West Georgia Woman Magazine May 2018

Woman

Complimentary

May 2018

West Georgia

TM

Mary Bryan

Circle of

Love

Hepatitis C: The Impact on Baby Boomers

Help Your Child Cope with Stress 1

Angela Pham, M.D. is our community's only Board Certified Rheumatologist and is uniquely qualified to answer the question:

What is Inflammatory Arthritis?

Arthritis is the general term for a disease that affects the joints. Inflammatory arthritis is a type of arthritis where the immune system turns against the body and causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. This includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, gout and more. These conditions are chronic meaning they will persist, likely for a person's entire life.

There is no cure for inflammatory arthritis but the good news is that it can be effectively treated to prevent long-term damage and disability. Medications play a large role in therapy but there are other steps a person should take that are equally as important like diet and exercise.

There are specific nutrients found in foods that help reduce inflammation and there are foods that cause inflammation in the body. Treatment of inflammatory arthritis is tailored to the specific disease with medications along with self-management techniques like making healthy lifestyle choices through exercise and nutrition. Self-management encompasses choices made each day to live well and to stay healthy.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis and you need a local rheumatologist, contact our office today to schedule your appointment.

You can expect an individualized care plan that addresses medications, nutrition and weight loss.

Angela Pham, MD and Cristal Rush, NP-Certified

Primary Care, Rheumatology, Lung and Sleep Medicine 2

100 Professional Park, Suite 204 Carrollton, Ga. 30117 Phone: 770.834.3351

STORM PREPARATION (770) 832-3552

carrollemc.com

Carroll EMC Cares About Storm Preparation. Whether we have advance notice of a storm heading our way or one pops up suddenly, it’s important to be prepared. Regularly review your family’s emergency escape plans and keep an updated emergency supply kit in both your home and vehicle. Teach your kids the difference between weather watches and warnings and know where to go to stay safe during storms. For more information, visit our website.

3

Happy Mother's Day

What’s inside...

10

Circle of Love

32

Hepatitis C: Why Baby Boomers Should Get Tested

23

Help Your Child Manage Stress

34

Tiny Fingers in My Tears

28

Enjoying Every Step

41

Do You Have to Cross Your Knees When You Sneeze?

In Every Issue:

4

36

Daily Fare

49

Local Happenings

48

Womentality

60

Kidz Korner

GOING NATIVE – SHADY STYLE ...

Native Azaleas – State Wildflower of Georgia

Since 1979, the Native Azalea has been the official state wildflower of Georgia. Native Azaleas are a member of the rhododendron family and are deciduous shrubs.

Most varieties of Native Azaleas have fragrant blooms, some more than others. Bloom color is spectacularly diverse and can be white, pink, yellow, orange, red or any combination of those colors.

Plant several selections and you can have blooms in your yard or garden from March all the way through August. Native Azaleas will become more drought tolerant once established, but water regularly the first few years. If you could have only one plant in your shade garden or understory, the Native Azalea should

be it. This plant is highly prized throughout the Southeast for its hardiness, lovely blooms and fragrance.

The most common problem with growing Native Azaleas is finding them for sale.

WE CAN HELP!!

JUST ARRIVED at Southern Home & Ranch, a wonderful selection of Native Azaleas in stock and they are Father Ryan, Pat Ryan, Florence, King Wizard, J.E.B. Stuart, Austrinum, Tallulah Sunrise, Pink Carousel, King Wizard and Robert E. Lee to mention a few, while supply lasts.

NOW! ON SALE $24.99 3 Gal. Size

NEW plants and products are arriving weekly. Our Garden Center staff is ready to help with all your gardening needs and questions. Please come by and visit us soon!

Your friends at...

Excerpts from Carol Hight and shadygardens.blogspot

Southern Home & Ranch

5

The Law Office of William E. Brooks Immigration Attorney Oficina del abogado William E. Brooks Abogado de inmigración:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

• Family Petitions • Refugees/Asylum Permanent Residence • • Citizenship Adjustment of Status • • Employment Visas Immigration Detention • • T Visa (Human Trafficking Victims) U Visa (Crime Victims) • VAWA (Violence Against • Women Act) TPS (Temporary • Protected Status) NACARA •

inmigración por Familia Refugiados/Asilo Residencia Permanente Ciudadania y Naturalización Ajuste de Estatus Visas de Trabajo DetencÍon de la Inmigración T Visa (Víctimas de trafico humano) U Visa (Víctimas de crimen violento) VAWA (Violencia en contra de la mujer) TPS NACARA

Helping Immigrants Live The American Dream!

302.753.4189 1.800.903.7344 Correo Electrónico: williambrks@hotmail.com

The Law Office of William E. Brooks iustitia omnibus

6

Immigration Attorney

Se habla español

Payment plans available / Formas de pago disponibles By appointment only / Llámenos y haga su cita

Tristan, 16, with Sydney, 9 March 27, 2010.

T

ristan would have turned 25 years old on May 15 this year. Both of my children were very close to to him – more like siblings – and my daughter, Sydney, and Tristan shared a birthday.

I remember calling Tristan the morning Sydney was born to tell him "Happy Birthday," and to tell him his cousin was born on the day he turned 7 years old.

We thought it was sweet that Tristan and Sydney shared a birthday, and, every year they would call or text each other to say, "Happy Birthday!" and the other would reply, "Happy Birthday to you, too!"

My son, Zachary's birthday is May 17, and, each year when they were younger we would have individual birthday parties for them –

Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015 sometimes having three parties in the same weekend!

As they grew older, the family would meet at a restaurant to celebrate all of their birthdays together on one night. I remember that last birthday we celebrated together in May 2015. We all stood around our cars after we left the restaurant talking with Tristan about what was going on in his life and about his second son who would be born in just two months.

Of course, no one knew that would be the last birthday we ever celebrated with him. I can still see him in my mind, leaning against his car, talking and laughing with us. What I wouldn't give to be able to celebrate another birthday with Tristan again. – Angela Dailey

7

New Beginnings

The school year is coming to an end, and there are only a few more weeks until graduation. It has really been a whirlwind year for my daughter, Sydney, and me.

It's my opinion that the school keeps seniors and parents so busy during the last semester just so we don't have too much time to dwell on the thought of them leaving the nest soon!

I'm excited to share the news that, after much consideration, Sydney has made the decision to attend LaGrange College and play soccer there at the next level. She had several good colleges and universities that were interested in her, but she ultimately decided LaGrange was the right fit for her. I am so proud of Sydney and excited to see where this new chapter in her Me, with my daughter, Sydney, on National Signing Day April 11, 2018. Photo by Rick Brower. life will lead.

We're thrilled that her best friend, Noah Stanford, will also be attending LaGrange to play soccer. I'm so happy she will have Noah there with her as they navigate through their first year in college. Sydney and Noah, along with three other Bremen High School students, signed their national letters of intent for their prospective colleges and universities on April 11. See page 54 for photos of Bremen High School's national signing day.

Meanwhile, looks like we have to get rid of the blue and get more red. We have a new mascot we have to represent. Go Panthers!

In This Issue Our cover feature this month is Mrs. Mary Bryan. What a wonderful woman! I first met Mary at her daughter-in-law Bretha's consignment shop in Carrollton, Ga. Turns out, Mary was a huge fan of West Georgia Woman magazine! She told me she would go to our rack at Publix and pick up several copies to bring to her friends at local retirement homes. After several more visits, I found out that Mary was Carrollton's very first x-ray technician, and the first woman in Carrollton to do mammograms. Then, when I heard about Mary and the "Circle of Friends" work with local retirement homes and assisted living communities, I knew I had to share her story with West Georgia. Read about Mary on page 10 as she shares her story of helping women in the community during her 42-year career with Tanner Medical Center, as well as her work with local retirement facilities.

Dr. Scott Rule, Technical College System of Georgia's Assistant Commissioner for Data, Planning and Research, has been named President of West Georgia Technical College. Read about Dr. Rule and his 28 years of experience in technical education on page 51.

Is your child stressed out? Cheryl Francis shares how to help kids cope with stress on page 23, and, my daughter, Sydney, shares her point of view on the fears and pressures of being a student during her last year of high school. Read how Sydney is enjoying every step of her senior year on page 28.

There are many local events this month, so check out our Local Happenings section beginning on page 49. There is also a money-saving coupon on page 51 from the Georgia Renaissance Festival you can clip and use now through June 3. If you don't feel like clipping a coupon, you can purchase your tickets online at www.garenfest.com and save 25 percent off the gate price when you use the promo code westgeorgia.

Thank you for reading and sharing West Georgia Woman magazine. We appreciate our readers so much.

Please do business locally with our valuable advertising partners included in this publication. It is because of their advertising support that we are able to provide our beautiful magazine for you each month.

Happy Mother's Day!

8

Publisher

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

TM

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

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

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

Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

Inspiring women wanted.

We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: Angela@westgeorgiawoman.com (404) 502-0251

Woman

Share your special events.

Send your upcoming events to: calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com Send us your photos!

We welcome your local event and wedding photos.

Email your photos (300 dpi) to: photos@westgeorgiawoman.com

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

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

TM

Volume 3 • Issue 7 May 2018

Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com Follow us!

@WestGaWoman @WestGAWoman

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

Get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Let us know!

Email your suggestions to: features@westgeorgiawoman.com

West Georgia

Southern Home and Ranch, Food Depot (Maple Street) and A+ Consignment in Carrollton. We have them at all three Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum pharmacy locations in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville and Villa Rica and the Vitamin Shoppe in Hiram. Publix at Mirror Lake, in our rack at Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, at CVS in Bowdon and Piggly Wiggly in Tallapoosa and our racks at WM Grocery in Roanoke and Wedowee, Al., as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in West Georgia and East Alabama!

Need to advertise?

Email sales@westgeorgiawoman.com or Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com 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.

West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2018. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice.

Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Correction: In our April 2018 issue on page 50, the photo is not of Gabby Douglas. A photo of Olympic medalist, Simone Biles, was inadvertently included.

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Mark Steffey

Editorial Contributors

Charlene Brooks, Sydney Dailey, Janet Flanigan, Cheryl A. Francis, L.P.C., Rose Isaacs, and Gil Royal

Advertising Sales

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

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

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

9

Circle of Photos by Mark Steffey

10

Love

Mary Bryan and Friends Spread Birthday Cheer to Retirement Homes Throughout West Georgia

By Janet Flanigan 11

T

here is an image – probably clichéd – that many people have of retirees: they are imagined as sitting in rocking chairs, on a golf course or maybe knitting and whiling away the hours. The folks who believe those clichés have certainly never met Carrollton’s Mary Bryan.

After a lifetime of work caring for her mammography patients, Mary has developed a second calling as a retirement and assisted-living facility volunteer and, in many ways, this love for others is the very definition of who she is.

The active 86 year old maintains a schedule that would exhaust most Millennials, but her passion for others is the very wellspring of her energy.

Early Life Mary was born in the small town of Hiddenite, N.C. – an extension of the Greater Hickory area.

When she was young, her family, that included two brothers and one older sister, moved to Kannapolis, N.C. Her sister, Catherine, was a nurse, and upon Mary’s graduation from Cannon High School (now A.L. Brown High School), Catherine encouraged Mary to enter the medical field. “My sister recommended I go to x-ray school after high school because I would get out sooner than from nursing school. She didn’t tell me I’d have to work 24 hours a day for two years before I’d start drawing a salary!” she exclaims.

To attend the x-ray academy, students were

required to sign on for a two-year unpaid apprenticeship and, at the end, the school provided no assistance in finding a job. Mary met and married her first husband, Lewis Kenneth Gordon, during her apprenticeship.

Her First Mentor One day at work, while she was manning the reception desk, a gentleman named J.W. Warren approached her with a life-changing opportunity.

Warren was a Kannapolis native, but had moved to Carrollton and was serving as the administrator for (formerly known as) Tanner Memorial Hospital. “Mr. Warren knew I had x-ray certification as a technician – now known as an x-ray technologist – and he asked if I wanted to come to Carrollton and be Tanner’s x-ray technician,” she shares.

Mary told Mr. Warren she needed to ask her husband about the move, but her spouse was supportive as he did not have a preferred profession and could find work in any variety of fields.

“If I had known that at that same time I was pregnant with my son Kenny, I might not have agreed to the job and the move away from my family," she shares. She accepted the opportunity and moved to Carrollton in Jan. 1953.

When they first moved to Carrollton, Mr. Warren helped the couple find an apartment at the Tower Apartments South, now known as Azalea Place. After setting up house, Mary arrived at work and promptly wondered what she had gotten into. “I was used

Mary, back row and third from the left, at her graduation from the x-ray academy.

12

Mary has an extensive collection of photos and memorabilia from her 42-year career with Tanner.

to working with the most modern x-ray equipment, and the machine I found there was very old and outdated," she shares. "However, the woman who had been filling in for the x-ray department convinced me to stay.”

Mary's husband initially took a job that paid 75 cents an hour, but later signed on for a higher paying job with the Merchant Marines where he was away for extended periods of time. “Kenny arrived on my first wedding anniversary, and my husband came back from sea just in time for his birth,” she relates.

each x-ray film in a processing solution and then provide the film to the doctor to read it.”

At the time, Mary had no car but was on call 24 hours a day. “Late at night, if there was a bad accident, the police would come and pick me up for emergency x-rays,” she says.

Mary and her team worked with many patients who had broken bones and other internal injuries.

“Back in those days, the community could really pull together to help one another," she says. "For example, the folks at both Almon and Martin & Hightower funeral homes were a great help in getting folks from the ambulance to the x-ray table.”

The funeral homes had equipment that could move the patients as easily and painlessly as possible. “We couldn’t physically move the patients by ourselves,” she recalls. "And their help was invaluable.” Years later, modern regulations would prohibit such “partnerships” with non-hospital staff.

Mary shares that on another occasion, a large, local company had a massive outbreak of food poisoning and the hospital had difficulty handling the huge influx of patients at the time. “We all worked together and rounded up mattresses," she remembers. "Since the weather was nice, we put the mattresses outside on the green space where the

Would You Like A More Efficient Accounting System?

We Can Help.

Our Quickbooks® ProAdvisor will walk with you through every step of the process.

A Supportive Community In the 50s, a radiologist from Atlanta would arrive in Carrollton twice a week to read x-rays. All of the patients’ image appointments were scheduled around the radiologist's visits. At the time, Tanner was a 50-bed hospital but had plans for growth and expansion.

The patient contact was only a small part of Mary's responsibilities. “In those days, there were no CT Scans and no MRI machines," she relates. "We had to go and greet the patients, then bring them back to the machine, take the x-ray images, develop

Expert Tax, Quickbooks® and Accounting Solutions K. L. Phillips Firm, LLC 500 Old Bremen Road • Carrollton

678.664.0179 www.klphillips-ea.com 13

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770.832.7076 Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

patients could rest until they could all be seen to.”

A New Family Due to a variety of reasons, Mary and her husband eventually made the decision to end their marriage.

As a young mother working full-time and with no family close by, Mary was assisted in raising her son with in-home help and daycare. “Back in those days, even people who didn’t have a lot of money could afford to hire people to help out,” she says.

A short while later, Mary was blessed to meet the man who would become her husband and father to her son. Hoyt Bryan was a widower with a young son

of his own. Hoyt's son, Jimmy, was only 19 months old when his mother passed away.

“Jimmy was five and Kenny was three when we married," she wistfully recalls. "We had a happy marriage, and we were a blended family like you wouldn’t believe. We were never considered stepparents; I was always just ‘mom’ and Hoyt was just ‘dad.'”

Kenny was adopted by Hoyt and was given the Bryan name, and the boys were thrilled to each have a new brother. In 1960, the couple added another little boy to the growing brood and, with little Andy’s birth, their family was complete. They shared many happy times and memories throughout the years.

They worshipped at Tabernacle Baptist Church, and Hoyt and Mary had a wonderful group of friends with whom they would socialize with on the weekends.

At the beginning of their marriage, Hoyt was working for the Duffey Sausage company, but, in 1981, he founded Bryan Insurance Agency.

A Fulfilling Career As Carrollton's first female certified x-ray technician, it's no surprise that Mary was the one chosen to become certified in mammography. She received her training at Emory Hospital and began

Mary, front row, second from left, visits the current staff at the Tanner Women's Care Breast Health Center.

14

Who Makes Most of the Purchasing Decisions in the Home?

She does.

Advertise Today and

GET NOTICED. Call Zachary at 404.444.9072

SALES@WESTGEORGIAWOMAN.COM15

How Do You Know You're Making The Right Decisions For Your Unique Financial Situation?

Feel More Confident Knowing You Have Financial Guidance You Can Trust.

It’s our pleasure to help you work toward a bright, financial future, one milestone at a time.

Here For You During Every Milestone Moment Financial Planning Retirement Planning • Stocks Bonds • Mutual Funds

Your Financial Family Michael, Andrea and Jennifer

Michael L. Stone, AAMS®, PPC®, AIF® Wealth Manager • Founder & CEO Securities offered through LPL Financial.

Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment advisor. IFG Advisory, LLC and Milestone Investment Management, LLC are separate entities from LPL Financial.

16

770.830.0063 551 Newnan St. • Carrollton

www.milestoneinvestmentsllc.com

to help women receive their mammograms at Tanner Memorial. Mary spent the last 10 years of her career doing mammograms for women.

While mammography was a large part of patient care, she says the very best part of her job was the patients. “I love people and I loved my patients," she shares. "Everywhere I went in town, my patients came up and asked ‘Do you remember me? You did my mammogram!’”

Always striving to meet patient needs, Mary continued to thrive and was well-recognized for her efforts. She was honored with many accolades and awards, including employee of the month, longevity of service and more.

In 1986, Tanner vice president Gloria Emory developed the concept for a medical center dedicated to women’s specialized health needs.

Gloria asked Susan Manion-Galloway, Shirley Garrett, Jeri Amann Apple and Mary to create a team that would help make the women's center a reality.

By educating women on their bodies and health, the Tanner Women’s Center provided a safe space to care for patients. Under Mary’s seasoned and loving guidance, patients were treated with kindness and respect, and were sometimes given a slice of banana bread along with treatments designed to save lives.

Women’s health care was especially meaningful to Mary as her beloved sister Catherine had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had undergone a double mastectomy when it was a relatively uncommon procedure. As a result of Catherine's earlier treatment, Mary tried to ensure her patients received progressive care similar to the care her sister had received.

The Tanner Women’s Center was eventually Photos from Mary's collection. Left, Mary demonstrating the mammography machine.

Below, Mary working with the x-ray machine.

By educating women on their bodies and health, the Tanner Women’s Center provided a safe space to care for patients.

Never Be Taken Advantage Of Again.

Sign up for our free Saturday Ladies’ Auto Clinics today.

Our auto clinics are designed to teach you what you need to know about how your car works, and what you can do to keep it running smoothly – in a warm and welcoming environment where you can safely learn and ask questions without feeling nervous or embarrassed.

Email us today for more information lamberttireco@gmail.com www.lamberttireco.com • 770.832.9465 134 Bankhead Ave. • Carrollton

incorporated into what is now known as the greatly expanded Tanner Women’s Care services.

Among Mary’s many milestones, she received her 30-year employee certificate, and she says before she knew it she had served 40 years with Tanner.

In 1995, after 42 years of serving her community completing x-rays and mammograms, Mary made the decision to retire. Little did she know her work was only just beginning.

Endings And New Beginnings Hoyt had also retired, and the couple enjoyed friends, church activities and some travel. “Hoyt did not enjoy traveling as much as I do, but we had some fun vacations together,” she says.

Mary also has some advice for others entering their retirement years. “If you retire and don’t have a hobby, you will end up wasting your days watching TV," she shares. "You really should find a hobby or ambition to do something else.”

After her own retirement, Mary became involved in the Carrollton Senior Center – particularly with their travel groups. Open to citizens age 55 and older, the senior center has a wide range of classes, parties and events for seniors.

Mary has traveled with various groups all over the country and has seen all of the United States, save four states. “I am not saying I have stopped and toured in 46 states, but I have at least passed through them!” she exclaims.

She once went on a cruise with a group that dubbed themselves “The Christian Travelers” and visited the British Virgin Islands and other exotic ports of all. She says the most beautiful place she's ever seen was the Grand Canyon at sunset, but other highlights include Old Faithful at Yellowstone; the Gateway Arch in St. Louis; the Golden Gate Bridge; Fisherman’s Wharf; The Crystal Cathedral; The Mormon Tabernacle and their Choir and the

17

Happy Mother’s Day From Our Family To Yours

Bremen • Carrollton • Douglasville 770.537.2375 • 770.836.1466 • 770.489.2818

www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com American Quarter Horse Museum.

Although she's seen and experienced many things in the U.S., Mary still has a big item on her bucket list: she really hopes to visit the Ark Encounter (the Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. It spans 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high) in Williamstown, KY.

A Caretaker's Heart Mary’s compassion for others came into play when a long-time friend needed her in the biggest way possible. She and Hoyt had a long-standing friendship with a couple they met through Hoyt’s work. They would go out to eat every Friday night, with each couple alternating driving and selecting the restaurant. “It was just great and we got on so well,” Mary recalls. The wife had lost her sight and, suddenly, the husband passed away leaving his widow in need of support.

“As her close friend, I began to take her to the doctor, beauty parlor and get her groceries,” she relates. As loving friends do, Mary naturally assumed this role, but when her friend next suffered a debilitating stroke, she leaned on Mary even

18

more than before. “She asked me to take over her medical power of attorney, which was a huge responsibility,” she shares.

Mary eventually found her dear friend a place to live and continues to visit her regularly, and Mary is well-known and loved by the staff where her friend resides. Sometimes her friend knows her and sometimes she doesn’t, but it doesn’t matter – Mary is always there for her.

Working For A Cure Naturally, Mary’s expertise in women’s breast health along with her experience with her sister’s breast cancer has made her very interested in breast cancer research. One organization she volunteers with is the Sister Study, run by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, one of the National Institutes of Health, of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Mary was asked to participate in an ongoing study of the environmental and genetic risk factors for breast cancer patients and their female siblings.

“There is so much paperwork, you would not believe it,” she relates.

The study has asked Mary to provide some

unusual, but ordinary, things such as a sample of dust taken from the top edge of a door in her home to saving toe nail clippings, with the nail clippings from the large toes separated from the smaller ones.

It appears they are leaving no stone unturned, and Mary is happy to oblige them. She is very diligent about responding to the study, and has made arrangements with her sons to alert the Sister Study if she were to pass.

An Unexpected Tragedy In 2001, Mary’s idyllic life suddenly took a terrible turn when her youngest son Andy was involved in an accident while driving his Bobcat for his wood shavings company. He was killed instantly. Andy was only 40 years old.

“Everyone loved Andy,” she says. "He loved his 'horsey' customers, to whom he delivered shavings for horse stalls, and he also adored the Central High School baseball team."

In addition to his shavings business, Andy drove a school bus and drove the baseball team to all of their events. Upon his sudden passing, the team created a special memorial in his honor with a plaque and planted a tree with a type of wood from which baseball bats are made.

The team also created a memorial ring of baseball bats encircling the tree, including a custom bat made for Andy’s son, David. Today, only the plaque remains but the memory will last forever for Mary.

Soon after Andy’s death, Hoyt passed away and then, her mother passed. “I had three deaths in a row, and it was a terrible time,” she says. Mary received incredible support from Tabernacle Baptist Church, but, she says a group that really helped her was called the “Circle of Friends,” a support group for widows established by Hightower Family Funeral Homes' Carrollton location.

When Hoyt passed, his service was handled by Martin & Hightower Funeral Home in Carrollton, and in the packet of information provided to her there was an invitation to attend the “Circle of Friends” bereavement support group for widows. “It really is true that unless someone has suffered a similar loss, they just don’t understand,” she relates. “’Circle of Friends’ just hit the spot for what I needed.” When she felt somewhat stronger, Mary realized she could use her love for volunteering to help others who were new to bereavement and attending the group.

Hightower Family Funeral Homes, with locations in Carrollton, Bremen and Douglasville each offer a “Circle of Friends” support group for women who have experienced the loss of a spouse. The organization meets once a month for a covered dish meal provided by all of the women in the group and they enjoy a special program with topics relative to the ladies' interests.

The group has had speakers such as Sheriff Terry Langley, local attorneys, financial planners for widows and others who have provided information for handling life after losing a spouse or loved one.

The "Circle of Friends," group poses for a quick photo during their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 5. "Circle of Friends" is a bereavement support group for widows that is sponsored by Hightower Family Funeral Homes. Members of the group wrapped their arms around Mary and supported her while she was grieving the loss of her husband, son and mother. Sheriff Terry Langley, bottom row, third from right, was the guest speaker. Mary, standing on the steps in the second row, is first on the right.

19

Mary, fourth from the right, with some of the "Birthday Party Girls." These women volunteer their time each month to bring birthday cheer to area residents of retirement and assisted-living facilities.

The “Circle of Friends” also organizes special bus travel excursions for its members. The funeral directors and owners of the business, Richard, Bryant and Bill Hightower, sponsor some travel opportunities for the “Circle of Friends” members.

The Hightower family provides tour buses, drivers and the driver gratuities, with the ladies being responsible for their own hotel and meal charges.

Many of Mary’s favorite travel memories are from trips with her “Circle of Friends” group.

“I remember my first time at ‘Circle of Friends’ for two things," she laughs. "That as a new member I got to go first through the food line, and that everyone referred to me as ‘The boob lady’!” Once she started going to meetings, Mary has never stopped attending and volunteering.

A very special part of the “Circle of Friends” organization are the birthday parties they have to honor the residents at various retirement and assisted-

20

living homes throughout Carrollton. Ladies from the group organize and participate in these parties for the residents on a completely volunteer basis with the exception of Ms. Evelyn Reeves, who is the director of the "Circle of Friends" at their Carrollton location.

“We have birthday parties on each Monday and Wednesday of the month," Mary says. In all, the "Circle of Friends" throws six birthday parties each month for Carrollton's retirement and assisted-living residents.

The first Monday of the month they visit The Oaks of Carrollton, the second Monday is Pine Knoll Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the third Monday is Brookdale Senior Living and the fourth Monday they visit Carrollton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. On the second Wednesday of each month they visit Cottage Landing, and the third Wednesday they visit Carrollton Manor/ Autumn Square.

“Mr. Bryant Hightower cuts a blank

RalphE.E.Fleck, Fleck,Jr., Jr.,M.D. M.D. Ralph JubalR. R.Watts, Watts,M.D. M.D. Jubal GregoryS.S.Slappey, Slappey,M.D. M.D. Gregory AnthonyW. W.Colpini, Colpini,M.D. M.D. Anthony BradG. G.Prybis, Prybis,M.D. M.D. Brad KevinM. M.Charron, Charron,M.D. M.D. Kevin TaylorB.B.Cates, Cates,M.D. M.D. Taylor FranklinPence, Pence,M.D. M.D. E.E.Franklin Ki-Hon Lin, M.D. Ki-Hon Lin, M.D. Shomari A.Ruffn, Ruffin, M.D. Shomari A. M.D. Bryan Kirby, M.D. Bryan Kirby, M.D. David A.Scruggs, Scruggs,P.A.-C P.A.-C David A. MichaelC. C.Gravett, Gravett,P.A.-C P.A.-C Michael AndreaMaxwell, Maxwell,F.N.P. F.N.P. Andrea AlishaSchuchman, Schuchman,N.P.-C N.P.-C Alisha BritniLockwood, Lockwood,P.A.-C P.A.-C Britni 24

21

free

GIFT

Purchase an AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser plus a Lytera® 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum and get an AHA/BHA Cream Free! ($44 Value)

+

= FREE

Lytera 2.0 is formulated to address even the most stubborn skin discoloration, regardless of skin type or genetic makeup.

Brent Harris, MD, James Ingram MD, Amy Hicks FNP

678.974.1240 • Carrollton • USMedClinic.com check each month that pays for birthday cake, ice cream, drinks and popcorn," she explains. "We sing happy birthday and all of the residents are invited.

We celebrate all of the residents' birthdays for that month."

The team gathers around 2 p.m. to purchase party supplies, the party starts at 3 p.m. and generally winds down around 4 p.m. There are currently 66 members of the “Circle of Friends” Mary says – not all are active in the group, but each one has been helped in some way by the organization.

Mary is one of the original members who began volunteering for the birthday parties. She says the "Circle of Friends" director, Ms. Evelyn Reeves, lovingly calls the volunteers the "Birthday Party Girls."

Another organization Mary strongly believes in is the “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren” program, which is run under the auspices of the Georgia Division of Child Support Services but referrals to the program can also come through the Division of Family and Children Services and the Division of Aging Services.

Mary became a “member” of this club when one of her grandsons was having a tough time at home.

This young man is the son of her late son Andy and he was having some difficulties after his dad’s

22

passing. One day, he arrived at Mary’s home and asked if he could stay with her. She agreed and he lived with her for his senior year of high school and a year beyond graduation. “It was one of the toughest times of my life, and the group really helped me,” she shares. The organization meets the first Thursday of the month in her area, but the times and days may vary depending on the community.

Her grandson is doing well and now works grading land for construction sites. “He watched his daddy working with large equipment and learned from him. Now he is following his daddy’s lead,” she says. Andy’s other child, daughter, Ashley, is currently employed as a Computer Data Analyst.

The Importance Of Family While Mary is busy with volunteering, it's important that she and her family still see each other regularly. Her son, Jimmy, and his wife, Darlene, are the current pastoral family of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, and Jimmy is also an employee of Martin & Hightower Funeral Home in Carrollton.

They have two daughters: Amy who is a secondgeneration Martin & Hightower employee and Leigh Anne, who is an accountant for a large, out-of-state company.

Mary's son, Kenny, purchased the business from Hoyt in 1992, and recently passed the reigns over to Mary's grandson, John. Kenny still works at the firm and Mary helps out occasionally in the office as well. Kenny’s wife, Bretha, runs a ladies consignment shop in Carrollton and Kenny and Bretha's other son, Matt, lives in Anniston, Ala., and is a welder.

In all, Mary has been blessed with six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, but even with her large family, she still finds the time to volunteer and help those in need. With her passion for helping people in her community and her servant's heart, Mary continues to help women like herself find their own circle of love. WGW

To learn more about Hightower Family Funeral Homes' "Circle of Friends" program, call Evelyn Reeves at 770.836.1466 for Carrollton, Debbie Daniell at 770.489.2818 for Douglasville, or Jean Jones at 770.537.2375 for Bremen or visit the website at www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Help Your Child Manage

Stress

By Cheryl Francis

By Cheryl Francis 23

f our mental health is not well, our whole being is unwell. A child’s mental health matters! On average, it takes about 10 years from the onset of symptoms before many seek help to manage mental health challenges, according to Mental Health America.

We may first observe a child being challenged by mental illness based on the way he or she handles daily life stressors. Stress in and of itself is not all bad. There are good types of stress that motivate people to do well, as in the case of preparing for certain tasks. There are other types of stress that immobilize people and may push them toward experiencing a mental illness, such as anxiety or depressed mood.

In a study done by the American Psychological Association (APA), it was found that over 31 percent of teenagers feel depressed or sad because of stress, and more than 25 percent of adolescents experience “extreme stress” during the school year.

This type of stress, if not controlled, may lead to a mental illness or substance use.

To understand triggers to mental illness or substance use, it is important that we understand what stress may look or feel like. Stress is experienced when there is a dissonance between

I

what a person really wants and what that person believes he or she can do. It is an automatic response that prepares people for managing danger. Our perception determines the outcome.

Stress manifests itself in a variety of ways, mostly physical, emotional or behavioral.

I recently completed a survey of a group of 40 students age 14 to 18, and 100 percent of the students stated they experience stress regularly.

Much of their stressors were related to school or academic performance. A significant number stated family – especially parents – finances and the unknown about their future created stress for them.

A few attributed personal relationships as a cause of stress.

Helping your child recognize symptoms aids in averting potential challenges and empowers her in managing stress.

Symptoms That May Be Signs Of Stress • Lack of sleep • Lethargy • Irritability

Wishing a Very Happy Mother’s Day to All Moms in West Georgia – Biological, Foster and Adoptive, or Just Filling the Role of a Mother.

Dedicated Healthcare When You Need It Most • 770.832.9689 24

Dr. Howard Seeman

Dr. Thelma Lucas

Dr. John Arledge

Dr. Prashant Sharma

Dr. Peter Ojuro

• A consistent pattern of negativity • Avoiding or being unable to manage simple tasks • Refusing to attend school • A sense of being consistently overwhelmed • Anxiety • Excessive or binge eating • Feeling unexplained pain in parts of the body As a clinician who treats substance use disorder, one of the questions I ask an adult is, “How old were you when you first started using alcohol or Marijuana?" They may respond they began using when they were a teenager. My follow-up question is, “Why do you use when you use?" More often than not the response is “To relax."

When those same questions are asked of a teenager who uses a controlled substance, the response is usually similar: “I use when socializing and to chill."

What is the reason a teen may want to "chill?"

Socializing alone should give that "chill" feeling,

Susan Prescott, NP

Corie Price, NP

right? He or she is feeling overwhelmed, wound up or stressed. That is the reason socializing is not enough. Children are looking for ways to relieve their stress, and sometimes they find it in marijuana or alcohol because both substances usually provide relaxation to the body.

It is our responsibility as adults to provide support in helping our children manage the increased stressors of life in a healthy way. A constant pattern of communication is important, but communication works both ways. Take turns listening and talking – not shouting. Acknowledge that her life is changing rapidly, and she may feel overwhelmed. Offer your child a safe outlet without judgement.

During the teenage years especially, peers are key figures. Encourage your child to find a safe confidant to talk with about their stressors. An empowerment therapeutic group may offer this support, or sometimes a licensed professional is helpful, as this relationship assures confidentiality which is bound by legalities. Encourage your child to reach out to healthy adult mentors so she can talk about what

25

Win this Car

and have it wrapped courtesy of Sign and Graphic Solutions, Inc.

Only 300 tickets will be sold @ $100 each

Drawing is on July 4th, 2018 at the Rotary Club Fireworks Extravanganza, Drake Stadium in Newnan at 6:30 pm.

Benefitting Coweta Community Foundation

www.cowetafoundation.org/car Call Coweta Community Foundation to purchase tickets at 770-253-1833 or email info@cowetafoundation.org

2007 CarRaffle_WGAWoman_Updated.indd 1

is happening in her life. This helps her share her thoughts in a positive environment and helps her develop good listening skills.

Ways You Can Help Kids Cope • Encourage good sleeping habits. Set a time limit to turn off all electronics at nights. Our body produces melatonin naturally, which aids in sleep. The blue light from the electronics does the opposite and keeps the mind and body alert – but also depletes melatonin.

Sleep helps the brain to repair and renew itself, and lack of sleep contributes to memory loss, irritability and other health risks.

• Encourage physical exercise.

Your teen does not need to join the gym or even a sports league.

Daily, before or after dinner,

26

Raffle Terms and Conditions: By purchasing the Pontiac Solstice Raffle tickets you agree to these terms and conditions – Raffle proceeds will benefit The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc. This car raffle is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and is void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. Winner must be 21 years of age to claim car. If all tickets are sold, the odds of winning are 1/300. If fewer than 150 tickets are sold, the winner will receive 50% of total ticket sales, up to a maximum of $1,000. Drawing will take place on July 4th, 2018, at The Rotary Club of Newnan Fireworks Extravaganza located at Newnan High School Drake Stadium at 6:30 PM. Winner need not be present at drawing to win and if not present, winner will be contacted by phone and email within 48 hours of the drawing. If the car winner is NOT present at the drawing and fails to respond WITHIN SEVEN DAYS of the drawing to our attempts to reach them at the contact information supplied on their raffle ticket, a new random winner may be drawn and awarded the car (or prize money). Winner is responsible for vehicle taxes, fees, registration and all other costs and expenses associated with accepting and using the car. All federal, state and local taxes on the car are the sole responsibility of the winner. Winner must contact The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc. to arrange pickup of the car within one week (7 days) of the drawing. Car can be picked up at The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc. or shipped to winner at winner’s expense. Employees of The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc. are not eligible to win. The wrap of your choice for the car is being donated by Sign and Graphic Solutions, Inc. The wrap cannot break any copywrite laws and must be agreed upon between winner and Sign and Graphic Solutions, Inc. The wrap is not guaranteed by The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc., The Rotary Club of Newnan or any of its affiliates. Any warranties or guarantees on the wrap will be those agreed upon between winner and Sign and Graphic Solutions, Inc. The winner of this car understands that there are no guarantees or warranties with the car and is won as is. The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc., The Rotary Club of Newnan, Sign and Graphic Solutions, Inc., their respective employees and affiliates are not responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from receipt or use of the car. Raffle Licensee: The Coweta Community Foundation, Inc. The purchase of this raffle ticket is not tax deductible.

4/20/18 8:53 PM

encourage active play or walking for half an hour. There are several dance videos available on the internet for teens and children. This gives children a “TV fix” but also keep them healthy. Physical exercise helps stimulate the brain for processing, wards off obesity and, most important, releases happy hormones that help combat stress.

• Help your child train their brain to focus on the positive aspects of life. The way people perceive events contributes to the outcome.

When she sees and reports a situation in a negative light, challenge her to view the situation differently, from a more positive perspective.

• Encourage proper eating habits and purchase health conscious foods. Offer her more water, fruits and vegetables. She may complain, but will eventually adapt. Watch what you eat, and be consistent. Children mimic what they see.

• Teach relaxation techniques. Deep breathing exercises, visualizations and meditation are great stress relievers, even for children. These exercises relax the muscles, quiet the mind and can be done anytime, anywhere.

• Expose your child to a variety of music.

Music is therapy, and the art of listening to and playing music is a benefit to all children.

Studies show that children who play an instrument do better academically than their counterparts. They may love rap music, or country music, they may become hooked on a classical piece or even a piece in a different language. Listening to music lowers blood pressure and stress levels and relaxes and calms the mind.

• Help your child become organized. Working through the clutter – whether it is the book bag or the bedroom – helps to eliminate energy drains. Becoming organized is calming and reduces stress. There will most likely be many "Ah-ha" moments as the child may find"that thing" they've been missing.

Research shows that journaling, drawing, coloring, and painting can also be used to bring several

health benefits in addition to stress relief. Other coping skills may include playing with the family pet; limiting visits to social media sites; accepting and naming present feelings; and planning ahead for tasks.

If you feel your child is overwhelmed with life, reach out to her and give her your support and guidance. When you and your child work together and focus on coping strategies, you can help her manage her mental health. WGW Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a full-service counseling agency. She is certified as a Mental Health First Aid Adult trainer and regularly provides seminars and trainings to the community on various mental health issues. She has partnered with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy to train individuals in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Visit heartmatterswellness.com for more information about Cheryl and her work.

770-431-1340 • NGTurf.com

Beautiful green spaces bring balance to the stress of life.

• Convenient Delivery or Farm Pickup • Multiple Varieties to Meet Your Landscaping Needs

LUXURY LAWN YEAR ROUND 27

From Her Point of View: Chronicles of a Teenage Girl

Enjoying Every Step 28

By Sydney Dailey

N

early every teenager in the United States feels the pain of repeatedly being asked the crushing question, "What are you going to do with your life?�

At 17 and 18 years old, we students are still learning every day and are expected to be in complete control and without doubt in decisions that will navigate our lives forever.

To be frank, I have trouble deciding what movie I should go watch, or even the critical choice of if I should really buy those shoes. High schools are full of teenagers panicking about not being as confident in their plans for college as their peers, so much that the thought of enjoying their time in high school is seen as a waste.

I have been one of those people worried about what I will do when the time comes. But, this past year I have realized that rushing into something I am not sure of is irresponsible.

In times of worry about what may lie

High schools are full of teenagers panicking about not being as confident in their plans for college as their peers, so much that the thought of enjoying their time in high school is seen as a waste.

OneDeserves Deserves This NoNoOne This More Mom More Than Than Mom

970 Hays Mill Road Carrollton, Georgia 678.664.0610 Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday 1 - 6 PM 29

Pediatric, Hand & Speech Therapy

30

ahead of me, I always remember a quote by Chanda Kochhar that reads, "Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way. It is all those little steps that make the journey complete."

At the beginning of my high school career, I was extremely optimistic. I had hoped that I would eventually acquire a scholarship to a four-year university to play soccer, and, with my good grades I was headed in the right direction.

As the years have come and gone – seemingly overnight – I mourn the loss of the old me, the one who had such blind optimism. Now, I am not sure if I want to play soccer in college, and it is a big decision I must make this year.

Keeping confidence in my character and my abilities are what have saved me from making an irresponsible and regrettable decision. I know I am a good person, and I will do great things.

One beautiful thing about my chronic indecisiveness is the support of my family in whatever direction I may choose. The love they radiate is so strong, and I could not be more grateful for them.

As I write this article, I am still undecided about my future. I am still trying to rekindle that optimism that once burned so fiercely in my heart and, as I

do, I have a wonderful sense of peace. Before, I was afraid of what lies ahead, but now I am excited for this new chapter.

I have that little bit of wisdom by Chanda Kochhar to thank for my confidence in myself this past year.

Those words represent everyone who feels behind the game, or later than their peers.

For many, high school is a time of stress and endless work, but we all must take time to be thankful for where we are, and more importantly, where we are going. WGW Since writing this article, Sydney Dailey has chosen to pursue her college education and play soccer at the next level at LaGrange College. Sydney is a senior at Bremen High School, and, after graduation, Sydney plans to pursue a degree in Sociology. She hopes to have a career in the social services sector and contribute to improvements in her local community. See page 54 for photos of Sydney signing her National Letter of Intent to play soccer for LaGrange College.

Treat Mom To A Special Spa Gift Certificate Mother’s Day Specials

Deep Cleansing Facial & Signature Manicure and Pedicure 2 hours – $130 Mommy & Me Manicure & Pedicure $65 per Mother/Child couple

1019 Rome Street Carrollton, GA 30117 (770)838.9095 indulgedayspa.net Mon & Tues 10-7, Wed & Thurs 9-8, Fri & Sat 9-6 Gift certificates available for purchase online or in store.

Life. Starts. Here

Treatment for people suffering from chronic, debilitating pain of the low back, legs, and arms.

Beata Grochowska, MD and Myrlynn Delille, MD of Alliance Spine and Pain Centers offer West Georgia the most comprehensive and innovative treatments for individuals with chronic pain. Both board-certified physicians provide rehabilitative care as well as non-surgical procedures for effective pain management. Dr. Grochowska and Dr. Delille compassionately serve patients in the West Georgia area at Alliance’s Carrollton and Douglasville locations, both open five days a week.

19 Metro Atlanta Locations 22 Board Certified Physicians State of the Art Accredited Surgery Centers

Specialized procedures to correct the cause of your pain, not just mask it.

Beata Grochowska, MD | Myrlynn Delille, MD 812 South Park St, Suite 5, Carrollton, GA 30117 3400 Chapel Hill Road, Ste 101, Douglasville, GA 30135 | 770.929.9033

31

Hepatitis C: Why Baby Boomers Should Get Tested

H

epatitis C, or HCV, is a viral infection causing inflammation in the liver that can sometimes cause serious liver damage. The hepatitis C virus is spread through contaminated blood.

Some people who get infected are able to get rid of or clear the hepatitis C virus, but most people who are infected have a long-term and chronic infection that, over time, can develop into serious health problems, such as the need for a liver transplant, cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer.

While anyone can become infected with the virus, people who were born from 1945 to 1965, often called Baby Boomers, are five times more likely to have hepatitis C than other adults. In fact, three in four people who have hepatitis C were born between those years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most Baby Boomers are believed to have been infected with HCV from the 1960s to the 1980s, when transmission of the virus was at its peak, but no one really knows why Baby Boomers have higher rates of HCV. Some speculate the cause could have been that they became infected from medical procedures or equipment before universal infection control or precautionary procedures were in place.

Still, others may have been infected from

32

contaminated blood products or blood before widespread screening occurred (by 1992, screening had virtually eliminated HCV from the blood supply).

Sharing equipment or needles used to inject or prepare drugs could also have resulted in spread of the virus. Many people still do not know when or how they became infected with HCV, and most people who have HCV don't even know they are infected at all.

People can live for decades with the virus without feeling sick or having any symptoms, and that is why testing is so critical for those who are infected so they can be treated and cured of the virus. Because chronic hepatitis C (long-term infection with the hepatitis C virus) is often silent for years, the virus will eventually cause enough damage to the liver to present signs and symptoms of liver disease.

For this reason, the CDC recommends a one-time blood test screening for everyone who may be at increased risk of the infection.

The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested for the virus. A hepatitis C antibody blood test can show if a person has ever been infected with HCV. The test searches for antibodies – chemicals that are released into the bloodstream when someone is infected.

However, a reactive antibody test does not necessarily mean a person currently has hepatitis C. Once a person has been infected with HCV, the antibodies will always remain in their blood, even if they have cleared, or gotten rid of the virus.

Anytime there is a reactive antibody test an additional follow-up test is required to determine if the person currently is infected with the hepatitis C virus.

Symptoms Of Chronic Hepatitis C • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fatigue Weight loss Spider-like blood vessels on the skin Bruising easily Itchy skin Poor appetite Bleeding easily Yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin, or jaundice Buildup of fluid in the abdomen Drowsiness, slurred speech and confusion Urine that is dark in color Swelling in the legs Nausea Fever Muscle aches

When a person is tested for hepatitis C, they should ask their doctor how and when the test results will be shared. After testing, there are two antibody test results that are possible:

Investing is about more than money.

At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s Important to you?”

Without that Insight and a real understanding of your goals, Investing holds little meaning.

Contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.

Fred O’Neal, AAMS® Financial Advisor 410 College Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770-832-2141

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

1. A non-reactive, or a negative test result means that a person does not have hepatitis C. But, if that person has recently been exposed to HCV, they would need to be retested for the virus.

2.

A reactive, or a positive test result means hepatitis C antibodies have been found in the blood and the person has been infected with HCV at a certain point in time.

Fatigue, drowsiness, slurred speech and confusion can be symptoms of chronic hepatitis C.

Keep in mind that a reactive antibody test doesn't necessarily mean a person has the hepatitis C virus, it simply means they have been infected before and have developed antibodies in their blood.

33

Hepatitis C Treatments

HCV also responds well to antiviral medications.

There are treatments available now that can cure hepatitis C. Until recently, the most successful treatment for HCV was weekly injections and oral medications that many people who were infected could not take because of adverse reactions, side effects or health problems. Now, all of that is changing. Thanks to advances in the medications, chronic HCV is often cured with oral medicines that are taken each day for a period of two to six months.

Risk Factors

Not Always Chronic Each chronic hepatitis C infection begins with the acute phase. Acute hepatitis C usually isn't diagnosed because symptoms are rare. Acute symptoms may appear anywhere from one to three months after exposure to the virus and symptoms may last from two weeks to three months.

Acute hepatitis C infection doesn't always turn into chronic hepatitis C infection. Some of those who are infected clear HCV from their bodies after the acute phase. This clearing is also known as spontaneous viral clearance.

In studies of infected people who were diagnosed with acute HCV, spontaneous viral clearance occurred in 14 to 50 percent of the people. Acute

• Were born between 1945 and 1965 • Were ever in prison • Were born to a woman with the HCV infection • Received an organ transplant or a blood transfusion before 1992 • Received clotting factor concentrates before 1987 • Infected with HIV • A health care worker exposed to infected blood through a needle piercing the skin or exposed in other ways • Received hemodialysis treatments for a long period of time • Received a tattoo or a body piercing in an unclean establishment using unsterile supplies or equipment • Have ever inhaled or injected illicit drugs If you think you may be at risk of hepatitis C, see your primary care physician about testing.

It's important to get tested now to be treated and cured of HCV before any potential liver damage occurs. WGW

Tiny Fingers in My Tears I held you gently in my arms, but tight Enough for you to feel security, And as your advocate to Deity, I prayed with utterances that you might Not understand until you hold your own Small miracle, pale within your trembling hands.

I knew better than to make demands, But on my knees before the God I’ve known Since my childhood days, I pled your case.

Before my sovereign God, tears fled my face As I poured out my heart throughout the night.

In the early hours I sensed His grace; You sensed it, too. Your tiny fingers traced My tears, to tell me you would be all right.

34 G.S.Royal ©2009

35

Daily Fare With

e s o R f e Ch Chef photos by Kei

th May

Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn. 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.

Photos by Mark Steffey.

36

" This recipe makes great use of the wonderful strawberries that are in season for May. "

Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Strawberries Ingredients

1 package or two pork tenderloins 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 10 to 12 bacon slices

2 8-ounce packages haricots verts (thin green beans)

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 garlic cloves, minced and divided 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1/3 cup strawberry preserves

1/2 cup quartered fresh strawberries Toothpicks

Preparation Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle pork with pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Wrap 5 to 6 bacon slices in a spiral – overlapping slightly – around each tenderloin and secure with

"

These ingredients make this a light and fresh dinner the whole family will love. wooden picks.

Place pork on a baking sheet and put in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center reaches 165 degrees and bacon is browned.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon of hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden. Keep a close eye on the garlic and stir often so it doesn’t burn. Add vinegar and bring to a boil.

Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in preserves. Reserve half of the sauce for basting the pork tenderloin in the last 5 minutes of cooking in the oven. Add fresh strawberries to the remaining sauce after basting the pork tenderloin.

For the green beans: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, green beans and 1 teaspoon salt. Sauté until green beans are tender – about 8 minutes.

Remove pork from the oven and serve with the green beans and strawberry mixture.

Serves 4

"

37

� This flatbread is a great addition to a Mother's Day brunch or a super fast weeknight dinner.�

Artichoke Ricotta Flatbread

Ingredients

1/2 pound homemade or store bought pizza dough at room temperature Olive oil for drizzling

1 1/2 cups fresh whole-milk ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped 1 tablespoon honey

8 ounces marinated artichokes, drained 6 ounces fresh prosciutto, torn 3 cups fresh arugula

1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon chives, chopped Salt and pepper as needed

Crushed red pepper flakes for sprinkling (if desired)

For the lemon vinaigrette 1/3 cup olive oil

38

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar Salt to taste

Preparation Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.

On a lightly floured surface, push or roll the dough out until it is very thin. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

Place in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust is golden.

Meanwhile, stir together the ricotta, basil, honey and a pinch of both salt and pepper.

Remove the bread from the oven and top with the ricotta cheese.

Scatter the artichokes over the flatbread and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Add the torn prosciutto, fresh arugula and shaved parmesan cheese.

For the lemon vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients and add salt to taste.

Just before serving, drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette and chives.

Serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a meal.

WGW

�Fresh arugula and the light lemon dressing make this a perfect dish to welcome in spring.�

39

KICK START YOURSTART CAREER KICK YOUR CAREER

From high school dual enrollment to advanced technical programs and associate degrees that transfer directly to UWG, find out how WGTC can prepare you for a meaningful career doing what you love.

Carroll Campus Open House

855.887.9482 | admissions@westgatech.edu Wednesday, March 28, 5-7 p.m.

Apply for Admission FREE at event!

www.westgatech.edu Find out more about admissions, financial aid, programs of study, student life, GED & more!

855.887.9482 | admissions@westgatech.edu

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

40

Do You Have to Cross Your Knees When You Sneeze?

41

Sports Injuries?

Don’t Worry Mom. We’ve Got Her Covered.

Scoliosis • Sports Injuries • Weightlifting Injuries Ear Infections • Pediatric Training Through ICPA Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) technique is one of the most scientifically validated techniques in chiropractic.

770.832.1640

775 S. Park Street, Suite 102 • Carrollton 42

www.integrativebodyhealth.com

U

rinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, is an embarrassing and common problem. Incontinence can range from leaking urine occasionally when you sneeze or cough to having such a strong and sudden urge to urinate that you can't get to a toilet in time.

Although it happens more often with age, urinary incontinence isn't a definite consequence of becoming older. For many people, medical treatment or lifestyle changes can stop urinary incontinence or at least ease the discomfort.

Do you spend too much of your time looking for one of these? Maybe you should see a doctor.

Types Of Urinary Incontinence • Functional incontinence. A mental or physical impairment that keeps one from making it to the toilet in time. An example would be someone with severe arthritis who is unable to unbutton their pants quickly enough.

• Stress incontinence. Exerting pressure on the bladder when sneezing, laughing, coughing, lifting something heavy or exercising that

causes urine leakage.

• Overflow incontinence. Experiencing constant or frequent dribbling of urine due to the bladder not emptying completely.

• Urge incontinence. An intense and sudden urge to urinate that is followed by involuntary urine loss. One may experience the need to urinate often and throughout the night. This might be caused by a minor condition, such as an infection, or more severe conditions such

Not feeling silly?

Let our digestive experts help relieve your little ones’ tummy troubles so they can get back to being kids.

Alpharetta | Duluth | Marietta | Sandy Springs New Stockbridge AGApediatrics.com | 404.843.6320 AGA, LLC and its affiliates are participating providers for Medicare, Medicaid, and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia. We comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

43

Advancing Health with specialized urology care in west Georgia and east Alabama.

Waking to “go” several times a night or having difficulty “going” when you need to? Pain in your pelvis, kidneys or bladder? Frequent urinary tract infections?

Specialized care and advanced clinical treatments are closer than you think.

The patient care team at Tanner Urology Care offers compassionate, discreet care for men and women living with urological problems, helping residents of west Georgia and east Alabama regain control of their urologic health with locations in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen and in Wedowee, Ala. The board-certified team of urologists on staff at Tanner offer advanced clinical solutions for a host of urologic issues — from fecal and urinary incontinence to kidney stones, bladder cancer and more — with specialized services like minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery, pelvic reconstructive surgery and pelvic floor stimulation, vasectomy and others.

At Tanner Urology Care, we can get to the root of your urologic issues — and treat them — close to home.

Tanner Urology Care Carrollton | Villa Rica | Bremen | Wedowee For more information or to make an appointment, call 770.214.CARE. TannerUrologyCare.org

44

MEDICINE BEYOND MEASURESM

as diabetes or neurologic disorders.

• Mixed incontinence. Experiencing more than one type of urinary incontinence.

Temporary urinary incontinence can occur while taking certain medications, drinks and foods. These may act as diuretics that increase the volume of urine and stimulate the bladder. These types of stimulants may include: • • • • • • • •

Caffeine Sparkling water or carbonated drinks Alcohol Chocolate Chili peppers Artificial sweeteners Large doses of vitamin C Foods that are high in sugars, spices or acids, particularly citrus fruits • Sedatives, muscle relaxants and heart and blood pressure medications Urinary incontinence may also be caused by a medical condition that is easily treated such as constipation or a urinary tract infection.

Persistent urinary incontinence is a condition that is caused by underlying changes or physical problems.

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

NORA FLEMING, TERVIS AND COLLEGIATE ITEMS

Causes Of Persistent Urinary Incontinence • Childbirth. A vaginal delivery can weaken the muscles that are needed for bladder control

Foods that are high in sugars, spices or acids, particularly citrus fruits, may cause temporary urinary incontinence.

770.834.3393

623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA and can damage the supportive tissue and bladder nerves. This can lead to a prolapsed, or dropped, pelvic floor. With pelvic floor prolapse, the uterus, bladder, small intestine or rectum can get pushed down from the usual position and protrude into the vagina.

These protrusions may be associated with incontinence.

• Neurological disorders. Parkinson's disease, a stroke, multiple sclerosis, a spinal injury or a brain tumor can interfere with the nerve signals that are involved in bladder control.

• Obstruction. Urinary stones are stone-like, hard masses that form in the bladder, and can sometimes cause urine leakage. A tumor along the urinary tract can block the normal flow of urine, and can lead to overflow incontinence.

45

surgery that involves a woman's reproductive system, including the removal of the uterus, can damage the pelvic floor muscles, which may cause incontinence.

• Aging. Aging of the bladder muscle can decrease the bladder's ability to hold urine, and involuntary bladder contractions become more frequent as people age.

• Enlarged prostate. This happens more often in older men, and incontinence often occurs from the enlargement of the prostate gland.

This condition is known as as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Prostate cancer. In men, urge or stress incontinence may be associated with untreated prostate cancer. More frequently, incontinence is a side effect of prostate cancer treatments.

Risk Factors Some factors that may increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence include:

• Pregnancy. The increased weight of the fetus and hormonal changes can cause stress incontinence.

• Menopause. Women produce less estrogen after menopause.

Estrogen is a hormone that helps keep the lining of the urethra and bladder healthy. The deterioration of these tissues can also cause incontinence.

• Hysterectomy.

In women, the uterus and the bladder are supported by many of the same ligaments and muscles. Any

46

• Family history. If a close family member has urinary incontinence, particularly urge incontinence, the risk of developing the condition is higher.

• Age. As people age, the muscles in the urethra and bladder lose some of their strength. Age-related changes can reduce how much urine your bladder can store and increase the chances of the involuntary release of urine.

• Weight. Extra weight increases pressure on the muscles that surround the bladder and the bladder itself.

This causes them to weaken and allows urine to leak when sneezing or coughing.

• Smoking.

Tobacco use might increase

Women are more likely to have stress incontinence due to childbirth, pregnancy, menopause and normal female anatomy.

the risk of urinary incontinence.

• Gender. Women are more likely to have stress incontinence due to childbirth, pregnancy, menopause and normal female anatomy.

However, men with prostate gland problems are at an increased risk of overflow and urge incontinence.

• Other diseases. Diabetes or neurological diseases may also increase your risk of incontinence.

Certain complications associated with chronic urinary incontinence include skin infections, sores and rashes from consistently wet skin, and incontinence can also affect your personal life.

Are Restroom Breaks Interrupting Your Life?

Let Us Help.

Ways To Decrease Your Risk • Practice pelvic floor exercises • Avoid things that may irritate your bladder including alcohol, acidic foods and caffeine • Maintain a healthy weight • Don't smoke • Eat more fiber to prevent constipation that can cause urinary incontinence

When Should You See Your Doctor If urinary incontinence is affecting your daily activities, you should see your physician immediately.

It may not be easy discussing this issue with a physician, but if it's having an affect on your quality of life it's important to seek appropriate medical advice.

Urinary incontinence is not a disease, but a symptom that may be caused by underlying medical conditions, physical problems or daily habits.

A thorough evaluation by your doctor can help determine what's behind your incontinence and possibly rule out a more serious condition. WGW

Dr. James Cullison West Georgia’s Only Urologist Board Certified In Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Carrollton • Villa Rica • Wedowee

770.834.6988 • WGUrology.com 47

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion.

These are the things my mom taught me.”

– Lady GaGa

“A mother understands what a child does not say.”

Photo by: John Robert Charlton

“Any mother could perform the jobs of several air-traffic controllers with ease.”

– Lisa Alther

– Jewish Proverb

"Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother."

– Oprah Winfrey

"As mothers and daughters, we are connected with one another. My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. She is the beating of my heart. I cannot now imagine a life without her."

– Kristin Hannah 48

Local Happenings Healers and Helpers Wellness Group This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840.

Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

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

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

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

Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the lives of young girls and women. This group meets the third Saturday of each month at WellStar Douglas Hospital, 8954 Hospital Dr. in Douglasville, in the Sycamore Room from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This program is open to all girls ages 10 to 17.

For more information call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton.

49

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us.

Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.

Clothing and accessory drive:

Nursing From The Heart is collecting new and lightly used clothing and accessories for women, children and babies in preparation for Mother's Day. All donations will be provided to the Domestic Violence Center serving West Georgia. All sizes and accessories are appreciated and welcomed.

Donations can be dropped off at the The Burson Center in Carrollton: Mon.-Wed. 8:30 to 4 p.m., Thurs. 1 to 8 p.m. and Fri. 9 to 2 p.m.

Nursing From The Heart is hosting a United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) Regional Workshop on Wednesday, May 9 from 7:30 to 5 p.m. at the Burson Center. Seven CERPs/nursing contact hours will be provided.

For more information, call or email Anne Lussier at 470.270.9520 or visit the website at IBCLC@nursingfromtheheart.com

GriefShare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group and workbook, each of the 13 weekly GriefShare meetings center around a topic important to the grief recovery process.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 256, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15.

DivorceCare at Tabernacle Baptist Church Utilizing a video seminar, support group, and workbook, each of the 13 weekly DivorceCare meetings center around a topic important to your recovery process.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., and the meetings run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. each evening.

50

Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Room 260, Carrollton, Ga. Classes are free. Participation workbooks are $15.

For more information on GriefShare or DivorceCare, call or text John Pearson at 404.368.2746.

Heard County Receives Large Tax Payment

(Back row, L to R): Jerome Johnston, chief operating officer, and Jay Gill, vice president of communications and economic development, Carroll EMC; Ken Pope, residential services and marketing coordinator, Diverse Power; and Jimmy Adams, vice president of energy services and general manager of Relyco Resources, Coweta-Fayette EMC. (Front row, L to R): Emmett Harrod, director, and Tim Martin, president/CEO, Carroll EMC; Chellie Phillips, vice president of communications and public relations, Coweta-Fayette EMC; Dianne Watson, tax commissioner, Heard County; and Mary Long, senior community relations coordinator, Oglethorpe Power Corp. Photo by Oglethorpe Power Corp.

Officials from Carroll EMC, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Diverse Power, and Oglethorpe Power Corp. recently presented a check for $896,938.94 to Heard County’s Tax Commissioner Office, bringing Oglethorpe’s total 2017 ad valorem tax payment in Heard County to $2,392,964.23.

The check represents payment for Oglethorpe Power’s 30 percent interest in the Hal B. Wansley coal-fired plant and 100 percent interest in the Hawk Road and Chattahoochee natural gas-powered energy facilities, all in Heard County.

“The additional tax revenue positively impacts Heard County and its citizens by allowing more/ better services and facilities to be provided while keeping property taxes lower than they would otherwise need to be,” said Jerome Johnston, Carroll EMC chief operating officer.

Oglethorpe Power is a wholesale electric power cooperative owned by and serving 38 electric membership corporations (EMCs) in Georgia,

including Carroll EMC, Coweta-Fayette EMC, and Diverse Power, each of which provides electricity in portions of Heard County.

Around the state, Oglethorpe Power expects to pay more than $35 million in 2018 ad valorem taxes for power-generating facilities that it owns or coowns on behalf of its Member EMCs. Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

Carroll EMC Offices Closed for Memorial Day All Carroll EMC offices will close Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. During the closing, make payments at the kiosks, 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 1-877-9-OUTAGE (1-877-968-8243) or report it online or via the mobile app.

Carrollton Optimist Club First Annual Music Feast June 30 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Carrollton Cultural Arts Center. Cost: $25 per ticket or two tickets for $40.

Featuring local musical groups donating their time performing classic rock, ballads and folk style types of music. Six hours of music, with each band playing for one hour, with a 15-minute interval between each act. All proceeds will stay within the Carroll County community and will help our club bring out the best in kids.

Performing artists include: • E.B.2 • Barefoot Nina • The Complete Complex • Stil • David Pippin Trio

West Georgia Technical College Names New President

President Scott Rule

Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Matt Arthur has appointed a new president at West Georgia Technical College. Dr. Scott Rule, TCSG Assistant Commissioner for Data, Planning, and Research, has been named President of West Georgia Technical College.

Dr. Rule brings more than 28 years of experience in technical education to West Georgia Technical College. He has been a technical instructor, chief information officer, vice president for academic affairs, vice president for economic development,

OPEN NOW THRU JUNE 3, 2018 Saturdays, Sundays & Memorial Day 10:30am to 6pm • Rain or Shine FREE PARKING!

✁ CLIP & SAVE

SAVE $4

ON ADULT ADMISSION! Present this coupon at the Festival Box Office

PURCHASE UP TO 4 TICKETS WITH THIS COUPON VALID THRU JUNE 3, 2018 ~NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER ~ W GA WMN

www.garenfest.com

Located in Fairburn, just off I-85 at Exit 61 (Peachtree City Exit) 51

and vice president for student affairs at Chattahoochee Technical College. Dr. Rule joined TCSG as Assistant Commissioner for Data, Planning, and Research in 2016.

“Dr. Rule’s wealth of experience in technical education is a tremendous asset to West Georgia Technical College and the surrounding community,” said Commissioner Arthur. “His different leadership roles at Georgia’s technical colleges speak not only to his capabilities, but to his ability to lead West Georgia Technical College in a comprehensive way to meet the needs of the 21st century.”

Dr. Rule received his Bachelor of Science from Polytechnic State University, his MBA from Kennesaw State University, and his Ph.D. from Georgia State University.

“West Georgia Technical College is such an integral part of the West Georgia community, and I am honored to lead the College,” said Dr. Rule. “I am committed to providing students with a worldclass educational experience, business and industry with skilled talent, and the community with a trusted partner for years to come.”

The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia approved Commissioner Arthur’s appointment of Dr. Rule at their monthly board

52

meeting on Thursday, April 5 in Atlanta.

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

The 22 colleges of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) are Georgia’s top resource for skilled workers. TCSG offers world-class training in 600 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs to students who are trained on state-ofthe-art equipment by instructors who are experts in their fields. The system also houses Georgia’s Office of Adult Education, which promotes and provides adult literacy and education programs, including the GED testing program, throughout the state. In addition, TCSG partners with companies through Quick Start, the nation’s top customized workforce training program, and through its individual colleges, who work with local industry to provide workforce and training solutions. For more information, visit TCSG.edu.

COME CHANGE LIVES AT THE

All proceeds from the RACE go to area adopting families, so the more participants we have,the more grant money we can give each family.

Saturday, May 5, 2018 • Coweta County Fairgrounds • RACE day registration begins at 7:30 AM Tot Trot begins at 8:15 AM • 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 8:30 AM • 5K begins at 9:00 AM

(USATF certified/Peachtree Road Race qualifier)

Runners and walkers of all ages welcome to participate • Door prizes, Kids FunZone, food, music and fun!

Early packet pick-up on Friday, May 4th from 11 AM-7 PM at Dragonfly Running Company (Located at 10 LaGrange Street, downtown Newnan) Academy Sports Gift Cards will be given to the top 3 participating schools Visit www.racefortheorphans.org for more information and to register or contact Kelly Preston, RACE Director, at kelly@racefortheorphans.org or 770.310.8222 for more information.

Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #35 Is Accepting Sponsorships forFORM Their OFFICIAL SPONSORSHIP

2nd Annual Handcuff Hustle 5k & 1 mile Color Run/Walk June 16th 2018 Carrollton Greenbelt @Hobbs Farm 1147 Rome Street 100% of race proceeds will benefit Shelli Roden who is battling bile duct cancer.

#ShelliStrong

$3,500 Company Logo on back of shirt: 6 Color Run entries • $2,000• Large company logo on shirt and $3,500Extra ExtraLarge Large Company Logo on back of shirt: 6 Color Run entries $2,000 Large company logo on4 Color Run entries • $1,000 Large Company Logo on shirt and 4 Color Run entries • $500 Medium Size Company Logo shirt and 4 Color Run entries • $1,000 Large Company Logo on shirt and 4 Color Run entries on shirt and 2 Color •Run entries • $300Size Small Size Company on shirt 1 Color entry • $100 Friends and $500 Medium Company Logo Logo on shirt and and 2 Color RunRun entries family name on shirt.

Text only ( No business names please – first & last, or family • $300 Small Size Company Logo on shirt and 1 Color Run entry name) Make checks payable to: Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police, 115 West Center Street, Carrollton, Ga. 30117

$3,500 Extra Large Company Logo on back of shirt: 6 Color Run entries.

• $100 Friends and family name on shirt. Text only for $100 friends and family sponsorship ( No business $2,000 Large company logo on& shirt Color Run entries. names please – first last, orand family4name) For more information or to register for the 5K, call Eddie LeBlanc (770) 318-5618 Make checks payable to: Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police, 115 West Center Street, Carrollton, Ga. 30117

For more information to register foron the 5K, and call Eddie LeBlanc (770) 318-5618 $1,000 LargeorCompany Logo shirt 4 Color Run entries.

53

BREMEN HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL SIGNING DAY APRIL 11, 2018

Five athletic standouts from Bremen High School signed national letters of intent for their prospective colleges and universities on April 11, 2018. From left: Fisherman, Nathan Hardin; Kyle Williamson, BHS head fishing coach; Wrestler, Noah Liles; Tony Armas, BHS head wrestling coach; Wrestler, Paul Robinson; Soccer athlete Sydney Dailey; Jason Fields, BHS girls' and boys' head soccer coach; and soccer athlete Noah Stanford. College and university graphics and photos provided by Rick Brower and Bremen High School.

Left: Sydney Dailey signs her national letter of intent for LaGrange College. Above from left: BHS girls' head soccer coach, Jason Fields; Robby Dailey, father; Sydney Dailey; Angela Dailey, mother; Zachary Dailey, brother.

Left: Nathan Hardin signs his national letter of intent for Brewton-Parker College. Above from left: Natalie Hardin, sister; BHS head fishing coach, Kyle Williamson; Nathan Hardin; and Keena Hardin, mother.

54

Left: Noah Liles signs his national letter of intent for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Above from left: Paula Liles, mother; Brian Liles, father; Noah Liles; and Gabby Liles, sister.

Left: Paul Robinson signs his national letter of intent for the Army at West Point. Above from left: Eric Robinson, father; Sara Robinson, sister; Paul Robinson; Jordan Robinson, sister; and Susan Robinson, mother.

Left: Noah Stanford signs his national letter of intent for LaGrange College. Above from left: Sharon Stanford, mother; Noah Stanford; BHS boys' head soccer coach, Jason Fields; Austin Stanford, brother.

Happy Mother’s Day Love,

Woman West Georgia

TM

Magazine

55

Local Students Selected to Represent Carroll EMC at Nation’s Capitol

C

arroll Electric Membership Cooperative has selected three local high school students to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C. as part of the Washington Youth Tour, an all-expenses paid leadership experience.

Anna Handley, of Central High School, Hannah Pless, of Villa Rica High School and Rebekah Rooks, of Carrollton High School, were chosen as Carroll EMC’s delegates for the 2018 trip. As Georgia’s oldest leadership program for teens, the Washington Youth Tour is designed to teach students about U.S. history, the role of government and the importance of community and public service.

According to Taylor Key with Carroll EMC, the Youth Tour is an incredible opportunity for local students to meet members of Georgia’s congressional delegation and visit historical points of interest in Georgia and the Nation’s Capital.

“The Washington Youth Tour affords an outstanding group of future leaders the opportunity to explore our nation’s capital. Georgia EMC’s team works year-round to coordinate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youth, during which they get to experience Washington, D.C. at its best. The Washington Youth Tour gives students the ability to make life-long friendships, discover a career path and a lifetime of memories,” said Key. Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

56

Top left: Anna Handley, a graduating senior at Central High School.

Right: Hannah Pless, a rising senior at Villa Rica High School.

Bottom left: Rebekah Rooks, a rising senior at Carrollton High School. Editorial and photos provided by Carroll EMC.

C

Biannual Spring Agribusiness Seminar Held by Carroll EMC

arroll Electric Membership Cooperative hosted its spring Agribusiness Seminar March 26 at the Carroll County Agriculture-Education Center. The bi-annual seminar is known for bringing together individuals and groups in the agricultural community from across the state.

More than 200 farmers, FFA students, associations, business leaders and elected officials were represented and in attendance at the spring seminar. This seminar’s guest speaker was Carroll EMC’s very own CEO, Tim Martin. Martin spoke about the cooperative’s humble beginnings and its ties within the agricultural community.

“At Carroll EMC, we believe in honoring our past and we truly do treasure our heritage,” said Martin. “In 1936, when the co-op was formed, a group of people came together in this community to make a better place for people in the west Georgia area. What a great thing that they accomplished. We treasure and honor that and we never want to forget.”

The seminar also featured videos of the local agriculture community and businesses, the Carroll EMC FFA Day and most notably, a video featuring the co-op’s earliest Members. The latter video highlighted two Members who remembered what it was like when “the lights came on” and their experiences before and after electricity. All of the videos presented showcased the co-op’s commitment and continued influence in the agricultural community in the past, present and future. Carroll EMC plans to hold its next Agribusiness Seminar in the fall.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses.

The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built.

Community Builder.

Photo: Carroll EMC CEO and featured speaker, Tim Martin, with area FFA students. Photo and editorial provided by Carroll EMC.

57

C

Carroll EMC Awards 2018 Lineman School Scholarships

arroll Electric Membership Cooperative has selected three local students as the 2018 recipients of the Lineman School Scholarship.

Christian Brannon, of Mt. Zion; Jake Gilley, of Bowdon and Evan Wallace, of Bremen were awarded scholarships to attend a lineman school in Georgia.

The winners were required to submit an essay explaining why they want to be a lineman, two letters of recommendation and interview with the scholarship selection team. The scholarships cover tuition, textbooks and other related fees for the recipients and are available up to 24 months after award date. In addition to the scholarship, the award winners are also paired with a lineman mentor from Carroll EMC. Brannon is a graduating senior at Mt. Zion High School. When asked what this scholarship means to him, he replied, “I am very excited about receiving this scholarship because it will transform me from all the struggles I’ve had to overcome in my life.” Brannon plans to attend North Georgia Technical School.

Gilley is a 2017 graduate of Bowdon High School and is currently attending Southeast Lineman Training Center in Trenton, Georgia. He is attending lineman school because it has been the career choice on the forefront of his mind. Gilley lives by the motto, “In order to succeed we must first believe that we can.”

Wallace is a graduating senior at Bremen High School. When asked how he felt about being selected as a recipient of the Lineman Scholarship he said, “It is a blessing to have the scholarship to help financially so I can start off my career debt free.” Wallace plans to attend North Georgia Technical College in the fall.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

58

Top left: Christian Brannon, a graduating senior at Mt. Zion High School.

Right: Evan Wallace, a graduating senior at Bremen High School.

Bottom left: Jake Gilley, a student at Southeast Lineman Training Center.

Editorial and photos provided by Carroll EMC.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE POWER OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE. â„¢

59

Kidz Korner

By Charlene Brooks

Really Easy Edible Flowers

Ingredients Mini marshmallows Mini pretzels Chocolate kisses Candy coated chocolate pieces

W

hat better way to show mom you care than to make her a sweet treat like these delicious and easy edible flowers.

If she isn't into sweets, then you can help her relax after a hard day by giving her this incredibly simple powdered milk bath as a gift for Mother's Day.

Instructions With kitchen scissors, cut the marshmallows in half diagonally. Cut off the top of the chocolate kiss to make a flat piece of chocolate. Place the flat chocolate piece on top of the pretzel and place into a 200 degree oven for about 4 to 5 minutes until candy is softened.

Immediately place the marshmallow pieces onto the softened chocolates to make the flower petals.

Place a candy coated chocolate piece in the center of the marshmallows.

60

Mother's Day Milk Bath Materials Bottle with lid 1 1/2 cups powdered milk 1/2 cup baking soda 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 cups mineral bath salts Decorative items

Instructions

Essential oil of your choice (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and pour in your jar with lid.

Decorate jar as desired. WGW

An Independent PreK-3 through 12th Grade College -Preparatory School

We Believe in Prayer and the Pledge!

We invite you to tour our campus today.

222 Cross Plains Road ~ Carrollton, GA 30116 ~ 770-834-6651 ~ www.oakmountain.us

61

Happy Mother's Day Word Search

Word Bank

62

Love Mother Unconditional Hugs Kind Son Kisses Cherish Appreciation Daughter Adoption Wisdom Adore Children Gratitude Celebrate Warmth Family Heart

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Creating Beautiful Smiles For Over 15 years!

M. Dawn Harvey, DMD, PC

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

63

ALL-NEW TERRAIN DENALI

WALKER GMC 1492 N Park St (Hwy 27) Carrollton GA 30117 770.832.9602 www.walkerbuickgmc.com 64