GOODlife Magazine October 2016 - Dicky Clark

CONTENTS 10 DICKY CLARK Impacting generations of young athletes through FCA

6 32 DENTAL Wisdom tooth extraction doesn’t have to be a painful experience

8 LOCAL EVENTS Fall festivals and upcoming events

13 UNLIMITED POTENTIAL Unlocking the unlimited potential within

Publisher

Kristen Bland 14 THE COZY HOME Excerpt from Melissa Michaels’ “The Inspired Room” 16 LOVING DIFFICULT PEOPLE Dealing with strained relationships 18 GOODlife TRAVEL The Rock Ranch is a 1500-acre ranch and farm dedicated to “Growing Healthy Families“ 19 GOODlife RECIPES Guacamole Dip - healthy, versatile, and always a crowd pleaser

Damien Parodi Managing Editor Gabriel Bland Editor

Autumn Burr Advertising

info@goodlifemagazine.org 770.656.4400 Creative Director Damien Parodi

Graphic Designer Matthew Button

Contributing Editor Krista Messic

facebook.com/goodlifemonthly @goodlifemonthly

COVER CREDIT GOODlife Magazine features Dicky Clark of FCA. For the full story, see page 10.

GOODlife Magazine is a monthly publication distributed throughout Atlanta and Metro Atlanta. Entire contents, including design elements and logos, are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any media without the express written consent of the publisher.

GOODlife Magazine, LLC reserves the right to edit or reject any editorial or advertising content. Advertisers assume liability for content of all advertisements.

All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of our ability.

Not responsible for deletions, omissions, errors and or inaccuracies.

2016 GOODlife Magazine, LLC. All rights reserved.

WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTIONS At 32 Dental, we provide comprehensive dental care, including wisdom tooth extraction.

The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are teeth that develop near the very back of the mouth. They are permanent adult teeth which are intended to erupt through the gum line in each corner of the mouth (for four teeth total). However, these teeth are well-known for being difficult.

Most of the time, there is not enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt, causing them to become impacted. This results in pain, infection, and can even disrupt the alignment of the natural teeth. The wisdom teeth that are able to erupt may be difficult to clean and can result in the development of cavities and periodontal disease. Most patients will want to speak to Drs. Lan Vo and Sean Breckley of 32 Dental to discuss having these teeth extracted.

Wisdom teeth extraction may be done in a simple manner (for erupted teeth) or with oral surgery (for impacted teeth).

Oral surgery is more invasive, but this doesn’t mean it is more painful. Our team provides proper anesthetics and sedation to ensure patients comfort throughout the procedure, as well as care post-operatively. Research has proven that wisdom teeth removal between the ages of 17-25 reduces the risks for post-operative complications.

Patients who are experiencing pain near the back of the mouth who believe it may be caused by impacted wisdom teeth are welcome to contact the practice of 32 Dental today to book a consultation visit and initial examination to determine if wisdom tooth extraction is necessary to relieve pain and reduce problems often associated with third molars. We can help walk patients through what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and work with these individuals in achieving a healthier smile.

Dr. Vo and Dr. Breckley have been passionately practicing dentistry for over 10 years. They met in Dental School at Temple University back in the late 1990’s.

They were married in 2004 and moved to Georgia in 2005. They currently reside in Kennesaw where they are raising their three beautiful children. Dr. Vo and Dr. Breckley love to volunteer and serve their Cobb County community as well. They are active in the GDA (Georgia Dental Association), Northwest Study Club, Kennesaw State University Athletic Program as preferred Dentists, YMCA, NorthStar Church, and multiple other organizations.

32 Dental is a Family Practice offering dentistry to all ages. The team at 32 Dental continues to grow and strives to make you and your family’s dental experience as comfortable as possible. They look forward to welcoming new patients to the practice and continuing to help families maintain a healthy smile, as well as a healthy lifestyle.

Chastain Location 600 Chastain Rd., Suite 422 Kennesaw, GA 30144 www.thirty-twodental.com 6

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Contact Us Today! 770.423.1132

Brookstone Location 1725 Dennis Kemp Lane Kennesaw, GA 30152 contact@thirty-twodental.com

Northstar Men’s Fall Prayer Breakfast: Building Bridges in Our Community Saturday, October 8, 8am-9:30am Panel discussion led by Mike Linch with special guests Police Chief Wayne Dennard, City of Acworth; Police Chief Bill Westenberger, City of Kennesaw; and Police Chief John Robison, City of Powder Springs.

Guys will enjoy the morning as we kick off with a Waffle House breakfast followed by worship and hearing the hearts of these leaders in our community! We encourage you to bring your middle school and high school sons as we all learn ways to help bridge our community together!

Register for FREE at northstarchurch.org/ mensbreakfast.

Music on the Lawn Sunday, October 09, 4:30pm-7pm Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, 5145 Due West Road, Powder Springs, GA US 30127 Join us for an evening of music featuring all our choirs from iPraise (children’s), Radiate JV, Radiate and Adult, Orchestra, Praise Band and Sole to Soul Dance Ministry. Purchase dinner from participating Food Trucks. Children will enjoy playing on the inflatables. Bring your chairs!

Grace Life Church presents Jason Crabb & Michael English in concert Thursday, October 13, 7pm-10pm 1083 Allgood Road Marietta, GA 30062 Fifth Annual Youth Track or Treat Run to Benefit the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s “Sheltering Hands” Sunday, October 16th, 1:30pm The YWCA of Northwest Georgia will host the Fifth Annual Youth Track or Treat Run Presented by Team Texaco (located at old 41/Barrett Pkwy) at Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw. The family-friendly event is open to the entire community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the YWCA of Northwest Georgia’s Domestic Violence Shelter, the only one in Cobb County. www.trackortreat.com Marietta Cops and Cars for Kids Saturday, October 22, 9am-1pm the Marietta Police Athletic League will host their inaugural Marietta Cops and Cars for Kids Car Show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marietta First United Methodist Church.

First United Methodist Church 56 Whitlock Avenue Southwest Marietta, GA 30064

Northstar Couples Night Out – Falcons Tailgate Party Sunday, October 23 4:30pm We’ll have several large screens with the Falcons game playing, as well as great food from LuLu’s, grilled burgers and hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks. We’ll also have tons of interactive games for couples, including a life-sized Foosball Table (with people as the players)!

Please register at northstarchurch.org/tailgate.

Free childcare will be offered, but will end at 6:30pm.

Eighth Annual Diaper Day Monday, October 24, 5pm Will be held at Glover Park on the Marietta Square. All donated diapers will be given to the Center for Family Resources, MUST Ministries, Reconnecting Families, Sweetwater Mission, United Military Care and the YWCA of Northwest Georgia for distribution to help ease some of the burden of the hundreds of families with infants that enter their doors each month. www.cobbdiaperday.com Casting Crowns Concert - First Baptist Church of Woodstock Friday, November 4, 7pm-10pm First Baptist Church Woodstock 11905 Georgia 92 Woodstock, GA 30188

FALL FESTIVALS Oct 15, 10am-2pm Mt. Bethel UMC Preschool Fall Festival 4385 Lower Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30068 Events will include pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables, games, food, and much, much more.

Oct 22, 3pm-6pm First Baptist Church Kennesaw Fall Festival 2958 North Main Street Kennesaw, GA 30144 We’ll have inflatables, sand art, a cake walk, and an ice cream truck!

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Oct 25, 4pm–6pm First UMC of Marietta Tailgate Treats 56 Whitlock Ave SW Marietta , GA 30064 Oct 29, 5pm-7:30pm Due West UMC Trunk-or-Treat 3956 Due West Road Marietta, GA 30064 Oct 29 4pm-7pm Burnt Hickory Church of Christ 2330 Burnt Hickory Rd NW Marietta, GA 30064

Oct 29, 4pm-6pm Noonday Church Fall Festival 4121 Canton Road Marietta, GA 30066 Oct 30, 4pm-6pm St. Andrew UMC Trunk or Treat 3455 Canton Rd Marietta, GA 30066 FREE Family Fun Fair includes food, games, inflatables and lots of candy!

Family-friendly costumes are welcome.

Oct 30, 4pm-6pm Burnt Hickory Baptist Church 5145 Due West Rd Powder Springs, GA 30127 Pumpkin Festival

october 2016

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Dicky Clark:

Impacting Generations of Young Athletes

by Autumn Burr

My daughter started middle school this year. She heard about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at school and asked me if I would drive her in early so she could attend the meeting last week. I secretly smiled. I had not mentioned FCA or that I was writing an article about Dicky Clark, the Vice President of Field Ministry for FCA’s Southeast Coastal Region, which includes all of Georgia and Florida. He had mentioned that in the academic sector, middle school is the age bracket that the organization aims to start reaching, and I was seeing evidence of that first-hand.

Founded in 1954 by Don McClanen, FCA is a non-profit, interdenominational Christian sports ministry that seeks to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. “That vision of reaching out was the reason I got into this ministry and is still the reason that I’m in it now,” explains Dicky, who has been working for the organization for 21 years, but has been involved for much longer.

Dicky himself was influenced by the FCA as a student at the University of Georgia while there on a football scholarship in the 1970s. The small group on campus would travel around the state, speaking at different churches and holding youth rallies. It was during that time, that he chose to rededicate his life to the Lord.

After graduating, Dicky began coaching football. His first job was with Vanderbilt University, working under head coach George MacIntyre. While they only won two games in the two years he was there, Dicky was greatly impacted by the godly way George conducted himself as a coach, and Dicky desired to emulate that in his own coaching career.

He volunteered with FCA on campus, and attended camps at Black Mountain, NC as a huddle leader, along with other coaches and friends.

Dicky returned to UGA in 1981, this time as a coach. He trained the Bulldogs’ defense for the next 15 years under the leadership of head coaches Vince Dooley and Ray Goff. During this time, he got married and started a family. FCA had a great influence on all of their lives. Dicky claims that his children practically grew up on Black Mountain at the camps, and that he and his wife benefitted tremendously from the couples’ counseling that FCA provides. He recalls that Atlanta Falcons player Greg Brezina and his wife were some of their first counselors.

While Dicky enjoyed his coaching career, God had different plans for his future. In the mid-1990s, Dicky attended a Promise Keepers meeting where he met a number of God-seeking men, including Bob Wood, who at the time, held Dicky’s current position with the FCA. Bob approached him about becoming a State Director for the organization. He

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explained to Dicky that he would have to raise all of the money to cover his own salary and that his office would be wherever he happened to be at the time. Dicky went home and told his wife, “Rest assured, I will never do that!” She encouraged him to keep an open mind, and he eventually had to eat his words. Dicky recalls that he didn’t immediately hear a clear calling from the Lord as some do, but “I threw out a bunch of ‘fleeces,’ and every time I did, it just seemed like doors and doors kept opening.”

And now 21 years later, he has never regretted it. “We have the opportunity to present the gospel to many non-believers … and I love that about what we do” Dicky proclaims. He mentions that while many people don’t think prayer is allowed in schools, as long as it is led by students and volunteers, it’s perfectly legal on any campus. Over the years, Dicky has watched how God has changed the lives of young people in communities all across Georgia and surrounding states. He has attended countless events where hundreds of young people at the same time have made the decision to follow Christ.

And now, as part of FCA’s international initiative, he is helping to establish staff and volunteers to reach youth in Brazil as well.

FCA’s initial focus is athletes – of all kinds, whether through organized sports or an individual who just likes to jog, for example. The organization reaches out through schools, little league teams, and other areas within communities. FCA has seen a great balance between male and female involvement, and Dicky points out that it crosses all racial boundaries “because that’s what athletics does.” He also emphasizes how the ministry has been broadened. “Although we start with athletes, we’re open to everybody that has any kind of interest at all in athletics. We don’t close the door to anybody, that’s for sure.”

Only the future will tell how much FCA will have an influence on my daughter, or my son after her, but there’s no arguing that the lives of numerous adolescents have been positively impacted as a result of all of the people – staff, volunteers, and donors – who are involved in spreading the gospel through our schools and communities.

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There is a reason why Father God smiles every time He looks at you, His child. He sees His Son Jesus who dwells in you!

God sees the hidden unlimited potential that lives in you daily. It is the untapped secrets of the universe, the unlimited possibilities, the possible from the impossible. “Because as (Jesus) is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17).

There are foundational truths found throughout the Bible. We need to be reminded of them often. One is that when we pray we should always declare God’s Word out loud. It carries unlimited powerful potential! “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). “And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 28:13).

Knowing who you are is the key to unlocking the unlimited potential in you. You are the property of Jehovah God bought and paid for with the blood of Jesus. A bond slave of Christ, adopted into the royal family as a child of God. You are made co-heirs to the throne as a son or daughter of the King! Everywhere you go, every day, on every occasion and every time you are a representative of the kingdom of heaven, an ambassador of God. That means that you carry with you at all times the full authority and power of heaven!

Luke 10:18-19 says “He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like [a flash of] lightning.’ Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you.” Notice that “given you authority” is past tense, meaning it is already done!

Knowing who you are in Christ and who Christ is in you is where the unlimited potential is found! It is an ongoing process that the Holy Spirit continually works on in you, changing you from glory to glory. What you must continue to do is spend time with your heavenly Father in daily prayer and in His Word. That is how you will know who you are, a child of the Most High God! No matter what mistakes, mishaps, or misfortunes that you suffer, God will never turn His back on you. His faithfulness is from everlasting to everlasting! God extends His awesome faithfulness and grace to all of His children. God always has faith in you for He always sees the unlimited potential in you!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Now declare it again this way: “I will do all things through Christ who strengthens me”…which leads you to “I do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

That’s the unlimited potential in you! october 2016

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Fall is such a glorious time, much too wonderful to waste its precious days fretting over the winter to come or bemoaning the passing of summer. In the fall and winter months, it’s all about nesting to create a warm and inviting home. The simplest ways are the easiest.

Bring out the soft layers that tempt you to nestle in. Stacks of fluffy pillows and throws in different textures, colors, and patterns will not only warm you up, but they add a comfy layer to the backs of sofas and chairs.

When temperatures start to drop, a blazing fireplace will make you feel extra snug and warm. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider a freestanding electric model to bring a sense of warmth and ambience to your home.

Bring in natural elements. A simple or festive wreath on the front door is the perfect way to welcome guests (and yourself!) home.

Boxwood is a great year-round option, but it’s especially wonderful for winter greenery! The treasures that go with fall will nurture your home and family.

My list of favorite things about this season goes on and on. Here are just a few simple nesting tips to get you in the mood for fall..

- Enjoy the light of candles flickering at dinnertime.

- Breathe in the great scents of cinnamon, oranges, and cloves.

- Use pumpkins and other colorful gourds for decor.

- Tuck pinecones and sprigs of evergreen throughout the house.

- Cook up a batch of chili and corn bread smothered in honey.

- Delight in the wind blowing through leaves—bring some of the leaves and branches inside.

- Play board games while eating popcorn or caramel apples.

- Settle in to fluffy feather beds on a cold night.

- Introduce autumn hues of amber, yellow, and copper.

A Personalized Coffee Station No matter the season, create a space that welcomes you, your family, and your guests to indulge in a freshly brewed cup of coffee. With a few steps, you can set up your own coffee station on a counter, a roller cart, or anywhere you have room.

Container of your favorite coffee Choose a pretty jar or canister and fill it with really good coffee. Have a coffee scoop in or near the jar. Don’t forget other beverage favorites that suit the season. Fill a container with hot chocolate and tea packets!

Coffeemaker A “coffeemaker” doesn’t mean a live-in barista! But wouldn’t that be nice?

The appliance you have doesn’t have to be fancy—anything from a drip coffeemaker to a French Press to a Nespresso will do.

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Mugs and a mug tree Mix and match different mugs for an eclectic look. What is it about pretty mugs that make drinks so much more delicious? They also make it challenging to rush around in the morning. Instead, you want to hold on to a pretty mug carefully. Sip more slowly. Linger.

Pretty mugs change everything about the day.

Personalized taste mini station: cream, sugar, and syrup Provide options for every personal taste with cream, sugar, and flavored syrups. Don’t forget seasonal coffee and syrup flavors. Place syrup bottles on the counter (or make your syrup and use glass oil dispensers for a clean look), in a wine bottle rack, or in a basket that can be moved if you need the counter space.

A pretty towel or napkins Hang towels and stack pretty napkins near your coffee station to bring a touch of seasonal color to your kitchen. Make your own rod to hang towels by sliding a long branch through shelf brackets.

A cookie jar Baked goodies make an afternoon sip of java even more delightful. Keep a jar nearby of biscotti, cookies, sweet biscuits, or other family favorites for a tasty coffee break.

The process of slowly evolving the seasons in your home is something that can keep you creatively energized and in love with life. Just remember one thing: fall isn’t something you DO. You can’t START fall with a bang. Fall is something you EXPERIENCE. It’s a gentle rhythm you get into at home, like the season that unfolds one yellow falling leaf at a time. We take a little step forward toward a new comfortable rhythm at home. Maybe it’s simply slowing down to create an intentional rhythm of rest, work, and play. Perhaps new rhythms of eating and cooking in the kitchen. Maybe it’s establishing a rhythm of regularly organizing spaces that have spiraled out of control in the heat of the summer. When you take this approach, there is less stress trying to “arrive” at fall and more delight in the process of getting there, one pinecone and cozy blanket at a time.

Taken from: The Inspired Room. Copyright © 2015 by Melissa Michaels. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. www.harvesthousepublishers.com. Used by Permission.

About the Author: Melissa Michaels is the New York Times bestselling author of Love the Home You Have and The Inspired Room. She is also the creator of one of the top decorating blogs for the past eight years www.theinspiredroom.net.

Her blog reaches over 600,000 readers each month and was voted Better Homes and Gardens Readers’ Favorite Decorating blog in 2014 and in 2015. Melissa offers a refreshing perspective on finding contentment in creating an authentically beautiful home, right where you are. She lives with her husband and family near Seattle, Washington. october 2016

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It was only a three-minute escape. Listening to my name being chanted over and over, louder and louder, with greater urgency, along with pounding on the door, you might imagine me to be a rock star.

But in reality, I’m the mother of a toddler who has decided he is only content when he is in my arms. My escape was merely a trip to the bathroom in which I took a deep breath behind the locked door before re-entering my world of diapers, blocks, and Daniel Tiger. And even though I love this little guy with all my heart, at times he can definitely be a difficult person to keep showing love to, especially in the midst of tantrums and tears.

DIFFICULT PEOPLE ARE EVERYWHERE It probably isn’t hard for you to think of a difficult person in your own life. In our broken, sin-filled world, they are everywhere. The co-worker who is willing to do anything to get ahead, including taking credit for your ideas. The in-laws who always seem to be peering over your shoulder, critiquing your parenting skills, and offering “suggestions” for improvement. The child who knows exactly how to push your buttons to leave you exasperated and flustered again. The person in your ministry who is constantly complaining about your leadership, who thinks he has better ideas and communicates them with a sharp and biting tongue. The passive-aggressive friend who is kind one moment and gives you the cold shoulder the next. The list can go on and on.

So what do we do with these people? With constant strained relationships? Our natural tendency is to want to run the other way, to avoid them as much as possible. But is that what honors God in these hard situations?

DIFFICULT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AROUND FOREVER Moses was no stranger to leading a group of difficult people. Even after rescuing them out of slavery and leading them safely away from the Egyptians, the Israelites were not happy with him. Instead of being grateful for their new freedom and provision from God, they were shedding tears over the menu (Numbers 11:4–6), grumbling about not having water (Numbers 20:2–3), wishing they had died in Egypt and could choose another leader (Numbers 14:2–4). Even Moses’s own siblings were jealous of his leadership (Numbers 12:2) and complained to God about their brother and his Cushite wife.

Yet what amazes me about Moses is that he didn’t retaliate against this annoying group of people. He didn’t even defend himself against the harsh accusations. Instead, he demonstrated amazing humility and compassion on those he led, repeatedly interceding for them.

Moses pled with God to heal Miriam’s leprosy (Numbers 12:13). He begged God to forgive Israel’s unbelief when it was time to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:19). He lay prostrate before God, fasting forty days and nights after Aaron and the Israelites had made the golden calf to worship (Deuteronomy 9:13–18).

Admittedly, there were moments when the Israelites’ constant complaints drove Moses to the brink of despair (Exodus 5:22; Numbers 11:14–15), yet by God’s grace he persevered. And even at the very end of his life, he was still lovingly leading the disobedient Israelites.

KEEP ON LOVING Moses remained steadfast to his last days and made sure God had another leader in place to take over. He didn’t want his wandering sheep to be without a shepherd (Numbers 27:16–17). Moses never stopped loving them, even at their worst.

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By God’s grace, we too can keep loving the difficult people God has placed in our lives. The easy thing is to cut the troublesome person out of your life when possible, or just avoid them at best.

But I suggest we are more like Moses, who is a model of our patient and loving Savior, when we bear with each other and seek to show mercy and kindness, no matter how we are treated.

Here are six practical ways, among many others, to show love to the difficult people God has placed in your path.

1. Pray for your own heart.

Ask God to soften your heart towards these people, to put off anger and irritability, to put on meekness and kindness, to understand their struggles and meet them with compassion (Colossians 3:12–14).

2. Pray for them.

Ask God to be at work in their hearts, drawing unbelievers to himself and sanctifying believers to become more like Jesus (Philippians 1:9–11).

3. Move toward them, not away from them.

Although our tendency is to want to steer clear of people with whom we have strained relationships, they are exactly the people we need to be intentionally moving toward. Find ways to engage them in conversation, meet them for coffee, send them a text.

4. Find specific ways to bless and encourage them.

Write them a note of appreciation. Buy them a book that has been an encouragement to you. Tell them you are praying for them.

5. Give them grace, just as God extends grace to you.

Remember God’s lavish grace poured out for your own daily sins. Ask God to help you bear with them, forgiving them, as he has forgiven you (Colossians 3:13).

6. Realize that you too could be the difficult person in someone else’s life!

You might not even realize that you are a thorn in the flesh for someone close to you. Don’t be oblivious to your own shortcomings and sins.

So when that child has you on the brink of tears, or you’ve just received a harsh and critical email about your ministry, or you’re confronted with that extended family member who drives you up the wall, ask God for grace not to run away, but to keep engaging that hard-to-love person in love.

God will be honored and our hearts will find deeper satisfaction as we seek to love people just as Christ loved us when we were his enemies.

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The Rock Ranch is a 1500-acre ranch and farm that is dedicated to “Growing Healthy Families.” Created

by S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, initially as a foster home for kids, The Rock Ranch still has a foster home, but has evolved into a destination for all families. This agritourism location provides wholesome family entertainment in an agricultural setting to create memories for children. According to manager Adam Pugh, “We trick families into exercising while enjoying play among fun attractions, we educate students through educational school field trips, and we offer healthy food choices through our farm market and farm-to-office program.” The Rock Ranch offers camping in Conestoga Wagons equipped with bunk beds, lodging in beautiful furnished and professionally decorated farm stay houses available through TripAdvisor, and fall festival event experiences with unique themed entertainment each weekend.

Attractions and entertainment include: locomotive train rides, zip lines, carousel, corn maze, pony rides, petting zoo, paddle boats, pumpkin cannon, pedal carts, Tiny Town children’s playhouse village, corn cannons, cow train, giant jumping pillow, cane pole fishing, children’s John Deere Gators, family dodge ball, horse shoes, corn hole, volleyball, rock climbing tower, slide hill, corn bin children’s play area, tree house children’s play area, tractor pulled wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, market with homemade strawberry ice cream, and more…

Fall Saturday Themed Entertainment:

Oct 8 – The Official Georgia Day of the Cowboy, as per proclamation by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (gunfight reenactments, train robberies, Georgia High School Rodeo Association full rodeo production, wild west shows, trick whip and rope shows, live music, cowboy/ cowgirl costume contests with prizes) Oct 15 – The Rock Ranch Hot Air Balloon Rally – live music, tethered balloon rides, as wind and weather permit ($5 kids, $10 adults), balloon competition flights, hot air balloon glow at dark Oct 22 – The Great Outdoor Adventure – live bluegrass music, birds of prey programs, reptile shows by Jason Clark (featured on Animal Planet), canoe races, archery, meetand-greet and photos with Curious George October 29 – The “Not-So-Spooky” Halloween Festival – costume contests for people and pups, trick-or-treating for people and dogs on leash (puppy treats, too), National Qualifier Frisbee Dog Competition, magic shows by Atlanta Entertainer of the Year Tommy Johns, DJ facilitating music and games, meet-and-greets and photo ops with Pete the Cat Nov 5 – National Pumpkin Destruction Day ….invented at The Rock Ranch and now Nationally recognized – monster truck rides $6, monster truck car crushing, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin pie eating contest, live music, The Chick-fil-A Moo Cow Band, pumpkin bombing air planes, lift crane pumpkin drop, all sorts of pumpkin drop, pumpkin smashing with large wooden mallets, and all sorts of pumpkin destruction fun. When it comes to your leftover Halloween pumpkin, “Smash it – Don’t Trash It!”

This year’s corn maze features the likeness of Dwayne Johnson “The Rock,” as The Rock Ranch has fun with the popular athlete and movie star that shares its town’s name. The maze will tell the unique history of The Rock, GA and highlight some of the accomplishments of their star namesake.

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The Rock Ranch is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays this fall and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Located “an hour from everywhere” (according Adam Pugh), The Rock Ranch is an hour south of Atlanta, 40 minutes north of Macon, and an hour northeast of Columbus. Exit 201 off I-75. The address is 5020 Barnesville Hwy (Hwy 36) The Rock, GA 30285.

Escape to the country for a full day of fall family fun!

Is there a better appetizer out there than a bowl of fresh guacamole with a side of chips? (Because if there is I want to know about it!) It’s healthy and always a crowd pleaser and is really versatile. Sometimes when I’m in a hurry, I will use powders, such as onion powder and garlic powder, in place of the fresh ingredients. I also don’t always use the tomato and cilantro, but love the light added flavor it gives. The most important thing about guacamole – just be sure to use perfectly ripe, good avocados (not hard and not squishy – just slightly soft).

INGREDIENTS • 4 ripe Hass Avocados, seeded, diced and scooped from peel • 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion • 1 large Roma tomato, seeds and pulp removed then diced • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS Partially mash avocados with a fork on a cutting board or in a large bowl, pour lime juice over top, and continue to mash to reach desired consistency. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add onions to avocado mixture, along with diced tomato, garlic, and cilantro.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine. Serve with tortilla chips. october 2016

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