Canton Family Life 1-22 by Family Life Magazines

Contents

January 2022

VOLUME 9 | ISSUE 6

18-19

[18-19]

On the Cover

Giggle Monster Craft Donuts

22-24

2022 Best of Life Awards Winners Announced!

28-29 What’s New at the

2022 Winter Olympic Games

34 Teacher Feature

[22-24] [28-29] [34] Follow Us >>>

Canton Family Life

Family Life Publications

| January 2022

Dr. Jodi Burn 04 06 08 10 12 16 20

.......................... Perspective

30 32 33 35

................... Senator Speaks

familylifepublications

.............................. Calendar ....................... Canton Notes ........................ Public Safety .................... Community Life ................ Ball Ground Notes ................ Cherokee Office of Economic Development ......................... Artist Profile ........................ Book Review ................... Ribbon Cuttings @FamilyLifeMags

Add

to Your Business!

20 22 Better Resolutions By Minister Zip Cain

[InGoodFaith] Welcome to 2022! By now, you’ve probably already planned and prepared for an incredible year of New Year’s resolutions. While a new workout plan or a healthier diet may be on that list, have you ever noticed that those changes don’t necessarily make it feel like a “new year?” It often feels more like a new calendar with new dates, and that frequently ends up as just an extension of old habits carried on from the year before that we’re trying to fix all over again. It’s not a “new year” unless we reflect on the previous year’s experiences, good and bad, and start making better resolutions that will bring us life over the next 365 days. What if “a new workout plan” wasn’t just exercising your muscles at the local gym? What if it was consistently exercising your faith with the local church? James 2:17 tells us that faith without works is dead. So, if we exercise our “faith muscles,” we will be spiritually stronger. What if “a new diet” wasn’t cutting out bread? What if it was believing in a new type of bread? Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,” (John 6:35). Any resolutions that bring us closer to God in the new year are always better resolutions. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” The more time we spend with God, the more we will understand what he wants for us and not what we want for ourselves. My prayer is that you will grow closer to God in 2022, so that your 2023 resolutions will be established by him. And hey, it’s not too late to change your resolutions for 2022. Maybe after reading this, you’ll resolve to things like loving your neighbor or getting to know Jesus more. L

Zip Cain is the missions minister at Revolution Church, 125 Union Hill Trail, Canton. 770-345-2737. Revolution.church

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

Publisher’sPerspective

“One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.” -Lucille Ball Often, it is our technique that handicaps us. So, let us concentrate on the game instead of the other players. Set a goal for your next step, not your final step, and push ahead. We may grow weary and need to temporarily push aside whatever we are struggling with to lean on a friend, our family, and most importantly, our faith to regain the strength and the diligence to persevere. “God’s trials are meant to customize us and help us become the person we are intended to be,” said Dr. George Anderson. Faith is what we need more of each day. Faith in the realization that if we try our best, if we believe, if we focus, that whatever the sum of our struggles may be, we will be better in the end. Find resolve; develop a backbone. The understanding that success comes from within us is vital to accepting what is placed before us.

Tiffany Corn Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Vicky Tuszynski Vicky@FamilyLifePublications.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Kay Buquoi, Zip Cain, Cherokee Office of Economic Development, City of Canton, L. Michael Cox, Jyl Craven, Joshua Fuder, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Mo Ives, Barbara P. Jacoby, Karen Jordan, Tim Morris, Tim Prather, John Rodgers, Ellen Samsell Salas, Bruce Thompson

Family Life Publishing Group, Inc. 630 East Main Street Canton, GA 30114

770-213-7095 Also available online at

FamilyLifePublications.com 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. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying magazine content are a paid advertisement. 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 publisher.

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

Subscriptions are available for $25 per year. Please contact us for payment options.

E R EC Y C

Jack Tuszynski, Publisher

ART Stephanie Bolton Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Awhile back, I was fortunate to hear a message from a pastor about two boys and their attempt to set a scarecrow upright. They would prop the scarecrow up, and it would fall. They would straighten it up, and it would slouch forward. This happened again and again. One of the youngsters soon realized that the scarecrow needed something “inside of him” to hold him upright. We need that, too. We each need “something inside” that keeps us on task and moving forward.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cyndi Braun

M AG A ZI

they learn to walk, toddlers are known to “toddle,” clumsily propelling themselves forward, often on the verge of taking a spill. No one is born with all the necessary abilities and skills needed to take one step at time when learning to walk. Many of us still struggle with this concept in other areas of our lives. As we grow, we learn that balance is key, not only for walking, but also for many of life’s obstacles. Over time, we come to understand that there will be challenges placed before us. And in the long run, it is our responsibility to muster the drive to overcome those challenges.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Julie Senger Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

PLE

Sure Footing

PUBLISHER/SALES Jack Tuszynski Jack@FamilyLifePublications.com

to Your Business!

Garden Tool Maintenance By Joshua Fuder [HomeLife] One important task to remember during these days of short daylight is the cleaning and maintenance of tools. A little upkeep this winter will help protect your investment and make gardening that much easier when you start spring planting.

HOSES Though they don’t require a great deal of care, hoses will last longer with a little bit of attention. They should be stored on hose supports or coiled loosely rather than left hanging on nails. Hose supports or reels prevent sagging and kinking.

DIGGING TOOLS For tools like shovels, spades, forks, and hoes, start by removing any soil or vegetation using wire brushes, steel wool, scrapers, or a strong stream of water. A light sanding with fine grit sandpaper on wooden handles may be needed. After sanding, wipe the wood down with a coating of boiled linseed oil.

The linseed oil will help keep the wood from cracking and drying. A quick file of the blades on shovels and hoes will make slicing into the soil easier in spring. Take a quality mill file and move it away from your body along the original bevel. Do not drag the file back. Instead, lift it at the end of each stroke and reset at the starting position. Once you have restored the edge, flip the tool and file the other side enough to remove any burrs or roughness. Lightly oil or repaint the metal surfaces before storage.

PRUNERS Pruning tools require special attention since moving parts are involved. To properly sharpen, you may need to disassemble.

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Pruners are made from relatively soft steel, so a smooth file or whetstone should be used to prevent damaging the metal. Holding the file in a parallel position to the blade, the filing strokes should run its full length. Apply oil to the bolt and bolt holes prior to reassembling.

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. 770-721-7830. CAES.UGA.edu/extension/cherokee

FamilyLife Publications.com

Calendar JANUARY

1-15

Bring One for the Chipper Christmas Tree Recycling The City of Canton recycles Christmas trees. FREE! Drop off live trees without lights or decorations. There will be NO curbside pickup of trees, so please take advantage of this opportunity. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday-Saturday, 7:00am-1:00pm, Canton collection site, 2525 Ridge Road, Canton.

1-31

The Power of Femininity: A Solo Show by Denise Van Balen — Check out the original artwork of this talented artist. FREE! 6:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 W. Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

7, 21, & 2/4

Parent’s Night Out Drop off the kids at the pool, so you can enjoy adult time. Kids will swim, enjoy a pizza dinner, do crafts, play games, and end the night with a movie. Tickets $15 early registration or $20 late registration. 5:3010:00pm, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. 678-880-4760. PlayCherokee.org

Rink on the River Ice Skating Tuesday-Sunday (closed on Mondays), enjoy one of the largest ice skating rinks in metro Atlanta. The fee is $10 per person, which includes skate rental. Hours vary, so please check the website. The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

Gallery Sessions: Wyatt Espalin — Enjoy a unique listening room experience with a local singer songwriter. Experience his songs and stories, while surrounded by art. Tickets are $25 per person. 7:00-9:00pm, Menagerie on Main, 351 W. Main Street, Canton. 404-798-4279. MenagerieOnMain.com

ONGOING JANUARY IS

Project Valentine — Every year, Cherokee Recreation & Parks collects the following Project Valentine donations: lip balm, lotion, sticky notes, pens, markers, word searches, art or This month-long celebration of veganism was music activities, candy (sugar free and regular), and other established in 2014 as a way to encourage nonholiday related items. Donations are made into goody vegans to explore a lifestyle that aims to reduce the bags and delivered to Empower Cherokee, which is suffering of animals, help the planet, and a nonprofit organization that serves the special improve global health by abstaining from needs community. Please drop off contributions to the eating animal products (i.e., meat, dairy, Recreation Center, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. and eggs) or purchasing items (such as 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org honey, fur, or leather) that exploit or harm animals. Consider changing your diet this Canton Business Club Meeting — Each Wednesday morning, month, and perhaps use Veganuary as network with a group of professionals who are dedicated to a catalyst to transition into the serving the community and their clients, while providing value to complete vegan lifestyle.

Veganuary Month

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

LIBRARY EVENTS SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org CalendarWiz.com/ sequoyahreglib

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, Atherton Place, 111 Tower Road, Marietta. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

Glenn Leonard’s Temptations Revue Enjoy sensational music by Glenn Leonard (lead tenor of the Temptations from 1975-83) and his all-star cast. Tickets are $35 per person. 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Falany Performing Arts Center, 7340 Reinhardt College Parkway, Waleska. 770-720-9167. Reinhardt.edu/Falany

FEBRUARY

Canton’s Karaoke — Bring your friends and your best singing voice! FREE! 9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah/ Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

The Chocolate Walk — FRIENDS.CHOCOLATE.SHOPPING. Please check the website or the Facebook page for ticket information and additional details. 2:00-6:00pm, Main Street and The Mill on Etowah, Canton. CantonGa.gov. Facebook.com/ DowntownCantonGA

local business owners. 8:00am, Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500, Canton. Facebook.com/CantonBusinessClub Free CPR/AED Certification Class — On the last Saturday of each month, this fundraiser benefits the Hickory Flat Volunteer Association. Donations are appreciated ($75 value). Preregistration is required. 9:00am-12:00pm, Cherokee County Fire Station 23, 7625 Vaughn Road, Canton. 770-406-6657. HFVA.org Thursday Night Trivia — Gather your dream team and compete weekly for first, second, and third-place prizes! FREE! 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah at Reformation Brewery, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. EtowahMill.com

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

BALL GROUND 435 Old Canton Road, Ball Ground 770-735-2025

HICKORY FLAT 2740 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345-7565

R.T. JONES 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton 770-479-3090 TEEN MARVEL TRIVIA NIGHT January 3, 6:00pm, R.T. Jones Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to test their Marvel knowledge. BINGO FOR BOOKS — NEW YEAR, NEW BOOKS January 4, 1:00pm, R.T. Jones Enjoy bingo at the library. Prizes are books for adults and kids! All ages are welcome. BALL GROUND BUILDERS January 8, 11:00am, Ball Ground Little ones are invited to play and learn at their own pace, exploring with oversized blocks, Picasso tiles, and puzzles. This is recommended for preschool-aged children but is open to all. LGBT+ BOOK CLUB January 22, 2:00pm, Ball Ground Ages 16+ are welcome to partake in this discussion of books that contain LGBT characters or themes. This month’s book is Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune. This club is a safe space for all identities and orientations. ASTROLOGY PINCH POTS January 24, 4:00pm, Hickory Flat Learn about zodiac signs and birth charts while making a themed pinch pot! This is for ages 17+. Please register online or by calling the library. EDGAR ALLEN POE-TRY HOUR January 25, 4:30pm, Hickory Flat Celebrate Edgar Allen Poe and his poetry achievements by learning about different kinds of poems and ways of rhyming! Children ages 9 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

FamilyLife Publications.com

CantonNotes

Canton Resolves To Maintain Forward Momentum This Year

he team at the City of Canton has all eyes on projects that benefit the community in 2022. As we welcome the new year, here are some of the things we’re most excited about.

Sandy McGrew, Ward 1 “In 2021, City Council formed an Environmental & Sustainability Board. I’m eager to help build the purpose and process of this board and its goals. I hope the City can find ways to improve its efforts to lessen our carbon footprint and increase green infrastructure initiatives.”

Brooke Schmidt, Ward 3 “I’m looking forward to building on Team Canton’s many achievements from the last two years, especially in the areas of tourism and public art, both initiatives that boost economic development and serve our area businesses. In vibrant and economically successful cities, we always find public art and tourism keeping energy high and the community engaged.”

JoEllen Wilson, Ward 1 “In the next year, I hope the City will accomplish reapportionment of each Ward. I’m most excited to continue to serve with this great group of individuals and look forward to welcoming our new Ward 3 Councilmember Dwayne Waterman.”

Dwayne Waterman, Ward 3 “I am looking forward to working with all council members, mayor, and staff in what I hope is a productive 2022. I also hope to be celebrating a Georgia Bulldogs National Championship!”

Will Carlan, Ward 2 “I am excited to start my first full term on the Canton City Council. The past two years were very encouraging. I grew up here, and when I look around and see the hard work volunteers, City staff, and elected officials put in each day to make our town as wonderful as it can be, I’m proud my family calls Canton home. The City is fulfilling promises that it made to its youth years ago, and now our youth are actively engaged in the direction of the city through the CanTeen program.”

Shawn Tolan, Ward 2 “I’m excited about our new manager of Economic Development & Tourism and our new manager of Housing & Residential Services. Both have the tools at their disposal to help develop and bring to life initiatives that will take Canton to the next level in our growth. I will continue to listen to our residents and be their advocate at city hall.”

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Billy Peppers, City Manager “I am hopeful that, in 2022, the City of Canton will see growth in the areas of small business, industrial, and tourism development. I am most excited about the completion of the Etowah River Trail westward, connecting Heritage Park as well as Boling Park, being completed early next summer.”

Mayor Bill Grant “I look forward to working with our council, staff, and citizens to build upon the momentum of our Roadmap for the Future with innovative and creative solutions to keep moving Canton forward. Cheers to the ‘Coolest Small Town in America!’”

City of Canton, 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov

Add

to Your Business!

Piggy Banks By Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

[AcademicLife] It’s never too early to teach your children about financial responsibility and the benefits of saving, sharing, and spending money. Whether it’s a few dollars they receive from the tooth fairy, an allowance they are awarded for completing their chores, or loose change they find around the house, there’s no time like the present to learn to be smart with money. It’s always a good idea for a child to have a piggy bank, but it’s time to revamp this old-school classic. Instead of putting all the money into one container, break it up into three parts that teach your children how to spend, save, and share their funds. Constructing save, share, spend piggy banks is something that you can do with your little ones right at home. This project will help children realize the importance of money and how it can be used in many ways. Save, Share, Spend Piggy Bank Materials • Three pint-sized Mason jars • Three labels of your choice • Marker of your choice Directions 1. Remove the lids from the Mason jars and screw the metal bands back on. 2. Using the marker, write “Save” on one of the labels, followed by “Share” on the next label, and “Spend” on the third label. 3. Secure one label to the middle of each jar. 4. Customize the piggy banks by including your child’s name and allowing him/her to decorate the jars. 5. Display the piggy bank jars where you and your child can easily see and access them. The “save” jar can be used as a rainy-day fund or for helping children save money for something they really want to buy. The “share” jar is for giving back to the community or donating money to the cause of their choice, and the “spend” jar is for spending money wisely on things that they are ready to purchase. The goal of the different jars is to teach your children the hard work of saving money and the importance of using their funds sensibly and effectively.

Mary Kay Buquoi is owner of The Goddard School, 140 Foster Road, Woodstock. 770-720-1311. GoddardSchools.com

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

PublicSafety

Rules for Outdoor Burning IN CHEROKEE COUNTY By Chief Tim Prather

he outdoor burn ban in Georgia was officially lifted on October 1, 2021. For those who live in Cherokee County, outdoor burning is currently allowed until April 30, 2022, between the hours of 10:00am and one hour before sunset. In the past, individuals were required to obtain a daily permit through the Georgia Forestry Commission. While that is no longer the case, there are important guidelines to follow.

To ensure conditions are suitable for burning, consult with the Georgia Forestry Commission by visiting GaTrees.org or calling 877-652-2876.

Cherokee County requires permits for bonfires and land clearing fires. Bonfires are defined as larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Only logs or clean wood can be burned for ceremonial purposes. Clean wood is wood that has not been painted, varnished, or coated with a similar material; has not been pressure treated with preservatives; and does not contain resins or glues as in plywood or other composite wood products.

S – Space: 25+ feet between fire and woodlands S – Space: 50+ feet between fire and structures T – Time: Sunrise to sunset A – Attendance: Person responsible on site until the fire is extinguished R – Reasonable Precautions: Tools/measures in place to prevent escaped fire, such as a continuous pressurized water source on site; a man-made or natural barrier to contain fire (bare soil, rocks, or bricks); hand tools or fire-containing equipment (rake, shovel, or garden hoe). Weather awareness of National Weather Service red flag warnings, such as high fire danger designation, low relative humidity, and high winds.

Land clearing or commercial fires are defined as the burning of debris generated by machine for the purpose of land clearing. These permits can be obtained through the Cherokee County Fire Marshal’s office. Permits are not required for yard debris fires or recreational fires. Yard debris fires include leaves, pine straw, and dry brush/limbs that are no more than 6 inches in diameter that have fallen from growth on one’s own property. A burn pile should be no more than 6 feet across and 2 feet high. Recreational fires should only include logs or clean wood, and the fire area should be 3 feet or less across and 2 feet or less in height. Burning of household garbage, lumber, plastic, or waste material is prohibited. Burning in a barrel or metal drum is also prohibited.

Plan your burn by remembering to “Take Five,” and follow the easy to remember “S-S-T-A-R” formula:

Learn more about outdoor burn regulations at CherokeeCountyFire.org. For additional questions or permit requests, contact the Cherokee County Fire Marshal’s Office at 678-493-6290.

Tim Prather is the fire chief for Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, 150 Chattin Drive, Canton. 678-493-4000. CherokeeGa.com

If you live within a municipality of Cherokee County, check with your city to see what is required prior to outdoor burning. 10

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

The Importance of

Memories By Tim Morris

[Lifestyle] I remember collecting baseball cards of some of my favorite players in the 70s. My dad once spent hours painting the walls of the bedroom that I shared with my brother only to find me gluing my baseball cards to them the second the paint dried. That was 50 years ago, and my bottom still hurts from the spanking I got. If he was still with us, my dad would be 90 years old. No one loved to watch the Atlanta Braves on TV as much as he did, and my brothers and I used to watch with him almost every night during summers. He loved to watch Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, and Bob Horner hit home runs out of the park, but his favorite player was “Road Runner” Ralph Garr because of how fast he ran those bases. Dad didn’t get to see the Braves win a lot, and he wanted more than anything to see them go to the World Series, but he died before that ever happened. In 1995, as my brothers and I celebrated the Braves first World Series win, we all wished our dad could have been alive to see them win it all. When the Braves won the World Series again last year, my phone lit up, as texts from my brothers poured in, wishing dad could have seen that one, too. I know he was looking down from the best seat in the house. In my 60 years on this earth, I can now say I have seen the Braves win two World Series. Our memories of events like that will last a lifetime — just like the memory of that spanking I got for gluing baseball cards to a newly painted wall. Always cherish those times with loved ones who are no Tim Morris is the director of Cherokee County Senior Services. 1001 Univeter longer with us or those who struggle with Road, Canton. 770-479-7438. Alzheimer’s. Sometimes, the smallest CherokeeGa.com/Senior-Services reminder of something from the past can bring a smile to someone’s face. L

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

Community

Public Services Employees Donate to Jacob Hicks Trust Fund

Foundation Offers $65,000 in Scholarships The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) is offering scholarships to Georgia students pursuing a degree in agriculture, veterinary medicine, family and consumer sciences, or a related field. The GFA will award scholarships in the following four categories: The Scholarship for Agriculture is for high school students who plan to enter a college that is part of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College, or any accredited college/university in Georgia during the 2022-23 academic year to pursue an undergraduate degree in agricultural and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, or a related agricultural field. The GFA will award 10 scholarships of $3,000 each. The top three ranked applicants will be eligible for an additional $1,000 bonus. The Technical College Scholarship for Agriculture is for students who will be enrolled in a Georgia accredited technical college and major in an area of agriculture or an agriculture-related field such as welding, mechanics, culinary arts, or commercial truck driving. The GFA will award four scholarships of $1,500 each.



Representatives with the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office and other agencies recently visited Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services to show their support for Jacob Hicks, the two-year-old son of Justin and Amber Hicks, who were tragically killed during a home robbery. Justin Hicks was a Cherokee firefighter.

(Front row L-R) Deputy Marshal First Class Eric Bastress and Deputy Marshal First Class Renae Coggans present a letter to Fire Chief Tim Prather. Also pictured are (back row L-R) Animal Control Officer Kalae Hubber, Probation Officer Enrique Marquina, Court Intake Clerk Jessica Ricketts, Probation Officer Penny Vaughan, Sgt. Matthew McMullen, Deputy Marshal First Class Dakota Smith, Deputy Marshal John Borsey, Deputy Marshal First Class William King, and Animal Control Officer Cain Taylor.

During the visit, Cherokee County Probation, Animal Control, and the Marshal’s Office made a combined donation of $1,050 to the child’s trust fund. Fire Chief Tim Prather was presented with a letter that stated, “We cannot put into words how heavy our hearts are for the loss of Justin and Amber Hicks. Nothing we say or do would ease your pain, but we wanted each of you to know that you have our support. The loss of two precious lives has changed our community forever.”

The Rising College Junior/Senior Scholarship for Agriculture is for current college students who have at least two semesters of classes remaining to receive an undergraduate degree from a unit of the University System of Georgia, Berry College, Emmanuel College, or any accredited college/university in Georgia. Applicants must be majoring in agriculture and environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, or an agriculture-related field. The GFA will award eight scholarships of $2,000 each.



The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Scholarship is for students currently enrolled in the UGA Veterinary Medicine program, specializing in large animal/food animal practice. The GFA will award two $5,000 scholarships.

Additionally, the Cherokee County Farm Bureau will award a $1,075 Cheyenne Heard College Scholarship to two Cherokee County high school seniors. For more information, please call 770-479-1481 x0.

Visit GaFoundationAg.org/scholarships for a list of eligible majors/schools for the four GFA scholarships, applications, and instructions to apply. All applications must be submitted online by March 1, 2022. Transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted online with the application. Scholarship recipients will be announced this spring.

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

Community Cherokee County School District Announcements •

CCSD Earns State’s Highest Honor The Cherokee County School District has earned the State’s highest honor for Accepting the Go vernance Team of leadership and the Year Award on behalf of the entir e dedication to Cherokee County School Board and providing the District leadership team are (L-R) Sc hool best education Board members Pa tsy Jordan and Ke lly possible to Poole, School Boar d Chair Kyla Crom er, every child. and Superintende nt Dr. Brian V. High tower. The Georgia School Boards Association awards the Governance Team of the Year to the school board and superintendent of one Georgia school district in each of the three size categories (small, medium, and large). CCSD earned the honor for large districts, which are those with more than 10,000 students.

City of Canton Special Project Updates  Old Ball Ground Sewer Expansion and Etowah River Trail Connection Between Heritage and Boling Parks Construction is proceeding, but work along the Etowah River has been slow due to the depth of the sewer (35 feet deep). Construction of the trail will begin early this year.  Riverstone Parkway Pedestrian Crossing The Canton City Council approved a task order with Atkins to begin a study for pedestrian safety in the area of Riverstone near Medical Lane and the Ingles Shopping Center.  Etowah Trail Bridge Replacement Materials have been delivered. A section of the trail east of Interstate 575 will be closed during the winter project completion.

This prestigious award requires school districts’ governance teams to meet stringent requirements encompassing all duties: teaching and learning resources; governance, leadership, and accountability; human and organizational capital; teaching, learning, and assessment; climate, culture, and stakeholder engagement; school finance; communications and messaging; and early learning and student success. •

School Board Earns State Award for Social and Emotional Learning Initiative For the third consecutive year, the Georgia School Boards Association awarded the Cherokee County School Board its Leading Edge Award in the Culture, Climate, and Organizational Efficacy category. The awards, presented in seven categories, recognize innovative practices by school boards and school districts that make a significant and positive a Kyl air Ch School Board impact on students. This the ted ep Cromer acc year, the districtwide Social ard Aw ge Ed g din Georgia Lea and Emotional Learning kee ero Ch the on behalf of (SEL) initiative earned . ard Bo ol County Scho the honor.

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

Community Cherokee County’s New Atlanta Regional Commission Board Representative Beginning this month, lifelong resident Steve Stancil will serve as Cherokee County’s citizen representative on the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). He will succeed Dennis Burnette, who has served as the District 15 representative for more than a decade. Stancil retired in 2019, following 11 years as a state property officer. Prior to that, he oversaw the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Board as its executive director and served as a representative in the Georgia House of Representatives, including minority House leader. Cherokee County is part of the 11-county ARC, a metropolitan planning organization that spearheads long-range planning from a regional perspective, disperses federal funding for transportation projects that impact the region, and promotes a skilled workforce through training and skills development.

Make a Mark With Canton’s BenchMark Program Need a unique gift? A special way to honor someone? Want to share the memory of a loved one? The City of Canton is now offering a program to purchase a plaque, bench, or both as a tribute to someone special. The BenchMark Program was the idea of Councilor JoEllen Wilson, who thought Canton needed this opportunity in our beautiful parks. “About one year ago, a constituent asked if she might place a plaque on one of the City park benches in honor of her uncle, a former council member. I had been interested in this project for a while, having visited Rolater Park in Cave Spring, Georgia, where I often enjoy their memorial benches,” said Wilson. “As I walk in Etowah River Park, it is such a respite to have lovely benches on which to rest. Adding the name(s) of those we wish to honor or memorialize will help, as we rest and enjoy the view.” The BenchMark Program is open to everyone and is not exclusive to City of Canton residents. The cost for an installed plaque including the engraving of four lines (28 characters per line) is $200. A bench is $1,300 including installation and an engraved plaque. Cost and product availability are subject to change. The City will choose the placement of plaques on current benches and the installation location of new benches.

Steve Stancil

New Stage at Reinhardt University To Honor Joan McFather Last year, Reinhardt University announced plans to build the Joan McFather Stage, which will be the centerpiece of a beautiful new outdoor venue for students and the community. In addition to taking generations of students on field trips to the theater and singing in the Cherokee Chorale and the Canton FUMC choir, McFather spent countless hours volunteering at Reinhardt’s Falany Performing Arts Center. She enjoyed greeting people at shows, created posters and programs, and managed one of the yearly performances. She understood how performing arts can uplift and bring a community together. Reinhardt is investing in this stage and surrounding park now because the pandemic has underscored how important such a space is to the physical and mental well-being of students. The university currently has no outdoor spaces to host student gatherings and open-air events. The venue will also benefit the local community, providing a space for all to enjoy performances by local choirs and ballets, special screenings of films, and other events. If you would like to donate toward the construction of this new stage and outdoor space, please visit CI.Ovationtix. com/35154/store/donations/42553. Reinhardt has graciously offered to match gifts dollar for dollar.

Joan McFathe

r (center)

For more information or to order a plaque/bench, contact Parks and Recreation Manager Adam Dodson at Adam.Dodson@cantonga.gov.

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

BallGroundNotes

REFLECTING ON By Karen Jordan

Ball Ground’s Growth

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind” is a line from the famous song, “Auld Lang Syne,” written by Robert Burns in 1788. When translated into standard English, “Auld Lang Syne” has several different meanings: “old long since,” “days gone by,” or “old times.” As we look back on the not-so-distant “old times” of Ball Ground, we must also look at what the future holds. In the year 2000, Mayor A.R. (Rick) Roberts and the city council reaffirmed their decision to move forward with the construction of a sewage system. It would take another three years before the system would become operational. Once the word was out, developers came knocking on our door. Looking for small and large tracts of property to develop, developers knew Ball Ground was the “place to be,” because its small-town charm would attract those looking to move away from the Atlanta area. The largest annexation request came from Dr. James Funk for more than 159 acres located on Old Canton Road and Canton Highway. The second largest was from T.H.O. Associates for 158 acres on Old Dawsonville Road.

Another project that would move Ball Ground forward was the construction of Valley Street, which once ended where City Hall is located. This street extension opened up opportunities to build a much-needed new City Hall and elementary school. When talk of building a new school outside the city limits was discussed, Mayor Roberts and city council members worked tirelessly to keep Ball Ground Elementary School in town. Mayor Roberts wanted the children to have the experience of walking to school like he did. In the past 22 years under Mayor Roberts’ leadership as well as Councilmembers John Byrd, Ashley Holcomb, Frank Homiller, Tom McDaniel, Mickey O’Malley, Lee Prettyman, and Andrena Stoner, Ball Ground has seen much growth. Stay tuned for March’s column, when we’ll take another walk down memory lane.

The Funk property is now a mixture of both residential, commercial, and industrial properties. It is also home to the Lantern Walk community, Ball Ground Pharmacy, and Universal Alloy Corporation. The 158 acres on Old Dawsonville Road became home to the Mountain Brook subdivision. Ball Ground’s downtown has, once again, come to life. The Ball Ground Burger Bus was the catalyst for making the downtown area a destination. Who would have ever thought that an old trolleybus from the streets of Atlanta would find its way to Ball Ground to become an office to Harris Lumber and then be restored to a restaurant that serves the best burgers and fries around? While some saw old, empty buildings with marble stacks lining the streets as an eyesore, others looked past that and saw these buildings for what they could be. One by one, buildings once owned by the Robertson family and others have had new life breathed into them.

Karen Jordan is the city clerk for Ball Ground. 215 Valley Street, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. CityOf BallGround.com

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

Giggles in the Orthodontic Office By Mo Ives

[HealthyLife] While sitting in a patient chair or in the lobby at the orthodontist office, you may overhear things that make you giggle. For those who work in this type of setting, the things we hear will often make our day. When asking a patient, “How did you break your bracket?” we’ve heard responses such as, “I was eating a banana,” “I was thinking too hard while studying,” or “Have you ever had my wife’s cooking?” Sometimes an assistant’s chair might make a “questionable” noise when he/she sits down, causing the patient to jokingly say, “Excuse you.” Or, he/she might have a slight trip while walking to the patient’s chair and exclaim, “Oh, the floor jumped out at me!” And if the assistant has just had lunch, his/her stomach might be making digestive noises, prompting the patient to ask, “Are you hungry?” When the receptionist confirms a patient’s next appointment by saying, “See you at three o’clock,” it always causes a slight chuckle when the patient says, “In the morning?” But one of the of the most humorous things is hearing the receptionist answer the phone by saying “Hey!” as if answering her personal cell phone instead of answering on behalf of the business and stating the practice’s name.

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

We never know what we might hear while sitting in the doctor’s office. And always remember — it could be you saying the things that make people giggle.

Mo Ives is a treatment coordinator/orthodontic assistant at Harmony Orthodontics, 149 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 2, Canton. 770-988-6552. HarmonyOrthoStudio.com

FamilyLife Publications.com

COVER STORY

ix years ago, Jennifer and Arturo Howard, founders and owners of Giggle Monsters Craft Donuts, knew nothing about running a business and didn’t know what type of business Cherokee County residents would embrace. They did know that commuting and working in the corporate world was robbing them of time with their children. And, they knew that they loved the Saturday morning donut run when they visited Jennifer’s parents in Tennessee. So, they leapt into learning the donut business. “It was an accident,” says Arturo. “We ran into it.” For months, they spent weekends training, researching, and learning everything they could about donuts. In October 2015, they signed a lease for their business. In December, they opened their shop on Bells Ferry Road. Enticed by the aroma, donut lovers lined up for the grand opening.

RESOLVE TO Giggle More THIS YEAR By Ellen Samsell Salas

FROM S’MORES TO CRONUTS The Donut Shop With the Big Imagination From the get-go, Jennifer and Arturo wanted their endeavor to be more than your typical quick-stop donut shop. Only at Giggle Monsters do patrons find a donut bar with 42 toppings, 45-50 varieties of fresh donuts every day, and a selfie wall for those all-important photos to add to the fun. The Howards craft every variety of donut imaginable, from s’mores to cronuts (a fried croissant with glaze or cinnamon sugar), to their Giggle Monsters donuts that change color and decoration daily, to seasonal treats such as pumpkin spice. Also made from scratch, using only the best ingredients, are standards like old-fashioned, cake, and glazed. “If you can imagine it, we’ll make it,” says Arturo.

“We knew how to cook donuts, but we knew nothing about running or promoting a business,” Jennifer remembers. “I had started a Facebook page. We did taste tests, giving the donuts to neighboring businesses.” Today, their popularity has soared. They are experts at creating a destination where customers find their favorite donuts, and families have fun.

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

That can-do spirit defines Giggle Monsters. For St. Patrick’s Day, they dye the dough green. Prior to COVID-19, they welcomed birthday parties where each child could create his or her own donut. Determined not to close their doors when the pandemic hit, Jennifer devised do-it-yourself, take-home, Easter “donut kits,” complete with donuts, icings, and toppings, receiving 350 orders in an hour and a half.

“We’re so grateful that the community rallied behind us and other small businesses,” said Arturo. “They even came in just to buy gift cards.” With corporate orders of 60-70 dozen donuts, custom fruit-topped wedding donuts, donuts that spell personalized messages or look like soccer balls, basketballs, and baseballs, Giggle Monsters accommodates a wide variety of customer requests and desires. “We don’t say ‘no,’” says Jennifer. “That’s who we are. We get it done.” Wanting to stamp their signature on this success, last September, the Howards changed the name of the business from Tasty Donuts to Giggle Monsters Craft Donuts.

GIVING BACK After their blind leap into the world of donuts, Jennifer and Arturo take the most pleasure out of knowing their hard work has paid off in many ways. “Owning your own business,” says Arturo, “You’re able to give back. We can say ‘yes.’” To that end, Giggle Monsters partners with schools and teams on fundraisers and makes donuts for

Add

to Your Business!

IT ALL ADDS UP TO A

MONSTER OF A DONUT EXPERIENCE

45-50 Varieties, Made Fresh Daily 40+ Toppings • 4 Icings

charity events, as they recently did when donating 300 pink-ribbon decorated donuts to the Walk to End Breast Cancer. The Howards also teamed up with Mayor Bill Grant’s youth engagement program, and they employ two special needs teens as part of the Cherokee County School District’s Transition Academy.

N AT IV E T HE IM A GI rms

o Gummy W Oreo With u C tter p Peanut Bu S’mores ream Pie n Coco ut C con Maple Ba Pinecones Cinnamon s e Fried Pie heesecak C y rr e b e Blu late Hot Choco s t Fried Pie Red Velve

AND T R UE T HE T R IED Cake in 7 flavors!) im (somet es Glazed Jelly-Filled ned Old-Fashio il Butterm k Twists

“We like to give back as much as possible,” Jennifer says. “If somebody needs donuts, Arturo is your guy.” And the icing and sprinkles on top of it all? Arturo and Jennifer are able to spend more time with their children.

And W h at e ve r Y ou Ca n I m a g in e!

“We’re here. We’re close to our house. Our children can call, and we’re nearby,” says Jennifer.

Bells Ferry 10511 Bells Ferry Road, Canton, GA 30114 678-880-6504

@The Mill on Etowah 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton, GA 30114

GiggleMonstersDonuts@gmail.com GiggleMonstersDonuts.com (order online)

GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU GIGGLE Delicious Donuts for Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and the Kids

HAVE TR A WILL TRA ILER, VEL

Invite Gig gle Mons ter’s Donut Tra iler to Yo u r Next Eve nt Loaded w ith a traditiona l array of crafted d onuts or tasty treats ma de to ord er, the Giggle Mo nsters tra iler will m your day ake memorab le. Whether it’s a PTA meeting, team acti school eve vity, churc nt, h or chari Super Bo ty fundrais wl party, e r, or annive celebratio rsary n, Giggle Monsters with donu will be th ts catere ere d to your imaginati on!

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

There’s a

New Tour Team in Town

By Cherokee Office of Economic Development

[StrategicLife] Move over Starsky and Hutch. Meet Reggie and Hutch – the team behind Be Pro Be Proud Georgia, a workforce development initiative that connects students to high demand careers within the skilled professions.

The skilled professions are an excellent avenue for entrepreneurs with savvy business and technical skills.

As a jack-of-all-trades maintenance technician, coach, and educator, Tour Manager Reggie LaGrone brings the perfect trifecta of skills to Be Pro. Matthew “Hutch” Hutcheson, Be Pro’s tour driver, is a decorated Army veteran with decades of experience in leadership and training.

COED: How is Be Pro getting more students engaged in the skilled professions across the state? LaGrone: As the word gets out, we’ve been able to be accessible and travel to schools around the state. Students are not always aware of the opportunities available. Through partnerships with organizations like CEFGA (Construction Education Foundation of Georgia), Georgia Power, technical colleges, industries, and regional WorkSource boards, we can build a strong pipeline of young talent and help students realize their full potential within the trades.

COED (Cherokee Office of Economic Development) sat down with LaGrone to learn about the team’s time on the road teaching students about the skilled professions aboard Be Pro’s fully customized 40-foot mobile workshop. The interactive, hands-on experience allows students to explore five gamified stations including automation and robotics, commercial truck driving, health care, plumbing, welding, and an engaging handeye coordination skills challenge. COED: What has surprised you the most when talking to students about the skilled professions? LaGrone: Many students have been told that a bachelor’s degree is the only route to success, and we want students to feel PROUD of their career choice, whatever path they choose. That’s why Be Pro Be Proud is working to change the narrative of what it means to work within the vocations, showing students that trade careers pay as much, if not more, than jobs that require four-year degrees. We’re finding that, in addition to entering the trades at a young age, many students want to start their own companies and be their own boss. 20

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

(L-R) Reggie LaGrone and Matthew “Hutch” Hutcheson

COED: What are the misconceptions you hear about the skilled professions? LaGrone: Many students think that people choose skilled professions as a second choice, or these careers are only for people who couldn’t make it in college. When students find out how much money skilled professionals make and the lifestyles they lead, it clicks. When you can provide a solution to a problem, you don’t have to look for money — money will find you. COED: What role can parents play in their children’s future in the trades? LaGrone: Support your child’s personal passion and aptitude. The most important thing when it comes to the skilled trades is not looking down on students or pigeonholing them into a certain career. There is a tremendous amount of pride in being a skilled professional.

COED: What roles do companies have in Be Pro, and how can businesses get involved? LaGrone: We help businesses understand that Be Pro Be Proud can promote their company and overall industry statewide, including careers. Due to retiring workers, there is a major lack of skilled workers nationwide. Companies that partner with Be Pro Be Proud play a major role in filling the gap created by these essential workers and connecting students to the resources and skills they need to succeed. COED: How is Be Pro working to connect students with local careers? LaGrone: We connect students with careers and training through the website, BeProBeProudGa.org. When it comes to finding out about local career opportunities, we show students exactly where they can dive in. Thankfully, students don’t have to go far to get the training they need. Whether in Macon or Cherokee, the training to get students on the pathway to success is close to home. L

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development, One Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. CherokeeGa.org

Add

to Your Business!

CCEF Is Closing the Gap By Lisa-Marie Haygood

[AcademicLife] If you know a teacher who works in a Cherokee County public school and needs extra funds to help purchase additional teaching resources to further improve learning outcomes for his/her students, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) is accepting applications for Classroom Impact Grants until January 14, 2022. Last year, in the height of a global pandemic, CCEF was still able to award more than $100,000 in grants to ensure Cherokee County School District (CCSD) teachers were able to provide state-of-theart technology and innovative educational opportunities. The 2021 Classroom Impact Grants helped purchase lifestyle learning lab equipment for the special needs student population, ukuleles to help students learn chords as well as how to read music, digital microscopes, high powered computerized telescopes for astronomy clubs, and provided funding to hire guest instructors and conductors for music programs. All applications are reviewed by the CCEF Board of Directors, after school administrators have approved the initiative. The CCSD Technology and Curriculum and Instruction Departments also review the applications to ensure that requests align with approved learning initiatives.

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

CCEF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was created in 2012 to ensure that our award-winning, high-performing school district would continue to deliver excellence in education, even if traditional funding is scarce. CCEF works with valuable community partners, businesses, and civic leaders throughout Cherokee County to raise funds through grants and events to sustain CCSD’s achievements. Applications can be found at CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org. Grants are limited to $2,500 per classroom and are awarded annually during early spring.

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director for the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org

FamilyLife Publications.com

Congratulations 2 0 2 2 AWA R D W I N NERS All winners will receive an award certificate and window emblem to proudly display. In addition, the contact information for each winning business will be promoted as a Best of Life winner at FamilyLifePublications.com.

Best Medical Practitioner/Family/ Internal Medicine

Medical Associates of North Georgia 320 Hospital Road Canton, GA 30114 770-479-5535 MedAssoc.com

Best Medical Specialist

Wellstar Medical Group Cardiovascular Medicine 1120 Wellstar Way Suite 303 Holly Springs, GA 30114 770-704-1955 Wellstar.org/locations/ medical-practice/ cardiovascularmedicine-holly-springs1120-wellstar-waysuite-303

Best Pediatrician

Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 684 Sixes Road, Suite 130 Holly Springs, GA 30115 678-388-5485 NorthsideCherokeePediatrics.com

Best OB/GYN

Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists 227 Riverstone Drive Canton, GA 30114 770-720-7733 CherokeeWomensHealth.com

Best Orthopedist

Resurgens Orthopaedics 1495 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 200 Canton, GA 30115 678-505-4455 Resurgens.com/canton

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Best Plastic Surgeon

Best Dentist

Marietta Plastic Surgery

BridgeMill Dentistry

149 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 104 Woodstock, GA 30188 770-425-0118 MariettaPlasticSurgery.com

3682 Sixes Road Canton, GA 30114 770-704-1812 BridgeMillDentistry.com

Best Dermatologist

Marietta Dermatology & The Skin Cancer Center 130 Oakside Court Suite A Canton, GA 30114 770-422-1013 MariettaDerm.com

Best Podiatrist

Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network – Canton 470 Northside Cherokee Boulevard, Suite 180 Canton, GA 30115 770-517-6636 SportsMedicine.Northside.com/canton

Best Audiologist/ENT

Northwest ENT and Allergy Center 13 Reinhardt College Parkway Canton, GA 30114 770-427-0368 NW-ENT.com

Best Orthodontist

Smith Smile Orthodontics Dr. Jerry Smith 3755 Sixes Road Canton, GA 30114 678-905-0300 SmithSmile.com

Best Pediatric Dentist

Cherokee Children’s Dentistry 205 Waleska Road, Suite 2B Canton, GA 30114 770-479-1717 CherokeeChildrensDentistry.com

Best Chiropractor D.T. Chiropractic

2920 Marietta Highway, Suite 102 Canton, GA 30114 770-580-0123 DTChiropractic.com

Best Therapy (OT, PT, Pediatric, Music)

Best Eye Doctor

In Harmony Pediatric Therapy

1320 Oakside Drive, Suite 202 Canton, GA 30114 770-720-4041

9880 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 30188 770-687-2542 InHarmonyPediatricTherapy.com

Weiner Eye Center

Best Adult Day Care/Respite Empower Cherokee 133 Univeter Road Canton, GA 30114 770-345-5821 EmpowerCherokee.org

Add

to Your Business!

Best Senior/Adult Living The Arbor at BridgeMill

700 Freedom Boulevard Canton, GA 30114 770-691-0022 ArborCompany.com/locations/georgia/ canton-bridgemill

Best Health Food and Herb Store Your CBD Store – Hickory Flat 2864 Cherokee Drive, Suite B Canton, GA 30115 678-880-9767 CBDRx4U.com

Best Networking Group

Best Dance Studio

3605 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 770-345-0400 CherokeeChamber.com

4337 E. Cherokee Drive Canton, GA 30115 770-704-7091 HickoryFlatDance.com

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

Best Realtor

Atlanta Communities Lanier Realty Group Canton, GA 30114 678-794-0536 LanierGroupRealty.com

Best Veterinarian

Best Travel Agent

2424 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 770-479-6505 CherokeeAnimalHospital.com

Canton, GA 30114 678-815-1584 PixieVacations.com

Cherokee Animal Hospital

Pixie Vacations

Best Auto Care

Best Pet Care

Killian Automotive

2228 Holly Springs Parkway, Suite 150 Canton, GA 30114 770-789-0495

1255 Univeter Road Canton, GA 30115 770-345-5873 KillianAutomotive.com

Best Attorney

Best Day Care/Preschool

157 Reinhardt College Parkway, Suite 400 Canton, GA 30114 770-343-5380 Geiger-Legal.com

367 Green Drive Canton, GA 30114 770-720-2333 TCSPreschool.com

Best Financial Institution/ Bank/Credit Union

The Carpenter’s Shop

Amy’s Grooming Salon

Geiger Legal Group, LLC

The Carpenter’s Shop

Credit Union of Georgia 140 Riverstone Parkway Canton, GA 30114 678-486-1111 CUOfGa.org

Best Financial Planner

Paul A. Fernandez – Edward Jones 7768 Cumming Highway, Suite 1000 Canton, GA 30115 678-493-5619 EdwardJones.com

Best Insurance Agent

Kelly Scott Allstate Insurance Canton 310 Paper Trail Way, Suite 105 Canton, GA 30115 770-479-1848 Agents.Allstate.com/ kelly-scott-canton-ga.html

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Best Private School 367 Green Drive Canton, GA 30114 770-720-2333 TCSPreschool.com

Best Tutoring Mathnasium

6768 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 102 Canton, GA 30115 678-880-7592 Mathnasium.com/hollysprings

Best Music/Art Studio Donley’s Music

5080 Hickory Flat Highway Canton, GA 30115 678-880-8783 DonleysMusic.com

Hickory Flat Dance Academy

Best Gymnastics Center

360 Tumble and Gymnastics 110 Prominence Point Parkway Suite 110 Canton, GA 30114 770-704-1750 360Tumble.com

Best Martial Arts Center Tiger Rock Martial Arts 2228 Holly Springs Parkway Canton, GA 30115 770-704-7902 ChurchsTKD.com

Best Fitness/Health Club Planet Fitness Canton

2243 Cumming Highway, Suite 108 Canton, GA 30114 678-880-8113 PlanetFitness.com/gyms/canton-ga

Best Cleaning Service Live Clean

120 Rachel Drive Canton, GA 30115 770-345-8035 LiveCleanInc.com

Best Remodeling/Handyperson Mr. Handyman of Canton and Woodstock

6478 Putnam Ford Drive, Suite 117 Woodstock, GA 30189 678-472-3968 MrHandyman.com/canton-woodstock

Best Interior Design

Magnolia Interior Designs 11870 Cumming Highway Canton, GA 30115 770-889-8917 Facebook.com/MagnoliaInteriorDesigns

Best Landscaping Design/ Installation X-treme Outdoors, LLC Canton, GA 30114 770-878-0883 XtremeOutdoorsLLC.com

FamilyLife Publications.com

Best Bakery/Dessert

Best Community Event

405 Toonigh Road Woodstock, GA 30188 404-410-1400 AlpineBakeryAndTrattoria.com

110 Academy Street Canton, GA 30114 770-704-1500 CantonGa.gov

Alpine Bakery

Best Breakfast

Best Nursery

Ladyslipper Rare Plant Nursery 7418 Hickory Flat Highway Woodstock, GA 30188 770-345-2998 LadyslipperRarePlantNursery.com

Best Hair Salon

Keithsburg Cafe

Studio 5 Salon & Spa

2452 Ball Ground Highway Canton, GA 30114 770-479-0405 Facebook.com/KeithsburgCafe

136 Archer Street Canton, GA 30114 770-345-5000 Studio5Salon.org

Best Lunch

Best Day Spa/Massage

Riverstone Corner Bistro

LaVida Massage – Canton

J. Stevens Painting

135 Reinhardt College Parkway Canton, GA 30114 770-704-7325 RCBCanton.com

6175 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 180 Canton, GA 30115 770-345-1200 LaVidaMassageCantonGa.com

2288 Marietta Highway, Suite 130 Canton, GA 30114 770-365-6889 JStevensPainting.com

Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q Canton

Best Family Dining

Best Jewelers

Best Painter

Best Plumber

Ghorley & Ghorley Plumbing 3659 Ball Ground Highway Canton, GA 30114 770-479-8174

Best Electrician

ServiceWise Electric 2845 Holly Springs Parkway Canton, GA 30115 404-704-4903 ServiceWiseElectrical.com

Best Heating and Air

Green Heating and Cooling 2568 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 770-479-2844 GreenHeatingAndCooling.com

1600 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 770-345-9067 WilliamsonBros.com

Best Dinner

Riverstone Corner Bistro 135 Reinhardt College Parkway Canton, GA 30114 770-704-7325 RCBCanton.com

Best Fine Dining

J. Michael’s Prime Steaks & Seafood 110 Mountain Vista Boulevard Canton, GA 30115 770-213-4058 JMichaelsPrime.com

Best Catering

Canton Termite & Pest Control

Best Pest Control

Prestige Catering/ Sidelines Grille – Canton

150 North Street, Suite C Canton, GA 30114 770-479-1598 CantonGeorgiaPestControl.com

147 Reinhardt College Parkway Canton, GA 30114 770-824-4858 CaterWithPrestige.com

Best Live Entertainment

Best Wine and Spirits

Reformation Brewery/The Mill on Etowah

Reformation Brewery – Canton

225 Reformation Parkway Canton, GA 30114 678-990-0711 EtowahMill.com

225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 500 Canton, GA 30114 678-341-0828 ReformationBrewery.com

Downtown Canton

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Key’s Jewelry

230 E. Main Street Canton, GA 30114 770-479-4834 KeysJewelry.com

Best Boutique/Gift Shop

Three Sisters Gifts and Home Accents 6205 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 106 Canton, GA 30115 770-345-3090 GiftShopCanton.com

Best Furniture/Home Decor Store Fun Finds & Designs, Inc. 2765 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 770-704-0448 FunFindsAndDesigns.com

Best Ice Cream Flavor Chocolate

Best Season Autumn

Congratulations to

Andrea Smith, a valued Family Life reader, who was selected from more than 5,800 entries in this year’s Best of Life voter drawing. She recieved a cash prize and a gift certificate to Riverstone Corner Bistro.

Add

to Your Business!

Four Hair Myths Our Mothers Believed By Jyl Craven

[Lifestyle] Mothers sometimes say interesting things to persuade their children to behave. Whether it’s “sitting too close to the TV will make you go blind” or “cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis,” moms have been known to tell some whoppers! Not surprisingly, there are even myths about caring for your hair. The beginning of a new year is a great time to put the following four hair care myths to rest.

Cutting hair makes it grow faster. Mom’s Myth: If you want your hair to grow faster, quit letting it get so long. Trim your hair a little, and it will “tell” your scalp to grow more hair. The Truth: The only thing trimming your hair will do is make it appear that it’s growing faster. Why? Cutting off split ends and other damage means your hair looks healthier overall, so it appears to be growing faster than it is. However, hair only grows at about a half inch per month. Make sure you’re visiting your favorite salon every six to eight weeks to maintain hair health, and you won’t have to worry about forcing your locks to hurry up and grow.

Your hair gets “tired” of the same shampoo. Mom’s Myth: You need to switch shampoo brands every few months because your hair gets “tired” of the same shampoo, so it stops working. The Truth: Your hair doesn’t get any more “tired” of your favorite shampoo than you get of sneaking Girl Scout cookies every year! When it comes to product, it either works or it doesn’t. Of course, your hair needs may change along with a color treatment, a move to a new climate, or the weather. Be sure to consult your stylist when a change occurs.

Shampooing frequently contributes to an oily scalp. Mom’s Myth: Shampoo creates oil on your scalp and gives an oily appearance to your hair. The Truth: Genetics and hormones, not shampoo, determine how much oil your scalp produces. The only way to prevent an oily scalp is to keep your hair free of dirt and oil that can accumulate in hair follicles and even irritate your head. Of course, no one wants hair that is too dry either, so use a moisturizing product when necessary.

Conditioner makes your hair oily. Mom’s Myth: Conditioner causes your hair to look dirty and greasy. The Truth: Greasiness comes from overproduction of sebum, which is a waxy, oily substance that comes from your scalp, not conditioner. Unfortunately. skipping any product altogether won’t do the trick. What will? One tip is to shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Then, apply conditioner to the middle and ends only. Another great idea is to clean your brush. Sebum can build up on dirty hairbrushes, putting it right back on your hair. I hope this helps put these old hair care myths to rest once and for all. Happy New Year! L

Jyl Craven is owner of Jyl Craven Hair Design of Canton. 770-345-9411. JylCraven.com

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

Family-Owned, Customer-Driven Alpha & Omega Automotive is a family-owned, customer-driven, auto repair shop committed to quality, honesty, and integrity. The outstanding ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technicians at the shop employ the latest technology and are equipped to handle all major and minor repairs on foreign and domestic vehicles. Billy Kennedy started working on cars with his dad when he was just 8 years old. After years of working in the industry, he decided to start a neighborhood auto repair shop with a more personal feel than dealership and franchise auto service centers, so the first Alpha & Omega Automotive in Marietta was born in 2001. Kennedy had worked at both types of service centers and even coowned a Goodyear shop, but it just lacked the friendly, local vibe he was looking for — and that he knew other folks appreciate as well. With his own auto repair business, his goal has been to create a legacy in honor of his dad by running a shop with good virtue and family values.

In addition to the Marietta location, Alpha & Omega Automotive has a second location in Woodstock to serve you. Technicians use modern forms of communication by sharing information with their customers through text and email. This includes sending pictures and data about your repair, receiving approval for services needed, and enabling customers to pay through this touchless system. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am-6:00pm. The Woodstock location is also open on Saturday from 8:00am3:00pm. Appointments are recommended to receive the most efficient service.

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

Here are additional things to know about Alpha & Omega Automotive: T ASE-certified technicians Y Repair Pal-certified shop Z CarFax preferred shop X 2 year / 24k mile warranty on most repairs

Q Financing options available T 15% off parts for first time customers Y Rotating monthly special U Pre-owned vehicles for sale (most under $10k) in Woodstock

Z Emissions available in Woodstock X Coworking space coming soon in Marietta

Alpha & Omega Automotive 6739 Bells Ferry Road Woodstock, GA 30189 678-483-5995 4035 Canton Road Marietta, GA 30066 770-928-0006 Alpha-Omega-Auto.com

FamilyLife Publications.com

What’s New at the

2 2 20 Winter Olympic Games By Julie Senger

he 2022 Winter Olympic Games are scheduled to take place February 4-20, in three different cities in northern China: Beijing (the official host city), Yanqing, and Zhangjiakou. A total of 109 events are on the docket, one of which is a completely new event — men’s and women’s big-air freestyle skiing — and six of which are added divisions to existing events that include mixed team competitions in freestyle skiing aerials, ski jumping, and snowboard cross; mixed relay in short-track speedskating; and women’s monobob.

NEW! Men’s/Women’s Big Air Freestyle Skiing

For those who don’t know much about these events (since we don’t exactly live in a state that is known for winter sports), here’s a brief rundown, so you can be prepared to cheer on Team USA from the comfort of your own home.

Added Divisions to Existing Sports

Though big air snowboarding made its Olympic debut in 2018, the skiing event will be added to the Winter Olympic Games for the first time this year. Like the snowboarding event, skiers fly off a large ramp to perform breathtaking tricks. Unlike freestyle skiing aerials, the participants use ski poles and perform tricks and landings that involve a lot more creativity. Judges score the athletes based on four criteria: difficulty, execution, amplitude, and landing.

Mixed Team Freestyle Skiing Aerials In this event, skiers launch themselves in the air to perform an electrifying combination of tricks before landing back on the slope. Though the men’s and women’s versions of this event have been in the Games since 1994, this will be the first time for mixed team aerials, which are made up of three skiers — two men and a woman or two women and a man. Participants are scored on their form, air, landing, and degree of difficulty. Each team member’s individual score is added together to create the final overall score to reveal which country will take home the gold. According to TeamUSA.org, “The timing is right for Team USA, with U.S. women having won three World Cups so far this season, and the mixed team claiming its first World Cup podium in January.”

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

Mixed Team Ski Jumping Mixed ski jumping teams are made up of four-person squads, consisting of two men and two women. Each athlete has two chances to achieve the longest jump by descending a ramp then launching into the air from a takeoff table. Skiers aim to land beyond what is known as the K-line. They receive 60 points for landing on the K-line, but the farther they land beyond it, the more points they receive. Judges also consider the competitor’s style, which means the flight, landing, and outrun. The most style points a skier can receive is 20. Mixed Team Snowboard Cross In this new division, each team consists of one male and one female athlete. During each heat of this relay-style event, the male competitors go first, racing each other on a downhill course of varied terrain that includes such obstacles as banked turns, jumps, and rollers. Once the male team member has crossed the finish line, his female teammate is released from the starting gate, creating a staggered start for the women. The first team to finish wins.

Keep an eye out for Team USA’s Mick Dierdorf and Lindsey Jacobellis, who won gold in the first mixed team World Championships in 2019. Mixed Relay Short Track Speedskating Short track speedskating keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as athletes from opposing teams are on the ice at the same time, trying to pass each other for the lead. The mixed relay short track speedskating race is 2,000 meters long, and teams are made up of two women and two men. Each skater races twice, with the order being woman-woman-man-manwoman-woman-man-man. Women’s Monobob In women’s monobob, a single competitor does all the pushing, steering, and braking in a solo bobsleigh. The winner is the person who completes the route in the fastest time. Made of concrete and coated with ice, the 1,200- to 1,300-meter-long tracks are required to have at least 15 curves, one straight section, and one labyrinth, which is three successive turns without a straight section. Speeds can exceed 75 mph. Good news for the USA – according to Olympics.com, “2021 World Champion Kaillie Humphries is one of the favorites in the event, along with fellow Americans Nicole Vogt and Elana Meyers Taylor.” Sources — Olympics.com and TeamUSA.org

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

Senator Speaks

Escape Room By State Senator Bruce Thompson

is not uncommon to hear people reference stress as illegitimate or something that is self-imposed. Others flippantly say that stress is real, but you just need to learn to deal with it, as if it was simply a papercut or the common cold. The medical field has long argued the legitimacy of stress and its devastating effects if left unaddressed.

“...we must resist the temptation to react in a way that prevents or minimizes our ability to influence.”

placed in an escape room and given detailed clues to decipher. Each clue led to another opportunity to get out of the room and win the contest. It was entertaining and revealing to see how a fun exercise could generate so much stress, especially when a timer was involved. Once the group calmed down and began to thoroughly examine the details of the clues, they became proficient and actually enjoyed themselves on the way to winning.

Stress can cause feelings of fear, frustration, anger, or even numbness, which can lead to behavioral and mental health issues and increased risk for chemical and substance abuse. The pandemic exacerbated the situation by forcing people into isolation, thus limiting social interaction.

In Matthew 10:16, we are told, “Listen carefully, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves, so be wise as a serpent and gentle as doves.” In other words, we must be discerning to what we see, hear, and read, and we must resist the temptation to react in a way that prevents or minimizes our ability to influence.

I recently read an article outlining several important ways to cope with stress. The No. 1 way to reduce stress is to minimize or limit reading, listening, or watching the news on television or social media. It is important to realize that stories are often sensationalized — regardless of the media outlet, and the information rarely reflects 100% of the truth. The stories are designed to grow the media outlet’s audience in order to increase advertising impact.

The power of influence is incredible, and we can dramatically diminish stress in our lives and in the lives of others if we are wise and gentle. I encourage you to make 2022 the year that you seek to understand before reacting.

Bruce Thompson represents District 14, which includes Canton and Woodstock. 404-656-0065. BruceThompsonGa.com

I recently participated in a team building exercise at Truist Park with fellow corporate employees. A group of software engineers were

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

Avoid Gum Disease Practice Good Oral Hygiene By L. Michael Cox, DMD [HealthyLife] We often stop and look at a mirror to make

sure our hair is tidy, and our face is clean. Of course, we also flash a smile to ensure our pearly whites are free from pesky food particles. At first glance, our teeth might seem perfect. But if you notice red, swollen gums, it could be gum disease, which impacts the whole body, so symptoms should not be taken lightly. There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease. When gum disease is diagnosed in its early stages, it can often be treated and reversed. With gingivitis, pain is mild and often goes unnoticed. Advanced periodontal disease can cause permanent damage to teeth including extensive bone loss. Common signs of gum disease include tender, bleeding, or receding gums and bad breath. Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene. If we don’t brush and floss our teeth daily, plaque accumulates. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gingivitis. Lifestyle habits — including smoking or chewing tobacco, consuming alcohol, or a poor diet — can worsen gum disease. According to research, gum

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

disease and gum inflammation also increase your risk for other health complications such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Oftentimes, people avoid brushing and flossing their teeth when they see inflamed, bleeding gums because they believe it will cause further irritation. This is a common misconception. Gently brushing and flossing, which removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums, increases the chance of keeping your teeth for a lifetime. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and do not bleed easily. Your dental professional will evaluate your mouth and determine the state of your gums. If signs of gum disease are present, he/she will make recommendations to improve your home health care and/or recommend specialized treatment options such as periodontal therapy. Fuel your smile by practicing good dental habits. Flossing is an essential part of tooth and gum health. It is important to note and discuss any changes in your mouth with your dentist.

Dr. Michael Cox is a dentist with BridgeMill Dentistry on Sixes Road. 770-704-1812. BridgeMillDentistry.com

FamilyLife Publications.com

Photo by Shots by Carl

Joe o m LemCrafting Laughs

Photo by Karen O’Shea

and Lessons

Out of Life’s Everyday Moments

By Ellen Samsell Salas

here’s more to improv than just getting laughs, a reality that becomes abundantly clear in talking with performer, director, and instructor of the art, Cherokee County resident and schoolteacher, Joe Lemmo. A people person who has always been comfortable making others laugh, Lemmo had no background in performing when he stumbled onto improv. “I didn’t even go to plays,” he said. Eleven years ago, after being invited to join the board of Towne Lake Arts Center (subsequently Elm Street Cultural Arts Village and now Woodstock Arts), Lemmo was asked to try out for the improv troupe. And, with no experience, he made it. “I fell in love with improv immediately,” Lemmo said. “It was a good outlet for me to meet new people, build friendships — and performing felt natural to me. I was never nervous. I always enjoyed entertaining friends just in the moments of life.” He discovered that improv allowed him to enjoy being himself while building on what was happening at the moment. Still affiliated with Woodstock Arts, Lemmo is the director and a performer in the iThink

Improv Troupe. He teaches adult and teen improv classes and plans to add middle school classes in the spring. Performing one Friday night each month, the troupe offers family friendly entertainment. Improv now touches all aspects of Lemmo’s life, not only his involvement in Woodstock Arts, but also his daily interactions with the fifth grade students he teaches (his primary “gig”), the presentations he does for retreats and workshops, and his role as a husband and father. Now an avid student of improv, Lemmo says the art can teach much about healthy, trusting relationships.

This selfless approach is key to creating scenes that entertain, and it also rings true to life. “People who are kind by nature, who are good listeners, who are confident and can empathize, who aren’t afraid to use their emotions and aren’t afraid to take risks are better suited to improv than are attention seekers or those who just want to be heard,” Lemmo said. Whether he is teaching his fifth graders about honesty, coaching engaged couples at a marriage retreat, or speaking to a church group about faith, Lemmo uses improv exercises to get the message across.

“Improv relies on the ensemble, not the team approach,” he explained. “With an ensemble, every person has the same value.”

“In one’s faith life, one’s friendships, marriage, or career, everyone gains by taking in, listening, and integrating what others say,” he said.

Performers build and create humor together, similar to people developing conversations.

“If a scene is going especially well, it’s really fun, but you can’t show your excitement. It makes you really happy, but you have to stay focused,” said Lemmo. “Improv is what we do every day. I enjoy honing that craft. It helps you to be a better person, to bring joy to other people.”

“You want to focus on making your scene partner look good,” Lemmo said. “You should take care of yourself and be confident that you’re giving your scene partner something to work with.” And, setting up a big laugh for a fellow performer, he said, “is really fun.”

What are the rewards for the performer?

For more information about Joe Lemmo, please visit Youtube.com/joelemmocomedy or Facebook.com/iThink Improv Troupe. 32

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

Book Review BY JOHN RODGERS

THE BOOK WOMAN OF

TROUBLESOME CREEK

he public library is a paradise for New Year’s resolution makers. With books dedicated to self-help and DIY projects as well as a Library of Things, which contains items like sewing machines and musical instruments to borrow, there’s something for anyone who is looking to discover a new pastime. But sometimes, the solution is as simple as deciding to join a book club. The Sequoyah Regional Library System offers plenty of those, with the Woodstock Public Library’s Themed Adult Book Club on January 6 at 6:00pm, the Ball Ground Public Library’s LGBT+ Book Club on January 22 at 2:00pm, and the R.T. Jones Memorial Library’s January 10 meeting to discuss the subject of this review: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. A book that celebrates the act of reading is perfect to kick off the new year. A historical fiction set in 1930s Kentucky, the novel tells the story of Cussy Carter, a book woman in the Pack Horse Library Project who takes pride in bringing literature (as well as food and medicine) to her patrons, despite the discriminatory treatment she receives from many due to a genetic disorder which has turned her skin blue. Cussy’s dedication to her calling, regardless of the hardships she endures, will inspire some readers and cause others slight discomfort, but the novel remains thrilling and incredibly well-researched to the point that even history buffs will find themselves learning something new. Those who have read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (or are simply looking to learn more about the book) can attend the R.T. Jones Memorial Library’s Adult Eclectics Book Club meeting on January 10 at 6:00pm to share their thoughts. The Adult Eclectics Book Club meets monthly and takes place inside the library’s community room. To register for this and other free library book clubs (and to view the recommended title for each meeting), please visit the event calendar at CalendarWiz.com/ sequoyahreglib.

John Rodgers is the community engagement manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. 770-479-3090, x320. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

Teacher Feature BY BARBARA P. JACOBY

DR. JODI BURN

ranging from collecting canned goods to volunteering at elementary schools to producing the annual holiday play that stars the school’s students with special needs.

Dr. Jodi Burn teaches her Cherokee HS drama students that being their best selves is the most important role they will ever play.

What can parents do to help their child be as successful as possible at school?

“I want to make my theatre the place kids want to be — I want it to feel like a second family,” said Dr. Burn, a 24-year educator who also serves as the school’s theatre program director and fine arts department head. “I try to set up an inviting environment for my students where they feel comfortable to be themselves and try new things.” Dr. Burn was called to teach at an early age, inspired by her own caring teachers. Her parents fed her love for literature and theatre by encouraging her to read, taking her to Broadway shows, and sending her to study in England. Her decision to pursue an education career, and to continue her own education culminating in a doctorate degree, is affirmed for her every day. “Having the opportunity to learn from these innovative and creative minds, to see them excited about what

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

I am teaching, to watch them perform in front of audiences, and witness their successes solidifies daily why I am in the right career path,” said Dr. Burn, who last school year was named Cherokee HS’s Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Cherokee County School District Teacher of the Year. Dr. Burn, already known for her creativity, shone even brighter during the pandemic, as she found new ways to keep her program thriving, even as the stage lights went dark. “When teaching fine arts, there are always creative challenges to solve. Last school year, there were just a few more than normal,” she said. “Talent shows online were implemented, videos to teach music, dance tutorials were created, and videos posted for kids to practice at home. Even plays were read and practiced utilizing online platforms! No problem is too big to solve in the theatre world, especially when you have amazingly creative kids to teach and help you solve those obstacles.” Another hallmark of Dr. Burn’s teaching is her dedication to community service. She models this in her own life and organizes activities for her students,

“The No. 1 thing parents can do is make sure their students are involved in something.” Dr. Burn said. “Whether it be sports, fine arts, or one of the many clubs each school offers, it is essential that students are connected in school. They need to find their tribe. They will be more successful both academically and emotionally. The second thing they can do is continue to be involved. Ask questions, talk to your students, and volunteer in their lives when you can. Bring a meal to a cast party, serve up dinner before the football game, volunteer in the library, carpool, etc. Show your kids that you are still invested in them! Oftentimes, parents are really active in elementary school, but middle and high school is when many students need you the most.”

Barbara P. Jacoby is the chief communications officer for the Cherokee County School District. 770-704-4228. CherokeeK12.net

Add

to Your Business!

Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, and Celebrations

Batteries Plus Bulbs

Cobb Industrial, Inc.

M&M Mercantile

3640 Marietta Highway, Canton 770-609-3111 Batteries and Light Bulbs Sales and Cell Phone Repair

120 Hickory Springs Industrial Drive Holly Springs 678-581-2622 Steel Fabrication and Installation

225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 114-A Canton 678-880-6937 Home Decor and Gifts

Serving Canton, Sixes/BridgeMill, Holly Springs, and Hickory Flat

FamilyLife Publications.com

Advertiser Index Alpha & Omega Automotive

The Arbor at BridgeMill

BridgeMill Dentistry

Capital Recovery Corporation

The Carpenter’s Shop

Inside Front

Chattahoochee Tech

Cherokee Children’s Dentistry

Cherokee Floor Covering

Inside Back

Christian Brothers Automotive — Cherokee Darby Funeral Home, Inc.

35 3

Downtown Canton

Giggle Monsters Craft Donuts

Cover, 18-19

The Goddard School

Inside Back

Great Sky

Happy Eyes Optometry

Harmony Orthodontics

Inside Front

Jyl Craven Hair Design

Back Cover

Killian Automotive

Mathnasium of Holly Springs

Next Step Ministries

Pete’s Plumbing Incorporated

St. George Village

Savoy Automobile Museum

Your CBD Store — Hickory Flat

Online ads link to advertisers’ websites.

MLK DAY 1.17

Canton Family Life

| January 2022

Add

to Your Business!

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage

PAID

Stone Mountain, GA

Permit #1037

POSTAL CUSTOMER