until 2019. She also served as Georgia’s Secretary of State for four years and chaired the Fulton County Board of Commissioners for three years. Under former Governor Sonny Perdue, she was deputy chief of staff and extremely involved with economic development initiatives around Georgia.

“The opportunity to lead an economic development organization and chamber of commerce as a destination for business and community development is a challenge that I am prepared to tackle,” Handel said. “I believe my experiences on the local, state and national levels will add value to the investors and community as a whole. I plan on Carroll County being my home for a long time.”

The president of Carroll Tomorrow is responsible for providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning, and implementation for the economic development organization and chamber of commerce.

With a professional team on both sides, the executive works with boards from both groups to execute plans designed to maintain and grow existing businesses, nurture entrepreneurship and attract new investments for Carroll County.

Daniel Jackson, who has been affiliated with the economic development organization and chamber since 2001, retired at the end of March as president and chief executive officer.

Handel and her husband, Steve, will be moving to

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Carroll County in the next few months. Her first day at Carroll Tomorrow will be July 6.

Serving on the search committee for Carroll Tomorrow, along with Howard, were: Dr. Mark Albertus, Carrollton City Schools; Ben Butler, Carrollton Orthopaedic Clinic; Kirby Butler, United Community Bank; Jill Duncan, State Farm Insurance; Nick Martin, Georgia Power Company; Bill Stone, Systems & Methods, Inc.; and Tim Warren, United Community Bank.

Other members of the Carroll Tomorrow and Carroll County Chamber professional team include J.R. Charles, vice president of economic development; Joan Finch, information specialist and Drugs Don’t Work coordinator; Suzy McCorkel, director of member engagement; Suzy Montalto, director of operations; and Rhyne Owenby, director of business development.

Carroll Tomorrow engaged The Chason Group to lead the executive search process. The firm, which is Georgia-based, specializes in executive searches for economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations and other non-profits.

Carroll EMC Communications Coordinator Honored Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s Communications and Corporate Events Coordinator, Kelly Hester, was named this year’s recipient of the Michael Graznak Award from the Cooperative Communicators Association (CCA). The prestigious award is given annually to a young professional who demonstrates both expertise and promise in cooperative communications.

To honor the late Michael Kelly Hester. Photo providGraznak, a former CCA ed

by Carroll EMC. member and contributing communicator for agricultural cooperatives, the organization established the award following his untimely death. Since 1977, individuals under the age of 36 with an evident dedication to cooperative communications have been nominated to continue his legacy. As the 43rd recipient of the award, Kelly embodies all that is valued in a communications professional.

“It’s been exciting to watch Kelly grow professionally for the last decade,” said Jay Gill, Vice President of Communications and Economic Development for Carroll EMC. “Her passion for the

cooperative and our business model is reflected in her work. This recognition is well-deserved.”

Hester has served in the Communications Department for Carroll EMC since its inception in 2009 where her roles have varied from handling internal and external communication to event coordination. She has since earned both her Master Cooperative Communicator and Certified Cooperative Communicator credentials that required extensive training and testing. Additionally, Hester has won several awards through national contests including CCA’s Communications Contest and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Spotlight on Excellence program.

Hester was recognized virtually as the Michael Graznak Award recipient at the 2021 CCA Institute in Milwaukee, WI. Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 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, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

WGTC Grad is State's Top Tech Student

Elizabeth Rodriguez, a May 2021 Registered Nursing graduate of West Georgia Technical College, has been named the state’s top technical education student.

Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier presented the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership to Rodriguez, a Newnan resident, May 26 on the West Georgia Tech’s Coweta Campus.

“Through her hard work, leadership and passion for helping others, Elizabeth has rightfully earned this tremendous honor as TCSG’s student of the year,” Dozier said. “She has the admiration of her peers, her college and the entire Technical College System of Georgia. I know that the West Georgia Technical College community is extremely proud of her as she becomes this year’s student ambassador for technical education across our state.”

As the grand prize winner, Elizabeth received a brand new, made-in-Georgia, 2021 KIA K5, courtesy of KIA Georgia and delivered by Ed Voyles KIA of Chamblee. Rodriguez is the first West Georgia Technical College student to win the statewide GOAL award.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be titled as this year’s State GOAL winner! This win comes as a collaborative effort and is dedicated to my

community,” Rodriguez said. “I aim to fulfill my purpose of serving others and sharing everything I have learned and will continue to learn as I pass along these cherished moments of success.”

The GOAL program, now in its 49th year, recognizes the most outstanding technical education students at the 22 TCSG colleges. As the award winner, Rodriguez will make public appearances as a representative for technical education during the next year, including meeting with Governor Brian Kemp and addressing the Georgia General Assembly.

Each year, selection for the GOAL program begins with the naming of the top technical education student at each college. Regional competitions follow and narrow the field to nine finalists for the award. Due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, a panel of judges interviewed this year’s nine finalists virtually.

“We are incredibly proud of Elizabeth and honored that she chose West Georgia Tech for her educational journey,” West Georgia Tech President Dr. Julie Post said. “She is the best representative of why we do what we do in technical education every day.”

Rodriguez has already accepted a nursing position in the Post Op unit at Tanner Health System and will begin in July.

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.

The 22 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia are Georgia’s top resource for skilled workers. TCSG offers world-class training in 600 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs to students who are trained on state-of-theart equipment by instructors who are experts in their fields. The system also houses Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, which promotes and provides adult literacy and education programs, including the GED testing program, throughout the state. In addition, TCSG partners with companies through Quick Start, the nation’s top customized workforce training program, and through its individual colleges, who work with local industry to provide workforce and training solutions. For more information, visit TCSG.edu.

West Georgia Technical College President Dr. Julie Post and Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier congratulated West Georgia Technical College graduate Elizabeth Rodriguez (center) after naming her the state’s top technical education student. Photo provided by WGTC.

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Keeping Your Family Fit and Healthy

By Sandra Bolan

F

or the first time in history, the life expectancy of children is predicted to be shorter than their parents, primarily due to obesity.

Eighty percent of obese children between the ages of 10 and 15 continue to be obese at age 25, according to research conducted by the CDC. Additionally, the earlier children develop obesity, the more severe it will be as an adult.

Parents are always searching for ways to bond with their kids. Studies show the family environment is a great predictor of your children’s health status.

If you’re sedentary, then the likelihood of your kids being couch potatoes and obese teenagers and adults is pretty good, as their habits – good and bad – develop at a young age.

The goal is for everyone to do something every day. Record the completed activities on a chart that

Ways to Keep Your Family Active You go to the gym and your kids take swim lessons or dance classes. Why not find activities you can do together so you can spend time together beyond the car ride to this activity or that one?

If your family likes competition, create a play for activity points challenge. Make a list of activities, curated from the adults and kids, that you’re all expected to complete by the end of each week or month.

Every activity is assigned a point value, which is based on frequency, duration or distance.

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is strategically located where everyone can see it.

The winner has the most points at the end of the specified time period.

Want something simpler? Do a pedometer challenge. Health officials want us to take 10,000 steps a day. Can anyone do more? Track how many steps each person takes in a day. The winner is the one with the most steps at the end of the week or month.

We all love to celebrate victories with food. Keep the focus on healthy or non-food rewards – stickers, books or crayons. Or the winner gets to pick the music in the car for a week.

If your child is already enrolled in an activity, why not have her teach you her weekly lesson? If you take classes and your child expresses a curiosity about what you’re learning, ask the instructor if they can take a class with you, or if there’s a children’s class.

If your family is new to activity and have no idea what to do, try something new every week. Make a list of all the things you’d like to try: running, pullups or push-ups, playing basketball, learning tennis – the choices are endless.

Another way to ease into activity is to to get up and move while watching television. If you watch live TV, every time there’s a commercial break get up and do jumping jacks, burpees or run in place for the entire set of commercials.

If you prefer to binge-watch Netflix, do 10 minutes of activity between episodes.

Video gaming is another sedentary activity we spend way too much time doing. You don’t have to give up gaming completely, choose active games such as Ring Fit Adventure, Just Dance or Pokemon Go. When it comes to gift-giving, choose activitybased toys such as bikes, balls, skateboards, Frisbees and kites.

With all of this new or additional activity, you’re going to want to eat more because you’re burning more calories. Be mindful of what you put in your mouth as it can undo all your hard work.

Opt for popcorn over potato chips, real fruit instead of fruit rolls or gummy bears and dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

Children learn by watching adults. Therefore, it’s important parents set a good example when it comes to being active.

Even the small things, like taking the stairs versus the elevator, or parking farther away from the store’s entrance instead of endlessly circling the lot for a closer parking spot, can go a long way. WGW

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Kids Korner

Rockets' Red Glare Firecracker

Materials 1 push popsicle container or toilet paper roll Red, white and blue construction paper 1 silver pipe cleaner 1 red pompom Scissors (not pictured) Glitter stars Hot glue gun and glue sticks Instructions Cut the red construction paper to size and wrap around the push popsicle container.

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By Jordan Coffman Photos by Zachary Dailey

Cut the white and blue construction paper into small strips and wrap around the red construction paper.

Glue in place.

Place glue around the center of the entire container.

Cover glue with the glitter stars.

Cut a circular piece of white paper the same size as the end of the container.

Glue to one end of the container.

Glue pipe cleaner to the center of the circular piece.

Twist the pipe cleaner as desired.

Glue the red pompom to the top of the pipe cleaner.

Under The Sea Octopus

Instructions Roll the purple and aquamarine construction paper into two cylinders and glue in place.

Take the scissors and cut slits in the bottom of each cylinder to create eight legs for each cylinder.

Glue the googly eyes onto the cylinder.

Using the markers, draw the mouth and suction cups on each octopus. WGW

Materials Purple and aquamarine construction paper Googly eyes Light purple and light blue markers Scissors School glue stick

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Independence Day Word Search Word Bank

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Independence Pride Freedom Parade Liberty Nation Sacrifice Patriotism Republic Stars Old Glory Union Jubilation Democracy Bonfires Loyalty Preservation Stripes Fireworks Community

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