West Georgia Woman Magazine November 2019

Woman

Complimentary

November 2019

West Georgia

TM

Trace Sargent

Lost and Found

Lisa King, LPC is Healing Hearts in Carrollton

It's Our Anniversary!

Celebrating Four Years in West Georgia 1

Primary Care, Lung and Sleep Medicine

Wishing you the best health possible during this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family To Yours

Same Day Sick Visits Available.

Get Well. Stay Well.

Primary Care • 770.834.3351 Lung and Sleep • 770.838.5864 Professional Park Building 100 Professional Place • Suite 204 Carrollton, Ga. 30117

2

www.pcgofwestga.com

3

What’s inside...

10

Lost and Found

34

Celebrate Her Success

22

Practicing the Art of Gratitude

43

Fabulous Friendsgiving Tips

In Every Issue:

4

26

Daily Fare

31

Local Happenings

30

Womentality

44

Kids Korner

Here Come The Holidays!

No matter which holiday you’re getting ready for . . Turkey Day or Christmas Day . . cooking or gift giving . . WE CAN HELP!

ACE Southern Home & Garden is far more than a hardware store.

We have a little bit of everything you might be looking for, and a whole lot of service to help you find what you need.

We have new items arriving every day, and great gift giving ideas just in time for the holidays.

Here are just a few examples of the GOOD STUFF you can find in our wide selection.

• Pure North Georgia Sorghum Syrup, made by the Z.W. Seabolt family. Oh! Breakfast, just out of the oven hot biscuits and sorghum syrup, it doesn't get much better than that! Available in pints and quarts. Don't wait too long to get yours!

• Satisfy your sweet tooth with Dave's Sweet Tooth Gourmet Toffee. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate cherry and coffee toffee.

• Brighten your holidays with Life Time Candles by White River Design. Oil filled for LASTING beauty ALL through the holidays and year 'round enjoyment.

• Back by popular demand, our own Georgia grown, Raw “SHELLED PEANUTS,” with tried and true peanut brittle recipe ideas. NEW harvest, while supplies last! A 5 lb. box makes a perfect, tasty gift.

• Olivia Marie’s “SWEETS AND TREATS,” locally produced in Roopville, Ga. Jellies, jams, veggies, salsa and more – it's ALL good!

Gift packages available.

• Aspen Mulling Spices and special holiday drink mixes. Just love that holiday room filling smell. Get yours now! Yummy good!

• If you like cheese, you will LOVE our genuine old fashioned Wisconsin Waxed Hoop Cheddar Cheese. 3 lb. rounds in a box, perfect for entertaining or gift giving. "RED," mild, "BLACK," sharp.

Tastes OH! So good!

• Clyde Cook, close to home pure “LOCAL” honey produced in Ephesus, Ga. It's just the best and good for you too! 1 and 2 pound bottles.

HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY 8AM-7PM SUNDAY 12PM-5PM

• Georgia Olive Farms chef’s blend “extra virgin” olive oil, produced in Ga. It has a green, fresh buttery taste with a mild, fruity finish. Just wonderful in so many healthy ways.

• Mascot “Fresh Shelled” Pecans. Can't you just taste them now? The perfect healthy treat for cooking, baking, snacking or gift giving. 12 oz. and 16 oz. bags and specialty gift ideas.

New harvest, never frozen.

• Trapp Fragrance Candles – Seasonal Holiday Collection of eight wonderful fragrances.

Perfect for your home, holiday event or special gift giving.

• Thymes Frasier Fir Aromatic Candles. A tradition that feels right at home. The aromatic snap of Siberian fir needles, heartening cedarwood and earthy sandlewood combine to create a justcut forest fragrance that evokes warmth and comfort. Some might call this a Christmas candle, but it is so much more. This candle is a glowing focal point for entertaining and makes it the perfect choice for any gift giving occasion.

And that ain’t all!

Make your list, check it twice, then come on over to

ACE Southern Home & Garden.

We’ve got what you need, with service to please.

Hope to see you real soon!

Your friends at ACE Southern Home & Garden

1110 NORTH PARK STREET • CARROLLTON, GA

770.832.0114

Visit our website at WWW.SHRCENTER.COM 5

RalphE.E.Fleck, Fleck,Jr., Jr.,M.D. M.D. Ralph JubalR. R.Watts, Watts,M.D. M.D. Jubal GregoryS.S.Slappey, Slappey,M.D. M.D. Gregory AnthonyW. W.Colpini, Colpini,M.D. M.D. Anthony BradG. G.Prybis, Prybis,M.D. M.D. Brad KevinM. M.Charron, Charron,M.D. M.D. Kevin Taylor B. Cates, M.D. Jeffry A. Dressander, M.D. E. Franklin Pence, M.D. Taylor B. Cates, M.D. Ki-Hon Lin, M.D. E. Franklin Pence, M.D. Shomari Ruffin, M.D. Ki-HonA.Lin, M.D. Bryan Kirby, M.D. Shomari A. Ruffn, M.D. David A. Scruggs, P.A.-C David A. Scruggs, P.A.-C MichaelC. C.Gravett, Gravett,P.A.-C P.A.-C Michael AndreaMaxwell, Maxwell,F.N.P. F.N.P. Andrea AlishaSchuchman, Schuchman,N.P.-C N.P.-C Alisha BritniLockwood, Lockwood,P.A.-C P.A.-C Britni 246

7

Celebrating Four Years in West Georgia!

Last month, we published our 48th monthly issue – can you believe it? In all, we have published 51 magazines, including this issue, our inaugeral holiday guide last year and our inaugeral bridal guide in the spring. We have you, our wonderful staff, editorial contributors and our valuable advertising partners to thank for this accomplishment!

Thank you for loving our magazine and for supporting our advertising partners who help provide our beautiful publication for you each month. We hope to be a part of your lives for many years to come!

In This Issue Our cover feature this month is Cedartown, Ga., resident, Trace Sargent. Trace is a gracious, beautiful and compassionate woman who is one of the most renowned and well-respected canine search, rescue and recovery professionals in the country. Along with her search, rescue and recovery work, Trace has many other talents, including training, handling and wrangling animal actors.

Read more about Trace and her canine partners, Chance and Draco, and their dedication to helping recover the lost worldwide on page 10.

Do you make it a point to express how thankful you are for your many blessings, or do you typically focus on what you lack in your life? Cheryl Francis shares the art of practicing gratitude on page 22.

Carrollton resident and therapist, Lisa King, LPC, is a woman of courage, strength and determination Photo by Zachary Dailey who initially never wanted to be a mental health counselor. After several years of resistance, she realized she had a passion for working with people to help them feel supported, work through their issues and live their best lives.

Lisa opened her own private practice in December 2015. Since then, she has never looked back.

Celebrate Lisa's success with us and find out more about her passion for advocating for mental health and her commitment to her clients on page 34.

Do you celebrate Friendsgiving? Friendsgiving refers to a large meal that is eaten with friends on or around Thanksgiving Day. On page 43, read our tips for having the most fabulous Friendsgiving ever.

As we enter into the month of Thanksgiving, I would like to thank you again for welcoming us into your homes each month. We are so very thankful for all of you, and we are honored to be a part of your lives in some small way. Thank you for reading West Georgia Woman magazine! I hope you have a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving filled with friends and family.

Happy Thanksgiving!

8

Publisher

Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.

TM

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

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

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

Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

Inspiring women wanted.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: (404) 502-0251 Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com

Woman

West Georgia Woman Magazine P.O. Box 2782 Carrollton, GA 30112

Volume 5 • Issue 1 November 2019

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Need a copy?

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

West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2019. 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. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Need to advertise? Email:

Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com or Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com Call 404.444.9072 or 404.502.0251 Mail correspondence to:

TM

Follow us! @WestGaWoman

Get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Southern Home and Ranch, Food Depot (Maple Street) and A+ Consignment in Carrollton. We have them at all three Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum pharmacy locations in Newnan, the Do you know an interesting woman Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville who should be on the cover of West and Villa Rica and the Vitamin Shoppe Georgia Woman? Is there a special in Hiram. Publix at Mirror Lake, in our project or organization you would rack at Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, at CVS like us to feature in our magazine? in Bowdon and Piggly Wiggly in TallLet us know! apoosa and our racks at WM Grocery in Roanoke and Wedowee, Al., as well as Email your suggestions to: hundreds of other retail locations and features@westgeorgiawoman.com medical offices in West Georgia and Share your special events.

East Alabama!

Send your upcoming events to: calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com All submissions will be included as space is The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the contributing authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine or any employee thereof. Angel Media, LLC. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.

West Georgia

Tristan, left, with his dad, William.

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

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Charlene Brooks, Cheryl Francis, LPC, CPCS, Janet Flanigan and Rose Isaacs.

Advertising Sales

Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com Angela Brooks Dailey, owner and publisher of West Georgia Woman magazine, has lived in West Georgia most of her life and has a deep love and appreciation for the area.

She received her B.B.A in management from The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga., and is a Civil and Domestic Relations mediator and arbitrator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. She lives in Carrollton, and has two wonderful children, Zachary and Sydney Dailey.

Angela enjoys reading, spending time with her children and extended family and loves to watch Sydney play soccer.

9

By Janet Flanigan and Angela Dailey Photos 10 by Zachary Dailey

Lost and Found

Trace Sargent and her canine partners Draco and Chance help recover the lost worldwide.

11

M

ax found the petite woman laying on her stomach, partially hidden under a fallen tree. As he was trained to do, the German Shepherd police dog began pouncing on the woman's back, trying to elicit a response from her.

“I knew if I made the slightest movement he could attack me, so I tried to hold perfectly still,” recalls Cedartown, Ga., resident and search, rescue and recovery specialist, Tracy "Trace" Sargent.

But Max’s body weight forced the breath out of her, and that tiny movement was enough to signal the dog to attack. Trace was wearing a winter coat, but his teeth sank into her shoulder in spite of the thick fabric. She rolled over and grabbed the dog’s neck, trying to keep him from tearing into her face or going for her throat. At that moment, the dog’s owner and handler, Joe Howell, called Max off and pulled the dog off of Trace's slight frame.

“I kept my composure and told Joe I was O.K., but I really wasn’t," she relates. "I had four puncture wounds in my shoulder, but I never let him see me cry." Joe was Trace’s mentor, and this was a training exercise in canine search operations at its

most intense. Max was a police dog trained in drug detection, tracking and patrol work, and his main job was to track down people and help apprehend criminals. The day Trace was hiding from him, she was playing the part of a criminal to help keep Max's skills sharp.

While search and rescue dogs receive similar tracking training, they focus on finding people, not apprehending them. What the dogs do at the end of the search when they find someone is what is different between police dogs and search and rescue dogs.

It's been 28 years since she received her training from Joe, and Trace has become one of the most renowned and well-respected canine search, rescue and recovery professionals in the country.

Positive Role Models Trace was born in Pell City, Ala., about two minutes before her identical twin sister, Stacy. The family moved to the Birmingham area when the girls were very young. She says her father was dedicated to his work, and completed the first EMT certification class to become one of the first individuals to be certified as an EMT in the state. While her father’s dedication to public safety was certainly a positive example for Trace, it was her mother, who was a nurse, whom she credits for her ultimate success.

“My mother is one of the most amazing, humble, graceful and loving people I have ever known," she shares. "She really gave me the foundation of who I am. Like my mother, I was born with a servant’s heart, but I am also extremely protective and always have been. I think it started with my protectiveness of my sister.”

Every Dog Has Its Day

Trace Sargent is one of the most renowned and well-respected canine search, rescue and recovery professionals in the country.

12

Trace and Stacy always had pet dogs while they were growing up, and when Trace was an adult, she felt a strong desire to get a dog and do something special with it. She acquired a German Shepherd puppy she named Zac, and took him to an obedience class where they both excelled. From there, Trace heard about canine agility competitions and a friend invited her to come check out her agility course in her backyard. “I enjoyed the agility competitions," she says. "Zac and I did well.”

She had an enlightening moment one day while reading a short story in a Reader’s Digest publication. “I read an article about a woman and her German Shepherd who performed a search and

Sunday, Nov. 3, Daylight Savings Time Ends.

Remember to Change Your Batteries in All Smoke Alarms in Your Home.

Dedicated Healthcare When You Need It Most • 770.832.9689 successful rescue of a 3-year-old boy who had been lost in the woods," she says. “The minute I read about her, I thought ‘If she can do that, so can I!'" However, Trace was no expert on canines. "When I read her story, I really didn't know which end of a dog barks," she laughs.

Young Trace could never have imagined reading that one inspiring article would be the foundation for a career that would take her all over the world – rescuing people and finding lost loved ones for almost 28 years.

Learning Search and Rescue “I have always been motivated and a high achiever,” she explains. “My parents never had to remind me to do my homework.” After reading the article, Trace began learning all she could about search and rescue work. During her research, she was told that a local deputy sheriff named Joe Howell was the best in the business. In fact, he was considered a legend in the field of tracking people with canines and canine detection work.

“I was young, dumb and naïve and thought nothing of calling Joe up to ask if he did dog training," she says. "I didn’t really realize it might have been improper to call someone of his stature

out of the blue and ask for help.” Regardless, Joe agreed to meet with Trace and evaluate Zac. “Joe was not a big man; he was about my size," she says. "But he projected such a gruff, tough exterior, that it made me want to please and impress him very much."

During Trace and Zac's visit, Joe sensed her passion and commitment for wanting to help people, and he agreed to train her and Zac. That agreement was the beginning of everything, including that scary session where Max bit into her shoulder. But, even that experience was a teaching moment for her.

Trace never said a word to Joe about the bite, but she says he never missed anything. He saw that she had been bitten and was in pain, and the fact that she never said anything made Joe respect Trace and her commitment to learning canine operations even more. “He was the toughest person I have ever met, and it was very difficult to work with him," she relates. "But now, I appreciate him so much. He prepared me for the difficult challenges to come.”

Multiple Specialties While she was training in canine SAR, Trace was also studying for her master’s degree in public

13

health. However, a busy victim is a well-known schedule did not stop individual or an elderly her from also becoming person with Alzheimer's. a certified emergency Trace and her dogs medical technician (EMT). have been asked to “I just kept thinking, assist in over 1,200 ‘What if we find someone searches in the U.S. and and they are injured internationally. They have and I can’t help them?’ searched for and located she relates. "That was numerous lost and all the motivation I missing persons including, needed.” Like her father, fugitives; runaways; Trace would become those suffering from specialized in multiple Alzheimer's; victims of disciplines. Eventually she suicide and homicide; lost would become a certified hikers; disaster victims; law enforcement officer, and airplane crash victims. a licensed firefighter, a Trace has also Trace and her dogs have been asked to assist in over 1,200 certified forensic sketch completed searches on searches in the U.S. and internationally. artist, a certified ham high threat level missions, radio operator, a canine master trainer and much such as searching for terrorists and bombs. more.

Some high-profile cases she has worked on But it is the relationship with her dogs that has include the hunt for Eric Robert Rudolf, the Olympic led Trace to her destiny. Word began to get around Park Bomber; the search for 2-year-old DeOrr Kunz, about "the girl with the search dog," and in 1997, Jr., who disappeared in July 2015 during a family she was offered a training and exercise position camping trip; missing school teacher, Tara Grinstead, in the Birmingham office at a local Emergency a teacher and beauty queen from south Georgia Management Agency. who vanished from her home in Ocilla in October When an F-5 tornado struck in Birmingham, 2005; Lauren Giddings, a 27-year-old Mercer Law Trace so distinguished herself during this disaster graduate in Macon, Ga., who was murdered by a that in 1998, she was offered a job with the federal fellow Mercer graduate and neighbor; and Chase government in disaster relief. At the time, she was Massner, a 26-year-old U.S. Army and Iraq war still completing her master’s degree and declined veteran from Cobb County, Ga. His skeletal remains the offer. were found wrapped in plastic and secured by One year later, she learned about a position in duct tape under a concrete slab beneath a deck on Georgia for a state-level training and exercise officer. Aug. 1, 2017. Trace and her dogs also worked the She accepted the position in 1999 and moved to Domino’s Sugar Factory disaster in Savannah and Temple, Ga., where she took classes to become a searched for victims of Hurricane Katrina in New certified Georgia law enforcement officer. In 2006, Orleans. she moved to Cedartown, where she currently But it was her inability to help with the Natalee resides.

Holloway case that would change the way Trace worked with SAR in the future. Natalee Ann Holloway was an 18-year-old girl who disappeared Search and Rescue Work on May 30, 2005, while on a high school graduation trip in Aruba.

Trace has trained her dogs for both live and “Logan, my German Shepherd who was born in cadaver search operations, each of which require 2003, was my own hero," she says. "We were so particular skillsets. When Trace and her dogs connected, it seemed when I thought something, perform SAR and recovery operations, she does this he did too.” She and Logan tracked down many on a volunteer basis. people, including dangerous fugitives. With his Trace takes every SAR case seriously, whether she is searching for someone presumed alive or believed fearlessness and their unbreakable bond, Trace never hesitated to go after even the most dangerous to be dead. She believes in giving each search the criminals. "Logan taught me true courage, even in dignity and respect it deserves, no matter if the

14

KICK START YOUR CAREER

Apply now for Spring Semester!

Classes begin January 6

FINANCIAL AID/ADMISSIONS PRIORITY DEADLINE NOVEMBER 14

855.887.9482 | admissions@westgatech.edu

www.westgatech.edu

As set forth in its student catalog, West Georgia Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Equity (Title IX) coordinator is V.P. of Student Affairs. ADA (Section 504) coordinator is V.P. of Administrative Services. Both are located at 401 Adamson Square, Carrollton, GA 30117. 678.664.0400

15

The true, driving force that keeps us strong is our people and their steadfast dedication to our customers, company, environment, community and future. Come be a part of our future.

16

careers.southwire.com

the face of unimaginable danger," she shares.

While she is very attuned to all of her dogs, she says she and Logan were deeply connected to one another and they trusted each other 100 percent.

“In 2005, while we were searching for the remains of a little girl who had been kidnapped, raped and murdered, Logan was accidentally killed in the line of duty. He was hit by a car,” she explains. “It was absolutely devastating. I can hardly talk about it to this day. There were so many times he protected me in dangerous situations and I felt that I had let him down by not protecting him on that day. It’s a guilt that still weighs heavily on my shoulders, even after all these years.”

She says Logan's cremated remains will be buried with her after she passes. Along with the devastation of losing her most trusted companion, Logan’s death also left her with no canine search partner.

“I felt so helpless when I was called to help in the initial search for Natalee Holloway. I could not go because I did not have an operational dog, since Logan was killed and Brooke was retired due to old age,” she laments. “I knew from then on I would always need to have two operational SAR dogs at all times.”

Ultimately, Trace would return to Aruba with Holloway’s family to assist in follow-up searches over the years. And since that time, she has never been without two SAR dogs.

Evil Among Us Trace says she has personally experienced being in the presence of evil and truly believes it walks among us. She recounts a case of a man who had been released from prison and reported his brother missing. He had moved in with his brother after his prison release. They were called out to search for the missing man, not knowing at the time that it would be a murder case.

“When I arrived at the house, the ex-prisoner was sitting on the front porch of his brother’s house smoking a cigarette," she recalls. "I was no closer to him than 50 yards when I looked at him and saw his eyes. The hair on the back of my neck literally stood on end. He just projected pure evil.”

Eventually, it was determined that the man had wanted his brother’s house for himself, and he had killed his own brother so he could have his home. Trace and her dog found part of the man's dismembered body first. Eventually, the rest of the remains that had been placed in bags and tossed from a car were found, and the man was arrested

and convicted. “Law enforcement had been worried he would soon murder the rest of his family," she says. "I knew evil – at least in that case – had been put away,” she says.

Trace is often asked if it is difficult for her to look for or find deceased people, but she doesn't think about it in that way. Ultimately, bringing comfort and closure to family members is her goal.

“Honestly, it is not difficult because I am always so relieved to reunite people with their loved ones," she shares. "Missing persons cases are just so tough.

If a loved one has died, as tragic as that is, at least the family has an answer. When a person remains missing, the family just can’t move forward."

Better Outcomes Of course, the best cases are when a missing person is found alive. In 2013, 78-year-old Coweta County Alzheimer's patient, Eleanor Alexander, wandered away from her home during a snap of cold weather. "Typically, males with dementia or Alzheimer's tend to wander further away, while women are usually found within a half-mile from their home," she explains.

Trace and her black German Shepherd, Cinco,

17

were brought in for the search. They located Mrs. Alexander within that half-mile radius of her home.

“I just sensed she was not far away, and she wasn’t," she relates. "Sadly, in her confusion, she had become entangled in a barbed wire fence. She had been in the elements for four days and was in really bad shape. She was covered in bug bites and had lost most of her clothing as she struggled with the barbed wire fence. Her body temperature was only about 80 degrees and she was barely breathing.”

When Cinco located Mrs. Alexander, Trace brushed the bugs off of her body, covered her with some clothing she had brought with her to provide some warmth and modesty, and alerted the other rescuers that she had been found.

“Her family was so grateful, they literally could not speak," she shares. "Her daughter just grabbed me and embraced me while trembling with emotion.

Her eyes told me everything.”

Trace received a phone call from that daughter several years later to inform her that Mrs. Alexander had passed away peacefully. "She told me, 'Mama was safe, warm in her own bed and surrounded by people who loved her,'" she smiles.

A Teaching Moment

were very right in reminding us of what we were doing.'"

Trace was thankful she had been an influence for the change in the group's outlook regarding search and rescue, and was also able to help provide a sense of dignity in the search for Mrs. Alexander.

The Search and Rescue Dogs When Trace began training with Zac, he had been progressing in his training and she had high hopes for him. But at only 2-1/2 years old, he was diagnosed with a severe, degenerative bone disease. “His spinal cord was basically disintegrating and, sadly, I had to humanely euthanize him,” she says. After Zac came Brooke, a sable German Shepherd. Brooke was the first dog certified in SAR in Georgia and holds a place of honor in the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame.

When Brooke was nearing retirement, she brought Logan on board. When Logan passed away in 2005, Trace was contacted by a highly respected German Shepherd breeder who had a top-quality dog who needed a home. Trace had already made the decision that she should always have more than one SAR dog ready to go at a moment’s notice, and the timing was right.

This is when Cinco, another German Shepherd, born on May 5, 2005, came into her life. Cinco was the first dog certified in disaster SAR in the state

The Alexander search also taught Trace another lesson about human nature. She and another SAR professional were assigned with some volunteers to help with the search. Her initial concern was that the volunteers were inappropriately dressed: flip flops, shorts and cut off shirts; clothing that is not conducive to a search in brush and the woods.

But it was the behavior of the volunteers that struck Trace the most. “We were all riding in the back of a pickup truck to go to the search area," she recalls. "The volunteers were joking and laughing as if it was a party and they were just acting up. While I am very appreciative of people giving their time and energy to search for people, it was a very serious situation. I politely, but firmly, posed the question that if this was their mother or grandmother, would they appreciate people joking and laughing?”

The group quieted down and the search went on. The next day, when the search parties regrouped, those same volunteers came back, and a woman in the group Trace takes every SAR case seriously. She believes in giving each search approached Trace. "She said, 'Thank you for the dignity and respect it deserves, no matter if the victim is a well-known yesterday. We were way out of line and you individual or an elderly person with Alzheimer's.

18

W. E. BROOKS LAW FIRM Immigration Attorney Abogado William E. Brooks Abogado de Inmigración • Family Petitions • Refugees/Asylum • Permanent Residence • Citizenship • Adjustment of Status • Investment/Employment Visas • Immigration Detention

• Peticiones familiares • Refugio/Asilo • Residencia Permanente • Ciudadania y Naturalización • Ajuste de Estatus • Visa de inversionista/Visas de Trabajo • Detencíon por Inmigración

Helping Immigrants Live the American Dream!

Ayudando a los Inmigrantes a vivir el sueño americano

1.800.903.7344 Correo Electrónico: infohou@webrookslaw.com

WE

B

W. E. Brooks Law Firm

Se habla español Payment plans available/Planes de pago disponibles

19

Beyond Search and Rescue

Trace's dog, Chance, is a 9-year-old Labrador-mix who specializes in cadaver search.

of Georgia. He ultimately became her once-in-alifetime dog, and the two had as close a relationship as a human and dog could have.

“This dog had only one descended testicle which would prevent him from being shown or bred, which is why the breeder was trying to find him a good home," she explains. "But that had no bearing on his abilities as a search and rescue partner. Cinco was a natural search dog, and by the time he was only a year old, he had received five national certifications."

Cinco was Trace’s partner for 13 years until his natural passing in August 2017. “He passed away in his back yard, surrounded by his pack and knowing he was loved,” she says.

Today, Trace’s canine partners include Chance, a Labrador-mix who specializes in cadaver search and Draco, another beautiful, black German Shepherd, who specializes in tracking and cadaver search.

When they are not at work, they are just like other dogs, hanging with their pack which includes a Boxer/Australian Shepherd mix named Zip, who is an animal actor. “They are happy and healthy and just act like regular dogs," she shares. "But when they get in the truck, they know it is time to go to work.”

20

Trace has devoted many hours to her volunteer search and rescue work. She has also held full-time positions in local and state government, as well as memberships with state and federal task forces. She has been a program manager for the Department of Homeland Security, where she developed Georgia’s first cadaver canine program and Georgia’s first disaster canine program. She has also been deployed to Iraq as an independent contractor for bomb search missions.

Along with her master's degree, EMT, firefighter and canine handler certifications, Trace’s credentials include an associate's degree in law and paralegal; certified law enforcement officer; world protective services certified; secret security clearance; licensed private investigator; certified process server; peace officer's standards and training (P.O.S.T.) certified instructor; master trainer and evaluator; certified emergency program manager; structural collapse technician; and she has over 300 additional training courses under her belt.

She has received numerous awards for her service and performance, including Outstanding Innovative Adult Training Program Award Winner; Governor’s Public Safety Award Winner; Living Your Legacy Award Winner; Commendation Award for Citizens; Merit Award for Excellence; Golden Rule Award

Trace's dog, Draco, is a 4-year-old German Shepherd who specializes in tracking and cadaver search.

fed and non-GMO. Winner; John Herbert Phillips Additionally, with the help of Award Winner; and Georgia her neighbor and best friend, Animal Hall of Fame Winner.

Ralph Reichert, Trace raises She has created and taught New Zealand Kiko meat goats an award-winning SAR program and Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. for Georgia and co-authored an She also occasionally breeds internationally recognized book, and sells Great Pyrenees dogs, How to Train a Human-Remains who are known to be among Detection Dog. the best breeds for herd and Trace has been the subject of flock protection. numerous television programs “I currently have a litter of and interviews, which include 6-week-old puppies that are appearances on the Nancy ready to wean," she says.

Grace Show, Discovery ID, "My Great Pyrenees are OFA HLN, Disappeared, Oxygen, (Orthopedic Foundation for Crime Watch Daily, CNN, Animals) certified for their hips Inside Edition, 48 Hours Hard Kayla, an animal actor, has worked in commerand elbows, which are problem Evidence, Up and Vanished, cials for Rachel Ray Nutrish Cat Food, ADT, areas for this breed.”

World News Tonight with Smuckers, Chick-Fil-A, Heartguard and many She also has a flock of Light Diane Sawyer, In Session, Fox other commercials, movies and music videos.

Brahma hens she raises for her 5, and Good Day Atlanta, to own eggs. Her future goal is for her property to be name a few. She has appeared in articles in various completely self-sustaining and self-sufficient, “Just in publications including the Associated Press News, case,” she explains.

Southern Living, The Wall Street Journal, Los She has a long-term boyfriend, Ransom McCoy, Angeles Times and the New York Times. who currently lives in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he has But Trace isn't the only one popular in the media. a career in government. He is very supportive of She is also the owner of STAR K9, a professional Trace and her endeavors. animal talent and wrangling business. She points out a Bengal-mix cat sauntering by on the driveway.

“That cat right there is amazing on the set,” she A Natural Progression brags. “Nothing seems to bother her!” In addition to bringing her own animals to television or movie Trace never intentionally set out to create this life sets, she is also available as an animal wrangler, or for herself, but it has developed naturally as a result handler, for other people who own animal actors. of her protective nature and servant’s heart. “I've “Not everyone is comfortable working on a set found throughout my life, one thing has just led to with their animal, and I am available for hire to train another,” she explains. and wrangle their animals for them,” she explains.

Don’t be surprised when tuning into media in the Her latest endeavor is her private investigation future if you see Trace and one of her dogs, front and security agency, Ryker Enterprises. The business and center, working the latest disaster mission or continues her vision to assist those in need as searching for someone’s lost loved one. While most evidenced by the company’s motto “Prevent. Plan. of us would say she is extraordinary, Trace believes Protect." she is simply following her purpose in life. WGW Along with her animal talent and wrangling business and private investigation and security agency, Trace also owns Jumping Frog Farm, in which she practices Future Forward Farming. FFF is a sustainable farming practice that is humane to both animals and to the earth. “We don’t exhaust the soil and rotate the animals to replenish the land," she explains. "Some folks may know this approach as the Serengeti method, where we mirror Mother Nature and work with her." Hers was also the first Georgia farm to be certified 100 percent grass-

To learn more about Trace Sargent and her work, call 770.722.4241, email her at trace314@yahoo.com or visit her websites at www.ryker-enterprises.com www.stark9.com www.jumpingfrogfarm.com

21

m a I , y Toda ful for ... y thank il m a f - My ealth h y M s d n e i fr y M e m o h - My ife l y M -

Practicing the Art of Gratitude

S

ome people say practicing the art of gratitude is difficult; I say it is difficult not to practice gratefulness. Gratitude, or being grateful, is not a forced activity or a trend that positive psychology pushes. It is a heartfelt expression from deep within after reflection. Unfortunately, many people choose only the annual turkey feast to be intentional about gratitude; this causes them to miss the benefits of improved mental health through practicing gratitude on a daily basis.

No matter how unforgiving the journey gets, the spirit of gratefulness helps soften the blows that life throws at you. When practiced regularly, gratitude becomes an effective stress reducer and improves your self-esteem, leading to an elevated mood. It has been said that the art of gratitude may also help heal past emotional wounds.

It is during the holidays that we spend the most time enjoying the company of friends and loved ones. Some of us may be triggered by these very same people. For others, this may be a period of grief where depression or anxiety creeps in. Instead of going through the motions this year, begin to practice gratefulness – an appreciation of the external and internal benefits of life.

By doing this, you will notice more positive responses, good experiences and a lift in your attitude. Most important, your relationships with others may become stronger and you will experience a sense of peace, especially when interacting with those who trigger you.

Healthy relationships take time. From time to

22

time, we take those close to us for granted.

Strong relationships are a crucial component in improving mental health. In relationships where gratitude is frequently expressed, both individuals demonstrate improved mood.

Simply showing appreciation for the essence of life creates happiness and positivity. An attitude of gratitude is like a good seed – it is bound to create a great harvest. This holiday, I challenge you to become more people-focused and to plant the seeds of gratitude with all of your interactions.

Suggestions for Sowing Gratitude • Develop a habit of being grateful every day. A habit is something we do over and over again. If we consistently focus on the goodness in life, that consistency will become a habit.

• Be intentional. Choose a time and day to practice showing gratitude. If you are a morning person, decide to express your gratitude first thing in the morning, especially with those you live with. If you are super charged in the afternoon, this would be a great time to let those you interact with know how much you appreciate them.

• Seek out the good in every situation you encounter and be grateful for those things.

Almost every bad situation has a lesson and a reason to be grateful.

• Become more people focused. Find one person each week to express how grateful you are for them. Provide specific details for the reasons you are grateful. It may be something they did for you or for someone else. Showing gratitude expresses appreciation and improves mood and relationships.

• Concentrate on what you have. Often, we accentuate what we lack, and we miss the opportunity to relish in the abundance of our everyday life. When we concentrate on what we have in this amazing life, we usually end up with more than we need. When you concentrate on what you have, you elevate your consciousness, improve your outlook and you will feel more purposeful.

• Dedicate a few minutes each day to either journal or speak out loud at least

Pediatric, Hand & Speech Therapy

three things for which you are grateful.

For example, journal about something you accomplished today, something funny that happened or someone you are thankful for.

Pick a time to that works for you to reflect on what went well or what gave you insight today.

Be specific and allow the good feelings you experience to linger.

• Create a happiness box and fill it with notes about things that make you happy. On the days you are feeling unmotivated and down, pick up your box and reread your notes.

• Encourage yourself. Years ago, Mayor Koch of New York would regularly ask the public, "How am I doing?” I think this was his way of encouraging himself. Take time each day to let those who care about you know that you need affirmation, too. Sit for a few minutes with your eyes open or closed. Wish happiness for yourself and allow that intention to expand beyond yourself.

• Wow someone with a note or a card. I worked at one of the local hospitals in town and they had a system where anyone could “wow” someone caught doing positive work.

Sometimes it was as simple as washing hands

prior to entering a patient’s room. I have always admired the responses of those who received the “wow” cards and felt pleased whenever I received mine.

• Be a giver. Research shows that altruism is a mood booster. One of my favorite books says, “Give, and it will be given back to you, good measure, pressed down and running over."

Talk about sowing and reaping a bountiful harvest. Giving your time, money, advice or possessions shows appreciation and care.

• Use mindfulness. Practicing gratitude is easier when mindfulness skills are utilized. Stop for a moment. Close your eyes, take a deep mindful breath, hold, then breathe out. Open your eyes and look around. Take it all in. Notice the beauty of the things and people you may have missed. Be grateful for what you see.

• Pray or meditate. People who use these tools are great gardeners of gratitude. These tools help the individual stay present and intentional about being grateful. For this exercise, choose someone you don’t know very well, or, perhaps someone you often avoid. Send a note of heartfelt gratitude or wishes of hope and happiness. Remind yourself that this person, like you, really wants to be happy. If you begin to talk yourself out of this act, go back to practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness helps to relax the body, giving you courage.

It may seem that gratitude has been removed from the daily routines of many. You and I can begin to make this beneficial art form a "thing" again.

Gratitude is not just about manners; it is most certainly a mood booster that will help you feel more alive and fulfilled than ever before. WGW Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a full-service counseling agency. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid Adult trainer and regularly provides seminars and trainings to the community on various mental health issues. She has partnered with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy to train individuals in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Visit heartmatterswellness.com for more information about Cheryl and her work.

23

Reclaim Your Femininit y

With

• Immediate and Lasting Relief • Simple and Virtually Painless • 10 to 15 Minute In-office Procedure • No Anesthesia • No Side Effects • No Recovery Time • FDA Approved • Proven Alternative to Hormonal Therapy 24

Call Today and Get Back to Being YOU Again

A wide range of ser vices to meet the needs of women at every stage of life SERVICES:

Bladder Pain Management Urethral Slings Bladder Botox Injections Interstim Pelvic Floor Training MonaLisa Touch™

DR.JAMES CULLISON

West Georgia and East Alabama’s Only Urologist Board Certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

770.834.6988 • www.WGUrology.com Carrollton • Villa Rica • Wedowee

MonaLisa Touch™ is an FDA approved, minimally invasive, 10 to 15 minute in-office procedure that uses advanced laser technology to help restore gynecologic health by generating new collagen and increasing vaginal elasticity. Used as an alternative treatment to estrogen (hormone) therapy, this procedure requires no anesthesia, is virtually painless and there is no recovery time. If you are experiencing postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, pain and dryness during intercourse, urinary incontinence, urgency or frequency, are a new, breastfeeding mother or using progesterone based contraceptives, call our office today to see if MonaLisa Touch is right for you.

25

Daily Fare With

e s o R f e Ch

Chef photos by Keith May.

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.

26Recipe photos by Zachary Dailey.

�Packed with fall flavors, enjoy this as an

appetizer before your Thanksgiving meal, or a sweet dessert after dinner. �

Apple Pie Dip Ingredients

Preparation

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Core, peel and dice 4 Granny Smith apples.

Combine butter, apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium skillet.

Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in cornstarch and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Top with whipped cream just before serving.

Serve warm.

Serves 4 to 6.

4 medium Granny Smith apples 1 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/2 cup whipped cream Cinnamon sugar pita chips for serving

27

Turkey Rice Soup "

This is a great way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Other leftover vegetables, such as corn or green beans, make a wonderful addition to this soup as well.

Ingredients 6 slices of bacon chopped 1 medium onion, diced

2 large carrots, peeled and diced 2 stalks of celery, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced Kosher salt

Ground black pepper

1/2 cup dry white wine 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup rice

2 cups shredded turkey 1/4 cup fresh parsley

28

"

Preparation In a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy.

Using a slotted spoon, place cooked bacon on paper towel lined plate.

Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from pot.

In the same pot, add onion, carrot, celery and garlic.

Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Add white wine, broth and rice.

Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Additional water may be needed if rice absorbs too much liquid.

Stir in turkey and parsley.

Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve with crumbled bacon on top.

Serves 6. WGW

THE ALL NEW XT6

JOHN THORNTON CADILLAC

1492 N Park St. (Hwy 27) Carrollton GA 30117 • 770.832.9602 www.johnthorntoncadillac.com

29

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.”

– Mother Teresa Photo by Túrelio, CC BY-SA 2.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2246938

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”

– Maya Angelou

“It is impossible to feel grateful and depressed in the same moment.”

– Naomi Williams

“One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay 'in kind' somewhere else in life.”

– Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

– Melody Beattie 30

Local Happenings

West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group

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

Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

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

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

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

Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program

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

31

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.

Cancer Support Group at Tabernacle Baptist Church Has your life been impacted by cancer – whether your own or someone you know?

Tabernacle Baptist Church hosts a faith-based cancer support group providing spiritual and emotional support to those diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, those in remission and caregivers.

Meetings run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Carrollton, Ga. For more information, call 770.832.7063 or visit the website at tabernacle.org.

Newnan Literary Dinner Theater Southern Crescent Literature and Libations will meet Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Southern Fried Books, 29 Jackson St. in Newnan, Ga. Authors, Jameson Gregg, 2015 Georgia Author of the Year; Hee Haw TV actress, Diana Goodman McDaniel; and Amy Lyle, number one bestselling author, filmmaker, and television host of "In the Burbs," will entertain guests as they describe their books or their journeys in publishing.

This event is free, with free wine and appetizer samples. Contact Lee St. John at 678.994.3558.

32

66 WGTC students receive Foundation scholarships The West Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded 66 students with nearly $37,000 in scholarships for Fall Semester 2019.

In addition, the WGTC Foundation guaranteed $90,000 in tuition for summer semester and $75,000 in tuition for fall semester through its gap funding program. The gap funding program was established by the Foundation in Spring 2018 to help the college retain more students. The program “fills the gap” in a student’s ability to fully fund his or her education at WGTC. Students are expected to repay the amount awarded to them, establishing a culture of responsibility and creating sustainability for future students in need of funding. Since its inception in 2018, the gap funding program has retained 587 students at WGTC. The WGTC Foundation has only expended $4,218 on the program because the vast majority of students have repaid their gap award.

“The WGTC Foundation is so humbled to be an investor in the educational journey of many students here at WGTC,” Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Kelsey Jones said.

“We are doubly fortunate to have very engaged partners in education who contribute each year to our scholarship and gap funding programs, making these life-changing stories possible.”

Victoria Christie, a recipient of a WGTC Foundation Scholarship, thanked the Foundation in a written note.

“By awarding me this scholarship, you have helped to significantly lighten my financial burden, allowing me to lessen the workload I have had to take on in an effort to pay for books and other education related expenses,” Christie said. “Your generosity has inspired me to continue looking

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770.832.7076 Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

toward the positive and to give back to the community and others who may be struggling.”

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

To learn more about establishing or contributing to a scholarship fund or how you can get involved with gap funding, please contact Kelsey Jones at kelsey.jones@westgatech.edu.

West Georgia Technical College, with campuses in Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson and Troup counties and class sites in Heard and Meriwether counties, offers more than 120 associate degree, diploma and technical certificate programs of study. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, West Georgia Tech is one of the largest of the state’s 22 technical colleges. For more information, please visit westgatech.edu.

Girls Day Workshop Street Church Ministry is hosting a workshop for middle and high school students on Saturday, Nov. 9 from noon to 3. p.m. at 10 Wares Crossroads, Suite 70 in LaGrange, Ga. *Look for the balloons.* This is a free event and lunch will be provided. A parent permission form is required.

To register, email tonyacdean@gmail.com.

Four-day Fall Celebration The Tallapoosa Wellness Collective, located in the old Tallapoosa schoolhouse at 657 Tyus Carrollton Rd., Carrollton, Ga., will be presenting a fundraising event to generate funds and interest in making the old Tallapoosa schoolhouse handicap accessible.

This is the first step in accomplishing their goal of providing services to a larger community of citizens in Carrollton.

One program in the works is serving the kids and families of those in the community who require special accommodations, for example, free movies for children who require sensory-friendly activities.

The four-day fall celebration runs Thursday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 24, culminating in a volunteer building opportunity, with events as follows:

Thursday, Nov. 21:

4:15 to 5:30 p.m.: Tai Chi with Karen Sifton ($14)

F

P

CARROLLTON FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE PRESENTS

BINGO

Every Sunday 4 PM VENUE 1625 (VFW) • 1625 BANKHEAD HWY CARROLLTON, GA

facebook.com/carrolltonfop

Contact: Eddie LeBlanc – 770.318.5618

EVERY YEAR, THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CARROLLTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDES CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN THROUGHOUT WEST GEORGIA @carrolltonfop WITH THEIR “SHOP WITH A COP” PROGRAM.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Introduction to Astrology with guest Lindsey DePeri ($25 suggested donation).

Friday, Nov. 22:

9:00 to 10:15 a.m.: Gentle Yoga with Karen and music by guest Rick Franz ($14) 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.: Sonic Nirvana Sound and Gong Bath with guests Lindsey DePeri and Rick Franz ($25 suggested donation).

Saturday, Nov. 23:

1:00 to 4:00 p.m.: Exploring your astrological birth chart and the 12 zodiac signs with guest Lindsey DePeri ($25 suggested donation).

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Cosmic Dance Party presented

by Emily Bryson (donations welcome)

Sunday, Nov. 24:

1:00 to 2:30 p.m.: Kirtan and Cacao ceremony with guests Lindsey DePeri and Rick Franz ($25 suggested donation).

3:00 p.m.: Karma Yoga volunteer event to construct an accessible entrance at the old Tallapoosa school.

5:00 p.m.: Communal soup dinner to celebrate volunteers.

For more information, call 678.390.4601 or email pat@tallapoosawellnesscollective.com.

33

Lisa King, LPC

Celebrate

Photos 34 by Zachary Dailey

HER SUCCESS

L

isa King knows a great deal about life and the hard knocks it can throw at you. So, it was only natural that this Carrollton, Ga., resident and single mother of three chose a life of service in counseling. But, it wasn't a path she originally chose for herself.

"I resisted becoming a counselor for a very long time," she explains. "I thought feelings and emotions were too 'messy,' and I didn’t want to be responsible in that way for other people’s mental health. I knew I had a lot of my own junk to deal with, too. The universe kept pulling me back in, though."

Dr. Fred Richards as Santa.

Photo by Zachary Dailey

Santa Wants You ...

College Life Originally from College Park and Fayetteville, Ga., Lisa moved to Carrollton in 1986 to attend West Georgia College, now the University of West Georgia. But West Georgia wasn't her first choice.

She had always dreamed of attending the University of Georgia, and she was surprised when she applied and was accepted. However, her mom felt UGA was not the best fit for Lisa. She didn't want her moving so far away, felt UGA was too big and thought it would be too overwhelming for Lisa.

"She convinced me to go to WGC because it was a smaller school where my father, who died when I was 4 years old, had attended and it was a little closer to home," she says. "I came out here thinking I would eventually transfer to UGA, but as fate would have it, I wound up finding some of my lifelong friends, who I consider to be a second family, at WGC. I also fell in love with humanistic psychology and philosophy."

With little financial support from home, Lisa worked her way through school. She worked on campus during the day as a student worker, and waited tables in the evening and on weekends. She briefly attended Georgia State University for one year during her third year of college to improve her GPA, but quickly transferred back to West Georgia after realizing how much she missed the psychology department and the sense of community and belonging she felt there.

"My bachelor's took five and a half years because I changed majors and transferred to GSU for a year," she says. "I wasn't a great student as an undergraduate until I found my passion with psychology and philosophy. Once I was bitten by the psychology bug, my grades went up significantly. I graduated in 1991 with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, and I was the first person in my family to

To Subscribe to Your Free Digital Issue. www.westgeorgiawoman.com finish college." She also eloped and got married at the Carroll County courthouse the same year.

After graduation, Lisa began her graduate program at West Georgia. Her plan was to eventually obtain a doctorate degree and teach psychology.

Instead, she discovered she was pregnant, something she and her husband had not planned or expected to happen so soon.

Knowing they were about to start a family and would need family support themselves, they moved back to Fayetteville. During this time, Lisa began volunteering at the local domestic violence shelter where she carried a pager and took crisis calls from home. She and her husband lived in Fayetteville for five years and had three daughters.

A Place to Call Home They moved back to Carroll County in 1998 and a few years later, they bought a home in Temple.

Lisa was a stay-at-home mom who homeschooled her daughters. Eight years later, the marriage fell apart. "My marriage ended due to drug and alcohol abuse and infidelity," she shares. "At age 37, in the midst of the separation and divorce – and some major depression – I decided to go back to

35

" It wasn’t a light decision to become a therapist, but given my history and life experience, I knew I had something to offer."

graduate school to finish my master's degree in psychology. At the time, I wasn’t seriously thinking about becoming a therapist; I just wanted to finish the master's program and see where it led me. It was a tough time for sure, but I needed to finish that

9

36

degree and do something for me for a change."

Lisa loved being a part of the psychology department at West Georgia. Her daughters would come with her and complete their schoolwork in the lobby while she was in class, and they soon became part of the psychology department family as well.

"I finally finished in 2007, and my girls wanted me to walk so they could see me graduate," she relates. "They felt pretty invested in my degree by this point! My best friends and family threw me the greatest party at my house to celebrate."

While she was in graduate school, Lisa worked three part-time and work-from-home jobs to support herself and her daughters, but it wasn't enough.

"After struggling for a couple of years to keep things afloat, we lost the house in the divorce followed by the recession that hit soon after," she relates. "So my daughters and I were homeless for a time. One of my best friends from college, who lives in Carrollton and works at UWG, took me and the girls in to live with her and her family until we could get back on our feet. That took about six months."

Thankful for You Bremen • Carrollton • Douglasville 770.537.2375 • 770.836.1466 • 770.489.2818

www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Ruby Hightower, Certified Therapy Dog and Grief Counselor.

Upon request, Ruby visits with a family during an arrangement conference, visitation or funeral service. ruby is also certified to visit retirement homes, nursing homes and schools.

Finding Her Path Her master's degree enabled her to obtain a job teaching as an adjunct professor at Georgia Highlands College, a few part-time jobs in mental health that did not require a license and a few other part-time administrative jobs that included membership association management, managing a local mentor program, assisting a local artist and doing some marketing and event planning.

"As a single mom, I was normally holding down three jobs at a time," she says. "It became really clear during that time that I was being called to become a therapist, so I went back to school again for my specialist degree so I could get the credits I needed to get licensed and have a slightly shorter path to licensure. I got my associate license in counseling – a provisional license – in 2013, graduated with my education specialist degree in clinical mental health counseling and supervision in 2014 and was fully licensed in 2015. From start to finish, including grad school, internships and clinical supervision, it took me about 10 years to become licensed, when the normal path is about five years."

Lisa had some strong and supportive mentors at UWG while completing her master's and specialist

degrees. Through Dr. Tobin Hart's encouragement, she presented at the student psychology annual research conference (SPARC) twice, and Dr. Linda Painter encouraged Lisa to become involved in the student professional community.

As a result of her encouragement, Lisa became the president of the UWG chapter of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association Student Affiliate Organization (LPCA SAO), the LPCA Western District co-chair and became a member of Chi Sigma Iota, an international counseling honor society.

Drs. Alan Pope, Larry Schor, Mark Kunkel, Julie Chibarro, Mark Parrish and Julia Whisenhunt were also a huge source of support and encouragement while she was in graduate school.

After receiving her provisional associate license in 2013, she started working part-time in private practice – under supervision – while also working at Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center as a clinical therapist.

She went into full-time private practice at Dallas Family Counseling Center in 2015 after she became independently and fully licensed with her LPC. Lisa took the leap and began her own private practice in Carrollton in December 2015.

"It wasn’t a light decision to become a therapist,

37

but given my history and life experience, I knew I had something to offer," she shares. "I realized I had a passion for working with people to help them feel supported, work through their issues, get out of their own way and live their best lives. I enjoy helping people and I cannot see myself doing anything else. It is definitely a calling."

Lessons Learned Lisa's greatest challenge with owning her own private practice is the business side of things. She wasn’t trained in business, finance or insurance billing, and says she learned some expensive lessons during the first few years. She eventually hired someone to do her billing, completed some extensive business research and modeled the business practices of other therapists.

"I did find it very hard in the beginning to talk about money with my clients," she explains.

"While I am a caring helper, and the relationship I have with my patients is sacred to me, I know that this is also a business. I have put a lot of time, love, sacrifice, money, blood, sweat and tears into becoming a therapist, so I had to learn to get past my discomfort. Talking about money still seems out of place – and not my favorite – but I have to pay my

38

bills and eat, so I have gotten better about talking to clients about money. I am still learning and growing as a businesswoman and a therapist."

Her Advice Lisa suggests that any woman who is interested in starting her own counseling business should find a mentor, a good CPA, a group of trustworthy and likeminded therapists to consult with about tough clients and business practices as well as join private practice groups on social media, which can be a great source of support and ideas.

"Read books and do your research," she says.

"Find an electronic health records software and billing service you like and stay organized and open.

Finally, set good boundaries, have very thorough consent forms and policies that you can stick to – but also be flexible about them when needed. Don’t try to be the therapist for every client. As hard as it can be, sometimes you need to know when to refer out.

Remember, there is plenty of work and you aren’t meant to serve everybody. Play to your strengths and maintain a good self-care routine."

Of course, hindsight is 20/20, and, as Lisa reflects upon the challenges, she recognizes the valuable lessons she has learned.

"I would have had more faith in myself as a therapist and businesswoman and that my practice would be successful," she relates. "I put in a lot of time and anxiety in those first few years. I stetched myself way too thin and didn't take care of myself.

I took a big leap of faith when I left my agency job to become full-time in private practice. It was sink or swim, because I had no one there to back me up if I failed. One thing I know about myself, though, is that I am much happier being in business for myself than I have ever been when I worked for someone else."

Compassion fatigue, burnout and vicarious trauma are also common in the helping fields, according to Lisa, and she says it's important to know the signs and seek help when necessary.

"Therapists need their own therapist from time to time," she relates. "We also need to make sure we are taking good care of ourselves and seeking consultation and supervision along the way."

A Trusted Professional Lisa has received many awards and accolades during her career as a licensed professional counselor, including being chosen this year for a three-year term on the UWG Alumni Association

PERSONALIZED, FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE CITY-WIDE DELIVERY WE ACCEPT MEDICAID AND MOST INSURANCE WE HAVE CANDLES, GREETING CARDS AND GIFTS INCLUDING

NORA FLEMING, TERVIS AND COLLEGIATE ITEMS

770.834.3393

623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA

board of directors. She was one of eight nominees chosen out of over 100 alumni.

In 2017, she was overwhelmed when the LPCA of Georgia offered her the position of president of the association. The LPCA of Georgia is the only nonprofit organization that represents LPCs, the largest population of mental health providers in the state. The LPCA has been in existence for 30 years, and ensures that LPCs have a place at the table when mental healthcare laws, policies and initiatives are being presented or changed.

As the voice for counselors in Georgia, the LPCA advocates for the profession at the local, state and national level; influences policy and laws regarding mental health; offers continuing education for counselors and licensure help; influences and helps shape educational and professional requirements for counselors at the state composite board; and advocates for mental health care, best practices and reducing the stigma of mental illness.

"I was blown away when I was offered the president position," she exclaims. "I actually almost turned it down. I began volunteering with LPCA in 2012 and served on the board of directors for five years before I was asked to be president. It is a big job, and being a volunteer board, it meant I would be taking on things outside of my regular work schedule of seeing clients and in my down time.

Others who had served as president in the past were professors, Ph.D.s, state senators, governor

39

Financial Planning is about more than just good advice or investment returns

Michael L. Stone, AAMS®, PPC®, AIF® Wealth Manager • Founder & CEO

It's about providing guidance that you can trust.

Here For You During Every Milestone Moment

Financial Planning • Retirement Income Strategies Stocks • Bonds • Mutual Funds • Insurance

770 .830.0063

551 Newnan St. • Carrollton, Ga. w w w.m ile s t o neinv es tm ents llc.co m

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Fixed insurance products and services offered through Milestone Investment Management LLC or CES Insurance Agency.

The Women's Choice Award® Financial Advisor program was created by WomenCertified Inc., the Voice of Women, in an effort to help women make smart financial choices. The Women's Choice Award Financial Program is based on 17 objective criteria associated with providing quality service to women clients, such as credentials, experience, and a favorable regulatory history, among other factors. Financial advisors do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Women's Choice Award Financial Advisors, though they may have paid a basic program fee to cover the cost of their client survey. The inclusion of a financial advisor within the Women's Choice Award Financial Advisor network should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial advisor

by WomenCertified Inc. or its partners and affiliates and is no guarantee as to future investment success. Women's Choice Award® Financial Advisors and Firms represent less than 1% of financial advisors in the U.S. As of October 2018, of the 463 considered for the Women's Choice Award, 108 were named Women's Choice Award Financial Advisors/Firms The criteria provided reflects the most recent year for which Financial Advisors/Firms received the award. The criteria used, the number of Financial Advisors/Firms considered for the award, and the number of those who receive the award, may vary from year to year. For more information, please visit http://www.womenschoiceaward.com/.

40

appointees, authors and folks who are really seasoned and well known for their work. I had only been licensed for two years when they asked me to be president. I compared myself to these others and my first thoughts were, 'Why me?'"

Lisa says Gale Macke, CEO of the LPCA of Georgia, told her she was passionate, hardworking, represented the profession well, was well spoken, presented well and was the most active and hardest working board member.

"I felt like I was just doing what I was supposed to do and doing it because I am passionate about my profession," Lisa relates. "I had no idea it was considered somehow 'more.' I also think I was overcompensating because I was coming into this so late in life and I thought I had a lot of catching up to do to be legitimate."

Her first job was to be in charge of the upcoming convention during her time as president-elect. They had a very successful convention that year, the largest attended convention to date, which is a great source of pride for Lisa.

As president, she was essentially the face of LPCA, leading the quarterly board meetings and executive committee meetings, contributing articles to the newsletter, developing initiatives for the year, speaking at the annual convention and generally setting the tone for the chapter for the year.

"As immediate past president this year, my role is much less, but still important," she explains.

"I still attend the board meetings and serve on the executive committee, but my primary role is to back up the current president and lead the awards and board development committee. I also do presentations around the state and in eastern Alabama on behalf of LPCA and the mental health profession."

In May 2019 the UWG Counseling department honored Lisa with an award for professional advocacy for her work with the LPCA. "I was very touched and honored to be recognized for that," she says.

Her Work Lisa primarily works with teens, young adults and adults. Her specialty areas include anxiety, depression, trauma and substance abuse.

She also works with people who are struggling with self-harm, relationship issues, people who are struggling with their existence or purpose in life and life transition issues, such as retirement, divorce, empty nest and teens, and young adults struggling

with anxiety around adulthood.

She sees clients by appointment only Monday through Thursday beginning at 10 a.m., and sees her last client at 5 p.m. Her office is located at the Intown South Professional Building at 309 Tanner Street in Carrollton.

"I like to think that presence, respect, warmth, humanity – and maybe a little humor – Women’s Auto Clinic. are pretty common in this line of work, and I Women’s Concierge Service. offer plenty of that," she explains.

"I also offer a 770.832.9465 perspective unique to my own life experience and how I synthesized my 134 Bankhead Ave., Carrollton education and training. www.lamberttirecompany.com For example, I don’t just do cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as it’s done by the book. When I use CBT for a client, I use it from a perspective that clients can hopefully find meaningful and useful in their lives and what they are going through."

CBT is a type of psychotherapy in which negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged to alter unwanted behavior patterns or treat mood disorders such as depression.

Her Support System Lisa often reaches out to professional colleagues when she needs advice. "My co-workers in my building are good resources," she says. "I also have a few therapists in town I consult with as well as current and former LPCA board members. Gale Macke is a wealth of information and referrals as well. Gale and the members of the LPCA board of directors that I have had the pleasure to know and work with over the years have made a huge impact on me professionally. What I have learned by being a part of that organization has been life changing."

Some of Lisa's trusted mentors who have positively influenced her professional life include, Theresa Masek, the late Dr. Phil Mengal and Dr. Fred Richards.

41

She currently lives in downtown Carrollton and loves that she can walk from her home to her office, Adamson Square and the Greenbelt.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, completing projects around her home, spending time outdoors, collecting record albums, listening to music, reading and spending time with family and friends. She has a of almost three years and "Through the tough and dark times, I pushed through it for my daughters. boyfriend a precious rescue dog named John I wasn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I wanted them Lee Hooker.

Her oldest daughter, Sydney, to see a successful female role model and to see what resilience and is a graphic designer and lives determination look like. I admire the young women they have become." in Lawrenceville, Ga. Her middle Lisa, right, with her youngest daughter, Ivey. daughter, Lindsey, is married with a stepdaughter and three sons and "My clinical supervisor, Theresa Masek, was so lives in South Carolina.

Her youngest daughter, Ivey, wonderful and supportive during my time under is a budding artist and graphic designer who lives in supervision as an associate professional counselor," Carrollton. she shares. "I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Lisa's community involvement includes speaking her. Dr. Phil Mengel was a huge mentor and to local groups, civic organizations and colleges, longtime friend of mine, who generously gave me including UWG, LaGrange College and Jacksonville his beautiful office when he retired, just before he State University. First and foremost, she loves passed. Dr. Fred Richards also has been an amazing working with her clients and helping them work mentor, friend and landlord. His support, wisdom toward improving their situations. and insight are invaluable to me."

"I don’t do therapy from a 'by the book, do a She credits her three daughters, Sydney, Lindsey worksheet and bring it back,' cookie cutter style," and Ivey, for helping her become the person she is today and is thankful for her close friends and family she shares. "My clients and I work together to discover what is holding them back, how their who believed in her and stood behind her during thinking, their patterns and their stories impact the difficult times. their functioning in the here and now. The history is "Through the tough and dark times, I pushed important, but we don’t dwell there. Often, clients through it for my daughters," she relates. "I wasn’t who have never been to therapy before say, 'It’s perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I nothing like I thought it would be. It’s not like what wanted them to see a successful female role model you see on TV and in the movies.' It’s all about the and to see what resilience and determination look like. I admire the young women they have become." relationship. I hope that my work with my female clients in the community has helped them to feel more empowered, in control and comfortable with Looking Ahead who they are." WGW Lisa says she would like to collaborate with To learn more about Lisa King and her work, another therapist and write a book or two, and or if you are in need of counseling services, hopes to make that a priority in the future. She also enjoys presenting and engaging with people while call 404.375.2036 or email LisaKingLPC@gmail.com. speaking about mental health, and she hopes to Visit her on Facebook and Instagram do more of that. She would also like to do more @LisaKingLPC or visit her website and consulting work; something a little more passive but in her line of work. She says that while she enjoys schedule an appointment via the seeing clients and always will, she needs to find ways client portal at www.csosolutions.net to mix things up so she doesn't become stagnant.

42

F

How to Have a Fabulous Friendsgiving

riendsgiving is the blended word for friends and Thanksgiving. A relatively new term with its earliest written use recorded on Twitter in 2007, Friendsgiving refers to a large meal that is eaten with friends on or around Thanksgiving Day. The whole point of Friendsgiving is to spend time with those you've chosen as your family, not those you have to be around because they're related to you. Friendsgiving is usually a much happier, dramafree, casual – or not so casual depending on your tastes – potluck dinner.

•

•

Fabulous Friendsgiving Tips • The hostess should cook the turkey and make the gravy. Transporting a 15 to 20 pound turkey isn't easy, so typically this job is completed by the hostess. Besides making the gravy, the hostess does not prepare any other food item.

• Coordinate the potluck dishes. Delegate, delegate, delegate. The hostess should ensure all menu items are evenly distributed between friends. No one should bring the same dish.

• Make sure there are at least three items on the menu that will make up a good meal for those with dietary restrictions. It's perfectly acceptable to ask those guests to contribute food items based on their needs as well.

• The responsibility of bringing hors d'oeuvres should be given to friends who are always early for everything. Hungry guests who have to wait an hour on the food preparation need something to tide them over. A cheeseball with crackers, a fruit, olive and cheese board or hummus and pita bread are crowd favorites.

• Ensure there are vegetables that are not part of a casserole. Fresh and bright vegetables that aren't covered in cheese or sauce help cut through the heavy dishes, so think sauteed or

•

• •

• •

steamed vegetables with citrus or a vinaigrette salad.

Have guests bring a variety of desserts.

Pumpkin pie is great, but so is apple, pecan and cherry pie, as well as cobblers, cookies, crisps and cheesecakes. Make sure there are dessert options that are sugar-free for friends who are diabetic or trying to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Each guest should bring drinks. If you're having primarily wine, have each guest bring one bottle. Ask one guest to bring a bottle of spirits. If most of your guests prefer beer, ask each guest to bring one six-pack. If this is more of a non-alcoholic get-together, delegate sweet tea, unsweet tea, lemonade and sodas to the group.

The hostess should provide ice, one pound per guest, water, coffee and creamer. Think ahead and clear off a sideboard or set up extra tables for placing food and other items.

Designate a DJ. Choose one friend to provide a nice, music playlist for the event.

Ask guests to prepare their dishes beforehand. Nothing is more stressful than three other guests who are competing for your turkey-filled oven 30 minutes before serving time.

Have to-go trays on hand. Send leftovers home with everyone so you're not stuck with three pounds of potato salad.

Everyone should participate in the clean up. Friends don't let friends clean up by themselves, period.

With a little planning, preparation and help from your closest friends, your Friendsgiving feast is bound to be fabulous. And the memories of your successful soirée will bring a smile to everyone's face long after the leftovers are gone. WGW

43

KidS Korner

Edible Turkeys

T

hese adorable and tasty edible turkeys make fabulous treats for Thanksgiving school parties. They're so easy to make, even the smallest children can help.

These crafty felt turkeys are an awesome activity for the kids to create during Thanksgiving break.

Glue a magnet to the back for refrigerator display, or cut a rectangular piece of light-colored felt and glue to the front of the body to create placecards for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Materials Peanut-shaped sandwich cookies Candy eyes Mini chocolate peanut butter cups Candy corn White candy melts Scissors Parchment paper

44

By Charlene Brooks Photos by Zachary Dailey

Instructions Melt the white candy melts in the microwave.

Dip the peanut-shaped sandwich cookie into the melted white candy and cover cookie completely.

While still wet, place the cookie on the parchment paper.

Place three pieces of candy corn on one end of the cookie to resemble feathers.

Place the mini chocolate peanut butter cup on the other end of the cookie.

Using some of the melted white candy as glue, dab a small amount on the back of the candy eyes and place on the mini chocolate peanut butter cup.

Take the scissors and snip off a small piece of the orange part of the candy corn for the nose.

Using some of the melted white candy as glue, dab a small amount on the back of the nose and place on the mini chocolate peanut butter cup.

Crafty Felt Turkeys

Materials

Green, yellow, red and brown felt sheets Yellow pipe stem Button Googly eyes Glue Scissors

Instructions Cut feathers out of the red, green and yellow felt.

Cut a round body and the turkey's head out of the brown felt.

Glue the felt feathers to the back of the brown body.

Glue the head shape to the front of the feathers.

Glue the googly eyes to the head.

Glue a piece of the yellow pipe stem to the top of the brown felt.

Cut a hook-shaped piece from the red felt to make the turkey's snood.

Glue the snood to the face under the eyes.

Glue the button to the turkey's body in the center and below the yellow pipe stem. WGW

10% off photography sessions with this ad

@DaileyLifePhoto

Senior Portraits Commercial Real Estate Holiday Parties Family Pets Showers Weddings Maternity Newborns Engagement 45

Word Bank

46

Centerpiece Baking Gratitude Feast Indian Corn Leftovers Football November Dressing Family Autumn Leaves Gobble Harvest Friendsgiving Delicious American Basting Cranberries Home Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving Word Search

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Creating Beautiful Smiles For Over 16 years!

M. Dawn Harvey, DMD, PC

Family Dentistry and Complete Facial Esthetics 105 Dallas Rd, Villa Rica, GA 30180 • 770.459.5778 www.drharveysmiles.com

47

Joining to Specialize in You.

West Georgia Healthcare for Women and West Georgia OB/GYN are now

Tanner Healthcare for Women Our women’s care practices are combining to deliver: `

More seamless care

`

A larger care team

`

A single destination for your health

Tanner Health Pavilion 706 Dixie Street, Suite 200 Carrollton, GA 30117 770-214-2121 Shannon Couvreur, DO Amy Goss, MD Megan Grilliot, MD David Helton, MD Jennifer Marshalek, DO Emily Turney, MD Joan Zeller, MD VillaWest Medical Office Building 690 Dallas Highway, Suite 301 Villa Rica, GA 30180 770-812-3850 Hector Caceres, MD Ryan Davis, MD Tiffany Stanfill, MD

Tanner Healthcare for Women TannerHealthcareForWomen.org 48