West Georgia Woman Magazine Issue July 2023

Carol Hight is preserving local habitats and the food supply through her work with native plants.

Photo by Zachary Dailey

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Celebrating West Georgia Woman's Independence

I’m sure many of you are aware that West Georgia Woman magazine is a truly local, independent, woman-owned publication (local means our home base is in West Georgia instead of out of state, and our taxes, revenues and salaries go directly back into the communities we serve).

We are not owned or affiliated with any newspaper or other publication in our area. And that is something about which I’m extremely proud.

In 2015, I started West Georgia Woman from the ground up, with the help of our wonderful community advertising partners through their investment, the amazingly talented Shala Hainer, Chef Julie Culpepper and photographer Rachel Dobson. Those were the only people who worked for West Georgia Woman at the time. I even distributed thousands of magazines by myself the first few months until my parents came on board and began helping with the distribution.

It’s been a hard road. Those first couple of years, I worked 18-hour days to build my business. I spent many sleepless nights wondering if I would survive, virtually on my own, with no large corporation to fall back on and no guaranteed paycheck deposited in my bank account each week.

I was afraid I would fail.

But we did it! Everyone who has walked with me – in whatever capacity – on this journey has helped West Georgia Woman become what it is today – a thriving, well-respected magazine with thousands of readers who look forward to receiving it each month through direct mail or in our hundreds of other distribution locations in eight counties and 18 cities throughout West Georgia and East Alabama.

In January, I was disappointed to learn that West Georgia Woman had been excluded from competing in the Georgia Press Association's (GPA) annual awards. Over the last three years, we have won nearly 50 awards, competing against much larger media corporations. The reason given to me for excluding us was that, because we are an independent, stand-alone magazine, it was ‘unfair to newspapers that owned magazines.’ You can learn more about that on page 21 as Shala Hainer shares her opinion regarding the GPA's decision.

Of course, I was disappointed we were excluded from competing – more disappointed for my extremely talented staff who won't be recognized for their hard work in the competition anymore than for myself.

No, West Georgia Woman isn't owned by some corporate newspaper conglomerate, and I'm very proud of that. There's much to be said for being independent.

To have the freedom to serve our friends and neighbors the way they should be served and to provide a high-quality product for our wonderful readers and community partners each month has always been the goal for my independently owned business. And that will never change.

So here's to West Georgia Woman magazine's independence. I wouldn’t trade that liberty for all the awards in the world.

In This Issue

Our feature this month is Carroll County native and master gardener Carol Hight. Through her work with the West Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society (GNPS), she encourages local residents to grow native plants in an effort to preserve local habitats and ecology – and the food supply.

On page 10, learn more about Carol and how she's planting the seed for future generations.

Veterans remain one of the most underserved populations in the country. On page 30, Sandra Bolan shares how you can help local veterans in your own community.

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

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

Photo by Keith May

Finding our voice. Knowing our value.

Making a difference. TM

West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.

Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives.

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

Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

Inspiring women wanted. Do you know an interesting woman who should be on the cover of West Georgia Woman? Is there a special project or organization you would like us to feature in our magazine?

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

Share your special events. Send your upcoming events to: calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com

Need to advertise? Email: Advertising Account Executive Sharon Givens

Sharon@westgeorgiawoman.com

Call 470.925.0200

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

Angel Media, LLC. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

Mail correspondence to:

West Georgia Woman Magazine

P.O. Box 2782

Carrollton, GA 30112

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: (404) 502-0251

Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com

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Need a copy? We mail thousands of copies each month to households through Direct Mail or get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Smith Brothers Supply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot, Neva Lomason Library and the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Fabiano’s Pizzaria, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Crook's Grocery (Temple Ave.) and Lee King pharmacy in Newnan; Tanner Health System's Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings in Villa Rica; Kroger (Chapel Hill Rd. and Highway 5) and Food Depot on Hiram Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Kroger on Ridge Rd. in Hiram; WM Grocery and Chuckwagon restaurant in Roanoke, Al. and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Al. We have them in larger quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), Lee-King and Thompson pharmacies in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville, Publix at Mirror Lake and New Georgia, CVS in Bowdon as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in 18 cities in eight counties in West Georgia and East Alabama.

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey

July 2023

angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor Shala Hainer

shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover/ Graphic Design

Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Jordan Dailey and Rose Isaacs

Advertising Sales

Sharon@westgeorgiawoman.com

West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2023. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Print or online reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submissions will be included as space is available.

West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are not in compliance with our editorial policy. If you wish to have your submission returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your submission.

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

Planting the Seed for the Future

By Shala Hainer

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Photo: Carol Hight and her husband of 52 years, Scott, stand on the bridge across Buffalo Creek. Because of Carol's love of the Buffalo Creek Trail site, their daughters built the bridge as a gift for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Carrollton Master Gardener’s hobby blooms into a movement

Every day, people make choices – big ones, like who to marry, and small ones, like what to wear to work.

But what if what seems like a small choice turns out to be one of the biggest?

That’s the message that Carroll County native and master gardener Carol Hight is trying to spread about landscape choices. She’s passionate about encouraging people to grow native plants in an effort to preserve local habitats and ecology – and the food supply.

Carol found gardening in elementary school, although her true love for plants didn’t bloom until adulthood. “My first experience with planting was in third grade, when I planted a pumpkin seed in a milk carton and set it in classroom window,” she recalls. “Mom had a garden but had never grown pumpkins, and she said I could plant it in her garden. That plant grew huge pumpkins – I was so proud I had grown something. It planted the seed in my head that I

would enjoy gardening.”

As an adult, she started gardening in her backyard. She and her husband of 52 years, Scott, have lived in their current home for more than 40 years, and she’s been working in her garden every year. “There’s just such a satisfaction in putting a seed in the ground,” she says. “To me, it’s better than any medicine. It calms me down and makes me relaxed, being out in sunshine and fresh air. I like to get my hands in the dirt!”

Born and raised in Bowdon, Ga., Carol graduated from Bowdon High School, then West Georgia College with a degree in teaching. She taught elementary school in Carroll County for 30 years, mostly teaching science. “I still go back occasionally and teach native plant classes at the schools, and I teach Bible school using science experiments,” she relates.

She and Scott have two daughters. The oldest, Brandy, lives outside San Francisco, Calif. “She went to Georgia Tech for an engineering degree, then to the University of Georgia for a law degree, and now she’s the editor for a legal magazine,” Carol says. “She has my only granddaughter out there with her.”

Their youngest daughter, Leslie, lives in Marietta, Ga. She graduated from UGA with a degree in accounting. She works for a small mom-and-pop business doing bookkeeping, and on the side does bookkeeping for some nonprofits.

“Leslie has become my gardening child – she takes them home and plants them,” Carol shares. “Brandy has such small yard that there’s just no room for much of a garden.”

Why Native Plants?

Carol joined the West Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society (GNPS) a couple of years after the chapter was founded in 2008. When Carol learned more about plants and gardening, she discovered a shocking fact: our food supply depends on native plants. Not that people eat many of those plants, but insects do. Insects use the plants for food, shelter and a safe place to lay eggs. Local insects tend to specialize

A retired elementary school science teacher, Carol Hight still goes back occasionally to share her knowledge of native plants with children.

and use only certain plants, becoming dependent on native plants for survival. If those plants aren’t available, the insects can’t survive.

That’s important for many reasons, including the fact that insects are themselves food for birds and other animals. More important, though, is the fact that many insects are pollinators.

Bees, butterflies, moths, beetles and even some flies serve as the biggest pollinators in the world. Many crops must be cross-pollinated to produce food, including most berries, beans, squash and okra. If those pollinating insects don’t have a safe place to live, their numbers decrease, which means the food supply relying on them can’t be pollinated and can’t grow. “About 2/3 of the food we eat is provided by pollinators – if we don’t provide plants for them to lay eggs, overwinter and find shelter, we could lose up to 2/3 of food we eat, and have only wind pollinated plants,” Carol shares.

Buffalo Creek Trail

Native plants have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which makes them easy to care for in most cases, without the need for fertilizers or pesticides. They help prevent erosion naturally

without squeezing out other plants.

However, this is a critical time for native plants. The continental United States has lost more than 150 million acres of natural habitat to building and development over the last 100 years, according to the Audubon Society. Many developers wipe out all existing plants to add only grass, which does not support the functioning ecosystem insects and wildlife require.

That’s one reason Carol and the other members of the GNPS chose Buffalo Creek Trail as a restoration project. In addition to the beautiful walking trail, there is room onsite for a pollinator garden and bird

The Buffalo Creek Outdoor Education Center, owned by Carroll County, spans 40 acres near the Carroll County Agriculture Education Center. “In mid 80s, the Georgia Forestry Commission decided to do a walking trail there,” Carol explains. “They also built a saw mill, a grist mill and some other buildings. They were doing it so they could have 4th graders come in every year and walk the trail, and show them how life used to be in Carroll County.”

The Forestry Commission had to cut the budget not long after, and they didn’t have agents to be at the center. It laid idle for several years until some master gardeners stepped in. People from this group, including Mike and Gina Strickland and Flo Hayes, decided to start a local chapter of GNPS.

“I joined about a year or two later,” Carol recalls. “I didn’t even know what a native plant was at that time.”

Prior to the chapter’s formation, people had to travel into Atlanta to go to a GNPS meeting. “This chapter is a lot of old folks who don’t like to drive at night,” she laughs. “The reason this chapter started is because people didn’t want to go to the meetings at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens late at night, driving after dark and

fighting for parking. This was a way to make it more accessible to local people.”

Carol currently serves as the director of Buffalo Creek restoration and chair of the plant sale committee for the West Georgia chapter, which has about 75 members from all over the area including Carroll, Haralson, Paulding, Douglas and Coweta counties.

“As part of the Native Plant Society, we focus on restoration, education and rescue,” she

“When you become a chapter of the Native Plant Society, you are required to have a restoration project, which is how we chose the Buffalo Creek Trail. It helps you demonstrate to the public what you can do with native plants. We’re glad to do it – it’s a lot of fun.”

As part of the restoration project, members created a pollinator garden to attract insects such as bees and butterflies. They use plants that area residents can

The Buffalo Creek Outdoor Education Center, owned by Carroll County, spans 40 acres near the Carroll County Agriculture Education Center. In the mid 80s, the Georgia Forestry Commission created a walking trail there, a saw mill, grist mill and some other buildings to teach 4th graders what it was like to live in Carroll County back in the day. After budget cuts, the education center laid idle for several years before some master gardeners stepped in. Thanks to the West Georgia Native Plant Society, the Buffalo Creek Trail has been restored for future generations. Background: Citizens can access the Buffalo Creek Outdoor Education Center through the GreenBelt. Inset, top left: A sign welcoming visitors to the education center. Bottom left: The saw mill. Bottom right: The grist mill. explains.

Carol points out one of West Georgia's native plants. Native plants have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which makes them easy to care for in most cases, without the need for fertilizers or pesticides. They help prevent erosion naturally without squeezing out other plants.

grow in their own yards. “We put in a pollinator garden because we wanted people to be aware of how important native plants are to our pollinators,” Carol shares. “Many insects are specialists – they lay eggs only on one kind of plant. Monarch butterflies only lay eggs on milkweed, for example. We tried to put in as many pollinator plants as possible to attract as many types of insects as possible. One of the reasons we created the pollinator garden is to encourage people to plant gardens of their own to provide for pollinators.”

Across from the pollinator garden is a bird sanctuary. It attracts an entirely different group of people from the gardeners. “They often post about the birds they’ve identified here, and so far, we’ve seen between 30 and 40 bird species,” Carol says.

“We planted some trees and shrubs just for birds, including some that have the berries they eat, and plenty of oak trees. Birds still have to feed their babies insects and worms, which can take them most of the day to collect. That’s one reason we put the bird sanctuary directly across from pollinator garden. If we provide enough plants in the pollinator garden, we have enough insects to reproduce and still feed our birds,” she explains.

Carol says the pollinator garden is her favorite part of Buffalo Creek Trail. “It’s right on the Greenbelt, so everyone can see it. We have nice pathways through the garden, a covered bench, and a lot more we’re going to do. I like that we have something blooming there all the time, except for during the coldest months. It’s so rewarding to see that.”

“Most people who come to the trail for the first time say they didn’t know it existed. We have news articles and postings on Facebook, but people don’t realize it’s there. They often say they love the trail, that it’s a joy to experience. There’s something new to see every time, during all seasons. One couple

I met said they usually walked a different trail, but it was closed during the COVID lockdown, so they found the Buffalo Creek Trail. Now they say they’ll never walk on another trail again.”

Because of her love of the Buffalo Creek Trail site, her children planned a special gift for her to commemorate her 50th wedding anniversary with Scott. “Two years ago, in 2021, our two girls gave us an anniversary party at the Ag Center,” she remembers. “At the end of the party, our youngest daughter read a lovely letter and said they were going to build a bridge in our honor across Buffalo

Creek. We had been putting in a garden across the creek, but we had to walk through the marsh or cross the creek itself, so a bridge would make that so much easier. We have since planted 50 native azaleas over there.”

Education

The West Georgia chapter of GNPS takes its mission of education seriously, reaching out to the public in various ways. In addition to sharing information on the importance of growing native plants, the group informs people on what nonnative, invasive plants live in this area, and why it’s essential to remove them.

“Some people are surprised to learn what plants are invasive,” Carol shares. “These include English ivy, Bradford pear, Japanese honeysuckle and privet.” Invasive species tend to grow quickly and prolifically, and they crowd out native plants the area insects and wildlife need.

Part of their educational plan includes six public meetings a year. You don’t have to be a member of GNPS to attend. “Every meeting, we have a speaker of topics related to native plants, uses, or how important certain plants are in the ecology of region,” she says. “We recently had a speaker share information on medicinal uses of native plants, for example.”

Master gardeners from the chapter speak at other garden clubs, civic organizations, local libraries and elementary schools. They use the chapter’s plant sales, held twice a year, as another way to educate the public.

“When we have our plant sales, we provide informational signs about every plant we sell, so shoppers can decide if the plants they like would work well in their gardens,” Carol explains.

She writes newspaper articles regularly for the Carroll and Douglas

papers, often introducing a particular plant. The group maintains a Facebook page offering postings of what’s in bloom in Buffalo Creek. Before the last plant sale, our chapter president joined the local radio station. “We do as many types of outreach as we can think of to do,” she adds.

The chapter also offers garden certifications for individuals. “We have to make sure they aren’t actively growing invasive plants,” she says.

“We’ve been doing garden certifications for about four years – all but one have been certified. She was growing English ivy, which is invasive

A bluebird takes a rest from feeding its babies in the new bird sanctuary spearheaded by GNPS member Frank Bennett. The bird sanctuary is located directly across from the pollinator garden. Between 30 and 40 bird species have been identified at the bird sanctuary.

and not a native plant.”

Carol’s love for education isn’t reserved for large groups. She has an extensive garden at her home, and neighborhood kids enjoy learning more about nature there. “I’ve had kids come and collect caterpillars, I provide them with a cage to take some leaves and the caterpillars home with them and raise them to butterflies,” she says. “They keep having to come back and pick leaves to feed them – they don’t realize at first how much a caterpillar eats. I’ve had maybe eight kids to do that. It’s rewarding – I see them at church and they are so enthralled by the caterpillars and watching to see the changes happening.”

Operation Rescue

The idea of rescuing something usually brings to mind images of people or animals in danger. But according to Carol, rescuing native plants is essential and is part of GNPS’s mission. Rescuing the plants involves relocating them – with written permission – from areas slated for immediate development to nature centers, parks, public gardens, churches and individual backyards. Many of these plants are hard to find in commercial nurseries, who tend to cater to

non-native ornamental plants.

“Our committee looks for properties about to be developed, both commercial and residential,” Carol shares. “These developments are often clear-cut, with all plants removed. You have to be certified to lead a group on the rescue, and we assign an experienced rescuer to each new member to make it an educational experience as well as an enjoyable one. A lot of people have joined the Native Plant Society so they can go on a rescue, and once they join, they stay connected.”

Carol says the group spent five years digging at a watershed development site in Paulding, rescuing 4 acres of the nearly 500 acres that became part of the watershed.

“Carroll County has told us we can go to the Bowdon reservoir area at some point, so that could be our next big rescue project. A lot of plants for the Buffalo Creek Trail come from rescues. My backyard is full of rescue plants getting ready for fall plant sale – I have about 2,000 pots in my backyard right now, I think,” she laughs.

Plant Sales

The West Georgia chapter of GNPS holds huge plant sales twice a year, in the spring and fall. The purpose is to educate the public about the importance of native plants, what native plants are, and to make those plants available to the public since they are often unavailable in commercial nurseries. Although the organization does make money on the plant sales, they turn it back around to fund different pieces of the group’s mission.

‘We need to make native plants accessible to people in Carroll County. We started searching for native nurseries for our first plant sale three years ago. Our goal was to make native plants available to people locally, and to provide an outlet for nurseries to sell their plants – native plant nurseries collapse easily because they are very specialized. We want them to stay in business.

“After the first sale, two of the nurseries said it was the best sale they ever had. They have come back every year, and we added more in the past couple of years. We had seven nurseries at our spring plant sale, and at least nine at fall plant sale. Some bring the same plants, but that’s ok because when people see pictures, they want it. Many of them sell out of certain plants, no matter how many other nurseries brought it!”

Because the sales are such large affairs, Carol says planning one plant sale starts as soon as another

ends. “Our last plant sale was the third Saturday in April, and the Monday after that we started getting ready for next sale. I’m chairman of the plant sale committee, so I know it’s best to get started early.”

Resources

Book:

Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy

Websites:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Wildflower.org

GNPS members used the money they earned at the sales to continue improvements on Buffalo Creek Trail. “We installed a bridge over a dry creekbed that 4th graders had to travel across during the Ag Center’s Heritage Days. It was rotten plywood, so we bought wood and paid a carpenter to make the bridge safe and pretty. We bought a bunch of plants for trails – it does flood on occasion, so we’ve been buying a lot of plants to put along the creek banks to help stop erosion.”

North Carolina State University Extension: Plants.ces.ncsu.edu

West Georgia chapter of GNPS: Wgawildflowers.org

Georgia Native Plant Society: Gnps.org

University of Georgia Extension: extension.uga.edu/publications.html

members are grateful to groups that have donated time, money and materials to the restoration project at Buffalo Creek Trail.

In addition to money from the plant sales, GNPS

“Thank you to the garden clubs that gave us grants, community foundations that have been so generous, and the Carroll County Sheriff’s office who used to allow inmates to help with work on the trail – hopefully they will again soon,” Carol says. “They had to stop when they didn’t have enough manpower to watch the inmates onsite. They were the biggest help we ever had. I remember one inmate who asked me to inspect the hole he dug for a plant. He almost cried and said this was the first plant he ever planted. It was such a touching moment – we were helping him while he was helping us.”

WGW

Cell: 770.842.8500

Office: 770.240.2004

shalahainer@gmail.com

Editorial: West Georgia Woman Excluded from Georgia Press Association Awards

By Shala Hainer

June is typically a month of celebration for West Georgia Woman magazine. For the past two years, West Georgia Woman staff have attended the Georgia Press Association awards banquet in June, earning nearly 50 awards in GPA’s categories that are open to magazine submissions.

But not this year. After West Georgia Woman Publisher Angela Dailey chose, prepared and submitted multiple entries for the awards in January 2023, she received a phone call from GPA’s Office Manager Sean Ireland. He told Angela the GPA board changed the rules for entry, no longer allowing magazines that weren’t published by existing newspapers.

Mr. Ireland cited the minutes from the November 2022 GPA board meeting approving the rule changes. What isn’t shown is the discussion by GPA’s competition committee that shares how and why the rules were changed, although Mr. Ireland said West Georgia Woman was specifically mentioned as part of the discussion.

"Because I was told there were no minutes of the competition committee's discussion, I have no idea who may have initiated the conversation to exclude West Georgia Woman,” she says. “But there is clearly a conflict of interest here. The TimesGeorgian newspaper in Carrollton, Ga., is our direct competitor in Carroll County, and Rachael Raney,

publisher of the Times-Georgian is a member of the competition committee and the GPA board of directors. Because of our high print circulation, we compete in the division that includes the Marietta Daily Journal in the Georgia Press Competition. JK Murphy, vice president of content and managing editor of the Marietta Daily Journal, is also on the GPA competition committee. I’m not implying they had anything to do with initiating that conversation to exclude us. I’m only stating there are two real conflicts of interest there that can’t be ignored. Only the competition committee knows the answer as to why our name came up to have us removed from the competition and who began that initial discussion.”

The board meeting minutes reflect: “In each category, wording will be added that specifies that the magazine must be produced by a newspaper.”

Members of the Georgia Press Association's BNC Competition Committee

(As listed in the Nov. 2022 GPA Board Minutes)

Will Davis: Co-owner/Publisher, Monroe County Reporter

The minutes later state, “[GPA Executive Director Robin] Rhodes will tell any magazines that are competing that are not part of a newspaper that GPA failed to enforce the rules in the past but it must be a newspaper product.” However, that begs the question of why did they need to add wording spelling out a rule if that rule already existed? The rule has never been stated as part of the submission documentation since West Georgia Woman began submitting articles, photographs and ads for award consideration.

Enoch Autry: Publisher, Clayton Tribune

Rachael Raney: Publisher, Times Georgian Newspaper/ Newspapers of West Georgia (also a Georgia Press Association Board Member)

JK Murphy: Vice President of Content and Managing Editor, Marietta Daily Journal

When Angela asked to speak to a decision maker

about West Georgia Woman being excluded from the competition, she was told the executive director would call her – which was also spelled out in the board minutes –but Angela never received that call.

West Georgia Woman magazine has received a total of 48 Georgia Press Awards (two in 2020, 20 in 2021 and 26 in 2022) including Best Magazine, Original Writing in their division three years in a row. They were allowed to submit only editorial content in 2020 but could submit advertising and photography as well for awards in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, Photographer Zachary Dailey received first place overall, regardless of division, for Best Photo Portfolio, as well as numerous other awards.

Angela expresses frustration that she was not told about the rule change until after she submitted her entries. “I spent hours submitting our entries, only to be told we were excluded the next day. No one ever reached out to me to tell me we weren’t allowed to compete." But the time she committed to preparing the submissions is only part of her frustration. A bigger piece is that her staff can no longer be recognized for their hard work.

In the conversation with Mr. Ireland, Angela notes that he apologized no one had contacted her before she took the time to submit multiple entries to the contest. He informed her West Georgia Woman would not be allowed to enter the competition anymore because it was “unfair to newspapers.”

West Georgia Woman Magazine Photographer Zachary Dailey at the GPA Better Newspaper Contest Awards Ceremony June 2022. Zachary won first place out of all entries statewide – regardless of division – for Best Photo Portfolio and swept the Division A Best Magazine, Single Photo category winning first, second and third place. Zachary won three first place awards for photography and one first place award for magazine cover design. He also received one second place award and two third place awards for photography. West Georgia Woman magazine received a total of 26 GPA awards for writing, photography and advertising in 2022, including Best Magazine, Original Writing for the third year in a row, and Best Magazine, Human Interest Feature

Mr. Ireland said West Georgia Woman magazine was discussed by the competition committee and the Georgia Press Board, who both decided that because it was a standalone magazine not owned by a newspaper, it was not fair to compete with newspaper-owned magazines.

“It’s ridiculous to say that because I own a standalone magazine that it’s ‘unfair’ to the newspapers we compete against,” states Angela. “For the GPA to even suggest that the other newspapers work harder than we do is outrageous. My staff is so small – much smaller than any of the newspapers we’ve been competing against the last several years. It’s clear we are a real threat to some, due to the quality of our product. What’s really unfair is excluding us because it seems we have won too many awards."

Angela is unsure if West Georgia Woman is the only stand-alone magazine to have submitted and won GPA awards recently. However, she was told this magazine was specifically mentioned in the discussions to exclude standalone magazines. Awards are not just bragging rights. On the contrary – for a small business, being able to say they won an award that names them the “best” or “top” of their field provides recognition as an industry leader, showing the publication is trustworthy, innovative and stable. This helps readers feel secure in the articles that are published, and it helps advertisers feel confident they are putting their money toward the right marketing strategy. This is essential to keep a small, locally owned business like West Georgia Woman working.

Awards also make staff members feel their work is valued. It shows gratitude for a job well done, and it shows the community what a strong talent base exists within the company.

“I’m sad for my staff, because they do really amazing work and have been recognized for that work by receiving 48 Georgia Press Awards the last three years,” Angela shares. “I know they would have won multiple awards again this year had we been allowed to compete last month. What happened to healthy competition? This definitely is not fair to them.”

There aren’t many award opportunities in Georgia for magazines, and Angela made sure West Georgia Woman joined GPA’s Magazine Association to ensure her eligibility. According to the minutes, the board discussed that “GPA had started the Magazine Association and at some point, needs to get back to it.” Angela says West Georgia Woman has been a member of GPA’s Magazine Association for several years, and has emails she sent to the GPA’s prior office manager requesting membership renewal each year. She was never informed the organization wasn’t active, and West Georgia Woman is still listed on the organization’s website as an active member.

“Although Mr. Ireland told me the Magazine Association Georgia 'hasn’t been operating for some time,' the website is still up listing us as a member,” she explains. “Under ‘Services to Publishers,’ it states advertising and editorial awards as one of the benefits. And we received awards last year in June 2022, so when he told me in February that it was no longer operating – eight months equals 'some time?' I don’t know. I was never told we couldn’t compete, or that they had apparently discontinued the MAG (even though the website is still up and running).” Although awards are important for marketing, business growth and staff recognition, they are not the reason West Georgia Woman exists, or the reason the staff works so hard to produce a magazine that touches people’s lives. “We’re going to just keep doing what we do,” Angela promises. “We provide a well-respected, high-quality, amazing magazine for thousands upon thousands of people in West Georgia and East Alabama. I already know that we are an award-winning magazine, and being excluded from the competition isn’t going to change the quality of our work. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll start my own newspaper. They won’t be able to stop us from competing, then.” WGW

The MAG website is still up and running (far left), and lists West Georgia Woman as an active member (bottom center). MAG information is also listed on the GPA website (top right) as of June 20, 2023.

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 and recipe photos by Zachary Dailey.

Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers

Ingredients

For the marinade:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the skewers:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 pineapple, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks

Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Cilantro and lime wedges, for serving

Preparation

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and black pepper to make the marinade. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Thread the shrimp and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating between the two.

Grill the skewers for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the pineapple is charred and caramelized.

Serve the skewers with cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Serves 4.

"

A perfect addition to your Fourth of July picnic! Add in slices of onion or red bell pepper for some extra veggies.

"

Tomato Salad with Grilled Halloumi Cheese

Ingredients

1 pound tomatoes, sliced into rounds

1/2 lemon

Flaky salt and freshly ground pepper

Extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 pound halloumi cheese, sliced into 4 slabs

5 basil leaves, torn

2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Arrange the tomatoes on a serving platter or four plates.

Lightly squeeze the lemon over them and season with flaky salt and pepper.

Brush the grill grates with oil, then add the halloumi and cook, turning once, until marks appear and the cheese is warmed throughout, about 1 minute per side.

Place on top of the tomatoes. Drizzle the salad with olive oil and sprinkle with the basil and parsley.

Serve immediately.

Serves 4. WGW

A quick and refreshing salad to go along with your backyard BBQ."

Ways to Support Your Local Veterans

By Sandra Bolan

There are roughly 19 million American veterans, yet they remain one of the most underserved populations. Of the roughly 580,000 homeless people living in the United States, about 3% of them are veterans, according to a 2022 study by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

One reason veterans end up living on the street is because they can’t find employment once they return to civilian life.

Many service men and women enlist right out of high school, which means their real-world job skills may

be minimal. Military skills can be transferred into civilian employment, but many CEOs and business owners may fail to recognize this, thus not giving former military personnel job opportunities. Military personnel have some valuable skills many employers have a difficult time finding, including loyalty, integrity, honesty and a work ethic beyond compare.

So, how can you help a veteran? Hire him or her. Their unique skillset can only benefit your company.

Visit a Vet

Many veterans return home and despite having a welcoming and loving family, still feel socially isolated. There are also hundreds of veterans living in VA hospitals.

Contact your local VA hospital to inquire about becoming a volunteer visitor. Just talking to a veteran lets them know they’re valued. Sometimes, starting a conversation may be awkward because you don’t want to say something the vet may find triggering or offensive.

Start with the basics: "Why did you join the military, what was your job, what was the most rewarding part of your service, or what hobbies do

you have?" Don't ask a veteran outright if they've hurt or killed anyone. That could be a painful part of her past that she may not want to revisit.

If you’re part of a therapy dog team, consider doing VA visits, as dogs have proven to reduce a person’s anxiety and depression. If you have a special talent, such as playing an instrument or singing, consider performing at the VA or offer to teach its residents.

There are also a number of other ways you can volunteer at a VA hospital that don’t require a medical degree. Check with your local chapter to see how you can volunteer.

Many veterans come home from deployment and among the items they likely don’t have is a car. Why not offer to drive a veteran to her medical appointments and job interviews? Local Veterans’ Affairs offices often have a volunteer transportation network set up to facilitate this.

Lend a Handy Hand

Almost one-third (3.5 million) of the 12 million veterans aged 21 to 64 report being disabled, according to the ADA National Network/ employment data for Veterans with Disabilities. So when they return home, they’re unable to do some of the things they once did without thought: groceries, getting to medical appointments, mowing the lawn or household chores.

Veterans are proud and may be embarrassed to ask for help. Many don’t have the finances to pay for outside assistance, so why not offer your lawn cutting, home repair, laundry or cooking services? Take her grocery shopping or go shopping for her. If you’re a good cook, bring her pre-made meals she justs need to reheat in the oven or microwave.

Upon their return, many veterans feel socially isolated. Having someone drop by on a regular basis to help out, or even just to have a cup of coffee with, provides some much needed human interaction.

Donate

If you’re not in a position to volunteer your time, consider a financial donation to many of the organizations that assist veterans. The organizations

listed below don’t receive federal government funding.

Disabled Americans Veterans helps veterans and their families with disability, assistance, VA pensions and employment programs. Home for Our Troops builds, then donates specially adapted homes to severely injured 9/11 veterans, which enables them to live independently.

The cost of training a service dog runs between $15,000 and $30,000, which the veteran has to pay for. However, through community donations to programs such as Pets for Vets, the cost can be reduced.

The Wounded Warrior Project provides rehabilitation services to wounded veterans, as well as career counseling.

People can tell a veteran, “Thank you for your service,” and say they support veterans, but it’s the actionable gestures that make a big difference and show veterans you really do care about them. WGW

Get Outta Town!

By Sandra Bolan

You’re cruising the grocery aisles, filling your cart with all of your guilty pleasures – potato chips, ice cream, cookies and old-school Kraft mac and cheese – because your weekend plans consist of binge-watching Netflix.

But then you get a text from your BFF, saying she just broke up with her boyfriend and desperately needs a girls’ weekend away. You abandon the grocery cart and dash home to pack because you’re leaving for the airport in two hours.

Packing for a last-minute trip, whether it's for pleasure or work, typically goes two ways: you either pack everything in your closet or forget half of what you need.

To pack quickly and appropriately for the destination, the first thing you need to do is make a list. It may sound counterintuitive and a waste of time, but it’s the most efficient way to pack what you need and nothing more.

A packing list can be made two ways –either by day or activity. Before you make that list, check the weather so you don’t pack four

pairs of shorts, expecting temperatures in the 90s, but your destination is experiencing a cold spell.

Ruby Hightower, Certified Therapy Dog and Grief Counselor.

When your bestie calls, you've got to be ready for anything.

Confidence starts here.

We understand that your unique needs require personalized attention and expert care.

And your urologist knows how to help.

Take control of your feminine health with specialized urology care designed exclusively for women.

Our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Experience relief from urinary incontinence, strengthen your pelvic floor, prevent UTIs, and manage hormonal imbalances.

Our minimally invasive procedures and compassionate approach ensure your comfort and wellbeing.

Let us help you rebuild your confidence with care especially for YOU

Specialized care for:

• Bladder control and pain

• Bladder cancer screening and treatment

• Blood in the urine

• Kidney cancer screening and treatment

• Kidney stones

• Urinary and bowel incontinence

• Recurring UTIs

• Vaginal prolapse

• Burning with urination

• Need to urinate during the night

• Pelvic organ prolapse

Clothing

Pack tops and bottoms that can be worn during the day and then be easily dressed up for evening with a jacket, jewelry and a different pair of shoes. Limit the color palette of your wardrobe to neutrals and blacks. Fabrics should be wrinkle-free and fast-drying in case your location has a pool or other water activities. Avoid packing jeans because they’re heavy and don’t compress down very well. Only pack two pairs of shoes – a casual walking shoe for daytime, that you'll wear on the plane, and a pair of heels for evenings.

Happy Independence Day From your team at United Community Bank

In obser vance of the holiday, our branches will be closed Tuesday, July 4.

CAR ROLLTON | 119 Maple Street | 770-838-9608

DOUGLASVILLE | 6670 Church Street | 770-942-5681

V IL LA RIC A | 485 W. Bankhead Highway | 770-459-3100

approved toiletries, which consist of 3-ounce liquid bottles packed within a clear, quart-sized resealable bag. A good habit to get into, especially for frequent flyers, is to refill your reusable travel bottles immediately upon returning home so they’re ready to go.

Pack the toiletry bag at the top of your suitcase so you can easily remove it when you go through security. There is nothing worse than being stuck behind someone fumbling through their luggage to get their toiletry bag out for inspection.

Keep a photo of your passport and driver’s license on your phone, in case they get stolen, as well as screen shots of your hotel reservations as that’s much easier to find than an email buried among hundreds.

Have a Ziploc bag of charging cables ready to go, along with a solar power bank. Keep this bag, along with the toiletries and other essentials, all in one place, either in a bin or your go-to suitcase. This will make packing even faster because you won’t have to wonder where you put them three months ago.

Once you’ve fine-tuned your packing list, have a permanent list of all your basic needs on your phone. Then, when it comes to traveling last-minute, all you have to do is add weather and activityspecific items. WGW

LocaL Happenings

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group

This group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 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.

12 for Life ® Celebrates the Class of 2023

In May, 12 for Life® hosted its annual commencement ceremonies in Carrollton, Ga., and Florence, Ala. Since the program's inception in 2007, more than 3,300 students have graduated

through the support of this partnership that is designed to build better lives through education, employment and opportunity.

12 for Life, a collaborative partnership between Southwire and local school systems provides classroom instruction, on-the-job training, key work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. Through 12 for Life, students are motivated to stay in school, graduate and move ahead to become successful, productive members of the communities in which they live.

"The 12 for Life graduation is a special night for our students. By partnering with Southwire, local school systems are able to provide personalized learning experiences that support efforts to students ready to be enrolled, employed or enlisted,” said Scott Cowart, superintendent of Carroll County Schools. “Since 2007, the 12 For Life Program has positively impacted a tremendous number of students."

This year, 59 students were honored at the ceremonies and completed the requirements to receive their high school diplomas through the support of the Carrollton and Florence 12 for Life programs. The keynote speaker at both events was Aimee Copeland, psychotherapist and executive director of the Aimee Copeland Foundation.

“If a picture speaks a thousand words, getting to meet these kids and their supervisors spoke a billion,” said Copeland. “Their interest, participation and work ethic were extremely visible. It was clear that their development was fostered in this warm environment in which they’ve been given a lifechanging opportunity.”

Attendees of the ceremonies included students, teachers, families, school system representatives, Southwire team members, community leaders and friends.

In addition to the recognition of each graduate, several awards and scholarships were granted during each of the ceremonies.

Carrollton Awards/Scholarships:

Academic Achievement Award – Kevin S. of Carrollton High School

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Scholarship –Johani A. of Carrollton High School, Amari N. of Villa Rica High School, Yolany P. of Carrollton High School and Matthew T. of Temple High School

The Golden K Kiwanis Club Scholarships –Justin B. of Bowdon High School, Latravious C. of Carrollton High School and Sayuri E. of Carrollton High School

Florence Awards/Scholarships:

Mr. Southwire – Micah Q.

Mrs. Southwire – Santi W.

Most Improved – Jon E.

Resilience Award – Jeffrey M.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship – Wyatt S., Adaly R., Brittany R., and Santi W.

The graduates will be pursuing pathways including post-secondary education and/or entering the workforce full-time.

“The 12 for Life program is so valuable to our local community, and it makes me so proud to see our 12 for Life students walk across the stage at graduation,” said Marcus Johnson, Florence 12 for Life manager. “I am so honored to be a part of preparing our students for the next stage of their life journey.”

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers and an emerging influence in many important electrical markets. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions, and the company provides a variety of field and support services to customers around the world. For more information about Southwire’s products, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com.

WGTC Foundation Awards Over $45,000 in Scholarships for Summer Semester

The West Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded 65 students with over $45,000 in scholarships for the 2023 summer semester. Each scholarship recipient received an award between $500 – $2,500 to help cover the costs associated with attending WGTC.

“On behalf of the WGTC Foundation, we extend our congratulations to the scholarship recipients,” said WGTC Foundation Executive Director Brittney Henderson. “Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your education have truly paid off. This achievement is a testament to your exceptional abilities and potential, and we know you will continue to excel and make a positive impact in your chosen field."

Karen Sanchez, a dental assisting student and recipient of a Robert D. Tisinger scholarship, thanked her donor in a written note.

“In the past, I had thought that going to college would not have been possible for me. I was concerned about the cost of attendance, and it was holding me back from pursuing higher education,” Reynolds wrote. “Being the first in my family to go to college is an achievement that has been made possible thanks to the help of donors like yourself.”

Scholarships are offered each semester to students in various programs and locations at WGTC. For more information about available scholarship opportunities, please visit www. westgatech.edu/foundation-scholarship.

To learn more about establishing or contributing to a scholarship fund, please contact Brittney Henderson at brittney.henderson@westgatech.edu.

The WGTC Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1998 to encourage, solicit, receive, and administer gifts and bequests of property and funds for the benefit of the college and its students. Partnerships and gifts enable the foundation to support the best possible learning environment for our students.

WGTC Receives $100,000 from Carroll EMC to Support CDL Program

West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) and Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) recently celebrated the unveiling of the Carroll EMC Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Canopy at the College’s new Carroll Campus. The canopy was funded in part by Carroll EMC’s $100,000 donation to the WGTC Foundation.

"We are extremely grateful for the generous support of Carroll EMC," said WGTC Foundation Executive Director Brittney Henderson. "This donation will have a lasting impact on our CDL program, allowing us to provide enhanced training opportunities and ensure our students receive the best possible education."

The canopy was included in the initial CDL range design but was cut due to a lack of funding. WGTC President, Dr. Julie Post, was adamant that the College’s CDL students have protection from the elements.

"Our job is to provide industry-relevant training opportunities while ensuring the safety of our students,” Post said. "The Carroll EMC CDL Canopy provides a covered training area that allows students to practice and refine their skills regardless of weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted progress toward their career goals in a safe environment. We

are grateful for the support of Carroll EMC in making this canopy a reality."

The partnership between WGTC and Carroll EMC showcases the commitment to education and safety but also serves as a testament to the power of partnerships in advancing the community's educational landscape.

“We are fortunate to have WGTC in our backyard,” said Tim Martin, President and CEO for Carroll EMC. “It is through their training programs that we are able to build up a well-educated and top-quality workforce with a number of technical and administrative skills. We support the continued development of WGTC as it benefits the cooperative and our Members.”

The Commercial Driving - Class A certificate program provides basic training in the principles and skills of commercial truck operation. For more information, contact CDL program director Joe Holvey at Joe.Holvey@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.

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

WGTC Concludes 10th Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Course, Equipping Officers with Essential Medical Skills

The Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in cooperation with West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) and the Governor’s Office of

Highway Safety (GOHS) recently completed their 10th Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Course. Since its inception in October 2021, the program has trained 153 law enforcement officers, representing 68 different agencies, to be phlebotomists.

Officers participating in the phlebotomy program undergo 10 hours of online training and 32 hours of classroom training. The Georgia Public Safety Training Center oversees the training program, and Dr. Phyllis Ingham, Program Director for Medical Laboratory Technology and Phlebotomy at WGTC, provides all of the phlebotomy training. Upon successfully completing the training program, the officers have the same qualifications as phlebotomists who work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other licensed medical facilities in Georgia.

“It is an honor to be selected to be a small part of this West Georgia Technical College community partnership assisting the state of Georgia and the law enforcement agencies in keeping our roadways a safer place to travel by removing impaired individuals from driving under the influence,” Ingham said. “We now have over 150 qualified law enforcement phlebotomists in the state with more than 2000 blood draws and a 94% success rate in the field even with the difficult cases and bad veins they encounter.”

Training officers to become qualified phlebotomists assists in the prosecution of DUI cases with the inclusion of critical toxicology evidence at trial. Obtaining the blood evidence sooner in the investigative process provides a more accurate measure of the blood content of a suspected impaired driver, and not having to wait for a blood test to be performed by a third party allows officers to return to their patrol duties, GOHS said.

“No doubt this training has saved countless lives

and strengthened impaired driving cases throughout Georgia,” said Michael Blute, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program Coordinator and Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Coordinator for GOHS. “The partnerships of the three agencies are vital to continuing the program in the coming years.”

Dill Takes Lead at Carroll Chamber, Carroll Tomorrow Owenby Returns to Chamber as SVP

Brian Dill, who has served as interim president and CEO of Carroll Tomorrow and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, will be stepping into the role full-time.

The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce also welcomes back Rhyne Owenby, who will return as senior vice president of operations.

Through the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Dill and Owenby will lead local efforts to grow businesses and industries in Carroll County. And as president and CEO of Carroll Tomorrow, Dill will be responsible for helping attract new opportunities to the region.

“It takes vision to lead these organizations,” said Jill Duncan, a State Farm Insurance agent and chair of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. “Brian and Rhyne have that, and we’re excited to see where they take us.”

Dill has served in an interim role since the departure of former Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow President and CEO Karen Handel. He previously worked with the Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow and will continue his duties as vice president of external affairs of Healthliant and Tanner Health System.

Dill also serves as chair of the Georgia Public Telecommunications Commission and serves on the board of governors for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Dill spent 16 years in corporate and industrial business development and recruitment as an economic development senior executive in several Georgia communities, including Carroll County, as well as the chief operating officer for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Dill earned his bachelor’s from the University of Georgia in political science and his master’s in business through UGA’s executive MBA program. He and his family are members of First Baptist Church of Carrollton.

Law enforcement officers practice drawing blood during their phlebotomy training at WGTC’s Murphy Campus.

Owenby returns to the Chamber after serving as the director of signature events and traditions at the University of West Georgia. She served in multiple roles with the Chamber from January 2019 to October of last year before taking her role at the university.

As senior vice president, she’ll continue to promote engagement through building relationships with current chamber members, develop marketing and promotional campaigns, work with the county and local cities to enhance relationships and help the region rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Owenby also previously served as president of Tickled Pink Gifts, an online gift boutique, and director of marketing and institutional development for Oak Mountain Academy. She has an associate’s in applied science, fashion merchandising from the Art Institute of Atlanta and is earning her bachelor’s in organizational leadership from the University of West Georgia.

“As president of the Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow – while also serving as vice president of our Healthliant program to enhance innovation and healthcare delivery – Brian is in a unique position to bring insight and experience to his duties,” said Loy Howard, chair and co-founder of Carroll Tomorrow. “With Rhyne, we’re going to see a brighter future in our community and our region.”

Find more on the efforts of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Carroll Tomorrow at www.carroll-ga.org.

WGTC’s Dental Hygiene Class of 2023 Achieves 100% Pass Rate on Regional Exam

All 13 members of West Georgia Technical College’s 2023 dental hygiene class earned a 100 percent pass rate on their regional clinical exams. 12 students took the Central Regional Dental Testing Services exam (CRDTS) and one student took the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX).

Jordan Chandler of Bremen; MacKenzie Curtis of LaGrange, Macey Freeman Napier of LaGrange, Laci Fuller of Cumming, Ashley Gann of Temple, Rajveer Kaur of Powder Springs, Madeline Lowther of Powder Springs, Tammy Oberheuser of Newnan, Savannah Porter of Buchanan, Leah Potter of Newnan, Victoria Vasquez Caceres of Newnan, Chloe Weeks of Hiram, and Alexandria "Grace" Williams of Hiram successfully completed the stringent clinical testing requirements in order to

pass their certification exam.

“I am extremely proud of our students and their accomplishments,” WGTC Dental Hygiene Program Director Krystal Dell said. “To achieve a 100 percent pass rate on regional exams on the first attempt requires a lot of hard work and dedication."

The students received their associate degrees at WGTC’s spring commencement exercises on May 9. The next step is to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination licensure exam, which will decide if students are able to be accredited and apply for licensure, in Georgia or elsewhere, to become registered dental hygienists.

The Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene is an 83-credit hour program. Upon completion of this highly competitive and challenging program, students are prepared for employment in dental offices, community and educational settings, and public health and insurance industries. For more information about program admission, please contact Dental Hygiene Program Assistant Stephanie Lewis at Stephanie.Lewis@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. Please visit www.westgatech.edu for more information.

Carroll EMC Blood Drive

Carroll EMC will host a blood drive Tuesday, July 11, in the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at the Carrollton office from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

If you'd like to sign up for an appointment, please call 770.832.3552 or visit www.redcross.org.

Walk-ins are also welcome. WGW

Kids Korner

Hot Air Balloon

By Jordan Dailey

Cut a door, window and roof out of the colored construction paper.

Glue the cotton swabs horizontally to the black construction paper.

Decorate door and window with black marker, if desired, then glue to cotton swabs as shown below.

Glue the four pieces of pipe cleaners at the top of the roof.

Glue the hot air balloon at the top of the pipe cleaners.

Materials

Construction paper, various colors, including white Silver pipe cleaner, cut into four equal pieces

16 cotton swabs

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scissors

Instructions

Cut cloud shapes out of the white construction paper.

Glue clouds to the black construction paper.

Cut a balloon shape out of the colored construction paper.

Craft photos by Zachary Dailey

Instructions

July 4th Word Search

Word Bank

America

Independence

Betsy Ross

United States

Flag

Sparklers

Founders

Parade

Old Glory

Picnic

Summer

Constitution

Fireworks

Barbecue States

Bill of Rights

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

Experience commitment.

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

To be a healthcare provider of choice, we have to be an employer of choice.

#ExperienceTanner for yourself. careers.tanner.org

“Tanner offers relentless devotion to caring for people where they live. The goal is to keep you close to your loved ones and home — which is critical for quality of life.”

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