West Georgia Woman Magazine Issue June 2023

Ada Lynn Key

A Mind for Music

The POWER of Friendship

Overcoming the Need to Be PERFECT Unique Father's Day Gifts

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Some Exciting News

In March, I shared with you that my son, Zachary, and his wife, Jordan, are having another baby.

I'm super excited to be a "Grangie" again for this precious new addition to our family, and I wanted to tell you the gender first: It's a boy! Benjamin Collins Dailey (isn't that such a good, strong name?) will be here around the first of October. I can't wait to meet him.

In This Issue

Our feature this month is 12-year-old musical composer Ada Lynn Key. Ada Lynn is already a two-time winner of the statewide Carroll Symphony Orchestra’s Young Composers Competition: the 2021 Elementary School Division and the 2022 Middle School Division. Very impressive for a young lady who is just finishing up 6th grade.

On page 10, learn more about this talented Bremen Middle School student and her incredible mind for music.

Do you have several good friends, or just acquaintances? Do you wish your friendships were stronger and longlasting? On page 21, learn about different types of friendships and the power friends have on your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Forget about giving your dad boring ties on Father's Day. On page 29, Sandy Bolan shares unique gifts for the number one man in your life.

While we're on the subject of Father's Day, I'd like to give a shout-out to my surrogate father, Dr. Fred Richards. His love and compassion extend far beyond the role of a father, and I am so grateful he is such an important part of my life, and my children's lives.

Fred has been a solid foundation, friend and mentor for me for many years. He's been there for me during the ups and downs of my business (if you own a business, you know how difficult it is!), through tragedy, fear and great joy. As you can see in the photo above, he was there when I published our very first magazine issue in Nov. 2015. That photo remains as the WGW magazine profile photo on Facebook almost eight years later.

I love you Fred. Thank you for being the amazing human being you are, and thank you for loving me unconditionally.

Are you a perfectionist? I have to admit that I struggle with perfectionism. On page 33, learn the difference between being a high achiever and a perfectionist, and how you can shift your mindset from thinking everything has to be perfect to just enjoying the process.

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

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

I'd also like to wish all you remarkable dads out there a very happy Father's Day.

See you next month!

Photo by Dr. Anne C. Richards

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.

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Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey

angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor Shala Hainer

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Photographer for cover/ Graphic Design

Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Jordan Dailey and Rose Isaacs

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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.

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

A Mind f for Mus i c

By Shala Hainer

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Middle School Student Brings Music to Life with Award-Winning Compositions

Music isn’t just for singing off-key to in the car. Regardless of the music genre, it’s something powerful, something people don’t just hear – they feel it, physically and emotionally. The right song can instantly bring back an old memory as if it were yesterday.

It helps people bond through the shared emotions brought to the surface, like when two people dance their first dance together as a married couple, or when moms hear a song about how quickly children grow up.

But how does such a powerful medium begin? It all starts as an idea – a tune that a person just can’t get out of her head. A sound that sparks a thought, that then turns into a melody. Not everyone has the skills and knowledge to take those notes and put them on paper, to turn them from a tiny jingle into a full-fledged orchestral composition.

At age 12, West Georgia native Ada Lynn Key is one of those incredibly talented people who shares her gift and love of music with the world. Just finishing her 6th-grade year at Bremen Middle School, where she plays saxophone in the band, Ada Lynn is already a two-time winner of the statewide Carroll Symphony Orchestra’s Young Composers Competition: the 2021 Elementary School Division and the 2022 Middle School Division.

“The first role of the Carroll Symphony Orchestra is to enrich the lives of children through great music,” explains CSO Conductor and Music Director

Terry Lowry. “In this spirit, CSO sponsors an annual statewide Young Composer Competition. Each September, we send out a musical theme to every elementary, junior high and high school music, band and chorus teacher in Georgia, as well as to most piano teachers, and ask them to encourage their students to write a short composition based on the theme.”

The compositions are submitted as piano pieces. A university composition professor judges the submitted work, and the winners receive about three weeks of orchestration lessons directly from Terry, either in person or by video chat, depending on where they live. The CSO performs the finished compositions in their February concert.

Each year, the CSO receives between 20 and 40 original submissions, according to Terry. Since 2004, the CSO has premiered over 250 compositions by students in grades K-12.

Ada Lynn has taken piano lessons from Terry for several years. “She is an extremely gifted and imaginative young lady, and we expect to hear much more from her as she progresses with her music studies,” Terry shares.

“I started piano lessons when I was 4, but my interest and skill increased as I got older,” says Ada Lynn. “Mr. Terry, my piano teacher, first introduced me to the idea [of creating a composition], and I loved it! Even though I didn't think I would win, I thought it would be a great experience.”

Ada Lynn’s mother, Dr. Allison Key, says she first heard about the competition from her daughter a few weeks before the compositions were due. “She was so excited and was talking about music in a whole new way, using basically a new language!” Allison remembers.

“It’s fun as a parent to see your child’s eyes light up as they talk about something that challenges them.”

Ada Lynn Key gets ready for practice in Carroll Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Music Director Terry Lowry's studio. She began taking piano lessons at the age of 4.

Why Music?

The CSO offers an extensive student outreach program intended to share the joy of music with as many area children as possible – thousands each year. And there’s a reason why enriching the lives of children through music is the CSO’s first line item on their mission statement: in addition to the joy music brings, it can also make people smarter.

Serious research began in the 1990s on what was dubbed the Mozart Effect, or how playing classical music for babies helped their brains develop. Many studies since have supported the idea that music helps not only brain function, but emotional stability and motor skills.

In 2016, a University of Southern California study supported that musical experiences improved children’s language and reading skills. Playing an instrument has been shown to increase mathematical skills, even improving SAT scores, according the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. Memory skills tend to improve in children and adults who listen to or perform music regularly.

Children who are exposed to music early in life – ideally before the age of 7 – tend to have an increased ability to learn foreign languages, regulate their moods better, have more patience, enjoy more physical endurance and have improved self-

confidence, in addition to a better ability to focus. But music at any age helps rewrite neural pathways for improved brain function.

The Process

Terry, who has led the CSO for 20 years, provides a theme for the compositions each year.

He sets the tone for the submissions by composing a short piece that gives the students something to use

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Ada Lynn and Terry Lowry look over her award winning composition.

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as a guide.

“For the competition, you are provided with a starter piece,” Ada Lynn explains. “From there, I play around with different things and ask lots of questions. I started thinking about what might sound good and the type of music I wanted to write based off the starter. I knew I was finished when I finished all the different sections and got the gut feeling I was going to mess it up if I added anything else.”

She says because the music was so different each year, it was difficult to compose the pieces. She relied on Terry and a close friend as her sounding boards. “Mr. Terry helped me a lot by answering my questions and giving me ideas,” Ada Lynn shares. “My best friend Madi was the only one who I bounced ideas off besides Mr. Terry. She helped me a lot as well.”

Allison gives all the credit to Ada Lynn, saying her naturally independent nature led her to work on the project without much family involvement. “She kept the whole thing close to her vest! I saw a few scribbled notes and overheard her listening to some ‘inspiration pieces’ that Mr. Terry had suggested, but she did not want us to hear even one note of her piece before it was submitted,” Allison says. “She

has always been so independent and self-motivated, and very creative! We always joke and call her ‘MawMaw’ because she has such an old soul, so truthfully, we didn’t do much of anything to support her other than pay for her piano lessons. She makes us so proud – just a very special young lady.”

She gives credit to Terry for being a rock of support for Ada Lynn. “Mr. Terry has also been a tremendous blessing to and influence on our kids’ musical journeys, obviously, so we are very thankful for the way he has poured into them,” she relates. “He is one of a kind, so patient with them and makes it fun.”

Terry remembers watching Ada Lynn transform from a musician to a composer. “It was really cool watching her compose her very first piece, two years ago,” he shares. “Seeing her slowly realize that she can create something that no one has yet heard was a thrill for her ... and a thrill for me to watch.”

He says Ada Lynn is a bit of a perfectionist, willing to put in the work to make the piece what it should be. “She loves working a piece of music over and over again to get it just right. She is very determined in this way.”

A Family Affair

Ada Lynn came by her musical talents naturally –she has grown up hearing her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother play piano.

“I started piano lessons around 8 years old and continued with lessons until my late teens,” Allison states. “I play most Sundays at our church, and definitely at home, but my skill is certainly limited. I have a banjo that I want to learn to play, but I just pick around on it now – I couldn’t play a single thing on it at this point, but I am going to learn!”

Allison believes watching the other women in her family play at church has

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normalized playing music in front of others for Ada Lynn, and helped her love of music grow.

Ada Lynn balances music with other endeavors. Her brother, Luke, is 10 years old, and between them they play soccer, baseball, tennis and football. She also loves to draw.

The family stays busy – Ada Lynn’s father, David, is a civil engineer who owns a commercial retaining wall company. Allison is a physician and owns 3:16 Healthcare, which now has nine locations between the 3:16 Family Medicine and Spa 3:16 family of services. They live on the farm where David grew up in Bowdon, and they raise cattle.

“We recently opened Key Farms Meats & Mercantile in Carrollton where we sell our beef, and we started offering you-pick strawberries on the farm in Bowdon this spring,” Allison shares. “So, we work for fun! Mostly kidding! We love to travel, especially on our family National Park trips, and split our time between churches (Southern Hills in Carrollton and Bethlehem Church in Bremen).

“We love our community and feel so blessed to be raising our children here where we both grew up. Having the CSO and an opportunity like the Young Composer’s Competition are just two of many, many reasons we love to call West Georgia home.”

The Key family: Ada Lynn, right, her brother, Luke, center and their parents, David and Dr. Allison Key.

The Performance

Although winning the statewide competition comes with its share of bragging rights, one of the most exciting parts of the competition is that the Carroll Symphony Orchestra performs the winning pieces.

“When I first won, I couldn't believe it. I was so excited!” Ada Lynn recalls. “Mr. Terry knew first but it was during the school day, and he told my mom. She couldn't wait to tell me, so she told me after school.

“The second time I won, it was 100% as big of a surprise if not bigger! I was still amazed! I didn't think I would win the year before, and especially not two years in a row.”

She attended the CSO performances both years. “I was honored to hear professionals take time to play my compositions,” she admits.

Her mom felt a bit more emotional hearing her daughter’s music performed by professionals. “It is so hard to really express that in words, but I suppose proud would be a good place to start,” she says. “It was so moving. We were all in tears. Hearing your child’s heart being played by an orchestra that fills an entire stage … it was overwhelming. I also loved watching her face as she heard the orchestra play her piece. She’s never been more beautiful!”

The Future

Ada Lynn hopes to continue participating in the competition in the future as her musical skills grow. “Composing music makes me feel amazing and in control of something that I can create and make completely my own,” she shares.

“Composing

Allison plans to support that dream by continuing to share the gift of music with her children.

“Our hope is that music provides her

a creative outlet, a place to connect with her Maker, a sense of peace, and a place to find calm or clear her head when life gets hard,” she says. “Music is such a gift, and being able to create it is not only a gift to yourself but to others as well. We have never been the parents to try and force our kids into extracurricular activities or sports; we wanted them to explore things that interested them as they became their own people, but music was my one exception.

“I put both of our children in piano lessons at age 4, and we have always exposed them to a wide variety of musical styles, both live performances and at home. I believe music is just so important for intellectual and emotional development and has been shown to help students academically as well. It is something they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. Piano is where we started, but as long as they are taking lessons or playing any musical instrument, we’ll be happy!”

Terry feels Ada Lynn has a bright future where music is concerned. “I believe Ada Lynn will play music her entire life,” he says. “I imagine her playing piano for her church, or teaching piano lessons and accompanying her friends for many years to come. And who knows? She could do whatever she sets her mind to.” WGW

is something that I always want to be able to do.”

The Next Generation of West Georgia Women

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

The POWER of Friendship

By Sandra Bolan

Friendship can mean many things to different people and can be affected by age, background, culture, lifestyle, personality and gender. As friends, you have a common bond and mutual affection for each other that’s not romantic.

Almost 25 years ago, social media launched with the noble intention of reconnecting dispersed friends and family. It quickly grew into enabling people to make “friends” with others who have similar interests.

Social media has brought the world closer together, but it has also ironically increased people’s

feelings of isolation and loneliness, even in those with thousands of “friends.”

Fifty-two percent of Americans expressed feeling lonely and 47 percent reported they had no meaningful relationships, according to a 2019 survey by Cigna.

Depression and anxiety are also on the rise, which has been linked to social media and how it exacerbates feelings of inadequacy.

This is why we still need friends in person. We’re pack animals. Our ancestors hunted in groups because there was safety in numbers, which led

to several families living in close proximity to each other, thus forging bonds and friendships. Back in the day, when people became ostracized or isolated from the group, the chances of their survival lessoned.

Today, we don’t require friends to help us gather food and protect ourselves from predators, but we do need them for our mental wellbeing. Connecting with people in person can improve your confidence and self-worth, help you make it through tragedy, trauma, break-up, illness and job loss, as well as sharing some laughs. Friendship also provides a sense of belonging.

Historically, friendships were put into three groups: utility, pleasure and virtue. Friendships based on utility have one or both of you getting something out of the connection. For example, one helps the other with a career move. Pleasure-based friends are the girls you have fun with, while those rooted in virtue share your beliefs.

Glenda D. Shaw, author of the book Better

You, Better Friends: A Whole New Approach to Friendship, breaks down friendship levels even further: essential, collaborative, associate and mentor/mentee. She claims knowing each role your friend plays in your life provides clear expectations and boundaries, which leads to more fulfilling relationships.

Essential

This is your core group of besties with whom you share your secrets. They’ve been through all of your life's highs and lows, and you stick together no matter what. Sure, you may argue, but the friendship is strong enough to get past any differences.

Collaborative

You share an emotional connection for a specific period of time based on your physical proximity to each other. Examples of collaborative relationships include college friends and those who help you adjust to a new city.

As you become more comfortable with your surroundings, graduate college or move away, these people may naturally fall away from your life.

Associate

Your connection is rooted in work, common interests, hobbies and very little else. You don’t confide in each other and rarely talk about

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anything other than your shared connection.

You may hang out together socially at an after-hours office party, chat while attending a workshop or cooking class, or work out together at the gym.

Mentor/Mentee

Friendships are give and take. In the mentor/mentee relationship, it may not be equal because the relationship is rooted in the mentor providing guidance to the mentee. The mentor usually decides how much time will be spent on this relationship. The mentor may be a high-level executive in your company or other organization in which you're a member. You most likely won't share intimate details about your family or romantic partners.

Toxic Friendships

Every once in awhile, we become friends with someone who makes us feel “less than.” That’s typically not how the relationship starts, but that’s where it may end up.

Toxic friendships encourage and enable harmful behavior, such as alcoholism, substance abuse, stealing or lying – actions that are not rooted in who you are. Most likely, your relationship is

A true friend will have your back forever.

a one-way street, with you doing all the giving and reaching out.

We replace about half of our close friends every seven years, according to a research study conducted by Sociologist Gerald Mollenhorst. As we transition through various stages of life, our needs and interests change, which draws us to different people.

As we age, it becomes harder to forge those connections, but they’re just as important to your physical and mental health now as when you were younger. That's why it's important to remember that social media “friends” aren’t going to hold your hand through the good and bad times, but true friends will have your back forever. WGW

Fare Chef Rose With

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

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

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

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.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Ingredients

1 pound pasta of choice

2 cups ricotta

1 lemon, zested and juiced

Salt for pasta water

Fresh ground black pepper

1/3 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

Basil for garnish

Lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Season with salt and add the pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente.

While the pasta cooks, combine ricotta and about a 1/4 cup pasta water in a large bowl, and mix until it's the consistency of yogurt.

Stir in lemon juice, zest, ground black pepper and freshly grated parmesan. Add cooked pasta and mix until fully combined.

Garnish with fresh basil, black pepper and lemon slices.

Serves 6.

"

This pasta dish comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners a breeze. It can also be served with grilled or sautéed chicken or shrimp. "

Pineapple Mule Mocktail

To make into a cocktail, add 2 ounces of your favorite vodka to the cocktail shaker. Please remember to drink responsibly.

Ingredients

1 cup pineapple juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

1-2 tablespoons honey syrup or simple syrup (to taste)

1 cup ginger beer

Hot water

Ice

Pineapple slices, for garnish

Preparation

To make the honey syrup, mix equal parts honey and hot water until honey is dissolved. Allow to cool before using.

In a cocktail shaker, combine pineapple juice, lime juice and honey syrup.

Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.

Strain the mixture into two copper mugs or glasses filled with ice.

Top each mug with ginger beer.

Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple and serve.

Serves 2. WGW

"

"

Unique Father's Day Gifts

No matter how tough, gruff or stoic fathers are, they usually love being celebrated on Father’s Day. But when it comes to gift giving, dads are among the most difficult people to buy for. After all, he has you – what else could he possibly need?

Below you'll find some great ideas for gifts that have just the right amount of practicality, personalization and heart for the number one man in your life.

Crafts

Not all dads like ties, and a guy can only have so many #1 Dad or Best Dad Ever mugs and t-shirts –even if they were made in art class.

Young children love making gifts for their parents, and homemade gifts have come a long way since the days of the macaroni necklace.

Since most men are in charge of the household grill, kids can transform a plain apron into a grill master’s work of art. All you need is a plain apron, fabric paint and stencils.

In keeping with the grill theme, dad may appreciate a personalized spatula, cutting board or a handmade condiment holder for his spices, sauces and tools.

If he enjoys nature, a decorated birdhouse or feeder will bring him great joy for years. Condiment and birdhouse/bird feeder kits, as well as many other DIY kits, can be found in craft stores or online.

Subscription Boxes

Clark Griswold may not have appreciated his jellyof-the-month club gift, but subscriptions are a great

By Sandra Bolan

way to make dad feel like the best guy all year long.

The type of box you choose will depend on your budget and what he likes.

If dad has an affinity for a certain kind of food, it's pretty much guaranteed there’ll be a monthly subscription box for it. For example, if he loves jerky, there are subscriptions with unique jerkies such as reindeer and snake, as well as boxes that can help him make his own.

If he enjoys a good brie wheel, there are rare cheese clubs that ship small-batch artisan cheeses. There’s nothing like a good cup of joe in the morning and if dad is a bit of a coffee connoisseur, a roasters subscription might be the perfect gift.

For the cook, there are full meal kits to help expand his culinary skills. If he loves to grill all things carnivore, Key Farms Meat and Mercantile on 816 Maple St. in Carrollton, Ga. sells its locally raised beef by the cut, or by the entire cow. The farm's retail store also has grills, grilling utensils, spices, seasonings, marinades, pickles and relishes – all designed to help dad and the whole family eat healthier.

Not all monthly subscriptions are food-based. For the reader or music fan, there are book- and record-of-the-month clubs, which are good for guys comfortable reading/listening to unknown authors and musicians.

Experiences

Crafts are great gifts from younger children, while subscriptions or store-bought presents work well for teens with jobs. Experiences, which can run the gamut from free to thousands of dollars, can be good gifts for adult children to give.

Just like monthly subscription boxes, no matter what dad is interested in, it can be turned into an experience.

For the guy who loves to learn or always wanted to hone a specific skill, try giving him gift certificates for classes in art, baking, beer making, cooking, flying, golf, grilling or skydiving, for example.

For the car guy who drives a family friendly sedan, why not rent him his dream car for the day?

Tickets to concerts and ballgames are always winners, but they can be transformed into an even more memorable gift by getting them for somewhere other than close to home. Dad can even make a weekend of it with a fancy hotel and dinner reservations at a locally famous restaurant. Just make sure you include the hotel and restaurant reservations in the gift, along with the airline ticket –if applicable.

By thinking out-of-the-box, Father’s Day can become more than a day to add another tie to the collection – unless that’s his jam, of course. WGW

Overcoming the Need to Be PERFECT

By Sandra Bolan

Have no fear of perfection–you'll never reach it.

Perfection is impossible. Just strive to do your best.

– Angela Watson

I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.

– Michael J. Fox

Salvador Dali

From the minute you took your first test in school, the goal was to always score 100%. For some, anywhere between 75% and 98% is an acceptable grade, but for others, anything less than 100% is considered a fail.

“Perfectionism is a trait that makes life an endless report card,” says Psychology Today. No matter how accomplished perfectionists are, they always find a way to be critical of their successes and look for ways they could’ve done it even better. Perfectionists may also base their self-worth on their external accomplishments and the opinions of others.

When people strive to be perfect, they typically end up suffering from low self-esteem and having virtually no self-confidence. Perfectionists may procrastinate and avoid trying anything new for fear of failing. They set the bar so high for themselves that their goals become impossible to achieve. This can make their worst fear – failure – a reality.

High Achiever or Perfectionist?

Perfectionists and high achievers both want to reach the pinnacle of success, but they’re motivated very differently. High achievers are compelled by doing their best. Perfectionists, however, are consumed by a fear of failure.

Some characteristics of a perfectionist include feeling frustrated, depressed, anxious or angry while trying to meet self-imposed standards; setting unreasonable goals for themselves, which may get in the way of meeting deadlines; reluctance to complete the most basic of tasks; and fear of doing anything spontaneous.

Tame the Perfectionist in You

Knowing you’re a perfectionist is the first step in figuring out how to alter your mindset.

Step one: whenever a goal is reached, focus on that, not on any errors you may have made along the way. Worry less about the details and look at the big picture – you’ve achieved your goal.

Next, become comfortable with making mistakes. Humans are inherently flawed creatures, so to expect perfection in every aspect of life is impossible. In learning to accept this, tell yourself, “No one is perfect. All I can do is my best.”

Then ask yourself, "What’s the absolute worst thing that can happen if I do screw up? Will the error result in the downfall of the planet?" The answer to those two questions are, "I'll have to try again, and

no, this won’t destroy the world."

Think of mistakes as opportunities for growth. An exercise to help with this is to take up a new hobby, one that is completely out of your wheelhouse. While learning this new skill, you will mess up. That’s OK. Shift your focus from getting it perfect and just enjoying the process. In the end, you’ll have learned, not mastered, something new. Celebrate that.

Set Realistic Goals

We all have things we want to achieve in life and career, but goals should be realistic, or you may be setting yourself up for failure.

Lowering your standards doesn’t mean you’ve given up on wanting to achieve some pretty lofty goals, it just means they’re actually doable. When

Here to serve. Here to save.

For more than 45 years, West Georgia Ambulance has been saving lives across Carroll County and west Georgia.

It’s our honor to be there when you need us most. Emergency medical care is a phone call away.

you succeed, you’ll be proud of yourself and get a boost of self confidence.

The more confident you become in your own abilities, the less compelled you’ll want to be perfect, because you know what you did was still challenging, and you accomplished your goal.

Reduce Self-induced Stressors

No one, not your boss, parents or friends ever demand you to be perfect, nor do you expect them to be. The only person who pressures you the most to achieve impossibly high standards is you.

Practice selfacceptance and realize doing your best is all anybody wants you to do. Be motivated not by fear of failure but by giving your all.

Practice having compassion for yourself, and challenge your thoughts when you are judging yourself too harshly.

Try to remember that the journey you take toward accomplishing your goals is still worthwhile – even if it's not always perfect. 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.

L.E.A.R.N Foundation Inc. Celebrates Grand

Opening

On May 9th, 2023 the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation Inc. celebrated the grand opening of their new location in downtown Dallas, Ga., with a ribbon cutting ceremony held in partnership with the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to their new location, they have launched the Veterans Upward Bound program. Therefore, this new location will serve as a resource center for the veterans of Paulding, Polk, Bartow, Carroll, Floyd, Douglas and Haralson counties.

The L.E.A.R.N. Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization that has a mission to provide innovative and structured community outreach programs and activities to enhance individuals and families.

The LF wants to help veterans bridge the gap from service to scholarship, and they are able to do so with the Veterans Upward Bound Program that is a free educational program for veterans of the qualifying counties. With this new location, veterans will have access to resources to help them overcome barriers to achieve success by receiving free educational resources, first-hand experiences and community. Dr. Dalton Lemelle Jr., CEO and enlisted Air Force Veteran stated, “We will provide veterans with over 200 years of educational experience, which will allow veterans the opportunity to gain trust and obtain the academic success that they truly deserve.”

By partnering with the community, local agencies, and using additional collaborative methods like Leadership, Education, Accountability, Respect, and Nurture, the LF is able to provide resources for individual needs, self-sufficiency, and lifelong learning. The LF hopes to serve about 250 veterans and their families through the Veterans Upward Bound Program.

For more information about the Veterans Upward Bound Program, go to www.learnfoundationinc.org or call 678.428.1076.

Carroll County Schools Relocating Transportation Department as Start of New Operations Center

Carroll County Schools is relocating its transportation department and bus yard to the 26acre site of the VFW Fairgrounds as the start of a multi-phase operations center that ultimately will house the transportation, maintenance and school nutrition departments.

The entire project could take several years to fully complete, but it will begin immediately with relocation of the transportation department and bus yard from its longtime home on Horsley Mill Road.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our system to provide much needed space for our transportation department while also preparing for future growth,” Superintendent Scott Cowart said. “We very much appreciate our Board’s foresight and their investment to improve our infrastructure.”

Cowart said the Carroll County Board of Education last year set aside $3.5 million of existing funds toward a transportation facility. The system hopes to invest an additional $1.5 million toward the project in the next budget year.

The former fairgrounds at 1625 Bankhead Highway consists of two separate parcels. The tract nearest Bankhead Highway is a 4.4 acre parcel including the old restaurant and events center not included in this purchase. The second parcel has been purchased by the school district and includes the actual fairgrounds, barns and exhibition buildings, which the school system plans to renovate into a transportation shop and office space.

The new 26-acre site is currently accessed through a driveway to Bankhead Highway, but Cowart said

Existing structures at the fairgrounds on Bankhead Highway in Carrollton will be converted to house the Carroll County Schools Transportation Department as part of a plan to create a new operations center for the school system on the 26-acre site.

On May 9th, 2023 the L.E.A.R.N. Foundation Inc. celebrated the grand opening of their new location in downtown Dallas, Ga., with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

the school system is in negotiations with nearby property owners to gain direct access to the traffic light at Old Airport Road.

“It will be much safer for our buses and other vehicles to use the traffic light to access Bankhead Highway, and that access to a four-lane highway makes this an ideal centralized location to house our bus fleet,” Cowart said.

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Support Services Terry Jones said construction of the road to intersect with the traffic light will be completed first, and bus and truck traffic will use that new road to access the property.

The school system’s transportation department including mechanics shop and bus yard is now located on a 4-acre tract of what some people refer to as “the county farm.” The property is owned by Carroll County government but has been used by the school system for decades.

“The County has let us know that they would like to have this facility back for use by their public works department,” Jones said. “So this project to relocate our operations will assist them as well. We appreciate our longstanding partnership with the County and all that they do to support our school system”

Jones said the current transportation facility is an 11,000 square foot building that houses vehicle bays, shop facilities and office space for about a dozen staff people including route supervisors and dispatchers. The new site includes an existing 11,000 square foot building that will be converted into a new shop and repair facility. A separate existing 5,000 square foot building at the new site will be converted into office space for the transportation department. A third structure will be used for a bus wash station, something the current site doesn’t offer.

“We will be able to configure the new facility to be more efficient and better meet the needs of our staff,” Jones said. “Since our current facility is landlocked and owned by the county government, we are definitely limited on what we can do there.”

Jones said of a fleet of around 180 school buses, 150 are in use on a daily basis, and the task of keeping those buses staffed and running is a major operation.

Work on the connection to the traffic light at Old Airport Road should begin this summer, and Jones said he hopes the entire transportation portion of the project can be completed by the end of by early 2024.

Long-term, the property purchase will allow the school system space to relocate its maintenance and facilities department from the Burwell community to the new Bankhead Highway site, as well. There is also space for eventual relocation of the school nutrition department currently located in the basement of the Board of Education on Independence Drive.

“We are certainly excited about the opportunity to provide a modern transportation facility at a site with direct highway access for our buses,” Cowart said. “The opportunity to do more there over the long term is a definite positive, as well. When you think about the fact that our bus facility has been in the same location for multiple decades, I think this investment can also serve our system for many years to come.”

Carroll EMC Communications Spotlighted Nationally

The communications department for Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) brought home an award in the 2023 Spotlight on Excellence Awards program, a national competition among communications and marketing professionals from America’s electric cooperatives. Carroll EMC received a Silver Award in the Best Individual Ad category for an advertisement in support of those battling breast cancer.

The annual Spotlight on Excellence Awards program, which is sponsored by the Council of Rural Electric Communicators and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), recognizes the best communication and marketing

Carroll EMC’s Communications Specialist Brittany Shadix accepted the Spotlight on Excellence award for her in-house design, “Powering the Fight.”

efforts by electric cooperatives and related organizations nationwide. More than 650 entries were submitted across 18 different categories, including writing, graphic design, digital communications, campaign development and more. Faculty members from the University of Missouri Columbia, as well as noted professionals in the fields of marketing and digital communications and newspapers, judged the entries.

“I am extremely proud of our communications team and the invaluable work they do each day for our co-op members,” said Jay Gill, Senior Vice President of Member and External Relations for Carroll EMC. “Their efforts deliver exceptional results, have a lasting impact and are critical to serving our community. Because of our team’s strong communication efforts, we can further the cooperative mission to promote, support and protect the community we serve.”

The department has been recognized nationally for its communications efforts more than a dozen times in the past decade through the Spotlight on Excellence Awards program. This year’s winners were recognized during NRECA’s Connect Conference held in Jacksonville, Florida, this May.

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

Multi-Platinum Country Singer-Songwriter Michael Ray to Perform at WGTC’s Black Tie & Boots

The West Georgia Technical College Foundation has announced that country singer-songwriter Michael Ray will perform at its 21st annual Black Tie & Boots concert. The event will be held on Sept. 15, 2023, at West Georgia Technical College’s Murphy Campus in Waco.

Multi-platinum hitmaker Michael Ray has garnered four No. 1 songs: “Get to You,” “Think A Little Less,” “One That Got Away” and “Whiskey And Rain” and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry over 65 times. As a traditional country fan and

cultured in ‘90s country, Ray is heavily influenced by qualities found in both, noting heroes such as Gary Stewart, Earl Thomas Conley, Tim McGraw and Steve Wariner.

Besides boasting a talented headliner, Black Tie & Boots offers guests the opportunity to support the WGTC Foundation while enjoying dinner, drinks, and dancing. All proceeds of the event benefit WGTC Foundation’s mission that includes supporting its gap funding program, need-based student scholarships and general institutional needs of the College.

WGTC Foundation Executive Director Brittney Henderson said she’s thankful for the continued support that has made Black Tie & Boots a successful event over the past 20 years. Last year was the most profitable Black Tie & Boots event to date, with a net profit of over $150,000 in support provided to the WGTC Foundation.

“West Georgia Tech is so fortunate to have such influential community and business leaders as advocates and supporters,” Henderson said. “We work every day to ensure we are preparing tomorrow’s skilled employees to meet the needs of these businesses and industries. Black Tie & Boots, our signature annual gala, is one way for us to recognize and thank them for that support. With food, music and fellowship, it’s a fun time for everyone.”

Opportunities for partnership are now available. Please contact Brittney Henderson at brittney. henderson@westgatech.edu or 678.664.0515. More information about Black Tie & Boots is available online at www.westgatech.edu/black-tie-boots.

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 the fourth largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit www.westgatech.edu.

About Michael Ray: Forged on the small stages of Florida’s rural communities, Michael Ray has created an impressive foundation. Four No. 1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Platinum-certified “Whiskey And Rain,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” -- with over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents, and over 150 million YouTube views, he is a true country star who’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than 65 times. Looking to expand his sound, Ray sought out CMA Album of the Year Award-winning producer Michael Knox. The pair have taken Ray’s brand of country to a new level for Dive Bars & Broken Hearts, Ray’s six song EP arriving June 23 via Warner Music Nashville. Currently on the road headlining shows through the summer, he’s taking his music where it matters: to the people. For more information, visit MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @ MichaelRayMusic and Facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay.

UWG SBDC Hosts Women's Business Summit 2023

Are you ready for the tools to get your business off the launching pad? Have you been waiting for the right time to set achievable goals? Is your business growing more rapidly day by day, and you need a refreshed strategic plan?

It is time to build your business toolkit with the essentials for success.

Come learn from a diverse group of women business leaders, on topics that will leave you ready to tackle the goals ahead of you.

Tips and tricks for women business owners and door prizes offered throughout the day.

Cost: $99 Get a 25% off early bird discount.

Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Station, conference rooms 1-4.

Register: https://ugasbdc.training/uwg/0394-001

For more information, contact Jennie Blandenburg at jdodd@georgiasbdc.org or call 678.839.5082.

WGTC Celebrates High School Equivalency Graduation

Education at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, was the keynote speaker at the event. As a former adult learner, she understands firsthand the transformative impact of literacy education on an individual’s life.

“My story is a testament to the fact that no matter what challenges you face or where you come from, you can achieve great things if you believe in yourself and work hard to pursue your dreams,” McBride said. “As you move forward in your own journey, I encourage you to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. The road ahead may not always be easy, but you have already overcome significant obstacles to get to this point and have proven that you have the strength and determination to succeed.”

Christiana Yearta addressed her fellow graduates and shared about the many obstacles she overcame to obtain her high school equivalency. She is now a student at WGTC pursuing a degree in Radiologic Technology.

“If you’re here today, feeling happiness but also guilt that your story hasn't followed the pattern of life that society tells you it needs to, I want to reassure you that you are doing great,” Yearta said. “Even with all of my battles, I did it, and you can do it, too. When you face obstacles, don’t let them defeat you. It’s your time to chase your goals. Don’t stop until you achieve them.”

Listed are the WGTC High School Equivalency graduates who participated in the graduation ceremony:

Vincent Adelung

Estrella Aguilar Aguilar

Hannah Alexander

Tiffanie Allen

Emma Biggs

Naomi Bivens

Kayla Brand

Kaliyah Brown

Richelle Brown

Hailey Camp

West Georgia Technical College held its High School Equivalency graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 11, at the Murphy Conference Center in Waco. Students who earned their GED® or HiSET diploma for the 2022 – 2023 school year were recognized for their accomplishments.

"This is a special occasion for our graduates and their loved ones," Dean of Adult Education Rebecca Wheeler said. "It is a time to celebrate their hard work and dedication, and to recognize the important milestone that they have achieved."

Dr. Meghan McBride, Vice President for Adult

Kaitlyn Carpenter

Leilani Chapa

Weston Chapman

Breanna Chunn

Alaina Collins

Dustin Crider

Ethan Cristea

Madelyn Crosby

Adrian Dyer

Woods Espiegle

Autumn Garcia

Barbara Gibson

Demarcus Gilbert

Linda Haggerty

Maalik Hammett

Jenniffer Hardaway

Christopher Howard

Gary Huckaby III

Jeremy Hunton

Kameran James

Sarah King

Jaylen Lawrence

Kristina Ledbetter

Caroline Lewis

Edward Lyle

Jordon McIver

Adam McPherson

Nickkar Miller

Mariah Moses

Joseth Navarrete

Gabriel Parker

Keith Patrick

Hazel Pendersen-Taylor

Austin Thomas

Steven Pugh

Tina Rogers

Ismail Salim

Katie Smothers

Rachel Steele

Savannah Strauch

Alexis Thurman

Ashton Vorgity

Brittany Wagner

Rebekah Weiner

Dominique Weiner

Christian Woodall

Christiana Yearta

Rebecca Yeb

For more information about the Adult Education program at WGTC, visit the website at www.westgatech.edu/adult-education.

Kids Korner

Marvelous Mermaid

By Jordan Dailey

Instructions

Cut the mermaid tail out of the craft foam and glue to the spoon handle.

Glue a 4- to 6-inch pipe cleaner to the top of the spoon for the hair. For longer hair, use the entire pipe stem. Wrap a 2to 3-inch long pipe cleaner around the neck as shown in the photo.

Materials

Plastic spoon

Googly eyes

Pipe cleaners

Craft foam

Marker

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Scissors

Glue a 3- to 4-inch long pipe cleaner below the neck for the arms.

Glue the googly eyes to the inside of the spoon.

Draw a mouth and freckles for the face.

Craft photos by Zachary Dailey

Darling Dragonfly

Materials

1 big pompom and 4 small pompoms

4 pipe cleaners

Googly eyes

Clothespin

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Instructions

Glue the large pompom to the front of the clothespin.

Glue the small pompoms behind the large pompom and across the top of the clothespin.

Glue the googly eyes to the large pompom.

Fold each pipe cleaner for the wings, making the back wings slightly smaller than the front wings, then glue to the sides of the clothespin. WGW

Photo credit: Carol Ellis Richardson

Summer Break Word Search

Word Bank

Beach

Sand

Pineapple

Sunrise

Pool

Coconut

Flip Flops

Pina Colada

Sunglasses

Summer

Tropical

Camping

Lake

Boating

Sunset

Paradise

If you’ve been suffering from gallbladder issues, hemorrhoids or hernias, it’s way past time to do something about it.

Tanner’s general surgeons now perform these and other surgeries laparoscopically or with Tanner’s da Vinci robotic-assisted surgical platform, both of which require only three or four small incisions.

Robotic-assisted surgery — available in Carrollton and Villa Rica — means:

• Less blood loss

• Less pain

• Less scaring

• Lower risk of infection

• Return home the same day

• Faster return to normal activities

If you’ve been putting off needed surgery, it’s time to transform your life so you can live pain and symptom free.

Learn more about our surgical care options at SurgeryAtTanner.org