West Georgia Woman Magazine June 2021

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Tracy Munroe Llama Mama!

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Tracy Munroe shares her love for llamas locally and beyond.

Page 10 Photo by Zachary Dailey

What’s inside...

10 22 30

Llama Mama

Planning an Epic Family Reunion Building on a Legacy

41 43

Summer Water Safety The Benefits of Owning a Pet

In Every Issue:

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Daily Fare Womentality

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Local Happenings Kids Korner

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The Power of Llamas As you can see in the photos to the right, Zach and I had a great time at Tracy Munroe's photo shoot. One thing we learned while on the shoot was that people go absolutely crazy over large camelids dressed up in wedding and birthday attire.

While we were walking around downtown Dallas, Ga., there was honking, catcalls, people stopped their cars in the street to take photos and talk with us, and there were many more who came up to us and asked if they could take pictures with the llamas. Even the mayor's wife came out of her home to speak with us.

The funniest part of the shoot was the fact that most people didn't really know what type of animal the llamas were – we had one spectator who asked if they were donkeys! Hopefully, after reading this issue, you will learn more about these amazing and intelligent creatures.

In This Issue As I mentioned earlier, our feature this month is Tracy Munroe from Dallas, Ga. She is the owner of Wit's End Llama Consortium, a premium public relations herd of llamas. On page 10, learn more about Tracy, her heart for service and how she shares her love of llamas everywhere she goes.

Does your family hold a big reunion each year? If not, maybe it's time to start reconnecting with your loved ones, especially now that the world is opening up again. On page 22, Sandra Bolan shows us that with a little preparation, your next family reunion could be the most epic one yet.

Bill Whorton, founder of The Whorton Agency, Inc., in Carrollton, Ga., had a big personality. He was friendly, big-hearted and never met a stranger. The agency will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

Sadly, its founder won't be here to celebrate. At only 57 years old, Bill passed away July 15, 2020, leaving his wife and two daughters, and the business he worked so hard to create. On page 30, learn more about how Bill's wife, Linda, and his oldest daughter, Abigail, are building on the legacy of the family business.

There's much more to read inside!

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

Volume 6 • Issue 8 June 2021

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Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

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Llama Mama!

By Angela Dailey Photos by Zachary Dailey

10

Tracy Munroe Shares Her Love for Llamas Locally and Beyond 11

G

eorge Bernard Shaw said, "Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” Tracy Munroe of Dallas, Ga., has created the ideal life for herself through her work as a paramedic and, interestingly enough, her work with llamas.

In addition to working in paramedicine, 50-yearold Tracy owns two businesses – one that involves mobile herd health and shearing for camelids (llamas are part of the camelid family, which includes camels, alpacas, guanacos and vicuñas), and Wit's End Llama Consortium, a premium public relations herd of llamas specializing in public and private events.

Tracy was born in Chicago, Ill. Raised in a twoparent household, she was the youngest of three siblings. Sister Deborah, 20 years her senior, is now retired and lives on a llama farm in Ellijay, Ga. Robin, 17 years older than Tracy, is also retired, enjoys extensive traveling and recently purchased a historic home in downtown Key West, Fla. "My father traveled extensively for business – domestic travel," Tracy says. "My mother had a great love for the outdoors and had an almost otherworldly gentleness. Unfortunately, both of my parents have passed many years ago. Outside of a family dog and an early introduction to horses,

Happy Father’s Day

I grew up very differently than I live my life now.

My older sister, Deborah, is the person who was the most significant in my life when it came to my interest in animals."

A Nomadic Life When Tracy was a young girl, her family moved from Illinois to Atlanta, where she spent the rest of her school years. She attended Georgia State University after high school, then spent a few years traveling and living wherever she chose, including New York, Washington D.C. and Minneapolis.

"In my early years, I lived the gypsy life mostly because … I wanted to. I have traveled around and remained in multiple cities mostly on the East coast to the Midwest. But I keep coming back to Georgia.

It’s an awesome state."

She then married her first husband, who was in the military, and they were sent directly overseas.

Her husband was stationed in Europe, and they lived in both Italy and Germany.

While on base in Italy, Tracy finished her bachelor of science degree in biology through the University of Maryland. The university offered college classes to military personnel and their family members.

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Because she had prior veterinary experience, she also worked with the military base veterinary unit – she was the only person in the unit with herpetology experience. Herpetology is a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians.

Tracy also spent some time in Wyoming on a 600acre llama farm, where she worked as a wilderness guide. "We would take people 12,000 to 13,000 feet up into the Wind River Mountains and camp out with llamas, anywhere from two days to three weeks," she explains. "We would train the llamas to pack and to be led by new people, as well as help with the breeding, training program and husbandry."

When she returned to Georgia, she studied horticulture at North Metro Technical College, now Chattahoochee Technical College, then, she spent some time at Kennesaw State University studying

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graphic design and development. She also worked as a veterinary technician for some time, working with large and small animals while attending veterinary school, until the economy took a downturn in 2008. "People weren’t taking care of their animals," she explains.

She decided once again to choose another career path.

In 2009, Tracy took training to become a paramedic and began working for Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service, where she has remained since. "I’ve reinvented myself a few times," she laughs. "They all seem to lend a hand in my life now. Who knew avoidance to take a singular line of schooling would benefit me so!"

Settling Down

Tracy with her husband, Liam.

In 2007, Tracy met her second husband, Liam, at a Ford Modeling industry party.

"Neither of us were one of the models," she laughs. She was immediately attracted to his gentle nature, integrity, creativity, dark humor and his love of fun. "And his refusal to accept anyone’s … malarkey," she exclaims.

They were married in 2014, and live on a 4-acre farm. Liam is a graphic artist and illustrator and works as an art director for a local company. "Liam was a born artist, excelling beyond what his teachers could offer much of the time, graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as an illustrator and honored best of show," she says. "He is responsible for all the artwork for Wit’s End Llama Consortium as well as Southeast Llama Rescue (SELR)."

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A Love of Llamas

placement and lifelong care. SELR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in North Carolina.

Tracy received her first llama, Diego, as a Christmas In situations where llama owners are not able to gift from her husband. "Luckily, it was the best thing keep or maintain their animals, SELR takes them in that ever happened, and I dove right in," she shares. and finds new homes for them. Funded entirely by "I was blessed to have the breeder, Liliane Grant, private donations and adoption fees, SELR assists with Llamas of Atlanta, as a great mentor." new owners by providing basic care information and Tracy immediately became involved with multiple connecting them with local mentors who are able to llama associations that offered classes and additional provide assistance on a more personal level. mentorship. Soon after, she joined the SELR and In cases of abuse or neglect by llama or alpaca became the Georgia adoption coordinator for the owners, SELR assists local law enforcement and organization. "I give SELR the crown for forming my animal control authorities toward the best interest continued work with llamas," she says. "Llamas are a of the animals, which may result in SELR taking species that is vastly different than anything else on possession and placing the llamas in a new home. a farm, medically, behaviorally and from a husbandry The organization also works closely with various standpoint. Without proper mentorship and support, animal sanctuaries to ensure that those animals that they – and you – will not prosper. require lifelong medical care are given the attention Sadly, Diego recently passed away of cancer. His they need. image is now depicted on the Wit's End calling card.

When SELR gains possession of animals, they are vetted, trained, gelded – if male – and placed in prescreened adoptive homes.

Southeast Llama Rescue SELR's slogan is "Sometimes Things Change."

The SELR mission is to protect the quality of life Many owners are forced to give up their beloved and improve the well being of abused, neglected, animals due to the death of a family member, unwanted and behaviorally unmanageable llamas and divorce, job loss or personal health reasons. "What alpacas through prevention, education, intervention, is special about this group is that not only do we

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help the llamas and alpacas that are surrendered for multiple reasons, but we also aid their people," she explains. "These animals are subject to great misunderstanding, and there are few resources out there that support the camelid – llama and alpaca – industry in comparison to more popular species such as dogs, cats and horses. We can support them by ensuring their animals are taken care of and good homes are found and monitored."

SELR is not just a rescue organization. They are a group of veterinarians, breeders and just plain llama lovers who have created a significant resource for learning, support and joy. "We are a group of inclusivity, of family," she says. "Not many people understand that every species need rescue of some type. I have acquired talents that greatly benefit llamas specifically, and am able to offer services where others may not be able to – this drives me to further serve. Over 90 percent of Wit’s End llamas are rescued by this group, with me being at the helm for many."

SELR couldn't help camelids without donations and funding. Tracy participates in a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, including pub crawls – each pub donates to participate, and the funds go straight to the rescue – festivals, disc golf

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and other events to raise money for SELR. "Llamas in Pajamas" is a favorite event of Tracy's that encourages pub crawl participants to dress up in their pajamas. "We typically stay at each pub for an hour," she says. "More and more people join until we are about 1,000 strong. It's a lot of fun."

SELR always has a need for foster farms, trailer transport volunteers, grant writers, those with estate planning experience – to help llama owners who are planning for the inevitable day when things change – veterinarians (those who have experience or have a desire to learn) and those willing to adopt. "Basically, most professions can find a way to creatively service rescue efforts," she says.

Wit's End Llama Consortium Wit’s End is a strictly for-profit business, although Tracy does donate llama time for nonprofits in the area to help them raise money.

Her premium public relations herd of llamas participates in birthday parties, weddings, engagements, hikes, photo shoots and certified therapy sessions. "If you can do it with a llama, we’ve done it," she laughs. "We've done a number of things with the Cumberland Diamond Exchange

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Tracy's llamas are the life of the party, with different outfits for every occasion, from birthday parties to pub crawls, llamagrams and weddings.

Pie (short for Paesano), left in each photo, is Tracy's big star. He loves going to cocktail parties and has been on TV and in advertising.

(llamas and diamonds), llamagrams, where we ring of the business. the doorbell, surprise the person with a pair of Small children and big crowds require one handler llamas, or walk right into their home and bring them for each animal. Llamas by nature, don't enjoy breakfast in bed. No matter what we do, whether it’s petting or hugging, and they need lots of space. going to a nursing home, visiting people who are "Llamas are gentle, tolerant animals who very ill, attending a little kids birthday party or an appreciate their personal space to the point that amazing wedding event – everything has an organic they can become misunderstood," says Tracy. flair. We’re able to offer such a variety of programs.

"They are rarely huggable – this is a learned and Each event we go to is different based on the tolerated behavior after they become adults. With reactions of the people, so that makes it even more my PR guys, I have to learn their personalities and fun." what they are comfortable with. I have to ask myself, For parties and events, Wit's End llamas are 'Can I train them to have a smaller space bubble?' thoroughly groomed, washed, dried and have Llamas have a big space bubble. One must work for polished toenails. They are dressed up in costumes the relationship of understanding and trust. I base tailored to the type of event. For weddings, the my training on agreement. I introduce, I teach, I am costumes reflect the wedding colors. patient, but ultimately the llamas decide what their Tracy's llama, Pie (short for Paesano) is her big limits are. Having a PR herd, this is an important star. He loves going detail. You wait to cocktail parties until they know and has been on themselves – just television and in like you don’t trust a advertising. teenager with a car It takes a lot of until they are ready. training for the Llamas first, people llamas – and the second." handlers – to deal With her therapy with large crowds, llamas, Tracy usually the petting and the begins with an spontaneous nature introduction and of people. Tracy has education. Then, a series of handlers petting and photos. who undergo training She then takes them with her for the through obstacles public relations piece Tracy takes one of her llamas through the obstacle training course at her farm. where the kids can

17

work with the llamas and learn how to be around them. "With special needs kids and autistic children, the llama opens up the kids and they begin to relate more, but it also grounds them so the kids learn to quiet," she explains. "It empowers people. It’s so cool to watch how people will bond with these animals within a hour or two."

Why Do Llamas Spit?

Llamas have a number reasons for spitting.

Typically, llamas spit to communicate with other members of the herd. Llamas will spit if another llama invades its personal space, or to settle a dispute over food. Llamas will bond with other livestock, and help protect sheep and goats from predators. Guard llamas may rush the fence, stomp and spit to keep people away from whatever they are guarding.

Llamas in petting zoos often spit at people due to mishandling or their upbringing. In a petting zoo atmosphere, the llamas are very unhappy. Many have been taken away from their mothers too early, and never learned how to behave socially.

"They can’t get away, or they may come from a compromised past where they find that spitting works," says Tracy. "If we bring them up in the human world without them learning how to behave once they reach adulthood, many of them can become spoiled brats. They'll knock you down, spit at you, threaten your safety or become aggressive.

Sometimes they have to be euthanized, they can become so aggressive. That’s where responsible husbandry comes in. When horses and dogs come up to you, that’s usually friendly. When a llama comes up and gets into your space, it's aggressive, rude and dangerous. You can’t treat a llama like a dog; it’s a big herd animal. That’s why it's so important to have mentorship and be a part of the community when raising alternative or exotic livestock."

It is very rare for a trained and well socialized llama to spit at people. Typically, their safety has to be threatened before they will spit. "As long as my animals are happy and feel safe, they won’t spit," she says. "A person has to be so ugly to a llama for that to happen."

inappropriate, dangerous or even deadly behavior toward humans. ABS occurs when llamas are overhandled, cuddled and treated as family pets when they are young. It can also occur when they are forced to live without the company of other llamas, which causes them to transfer their affections to humans.

"Llamas are herd animals and do not thrive without another llama in their company, nor are they house pets," says Tracy. "It is dangerous to overhandle llamas when young, which is tough to do, because they are so cute, but they can become dangerous when they transition to adulthood. Humans can easily miss behavioral cues – interpreting them as cute or sweet – when instead, they are testing for dominance, for they consider that person a herd member instead of the role of caretaker."

The warning signs of a llama with ABS include: • A young lllama that prefers the company of humans rather than the herd.

• Those who don't object to being handled (with the exception of llamas who have been properly trained and desensitized)

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Aberrant Behavior Syndrome Aberrant Behavior Syndrom, or ABS, happens when a llama is unable to differentiate between its own species and humans. This results in

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Photo credit: Carol Ellis Richardson

www.oakmountain.us

animal rescue organizations, large animal owners and transporters.

"I'll bring down a herd to help train firefighters, EMS, animal control, zoo staff and police," she says.

"They are able to learn and have hands-on time with llamas. It’s nice to be able to train people who have to deal with animal emergencies."

Helping Camelid Owners in Need Abigail Whorton, Chief Operating Officer

• One that runs up to a fence with its head lowered, to "greet" people. This is really an attack that is stopped only by the fence.

• A llama that snorts, clucks, gurgles, honks or spits at people.

• A llama that refuses to move out of the way of its handler, blocking the way • Lowering its ears and raising its head • The llama that casually brushes up against people around it without repercussions. This is how llamas establish themselves in the social hierarchy of the herd. Having been allowed to brush against a human without being shown "who's boss," it is now clear to the llama that he is socially superior. He may spit, ram, bump or bite those people in the future • One that approaches humans with his tail curled up and over his back • “Lipping” shoelaces or clothing – this is a preface to biting.

Every spring and summer, Tracy travels throughout Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and some areas of North Carolina with her mobile herd health and shearing business. She shears fellow llama owners' animals, as well as helps owners with herd health, assessments, illness and trauma.

"The camelid industry has very few vets," she explains. "Because of the different things camelids need, we rely on teaching colleges that have experience in camelid medicine. UGA, Auburn – the

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Tracy became involved in Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) after becoming a paramedic. She is an associate instructor for camelid emergencies.

TLAER is a training program that covers the practical considerations, behavioral understanding, specialty equipment, techniques, methodologies and tactics behind the safe extrication of live large animals from entrapments (trailer wrecks, ditches, mud, barn fires) in local emergencies and disaster areas, according to the TLAER website.

The training covers the entire rescue process, from realizing the incident has occurred, through response, scene set up and extrications, transport and follow up veterinary care. TLAER educates not only emergency responders, but also veterinarians,

Llamas are very susceptible to heat stress and stroke. They have to be shorn once a year, and in the South, twice a year. After Tracy shears her herd, she donates the raw wool to the Southeast Llama Rescue organization. Every spring and summer she travels throughout Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and some areas of North Carolina to shear fellow llama owners' animals.

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trained to pack, drive a cart, become therapy animals and companions. They are truly the most versatile animals that I have ever had the honor of experiencing."

In addition to llamas and great Danes, the couple has livestock guard dogs, goats, pigs, cats, a neapolitan mastiff, chickens and several 2- to 5-foot long royal (ball) pythons on their farm.

A Servant's Heart With her work as a paramedic, Tracy is trained in basic and advanced life support and some of the more complex aid. She enjoys the challenges of her chosen career and her two businesses, and In addition to llamas, Tracy and Liam have great Danes, livestock guard knowing she is making a difference in people's dogs, goats, pigs, cats, a neapolitan mastiff, chickens and several 2- to lives.

5-foot long royal (ball) pythons on their farm.

"All of the stuff that I do is all based on University of Tennessee is awesome. The University service," she says. "It’s kind of where my heart lies. of Florida has an amazing camelid college. They To be involved, to be of aid, to teach and support have professors who specialize or have significant – that is all incredibly important to me. Every day knowledge in camelid veterinary. My paramedic is different, every hour is different and you’re training helps out with that. Large animal veterinary immediately challenged and scared. I’m very good is hard to come by anyway. It’s more expensive, and at being able to compartmentalize. That's also physically taxing for vets. Camelids require very important with working with animals. It’s not always specific medical and husbandry needs. It’s a very a success. The people I work with are incredibly specified field." passionate and they live life large in that manner. As Liam accompanies Tracy sometimes when she much as I appreciate the money that comes out of travels for her camelid work. When he isn't able a corporate job – it just never fit – and it didn’t offer to travel with her, he keeps their house and farm me the challenges. I’m able to help out people who running. "It’s great to have a bunch of animals, but are having their worst day." WGW on the other hand you have to take care of them, and that’s a great responsibility," she says. "Liam To learn more about Tracy Munroe or is incredibly supportive and involved in all forms. to book her llamas for your next event, From the intensity of paramedicine to my constant call 404.324.8669 or email traveling, to rescue efforts and all of the animals.

He has his own llamas in the herd and is involved Tracy@witsendllamas.com or with husbandry, training and handling. Most of our witsendfarm@comcast.net. animals are rescues. Great Dane rescue is another Visit the Wit’s End Llama Consortium love of ours." website at www.witsendllamas.com or They currently have 10 llamas on their 4-acre farm. @witsendllamas on Facebook and It is possible to have small herds of llamas on smaller amounts of land. Typically with horses, 1 acre is Instagram. required for each horse. With llamas, it is possible to To learn more about have four to six animals per acre.

Southeast Llama Rescue, visit "The thing with llamas and alpacas is that it www.southeastllamarescue.org or doesn’t take a rocket scientist to have them as a herd and have them flourish," she explains. "It @SoutheastLlamaRescue on takes an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Facebook and Instagram.

The learning curve can be harsh. Once that’s To learn more about Technical Large accomplished, they can be the hardiest animals on Animal Emergency Rescue training, a farm. What I love most about llamas is that you visit www.TLAER.org or must prove your worth to them, instead of them being eager to prove their worth to you. They are @TLAER on Facebook. highly curious and incredibly smart and can be

21

Planning an Epic

22

By Sandra Bolan

B

y now, it may be well over a year since many of your family members have seen each other in person.

As the pandemic loosens its grip on Americans, more people are planning to get together for one heck of a family reunion. If you want to do the reunion right, you have to plan many months before anyone gets on a plane.

There are four things that make a family reunion successful: comfort, convenience (of date and location), activities and, of course, food.

Save the Date

their budget is. You don't want some family members to skip out because they can’t afford it.

Usually parties are spearheaded by one person.

But in order to make a family reunion fun, special and memorable for everyone, you can’t expect one person to do everything.

Consider putting together a family planning committee that includes a finance director, lodging liaison, food coordinator, entertainment director, reservations officer and communications director.

Choose the Location

Location is key. Do you want the reunion at a family member’s home, a resort, in a campground, on You need a date. This is why you may need to start planning next year’s reunion today. Depending a cruise ship or even in another country?

Whichever one you pick, ensure there is more on the size of your family, everyone being available during the same block of time may be as challenging than enough sleeping room for everyone. You don’t want three couples jammed into one room. Let each as herding cats. But with enough time and an couple have their own space. Kids, on the otheramazing location, people will make it work. hand, can share rooms – they get to have their own In the early stages, send out a questionnaire sleepover experience with the cousins. asking everyone for their available dates and wish If you choose to stay at a hotel, and you'll be list of locations. The top three of each then go to staying two or more nights, hotels usually offer a vote with the most votes culminating in the final discounted group rates that can mean significant date and location. savings for your entire family.

You still won’t be able to please everyone, but at If you opt to gather at a resort, make sure the staff least they all had their say.

You may also want to consider asking people what knows how to cater to a party of your size.

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Activities

Bringing Back Family

If your reunion is at a resort, let the kitchen staff know of all allergies, dislikes and favorites. If possible, give the staff a copy of some of the family’s iconic recipes.

If the reunion is at a family member's home, or at a rental lodge, you can have it catered. Or, to cut costs, make it a potluck so everyone gets to bring the one dish they’re famous for making.

Ensure there are enough activities on the • 50 percent of families that hold resort or hotel grounds – reunions have them every year or every and in surrounding towns other year for everyone – young, • 15.8 percent of family reunions have old, active, the shopper five generations in attendance or spa devotee.

• Tours and cultural activities are the Plan activities that most popular at family reunions, include everyone, but followed by awards/recognitions, area also have breakout attractions, recreational activities, gatherings. For example, outside catering and sports. all of the golfers get a day of 18 holes, while • The most popular places for a reunion the shoppers get an are a recreational park, restaurant or excursion, and the history banquet hall, scenic location or resort buffs have a chance to Consider a or major cities such as Los Angeles, explore museums.

Boston, New York and Washington D.C. Theme It’s also important to • Summer is the most popular time of schedule downtime. All If you’re not holding year to hold a reunion, followed by fall, of these activities and a family reunion in winter and spring. family time can be a bit conjunction with a • More than 57 percent of family much for some, so leave wedding or milestone reunions have from 50 to 149 people in some time and space for birthday, maybe you’ll everyone to do whatever attendence. want to create a theme Source: Grouptravel.org they want, at their own – beach party, Hawaiian pace. luau or oldies dance If the reunion is at an ancestral home, you’ll have party. If the reunion spans many days, you don’t to tailor the activities to the location, but still ensure have to make the whole event a theme, just one of there’s something for everyone.

Always have a back-up plan for outdoor activities. the nights.

Either move them indoors if the weather turns bad, Explore Your Roots or be able to reschedule them for another day.

Food There really is nothing more important at a family gathering than the food.

Often, it’s only the elders who know the entirety of a family’s history. But it’s important that information never gets forgotten.

While planning the reunion, have everyone provide information, photos and mementos, which will be used to create a history table.

Written histories, family trees, photos (from the past and of the reunion) as well as pictures of heirlooms can be compiled into a book and printed for everyone once the reunion is over.

While we may get together with those who are geographically close to us on a regular basis, there is nothing like having the entire extended family together in one place.

You’ll finally get to meet that aunt your parents say you look so much like, as well as hear stories about your parents that only other family members can get away with telling. WGW

25

Daily Fare With

e s o R f e h C

Photos by Zachary Dailey

26

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.

"

Treat Dad to a delicious burger for Father’s Day!

"

Ranch Cheeseburger with Bacon and Avocado Ingredients

Preparation

For burger patty:

Mix cheese and ranch into your hamburger meat.

Be cautious not to over-mix.

Shape into patties that are slightly larger around than your chosen bun, and about 1/2-inch thick.

Grill hamburger patties for 3 minutes on one side.

Flip and cook for 4 to 7 minutes or until desired doneness.

Toast buns on grill for 2 minutes.

Place cooked burger on bottom bun and top with slice of cheese, bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato.

Serves 8.

2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 blend or leaner 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 3 tablespoons or 1 package ranch seasoning

Toppings: 8 slices cheese of choice 1 head green leaf lettuce 1/2 pound of bacon, cooked 1 avocado, sliced 1 large tomato, sliced 8 hamburger buns, any style

27

Peach and Pecan Crumble

"

Using fresh, ripe peaches makes this the perfect summer dessert.

"

Ingredients

Preparation

For the filling:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Combine peaches with the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon and vanilla in a large bowl. Toss gently until combined. Spoon into prepared baking dish.

Whisk the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, salt and pecans together.

Add butter and stir with a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon to break up the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Evenly sprinkle topping over peaches.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the peach juice is bubbling on the edges.

Remove from the oven, place on a wire rack, and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Serve warm, room temperature, or cold.

Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Serves 8 to 10. WGW

5 cups peaches, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 cup all purpose flour 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 tsp cinnamon For the topping: 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (or quick oats) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup unsalted pecans, chopped or halved 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

28

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “It was my father who taught me to value myself. He told me that I was uncommonly beautiful and that I was the most precious thing in his life.”

– Dawn French

By Frank Blackwell, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

“I am not ashamed to say that no man I ever met was my father’s equal, and I never loved any other man as much.”

– Hedy Lamarr

“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song.”

– Pam Brown

“What my father especially taught me was to not always take the safe road, the easy road. If you are going to do good work, you have to risk failing badly.”

– Natasha Richardson

“I’ve said it before, but it’s absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams.

Thanks to him, I could see a future.”

– Liza Minnelli

29

Building On a Legacy

By Angela Dailey Photos 30 by Zachary Dailey

Linda and Abigail Whorton Carry On With the Family Business After Loss of Husband and Father, Bill Whorton

31

B

ill Whorton, founder of The Whorton Agency, Inc., had a big personality. He was friendly, big-hearted and never met a stranger. "Bill was then, and always remained, larger than life," says his wife, Linda Abney Whorton.

Bill was a natural born salesperson, who began working in the insurance industry in July 1985.

Fifteen years later, he began his path toward becoming a successful entrepreneur by building his own insurance business from the ground up.

This year, The Whorton Agency will celebrate 20 years in business. Sadly, its founder won't be here to celebrate. At only 57 years old, Bill passed away July 15, 2020, leaving his wife and two daughters, and the business he worked so hard to create.

Building the Business After high school, Bill attended a junior college in Daytona Beach, Fla., but he had no clear direction on what field he wanted to study. So he moved back to Georgia to help his dad and older brother with their new roofing business.

While working on hot asphalt shingles that summer, his Dad introduced him to a friend who worked in the insurance industry. That friend convinced Bill that insurance may be the right career for him.

Linda met Bill at a two-week life insurance training course in Atlanta. "It was pure happenstance that we found ourselves in the same place at the same time," she says.

Bill was smitten pretty quickly, but it took awhile for Linda to get on board. "It wasn't love at first sight at all," she laughs. "He was interested in me almost immediately, but his gregarious personality scared me to death."

Linda, originally from Valley, Ala., married Bill in 1985 and they began to build a life in Carrollton, Ga.

Bill's wife, Linda Whorton.

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Linda was in the insurance business for only a short while, but she says that is what led her to become a teacher in the Carroll County School System.

She attended West Georgia College, now the University of West Georgia, and obtained her master's degree in early childhood education. Bill worked as an insurance agent for a local agency that worked only with educators. Although he enjoyed his work, Bill realized that he was limiting his and his clients' choices by representing only one company.

He began to consider opening his own agency with a larger company. The only problem – that company required an agency owner to have a college degree. Wanting to create a better life for his family, Bill went back to college to obtain his degree at West Georgia College.

"It wasn’t easy financially or logistically," Linda shares. "He and I both worked full-time, and we welcomed our oldest daughter, Abigail, in the middle of his coursework. Many nights he would fall asleep in his recliner, a schoolbook in one hand and her asleep on his chest. Always one to make his own way in the world, Bill didn’t ask anyone for help with what felt like a mountain of expenses that went along with being a student. Between both of us working and our creative use of credit cards, he paid for his degree."

After Bill received his college degree, the hard working couple added another child to their growing family, daughter, Emily.

In 2001, Bill was finally able to realize his dream of opening an independent insurance agency when he started his business, The Whorton Agency, Inc. He spent almost 20 years growing the business into the success it is today.

"My parents built our life up from practically nothing," says Abigail. "They used to laugh about how all they had coming into their marriage was each other and my mother’s credit card debt.

Despite every challenge and every setback along the way, the one thing that my dad never did was give up. Not once. Most people who knew him wouldn’t know that he had a heart attack at 47. They wouldn’t know that he rebuilt our world more than once as the world around us faltered."

Linda and his daughters meant everything to Bill.

He drove the girls to school every day until Abigail turned 16, and attended both girls' dance recitals and volleyball matches – even if it meant going back to the office and working late into the night.

When Emily was a new teacher just out of college, she lived with Bill and Linda for a while. Each day, Bill would pack Emily's lunch for her to take with her

In 2016, Abigail came back home to Carrollton.

In 2018, at age 26, she began working for her dad. "Working here now, it is such a joy to see my hometown flourish with family businesses just like ours and to know how much the people living and “Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters” working here care about our town," Abigail says.

"Carrollton is almost a different place than the town 821 Dixie Street that I was raised in, and I love watching it continue Carrollton, GA 30117 to grow in a way that honors our roots and the 770.832.7076 uniqueness of what our locals bring to the table."

"She (Abigail) was already in the business, which allowed Bill to start planning our future more freely," Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery says Linda. "Much of that was focused on slowing down and stepping back as she continued to grow to school. and learn. Our intention was to simply enjoy our He and Linda celebrated their 35th wedding time together as I stepped into retirement." anniversary last June, quietly and together at home, "I pictured taking on his role slowly and over only a few weeks before Bill passed away. time while he and my mother got to grow old together," Abigail Coming Back to explains.

Bill and Linda often discussed Carrollton the future of the business, which included multiple discussions When Abigail graduated from regarding what would happen in Central High School in 2010, she the event of his death. "Bill was had no intention of staying in her tenacious, and like I mentioned, hometown of Carrollton, much larger than life, but he was less following in either of her also human," says Linda. "We parents' footsteps. dreamed big, but never strayed Through college at the Grady so far from reality that we weren’t College of Journalism and Mass prepared for many scenarios, Communication at the University including his passing." of Georgia, where she graduated Sadly, Bill passed away, two magna cum laude, and in her early years to the day that Abigail career, she was fortunate to have began working with him. the opportunity to travel the world Bill's oldest daughter, Abigail Whorton. and live up and down the East coast.

Following in His Footsteps "Having grown up in Carrollton, I wanted nothing more than to escape, for lack of a better word, As is expected after such a huge loss, Bill's what I saw as a small-town life and see the world," passing was incredibly overwhelming for Linda and she relates. "As I continued to grow up and started Abigail. to carry the beauty of the places I’d been and the "We were being pulled in what felt like a hundred people I knew with me, I realized that what I truly different directions by well-meaning friends and wanted was to be back in my small town with the family with regards as to what to do with the love of my family around me. The thing about business – and we were mourning, deeply," Abigail growing up is that your priorities at 28 are very shares. "Amid the chaos, my mother and I found different than they were when you were 18 years peace only with the thought that we keep ownership old. For me, that clarity came in wanting to be near of the agency and focus on growing what my Dad my family and working out that I wanted to one day spent the bulk of his life building. At 28, that, too, work for myself. Those two things, coupled with the was overwhelming, but the thought of willingly unique opportunity that my dad created with this giving up more of my dad was unimaginable." business, made it easy to see a path that allowed me Two weeks after Bill died, Abigail came back to step into his shoes." to the office to assess how she and The Whorton

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WWW.SPA316.US 770.537.1236

Agency team could even begin to move forward after losing Bill.

Abigail now serves as the chief operating officer of The Whorton Agency, with Linda as sole owner.

"She had a willingness to step into her father’s shoes and continue what he’d built, and that was at the core of our fully embracing ownership of the agency," Linda explains. "I trust her completely. We discuss major instances and opportunities, and often make big decisions together in the background, but she’s the one in the office leading the team and in the community representing the business."

"Continuing my dad’s legacy is important to me for so many reasons – two very specifically come to mind," Abigail says. "The first is that this business provides for my family, and if you knew Bill Whorton, then you knew that his first priority was always his girls. This is his gift to my mother for the rest of her life, and mine and my sister’s future when she is gone. The second is quite simply that his fingerprints are all over this business. From the incorporation paperwork to the desk where I sit and my feet don’t touch the ground – he is interwoven into the very fabric of this agency. And while I could go out tomorrow and start something similar from the ground up, it wouldn’t be a part of my dad that way."

The Whorton Agency, Inc. The Whorton Agency has four, in-office employees, including Abigail.

The business' slogan is Better Service, Better Value and Better Choice. The agency offers a range of personal lines and business insurance – from auto, home, life, renters, disability, annuities and more, to worker’s compensation, commercial auto, tailored protection policies and more in Georgia and Alabama.

"We take pride in being Linda is the owner of The Whorton an independent Agency, and Abigail serves as chief operating officer. insurance agency,

because what that means for our clients is greater insurance options through multiple partner carriers, like Auto-Owners, Safeco, Mercury, Encompass, Travelers, Southern Trust, Progressive and more, right in our office," says Abigail. "That, in turn, creates a better tailored policy per a client’s specific needs and allows us to meet them where they are in life at a fair price."

In spite of all the trauma the Whorton team endured last year, the agency experienced its largest year of growth in 2020. Last year also marked the largest number of people the agency was able to help protect over the last two decades.

Abigail is proud of this success, and says the growth of the business is a direct result of the strong foundation that her dad laid over the years, and the hard work put in by the entire team.

She has set some lofty revenue goals for the agency with a five-year timeline in mind – goals that will create yet another unshakeable layer to the foundation of the business that will stand the test of time and generations. "I see this business providing for my family and the team working alongside us and best protecting our ever-growing client base in a very tangible way," she says.

A Legacy for Adult Learners As the agency continues to grow, Linda and Abigail have personal goals for the business to be able to give back even more to the community, local schools and students, and the charities they hold dear.

Last year, the Whorton family created the Bill Whorton Endowed Scholarship at the University of West Georgia to help adult learners who are working toward creating a better future for themselves.

"When my husband died, we had two weeks where we were quarantined and unable to leave

35

home, and in that time before we laid him to rest, we talked and cried and mourned and talked some more – all about Bill," Linda says. "Our hope is that the Bill Whorton Endowed Scholarship will make life a little easier for like-minded adult learners as they seek their degree. It’s fitting that in all of our mourning we found a way to do what Bill would do – encourage anyone working hard and trying to better their life."

Challenges and Support Abigail says her greatest challenge with running the business is that she isn't her dad. "We were alike in so very many ways, and while a large part of me is him done over again, my leadership of this business is something that I will be growing into for years to come," she explains. "He had 35 years on me in this industry – of great success and great failure – that guided his every move. I, quite frankly, do not. That said, knowing myself and seeing parts of him shining through, I’m confident in the leader that I am for my team today and the leader that I’m growing into."

She has a large support group consisting of friends, close family and her team. Linda and Emily have stood by her side, without fail, during her transition into leadership. "I consider myself blessed by the smart, powerful women in my circle and how they, in turn, recognize and validate those same strengths in me," she says.

The team at the agency is as equally invested as she is in the success of the business. She says without their expertise and commitment, the business would not have seen the growth it has had within the last few months.

She considers herself a consummate learner – the classroom was always one of her favorite places – and after jumping into running the business so quickly and unexpectedly, she considers

Dailey Life Photography Zachary Dailey, Photographer for West Georgia Woman Magazine

Call us today for your photography needs!

404.444.9072 daileylifephotography@gmail.com @DaileyLifePhoto

The Bill Whorton Endowed Scholarship at the University of West Georgia will help like-minded adult learners as they work toward their college degree.

36

@DaileyLifePhotography

www.daileylifephoto.wordpress.com

every experience as an opportunity to continue learning.

"Thankfully, there have been several people ready to guide me along the way," she relates. "Locally, my dad was a mentor and friend to Mark Foster, the former executive manager at Walker Cadillac, Buick, GMC, and Mark has been kind enough to lend a listening ear and offer some pretty solid advice this last year. Throughout the state, my dad fostered relationships with fellow independent agency owners who have now taken me under their collective wing, and these men and women have been instrumental in my growth in this role."

"Bill Whorton was a great customer and an even better friend," Mark Foster says. "I’ve known the family since I was in elementary school. His wife taught me in kindergarten and didn’t mind paddling me in the hall for talking too much in class. Bill was the kind of success that came from hard work and dedicated focus. He also made plenty of mistakes along the way. We often laughed that I could save a lot of money just by learning from what he did

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wrong over the years. Bill and I would go to lunch at 11:30 and at 2 p.m. Chef Tano, owner of the Little Hawaiian restaurant, was kicking us out because we were still busy talking.

Actually, Bill was talking. I was listening and learning.

Life has come full circle, Photo provided by Abigail Whorton and since Bill’s passing, Abigail has called me for advice a few times. When it hit me that I was now offering advice to the child of a mentor of mine, it really choked me up. If I can pass along the advice I’ve received over the years, I know I will be making Bill proud. I’m honored to call Abigail a friend and wish her much success in her journey."

When she's not working at The Whorton Agency, Abigail enjoys reading, traveling, painting, puzzles, happy hours with friends, going to the gym and spending time with her family.

An Inspiring Influence Abigail's greatest joy in running the business her father built from the ground up is knowing that she and the team are continuing the legacy her dad built, and doing so with the integrity that was inherent to his work at The Whorton Agency.

"If I had to say what I least enjoy about what I do, it’s doing it without him," she shares. "My dad was my boss and mentor and my very best friend. He was in business – as he was in life – hard-working, full of grit and led with his desire to make the lives around him better. His charisma and salesmanship were unmatched, and his mind, his intellect, still serve as inspiration for me when I consider how I want to grow as a human and an entrepreneur. If I had to pinpoint the person that has had the most impact on my personal life, it would be my dad. His heart for the people he loved and his tenacity in all that he did has impacted me more than anything or anyone ever have – and likely ever will." WGW

To learn more about Linda and Abigail Whorton and The Whorton Agency, Inc., call 770.832.8998 or email abigail@thewhortonagency.com.

Visit the website at www.thewhortonagency.com/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

38

lives of young girls and women. This group meets the third Saturday of each month at Heritage Baptist Church in Douglasville, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

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

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

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

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free 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 and SyncGlobal Celebrate Fiber Deployment with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative and SyncGlobal Telecom celebrated the historic

milestone of broadband deployment at a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, May 7. The event follows the cooperative’s and telecommunication provider’s previous announcement that the process of building out fiber infrastructure for Phase I had begun earlier in the year.

Elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson and Georgia Public Service Commissioner (PSC) Tricia Pridemore were in attendance and spoke on the importance of bridging the digital divide in rural areas like that of West Georgia.

Long before the pandemic shined a light on the relevance of telecommuting and telemedicine, representatives for the state had been campaigning for such a change to be made for the widespread access of high-speed internet.

“Rural, smaller communities many times are at a competitive disadvantage in relation to suburban and urban areas,” Phase I territory shown in orange. said Congressman Ferguson. “We have seen over the years that a lot of capital does not flow as easily into our rural communities, and it has created an environment where they have fallen behind. With the pandemic, the problems that exist in rural America have been exacerbated.

“Whether it’s healthcare, education or job creation, having broadband is a fundamental component of participating in the 21st century economy,” continued Congressman Ferguson. “This is going to jumpstart the economy and improve the lives of so many Georgians. This project alone will touch 30,000 residents.”

Included in the first 800+ miles of fiber-to-thehome buildout are the cooperative’s underserved Members in parts of Heard, Haralson and Carroll counties. This first phase will serve approximately 10,000 homes and businesses which equates to roughly 30,000 residents. As fiber is hung during the estimated 24-36-month buildout, customers will be connected throughout the process.

“Carroll EMC needed a broadband partner, and we needed someone who had the expertise, the know-how and the infrastructure to be the broadband provider,” said Carroll EMC CEO, Tim

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Martin. “We were fortunate to have a local provider in SyncGlobal Telecom who are experts. They share one of our seven cooperative principles which is ‘concern for the community.’ Their leaders and workers live and work here, so they are concerned about the future of West Georgia. They were committed to doing it in the right way, and that’s the fiber-to-the-home model.”

As of May, 15 EMCs across the state of Georgia have committed to invest more than $300 million to bring high-speed internet to their Members through partnerships and agreements with internet providers, like that between Carroll EMC and SyncGlobal Telecom, or through direct provision.

“Our organizations know we are missing a critical utility and a vital piece of infrastructure,” said SyncGlobal Telecom CEO, Kyle Williamson. “And that’s broadband. We see exactly what’s needed, and we worked for years collectively putting a project together. We put together a project that’s fiber everywhere. We have a unified goal to bring broadband to every Carroll EMC Member, but we also know that everywhere in Georgia and the country needs it—we want to be an example for other EMCs and providers partnering in their communities.”

Tricia Pridemore and her fellow commissioners at the Georgia PSC have also worked to extend access to fiber optics in rural Georgia. After the approval of Georgia EMC’s proposed One Buck Deal late last year, internet providers can attach to EMC poles for $1 per pole, per year for new attachments.

“The five-member Georgia PSC has been working on the issue of rural high-speed internet attainment since I’ve been a commissioner the past three years,” said Commissioner Pridemore. “We are just one small part of what is making this possible all across the state. With today’s announcement, this is the 15th EMC who is going to be providing highspeed internet to their Members, and I cannot think of a better reason to celebrate.

“The decision that we reached in December of last year was a unanimous Commission decision to support the encouragement of rural broadband attainment with the One Buck Deal,” continued Commissioner Pridemore. “We stand ready at the PSC to work, support, guide and assist.”

As the buildout of Phase I continues, details of Phase II are being designed. It is the combined goal of Carroll EMC and SyncGlobal Telecom to provide a broadband option to all of the cooperative’s Members. All Carroll EMC Members are encouraged to pre-register on SyncGlobal’s soon-to-be-launched rural broadband website. For additional questions or inquiries, they can contact SyncGlobal directly.

SyncGlobal Telecom is a full-service communications provider headquartered in Bremen, GA. For the last 20-years, SyncGlobal has served commercial customers in western and northwestern Georgia over its always-

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expanding fiber network. Across this network, SyncGlobal provides next-generation IP voice, hosted voice, internet access, fiber transport, and managed IT services as a telephony and internet service provider.

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.

A number of elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Drew Ferguson and Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore joined Carroll EMC CEO, Tim Martin, and SyncGlobal Telecom CEO, Kyle Williamson, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Phase I of the broadband deployment.

Photos by Tim McClain Photography.

T

here’s nothing like being on a boat, with the wind in your face and the spray of cool water on your sun-kissed skin.

But before you step foot on a motorized boat, make sure the operator has their boating licence and has passed a boater safety course, both of which are required in the state of Georgia for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1998.

Keep your arms and legs in the boat at all times and stay seated until the vessel comes to a standstill.

In Georgia, lifejackets must be on board but only worn by everyone when in a hazardous area. Kids under the age of 13 must wear a lifejacket at all times, unless they’re in an enclosed cabin.

Of the boating fatalities reported to the United States Coast Guard, lifejackets could have saved the lives of more than 80 percent of them.

Swimming Who doesn’t love jumping off the side of a boat and sinking deep into the lake or ocean? But murky water can sometimes cause people to grossly underestimate the water’s depth, which when jumped into, can result in serious physical harm or death. Always check your water depth and if there are any protruding rocks before taking that first leap.

Drinking and Boating Once you’ve dropped anchor, cracking open a cold one as the boat gently rocks back and forth with the waves, seems picture perfect. However, just as driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol is illegal, so too is boating under the influence (BUI).

BUIs account for roughly a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

Under Georgia law, it’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a boat or personal watercraft with a blood alcohol level of 0.02 or higher. If you’re over the age of 21, it's 0.08 or higher – the same as operating a vehicle.

Adults should also consider staying sober so they can pay attention to the kids in the water, because when it comes to child drownings, a lapse in supervision is quite often a contributing factor.

"But, my child knows how to swim.” Sadly, knowing how to swim doesn’t mean you’ll never become a drowning victim. Between currents, murky water, boat wakes and sudden summer storms, anything can happen, and happen fast, in the water.

Electrocution Electrocution in water is extremely dangerous, and potentially deadly, for anyone who swims in a lake or a pool. It occurs when poorly maintained equipment or faulty wiring releases an electrical current in the water that enters people’s bodies, paralyzing their muscles and causing them to drown.

If you feel any tingling sensations while in the water, swim back in the direction from which you came. Do not use a metal ladder when exiting the water. Once you're out, report it immediately to the marina or owner.

If someone is getting shocked, do not jump in to help. Immediately cut off all electrical power to the area, and extend a carbon fiber rod such as a fiberglass shepherd's crook/rescue hook for the person to grab, or loop it around her body and pull her face up to safety. Do not use anything to pull her in that could conduct electricity. Place the person on her back, check for breathing and administer CPR if needed. Then call 9-1-1.

Lifesaving 101 If you see someone in the pool, lake or ocean who is in distress, would you jump in and try to help them or throw them a lifeline? If you chose the latter answer, you’re correct. No one wants one drowning victim, let alone two, and that’s exactly what can happen if someone decides to play hero.

Instead, if there’s no lifeguard around, call out to the swimmer. This gets their attention and turns them toward you, the shore or boat so you can throw them something to grab onto.

If you don’t have a life preserver attached to a long rope to throw, you can toss out anything that floats – a pool noodle, kickboard or lifejacket.

Once the distressed swimmer has grabbed onto the flotation device, have her kick toward you. Once she's in shallow water you can grab her and bring her onto shore for treatment.

Ideally, everyone who ventures into the water, whether it be a pool, river, lake or ocean, has had proper swim lessons. But that isn’t reality. If you think you’re too old to learn how to swim, you’re not. And know that it takes more than a couple of lessons to become a confident and competent swimmer. WGW

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CAREERS.SOUTHWIRE.COM 42

Part of The Family

binge-watched everything on TV available. Pets, without even knowing it, are pretty hilarious. Dogs can chase their tails for hours and

By Sandra Bolan never catch it, while cats love f you want to drop a couple of pounds, reduce to play with fuzzy balls attached to a string. stress levels, improve your mental health or You can even teach them fun tricks, which possibly even find a significant other, then get strengthens your bond with your furry friend. yourself a pet.

• Live in the moment. Animals teach us to During the pandemic, pet adoptions skyrocketed live in the moment. Dogs will literally stop to because people realized you can’t beat the smell the roses, and other not-so-nice smelling companionship of an animal, even if there are other things. Animals perk up at the slightest humans in the house. sounds, whereas humans somehow become Without even knowing it, pets – whether they hearing impaired as soon as they go down the be dogs, cats, hamsters, geckos or fish – teach us social media rabbit hole. important life lessons.

• Pets don’t hold grudges. They don’t care that you booted them off the couch five minutes • Confidence. There’s nothing more fulfilling ago. They’re going to come back and try to than being able to care for another living get on the couch again and again so they can creature. Having a pet also enables us to go snuggle beside you. beyond ourselves and • Mental health. For people learn responsibility. suffering from depression, pets A pet, no matter its can help them find interest in species, needs to be life and give them a reason to loved, nurtured and fed, get out of bed in the morning. as well as have its living Just mindlessly petting an space made safe and animal helps reduce a person’s clean. stress and anxiety levels. And • Social Interaction. when you’re having a really bad Because dogs need day, all you have to do is look to be walked multiple into your pet’s eyes and you’ll times a day, this provides immediately feel better. owners an opportunity to • Patience. Owning an animal take a good look around isn’t always going to be their neighborhood. cuddles, fun and games. Some Introverts, or the socially days they’re going to test awkward, may find your patience and make you themselves engaged in wonder, ‘What was I thinking?’ conversations with other For example, bored dogs are dog owners. It’s really Sandra Bolan's rescue dog, Oh Henry. He and Sandra very curious creatures; they will easy to talk about your are both Canadian. investigate the contents of the dog versus yourself. garbage can, or want to know Over time, you’ll get to know the names of what drywall tastes like. Every mishap is a your neighborhood dogs and everything human’s learning opportunity, with the biggest about them, and perhaps a few things about lesson being to stay calm – as you clean up the human at the other end of the leash. Pets the mess. By the way, childproof doesn’t mean provide much needed companionship to dog proof. those living solo. The pitter-patter of paws is a much more comforting sound than the Almost all family pets give their humans complete deafening silence of being alone. And no and unconditional love. By doing so, they teach matter the size of the dog, when someone us how to love effectively. If we showed the same with bad intentions hears a bark from inside empathy and compassion to our fellow humans that the house, they’ll quickly turn around. our pets show us, the world would be a much better • Entertainment value. By now, you’ve likely place. WGW

The Benefits of Owning a Pet

I

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Kids Korner

By Jordan Dailey Photos by Zachary Dailey

Super Cool Father's Day Card

Instructions Fold white cardstock in half.

Cut a popsicle out of the green construction paper as shown in photo.

Glue the popsicle stick at an angle close to the bottom of the cardstock.

Glue the green popsicle and other green shapes to the card stock as shown in photo.

Decorate as desired with the green marker.

Materials 1 sheet of white cardstock or construction paper 1 sheet of green construction paper School glue stick Scissors Googly eyes Green marker Popsicle stick

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Materials

Anchors Away Sailboat Craft

1 sheet construction paper, any color 3 wine corks Hot glue gun and glue sticks Scissors 1 toothpick

Instructions Hot glue the three corks together as shown in photo.

Cut a sail out of the construction paper.

Stick a toothpick in the center of the three corks.

Stick the other end of the toothpick through the construction paper sail.

Sail away in the sink, tub or just a bowl of water.

WGW

Because a HOME is much more than a house.

Shala Hainer, Realtor Cell: 770.842.8500 Office: 770.240.2004 shalahainer@gmail.com 45

Happy Father's Day Word Search

Word Bank

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Role Model Paternal Daddy Thoughtful Understanding Patient Grandpa Inspiring Caring Friend Papa Brave Hardworking Trustworthy Loving Kind Hero Strength Dad Fun

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

Creating Beautiful Smiles for Over 18 Years!

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Complete Facial Esthetics

Dr. Harvey, bottom right, with her staff.

M. Dawn Harvey, DMD, PC 105 Dallas Rd. • Villa Rica 770.459.5778 www.drharveysmiles.com

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It ’s time to make time.

Pelvic pain. Irregular bleeding.

Bleeding between periods. Difficulty conceiving.

It’s time to do something about it.

Our gynecology specialists offer robotic-assisted surgical treatments for a host of women’s health issues, from uterine fibroid removal to pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis treatment and more.

Robotic-assisted surgery at Tanner means:

Less pain Return home the same day Faster return to normal activities More comfortable recovery

Lower risk of infection Less blood loss Less scarring

Robotic-assisted surgery options are available in Carrollton and Villa Rica.

Don’t put it off — your health is important. It’s time to get better.

Learn more about our surgical care options at SurgeryAtTanner.org.

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