2 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business! VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 3 October 2022 16-17 On the Cover USA Health24-25Insurance Get Inspired DIY Pet28Costumes Teacher Feature Emily30Mickel Artist Profile Rich “The Duke” Ward familylifepublicationsFamily Life Publications @FamilyLifeMagsFollow Us >>> 04 Perspective 06 ............................. Calendar 10 ...................... Canton Notes 12 Community Life 18 ........................... Quotables 20 ....................... Public Safety 22 Holly Springs Notes 26 ............... Cherokee Office of Economic Development 27 ....................... Book Review 31 .................. Ribbon Cuttings [16-17] Contents [30] [28] PhotocourtesyofAdrienneBeacco [24-25]
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
The ideal time to move plants in the landscape is in autumn (after leaves fall from deciduous plants) or in late winter (before spring growth begins). The success of the transplant will depend upon the quantity of roots that stay intact and survive the move. The roots of trees and shrubs will normally grow to at least the canopy or spread of its branches.
surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil only, as bagged amendments can create drainage issues. Water thoroughly and add a mulch layer 2-3 inches deep to conserve moisture.
Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee770-721-7830.
Relocating Established Plants
pruning is the process of severing the roots of an established plant to encourage the growth of new feeder-type roots. Plants moved in November should be root-pruned in March, while those moved in March should be root-pruned in October.
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To reduce the size of the root ball needed for transplant, the plants should be rootpruned months prior to the move. Root-
To root-prune, mark a circle around the tree or shrub then dig a trench just outside the circle. You may need a pair of hand pruners or loppers to cleanly cut larger roots. Next, backfill the trench with soil (making sure to mark the outside of your trench) and water the area to settle the backfilled soil. When you come back to dig, make sure to start just outside the trench area, as that is where those new feeder roots will be concentrated.
By Joshua Fuder
[Home Life] Gardeners are often faced with the situation of a plant that no longer works in its original spot due to sun/shade pattern changes, overcrowding, or the desire to input a more appealing plant in that location. Years of growth (and money) can be saved by relocating established trees and shrubs to more suitable spots in the landscape.
When relocating in the landscape, standard planting procedures will apply. Dig the new hole 50% wider than the soil ball and set the top of the root ball at the level of the
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4 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business!
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Jack Tuszynski,
Changes in our lives build our character. All the reactions we have, along with the emotions that change evokes, build upon our soul. Trials and tribulations may seem difficult, and we may often feel overwhelmed. But remember, warriors find strength in their tears. The truth is that those difficult times are forging us like the refiner’s fire, and we often become stronger as they pass.
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Canton Family Life magazine is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Subscriptionspublisher.
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Refiner’s Fire
Zip Cain, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Tony Craft, Joshua Fuder, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Erin Honea, Barbara P. Jacoby, Tim Morris, Jessica Oravec, Juan Reyes, Patti Richter, Ellen Samsell Salas, Brooke Schmidt, Shannon
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I’ve often thought about the annual cycle of the trees and the many metaphors that may relate to the natural rhythms in our lives, how their branches, once lush with emerald leaves, will turn to hues of amber, red, and gold, then shed their bounty onto the forest floor, as they return to the soil. Like the roots of the tree, is our character not also insulated and fed by the stripping down of some seasons?
Hold fast to the knowledge that when brighter days arrive, you will be better equipped to handle whatever befalls you. Each day brings us closer to becoming the person we’re intended to be. Whatever season you find yourself in, the season is yours. Change is in the air. Embrace it. Your true colors are about to glow.
Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com
Crisp fall mornings have made their way back into our lives, and the time has come for us to settle like the tree sap and slow down a little. The forests will soon be covered in the magnificent hues of our southern autumn, and the time to frolic in the leaves and enjoy fall festivals has arrived.
Family Life publications have the largest monthly circulation of direct-mailed community magazines in our area. Canton Family Life is a monthly community magazine that reaches more than 30,000 homes and businesses via digital subscription and direct mail in Canton including Sixes/BridgeMill, Ball Ground, Hickory Flat, Holly Springs, and Waleska.
To me, fall is a time to relax and recover from the busier days of spring and summer. It is a time for renewal, not like the aesthetic external rebirth of spring, but more of an internal reflection or evaluation of who we are at our rooted core.
2nd Annual Limitless Golf Tournament — Proceeds support Limitless Disability Services. Event fee is $150 per golfer on a team of four. 9:00am check in and 10:30am shotgun start, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. 317-753-0701. LimitlessDisabilityServicesBirdEase.com/
8 Volunteer Trail Clean Up and Maintenance — It’s time to tidy up our county’s beloved parks! All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please preregister to volunteer by October 6 so that enough tools can be provided. needsbased(determinedLocation9:00am-12:00pm,TBDonparkattimeofevent). PlayCherokee.org
Minis at The Mill — Enjoy a FREE parent/ child interactive activity. 10:00-11:00am, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com
Action Month 5
Funk Heritage Center Lecture: Miriam Brown Spiers — This Kennesaw State University professor will discuss her book, Encountering the Sovereign Other: Indigenous Science Fiction. $10 per person. 2:00pm, Funk Heritage Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Reinhardt.edu/funkheritage
Black Cat Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness Computer Learning • Down Syndrome Awareness Dysautonomia Awareness • Dyslexia Awareness Emotional Intelligence • Family History • Mental Health National ADHD Awareness • National Cyber Security Awareness National Domestic Violence Awareness National Fair Trade • National Fire Prevention National Pizza • and
7 Downtown Canton First Friday With On the Border, the Ultimate Eagles Tribute Enjoy live music, a Kids Zone featuring an inflatable slide and balloon artist, Moving Target ATL axe throwing (participants must wear closed-toed shoes), late night beveragerestaurants,shopping,foodandvendors,and a Cruise In. 6:00-9:00pm, downtown Canton, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Facebook.com/CantonGAFirstFridayCantonGa.gov,
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Madam Radar — At this FREE outdoor concert, this Americana rock band will pack a punch with explosive harmonies and eclectic original tunes. 7:00pm, University’sReinhardtHastyLawn, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu
Volunteer to clean up the Etowah River. 9:00am-1:00pm, Upper Etowah River Alliance Office, 180 McClure Street, Canton. Lori.Forrester@ccwsa.com
Canton Farmers Market — Each Saturday through 10/15, this farmers market increases access to fresh, local food and encourages healthy communities. Horizon Healing provides a complimentary yoga class the first Saturday of each month from 9:0010:00am. Please bring your own mat. 9:00am-12:30pm, Brown Park, 251 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov/events Is SUDEP
Tee Off ‘Fore’ VAC 7th Annual Charity Golf Classic Up for Seniors Volunteer Aging Council presents this benefit to raise funds for Cherokee County seniors and senior veterans’ unmet needs. Registration is $500/team of 4 or $125/individual. 8:30am registration and 10:00am tee off, the Golf Club at Bradshaw Farm, 3000 Bradshaw Club Drive, Woodstock. VAC-Cherokee.org
Waleska Farmers Market — Each Thursday, get your fresh fruits, veggies, and more from local farmers and artisans. 9:00am-1:00pm, Waleska Farmers Market, 8891 Fincher Road, Waleska. 404-805-7468. Facebook.com/waleskafarmersmarket
8 Recycling Event
OCTOBER
Unwind Wednesdays — No need to cook dinner on the first Wednesday of each month through November! Enjoy a variety of food trucks, craft vendors, live music, and an amazing playground. 5:30-8:00pm, Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Highway 20 E, Canton. PlayCherokee.org
5, 12, 19, & 26
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8 Etowah River Clean Up
ONGOING
October
Canton Business Club Meeting — Each Wednesday morning, network with a group of professionals dedicated to serving their community and their clients while providing value to local business owners.
6 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business! Calendar
City residents may drop off items that are more difficult to recycle such as electronics, latex and oil-based paint (limit 10 gallons), and tires. $25 fee for tube televisions. Paper shredding available (limit 5 copier paper boxes). You must reside within Canton city limits to participate. 7:00am-1:00pm, City of Canton Collection Site, 2525 Ridge Road, Canton. 770-7207674. CantonGa.gov
Stand
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8:00am, Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton. Facebook.com (search for “Canton Business Club”) PoBoys Cruise-In and Fundraising Event On the third Saturday of the month (March-Oct), bring your classic cars, trucks, Jeeps, rat rods, motorcycles, fire engines, new cars, and
The Cherokee Family Violence Center will host this event to honor domestic violence survivors as well as those who lost their lives to this horrible crime. 6:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 E. Main Street, Canton. 770-479-1804. CFVC.org
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Taste & Brews Fall Festival — Enjoy food and beverages, a kids’ zone, live music, and a vendors market with arts and crafts as well as farmers markettype offerings. 11:00am-6:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. TasteAndBrews.com
welcome. 10:00am-2:00pm, Old Country Place, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. Facebook.com/CarBQueAtTheFlat
Presented by
All proceeds benefit Cherokee County School District to ensure excellence in education. 8:00am check in and 10:00am shotgun start (golf); 8:00am check in and 9:00am matches begin (tennis and pickleball), BridgeMill Athletic Club, 1190 Bridge Mill Avenue, CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.orgCanton.
Tailgate with a Firefighter — Presented by Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services and Safe Kids Cherokee County, this event features face painting, games, fire trucks, dress like a firefighter contest, food in a souvenir fire helmet, and even a VIP section! $1 tickets for games. All proceeds help fund fire safety education. 11:00am5:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, Reformation225Parkway,Canton.EtowahMill.com
Cherokee Theatre Company, enjoy this play about six people who come in secret to play a murder-mystery game at a rustic island cottage on Halloween. Tickets $15-$18. 8:00pm Friday and Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-591-0282. CherokeeTheatre.org anything else on wheels to this event, which is all about having fun, meeting great people, and raising money for Empower Cherokee and Every Kid Deserves a Christmas. 3:00-7:00pm, Riverstone Shopping Center, 1447 Riverstone Parkway, Canton. 770-681-6698. PoBoysCarClub.com
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat 15, 22, 29 & 11/5 on
Trivia Night — Each Thursday night, gather your dream team and compete for prizes. 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com
Music at Menagerie — On the second Saturday of each month, enjoy an evening under the lights while local musicians share songs and stories. BYOB. FREE! 7:00-9:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com
FamilyLife Publications.com 7 8,
10 CCEF Annual Golf Tournament and Tennis & Pickleball Classic
21 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $5. All proceeds support seniors and senior veterans of Cherokee County. 11:30am-1:00pm, The Arbor at BridgeMill, 700 Freedom Boulevard, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org
13 & 14 UniversityReinhardt Opera
Screen on The Green: Hocus Pocus 2 — Enjoy a FREE screening of this new movie. Arrive early for a meet and greet with the Sanderson sisters. 7:00pm meet and greet and 8:00pm movie, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-762-9950. EtowahMill.com
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21-30 A Party to Murder
Fall Cornhole League — Each Monday, enjoy a fun game of cornhole with friends and family. 6:30-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com
Enjoy a FREE performance by opera students in the School of Performing Arts. 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu
8
this cruise-in and car show. Classic and modern
continued
18 Domestic CandlelightViolenceVigil
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Game Day on The Green — Come out to watch football on the big screen! No outside alcohol allowed. Please visit the website for specific times. The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com
Car-B-Que at the Flat — On the second Sunday of each month, come out for rides
The Cherokee Music Teachers Association Meeting — Everyone interested in CMTA is welcome to attend. 10:00am, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. Linda@lokey.net
GET TO KNOW E-BOOKS WITH LIBBY
Calendar
8 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business! LIBRARY EVENTS
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October 27, 11:00am, Ball Ground
continued from page 7
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October 31, 10:30am, R.T. Jones
With games, treats, and fun spooky sights, this event is sure to be a fantastic time! All ages are welcome.
R.T. JONES
The Great Pumpkin Fest — This fall festival features a DJ, craft vendors, food, hayrides, axe throwing, archery, bounce houses (pay-to-play), and a costume contest. Wear your costume to trick-ortreat with on-site vendors. 11:00am-5:00pm (costume contest at noon), Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-9247768. PlayCherokee.org
22 Movies in the Park — Bring the family to Ball Ground for a FREE movie! 7:00pm, City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. CityOfBallGround.com
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October 27, 4:00pm, R.T. Jones
October 18, 11:00am, Hickory Flat
3rd Annual Cherokee Golfing for Children’s — This tournament benefits the local Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Urgent Care. $85 per person. 8:30am registration and 9:30am shotgun start, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. Give.CHOA.org/ cherokee-golf
116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090
NOT-TOO-SPOOKY SENSORY CELEBRATION FOR KIDS
Run Your Bundts Off! — Distances include a 5K (in person or virtual) and a Baby Bundt Run (1K). Proceeds benefit WarAngel Farms, which is a nonprofit animal rescue in Canton. 8:30am-12:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 678-771-8270. NorthGaRunningCo.com
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MAKE YOUR OWN HALLOWEEN COSTUME ACCESSORY
Using your bag of “boo-lah,” gather supplies to make the perfect costume accessory.
In this Libby workshop, attendees will receive hands-on help with setting up an account and navigating the app. Libby is a platform that provides readers with e-books and audiobooks.
FALL FUN FEST
HALLOWEEN MUSIC AND MOVES
CalendarWiz.com/SequoyahRegionalLibrary.orgsequoyahreglibBALLGROUND
This program is for ages 0-4 years.
Hiking Scavenger Hunt: Halloween — Get your costumes and flashlights ready to take on this Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. All ages welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. $10 per person. 6:30pm, Lewis Park, 4466 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
Wear your costume, stroll the beautiful streets, visit your favorite shops, and enjoy treats provided by historic downtown Canton’s businesses. Use the provided trick-or-treat bag to take home any uneaten goodies. Tickets are $20 per person. Visit the website for tickets or more information. 12:00-6:00pm, East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov
17th Annual Goshen Valley Classic — This tournament raises funds for Goshen Valley Boys Ranch, Goshen New Beginnings, and Goshen Homes. Each program has a unique focus and ministry to foster children in Georgia. Individual golfer registration is $500, and foursomes may register for $2,000. 10:00am, Cherokee Town & Country Club, 665 Hightower Trail, Sandy Springs. GoshenValley.org/Classic
Calling all teens in grades 6-12! Sample a variety of pumpkin spiceflavored treats.
HICKORY FLAT
Children will dance, sing, and play games. Make sure to wear your Halloween costume and get ready to move!
Explore Halloween-themed sensory activities and enjoy a spooky snack. Costumes are encouraged, but please keep in mind that some stations will have water/slime/messy elements.
2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-7565
22 No Tricks, Just Treats: Adult Trick or Treat Walk
PUMPKIN SPICE TASTE TESTING FOR TEENS
October 11, 5:00pm, Ball Ground
435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground 770-735-2025
October 26, 5:00pm, Hickory Flat
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29 Garland Mountain Day Hike
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Event includes games, raffles, food trucks, prizes, a cake walk, vendors, and lots of family fun! Proceeds support Free Home ES PTA. 6:00-9:00pm, Free Home ES, 12525 Cumming Highway, Canton.
EtowahMill.com678-762-9950.Parkway,225The10:00pmFriday6:00-10:00pmand10:00am-Saturday,MillonEtowah,ReformationCanton.
Reinhardt University Wind Ensemble
5 Ball Ground Rocks BBQ & Brews Festival — This family-friendly festival includes food vendors, craft beer, and live music. 12:00-8:00pm, downtown Ball Ground, Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. Facebook.com/revivaleventsgroup
Denim Fest 2022
Enjoy a FREE performance by wind ensemble students in the School of Performing Arts. 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu
Walk To End Alzheimer’s — Sign up to walk or visit the website to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. 9:00am-12:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. 706-408-6669. Act.Alz.org
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Go for a beautiful morning hike to see the natural beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Difficulty level for this hike is moderate; distance is approximately a 4-mile loop. All ages welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. $10 per person. 10:00am, Garland Mountain Horse and Hiking Trails, 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org
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2nd Annual Boo Bash — Enjoy a fun-filled day of shopping, good food, and treats! 1:00-6:00pm, The Corner District, 330 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground. 770-862-3537. Instagram.com (@CherokeeCo.Events); TheCornerDistrict.com
Free Home ES PTA Fall Carnival
28 & 29
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Enjoy trick-ortreating, food, costume contests, the Georgia/Florida game on the big screen, and live music.
4
NOVEMBER
29
‘Tis the Season: A Collaborative Show for the Holidays Opening reception for artists’ display of seasonally inspired small works for the holidays. 6:00-8:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 West Main Street, Canton. MenagerieOnMain.com404-798-4279.
Stay tuned to Canton Family Life magazine and follow the Facebook page (keywords: Brooke Schmidt, Canton City Councilor) for all the latest news about Canton’s public art, tourism, and economic development.
Brooke Schmidt is the city councilwoman for Ward 3. 110 Academy Street, Canton. Brooke.Schmidt@cantonga.gov. CantonGa.gov
Hoping to add to The Mill experience even further, the City has recently applied for an Appalachian Regional Commission grant, which would allow for the construction of a connector bridge from the new trail system over the Etowah River to The Mill. Making Canton more walkable and bikeable creates community connection and promotes the Etowah River as a destination. Additionally, the City has hired a firm to help West Main Street become more pedestrian friendly, adding accessibility between downtown Canton and The Mill on Etowah.
In 1899, Robert T. Jones founded the original Canton Cotton Mill. After the Mill closed in the manufacturing downturn of the early 1980s, visionary developers Penn Hodge and Grant Schmeelk took over the brick mill and the six additional buildings in 2018.
Today, residents and visitors to the venue can enjoy not only the permanent retail and meeting spaces but also attend multiple weekly events. With live music, festivals, kids’ activities, and sports on the big screen, The Mill on Etowah maintains an active online calendar.
This stunning adaptive reuse development, which once housed a 120-year-old cotton mill, is nestled on 35 acres along the banks of Canton’s Etowah River. The Mill on Etowah now boasts a large brewery/ taproom, community green and screen, restaurants, wine bar, spa, shops, coworking space, dance studio, gym, and an outfitter, which sells goods and rents tubes for guests to float down the
Yoga on the Green at The Mill on Etowah.
At its annual conference in August, the Georgia Downtown Association recognized City of Canton with an Award of Excellence in the category of Best Adaptive Reuse for The Mill on Etowah.
10 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business! CantonNotes
As the City works on these economic development initiatives, the Hodge/Schmeelk development team recently closed on the historic Jones Mercantile building in the heart of Canton’s downtown. This new mixed-use complex will include street-level restaurants, retail, and office/workspace up top. As a result, “The Jones” will once again become a central gathering place for residents and visitors.
also features a variety of public artwork including a bronze statue of a Creek Native American, a funky blackbird sculpture, a mural of the Etowah River, and many artistic photographs that highlight the area’s rich history.
By Brooke Schmidt
(L-R) Brooke Schmidt, Canton city councilwoman; Dana Cox, property manager for Penn Hodge Properties; Velinda Hardy, Downtown Development manager; and Billy Peppers, Canton city manager hold the Award of Excellence for Best Adaptive Reuse for The Mill on Etowah at the Georgia Downtown Conference.
Best ReuseAdaptiveAward Goes to The Mill on Etowah
Thisriver.250,000-square-foot destination
Because the original cotton mill served as a national leading producer of denim and was a powerful economic force for Canton and Cherokee County, the City is thrilled to see the new life The Mill on Etowah brings as an economic development driver. Modernizing and preserving important history while creating a hub of tourism activity is a dream addition for any downtown area.
Players will be treated to a grab-and-go breakfast, a catered lunch, and amazing swag from event sponsors. Space is limited, so please register early for this enjoyable fundraiser that benefits a great cause.
Golf check in and warm-ups begin at 8:00am with a shotgun start at 10:00am. Pickleball and tennis check in and warm-ups begin at 8:00am, and matches begin at 9:00am. Preregistration for all three events is available at CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation. org. The CCEF raises funds and awareness for the public schools of the Cherokee County School District (CCSD). All proceeds from these events will go back into classrooms to ensure excellence in education for CCSD students.
FamilyLife Publications.com 11
Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org770-704-4213.
Golf, Tennis, and Pickleball, Anyone?
[Academic Life] You might be surprised to know that the fastest growing sport in the U.S. right now is pickleball. It is loud, fun, easy on your joints, and a great workout for people of all ages. This year, for the first time, pickleball has been added to Cherokee County Education Foundation’s (CCEF) tournament line up! Mark your calendar for this year’s Tennis and Pickleball Classic, presented by the Credit Union of Georgia, and the annual Golf Classic, presented by Northside Hospital Cherokee, all taking place on October 10 at the BridgeMill Athletic Club.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Based on total number of players registered, tennis and pickleball contestants will play opponents with similar skill levels. Players should expect 3-4 total matches in tournament play, and winning teams will be able to select a teacher or school to be awarded a classroom Rapid Grant.
By Lisa-Marie Haygood
Additionally, HC presented two individual awards to community members who have volunteered their time and resources to furthering HC’s mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing Cherokee County history. City Councilwoman and long-time community figure JoEllen Wilson received the Volunteer of the Year Award for her work on the capital campaign to help build the new Cherokee County History Center (opening in November) and for current volunteer work on HC’s development committee.
• Sequoyah HS Celebrates Inaugural Class of AP Capstone Graduates
In 2022, 13 Sequoyah graduates completed the AP Capstone diploma: Audrey Brown, George Chemmala, Suzanne Cook, Alaina Cothran, Alison Eltz, Riley Hartman, Ashkon Hunt, Cristen Johnson, Mitchell Perales, Elyse Robbins, Susanna Rogers, Tyler Smith, and Dylan Wolle. Three graduates received the AP Seminar and Research certificate: Mia Joubert, Claudis Mathis, and Blake Pelkey.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower congratulates the new student advisor and student delegates to the School Board (L-R) Emily Paulson, River Ridge HS; Taryn Lorelai Mareau, Sequoyah HS; Erin Bradley, Etowah HS; Student Advisor Carson Heath of Creekview HS; Lydia Lord, Woodstock HS; and Catherine Butterworth, Cherokee HS.
During the evening, HC honored the following historic sites with preservation awards: Goshen Baptist Church in Salacoa, The Grande Tea Room in Ball Ground, the Hickory Flat Gym in Canton, Bennett’s Store in Waleska, Conns Creek Baptist Church and School in Ball Ground, and the Grogan-Holcomb-McNeal Home in Woodstock. Conns Creek has been on HC’s sites worth saving list, showing just how far preservation work can go with the right level of awareness and advocacy.
Only 14,100 students nationwide earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 9,200 earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Instead of a single end-of-year exam, the interdisciplinary AP Seminar and AP Research courses assess students’ knowledge mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays throughout the year.
• School Board Meets New Student Delegates
Add to Your Business! Community
A student advisor position has been included on the School Board since 1999, and for the past 11 years a student delegate from each high school has also been selected. These outstanding seniors serve for one year to give input and feedback to the Board and to the superintendent and his senior staff. The advisor role, which includes the opportunity to sit on the dais with the Board, is rotated among the district’s high schools. This innovative engagement program earned the Georgia School Boards Association’s 2020 Leading Edge Award.
History Cherokee (HC) honored preservation successes in Cherokee County during its annual Preservation Awards banquet. Keynote speaker Victoria Lemos of the Archive Atlanta podcast delivered a compelling talk on how important it is to use nontraditional tools for preservation advocacy.
History Cherokee will continue to support historic preservation in our community through the annual Preservation Awards banquet. To learn how you can get involved, visit HistoryCherokee.org/support.
HC’s prestigious Judson W. Roberts Lifetime Service Award was presented to Rebecca Johnston.
History Cherokee Announces Historic Preservation Awards
12 Canton Family Life | October 2022
“The award winners this year represent a diverse type of historic properties found throughout Cherokee County. Four properties are all community landmarks — churches, a country store, and school gym. The other two were built 30 years apart but exhibit the same craftsmanship found in many historic residential buildings such as the tongue-and-groove walls,” said HC Executive Director Stefanie Joyner.
2022 Historic Preservation Award Winners
“Rebecca has been a treasured volunteer for over a decade and has worked tirelessly to preserve Cherokee County’s history. In addition to publishing numerous history books, she has led our capital campaign efforts to build the new History Center. Under her leadership, we were able to raise over 4.3 million dollars,” said Joyner.
AP Capstone is a two-year project-based learning program designed to help students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are crucial to academic success. The elite program, which was developed by the College Board in partnership with colleges and universities, is offered in select high schools nationwide, and Sequoyah graduated its first class in 2022.
Thirty-five teachers and staff have been named to the 202223 class of Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts (MIEE). The technology company selected only 830 educators, support staff, and school and school district leaders nationwide, considered among the best at understanding how technology can improve learning, for this elite recognition. CCSD leads the way with the most MIEE of any Georgia school district. Experts receive access to new instructional resources and an exclusive online network for sharing best practices.
Cherokee County School District AnnouncementsCherokee
The SPLOST renewal is expected to bring in a total of $438.2 million. The Courthouse Annex project will be allocated first as a Tier 1 project, estimated to cost about $74 million. The remaining $364.2 million will be divided among all jurisdictions based on 2022 population and a 5% growth in receipts. Cherokee County’s allotment would be $238.1 million, and the cities would divide $126.1 million for their projects.
FamilyLife Publications.com 13Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat Community
• Cherokee HS Student Completes Air Force JROTC Flight Academy
Cherokee HS senior and Air Force JROTC Cadet Col. Lexi Ly completed the Air Force JROTC Flight Academy with “flying colors,” according to instructors. Through the summer program at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida, Ly earned her private pilot’s certificate, continuing her path toward becoming a military pilot. She also earned one of the fastest oral exam times in the program’s history. The Flight Academy is an eight-week summer program designed for Air Force JROTC cadets to improve the recruitment, retention, and diversity of the Air Force and aviation industry.
Pilot examiner Lamar Childs congratulates Cherokee HS senior and JROTC Cadet Col. Lexi Ly on her Air Force JROTC Flight Academy success.
“The referendum on the ballot in November is a request to continue an existing one cent sales tax. With the approval, Cherokee will remain one of just four Georgia counties with a total 6% sales tax rate. All others have 7% or more,” said Commission Chairman. “Projects funded with SPLOST dollars are essential including local road improvements, public safety equipment, and facilities. Without SPLOST, those expenses would have to shift and be paid for using property tax revenues, which would equal about 5 mills to garner the same amount of revenue.”
The decision to extend the one cent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax will move to the voters in November. In July, the Board of Commissioners approved an intergovernmental agreement with all seven of Cherokee’s cities and a resolution to call for the November 8 referendum.
In addition to being named an Expert, CCSD Instructional Technology Specialist Merry Hofmeister (for the second consecutive year) also is one of only 33 educators in the U.S. and four in Georgia to be named a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow. This recognition honors demonstrated leadership and excellence by MIEE through coaching, mentoring, leading professional development, and presenting at conferences. Fellows, considered by their peers as the best among all Experts at technology integration, are called upon to share their knowledge with other educators.
• 35 Educators Recognized as Instructional Technology Experts
County SPLOST Renewal
The current SPLOST will not expire until June 2024, however, the Board of Commissioners opted to call for the referendum a year early to avoid a special election, which would be an additional cost.
Add to Your Business!14 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Community
“The groundbreaking celebration of our renovation and additions to Harmon Park marks a significant milestone in Canton’s efforts to revitalize the historic Sunnyside community and fulfills several of the primary goals of our Roadmap for Success,” Mayor Bill Grant said. “As one of our oldest city parks, Harmon has not been updated or brought up to the standards of excellence of our newer green spaces. Our significant investment in a complete renovation to the park indicates our long-term commitment to elevating the quality of life for every resident in our great city.”
unveiled by Mark Boggs, Amber’s father, from the bucket of Truck 11. He was accompanied by FAO Tyler Davidson and Lt. David Miller, friends of the Hicks.
• October 28 is the last day to submit an absentee ballot application for the November 2022 General Election (O.C.G.A 21-2-381(a)(1)(a)).
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services revealed new street signs at the Cherokee County Fire Training Complex in Holly Springs. The unveiling ceremony took place during the fire department’s first live fire training exercise for a new incident command system known as Blue Card Command.
Davis advised the Board of Commissioners it did not have the clear unilateral authority to change the way elections are handled nor how ballots are cast at the local level, but it could request assistance from state officials by way of resolution.
The live fire training exercise that took place was the first of its kind in Cherokee County. Over the past two years, CCFES has been training its members on the Blue Card Command system, which standardizes local incident operations. This system helps incident commanders with communications on the fireground, so that they can make better decisions, in an organized fashion, for the safety of citizens and firefighters.
• October 11 is the last day for a person to register and be eligible to vote in the November 2022 General Election (O.C.G.A 21-2-224(a)).
Dates To Remember
Renovations will include a new mini-pitch soccer field, pavilion, resurfaced basketball court, new batting cages, baseball field upgrades, connecting sidewalks, a continuous park drive, and additional parking.
Street Signs Unveiled in Honor of Justin and Amber Hicks
“This Board is an advocate for election integrity. We generally trust the system, especially as administered in Cherokee County, but we recognize that many people do not. While we are legally bound to utilize the statewide voting system, the Board is compelled on behalf of its citizens to respectfully urge the General Assembly, the Secretary of State, and the State Election Board to immediately pursue changes to the voting system in Georgia in order to restore faith in our system,” Cherokee County Board of Commissioners said in an official statement.
City leaders, local officials, representatives from recreation partners Cherokee Impact Soccer and Canton Dizzy Dean, and community members broke ground September 2 to kick off the renovation to Harmon Park. The $4.3M project is slated to take approximately one year to complete.
Long-term goals and future additions to the park will include public art installations by the Canton Cultural Arts Commission, riverside landscaping, and a bridge crossing and trail connection to Boling, Heritage, and Etowah River Parks.
The street signs honor the legacy of Justin and Amber Hicks who were tragically killed last year in their Cobb County home. Justin began serving as a firefighter with Cherokee County in 2015 and held the rank of Fire Apparatus Operator/Paramedic. The new street names include Justin Walk, Hicks Circle, Amber Walk, and Jacob Avenue. Additionally, the buildings on the training grounds will be numbered with significant dates from their lives. The street signs and building numbers will be used to dispatch training incidents across the complex.
Commissioners Approve Resolution on Voter Ballots
Canton Breaks Ground on Harmon Park Renovations
“We are excited to finally unveil these signs and begin dispatching training scenarios using them,” said Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. “I look forward to what the fire department has in store for the future, and I can assure you that Justin, Amber, and Jacob will never, ever, be forgotten by the members of this Theorganization.”signwas
The Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved a resolution, calling upon the Georgia General Assembly, Secretary of State, and State Elections Board to remove QR codes from ballots and instead utilize a system that allows the voter to view a readable ballot before it is cast.
In recent months, Cherokee County citizens have expressed concern with security, vulnerabilities, accuracy of vote tabulation, and the ability of voters to verify their selections in a readable format in accordance with OCGA County21-2-300(a)(2).AttorneyAngela
As a part of a tune-up, an inspection of these and other items can be performed to provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your vehicle. Before agreeing to any work, make sure that you understand what and why these services are being performed. No matter what is recommended, you have the final say on which services are performed.
If you haven’t already, pull out your car’s manual and see if you’ve done any of the recommended maintenance at the recommended service intervals. Many newer cars will help you keep up with these schedules by electronically alerting you when maintenance is due. There are typical services people associate with the phrase “tune-up,” which may include checking the following: exchanges
3745
FamilyLife Publications.com 15Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
By Tony Craft
What does scheduled maintenance include?
Brakes Emissions Filters Lights Oil and other fluid
678-919-8122. ChristianBrothersAuto.com
Colder Weather Is Coming Make Sure Your Vehicle Won’t Leave You Stranded
Spark plugs Tires
[Home Life] Most people don’t go over their vehicle’s owner’s manual to learn about its maintenance recommendations. Generally, the manual is used to research features or troubleshoot warning light icons. One very important piece of information everyone should look over in their manual is their car/truck/ SUV’s maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance can dramatically increase the lifespan of a vehicle, which will save owners money in the long run. It can also help keep you and your family from being stranded on the side of the road.
Tony Craft is a franchise owner at Christian Brothers Automotive. Marietta Highway, Canton.
COVER STORY
A Larger Space for a Growing Business Ted is a certified financial planner (CFP), and Sally is a certified public accountant (CPA). The couple has a combined 30 years in the insurance business, most of it in health insurance.
USA Health Insurance
“Woodstock is our community of choice,” he says.
“While we work with clients nationwide, nearly 70% of our clients are in Georgia,” Ted adds. “And we’ve grown to a regular staff of seven members including my son, Graham. During our busiest times of the year, we add several more employees.”
Covered Got
16 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business! 9236 Main Street, Suite 1C Woodstock, GA 30188 770-475-7562 Sally@USA-HealthInsurance.comTed@USA-HealthInsurance.com MedicareENROLLMENTUSA-HealthInsurance.comOPEN October 1-December 7 HealthIndividual/FamilyInsurance November 1-December 15 Group Plans Carriers and agents can be changed any time of year with a few exceptions
We've
USA Health Insurance is a sponsor of Elm Street Arts’ Lantern Series, and Ted has served for several years on the board of Malon D. Mimms Boys & Girls Club.
By Patti Richter
“The staff enjoys working in this vibrant area of the city and having this larger space that’s more than twice the size of our previous office,” says Ted.
F
USA Health Insurance is now happily located in a one-story brick building that sits in front of the South on Main neighborhood near downtown Woodstock.
This family-owned business was founded in 1996 by Ted Officer, who began by working out of his home in Alpharetta. In 2016, he and his wife and business partner, Sally McPherson, moved their business to the Towne Lake area of Woodstock.
“I reinvented the business in 2007 by establishing a national internet presence — I’m a licensed agent in 48 states,” Ted says. “This has helped USA Health Insurance to become a leading producer for many insurance companies. We’re an independent agency, and we look at all carriers. We now represent over 200 companies, including Aetna, Anthem, and United Health Care, to name just a few.”
amilies and companies sometimes celebrate noteworthy achievements by taking everyone on a trip. In 2021, the owners of one local business marked their 25th year of offering health insurance by purchasing their own building in downtown Woodstock. This August, the staff of USA Health Insurance took their long-anticipated trip by moving into the spacious new office on Main Street.
You
“Not all insurance products are legitimate,” Sally warns. “We only sell products we believe would benefit our clients. Ted and I strive to be our clients’ partner for life, helping them navigate the confusing, ever-changing, expensive world of health care.”
Griffin Hale, Sonia Suders, Graham Officer, Martha Reeves, and Valerie Wilkins
FamilyLife Publications.com 17Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
“Tired of ourphonepersonresponses?automatedAnactualwillanswerthewhenyoucalloffice.”TedOfficer
The A-Z of Health Insurance
“We have a very knowledgeable and well-trained staff that is available to assist you.” he says. “People can avoid the frustrations of searching for health insurance online for several days and getting quotes, and possibly speaking with someone from an overseas call center.”
“We’re the Amazon for shopping health insurance policies,” Ted says, explaining, “While most agencies offer one type of coverage or another, we offer the A-Z of group, individual, and Medicare coverage. But we’re not just agents; we’re consultants and benefit advisors. We’re a full-service brokerage that helps clients find the best plan, enroll them, and service their policy.”
Group, Individual, and Medicare Insurance
It’sconsultation.”notuncommon
“We are well-equipped to help group clients maximize available tax advantages as well,” Sally says. “And we provide them with a free administrative platform (EASE), which allows online benefit management. It’s very rewarding to review a company’s benefits and not only save them money but also improve their benefits.”
for Ted and Sally to hear the same expression from different clients: “I wish I’d known about USA Health Insurance years earlier.”
USA Health Insurance is involved in three distinct markets. While Ted oversees individual and family insurance, as well as Medicare coverage, Sally handles their group sector — health insurance and benefits, which she says helps a business attract and retain its employees. She further helps business clients with the challenge of compliance with government regulations.
“The number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. is due to medical expenses. This happens because people either have no insurance, or they have a limited benefit plan. On top of this, they may have lost days or weeks or more of work,” Ted says.
Another big benefit the agency offers is free consultation, and Ted wants to emphasize that it costs nothing to have an agent.
“Figuring out health care can be an expensive test. But anyone can call us to get the answers — and save thousands of dollars,” says Ted.
“Our clients only need to call for a quick resolve to any issue,” says Ted. “Most of our business is by phone, though we’re happy to meet by appointment with those who prefer in-person
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts the sails.”
18 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business!
-Allison Aars
-Peter T. McIntyre
“Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.”
“If your life is broken, it may be because pieces will fill a multitude.”
-Jamie Anderson
“When you finally learn that a person’s behavior has more to do with their own internal struggle than it ever did with you, you learn grace.”
-William A. Ward
-Elisabeth Elliot
“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” -Unknown
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in the hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”
“Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die and then dies having never really lived.”
-The Dalai Lama
Quotables
More than 20 volunteers showed up to clean and remove clutter. When we started cleaning the second room, we ran into some hazardous conditions and had to consult a biohazard team, which found additional problems with the house. Our staff worked hard to find outside groups willing to make necessary repairs, but we were unsuccessful in this quest. Unfortunately, this lady has still not been able to return to her home.
[Lifestyle] Cherokee County Senior Services faces various challenges regarding not only the seniors in our program but also seniors throughout the county. Basic needs range from home meal delivery to homemaker services to transportation.
The staff is also challenged with calls from those who are concerned about unhealthy/unsafe living conditions of some seniors. Recently, Todd, who is one of our Senior Helpers home health contractors, informed us of a client’s home that was infested with roaches, and he was doing everything possible to help control the problem, including using his own funds. He is a true servant of the people who goes above and beyond to help our seniors, and Cherokee Senior Services appreciates him more than he’ll ever know.
OUR
By Tim Morris
FamilyLife Publications.com 19Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Todd is just one example; there are many valuable individuals on the Senior Services staff as well as community volunteers who go the extra mile. Last spring, we received a request to help a senior who had part of her foot amputated, and she had so much stuff in her home that she couldn’t safely move around. Someone from her community contacted Senior Services, and we started making calls to find people to help.
SERVING Seniors
Senior Services accepts donations from caring people throughout the county. If you would like to donate, please contact our office. L Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services770-479-7438.
For many reasons, victims remain in these tumultuous relationships. For example, some hang on because it’s all they’ve ever known. Many are convinced by the abuser that the abuse will stop, and this assault will be the last time. Some victims don’t know how they will financially support themselves and their children, fear the violence may get worse if they leave, or have religious beliefs that make it difficult to end the relationship. Unfortunately, the list of reasons victims stay is extensive.
Abusive relationships don’t usually start with violence. They evolve, often beginning with control and manipulation that gradually get worse like a cancer spreading. At first, the victimized individual may not even realize the extent of the abuse until an especially violent assault occurs. Following that event, there’s usually a calm period, and the abuser seems to make amends. Then, the cycle repeats, each time getting more violent and more dangerous. Sometimes, the honeymoon phase disappears altogether, and the relationship becomes constantly abusive.
Domestic
On any given day, very few people outside the criminal justice system engage in conversations about domestic violence. It seems to be one of those problems people know about but are afraid to discuss. It’s a big elephant in many rooms. Even people experiencing domestic violence don’t want to talk about it. They hide the signs, they rationalize, and they repeatedly forgive their abuser. But it’s high time we all start discussing domestic violence.
Please Candlelight Canton.
Felony Domestic Violence
In the past 10 years, our state has experienced a 54% increase in domestic violence related fatalities, according to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. Last year alone, four people died in Cherokee County as a result of domestic violence.
Cycle of Violence
Vigil to be held in Cannon Park in downtown
20 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business! Public Safety
AwarenessViolenceMonth
Shannon Wallace is the district attorney for Cherokee County. 770-479-1488. District-Attorneys-OfficeCherokeeGa.com/
The most common types of felony domestic violence crimes that we see in Cherokee County are aggravated assault, aggravated stalking, and felony battery.
One commonality in some of the most egregious cases of domestic abuse in our county has been substance abuse. While substance abuse alone does not cause family violence, it can accelerate the abuse, like adding lighter fluid to a fire that’s already burning, making a dangerous situation life-threatening.
Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room Domestic Violence
By District Attorney Shannon Wallace
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we remember community members who lost their lives to domestic violence and honor survivors of this crime who light the way for others to do the same. It’s important to acknowledge the elephant in the room, so that we can put a stop to domestic violence.
join us on October 18 at 6:00pm for the annual Domestic Violence
Past behaviors often predict escalating violence that could potentially lead to homicide. When responding to a domestic violence call, trained law enforcement officers identify “lethality indicators” that include stalking, strangulation, presence of weapons, suicide threats, drug/alcohol abuse, threats to other loved ones, harm to pets, extreme possessiveness, and other Unfortunately,indicators.the fear the victim experiences does not end when the criminal case is closed, even if the defendant is sentenced to prison. During a recent sentencing hearing, a victim ended her statement by saying, “I just pray that I die from natural causes and not at the hands of you.”
Committee comprised of elected officials, business owners and residents, Downtown Development Authority members, and friends of the community, the analysis phase includes public input meetings and an online survey. Additionally, the team will inventory our community’s assets, perform thorough demographic research, and study the Holly Springs’ surrounding area.
By Erin Honea
Erin Honea is a native of Cherokee County and has been the Main Street director for the City of Holly Springs since 2014.
REBRANDING THE City of Holly Springs
Guidedlaunch.byaSteering
This is an exciting time in our city’s history, and citizens are encouraged to participate, so that the brand is a true reflection of Holly Springs, which is home to some of the kindest families and hard-working business owners around. The rebranding website, BrandHollySprings.com, launches October 6 and will have all the details you need to participate. Be sure to follow Holly Springs’ social media pages (Facebook, City of Holly Springs, GA – Official Government and Twitter, @COHS_GA) for additional updates.
Developed and led by a CVIOG team, this process hinges on public participation. The three-phase rebranding process, which is designed to be completed in 9-12 months, includes analysis, design, and brand
Every community is unique and has a story to tell. Having a brand that accurately represents its competitive strengths is just what Holly Springs needs right now. The City of Holly Springs is excited to announce that it will be partnering with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) at the University of Georgia to undergo a community rebranding during the next several months. The City is confident this process will yield a brand that increases community pride, enhances its marketing efforts, and aids in building the local economy.
22 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business! HollySpringsNotes
Brand launch, the third phase, will be the most exciting phase. City staff is already looking forward to revealing what we are sure will be a beautiful brand that celebrates our collective past, but also grows with Holly Springs through its next stages. Following the launch, citizens will start to see the rollout of the new brand on the City’s website, in local ads, and on special Holly Springs merch.
During the design phase, the staff will take the information gathered from the analysis phase and present design options to the Steering Committee including logos, a tagline, and graphic elements to complete the branding suite.
Sixes/BridgeMill,
Flying debris and tree branches can hit your roof and tear off asphalt shingles or cause much more extensive damage. For safety reasons, don’t climb up to the roof to inspect it. Professional roofing contractors will use a drone to give you a comprehensive view of the damage.
Missing Shingles
FamilyLife Publications.com 23
Water Leaks
[Home Life] Throughout history, high winds have lifted roofs off homes; torn tiles, shingles, and metal panels away; or tossed tree limbs and other debris onto roofs. The National Weather Service says, on average, damaging winds can gust up to 115 mph in Georgia. Nevertheless, even 74-95 mph winds can cause minor damage, particularly if the roof has asphalt shingles that are more than 10 years old. Periodic maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to extending the life of your roof. Here are a few signs to look for after high wind speeds.
Signs of Wind Damage to Your Roof
Serving Canton, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
If you notice some flapping or curling shingles on a windy day, call a roofing contractor to help determine if you need a roof repair or replacement.
Shingles Flapping When Its Windy
Loss of Granules
By Juan Reyes
Juan Reyes is the owner of Pro Roofing & Siding. 2558 Canton Road, Marietta. 770-373-7064. MyProRoofing.com
If you realize that your roof has missing shingles, even if it’s just a few, contact a local roofing contractor to examine the damage and give you a free estimate for roof repair, if needed.
It’s easy for rain to get past shingles if they have been compromised by strong winds. A clear sign is a discoloration on the walls or ceiling or sensing mold in your house. Leaks may start small, but the damage will accumulate if they aren’t repaired, resulting in a larger, more expensive problem.
Debris
The primary sign of granule loss is visible horizontal lines, which may appear as cracks or spots, indicating that the shingle’s seal is broken.
ByJulieSengerConsider clubs, occupations, organizations, popular styles, recreational activities, or sports that require distinct uniforms or clothing items and accessories. Red Hat Society Materials used: artificial purple flower, hot glue gun, pearl bracelet, purple T-shirt, red hat Punk Rock Princess Materials used: black tutu, funky glasses, purple wig, spikey bracelet 80s Teen Materials used: colorful retro shades, MTV T-shirt, mullet wig
CDIYPetostumes GetInspired
Everyday People
To help get your creative juices flowing, here’s a list of places from which to draw inspiration, along with some photos of Family Life staff members’ pets in a few fun examples.
For extra-special costumes, it’s best to create the look yourself instead of buying one that’s prepackaged. Creating a homemade costume can be a fun, cost effective, yet slightly challenging alternative for a more unique look.
If
you’re on social media, you’ve likely seen many precious animal “influencers” with their own Instagram or TikTok accounts, followed by thousands of devoted fans. So, if you celebrate Halloween with your pet or want to keep their social media accounts fresh and exciting by dressing your furry friend in cute costumes for photoshoots and reels, read on for cute costume ideas.
Add to Your Business!
To save time and money, try to choose a costume that can be made with things you already have at home, or that is constructed from items that can be purchased inexpensively at local dollar stores, thrift markets, or secondhand consignment establishments. While pondering ideas, also consider whether your pet will wear the costume for a quick photoshoot/reel, or if your furry friend will be strutting about for an extended period for trick or treating or a Halloween pet parade.
Materials used: brown leather bomber jacket, mirrored aviator sunglasses, white T-shirt
FamilyLife Publications.com 25Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
Materials used: black permanent marker (to create the design on the shirt), pink tutu, white golf shirt
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Monster Under the Bed
Materials used: box, hot glue, pet harness, pipe cleaner twist tie (to attach the box/bed to the harness), small plastic doll and bed
Historical Figures
These costumes are more conceptual, using various scenarios, phrases, or figures of speech as inspiration.
Materials used: cardboard, construction paper, glue, helium balloons, pet life jacket, selfadhesive hook and loop Velcro fasteners (to attach the cardboard house to the life jacket), scissors
There have been many historical figures with ornate styles or who are associated with very specific fashionable (and not-so-fashionable) looks.
The Truly Unique
Maverick From TopGun
AceVentura:PetDetective
The IndustryEntertainment
The House From UP!
Think of iconic actors, characters, musicians, or even props and settings. Does your pet remind you of any of your favorites?
Materials used: blue T-shirt, construction paper, hot glue, paper towel roll, posterboard, red scarf
Uncle Sam
Materials used: collar, hot glue, scissors, wide lace. Since this pet’s fur is black, no materials were needed to create a Supreme Court robe.
By Cherokee Office of Economic Development
CherylMcKayPricepresenting
BYCHEROKEECHOICE
You may be asking, what does Coca-Cola have to do with Cherokee? For starters, Woodstock-based brand mastermind Tom Cox, who created Cherokee’s entrepreneurial brands Fresh Start Cherokee and The Circuit
[StrategicLife] “Who we are is a tribute to those who left us a legacy. Who we help others become will be our legacy.”
Think of your favorite brand. Let’s take CocaCola for example. Does a crisp, refreshing Coke immediately transport you to the ballpark while cheering on your favorite team? If so, that’s because Coca-Cola doesn’t just envelop your taste buds; it has earned your trust through experience. And that’s exactly what being in Cherokee By Choice is all about.
Aside from living and working in the community, these industry experts also pay it forward through sharing their expertise at events such as 1 Million Cups Cherokee, the Cherokee Film Summit, and local networking groups. These partnerships help nurture a healthy ecosystem for businesses and residents alike, making Cherokee one of the most desirable places to live in metro Atlanta. And it doesn’t stop there.
26 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business!
Similar to Coca-Cola, Cherokee By Choice just means more. It’s not only a recognizable brand identity that evokes fond memories of times well spent in one of Cherokee’s inclusive and welcoming communities – it’s also a legacy that’s built on trust. L
During the initial Cherokee By Choice campaign in 2018, more than 75 investors representing numerous industry sectors placed their trust in Cherokee, committing over $2.7 million in funding to solve key challenges facing local business. The results were extraordinary. These partnerships led to an astounding $437 million in capital investment, 57 business locations/ expansions, and over 2,000 new jobs.
at the Cherokee FilmSummit.
ofTomCoxDesigns.
Much like The Ultimate Gift, Cherokee’s greatest legacy resides in those who live, work, and play here. Whether that’s screenwriters like Cheryl who write, produce, and cast local talent in inspiring film projects or internet technology companies like Black Airplane that headline national “Best Places to Work” lists, the people who call Cherokee home are forging an inheritance that’s built to last.
Woodstock-based screenwriter Cheryl McKay Price penned these words in the heartwarming American drama, The Ultimate Gift. The award-winning film follows the journey of Jason Stevens, a spoiled young beneficiary of his grandfather’s multi-billion dollar estate. But there’s one catch – Jason must pass a series of tests as outlined in his grandfather’s will to receive his full inheritance. Stevens learns, kicking and screaming, that life’s “ultimate gifts” aren’t riches, but people.
Tom Cox
The Cherokee Office of Economic Development, One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org
Five years ago, the Cherokee By Choice initiative burst into the limelight. A half decade later, this catchy brand identity and public-private partnership has become a lifestyle, which other communities strive to emulate.
Do you see the trend emerging? The talent that wrote the touching screenplay for movies like The Ultimate Gift and the designer who created one of America’s most recognizable household logos both live in Cherokee By Choice.
Building upon this tremendous success, Cherokee Office of Economic Development launched Cherokee By Choice 2.0 in spring 2022 with a focus on growing talent, developing infrastructure and product to establish Cherokee as a “total package,” and cultivating strong innovative businesses to ensure economic opportunity for all.
Woodstock, was the designer of the iconic “Always Coca-Cola” logo.
Built to Last
Jessica Oravec lives in Cherokee County and is an avid reader and a children’s minister. She holds a B.B.A. from Mercer and a Master of Divinity in Christian education from McAfee School of Theology.
SURVIVING THE Mental Health TANK
As Lewis says in Surviving the Mental Health Tank, bipolar disorder is so stigmatized that people who are diagnosed with it often feel that they must hide their diagnosis from their family and friends. Her brother, Lee Thompson Young, was a brilliant young man with a bright future in Hollywood. But he suffered from this disorder, and he hid his suffering from his coworkers and friends. He died by suicide during a manic episode.
Millions of Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, yet it’s something we rarely discuss. In fact, Tamu Lewis, author of Surviving the Mental Health Tank, talks about how little most Americans understand about what it is like to suffer from this disorder and to be a family member of someone suffering from it.
Lewis shares her love for her brother and her daughter while also giving the reader a glimpse into the mind of someone suffering from bipolar disorder, and how it affects the whole family. Additionally, she imparts information on how family members can maintain their own well-being while still supporting their loved one. Surviving the Mental Health Tank is a must read for us all, as it can help each of us have a greater understanding and compassion for those suffering from mental health challenges.
BY JESSICA ORAVEC
Surviving the Mental Health Tank seeks to destigmatize bipolar disorder and provide a path forward for families as well as those suffering from mental health challenges. Through personal stories and her own research, Lewis helps families learn how to thrive and cultivate emotional well-being, even when things around them are falling apart.
Book Review
FamilyLife Publications.com 27Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
tell me that art class flies by. I know it does for me, as I am teaching. When it is time to clean up, they say it feels like they have only been in class for five minutes, even though classes are 45 minutes,” she said, noting that she is always trying to develop new ideas and projects. “I think this is because students are constantly challenged and are excited about the projects in art. Students love to create!”
“I try to choose projects that give students a structure, or guidelines, but also allow them to explore their creativity. I give my students a starting point and then allow them to actualize their own designs,” the 23-year educator said. “It is like a mystery or a puzzle.”
“Students used marker caps to add eyespots to the butterflies; they added pieces of clay to their butterflies’ wings to create texture; and they used clay tools and pencils to draw cool designs on their butterflies,” she said of last school year’s projects. “The butterflies turned out beautifully!”
Emily Mickel
“I love art, I love working with children, and I love that teaching allows me to be creative,” she said.
school (including murals, T-shirt designs, and bulletin boards), and has served on the school district’s fine arts committee.
As an example, her second-grade students make clay butterflies. Mickel gives them a general idea (make a butterfly), guides them on how to construct it with clay, and then stands back to allow their ideas to soar.
Teacher Feature
Mickel, who was named her school’s 2022 Teacher of the Year and a Cherokee County School District Teacher of the Year finalist, makes every moment count in her class, from the carefully crafted lessons to the fun learning games that fill any spare
What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school?
In addition to teaching her classes, Mickel also organizes the school art show, volunteers to create art for her
L
Barbara P. Jacoby is the chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District. CherokeeK12.net770-704-4228.
“Parents can be interested in their child’s work,” Mickel said. “They can let their students know that their work is valued, and it is important. I think the most successful students are the ones whose parents value education. Education is a way to change people’s lives. Parents can talk about what their students learn and can display their child’s work at home. Encouraging their children when they have success, but also teaching them how they can learn from their failures are significant ways parents can contribute to their children’s success. We all make mistakes. If your child doesn’t do well on a project or a test, what can he or she learn from it? How can she or he improve the next time?”
“Studentsminutes.frequently
28 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business!
ittle River ES art teacher Emily Mickel teaches her students techniques to let their imaginations take flight.
BY BARBARA P. JACOBY
We cannot wait to see what God does through this outreach event in 2022! If you, your church, the business you work for, or a nonprofit you serve would like to be involved by sponsoring children, becoming a collection site, or serving at the event, please call me at 770-345-2737. L
For the past 16 years, there has been a huge outreach event in several northeast Georgia counties called Hope For Christmas that blesses thousands of families in need of Christmas gifts each year. Revolution Church brought this event to Cherokee and Pickens counties last year, and we were able to bless 450+ children. This year, we are hoping to bless 1,000+ kids.
If you know of any parents who will not be able to provide Christmas gifts for their children, please have them visit HopeForChristmas.com to sign up. Revolution Church will be partnering with the Cherokee and Pickens County School Districts to get the word out to families that they know will need assistance.
I know — it’s only October, and I’m talking about Christmas already? Yes, I am, but here is why:
[InGoodFaith] “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9:6).
Zip Cain is the missions minister at Revolution Church, 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton. 770-345-2737. Revolution.church
This is not a “pick up your bag of toys and leave” event. There will be an area for families to receive prayer, photos with Santa, and fun crafts and games. Local nonprofits will share helpful resources with parents, and every family will go home with a meal that they can prepare Christmas morning.
FamilyLife Publications.com 29
Another fun part of the event is the kids’ Secret Santa shop. Each child (ages 5+) gets to select a cool gift for mom and/or dad, wrap the gift(s), and decorate the bag for their parent(s) to open on Christmas morning. It’s very moving to watch the kids’ faces light up when they learn that they can choose a gift for their parents.
Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat
When guitarist, songwriter, and producer Rich “The Duke” Ward talks about music, he describes it as “magic.” He recalls the excitement he felt as a teen making his own playlists on his cassette recorder, flipping through albums in record stores, or dropping quarters in a jukebox then waiting for his selections to play.
Now 53, Ward continues to push boundaries. Beginning with the rap/metal band Stuck Mojo, formed in 1989, Ward has toured the world. In 1999, he formed the metal group Fozzy with Chris Jericho. Still going strong,
While Ward says Fozzy’s longevity is due to hard work and commitment, one has only to watch him perform to see that passion is also Passionkey.and
Magic
“The goal,” he said, “was not to be the biggest rock star on the planet; it was just to be the best show that night, to communicate that love of playing, to build that relationship with the audience.”
“It seemed dangerous,” said Ward, who calls Canton home. “It seemed like something your parents would hate. So, we all did it. It was pushing the boundaries of the culture.”
“I assembled a bunch of incredible musicians, lifelong friends that I grew up with, and together, we put together something that is magic,” Ward said. “It makes me tremendously happy to play these fantastic songs, the hits of an era most people remember as a good time. The music wasn’t necessarily a sophisticated meal, but it was something everyone, every race, many generations enjoyed.”
The genres that attracted him most were punk and heavy metal.
That joy is seen at Guardians’ concerts including three local concerts this past summer where audience members danced and sang along.
Pushing and Making Rich Duke” Ward
Photo courtesy of Mark Strigl
“It’s about having a conversation,” Ward said. “That’s the goal every night. It’s not just to get the notes right. It’s casting that spell, communicating without talking.”
30 Canton Family Life | October 2022 Add to Your Business!
Artist Profile
Boundaries
For more information about Ward or any of his bands, please visit Facebook.com/ thedukeofmetal, Instagram.com/ officialrichward, GuardiansOfTheJukebox.com, or TheDukeOfMetal.com. BY ELLEN SAMSELL SALAS
chemistry — chemistry between band members and chemistry between the audience and the band.
Ward’s most recent venture, Guardians of the Jukebox, departs from the heavy metal genre that established him. Created during the pandemic when Fozzy wasn’t touring, Guardians captures the sounds and emotions of a less divisive time, appealing to teens through septuagenarians by playing hits from the 1980s.
“The
Photo courtesy of Adrienne Beacco
Fozzy has released eight albums and earned its first gold record in 2021 for Judas, the album and song of the same name.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Turner
For decades, Ward dedicated himself to the metal rock that enthralled him as a teen. Along the way, he has met his heroes and become a recognized artist. In 2018, Fozzy opened for Iron Maiden, his favorite band as a teen. Then came the gold record in 2021. Now, still touring with Fozzy and Guardians of the Jukebox, he has no plans to stop doing what gives him “purpose.”
FamilyLife Publications.com 31Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat Community Burger 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 300 770-616-3613Canton Restaurant Club Pilates 1810 Cumming Highway, Suite 1140 678-606-9065Canton Pilates Studio Workout Anytime 1449 Riverstone Parkway, Suite 109 678-493-9360Canton Exercise Gym Choate BBQ, LLC 10150 Ball Ground Highway, Suite 201 Ball 678-888-4547Ground Restaurant Primrose School of Harmony on the Lakes 404 Argonne Terrace Holly 770-704-0721Springs Private Preschool Ground Breakings, and CelebrationsRibbon Cuttings,
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