West Georgia Woman Magazine Issue October 2023

Photo by Zachary Dailey

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A Welcome Addition

As I'm writing this, my precious little grandson, Benjamin Collins Dailey, has just entered the world! He was born Sept. 27 at 10:14 a.m., and this is one of his first photos.

Mom and baby are doing great! We don't know his height and weight yet, but be on the lookout for his birth announcement in the November issue.

Our entire family is so excited that he is finally here! I can't wait to meet him in person.

In This Issue

Our feature this month is Lauren Pringle, co-owner of Iron P Homestead Zoo in Hogansville, Ga. When a friend invited Lauren and her husband, Cody, to visit his small zoo in Mississippi and see what zoo life was like, they knew from the start that they wanted to build something similar in Georgia.

On page 10, learn more about Lauren and her desire to create unique experiences for people in our local communities through her zoo.

Is your garage overflowing with junk you don't need? I don't know why, but it seems stuff grows in our garage of its own free will! No matter how often we clean it, things seem to just collect there. If you're ready to get rid of some stuff, turn to page 20 and find out how to organize the perfect neighborhood garage sale this fall.

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is on the rise in the Southeastern U.S. On page 24, learn more about this virus and how to protect those who are at high-risk for complications. Do you feel tired and sluggish all the time? It could be the food you're putting in your body. On page 32, Sandra Bolan shares information on gut healthy foods that will have you feeling better in no time.

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

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

See you next month!

Photo by Zachary Dailey

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!

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Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey

angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor

Editorial Contributor Shala Hainer

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Photographer for cover/ Graphic Design

Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Jordan Dailey and Rose Isaacs

Advertising Sales

Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com

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

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

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

Where the Wild Things Are

West Georgia family puts unique spin on the zoo experience

Photos by Zachary Dailey

By Shala Hainer

Although many believe living at home with children is like living in a zoo, Lauren Pringle has the best of both worlds: she and her family share their homestead with a zoo full of exotic animals in Hogansville, Ga.

Born and raised in Newnan, Ga., Lauren grew up on a farm with three brothers and a sister. “We always had animals of all shapes and sizes, and you could always find me outside,” she explains. “I was very much a tomboy, and I always felt at home with my animals and horses.”

Lauren found a love of horses early on in life, and she decided to give barrel racing a try. As luck would have it, her love of horses helped her find the love of her life – husband Cody Pringle – at a rodeo.

“Cody and I met in high school rodeo in 2005 when we were 16,” she recalls. “He was from Rockmart, Ga. I was homeschooled from the age of 8, but I was very involved with 4-H and horses my whole life. They will always be my first love. We have a 10-year-old son named Canyon who is also homeschooled and one of the best tour guides if you visit the zoo!”

She and Cody still enjoy competing in rodeos –she barrel races, and Cody is a saddlebronc rider.

“I have rodeoed off and on my entire adult life pretty much,” Lauren shares. “I accomplished one of my longtime goals of making the International Professional rodeo finals in Guthrie, Okla., this past January. That was a huge struggle and took an army of family and friends to help me juggle the zoo, the business and rodeo!”

In addition to the zoo, the rodeo and their family, Lauren and Cody also own a discount store in LaGrange.

“It’s a family business idea that was passed down from Cody’s late father, she says. “We have had several locations through the years, but upon having the idea for the zoo, we closed them all except LaGrange.”

Deciding the zoo idea was a keeper, lifelong animal lovers, Lauren and Cody have a history of being surrounded by their furry friends. “Cody and I always have had animals. When we first got married at 18, we were the couple in the neighborhood who snuck rabbits, pigs, ducks and chickens into our rental house,” Lauren laughs. “We have always had and loved raising animals. As Cody would say, they bring us peace in a busy world.”

A zoo wasn’t originally on their radar when they thought about their future plans, but then a friend invited them to visit his small zoo in Mississippi and see what zoo life was like. They immediately knew they wanted to build something similar in Georgia to share animals’ stories and create unique experiences for the local communities.

“It snowballed from there,” Lauren says. “We had to become a licensed facility, which took around nine months. We already had the land, and we started construction immediately. We had no idea what the plan was really, but it just started to take shape as we went along.”

The labor of love took countless hours – mostly after hours, since Lauren and Cody already had daily work commitments at their discount store business.

“We worked all day at our business and worked all night at the zoo,” she remembers. “We worked

Lauren shows some love to an alpaca – one of her favorite animals at the Iron P Homestead zoo.

nonstop through the winter months. We hired people off the street who wanted to help us build – any help we could find – through COVID, pneumonia, all hours of the night in 20 degrees, empty bank accounts, and people who probably thought we were crazy. We broke ground the day after Christmas 2020, and we opened in April 2021. It was all worth it – we had lines at the door! God is good!”

There aren’t very many registered zoos in the U.S. – less than 400, according to industry research firm IBISWorld – and most are found in major metropolitan areas. Lauren wanted to make animal experiences easy for people, without requiring the drive into downtown Atlanta.

About half the people in the world live in suburban or urban areas, often disconnected from nature. Zoos like Iron P Homestead share information about the animals, their habitats and their struggles, instilling a desire to

support wildlife preservation in people who never had animals’ needs on their radar, states the Wild Welfare organization.

A Personal Touch

From the beginning, Lauren had a vision for the zoo to make it different. She wanted it to be a more personal, hands-on experience, where visitors could get excited about touching, feeding and watching both domestic and exotic animals. At Iron P Homestead Zoo, that includes a variety of animals such as alpacas, goats, lemurs, water buffalo, zebras, tayra, Asian small-clawed otters and large birds such as ostrich and emu. While regulations don’t allow all the animal types to be touched by visitors, the zoo has several interesting ones in the petting zoo or feeding areas that people don’t usually get to interact with, including an African big-horned sheep, a

Iron P Homestead Zoo

Lauren, right, with her husband, Cody, with the camel, her son Canyon, with the alpaca, and family friend, Brandon Leo, with the parrot. Brandon lives on the property and oversees the zoo.

nilgai antelope and a camel.

Lauren hopes the experience inspires visitors to find a place where they fit in the animal conservation movement, whether as animal activists, biologists, conservationists or just overall animal lovers.

“We always knew that we wouldn’t be a ‘normal’ zoo,” she shares. “We never wanted to. Since the beginning, our goal has always been to give people an experience that will follow them once they leave. If we could get people as close as possible to animals and let them see all the ins and outs of their care, then maybe it would spark future generations of animal lovers to embark on journeys themselves, maybe into rehabilitation or zoology studies, veterinarians, or all the other animal avenues that the world needs to ensure they are around for a long time. Every zoo serves a purpose!”

Looking back to her childhood, Lauren feels that it’s not such a surprise she would open a zoo with the mission of educating people on what’s wonderful about each animal to help foster their love of wildlife.

“I grew up in the era of the Crocodile Hunter, and

I remember I would sit and cry during certain parts of the show,” she recalls. “I would set up the family video camera and make tapes on how to educate people about animals with my stuffed animals. It just goes to show that you never know the magnitude of how the seed you plant will come to bloom.”

Iron P Homestead Zoo has grown large enough to offer several add-on encounters, in addition to General Admission, which already includes the Petting Corner, where visitors can enjoy hands-on interaction with domestic and exotic animals; the Petting Barn, where visitors can feed some of the animals; and the Walk-in Exotic Bird Aviary, where visitors have a chance to feed the birds – who often land on the people for a better chance of a tasty treat.

Additional encounters include the Nursery Experience, where visitors can see how the staff cares for the zoo’s babies, and can sometimes help feed them. In the Capybara Encounter, visitors get a personal experience learning more about this exotic but adorable creature. With the Sloth Encounter, zoo goers have a chance to interact with Samuel the Sloth, and in the Alligator Encounter, visitors meet a baby alligator up close while learning more about the species and watching the adult alligators in the Alligator Lagoon – from a safe distance, of course.

“We also offer a Behind the Scenes/Be a Zookeeper for the Day experience,” Lauren shares.

Benefits of Good Experiences

While education and conservation are huge pieces of how zoos help make a difference, sometimes the difference they make is more personal. It turns out interacting with animals has lasting mental health

Lauren pets the zoo's Muntjac deer. An omnivore, this animal has fangs and barks.

artwork by 2022

best in show winner

nathan miller

benefits, and Lauren’s vision of visitors being able to touch and spend time with some of the animals may be just what the doctor ordered.

Animal-assisted therapy, sometimes called zootherapy, incorporates animals into treatment plans for conditions such as autism, depression, ADHD, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, according to Psychology Today. For some of these people, having a pet to care for at home helps alleviate loneliness and help give purpose to their lives. But periodic experiences can be just as helpful. When someone interacts with an animal in a safe and personal way, like in a petting zoo, it can help lower blood pressure and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It has also been shown to increase self-esteem and self-confidence. People who struggle with social skills often feel more confident while interacting with animals, which, over time, helps them develop stronger social and communication skills with people.

The best forms of zootherapy include the ability to touch, feed and interact with the animals, although merely observing animal behavior in person can help improve focus and feelings of trust or compassion, according to the Health Board.

In addition to serving as a local educational and entertainment venue, zoos benefit the world as a whole by being an active participant in conservation efforts. As part of their commitment to helping animals worldwide, Iron P Homestead

Zoo partners with Kids Saving the Rainforest, a nonproft

Cody's mom, affectionately known as "MeMaw" at the zoo, is Iron P's best tour guide. She loves to educate people about the animals during library shows, field trips and animal encounters.

based out of Costa Rica, and shares some of their proceeds with them. Founded in 1999 by two 9-year-old girls, the organization focuses on educating people worldwide about the ecological importance of the rainforest and implements programs to preserve and protect the rainforest and its wildlife.

“Kids Saving the Rainforest is founded by a very well-known friend in the animal community,” Lauren says. “In the spring, we actually had a chance to visit Costa Rica for a tour of the facility. They are the epitome of boots on the ground. They have a 24/7 veterinary hospital in the middle of the jungle! Sloths, monkeys and dozens of other animals were there being rehabilitated for release back into the wild. It was an honor to see so many people actually making a difference. A portion of our proceeds from Sloth Encounters here at the zoo goes to help in their care.”

It Takes A Village

A labor of love, Iron P Homestead Zoo is more than just a family undertaking. It takes help and dedication from friends, colleagues and staff to

keep the zoo moving forward. There are many hoops to jump through to meet all the necessary guidelines and requirements to keep the animals and patrons safe.

Starting a zoo requires federal USDA licensure, as well as state licenses. Building and maintaining the proper enclosures takes a huge amount of time and expense, as does caring for the animals’ health and well-being.

“Cody was a vet tech for many years,” Lauren shares. “He has a natural ability to know if something is wrong or needs attention. We really rely on his animal science brain a lot!”

She says they are surrounded by wonderful staff and friends who help make the zoo possible. “We have a great staff at the zoo, and it takes a village to keep everything going. Our lifelong best friend Brandon Leo lives on the property and oversees the zoo – he is irreplaceable.”

They try to keep their admission fees affordable. In the spring, summer and fall, they are open weekdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. General admission is $19.99 for adults and $14.99 for children.

“We are self-funded, and there is a lot of stress that comes with knowing you are solely responsible

for the welfare of over 200 animals,” Lauren admits. “We try to utilize many areas of income as far as offering services to the community and educational programs all over the state. The Lord always provides.” WGW

Get Rid of It!

Organizing the perfect neighborhood yard sale

By Sandra Bolan

Everyone has a lot of stuff. Some of that stuff we keep “just in case” we might need it one day, or we have stuff that we’ve completely forgotten about because it’s buried at the back of the closet – which is so full of more stuff the door barely closes. This is how we end up with three blenders and shirts that are two years old, never worn and still have the tags on them.

When we finally get fed up with the closet overflowing and dresser drawers not closing, we promise ourselves we’re going to declutter. This is the perfect time to sell your unwanted things and put a little money back in your pocket.

A garage sale is a great way to sell your items because it gives you a hard date in which the decluttering has to be completed. You’re probably not alone in having too much unused/unwanted stuff, so why not ask your neighbors to join in. The more homes with garage sales taking place on the same day and on the same street increases foot traffic, which in turn, increases the amount of stuff you can unload as well increase your income.

It takes about two weeks to go through a home from top to bottom, figuring out what you’re going to trash, donate or sell. Be ruthless. If you haven’t worn or used it in six months, it needs to go.

In deciding which items go in which pile, things destined for the trash are torn, smell or broken. Donate things like adult clothes as they typically don’t sell well at garage sales. Items you want to earn a little cash back on need to be in almost new and in working condition, and should be clean.

Items that traditionally sell well at garage sales include baby and kids’ clothes, toys, kitchen gadgets, artwork, tools, lawn equipment, dishes and cookware.

The date can make or break your

sales. Pick a Saturday or Sunday during the school year so you can maximize traffic. Hosting a garage sale during the summer vacation almost guarantees a low turnout.

Check with your neighborhood HOA rules regarding times and signage. If you can, start around

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. TODAY!

7 a.m. and shut it down around 2 p.m., as that’s when garage sale traffic typically dwindles.

Advertise

Utilize all the social media apps you and your neighbors have. Post photos of the unique and big ticket items to give people an idea of what you have available.

Place lawn signs a few blocks away with the date and time. Remember to remove them as soon as you shut down.

The whole purpose of a garage sale is to make money. One of the best ways to do that is by organizing your items. Clearly mark the price on the item and don’t be afraid to price them really low. No one cares what you originally paid, nor do they care about your emotional attachment to it. People searching for unwanted treasures at garage sales want a good deal. Typically, you’ll make more money and unload more items with cheaper prices. The rule of thumb when it comes to garage sale pricing is to

Layout Your Space

You want your driveway/front yard/garage to be shoppable. Think of your garage sale as a store where everything is organized by department: art, books, collectables, furniture, home décor, kitchen, linens, school supplies, sporting goods, tech, tools and toys. Clothes are hung up and separated by gender, then season and size. Don’t fold clothes on a table, as you’ll have to constantly go behind browsers and refold them – hang them

770.462.5005

Within each department, items should be placed neatly on tables, and prices should be clearly marked on each item. Avoid putting items on the ground, unless they’re large, such as furniture and lamps. Spread the tables and racks far enough apart for people to easily walk between them. The unique, big ticket or large items should be placed out front to draw attention to your sale. You may not sell them, but they’ll likely get people to stop so they will browse through your stuff and buy something.

When it comes to baby clothes, as well as books, bundle like-items together. For example, you have

five size 2 onesies. Price all five of them as a lot. You may have an entire book series. Sell it as one unit. This helps unload numerous items quickly, and shoppers will feel like they got an even better deal.

Payment

Garage sales have traditionally been a cash-only business, but people rarely carry cash anymore, so ensure you have a variety of payment methods available such as PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Zelle and Square, as well as cash – just in case. You never want someone to leave items behind because you couldn’t accommodate a payment method. WGW

RSV Keeping infants and the elderly safe

By Sandra Bolan

Respiratory illnesses are not new, but since COVID-19, people have a heightened awareness about a sniffle and cough. One of the ailments in the forefront of people’s minds now, despite having been around for decades, is RSV – Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

What Is RSV?

RSV is a respiratory virus that easily spreads through the air via sneezing or cough droplets, as well as being transmitted by shaking hands. The virus can also enter the body through the eyes, nose or mouth.

Some people may never know they have the virus, because it typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms.

Symptoms

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under the age of 1.

Other symptoms, which show up in stages for people of any age, include runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. Middle ear infections can also be a by-product of an RSV infection. People are usually asymptomatic within the first four to six days of becoming infected, and can continue to spread the virus upwards of four weeks after contracting it. A RSV diagnosis can be made with a physical exam, which includes a

nasal swab, and, in some cases, a chest X-ray, as well as blood and urine tests. For healthy adults, RSV rarely results in hospitalization.

Treatment is typically over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well drinking lots of fluids. Complications occur when the virus spreads to the lower respiratory tract.

High Risk Populations

As with every illness, there are groups of high-risk individuals whose symptoms hit them more severely than the average person. When it comes to RSV, infants, young children, older adults and people with chronic ailments, such as asthma and congestive heart failure, are at risk for RSV becoming life threatening.

Almost all kids will have contracted RSV by age 2, and anywhere between 58,000 and 80,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized annually, according to the CDC. Premature infants and infants under the age of six months, have a high risk of contracting RSV, as do children under the age of 2 who suffer from lung disease, have a weakened immune system or a neuromuscular disorder. Older adults are also at-risk. Between 60,000 and 160,000

are hospitalized every year with RSV, according to the CDC, which also notes 6,000 to 10,000 deaths a year are attributed to RSV. Those of particular high-risk have chronic heart or lung diseases and weakened immune systems.

Earlier this year, an RSV vaccine was approved, but only for certain portions of the population, including for some people over the age of 60.

Prevention

While we’d like to have all at-risk children and adults live in a bubble so they remain healthy for as long as possible, that’s not realistic. There are, however, simple measures we can all take to not only protect the vulnerable, but also the public at large from contracting RSV. This includes washing your hands, keeping your hands away from your face and the face of others, avoiding sharing utensils and drinks with others, coughing/sneezing into your arm and not your hands, cleaning and disinfecting all of your home’s hard surfaces daily (RSV can live for numerous hours on hard surfaces), and staying home

if you feel sick. Basically maintain all the protocols instilled during the height of COVID.

For the most part, a bout of RSV will feel like nothing more than the common cold, but for others, it can result in serious complications. Prevention is your best medicine, which in this case, is as simple as washing your hands and keeping your home clean. WGW

Daily Fare Chef Rose With

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

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

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

She is a personal chef who offers cooking lessons, baby food prep, date night dinners for two and more.

Learn more about Chef Rose at www.chefrosecooks.com.

Chef Rose photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography Recipe photos by Agresta Photography www.agrestaphotography.com @agrestaphotography

Caramel Apple Martini

Ingredients

1 ounce caramel vodka

1 ounce green apple vodka

2 ounces apple cider

2 ounces apple juice

Ice cubes

Sliced fresh apple, for garnish

Caramel sauce, for rim (optional)

Preparation

If desired, rim a martini glass with caramel sauce by dipping the rim into a shallow plate of the sauce. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the caramel vodka, green apple vodka, apple cider and apple juice to the shaker. Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.

Strain the cocktail into the prepared martini glass.

Garnish with a slice of fresh apple on the rim of the glass.

Remember to drink responsibly.

Serves 2.

" To make as a mocktail, swap vodkas for ginger beer or soda water . "

No Bake Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup milk

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 1/2 cups quick oats

1/2 cup caramel or butterscotch chips (optional)

Preparation

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Stir in the sugars and milk, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Allow to boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the saucepan from heat.

Stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves and salt until well combined.

Quickly fold in the oats and caramel or butterscotch chips (if using) until the mixture is fully combined.

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or parchment paper in desired size.

Allow the cookies to cool and set for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Serves 10 to 12. WGW

"

The perfect no bake fall treat . "

Feel Good Foods

What you should eat for a healthy gut

By Sandra Bolan

The human gut is a nine-meter-long tube that begins at the mouth, moves down to the esophagus and stomach, then continues all the way through the small and large intestines.

The purpose of this long and winding tube is to digest food. Once we swallow our food, it immediately begins to break down into smaller pieces. The foods’ nutrients are absorbed into the body, and what you don’t require is expelled. The more nutrient-dense food you eat, the better you feel – mentally and physically – and the stronger your body’s immune system becomes.

What to Eat to Improve Gut Health

You've probably heard the phrase, “Junk in, junk out.” When you eat junk food such as candy, chips, soft drinks and fast food, it goes right through your body – literally. All of those artificial flavors, colors and food additives wreak havoc on your GI tract, thanks to their low-fiber, high-sugar content, which can lead to an inflamed gut and numerous digestive issues.

Your cognitive function and mood may also be

impaired, as 90% of your “happy hormones,” aka serotonin, is actually produced in your gut.

When it doesn’t receive any usable nutrients, it’s not happy.

Since you don’t have an engine light to tell you there’s a problem, how can you tell you have an inflamed gut? Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, stomachache, heartburn and indigestion.

The obvious foods to eliminate from your diet are

all things processed – including fast food. If you do eat processed food, ensure the ingredient list is short and doesn’t require a dictionary to decipher them.

A simple way to navigate the grocery aisle and ensure minimally processed foods are the only items in your cart is to shop the outside aisles, which is where you’ll find all the fruit, vegetables, dairy and meats.

There are some minimally processed foods that are actually good for your gut because they contain pro- and prebiotics. These are fermented foods and may help with digestion, boost immunity and possibly help you drop a few pounds.

What is a fermented food? They’re “produced through controlled microbial growth and the conversion of food components through enzymatic action,” according to the National Library of Medicine. That definition wasn’t helpful was it? This will make it easier. Examples of fermented foods are kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, tempeh and yogurt.

You'll also want to eat fiber-rich foods, which not only help move food through the GI tract so it can be absorbed or expelled more easily, but they can also help you feel full longer, as well as

mitigate sugar cravings. High-fiber foods also lower your cholesterol and help reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Naturally high-fiber foods include almonds, artichokes, apples, dragon fruit, garlic, mushrooms, oats and soybeans. Other gut healthy foods to include in your diet are avocados, bananas, beans, blueberries, broccoli, chia seeds, chickpeas, grapes, green peas, lentils, popcorn (not the microwave kind), onions, spinach and raspberries. Replace your coffee with green tea and that milk chocolate candy bar with a small square of dark chocolate.

The human gut is complex and affects everything from mood to cravings and your bathroom schedule. It’s a daunting task to overhaul your diet and switch from all processed to whole foods.

Try one meal at a time, slowly adding the good gut foods while eliminating the processed ones. For example, make homemade french fries instead of ripping open a bag of frozen fries, which are seasoned with more chemicals than actual seasonings.

Once you introduce more gut healthy foods into your diet, you most likely notice your body will crave almonds instead of potato chips, and you’ll slowly begin to feel better in mind, body and spirit. WGW

Welcoming

Dr. Rachel Harper to Widener Family Dentistry

UGA & DCG Alumni

Hinman Scholar

Inducted into OKU & the National Dental Honor Society

Certified Solea laser dentist to help provide the highest quality of dental care

Dr. Harper is married to Dr. Chris Harper. they enjoy raising corgi puppies and quarter horses on their small farm

Providing

Leading Edge Dentistry

Solea Laser Dentistry

90% of Fillings with no shot or drill

3D Digital Imaging

Crowns, Veneers, and all Aesthetic

Makeovers designed by both Doctors in house

Digital 3D printed splints & Dentures

Same day placement and restoration of implants

Now Serving West GA in Two Locations

• Carrollton 110 Executive Dr, Carrollton, GA (770) 834-4847

• Bowdon

106 Sue Avenue, Bowdon, GA (770) 628-5557

LocaL Happenings

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group

This group meets the third Thursday of each month from 11:00 to noon at the Villa Rica Library located at 869 Dallas Highway, Villa Rica, Ga. These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Weight checks for your baby will be available at no cost. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us. Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.

Domestic Violence Support Group

There is Hope is a support group for women survivors who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, domestic violence.

This is a private group where women survivors come together and share their personal stories of experience, strength and hope.

This group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at a private location. A ZOOM option is available.

There will be guidance for help and resources available as needed. At times there will also be guest speakers.

Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information and to obtain the privacy contract with the physical address or ZOOM meeting ID and passcode.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Groups

Has your life been impacted by the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide? You are not alone.

These groups offer peer support for anyone who has been affected by suicide loss.

There is no cost to attend.

Group meetings in Carrollton are the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 306A Bradley Street.

For more information, contact Ivey Rollins at iveyrollins@gmail.com or call 470.729.0909.

Group meetings in Douglasville are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 6167 Priestley Mill Rd., Room 226.

For more information, contact Terri Johnson at chose2live@aol.com or 770.765.2181.

Group meetings in Newnan are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 2564 Hwy 154.

For more information, contact Lynn Bradley at 770.301.4890 or email nbll.bradley170@gmail.com, or contact Nancy Bradley at 770.251.6216.

PFLAG Carrollton Support Group

PFLAG Carrollton provides a free monthly peer facilitated support group for adult members (ages 18+) of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as their family, friends and allies, as a resource for families struggling with acceptance of their LGBTQ+ loved ones.

The goal is to meet people where they are and lead with love.

PFLAG’s mission of support, education and advocacy from a place of love can help struggling families, as well as the community at large.

Support group meetings (for adults 18+) are led by a PFLAG trained facilitator and held on the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 101 Somerset Place in Carrollton.

Contact Julia Houser, pflagcarrollton@gmail.com for more information.

The Power of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Southwire Releases First DEI Report and Updates Website with New Mission Statement and Areas of Focus

Southwire’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goes beyond what happens in the workplace and extends into the communities in which its team members work and live across its entire footprint. As Southwire powers forward and establishes itself as an organization that is intently focused on DEI, the company has released its first DEI report.

The report focuses on 2022 results and openly communicates Southwire's ongoing commitment to DEI. At the same time, Southwire is releasing a new version of its DEI website, updating its mission statement and refining its areas of focus — all of which are bold steps for a private company. The report and new website updates can both be found at www.southwire.com/dei.

“We recognize that this is a unique moment in our DEI journey at Southwire, one in which we have the opportunity to stand tall as an industry leader,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “As we continue to mature, we want every team member to have the knowledge and tools necessary to embed these DEI principles into

their daily activities, and by continuing to empower, value and diversify our workforce, I’m confident that we will build upon our momentum and position Southwire to be generationally sustainable for the next 100 years and beyond.”

In recent years, Southwire has executed its DEI strategy through seven areas of focus: Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Inclusive Recruiting, Talent Development, Suppliers, Giving Back, Advocacy and External Partnerships. The report focuses on key metrics within those areas of focus.

Southwire has continued to invest and promote ERGs by supporting an inclusive culture and providing opportunities for networking, engagement and professional development across its locations in Canada, Honduras, Mexico and the United States. The company’s efforts in this space have contributed to Southwire receiving multiple awards, including being recognized as a Top 10 Enterprise-Wide ERG recipient for the 2022 Diversity Impact Awards.

Over the past four years, Southwire has accelerated its commitment to DEI by focusing on its pipeline development, inclusive recruitment and external partnerships. The company is committed to supporting a more inclusive workplace for team members, communities and society at

large. Southwire has worked to hire more women, individuals from underrepresented communities (URCs) and veterans, and for the fourth consecutive year, was recognized by DiversityJobs.com as a Top Diversity Employer.

As Southwire advances its DEI strategy, the company will continue to focus on creating an inclusive ONE Southwire culture. Looking toward 2023 and beyond, its areas of focus will transition to People Leaders, Inclusive Workforce, ERGs, Reputation and Community, Equity and Governance and Value and Supply Chain.

"At Southwire, we power progress. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is essential to our strategic plan, to create generational sustainability and continued growth in our industry,” said Cara Herzog, chief DEI Officer. “We are an organization poised for tremendous growth, and an essential piece of that growth is our ability to attract, retain and engage a diversified workforce. We will continue to lead with our actions to influence positive change — not only for us but for our entire industry."

For more Southwire news, visit www.southwire. com/newsroom.

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

Carroll EMC Offices Close Early for Annual Meeting

All Carroll EMC offices will close early Thursday, October 5, for the Annual Meeting.

The Buchanan office will close at 3 pm and the Carrollton office at 3:30 pm.

During this time, make payments at the kiosks, through the automated phone payment system (770-832-3552), online at carrollemc.com or via the free Carroll EMC mobile app.

To report a power outage, call 770-832-3552 (Option 1) or report it online at carrollemc.com or

through the Outage Pal app.

We invite you and your family to join us for our 87th Annual Meeting hosted at our Carrollton headquarters at 155 N. Highway 113. For more information, visit carrollemc.com.

Carroll EMC Blood Drive

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

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

Walk-ins are also welcome.

Southwire’s 12 for Life® Opens New Industrial Maintenance Lab in Partnership with Carroll County Schools

Southwire’s 12 for Life® is pleased to partner with Carroll County Schools to open a new Industrial Maintenance Lab to its students.

“The Industrial Maintenance Lab is a great opportunity for our students to be able to pick up a skilled trade that is in high demand — not only by Southwire but also for all industry needs,” said

Southwire’s 12 for Life® is pleased to partner with Carroll County Schools to open a new Industrial Maintenance Lab to its students.

“The students who complete this training and receive the lab certification can take the skills they learn to any industry and have a distinct advantage. I’m excited to see what the future holds with this addition to the facility.”

12 for Life, a collaborative partnership that began between Southwire and Carroll County Schools in 2007, provides classroom instruction, on-the-job training, key work and life skills, mentoring and employment opportunities. Through the program, students are motivated to stay in school, graduate and move ahead to become successful, productive members of the communities in which they live. Due to its growth and success in the west Georgia area, a second site for 12 for Life was added at Southwire’s campus in Florence, Ala., in 2010.

"12 for Life has proven to be a gamechanger for our students," said Scott Cowart, superintendent of Carroll County Schools. “They have the opportunity to get experience, learn job skills, earn a paycheck and have a job waiting for them when they graduate. Southwire and other local industries have a critical shortage of skilled industrial maintenance technicians, and this expansion allows our students to be trained to help meet this need. It's a win for everyone."

To prepare students for a future career in industrial maintenance, 12 for Life recently started offering training opportunities that cover various industrial maintenance topics, including pneumatic systems, mechanical systems, electric motors and more. Students who participate in industrial maintenance courses will receive both computer lessons and hands-on training with several machines.

“The words ‘exposure’ and ‘engagement’ come to mind when describing the purpose of 12 for Life’s Industrial Maintenance class,” said Joel Grubbs, 12 for Life site supervisor for Carroll County Schools. “In January, we started class with 15 students, and we quickly observed how eager they were to learn the skills necessary to secure a job in the field of industrial maintenance. Offering this lab to our students exposes them to that career path, and they are seeing for themselves that the technology skills they learn in the lab allowthem to repair and maintain the machinery that they’re using as operators.”

To learn more about Southwire’s commitment to its Giving Back visit the website at www.southwire.com/sustainability/giving-back.

BOE Seeks Candidates for Interim District 4 Representative

Due to the untimely death of Board of Education member Clayton Kierbow who represented District 4 since 2017, the Carroll County Board of Education will appoint an interim member to represent District 4 until the current term ends on December 31, 2024. Individuals who reside in District 4 and wish to be considered for this appointment should:

Review the qualifications and restrictions. Submit a letter of interest to Superintendent Scott Cowart by Monday, October 9, 2023. This letter should include:

• Statement of interest

• List of professional experience

• List of references including names and addresses

Be willing to address the Board of Education at the Work Session on Monday, October 16, 2023 to share your interest in serving as a member of the Carroll County Board of Education

For more information, please contact Micah Maner at the Carroll County Board of Education, 770.832.3568.

Celebrated Chorus

Chanticleer Coming to Center for the Arts

The Carrollton Center for the Arts will host Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer,

Derrick Autrey, plant manager of Southwire’s Copper Rod Plant and former plant manager of 12 for Life in Carrollton, Ga.

The Carrollton Center for the Arts will host Grammy-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer, October 6 at 7:30 p.m.

October 6 at 7:30 pm.

Named for the clear-singing rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer has been hailed by the New Yorker as “the world’s reigning male chorus.” Founded in San Francisco in 1978 by singer and musicologist Louis Botto, Chanticleer is one of the most prolific recording and touring ensembles in the world, known for its dazzling virtuosity. Their wide-ranging repertoire is rooted in the renaissance and includes classical, gospel, jazz, popular music and new compositions and arrangements.

“It is rare to have a Grammy Award-winning group perform in Carrollton,” said Carrollton Center for the Arts Manager Tim Chapman. “This group will amaze our audience with breathtaking harmonies. It’s like eating the perfect piece of chocolate. Please do not miss this performance.”

Chanticleer received the Dale Warland/ Chorus America Commissioning Award and the ASCAP/Chorus America Award for Adventurous Programming. Music Director Emeritus Joseph H. Jennings received the Brazeal Wayne Dennard Award for his contribution to the African–American choral tradition during his tenure with the ensemble.

The group maintains ambitious education and outreach programming in its hometown of San Francisco and an annual concert series that includes its legendary holiday tradition A Chanticleer Christmas.

This concert is sponsored by the Sewell Foundation.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for youth (12 and under) and can be purchased online at carrolltonarts.com, by phone at 770-838-1083 or at the Center’s box office at 251 Alabama Street.

For questions concerning this event, please call 770.838.1083.

Carrollton Center for the Arts Hosts 20th Arts Festival

The Arts Festival of Carrollton returns to the Carrollton Center for the Arts October 14 and 15 for its twentieth year presenting fine artists from across the United States.

“We feel like this is one of the best arts festivals in the state,” said Center for the Arts Manager Tim Chapman. “We have a large variety of artists and performers and things to do, and this year we have even more food vendors.”

Chapman’s views are shared by Sunshine Artist Magazine, who ranked the Carrollton Festival of the Arts the 14th most profitable art and craft festival in the country based on artists’ reported sales in 2022. The two-day event is held each year on the second weekend in October and features more than 70 visual artists, live entertainment and demonstrations, food trucks, youth exhibits and roving artists. The festival will also host a performance by the Carrollton Jazz Orchestra at the Amp at Adamson Square, Saturday night at 7 p.m. New this year, Arti Gras, a New Orleans-style parade, will wind its way through the festival site starting at 10:05 a.m. opening day. The procession will feature Grand Marshal Linda Fulford followed by Mother Arts and costumed representatives of all the different types of art offered at the Center for the Arts. Mayhayley’s Grave will stroll and play music. Chainsaw artist Chris Lantz of Extreme Sculpting will participate for the first time.

In the meantime, art lovers can start an art savings account by purchasing Art Bucks certificates, either by calling (770) 838-1083 or going by the Center. The certificates can be used to buy art during the festival. Art Bucks purchases include the certificate and a Patron Award, which are presented to the artist when the patron makes a purchase. The artist will display the award in their tent and redeem the Art Bucks for cash. Art Bucks and Patron Award ribbons are picked up at the information booth on Saturday and Sunday of the festival. Visit artsfestivalofcarrollton.com for more information.

The event is sponsored by Georgia Council for the Arts, Community Foundation of West Georgia, Carroll EMC, Cole Family Foundation, Almon Funeral Home, SMI, Randy and Connie Jones, Charlie and Sissy Almon, Syncglobal and Edward Jones – Fred O’Neal.

The Arts Festival of Carrollton returns to the Carrollton Center for the Arts October 14 and 15.

Kids Korner

Pumpkin Rocks

By Jordan Dailey

Instructions

Paint a small, smooth rock the color orange. Using the markers, decorate the pumpkin rock as desired. WGW

Materials

Smooth rock

Orange paint

Green and black markers

Paint brush

Craft photos by Zachary Dailey

Candy Ghost

Materials

Two facial tissues

Instructions

Wrap the two facial tissues around around the piece of roundy candy or lollipop.

Secure in place with a rubber band around the bottom of the candy.

Decorate as desired with the marker. WGW

An Extraordinary Place to Visit

Halloween Word Search

Word Bank

Candy Moon

Treats

Frankenstein Costume

Spooky Chills

Candle

Bats

Creepy

Spider

Haunted

Cauldron

Vampire

Trick

Fog

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