Kiki McDaniel
The Most Important Day
The Most Important Day
The Secret to Making Friends
September is Suicide Prevention Month. It's hard to believe it's been nine years since my beautiful nephew, Tristan, lost his life to suicide. I don't believe I will ever be able to adequately convey to you the tremendous impact suicide has on the loved ones left behind. Even after all this time, I have guilt, grief and questions. I wish I had known more about suicide and the warning signs back then. I miss him.
I want you to know you may be able to help save the life of someone in your family, a student, co-worker or a friend just by asking a few simple questions:
• How are you dealing with the things that are happening in your life?
• Do you ever feel like just giving up?
• Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
• Are you thinking about dying or having thoughts about suicide?
• Have you ever tried to hurt yourself or thought about suicide before?
• Do you have a plan? Have you thought about when or how you might do it?
• Do you have weapons or items in your home or around you that you might use to hurt yourself?
Asking someone these questions won't make them do something self-destructive. In fact, giving them an opportunity to talk about their feelings may reduce the risk of them acting on those thoughts, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If your loved one is having thoughts of suicide, don't act shocked, judgmental or tell them to snap out of it.
Be respectful, acknowledge their feelings, encourage them to call or text the free suicide and crisis lifeline at 9-8-8 or text the word, "TALK" to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the crisis text line for free, 24/7 and offer to help them take the necessary steps to seek professional help.
Most important, do not leave them alone, and remove all items they may be able to use to hurt themselves.
To find out more about suicide awareness and prevention, please go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at www.afsp.org and help us fight suicide in West Georgia.
By educating yourself and others about suicide, you may help save a life one day.
If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, please ask for help. There is always hope, and suicide is preventable. Your life is a beautiful gift to the world, and you matter to others more than you realize. Don't let your beautiful story end here. There are so many people who need you. Please don't ever give up!
September also marks Child Cancer Awareness Month. Kiki McDaniel lost her beautiful 17-year-old son Chase to diffuse large B cell lymphoma Nov. 16, 2019. As a grieving mom, Kiki draws strength from her family and her newly found purpose with Chase The Victory, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting families dealing with pediatric cancers and other illnesses, and families grieving the loss of a child. On page 10, learn more about Kiki, Chase The Victory and how she is honoring Chase’s memory by supporting others through loss.
As you flip through the pages of this issue, you'll learn how to keep your kids safe from the dangers of online predators and scammers, tips for surviving parental burnout and how Circles of West Georgia plans on inspiring the community for the holidays with its annual Christmas Show House. There's much more inside, including Chef Rose Isaacs' delicious recipes.
Thank you for reading! We appreciate all of you so very much.
Take care,
Publisher
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By Shala Hainer
Like many teens, Chase McDaniel went to his junior prom. While this sounds like a normal day, a normal milestone, for a high schooler, Chase’s prom day was anything but normal. He spent the morning in the hospital, where he had completed rounds of tests to try to determine what was causing his extreme pain. The doctors finally found the problem, and the answer was the one word no person wants to hear: cancer.
Chase, who pushed himself physically every day during football practice for Carrollton High School, was not a complainer. So when he told his parents about his pain, they took it seriously, eventually ending up in the emergency room the night before prom.
The emergency room doctor feared cancer was the cause of the pain and sent them directly to Children’s Egleston Hospital, part of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
The doctors at Egleston confirmed the terrifying diagnosis the morning of Chase’s prom. The doctors wanted Chase to spend the weekend in the hospital getting the severe pain under control, and then do a biopsy on Monday to get more information on exactly what type of cancer they needed to help Chase start fighting.
“Chase told the doctors he couldn’t stay for the weekend,” says his mother, Kiki McDaniel. “He told them he had a date for prom – she had bought a dress, hired a photographer, and was really looking forward to that day.
“He said, ‘Today I have the opportunity to make someone else’s day. If we’re just here to get my pain under control, I want to leave and take her.’ That’s just the type of person he was, always thinking of others.”
At age 16, Chase was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma – two weeks before his 17th birthday. Instead of spending the rest of the day in the hospital, he decided to continue living his life like he always had, with the idea that today was the most important day.
“When you see images of Chase on the day of prom, you would never know that he was in immense pain and doctors had just told him that he had cancer,” relates Kiki, who has used the unimaginable loss of her son as a springboard to honor his memory by creating a nonprofit, Chase The Victory.
“And yet, it was in this very moment that his determination to live present and make every moment count, to treat every day as if it is the most important day, was on full display for all to see. He taught us all so much through the way he lived his life, and now his legacy has changed the lives of so many families all over the nation. We will forever share his story. We will forever Chase The Victory.”
Chase was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. While Kiki remembers the doctors saying that type of cancer had a 90% cure rate, that number never eased their minds because they knew statistics mean nothing when it comes to a life-threatening disease.
Tragically, the next few months of intense treatments weren’t able to save his life. “In every single scan, the cancer was always there,” Kiki says.
“Seventeen doctors worked his case, and the cancer never left. There are thousands of children and families like ours, who are left in the shadows of the other 10%.”
Lymphoma develops when white blood cells –lymphocytes – start growing out of control. These blood cells travel through the entire body, including the lymphatic system, which is a key component in the immune system and help fight infection.
These abnormal cells build up in the body’s organs and lymph nodes, but because the cells aren’t healthy B cells, they can’t fight infection and instead disrupt normal immune function.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with more than 18,000 people diagnosed annually, according to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Although considered aggressive, it’s often curable.
Unfortunately, Chase suffered a fatal complication. When his cancer progressed, it triggered hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH.
With HLH, the body’s lymphocytes and other immune system cells become overactive and start attacking the body, especially blood cells, bone marrow and organs such as the spleen, liver, skin and the brain.
HLH can progress quickly, sometimes leading
to organ failure in as little as two months. The fatality rate of HLH when paired with lymphoma may be as high as 70%, says the National Institutes of Health.
“Throughout Chase’s battle with cancer, he became a pillar of strength – a voice and an advocate for other teens and kids fighting cancer,” Kiki remembers. “But his cancer journey was not at all easy. He faced months of countless chemotherapy treatments, spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, surgeries, infusions, injections, hundreds of blood and platelet transfusions, and multiple obstacles of his organs battling failure. It was relentless.
“Through it all, he was living his mission and continued being there for others. He continued using his voice to inspire and encourage others even while enduring battles most of us could never imagine.”
She says that he was such a strong advocate for others battling childhood cancer that the CHOA child life specialists would come to him when another teen was diagnosed. He would talk to them about what they could celebrate that day, and what they could talk about in that moment they were in. He organized game nights for the other teens as well.
“He was a champion for literally everyone – he never got to ring the bell, which is how CHOA celebrated the children who were leaving the hospital with no evidence of cancer. His was never gone – we never got that moment. But he loved to celebrate others who did.”
Kiki remembers an instance when they were leaving the hospital, and he saw a little girl about to ring the bell, but there weren’t many people there to help her celebrate that moment. In spite of his exhaustion and pain, he wanted to stop and cheer her on.
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“He always had other people on his mind. That was the way he lived his life – like today is the most important day,” she relates. “He had a way of making everyone feel they were the most important person in that moment. Even during his battle with cancer, he was same way. Even when he had every right and good reason to focus on what was painful, he instead focused on what he could do and help people.”
She shares an example of Chase’s spirit and his determination to always put others first when Chase was invited to speak at former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan’s fundraiser benefiting CHOA, called Dinner for Two with No. 2. The day before the event, after several months of intense and painful treatments, Chase found out his cancer was still there and still very aggressive.
“In spite of that news, he went, he spoke and he delivered a riveting, powerful message with hundreds of executives and CEOs in the room,” Kiki recalls. “They all gave him a standing ovation after his speech. That was the last time he was out of the hospital.”
As he left the podium, he made his way back to the table and collapsed, exhausted, into his chair. Kiki realized he had a fever, and she told Matt Ryan and the other Falcons players at the table that they had to leave to go to the hospital.
“Even though he felt so bad physically, he pushed through to finish the speech,” she says. “For him, it was always right now, today, I can do this to help someone else.”
Chase was admitted into the hospital again, and he started having trouble breathing. Although that had happened before, this time seemed worse. He slipped into a coma, which ended up lasting two long months. During that time, the cancer triggered the HLH. The only way to get rid of HLH in this instance was to get rid of the cancer – but nothing the doctors tried was working.
“His impact left footprints on the hearts of everyone he encountered. We prayed diligently for our son’s healing. Not just our little family prayed, but so many prayer warriors in West Georgia and all over the nation stormed heaven on our behalf. When it came time for end-of-treatment scans, we were devastated to learn that the cancer was still there,” Kiki shares.
“He did come out of the coma, and we had three amazing weeks with him before he passed away.”
On Nov. 16, 2019, Chase succumbed to the cancer and HLH. “Our hearts were completely broken,” Kiki relates. “And in an instant, our eyes
were opened as we experienced a level of pain and heartache that we never fathomed a human being could experience, let alone survive.”
As a grieving mom, Kiki draws strength from her family and her newly found purpose with Chase The Victory. “Chase’s whole spirit of wanting to do for others has launched a nationwide movement – that’s what his legacy has produced,” she says.
Raised in Smyrna, Ga., she moved to Carrollton in 1998. While attending the University of West Georgia, Kiki met and married her college sweetheart, Tracy McDaniel, who is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. In 2023, Tracy and Kiki celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
She says the heartbeat and motivation of her life is her faith and her family. Her pride and joy is being the mother of three amazing children: in addition to Chase, Kiki and Tracy have two daughters, Karstyn and Sophie.
Kiki has a long history of serving others. Prior to founding Chase The Victory, she spent a decade leading teams, speaking, consulting, coaching and serving in executive leadership. Much of that time she worked as the executive director of NextGen Ministries at Crossroads Church in Douglasville, Ga.
“My entire life, I have answered the call to serve,” she says. “For years, I devoted my time to
serving in family ministry, not yet knowing that I would experience the greatest grief a mother could possibly endure. When my son Chase passed away from cancer, God began preparing me to carry on Chase’s legacy through my love for service. My life now focuses on serving families and restoring hope through the work we do here at Chase The Victory. I have experienced hope in the midst of grief and have dedicated my time to advocating for other families grappling with loss or affected by childhood cancer.”
She now works full-time as the executive director of Chase The Victory, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supporting families dealing with pediatric cancers and other illnesses, and families grieving the loss of a child.
“Through our suffering, we stepped up to serve through what has now emerged into a nationwide nonprofit, Chase The Victory,” she shares. “It is incredibly important life-changing work. We surround children and families who have suffered the loss of a child with community and support and long-term care. Our main mission is our weeklong retreats for bereaved children and families held on the seaside of the Florida gulf coast. And we carry out Chase’s vision of giving gifts of encouragement to pediatric cancer patients.”
Kiki recalls that Chase spent his life encouraging others. “Chase lived for something outside of himself and he had a joy that strengthened him in his darkest hours. His joy was rooted in the truth of his Savior.”
She channeled her grief into something positive, into a way to help other families experiencing the same type of loss as her family. “Chase’s strength, spirit, character and influence left a legacy that continues to impact families nationwide,” she says.
Chase The Victory serves families in several ways. While Chase was fighting his own battle with cancer, he was still thinking of others with a plan to show kindness.
“Chase had the vision to use his love for sneakers as a way to share hope and make someone else smile,” Kiki relates. “His heart and love for others are a part of his legacy that continues today. We continue to fulfill his vision by encouraging teenagers who are battling cancer by giving them one of his favorite gifts: sneakers. Every gift of shoes that Chase The Victory gives away is an opportunity to share the message of hope, spread kindness and remind those we encounter to live life in victory, regardless of what they may be facing.
“To others, it may seem like just a pair of shoes. But for teens who are fighting cancer or grieving the loss of a sibling, this gift from Chase The Victory is a symbol of hope and a reminder that they are not alone.”
Although that program is one piece of the Chase The Victory puzzle, the main focus of the organization is providing support services for families dealing with the loss of a child. The program has grown exponentially since its inception, serving families from 31 states. They offer weeklong and
Sunday, October 27th, 2024 Carrollton, GA
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weekend retreats that include services such as professional counseling, wellness therapy, lodging, meals and community support at no cost to the bereaved families. The families have an opportunity to build a new community with people going through the same tragedy, and who are trying to rebuild their lives after similar loss.
Under Kiki’s leadership, Chase The Victory has provided more than 500 family members with bereavement retreats since its inception in 2020. Over 1,000 kids, teens and families have been supported and celebrated through Chase The Victory programs and opportunities.
“Today, Chase
The Mossage Family shared these words after attending a Chase The Victory Retreat in memory of their daughter Genesis Mossage, who passed away at 7 years old after battling neuroblastoma.
"You have created a space for us when we thought we would no longer fit anywhere in the world. You gave us peace at a time when our brains were the loudest with such painful and sad thoughts. You let us rest when our minds and bodies really needed it. You loved us when we thought love would never come. And your family has given us so much hope in our hopeless world. You understand our words that we don't even speak and our feelings that we have yet to feel. I could go on about the wonderful things Chase The Victory has done for not only my family, but many other families as well." From the Mossage Family with love and gratitude always: Jessica, Jeremy, Ahleia (12 years old). – Cleveland, Ohio
The DeButts Family shared these words after attending a Chase The Victory Retreat in memory of their son Quentin DeButts, who passed away at 2 years old after battling HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis).
“All I can say is that we are beyond grateful. What you have set up and put together in honor of Chase is truly remarkable … indeed a breath of fresh air, and without knowing it, exactly what our family has yearned for since the time our little Quentin first became ill. This has been such a sacred experience for us and is truly beneficial for all who walk a similar path of love and loss. Coming all the way from the Midwest, we are thankful for all the many ‘firsts’ our son William has had the opportunity to explore, from seeing the ocean and playing along the beach, to the cruising and sighting of dolphins in the Gulf and having the ability to connect and create authentic relationships with his peers since the time of his brother’s passing. You and all the volunteers at Chase The Victory have provided us healing, the safest place to genuinely feel, and to simply just be. We feel blessed. Our hearts overflow with grace as you have created and allowed for a place of abundant love, renewal, tranquility, kindness, forgiveness and mercy. You have shown us that there again will be more sunny days to look forward to.” With sincere gratitude and love, the Debutts Family: Shelby, Veronica, and William (5 years old) – Omaha, Nebr.
The Stokes Family shared these words after attending a Chase The Victory Retreat in memory of their son Caleb Stokes, who passed away at 22 years old after battling childhood leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia)
“Before the retreat, my children and I felt alone in our grief. We didn’t know how to navigate through our pain of losing our beloved Caleb. We were at a standstill. Coming to the Chase The Victory Family retreat let us know that we are not alone. Because of Kiki’s and Tracy’s love and kindness, we have hope. Hope for better days ahead. I was able to rest, something I haven’t done in years. We felt peace all around us. We will go home with the comfort of knowing we are not alone, and we have a new extended family that will be with us forever as we continue on our journey to healing." Love, the family of Caleb Malik Stokes: Kevia, Reigna (17 years old), and Reggie (13 years old) – Buford, Ga.
The Ramos Family shared these words after attending a Chase The Victory Retreat in memory of their daughter Lily Ramos, who passed away at 6 years old after battling medulloblastoma.
"Thank you all so much for this amazing and uplifting week! We are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Chase The Victory. Our family has felt so much love and support from everyone here. We are leaving here feeling that we have the tools to better live with the loss of Lily: Joy and sorrow can live together, and it is OK to feel both. We needed this retreat as a family for healing and to remind us of our faith and love for God. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of Chase The Victory." With love, The Ramos Family: Carlos, Mica, Cameron (14 years old), Kaylee (14 years old) – Naples, Fla.
The Victory provides support and care programs to families affected by childhood cancer and other illnesses and those grappling with the loss of their child,” Kiki shares. “I want everyone to know that childhood cancer affects the whole family and can change their lives forever. Bereaved moms, dads and siblings from West Georgia and all over the nation are enrolled in Chase The Victory programming. Hundreds of kids and teens have been surprised with gifts of encouragement through our sneaker gift packages.”
The retreats are more than just a place for families to get away. That type of intense loss not only can’t be understood by many, but friends often distance themselves because they are uncomfortable, not knowing what to say or do for the family.
love and hope and comfort.”
The weeklong retreats – Chase The Victory currently offers four each year – are always free for the bereaved families, helping them surround themselves with other people who truly understand what they are going through. They connect with these people to find comfort and strength.
“It allows families time to invest in the relationships that matter most,” Kiki explains.
“Through the generosity of Chase The Victory donors, all meals, lodging and activities are all provided at no cost at all to the families we serve. Families are given the opportunity to share in a safe space through the serene setting of Chase The Victory surrounded by
In addition to the weeklong family retreats, Kiki organizes opportunities for families to share hope with bereavement programs, marriage retreats, support groups, counseling services, children’s hospital events, childhood cancer awareness events, awards, student scholarships and mission trips.
She is proud to continue honoring Chase’s legacy by helping other families living with the loss of a child. She remembers Chase’s words, which help her stay focused on her mission. “My advice to anyone who is facing difficult life challenges is to remember these words that Chase shared. He said, ‘The most important day is today.’ We can’t change what already happened to us. We don’t know what tomorrow holds. But every day we are given a new gift called today.” WGW
By Sandra Bolan
arenting is simultaneously challenging and rewarding, but oddly enough, never in a 50/50 ratio. For some parents, the challenges may sometimes outweigh the rewards.
Do you ever think to yourself, “I love my children, but I can’t stand being around them?” Are you so physically exhausted you’re even too tired to sleep? How are you emotionally? Are you overwhelmingly irritable or anxious? Most women chalk these thoughts and feelings up to normal post-birth hormonal fluctuations and believe they’ll go away any day. If you’re a parent, male or female, and have any of these feelings, you’re among the almost 5 million Americans suffering from parental burnout.
We hear about workplace burnout – an employee has a meltdown in front of her co-workers and the next thing you know, her desk is being cleared out and she's never heard from again. Years later, during a random encounter with her, you find out she never returned to the corporate world, but instead became a yoga instructor and is living her best life.
Parental burnout isn’t that different. It’s defined by the World Health Organization as emotional exhaustion, due to chronic exposure to an emotionally draining environment. Unlike workplace burnout, parents can’t just up and leave, never to return. They must figure out a way through to the other side without losing their sanity or harming their children.
Children don’t mean to be an emotional drain on their parents, but there are some parents who are more susceptible to burning out, such as single parents, parents of special needs children and parents who are immigrants. However, you
don't have to be in one of these categories to be affected. Parental burnout can affect any parent. Other parents who are at risk are those with limited resources, perfectionists and parents who are lacking any type of support.
The first sign of parental burnout is overwhelming exhaustion, which is why it’s hard for first-time parents to self-diagnose. (Is this burnout or just what it feels like to be a parent?) For parents of young
children, it manifests as physical exhaustion, whereas burnout from parenting teenagers is more mentally exhausting.
The second stage starts when parents begin to distance themselves from their kids. How many of you have locked yourself in the bathroom or bedroom closet because you just need five minutes of “me time?” You might have even lied about being forced to work late, or stopped by the department store on the way home just to prolong your time away from the kids.
The final phase of parental burnout is when being a parent is no longer fulfilling. All three of these stages may build upon each other, causing you to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, begging for time away from your kids and hating your life. If you're typically a loving and involved parent, these feelings may cause tremendous guilt on top of all the other things you are feeling right now.
Another aspect contributing to parental burnout is feeling like you can and need to parent alone. Remember the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child?” Well, it truly does. Don't feel as if you have to go it alone on this child rearing journey. Yes, it’s difficult and humbling to admit you need help – and even more troubling when you feel you have to ask
for assistance – but it’s necessary for you, your kids and your relationship with them.
If not addressed, parental detachment can turn into a vicious cycle. The more detached you feel, the more you pull away, potentially to the point of considering walking away from your family.
• Work out a carpool schedule and swap childcare duties with other parents. It's much easier for everyone when you share the load and give each other a much-needed break.
• When your kids are old enough, teach them how to do their laundry and make simple meals for themselves like cereal and sandwiches, and eventually how to use the microwave and stovetop to make mac and cheese or soup. Being able to offload some of the basic “to-dos” on the list that never ends goes a long way to alleviating the effects of burnout, because you have time to be present in your own life and in the lives of your children.
• Reconnect with your children.Try to remember why you wanted to be a parent
in the beginning. Every time you want to run and hide, go back to your “why.” Take a deep breath and just be with your children. Some parents who retreat from their kids also stop touching them. No matter how awkward or uncomfortable it may feel, never stop hugging your kids.
• Make time for you. “Me time” is important, and is often the first thing parents give up to ensure their kids can participate in all their seemingly endless activities. Revisit those hobbies that made you who you are, and not just Johnny’s mother.
• Recognize that parenting is the hardest thing you'll ever do. Parenting is difficult even in the best of times. Be kind to yourself and try to avoid blaming yourself when life gets messy.
• Create self-care habits. Some parents believe taking time for themselves is selfish or indulgent – or maybe even impossible –but self-care is necessary for your physical and mental well being. Self-care habits don't have to be a big deal and they don't have to cost money. Start by making the decision to do three things just for you each day. Go outside for five minutes, bask in the sun while
you listen to the birds chirp, or look at the beautiful clouds in the sky. You might decide to grab a healthy snack for yourself each day instead of those cookies. While you're completing a chore you dislike, think of all the things in which you are grateful. Everything you do to take care of yourself contributes to your well being, which trickles down to your children.
• Stop trying to be the perfect parent. There is no such thing. No matter how hard you try, you will inevitably feel inadequate at some point. Remember, you’re not the only parent to feel this way. Look around at your neighbors and co-workers; you’re all most likely suffering some form of parental burnout – in silence. Treat yourself with the same kindness, love and respect as you would your best friend. This type of nurturing can make all the difference.
No one ever said parenting was easy, and getting a bit burned out is par for the course. When the world feels like it’s crashing down on you, take a deep breath, look into the eyes of your beautiful gifts – your children – and try to remember why you wanted to be a parent in the first place. WGW
By Sandra Bolan
As kids, we made a new best friend every day. In college, we continued to effortlessly add new people to our social circle, but as we settled into adulthood, the number of people we called friends went from being able to fill a city bus to fitting in the back of an Uber.
Why, as adults, is it so hard to make and keep friends? As kids, we would unabashedly walk up to anyone in the playground and start playing with them. Less than 30 minutes later, we’d ask our parents if our new friend could come over for dinner, setting up a yearslong friendship. When we walked over to that child, we didn’t think about being rejected. As adults, the possibility of being rejected paralyzes us from even making eye
contact with strangers, let alone striking up casual conversations with them.
Significant life changes can add to the fear of further rejection, especially if we’re newly single, a life situation that may lead to lower self-esteem and a lack of trust in others. “Why put myself out there if I’m only going to get rejected again and again?” Believe it or not, rejection from a potential friend isn’t personal. There just may not be enough commonality between the two of you to pursue a true friendship.
As adults, friendships form at a much slower pace than when we were kids and are based on repeated experiences. Research shows it takes adults 50 hours to form a casual friendship, 90 hours to become real friends and 200 hours to be close friends.
Along with being newly single and your ex getting custody of most of your friends in the divorce, moving to another city or country is another common reason people need to make new friends. One way to form connections is to ask your current friends if they know of anyone who lives where you’re moving who may be willing to hang out and show you around.
What are your hobbies? If you run or walk, join the local running club. If you play pickleball, join a local league. Book clubs, the gym, church and volunteering are also other avenues for connecting with like-minded people who you may one day call friends. However, don’t be surprised if your friendship doesn’t go beyond your weekly or monthly meetups. Many adult friendships are situational. You have a fun time doing an activity together, but you may never purposefully socialize together outside that hobby.
For people willing to put their trust in social
media, this is the time to utilize it for its original purpose – to connect with people. Find groups on Facebook dedicated to your hobbies or activities and attend their meetups. If you can’t find a group, start one, whether that be in-person meetings or virtual. Don’t expect 100 people to attend your first meeting or join the group, but if one or two come, that’s great. Next time, they each may bring someone else, and before you know it, you’ve created your own little community.
There are also apps designed to foster friendships such as MeetUp and Bumble BFF. Some people don’t like to mix work and pleasure, but there may be a person or two in your office who’s willing to go with you to have drinks after work, see a movie or even have dinner.
Once you’ve found your group, you’ll have to do more than physically show up. You’ll have to put the phone away and be available mentally and emotionally for someone to feel comfortable walking up to you to start a conversation. You also need to keep showing up. Remember, it takes 50 hours to be considered a casual friend to someone. Research
“Big opportunities in a community that makes me feel right at home.”
I am
shows it takes a person showing up roughly 20 times to become a familiar face. The more familiar you are, the more likely someone will strike up a conversation with you. When that person finally does talk to you, be an active listener, not a blathering idiot who TMIs because you’re so excited to be speaking with another human being.
Actively listening to another person shows you value their thoughts and feelings, which in turn, strengthens the bond you’re trying to form. When making new friends, don’t limit yourself. Be open to anyone, no matter their age, race, marital status or gender.
Once invitations start coming, you’ll need to accept them all – at least initially. You’re being invited because they like you. You don’t have to become the life of the party, but you do need to be physically present and engaged in conversations with the people around you.
If you leave your social life up to chance, it won’t happen. And if you repeatedly turn down invitations, they’ll stop coming. As an adult, you really have to work toward building new relationships. Your new best friend probably isn't going to magically
Grout
Service Areas: Carroll County, Grantville, Hogansville, Moreland, Newnan, Peachtree City, Senoia and Sharpsburg References Available Upon Request
appear out-of-the-blue one day. Even when you're exhausted from work or school, do your best to get out there and get involved in multiple activities so you will have the opportunity to meet new people.
People want to know that they're liked for who they are. If you really enjoy spending time with a potential new friend, tell her why you like hanging out with her.
You can show her you like her by greeting her warmly; telling her the qualities you like about her; telling her how happy you are to see her again; complimenting her; or expanding upon something she said that really resonated with you. If you want to hang out with her more, ask her.
Making new friends as an adult is tough, but we don’t have to make it harder than it is by being so fearful of it that we don’t try. As adults, we’re more secure in who we are and have a variety of hobbies and interests, which makes us appealing to others.
Once you get out of your own way and stop fearing rejection, you might be pleasantly surprised how many people flock to you, some of whom you may one day be able to call your dear friends. WGW
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.
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, daileylifephotography@gmail.com
Recipe photos by Andrew Agresta, Agresta Photography, www.agrestaphotography.com
Ingredients
2 pounds baby potatoes or small red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 head of garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
3 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Cut about 1/4 inch off the top of the garlic head, exposing the tops of the cloves.
Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Wrap the garlic in the foil and place it in the oven.
Roast for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
“This dish is perfect for tailgating and can be made in advance. ”
Let the garlic cool before handling.
While the garlic is roasting, place the cut potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Add a pinch of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste.
Add the roasted garlic paste to the dressing, and mix well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to coat.
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
Transfer the potato salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serves 8
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large apple, peeled, cored and grated
Additional butter or oil for cooking
For the Apple Compote Topping:
2 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter and vanilla extract.
“Step into fall flavor with these warm and rich apple pancakes. ”
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined – the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Fold in the grated apple.
Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.
To prepare the apple compote: In a small saucepan, combine the sliced apples, water, sugar and ground cinnamon.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened – about 10 minutes.
Stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
Remove from heat.
Stack the pancakes on serving plates and spoon the warm apple compote over the top.
Serve with additional butter and maple syrup. Serves 4. WGW
Circles of West Georgia to Inspire Community for the Holidays
By Shala Hainer
Circles of West Georgia hopes to welcome a record crowd at its annual Designer Show House Oct. 18-20. This year, the organization will showcase the home of Greg and Leanna Schulenburg in Carrollton, Ga.'s Heritage Hills neighborhood. A spectacular home on its own, volunteer designers will bring their own style and holiday pizazz to help inspire attendees to take their own Christmas decorations to the next level.
Circles of West Georgia is an innovative, community-driven way to affect poverty in the local community. The funds raised through the show house help Circles to directly assist these families in breaking the grip of poverty in their homes.
The stately, southern home chosen for the 2024 Designer Show House is a showpiece on its own with its classic architecture, stunning antiques and eclectic art collection. Volunteer designers come in and add holiday enhancements to the already beautiful home to create a Christmas show house.
Each designer chooses an area of the home, such as a room or the front porch, they would like to decorate for Christmas with their own unique style. "This year, several regional decorators, florists and artists will be adding their special touches to the Schulenburgs’ beautiful home," says Jill Pierce, Circles board member and chairwoman of the Designer Show House committee.
Designer Ann Stallings Blair will be styling the primary bedroom, which features a Tiffany blue theme; Betsy Barnes Grisham will add accents to the warm and cozy sunroom; Greg Hendrix of Mountain Oak Florist and Design in Carrollton will decorate the expansive front porch; Meredith Sammon Kelly of The Flower Cart in Carrollton will provide greenery and seasonal decor to the living room; Karie Krilla and Heather Lambert of Maple Street Design + Co. are slated to create a welcoming feel in the foyer; Krista Preston of West Georgia Tailored Interiors will fabricate pillows and other items for multiple rooms; Local artist Charlsie Sprewell, known for her bright and happy paintings, will accentuate the Chinoiserieinspired dining room; another local artist Julia Wilson, who creates a variety of art, will amplify the kitchen’s Downton Abbey atmosphere.
Attendees tour the home after purchasing a $25 ticket online or onsite at the show house.
"Charlsie and Julia will also have artwork
included in the Show House Gallery, the gift shop that will adjoin the house and offer a variety of handmade items for purchase," Jill says. "A portion of the proceeds from the art sale benefits Circles of West Georgia. Some of the designers offer the décor used in the house for sale as well."
Circles board members are thankful for the outpouring of community support for the show house each year. "As a nonprofit, we want to be sustainable financially,“ Jill explains. “Circles receives grant funding, but as a board, we want to make sure we have other avenues as well, and the community has been so wonderful to support us. Just as we have designers who have been with us from the beginning, we have some amazing sponsors who help us with this event by donating their time, treasure and talents to this fabulous event. Our goal is to fund our program, and for the show house, almost all of our expenses and needs are donated by our incredibly generous sponsors and volunteers.”
The organization attacks poverty with a different mindset than many other organizations. The group works with the participants to educate and support them toward a more financially stable lifestyle.
“They work with a coach to determine their goals, look at their income and create a budget – a workable, sustainable budget,” explains Jill. “They work to find their barriers that are standing between them and their goals. What do they need to overcome? Whether it’s education, employment or childcare, they find the barriers and determine how they can start to address them.”
Participants are called Circle Leaders. The Circle Leaders work for 18 months with two volunteer
Circle Allies, and these Allies help support them and keep them on their plan and their paths to financial freedom.
Circles of West Georgia uses a comprehensive approach to change the lives of people living in poverty in the West Georgia area. They combine mentorship with other programs, such as educating legislators about the challenges that arise as people try to lift themselves out of poverty. For example, as their income gradually rises, the assistance and benefits they receive drop off significantly, often leaving them in a worse situation than they were when their income was lower.
“This is known as the cliff effect,” Jill says. “The benefits don’t decline gradually – they actually drop off. That makes getting out of a poverty situation incredibly hard. Somehow we have to get our assistance programs to match the work ethic of the people who are working harder and producing more.”
Circles of West Georgia estimates there are
20,000 families living in poverty in Carroll County, which means one in four children here is living in poverty. They focus on helping these struggling members in the community by addressing poverty, shifting from merely service delivery to selfsufficiency and community-building.
If you’re looking for some holiday decoration inspiration in the fall of 2024, the Designer Show House gives you new ideas, introduces you to designers who can help you create your own holiday dreamscape and gives you the peace of mind of knowing you are helping others in your community at the same time. “This is a great way to do something fun on a weekend but also know you are participating in the elimination of poverty in our community,” Jill says.
This year’s show house is located at 105 Hickory Walk in Carrollton, Ga. Tickets are $25. For more information about tickets or sponsorship opportunities, email Christy Sammon at chrisleigh1209@gmail. com or Jill Pierce at jill@jillpierceinsurance. com. Follow Circles of West Georgia Designer Show House Facebook page, Circles of West Georgia Facebook page or visit the Circles of West Georgia website at www.circlesofwestgeorgia. wordpress.com for up-to-date information. Purchase your tickets at tcpa.my.salesforcesites.com/ticket/#/events/ a0SVu000005F2EjMAK or scan the code to the right. WGW
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.
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.
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 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.
Confidentiality and safety are top priorities. Contact Julia Houser, pflagcarrollton@gmail.com for more information.
The Pregnancy Resource Center for Carroll, Haralson and Heard Counties will be hosting its 2024 fall fundraising dinner featuring special musical guest Allie Kennedy, speakers Al and Lisa Robertson and live artist Laura Ashley. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.pregnancyrc.com.
The Communications Department for Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) brought home three awards from the Cooperative Communicators Association’s (CCA) communications contest. Winners were recognized at the association’s annual conference held this year in Des Moines, IA.
CCA is a national organization for professional communicators from cooperatives across the country. What makes it unique is the wide range of industries it represents including electric, dairy,
Carroll EMC’s Communications Specialist, Brittany Shadix, was recognized for three of her communications pieces including the co-op’s 2022 Annual Report which received first place in its respective category. She also received second and third place awards for two holiday advertisements.
farming and banking. Its annual communications contest not only spotlights the work of members, ranging from photography, programs, projects, publications and writing, but also provides a library of work that fellow colleagues can reference for future communications.
Carroll EMC’s Communications Specialist, Brittany Shadix, was recognized for three of her
The Home of Greg and Leanna Schulenburg 105 Hickory Walk in Carrollton, Ga.
Open to the public. Tickets $25
Friday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20, Noon to 4 p.m.
tcpa.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SVu000005F2EjMAK
is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc. com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built.
Since 2002, Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s (EMC) Foundation has annually opened grant applications to charitable organizations that benefit Members across the coop’s seven-county footprint. Of this year’s applicants, Foundation Trustees awarded Impact Grants to 29 groups at a reception held at Carroll EMC’s
The issuing of grants means a total of $114,318 will be put back into the community through a variety of service-based projects. Included in this year’s funding cycle were projects relating to health and human services, arts and culture, civic and community, education, and safety.
A complete list of winners can be found at carrollemc.com/impactgrants.
It is through Member participation in Carroll
communications pieces including the co-op’s 2022 Annual Report, which received first place in its respective category. She also received second and third place awards for two holiday advertisements.
“I am extremely proud of our communications team and the invaluable work they do each day for our co-op members and employees,” said Jay Gill, Senior Vice President of Member and External Relations for Carroll EMC. “Their efforts deliver exceptional results, have a lasting impact and are critical to the co-op’s mission.”
Nearly 400 submissions from 40 different cooperatives were entered in this year’s contest, and a total of 154 awards were presented. To be considered for an award, applicants must complete an online application outlining details of the project including objectives, goals and production process. Volunteer judges, with a demonstrated history in communications, score each entry based on category-specific criteria.
All contest winners were recognized at an awards ceremony during the CCA Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, in June.
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 54,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution
EMC’s Operation Round Up® (ORU®) program that the cooperative is able to award Impact Grants. Members can contribute by rounding their electric bill to the nearest whole dollar. These funds are kept separate from cooperative revenue and are administered by the Foundation Board of Trustees who allocate the donations. Since its inception, more than $4.9 million has been given back to Carroll EMC communities.
“Before becoming a trustee, I had no idea where these donations went to,” said Rick Lovvorn, Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee. “I’ve had a behind-thescenes look now for five years, and I am proud to be a part of the selection process. We have so many deserving non-profit groups in the West Georgia area.”
To apply for an Impact Grant, eligible 501(c) (3) organizations must have a vision or project in mind that would enhance the quality of life for communities within Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Troup or Floyd counties. A representative must submit an online form that outlines the project and provides a detailed budget.
Impact Grant applications open in January. WGW
July 2, 1994 – Aug. 24, 2024
Aug. 30, 1993 – Aug. 17, 2024
By Sandra Bolan
Surfing the web sounds harmless, but when people go online, they tend to take deep dives into some gnarly swells. When it comes to letting your kids surf the web, you'd better equip them with a life jacket and survival skills, because it can get pretty extreme out there.
Kids now don’t know a world without technology, and they use it for everything from keeping connected to friends and investigating their curiosities to homework. No matter what they do online, parents are put in a precarious position. Let kids wander the web on their own, and there’s no telling where they’ll go and who’ll they meet. Install blocking and tracking tech on their devices and kids will call it spying, while parents say it’s practicing responsible parenting and being vigilant.
Teens spend more than 8.5 hours a day online, not including the time they spend online in the classroom. And while they know technology, including how to circumvent parental controls, they don’t truly comprehend the dangers. During adolescence, the portion of the brain associated with getting attention, feedback and reinforcement from their peers is in a state of heightened sensitivity. On the flip side, the parts of the same teen brain involved in self-control hasn’t fully
matured, creating a collision course destined to end in emotional disaster, if not for some intervention and protection from parents. That’s why parents must be proactive and block content they feel to be inappropriate.
Install a VPN that will encrypt data and block strangers from knowing a child’s location. A firewall is also necessary as it prevents unauthorized people from connecting to your computer and unleashing viruses, as well as accessing your personal data.
These safety measures may seem like overkill, but so much of our lives is lived on devices, therefore, they’re necessary. However, no matter how technologically advanced these safety protocols are, they don’t replace sitting down with your children and having conversations about what they should and shouldn’t post on social media such as their real name, personal information, provocative images of themselves and information regarding upcoming parties or vacations.
Curating your image online, especially for teens, isn’t just about “living their best lives,” it’s also about not inviting predators into their DMs. Teens won’t
like these restrictions, but when colleges and future employers dig into their social media accounts, they’ll appreciate it.
Social media isn’t the only place kids can encounter questionable people. Gaming platforms and apps are also being targeted by online predators. The FBI has recently warned the public that teen boys are being targeted more and more through online "sextortion" schemes. Adult predators will pose as young girls on social media platforms, gaming platforms or apps, and coerce young boys (typically between the ages of 14 to 17) into sending them sexual videos and images. Once they receive the explicit material, they will attempt to extort the boys for money, threatening to post the sexual material online if the victim doesn't pay. Due to this type of extortion scheme, multiple boys – feeling there is no way out – have died by suicide. The FBI encourages parents and caregivers to speak to their kids about the importance of telling someone if a situation like this happens to prevent them from being victimized further. Kids should be selective about what is shared online – especially personal information and passwords – keep social media accounts private, and be wary of anyone they meet online through a game or app.
Being online is a solitary activity, despite it being coined “social media.” But it doesn’t have to be. Talk to your kids about what they find so fascinating online, but avoid turning it into an inquisition. Also, don’t assume because they appear secretive about what they’re doing that they’re looking at questionable content. They really might just be watching crazy cat videos.
Use technology to connect with your child versus create a wedge that forces your child to feel like they need to be secretive about what they’re doing online.
Explain how technology fits into your lives and where your home’s tech-free zones are located. Remember, you pay their bills, so you can make the rules. That includes installing tracking and blocking software. Set time limits for online activities, and stick to them.
Keep devices out of the bedrooms. One-third of texts from kids are sent after their official bedtime when parents assume they’re sound asleep. It’s one place in the house where kids are alone and can go where they shouldn’t, without anyone knowing.
No matter how many firewalls and parental controls you install or conversations you have about online safety, kids will always find ways to get around
Suicide Prevention Awareness Event
Hosted by: Pathways Center & AnotherWay Foundation
Saturday, September 7 9am-12pm
LINC Trail (CJ Smith Park: 92 Farmer St. Newnan)
mood changes – she may be depressed, angry and combative – especially when you threaten to take away her devices.
While life online can be fraught with scams, cyberattacks and bullying, it does have some merit, and it can be a positive experience for kids. They can use it to educate themselves on topics of interest, help raise awareness for issues of importance to them, raise money for charity, start a small business and connect with their peers, something that can be especially important for teenagers who feel marginalized and alone, such as
By Jordan Dailey
Stick with multiple branches from back yard
Scissors
Orange tissue paper
Block of scrap wood or thick piece of cardboard
Hot glue gun or super glue
Take the stick with branches and do your best to shape it into a miniature, tree-shape.
Make sure the stick is flat on the bottom. Shave or cut to adjust as necessary.
Super glue or hot glue the stick to the block of wood or piece of cardboard.
Glue small pieces of the tissue paper around the branches to resemble a miniature fall tree.
To add more detail, spread dirt or moss around the bottom to resemble the ground.
Materials
Leaf from tree
Crayons
Piece of paper
Instructions
Place the leaf underneath the piece of paper. Press down on the paper and leaf firmly with one hand.
Take the crayon and rub all over until the image of the leaf appears. Decorate as desired. WGW
Word Bank
Orange
Jacket
Pie
Spices
Breeze
Leaves
Football
Harvest
Apple Cider
Crisp
Festival
Equinox
Foliage
Season
Orchard
Autumn