West Georgia Woman Magazine October 2022

Senior Stars Karley Fuller and Izzy Ripatti Are Leading the Charge for Central Lady Lions Softball

Meg

Photo: Zachary

The Warmest Season of All

Fall is one of my favorite seasons. To me, fall symbolizes more time with my family, meaningful meals and making beautiful and lasting memories. It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

From taking my little great nephews (and now my 7-month-old granddaughter) to pick pumpkins or to play in piles of leaves, to indulging in a delicious Thanksgiving feast and watching my daughter run in Carroll County CASA's Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day, I'm really looking forward to the warmest and most colorful season of all.

If you'd like to preregister for the Turkey Trot, a 5/10K race at Hobbs Farm in Carrollton, visit www.carrollcasa.org. All proceeds from the race benefit area foster children. It's a great way to burn some calories before you eat that big Thanksgiving dinner and you get a really cool long-sleeved t-shirt! Sponsorships are also available starting at $250. I hope to see you there!

In This Issue

Our feature this month is Meg Fletcher. A survivor of domestic violence, this 47-year-old Carrollton mom works tirelessly to help other survivors find safety, support and shelter from the pain of abusive relationships.

On page 10, learn more about Meg and how she's helping domestic violence survivors be courageous and leave their abusive situations.

On page 18, Corey Cusick tells us about two Central Lady Lions softball senior stars, Karley Fuller and Izzy Ripatti, who are leading their team in pursuit of back-toback state championships.

I think most of us experience fearful situations such as being afraid to speak up at work, fearful of making the wrong decision or just being afraid of the unknown.

Fear can actually be healthy for you if you embrace your relationship with it. On page 22, learn how you can use your fears to fuel you so you can grow as a person and achieve your dreams.

If you've never had a mammogram before, or haven't had time to get yours this year, October is a great time to schedule one during Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Yes, it's uncomfortable. Yes, no one likes them. But please schedule one anyway. The earlier breast cancer is found, the earlier it is to treat. It can save your life, and we need you!

If you're uninsured, don't let the cost keep you from scheduling this life saving procedure. Tanner Health System's Mammogram Assistance Fund provides free or reduced cost mammograms to area women. You can learn more at www.Tanner.org or call 770.812.9280. If you're not in a location near Tanner Health System, visit the free mammograms in Georgia website at www.freemammograms.org/state/georgia.

On page 27, Sandra Bolan shares more about the exam itself and how it's definitely worth the squish.

There's much more inside! I hope you will continue to do business with our community advertising partners as much as possible. It is only through their partnership that we are able to give you this beautiful magazine each month. Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Photo by Keith May

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

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 pos sible without the inclusion of our ad vertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women!

Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

Inspiring women wanted.

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

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

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

Need to advertise? Email: Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com Call 404.502.0251

The views, opinions, positions or strat egies 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 represen tations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

Mail correspondence to: West Georgia Woman Magazine P.O. Box 2782 Carrollton, GA 30112

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: (404) 502-0251

Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com

Follow us! @WestGaWoman

Need a copy? We mail thousands of copies each month to households through Direct Mail or get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Smith Brothers Supply Com pany, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot, Neva Lomason Library and 4 a.m. Coffee Roasters (Maple Street) and the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Fabiano’s Pizzaria, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Crook's Grocery (Temple Ave.), Kroger (Bullsboro Drive and Newnan Crossings Blvd and Lee King pharmacy in Newnan; Tanner Health System's Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings in Villa Rica; Kroger (Chapel Hill Rd. and Highway 5) and Food Depot on Hiram Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Kroger on Ridge Rd. in Hiram; WM Grocery and Chuckwagon restaurant in Roanoke, Al. and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Al. We have them in larger quantities at Pub lix (Bullsborough Drive), Lee-King and Thompson pharmacies in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville, Publix at Mirror Lake and New Georgia, CVS in Bowdon as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in 18 cities in eight counties in West Georgia and East Alabama

Photographer for Cover

Editorial

Advertising

West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2022. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice.

Knowing our value. Making a differ ence.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Print or online reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submissions will be included as space is available.

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

Sandra Bolan, Corey Cusick, Jordan Dailey, Rose Isaacs and Amanda Thomas

Zachary Dailey

Hainer

Shelter From the Pain

By Amanda Thomas

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Photo: Meg Fletcher dons a dress from Tanner Health System’s gift shops. Throughout December, all gift shops proceeds will support Tanner Foundation’s Cancer Assist Fund, helping local cancer patients with transportation, medication and more related to their care. Download Tanner’s gift shop app at www.tanner.org/giftshops. Hair: Kimberly Hanson at Southern Blonde Salon.

Carrollton

The decision to leave an abusive relationship is terrifying.

You have to make a decision with life-altering consequences. If you stay, the abuse will likely continue.

If you leave, you face an uncertain future. For many women, the fear of what will happen if they leave is greater than the fear of staying.

Meg Fletcher understands this fear all too well. It wasn’t easy when she decided to leave, but ultimately, it was the best decision she ever made.

Now, the 47-year-old Carrollton mom has made it her mission to help other women in abusive relationships find safety and support. Through her work as an advocate for domestic violence survivors, Meg is helping provide a much-needed shelter from the pain of being in an abusive relationship.

A Hard Truth

Domestic violence is more common than people realize.

One in three women has experienced domestic violence in their lifetime. And in the United States, on average, 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In Georgia, 37.4 percent of women experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual assault or stalking in their lifetimes.

Despite these staggering statistics, domestic violence is still a topic shrouded in silence and shame. This silence only furthers the isolation many women feel when in an abusive relationship.

They think they are alone and may feel like there is nowhere to turn for help. Some women may not even realize what they are experiencing is domestic violence.

But abuse can come in many forms. It can come

from physical violence, like hitting, kicking or choking. It can come from emotional abuse, like name-calling, putting you down or making you feel like you’re nothing.

And it can come in the form of financial abuse, like controlling all the money, not letting you work, or making you ask for money. The common thread in all forms of abuse is that it’s about power and control.

The abuser wants to control every aspect of the

Meg knows all too well the pain and fear that comes with being in an abusive relationship. And now, she’s on a mission to help other women in abusive relationships find safety and support.

But before she could help others, she had to help

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Meg and her parents moved to Marietta, Ga., when she was 3 years old.

While growing up, she remembers her dad, Dean, traveling a lot. She also remembers her mom, who is now deceased, not being able to be there for her and her older sister, Ami, because of mental health

Meg also grew up no stranger to the effects of addiction among family members and friends. Because of this exposure early on in life, she developed a desire to fix or change toxic situations, which led to toxic relationships.

“People are drawn to situations they think they can fix and fall victim to,” she says. “They underestimate the toxicity in the situation.”

As a teenager and young adult, she reached out to the wrong crowd, looking to connect with others. But she was not only looking for a connection.

She wanted to help people – a trait she inherited from her dad.

“I’ve always wanted to help people, but I didn’t know how to do it healthily,” she recalls. “I thought I

could interact or connect with certain people and help them somehow.”

As a result, she found herself involved in a series of situations involving emotional, financial, physical, sexual and verbal abuse.

“It was like I had a flashing light on my head that said, ‘Come to me. I can help you and make you a better person,’" she says. "But what ended up happening is I got the life sucked out of me, thinking I could change people."

And when it was clear her efforts to change them weren't working, she blamed herself.

"I was letting myself down by continuing to stay in these types of relationships," she says.

As she got older and became a mother, she tried to hide the abuse from her children, Jalen, now 27,

Tips For A Happy Halloween

— Teach children to look to the left, right and then left again before crossing the street, and to always cross the street at corners using the crosswalks and traffic signals.

— Decorate costumes and treat bags with reflective tape and choose lighter colors.

— Give your child glow sticks or flashlights

— Avoid masks that may obstruct your child’s view whenever possible. Use face paint or makeup instead.

— The child’s costume should fit well to avoid stepping on or tripping over it.

— Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by a responsible adult or guardian.

If they are mature enough to go by themselves, encourage them to go in groups and stay in familiar and well-lit areas.

— Teach children to never run into the street or cross the street between parked cars.

— Popular trick-or-treating hours are between 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert and watch for children during these hours on Halloween night.

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117 770.832.7076

Emergency Shelter for help. At the time, she wasn't aware of the support systems available in the county to help domestic violence survivors.

Meg credits Al-Anon for saving her life and taking her on the journey to remove herself from abusive situations.

"Once I did that, it was like God had his hands on my shoulders guiding and directing me, saying, 'Good job. You've gone this far. Now, go this direction and do this,'" she recalls.

and Holly, 21.

"I tried to hide it from my kids, but they're very smart," she says.

She also hid it from her family and friends.

"I was a good actress," she recalls. "I didn't want to involve anybody else in it."

After years of being in and out of abusive relationships, Meg decided to leave for good.

"I was worried about not being believed – being judged," she says. "Through the years, it gets easier and easier to talk. But I was afraid that I would lose friends over it."

Meg did lose some friends, but the ones who stuck by her were the ones who truly cared.

"They were very supportive," she says.

She noted that women in abusive relationships are manipulated and brainwashed to feel that staying is their only option.

"An abuser will make you feel like you're not confident enough, smart enough and bright enough," she says. "And if you tell anybody, they're not going to believe you. You're made to believe you're crazy, and that's not the case."

Finding Shelter

Before she got the courage to leave, Meg had been attending Al-Anon Family Groups, a support group to help families and friends of problem drinkers recover from the impacts of a loved one's drinking.

Attending those meetings allowed her to take the rose-colored glasses off so she could stop focusing on the people she was trying to help or change and look at herself in the mirror. She realized she didn't have to accept unacceptable behavior and started defending herself more.

She called the National Domestic Violence Hotline and reached out to the Carroll County

Another thing that helped her feel more confident about leaving is her nearly 30-year career in medical administration. She has served in a management role for various specialties, including podiatry, general surgery, vascular surgery and infectious disease.

"I worked really hard to prove myself and work my way up in every situation," she explains.

Being able to take care of herself financially gave her the strength she needed to take control of her life outside of work.

"I was blinded for a while, but then I realized I was very fortunate that I had a career and the benefits and that I could remove myself from the situation," she says.

Meg was able to find an apartment and a year later built up her credit so she could purchase her first home. She is now a practice administrator for West Georgia Urology Associates in Carrollton.

As a manager, she enjoys building up the employees who report to her.

"That's been such a joy," she says.

She is also a certified SHiNE Dance Fitness instructor at Club Fitness in Carrollton.

"It's fun, and I've been doing it for about seven years now," she says.

Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

Meg gets her groove on as a certified SHiNE Dance Fitness Instructor at Club Fitness in Carrollton.

Now that she has finally removed herself from the situation that was harming her, she can focus on healing with the help of her Al-Anon sponsor, counselor, family and friends.

Sharing the Umbrella

As she continues to heal and move forward, Meg uses her story to help other women in abusive relationships see the light at the end of the tunnel.

While her desire to help people in the past led to unhealthy relationships, this time, she can do it in a much healthier way –by sharing her story and helping others in abusive relationships get out. Not

"When you know people who have gone through it that you can talk to, you realize your stories are different, but there are a lot of similarities – from how you grew up to what you went through to where you are now."

only is she a sponsor for Al-Anon, but she also runs and manages her own support group for women survivors of domestic violence.

There Is Hope provides a safe environment for women who have experienced abuse.

"I do it completely based on my own experience," she says.

She noted that it's hard for survivors to talk to somebody who hasn't been through it because they don't understand.

"When you know people who have gone through it that you can talk to, you realize your stories are different, but there are a lot of similarities – from how you grew up to what you went through to where you are now," she says.

Financial security begins with

She aims to empower women to keep going and not return to abusive situations. In the group, they share personal stories of experience, strength and hope.

They also receive guidance on how to get help and find the resources they need to get out of their abusive relationships or heal from them. Some meetings feature a guest speaker.

The group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Women interested in joining or those who have questions can email hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information.

"It's a private, safe environment, and there is a Zoom link for it if they don't want to come in person," she says.

Meg is also on the Carroll County Emergency Shelter's board and part of the county's domestic violence task force.

Feeling the Sunshine

Despite all the struggles she's gone through, Meg is a woman who has survived the storm and come out on the other side stronger than ever.

A stronger manager. A stronger friend. A stronger daughter. A stronger mother. And a stronger grandmother to Kamrin and Zander.

She knew there would be a treasure on the other side of the rainbow. That treasure includes healthier relationships, a stronger sense of self and a mission to help others who are still struggling.

And how is she feeling today?

"I'm doing great," she says.

Now she is focused on spreading the word about her support group.

"I want to help people not be afraid to talk about it and not be scared," she says.

She believes women sometimes give their abusers too much credit, which helps drive the fear.

"But in time, you figure out it's not your fault, and there's nothing more to be scared about," she says. "There is help out there."

Make Your

a

Unfortunately, not all women know this and spend years in abusive relationships. That's why it's important to raise awareness and speak out. Only then will the cycle of domestic violence be broken.

"People don't talk about it enough," she says. "People don't know about the support systems in place. I want to keep building women up and share my story to keep the conversation going."

When it's time to escape an abusive relationship, domestic violence survivors may not have much to bring with them on their journey to safety, but they always have their voice.

Meg's goal is to help give them the strength to use it. WGW

lady lions roaring toward title repeat

Two cornerstones of the defending state champion Central High School softball team are back and bound for even bigger things this fall.

As the calendar flips to October, seniors Karley Fuller and Izzy Ripatti – the undeniable Lady Lion leaders – are on a collision course for a return to Columbus with all eyes on back-to-back state crowns for one of the premier softball programs across all classifications of the Peach State.

“That’s been their No. 1 goal from the last day of last season to this year. They won a state title and

the next week they were busting it in the weight room. Now they’re pushing the younger girls and leading by example,” Central head coach Dave McKenna says. “They want to go out on the right note. I think if we do what we’re capable of doing at the end of the year, we’ll be competing for it again. They’re definitely not complacent from the October 30th date last year when we won it.”

Izzy, who is part of an elite middle infield for Central at second base, is the reigning Class AAAA Player of the Year, while Karley has captured backto-back Class AAAA Pitcher of the Year accolades

Senior stars Karley Fuller and Izzy Ripatti leading the charge for Central softball in pursuit of back-to-back state championships

By Corey Cusick Karley Fuller (left) and Izzy Ripatti (right).

during her sophomore and junior campaigns.

And while each standout is proud of their individual accomplishments, they both agree that they’d trade it all for another state championship to cap off their careers donning the Maroon and Gray.

“It was a shock, but it was a really good shock,” recalls Izzy of being named state player of the year. “I never thought that would have been me. Of course, winning the championship was the biggest thing. I’d rather have state championships than win player of the year. It’s just fun to be out there and win it with your team and your sisters that you’ve played with for the last four years.”

Central has reached the elite eight – which is held in Columbus every October – each season that this year’s senior class has been in high school. And this group, which also includes catcher Chelsea Jeffers, has no intention of the streak ending on its watch.

“I know we have the talent. We’ve just got to keep working hard and not get complacent,” Karley says. “We’ve got to continue to work, no matter how good or bad we’re doing. We’ve got to stay tight as a team and loyal to each other. Just always have each others’ back.”

Karley marks the latest in a long line of aces in the circle for the Central softball program. The righthander fondly recalls watching those before her, most notably Emily Williams, the star of the 2016 state championship squad who went on to pitch at Mississippi State.

“I always knew I had to compete with that. I looked up to them and how hard they worked and

where they ended up,” says Karley, who also serves as the Lady Lion table-setter offensively hitting in the leadoff spot this year. “Knowing that I’m in that line of people who had the chance to pitch for Central High School, I’m very grateful for it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to pitch for this team, because I love them to death.”

McKenna notes how his No. 1 weapon in the circle checks all the boxes when it comes to being a big-time pitcher on the biggest stage.

“She loves to compete. She loves to get the ball in big games. And it doesn’t happen overnight. She really works at it. With her coming up through middle school, when she arrived as a freshman we knew she was going to be something special,” he says. “She jumped right in her freshman year as our No. 1 pitcher.”

With a plethora of pitches in her repertoire, Karley keeps opposing hitters on their heels behind a devastating changeup.

“She throws three or four pitches, and she can throw them in or out and up or down in any count. But her changeup is her best pitch. It keeps good hitters off-balance,” McKenna says.

“Other teams try to pick out her changeup and sit on it instead of her hard stuff. With her mixing up speeds, it makes her that much harder to hit.”

Izzy got a relatively late start in the sport upon not playing until the middle school level, something McKenna says makes her rise as one of the state’s top players even more impressive.

“I don’t think she’s reached her peak yet. She started playing a little bit later than everybody else,” he says. “She’s one of our key defensive players playing in the middle infield. She would probably play anywhere else in the state at shortstop, but the combination we’ve got up the middle with her athleticism and ability to cover first base on bunts and blooping fly balls in the outfield, we love having her at second just because of how athletic she is and the way she moves.”

Izzy’s partner in crime in the middle infield is junior shortstop Emma Shoemaker, who recently committed to play Division I softball at Charlotte. The tandem delivers a dynamic chemistry on the

the defending state champs.

It’s something they fully embrace.

“It’s a really good feeling because you want to go out there and you want to be the best. You want people to play their best game against you because it makes not only them better, but your team better,” Izzy says. “It’s important because when you’re trying to go for a repeat – it’s something our school hasn’t done yet – and it’s something we really want to do.”

Both Karley and Izzy will be playing softball at the next level upon graduation next spring, as Izzy has already committed to Columbus State, while Karley is seeking out Division I opportunities with a dream of playing in the SEC.

But before taking their talents to the collegiate game, the Lady Lion leaders are laser-focused on leaving their legacy in Lion Valley with another October to remember in Columbus.

“I think we definitely can. It’s going to mean a lot for us to get there for my senior year. We’ve always made it my freshman through junior year, so I have the same expectation for my senior year,” Karley says. “Hopefully, we can win another ring.” WGW

defensive side while also providing plenty of pop at the plate.

“If you ask me, it’s the best middle infield in the state across any classification,” McKenna says. “It’s fun watching those two play and play together. There’s not a lot of coaching to do. You’re just kind of managing when you’ve got talent like that.”

Izzy notes how the bond between her and Emma is merely a matter of mirror imagery.

“Being in the middle with her is like two sisters playing with each other because when you go to turn a double play, it’s perfect. You never think the other person’s not going to do it. You always have each others’ back,” Izzy says. “It’s really special to have that middle infield because it’s such a big part of the defense.”

Central got battle-tested early and often through its non-region schedule this fall, and now the Lady Lions are in the thick of the Region 7-AAAA race, which features fellow perennial powers Heritage, Northwest Whitfield and Sonoraville.

As far as Class AAAA goes, McKenna expects Whitewater, Walnut Grove and North Oconee to be major contenders – along with his own squad, of course.

So as the Lady Lions pursue another run into late October, they do so with the target on their back as

Jill Duncan, Agent

1654 Maple Street

Carrollton, GA 30117

Bus: 770-834-6570

jill.duncan.j3mm@statefarm.com

Right coverage. Right price. Right here in town.

Here’s the deal. The right insurance should help you feel confident and comfortable. I’m the right good neighbor for that. Call me today.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Recognized as a Top Employer from DiversityJobs.com and U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private & The Wall Street Journal. THREE YEARS IN A ROW.

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.

Using Fear to Fuel Your Fire

By Sandra Bolan

You’re terrified of heights, but live on the 20th floor of your apartment building, and you love riding roller coasters. You’ve always dreamed of starting your own business, but you’re afraid you will fail.

Fear is a complex human emotion because it’s so contradictory. On the one hand, it drives our phobias and anxieties. On the other hand, it heightens awareness, optimizes physical performance and drives ambition.

Fear is also an emotion that keeps people safe. The fight-or-flight reflex kicks in when humans perceive imminent danger, thus enabling survival. There is also the fight-or-flight response associated with failure. We take flight, or avoid failure, at all costs. That is the relationship with fear that needs to change if you ever want to grow as a person or achieve your dreams.

Decisions Are Not Life or Death

The fear of making the wrong decision can be paralyzing for some people. These people typically lack the courage to take action on anything, whether it’s applying for a promotion at work, moving to a new city or going on vacation. These are also the

same people who scroll Netflix for hours, incapable of finding something to watch.

The best way to confront the fear of choice is to choose something quickly and deliberately, then force yourself to live with the outcome. The reality is, if you choose between option A or B, and A fails, nothing will happen except you now get to see what option B is all about.

By continually making quick decisions, you will eventually become more adaptable to all sorts of good and bad outcomes, as well as less fearful, because you will realize the outcomes really aren’t that bad.

What Will They Think of Me?

Many people are incapable of trying anything new or following their dreams because they’re terrified of what other people will think of them if they fail. The thought of success and how proud people will be of them never enters their mind.

Fearing what other people think of you is wasted energy that will stop you from achieving your goals.

Instead, let that be the fire in your belly that’s needed to press on versus using it as a reason to not even try.

Worst Case Scenario

If you fear getting shot down by a boss when asking for a raise, leaving a long-term relationship or starting your own business, ask yourself, “If I choose this path, what’s the worst thing that can happen?” Then, write down everything bad that could happen. You’ll find once you remove yourself from the emotion, the negative outcomes aren’t that bad.

When you are scared, you may end up getting stuck, paralyzed or frozen – physically, or mentally. Your natural reaction may be to avoid the situation and do nothing. Instead, name your fears. Naming a negative emotion diminishes its power over you, enabling you to go ahead and face that fear headon and then blow by it.

Using Fear to Fuel You

Think positively. You have the power to maintain absolute positivity, courage and hope in all aspects of your life. If you focus on all the good opportunities the universe has to offer you, good things are more likely to happen for you. Although healthy fear can fuel you, don’t make the fear of failure the central part of your life. Acknowledge the

fear, then work hard to be successful.

Let go of the past. If you’ve failed at endeavors in the past, then you’re one of the lucky ones. You know what caused those failures and have learned not to make the same mistakes. Don’t let those past failures hold you back or pretend they didn’t happen. Respect them, but let them go. Move on to bigger and better things.

Focus on your dreams and goals. It’s important to work toward meeting your goals so you don’t lose that motivation you have to succeed. It’s easy to believe it’s too hard so you can have an excuse to just give up. You have to push through. If you want it bad enough, and if you work hard enough, success should come to you. But it won’t be easy, and you’ll probably be the hardest working person you know. Which brings to the forefront the sacrifices you may

Providing Care and Comfort to All Ages

During Their Time of Grief

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.

Ruby Hightower, Certified Therapy Dog and Grief Counselor.

have to make in the short-term, such as spending more time away from your family, or not having as much disposable income, depending on your goals.

Refuse to listen to negative thoughts (or negative people). Many people’s realities are based on their upbringing. As children and adolescents, we were all programmed to believe certain things about ourselves – right or wrong. These doubts and fears have a name – Imposter Syndrome, a false and sometimes crippling belief that one's successes are the product of luck or fraud rather than skill, according to Merriam-Webster. All those preexisting thoughts, fears and conditions should be thrown out to make room for positive and uplifting thoughts. If you fill your brain with positive, affirmative thoughts, there will be little room for self-doubt. Feed your goals and dreams to starve your fears.

You are capable of doing great things. When you learn to face your fears head-on and understand why you’re so frightened, you become better equipped to not let those fears stop you. You can then utilize that heightened awareness as motivation to work harder and achieve success. WGW

Worth the Squish

What to expect when you schedule your annual mammogram

By Sandra Bolan

Getting your boobs squished in a giant panini maker is not enjoyable. But the few seconds of discomfort are worth it, as mammograms are your best defense against breast cancer.

Depending on your age and family history, the American Cancer Society recommends women at average risk for breast cancer should be screened annually beginning at age 45.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram uses a low-dose X-ray machine that is designed only for looking at breast tissue. Mammograms detect breast lumps that are too small to feel manually. These annual screenings can often find breast cancer early, when it's likely to be easier to treat.

History of The Mammogram

Mammograms can be traced back to 1913, when a German surgeon conducted a mammography study on 3,000 mastectomies, in which he compared X-rays of breasts to the removed tissues.

This study established a visual baseline for what cancerous and non-cancerous breast tumours look

“We knew my brother’s final resting place had to be someplace very special, a place that would have left him speechless. Kyle found beauty in everyone and everything, and he certainly would find it here at Whispering Hills.”

Caitlin Freeman, sister of Kyle Czarnonycz

A simpler, more affordable and memorable way to celebrate a life passed. Call today for a free, guided tour.

623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA

like.

In 1949, a radiologist in Uruguay introduced the compression technique in breast imaging to the medical community, resulting in the modern mammogram. In the late 1950s, a Texas physician discovered a new technique using fine-grain intensifying screens that produced even clearer images of the breast.

Dedicated mammography units finally became available for use around the world in 1969.

As technology improved, digital imaging became the preferred method for breast screening. In 2000, the FDA approved the first digital mammography unit. The first 3D breast imaging technology was approved 11 years later.

The 3D technology, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, takes multiple images of each breast, allowing the radiologist to view the breast layer-bylayer rather than viewing a single flat image. Fine details of the breast tissue are now visible and not hidden by the tissue immediately above or below.

The Journal of the American Medical Association conducted a study in 2014 that concluded the addition of tomosynthesis with digital mammography finds significantly more invasive cancers than traditional mammography alone.

They also found this technology reduces the

number of women called back for false positive readings.

The Exam

Every year, women work themselves up thinking about how bad the mammogram will be. The reality is it’s much less invasive and not nearly as uncomfortable as a Pap smear.

The whole appointment – from checking in to the actual mammogram – only takes about 30 minutes.

If you have not yet reached menopause, schedule your appointment a week after your period. Your breasts will be less tender at this point in your cycle.

Don’t wear deodorant or put powder, lotion or ointment on the chest area as this could impede the accuracy of the mammogram.

Wear a separate top and bottom as you do have to remove your shirt.

You will be given a robe when you check in.

Next is the part most women dread. The radiologist puts one breast at a time between two plates and presses them together.

The compression is required to spread out the breast tissue, which provides a clearer image.

Results can take upwards of two weeks to be

Bank

processed and sent to your doctor, who will contact you with the mammogram’s findings.

Breast Cancer Affects Men, Too

While women make up the majority of breast cancer patients, about 1 percent of those diagnosed annually are men.

The lifetime risk for men contracting breast cancer is 1 in 833 vs. 1 in 8 for women, according to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Symptoms for men include an often painless lump or thickening in the breast area, change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling/puckering/redness of the breast skin, nipples turning inward or an itchy, scaly rash on the nipple.

Sometimes the breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt, according to the American Cancer Society.

These changes aren't always caused by cancer, but if any breast changes are noticed, men should see their doctor as quickly as possible.

If you're uninsured, don't let the cost keep you from scheduling this life saving procedure.

Tanner Health System's Mammogram Assistance

Fund provides free or reduced cost mammograms to area women. You can learn more at www.Tanner.org or call 770.812.9280.

If you're not in a location near Tanner Health System, visit the free mammograms in Georgia website at www.freemammograms.org/state/georgia.

Sometimes women may be afraid to schedule a mammogram, or just don't feel comfortable with the procedure, but it can save your life.

Whenever we have to do something we don’t want to do, we make it out to be worse than it really is.

Make an appointment today to get your annual mammogram. It’s definitely worth the squish. WGW

Daily Fare

Chef RoseWith

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.

Photos by Zachary Dailey

going

Spiced Apple

Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

For the crust:

2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup butter melted

2 tablespoons sugar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the filling:

3 medium apples peeled, cored and chopped

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon cinnamon plus extra to garnish

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 13-inch-by-9-inch baking pan with foil.

Coat the foil with baking spray.

In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon.

Pat the crumb mixture into the prepared pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.

While the crust cools, prepare the filling by cooking the chopped apples in butter in a large skillet.

Cook at medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until the apples are tender.

Allow the filling to cool.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Beat in the eggs, vanilla and cinnamon.

Gently fold in the apples.

Pour this filling over the crust.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until set.

Allow the cheesecake bars to cool on a wire rack for at least one hour.

Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 more hours before serving.

Sprinkle with cinnamon to garnish.

Serves 8. WGW

"

"

A perfect treat for fall that also works great with pears.

Upcycling gives old furniture, clothing, rugs or even light bulbs a second life, along with a brand new function, for a fraction of the cost of brand new pieces. It’s also good for the environment. When you upcycle, you avoid the need to use a new item that has to be made from raw or synthetic materials. You also save the item from being tossed into a landfill.

Turning used, into new Upcycling

By Sandra Bolan Photo: Instagram @vintageinteriorxx

Don’t confuse upcycling with recycling, which is the reprocessing of specific materials, that are then bought and sold as if they were original raw materials.

Almost anything you have in your home could be upcycled into something fresh and new. All it takes is a little work to create a beautiful piece.

Shop your home. Before scrolling through a big box store website or aimlessly wandering the furniture store aisles, shop your home – the garage, shed and basement – where you’ll likely find abandoned items you meant to toss in the trash, but never got around to doing.

Freshen it up. The simplest way to give a piece of furniture new life is with a paint job and some new hardware. Repainting is also the best bang for your buck because the pieces you would typically repaint – dressers, side tables, sideboards, dining room tables and chairs – all have hefty price tags if purchased new. Having your chairs professionally reupholstered is expensive, but it can be a fraction of the cost if you DIY it. Recovering the seat just requires some fabric and a staple or hot glue gun.

Reinvent. An old dresser can be transformed

into a dining room sideboard or even a kitchen island, while old windows can be turned into message boards and picture frames. First, clean the glass and sand the frame to bring the window back to its original state. For the message board, the frame can be left as-is or painted. Next, cover the window panes with black chalk paint. On the bottom of the frame, attach some inexpensive hooks so you now have a place to hang keys and dog leashes. Another version of the message board can be made with an old window shutter. Sand and repaint it, then add binder clips to the slats to hold notes. Make shelves out of wood planks or pallets just by cutting, sanding and staining or painting them. Add hooks to the bottom and you have a place to hang jackets, book bags and dog leashes. Old staircase spindles, which are often very ornate, make for great candle holders. Drill a 2- to 3-inch deep hole at the top of the spindle that is also wide enough to hold your desired candle. Paint according to your décor. Due to its flammable nature, ensure the bottom of the spindle is flat and the candle’s height and weight won’t tip it over. Old glass bottles can be transformed into a table lamp just by adding a small string of lights, or used as vases. Blown light bulbs can be used as hanging fresh flower vases.

With a bit of creativity and sweat equity, upcycling gives brand new life to tired old items, and they can be completely customized to your taste and needs. These items also become more than just furniture because you transformed them into new masterpieces yourself. WGW

place the childs feet on the construction paper. Allow paint to dry. Decorate footprint ghosts as desired.

Materials

One piece of black construction paper

White acrylic paint Paint brush Black marker

By Jordan Dailey

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Can I stay at your house for a night?

The Carroll Country Animal Shelter is in a crisis. Our cages are full with mama cats needing a loving environment to nurse, and raise their litters. Will you open your heart and home to foster a nursing mother with kittens? You provide the roof, we will supply you with everything else. Please contact Cowens@carrollcountyga.com for more information.

Pumpkin Patch Word Search

Cornfield

Cinnamon broom

Trick or Treat

Haunted house

Gourd Witches brew Zombie Jack O lantern

Mummy Burlap

Vampire Slime Werewolf Creepy crawly

Halloween October Ghost Potion

Boogeyman

Experience growth.

Nurses have more choices where to work now than ever before — and the need for nurses is acute. We empower you to do what you went into this profession for: to take care of people. Because our patients aren’t just patients — they’re neighbors, friends, loved ones.

We’re here to take care of our community, and we need you.

#ExperienceTanner for yourself. careers.tanner.org

“It’s exciting to be somewhere you can grow. There are so many new opportunities, all the time.”

Jignasa Patel, RN Cardiac Progressive Care Unit, Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton