TheMAN
Photo: Jim Gill, with his wife, Cheryl. By Zachary Dailey
Man of the Year
We really enjoy publishing our annual "Man Issue" in August each year. It's the one time of year we are able to celebrate at least one fabulous man in our community.
I'm thankful to have the opportunity to publish this special issue, and there are many men who deserve to be on the cover! Each one of us has something wonderful to give, regardless of our gender, and we all have a story to share.
There are multiple men I care for and admire in our community, including many of our wonderful advertising partners. And hundreds of men in West Georgia have shared with me how much they enjoy reading about the people and organizations we feature. If you're one of those men who reads WGW, thank you so much. We are so grateful to all of our readers, both women and men.
In This Issue
Although he needs no introduction, our feature this month is Jim Gill. Jim has spent countless hours donating his time and talents to West Georgia in numerous ways. I met Jim when I was 23, when I began working for Citizens Bank and Trust of West Georgia. On my first day of training, Jim came up to me and shook my hand and said, "Hi, I'm Jim, and I'm glad you're here." I was surprised when I later learned he was actually the president of the bank and went out of his way to speak to me on my first day. That, my friends, is what leadership looks like. Jim was extremely well liked by employees and customers, and he was an excellent bank president. A few others came along after he retired, but they had nothing on Jim.
That's me and Jim in the photo above, at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership meeting Aug. 22, 2019. Jim received the Horizon Award, and was honored with the news that the Chamber had renamed its annual volunteer recognition award as the James A. Gill Horizon Award, "in recognition of his valuable and selfless commitment to so many organizations, including the Carroll Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow." That same evening, West Georgia Woman magazine won the Chamber's Start-up Business of the Year Award (such a wonderful blessing and honor for me!). It was only fitting that we took a photo together with our awards and bringing everything back full circle. Little did that 23-year-old bank teller know what was in store for her future.
On page 10, learn more about Jim and his lifelong legacy of commitment, dedication and giving back to the communities in West Georgia.
Also in this issue, you'll learn about what your child needs to be prepared for preschool, some pawsitively purrfect ways you can help shelter animals in your community through the nonprofit organization Full Circle Rescue, how to break free from toxic masculinity, connecting with your teen while saving your sanity and, of course, Chef Rose Isaacs offers two delicious recipes. We've also included the seventh article of our cancer support series written by Patrick Yuran.
Thank you for reading our magazine. I'm truly grateful, and I hope you'll continue to do business with our wonderful community partners included in this issue. Without them, there would be no West Georgia Woman magazine.
See you next month,
Publisher
Photo: Zachary Dailey
Finding our voice. Knowing our value.
Making a difference. TM
West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.
Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives.
This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our community advertising partners.
Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIPs (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women!
Please be sure to tell them we sent you!
Inspiring women wanted.
Do you know an interesting woman who should be on the cover of West Georgia Woman? Is there a special project or organization you would like us to feature in our magazine? Let us know! Email your suggestions to features@westgeorgiawoman.com.
Share your special events.
Send your upcoming events to: calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com
Need to advertise? Email:
Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com
Call 404.502.0251
The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the contributing authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine or any employee thereof.
Angel Media, LLC. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
Mail correspondence to:
West Georgia Woman Magazine
P.O. Box 2782
Carrollton, GA 30112
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Contact us: (404) 502-0251
Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com Follow us! @WestGaWoman
Need a copy? We mail thousands of copies each month to households through direct mail or get yours from our racks at Smith Brothers Supply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot (Maple St.), Neva Lomason Library, Professional Park Medical Building, Physicians Care Group of West Georgia and Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly and CVS in Bowdon, Buchanan, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Higgins General Hospital and Thriftown in Bremen; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Piedmont Hospital, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Crook's Grocery (Temple Ave.) and Lee King pharmacy in Newnan; Tanner Health System's Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings in Villa Rica; Tanner Primary Care Building at Mirror Lake; Kroger (Highway 5) and Food Depot on Hiram Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Kroger on Ridge Rd. in Hiram; WM Grocery in Roanoke, Ala; Tanner Health System and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Ala. We have them in larger quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), and Thompson pharmacy in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville, Publix in New Georgia as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices covering 18 cities in eight counties in West Georgia and East Alabama.
Volume 10 • Issue 10 August 2025
Publisher/Editor
Angela Dailey
angela@westgeorgiawoman.com
Copy Editor
Editorial Contributor
Shala Rathke
shala@westgeorgiawoman.com
Photographer for Cover/ Graphic Design
Zachary Dailey
Editorial Contributors
Sandra Bolan, Jordan Dailey, Rose Isaacs and Patrick Yuran
Advertising Sales
Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com
West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2025. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice.
Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Print or online reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submissions will be included as space is available.
West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are not in compliance with our editorial policy. If you wish to have your submission returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your submission.
This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks
Going All In
By Shala Rathke
Jim Gill puts faith in hard work and giving back
Photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography. Family photos and corporate photo above provided by the Gill family.
What started out as a smart business move turned into a lifelong legacy of giving back to the community.
Jim Gill, now 87, moved to Carrollton as a bank president in 1984, and he knew getting involved in local service clubs was a good way to network and help grow the bank. However, those organizations were more than good business to him; his passion and drive to serve became contagious during the countless hours he volunteered. While it did help build the bank’s business, it also helped Jim build friendships and the strength of his community.
Born in Columbus, Ga., Jim graduated from Jordan High School, where he jokes he “played football to keep from picking cotton.” He also played baseball, serving as a pitcher for the team.
He worked for the local baseball park when he was around 15, helping his family by earning extra money, even though it meant working late most evenings. The park housed the Columbus Cardinals, a South Atlantic League
Class A farm team for the St. Louis Cardinals.
“I ended up being the clubhouse guy for the visiting team, and I'd get tips from them,”
Jim recalls. “Two teams would come
in a week, and they'd play one week at home and then go on the road.” He eventually took over the clubhouse for the home team as well.
“It was a good experience,” he says. “I had a machine that cleaned their shoes every night. I would polish shoes and hang their wet clothes up to be put outside to dry in the sunshine the next day by the groundskeeper, if it wasn’t raining.”
After graduation, Jim went on to earn an associate’s degree from South Georgia College, where he lettered as a freshman in both baseball and basketball under Coach Bobby Bowden.
“He was a super individual,” Jim relates. “He and I became real good friends. He was really funny. He was the baseball coach both years, and I played basketball and baseball at South Georgia College. One day after baseball practice, he called me aside and said, ‘Jimmy, you need to come and play football.’ And I said, ‘Coach, I love football. But I hate contact.’ He just laughed. And that was the end of that. But he was always looking for football players.”
After Coach Bowden moved on to Florida State University, where he became a football legend, he and Jim stayed in touch, and Jim even recruited him to come back to Columbus and Carrollton to speak to different groups.
At South Georgia College, Jim lettered as a freshman in both baseball and basketball under Coach Bobby Bowden. Jim, second row, far right and Bobby, front row, center, in the white t-shirt.
Jim as a teenager in 1954. He worked for the local baseball park when he was around 15, helping his family by earning extra money, even though it meant working late most evenings.
A little-known fact is that Coach Bowden interviewed at the University of West Georgia, which was then known as West Georgia College. When West Georgia didn’t hire him, he got a job at South Georgia College instead, heading up the football, baseball and basketball programs there.
“He was a dear friend,” Jim shares. “Probably his real influence on me was showing me how to treat people and how to act around different people. It was quite an experience.”
Work and War
Jim’s first job after college was as a proof operator at Columbus Bank and Trust, where he soon moved up to serve as a systems head teller. He worked there about three years before joining the military
During the Vietnam War, Jim enlisted in the Army Security Agency, where he trained in Morse code. After training, he was deployed in Eritrea, Africa, where he worked as a Morse code operator. His main job was monitoring Morse code radio transmissions from communist countries.
during the Vietnam War. “I was about to be drafted, and I had a couple of people in the bank that had been in the Army Security Agency,” he remembers. “I went ahead and enlisted and was able to get into the Army Security Agency, too.”
“It was just a business degree,” he shares. “I 821 Dixie Street
Jim trained in Morse code, then started his deployment in Eritrea, Africa, where he worked as a Morse code operator. His main job was monitoring Morse code radio transmissions from communist countries. True to his sports roots, he continued to play baseball, basketball and softball until he came home in 1964.
When he returned, he played semi-pro baseball in Alabama as pitcher, first baseman and outfielder. “The semi-pro team just played during the night or on the weekends, so everybody worked or did something else so they could get paid,” Jim explains. He went back to work for the bank, moving from management trainee to assistant department head in bookkeeping. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Cheryl. The couple married in 1968.
Settling Down
Jim and Cheryl started building their lives together in Columbus, with Jim going to the University of Georgia Banking School and Cheryl beginning her laboratory career in hematology. In 1970, Jim joined his first volunteer group: the Sertoma Club of Columbus, which he jumped into with both feet while earning his bachelor’s degree from Columbus College.
Jim and Cheryl's wedding day, 1968.
“ As an Investment Advisor Representative with Milestone Investment Management, I am held to a fiduciary standard, meaning that we are committed to placing clients interests ahead of our own. ” – Michael Stone, AAMS®, PPC®,
was always really good in math. I got my degree at Columbus College, and I took some courses up here at West Georgia. I went to three banking schools, where they lasted three years a piece, including the University of Georgia and the LSU School of Banking. That was also a good experience for me.”
Jim’s hard work and volunteerism continued to pay off. He moved up the ranks to vice president of the bank and became president of the local Sertoma Club before
being elected governor for the South Georgia Sertoma District. During that time, he and Cheryl had two children: daughter Shannon and son Jay.
In 1982, Jim was elected to serve as the president for Sertoma International, having worked up through the volunteer chairs over many years.
President is the highest-ranking volunteer officer in the Sertoma organization at the international level
Georgia Community for
Family photo Jim used for his Sertoma International election campaign flyer. Left to right: Jim, Cheryl, Shannon (10) and Jay (8).
and a highlight of his Sertoma career.
In 1984, Jim was offered the position of a lifetime: president of a bank. He could pick between a couple of location choices, and after researching the educational opportunities for their kids in each area, he and Cheryl opted for Carroll County. Jim served as the president of the Bank of Carroll County in Temple, Ga., (with branches throughout the region and his
Jim, with Cheryl, shares remarks as he leaves office as the International President of Sertoma in 1983. President is the highest-ranking volunteer officer in the Sertoma organization at the international level and a highlight of Jim's Sertoma career.
office located in Carrollton) which later became Citizens Bank & Trust, or CB&T. What started out with less than $30 million in assets grew under his tenure to more than $563 million by the time he retired.
“To go anywhere as president would have been an honor,” he says. “I had served as a senior vice president, and at that time was head of personnel and responsible for operations at Columbus Bank and Trust, now called Synovus. Carrollton was a good fit.”
Please Help Us Build a Memorial Bench for Dr. Fred Richards
Sculptor Kevin Shunn will be creating a bronze memorial statue of Fred with a bench.
The Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police is collecting donations through its Barry Carroll Foundation for this project.
If you wish to donate to Fred's legacy project, please make your check payable to the Barry Carroll Foundation, with "Fred Richards Memorial Bench" in the memo line.
Checks can be dropped off at the City of Carrollton Police Department or mailed to:
Barry Carroll Foundation c/o Chief Joel Richards, 115 W. Center St., Carrollton, Ga. 30117.
Or, you may donate through PayPal or Venmo using the QR codes on the left. Please reference the "Fred Richards Memorial Bench" in the "for" section.
United for Our Community
We believe that strong communities start with investment—in our people, our businesses, and in the causes that bring us together.
Carrollton | 119 Maple St
Douglasville | 6670 Church St
Villa Rica | 485 W Bankhead Hwy
over the years is look for younger people to take over the leadership. They sometimes have to be convinced that volunteering is important.”
He brought his volunteerism focus with him to West Georgia, first joining the Rotary Club, then helping get a new Sertoma Club off the ground. He eventually brought seven more Sertoma Clubs to life in the surrounding areas.
“I always felt like to build your bank, you've got to be involved in the community,” Jim relates. “And that was also good for me. It forced me to be able to communicate better.”
In addition to his work with the Sertoma Club and Rotary Club, he has served on multiple boards, including the Tanner Medical Foundation, the University of West Georgia Foundation, Hospice Care of Carroll County, Georgia Bankers Association, Boy Scouts of America, Carroll County Educational Foundation, Carroll County Leaders Association, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Carroll Tomorrow, Friends of the Association of Remarkable Citizens, Goodwill Industries and many others. He served as the sponsorship chairperson for the Tanner Foundation Magnolia Ball for almost 30 years, and Jim and Cheryl together were honorees in 2001 for their outstanding service in the community.
“Several of the boards still carry me as an ex officio member now, so I get notices of what is going on,” he shares. “And really what I have done Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
In the early 1990s, Jim received a terrifying diagnosis: colon cancer. He faced the diagnosis with positivity and pragmatism, even finding a little humor where he could. “When it was time for Dr. Howard Seeman to do follow up colonoscopies after
Jim and Cheryl dance together at the Tanner Foundation Magnolia Ball. Jim served as the sponsorship chairperson for nearly 30 years. The couple together were honorees in 2001 for their outstanding service in the community.
Your local agent for home & auto
the surgery to remove the polyp, Cheryl got temporary tattoos of Dr. Seeman’s face and put them up and down my spine along with big arrows pointing to my rear end, just to mess with him,” Jim laughs.
As part of the cancer treatment, he had to have a foot of colon removed. “I didn’t let that change my outlook,” he says. “I didn’t have time. That’s a good problem!”
Recognition and Retirement
and Cheryl with their children at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership barbecue Aug. 22, 2019. Back row, l-r: Daughter, Shannon Gill Dayhoff, daughterin-law, Kristen Durrence Gill and son, Jay Gill. Jim was awarded the Horizon Award and was honored with the news that the Chamber was renaming it as the James A. Gill Horizon Award beginning in January 2020. Following in his dad's footsteps, Jay was presented the service award bearing his dad’s name in 2022. Photo: Zachary Dailey for the Carroll County Chamber.
Jim has won numerous awards and accolades, but he reiterates he was never there for recognition – he truly believes in the causes he supports, and that by helping others, you help yourself. He’s received the keys to several cities including Denver, Kansas City and Nashville. He was presented many awards in recognition of his service from the Sertoma Club, the Rotary Club, Goodwill, Carroll County, the University of West Georgia and Columbus State University, among many others.
The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce renamed its annual volunteer recognition award as the James A. Gill Horizon Award in 2020, "in recognition of his valuable and selfless commitment to so many organizations, including the Carroll Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow."
In August 2019, former Carroll County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Daniel Jackson
shared his thoughts on renaming the award. “At the heart of every community are certain volunteers who go above and beyond to make their communities great,” he said. “These volunteers improve their communities through an outstanding commitment to service with no expectation of praise or recognition. Jim Gill is just such a person.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim’s son Jay was presented the service award bearing his dad’s name in 2022.
After a 50-year career with CB&T and Synovus Bank and being named part of the Synovus Leadership Hall of Fame, Jim retired in 2007. He continues to stay involved and give back to the community, even doing a fouryear stint as an interim Vice President of University Advancement for the University of West Georgia after he retired.
His advice to the next generation is to get involved – make time to join an organization and to make a difference.
“If you want to be in there, do the best you can, and if you commit to something, then follow through with it,” he advises. WGW
Publisher's note: Thank you, Jim, for helping make our community what it is today. We are all better for it, and I'm so glad to know you.
View a list of Jim's volunteer service and awards on page 22.
770.462.5005
Jim
Jim Gill's Volunteer Service and Awards
Volunteer Positions
• President of Sertoma Club of Columbus
• Sertoma – Elected Governor of the South Georgia District
• President of East Columbus Boys Club
• Columbus Quarterback Club
• Chairman of March of Dimes
• YMCA (volunteer and coach)
• Metropolitan Boys Club charter member
• Columbus College Alumni Association member
• Sertoma International Treasurer – Vancouver British Columbia Convention
• International Vice President Sertoma International
• American Little League (volunteer coach)
• Georgia Bankers Association Personnel Committee
• Instructor of Personnel Management – American Institute of Banking
• President of Sertoma International – Nashville Convention
• Chairman of the Board for Sertoma International
• Rotary Club Board of Directors
• Rotary volunteer with 40 years of perfect attendance – August 2024
• West Georgia College Steering Committee for “A Day for West Georgia College”
• Business advisor for School of Business Entrepreneurship Program (WGC)
• Advisory Board for the Performing Arts Center
• Boy Scouts of America Executive Board for the Atlanta Area Council
• Carroll County Public Policy Committee
• Chamber of Commerce “Ad Hoc” Economic Development Committee
• Carroll County Fall Festival Committee
• Carroll County Extension Service – first “Community Leadership” School
• Carrollton High School Booster Club Board
• Georgia Bankers Association Chairman for Group 4
• Assistant Chair for the GBA Management Institute
• Georgia Bankers BankPac Committee
• West Georgia College Foundation Board of Trustees
• Carroll County Business Leaders Association
• Magnolia Ball Sponsorship Committee Chair
• Tanner Health System Board of Directors
• Carroll County/Carrollton City Hospital Authority
• Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Chairman
• Carroll County Leaders Association
• ARC – Association of Remarkable Citizens
• Richards Foundation Board of Directors
• Founder: Fantasy Baseball Camp for Kids while working with the Sertoma Club
Awards
• Sertoma Distinguished Honor Club
• Thomas Y. Whitley Distinguished Alumnus Award (Macon Club)
• Sertoma Gold Honor Club
• Sertoma Community Achievement Award
• W.C. Wiley Award – Columbus State
• George C. Turner Award
• Sertoman of the Year for Georgia and the Southern Region
• Sertoma Lifetime Service Award
• Carroll County Chamber of Commerce “Business Person of the Year” for 1992
• Sertoma International Foundation Life Patron
• Honorary member of the Carrollton Junior Woman’s Club
• Carrollton Jaycees’ Boss of the Year
• Honorary Alumnus of UWG in 1995
• Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter of State University of West Georgia honoree
• Outstanding Service Award from Goodwill Industries
• Life Member Award from Goodwill Industries
• Sertoma Foundation North Georgia District President’s Outstanding Achievement Award
• State University of West Georgia Founders Award
• Synovus Hall of Fame
• Rotary Club Vocational Practices and Ethics Award from Rotary Club
• Tanner Foundation “Water Oaks Society”
Preschool Readiness
Things Your Child Should Know Before Starting School
By Sandra Bolan
Your baby is all grown up and heading off to school for the first time, which has you simultaneously excited and sad, because it’s your child’s first step towards independence.
Mom and Dad, however, aren’t the only ones with mixed emotions about this momentous day. Your child is proud to be a big kid now, but she is likely concerned or afraid of being away from you for such a long time.
Preparing Your Child
Children typically enter pre-school between the ages of 3 and 5, but their readiness depends on their personality, emotional maturity and academic proficiency. They don’t need to be Mensa students (members of a high-IQ society), but they should at least be capable of counting one, two, three with a little bit of assistance, scribble writing and comprehending basic words.
During the six months leading up to her first day of school, start making a more conscious effort to prepare her by slowly increasing her responsibilities around self-care, time-management and social skills.
She should be fully potty trained, if possible. This includes wiping herself, and washing and drying her hands.
Teach her how to dress herself. She should know how to put on her underwear, pants, shirt, socks and shoes, as well as how to put on and take off outdoor clothing, such as coats and rain boots.
Teach her about schedules. Your child needs to understand that certain activities happen at specific times of the day while at school, whether she wants them to or not.
Take her to the library for circle reading time. This helps children understand how to sit quietly and listen while in a group setting. Many libraries offer weekly baby, toddler and preschool storytime sessions at no cost to the community.
Read books about preschool, then talk about the stories and the characters’ thoughts and emotions. It may seem like you should just brush off your child’s concerns, but any apprehensions or anxiety she has about going to school will significantly impact her experience. Acknowledge her unease and let her know all of her emotions (happy, sad, afraid, excited, confused, worried) are
normal. Explain to her that starting something new can be scary, and lots of people of all ages feel that way, including you. Share your first day of preschool experience, and let her know you had the same fears, but everything turned out OK.
Pay attention to your child’s actions. Not all preschool-aged children can verbalize their emotions. For example, she may act out her fear by being extra clingy or withdrawing. Even though she may be fully potty trained, she may regress, forget and have accidents. She may also ask you to help her get dressed, even though she's been doing this on her own, very proudly, for quite a few months.
Many schools hold open houses so future students and parents can tour the building and meet the teachers. You may not have to wait until that day. If it's allowed, take your child to the schoolyard on weekends to play on the equipment, which will help her feel more comfortable and confident in her new surroundings.
The Final Countdown
A couple of weeks before school starts, it’s time for her to take part in her first-ever foray into backto-school shopping. If the school provides you with a list of required items, ensure you pack all of them in the new backpack you let your child pick out. It’s a small thing to choose your book bag and school supplies, but it gives a child a sense of control amid a lot of changes.
Don't Make It a Big Deal at First
The day before her first day of school, keep your normal routine as much as possible. The night before, let her pick out her clothes and lay them out – even if it's an outfit you don't really like, or doesn't match. What matters is that she feels a sense of control, and if that outfit makes her happy, by all means, let her wear it.
If she has any questions about what’s going to happen tomorrow, answer them all. Let her help you pack her lunch with some of her favorite foods and get her water bottle ready.
As much as you want to make a huge production about the first day of school, that could backfire on you. Making a big deal out of her first day could make her more anxious and afraid, rather than excited.
That doesn’t mean you should treat her first-ever day of school as just another Monday, but hold off on celebrating it until the end of the school day, or even after the completion of the first week. A nice, family dinner or trip for ice cream makes a great way to celebrate her new independence, find out what she learned over the week, what new friends she has and which teacher she likes the best.
On the big day, get up extra early so you can deal with the roller coaster of emotions the household will experience, so no one is rushed and you get to school on time. Whatever your morning routine is going to be – cereal for breakfast or scratch-made pancakes – that starts today.
Depending on your child, saying goodbye might be harder for you than it is for her. If she's apprehensive, remain positive. If she has a meltdown, she likely won’t be the only one. Be there to comfort her, at least for a little while, if possible. Once you feel it's time to let the teacher take over, leave quickly and quietly. Don’t have your own meltdown in front of your child – wait until you’re in the car. Explain to her that you, or her designated pickup person, will be there waiting for her when she gets out of school – and don't be late. It's important that she knows you're there when you say you're going to be there.
Attending pre-school is one of the first steps in your child’s road to independence, so it’s going to be a big day. But with some preparation, she'll be prepared and will hopefully have a positive experience – and so will you. WGW
Free Yourself from Toxic Masculinity
Letting go of past social norms to improve future generations
By Sandra Bolan and Angela Dailey
Man up," "Grow a pair" and "Boys don’t cry," may be funny little quips you tell your friends when things get tough, but these phrases are deeply rooted in how society feels boys and men are "supposed to be" – tough and devoid of emotion. These words perpetuate a cycle of toxic masculinity, and if a man decides to break the rules by so much as hugging his son or shedding a tear, there is a fear of losing his “man card.”
What exactly could be considered toxic masculinity? At its core, it’s harmful or offensive beliefs and behaviors rooted in antiquated male
roles. In other words, men are socially pressured and culturally trained to behave a certain way.
There are three core pillars of toxic masculinity. The first is that men must be tough, strong and aggressive. The second is the adherence to antifeminine traits, which means you aren't supposed to show or have any emotions, you most definitely can’t accept help and any sign of domesticity (cooking, laundry or changing diapers) will get you banished from the man world. Third, it’s all about power. Men are only deemed worthy if they have money, social status, power and influence.
Some of these may be attributed to common character traits in men and boys, or a natural drive to succeed, which isn't the problem. When these traits are forced upon boys who want to decide who they are going to be, on their own rather than who others expect them to be is when it becomes a problem.
Toxic masculinity rears its ugly head when a father tells his son to stop crying and toughen up when he gets physically or emotionally hurt. The same father may even rebuff his son’s want of a comforting hug. "Emotional suppression lays the foundation for shame when unsanctioned feelings arise that position anger and rage as the only acceptable masculine emotion," explains Marriage
“
and Family Therapist Kevin Foss. "This 'man up' attitude matures into a rejection of empathy toward others and repackages nurturing impulses as 'weak.' Anxiety can also develop if children are not trained to manage their feelings appropriately."
Men who adhere to the rules of toxic masculinity may control the women in their lives by telling them who they can socialize with and what they are allowed to wear. They are also known to bully and marginalize certain sectors of society, sometimes through the use of violence.
They are often vehemently opposed to seeking treatment for any sort of physical ailment or mental health issues they may suffer from because they believe they can push through the pain.
How to Break Free
Humans are ever evolving, but due to societal and cultural pressures, it can be challenging for men to break free from the past. If you are a man who still adheres to the societal roles perpetuated by these archaic social constructs and you want to become fully aware, make an effort to utilize all of the tools you have in your toolbox.
Here are a few ideas that might help:
Live and let live. Allow others to be themselves.
Tearing down others just to give your ego a boost speaks to your own anxieties and fears. Pursue your own goals and live by your own values, not those dictated by antiquated societal constructs.
Learn how to ask for, and accept, help. No one is impressed by someone who lives his life as a lone wolf. You're not meant to live alone and without support from friends or family. And regarding your mental health, it takes great courage to seek professional help, and that is definitely something to be admired.
Allow yourself to feel and experience emotions. You're human.That means you have more than one emotion (anger) and management tool (violence) within you. When you're angry, happy, sad, scared or disappointed, welcome those feelings instead of shutting down and ignoring them, and learn how to manage those feelings in healthy ways.
When cultural stereotypes are removed, the basic behaviors of men and women aren’t all that different. In the same way women have broken free from their societal constructs, men can do the same to free themselves from toxic behaviors. Doing so now will go a long way toward raising future generations of boys and men who can ask for help, show their emotions and hug their children when they cry. WGW
Daily Fare
Chef Rose With
Chef Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband, Shawn and their son, Sebastian. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts.
She is a personal chef who offers cooking lessons, baby food prep, date night dinners for two and more. Learn more about Chef Rose at www.chefrosecooks.com.
Chef Rose photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography, daileylifephotography@gmail.com
Recipe photos by Andrew Agresta, Agresta Photography, www.agrestaphotography.com
Creamy Cinnamon Horchata
“For
a delightful twist, try adding a splash of spiced rum or coffee liqueur.”
Ingredients
1 cup of long grain white rice
2 cinnamon sticks
6 cups hot water
2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
2 cans (14 oz each) sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the rice and cinnamon sticks together until the rice turns lightly golden and emits a warm, nutty aroma. This should take just a few minutes.
Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Transfer the toasted rice and cinnamon sticks to a
large bowl and pour in 6 cups of hot water.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to steep and the rice to soften.
The next day, pour the rice, cinnamon sticks and soaking water into a blender.
Blend for about 30 seconds to break down the rice and cinnamon.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, discarding the solids.
Stir in the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Taste and adjust for sweetness or cinnamon if desired and serve cold over ice.
Serves 8 to 10.
Lemon Blueberry Thyme Bacon Jam
Ingredients
1 pound thick-cut bacon, sliced into small pieces
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Preparation
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over mediumheat until crispy, then remove it with a slotted spoon, and set it aside.
“Ideal for enhancing your burger experience, Brie cheese and crackers or succulent BBQ pork.”
Leave 1 to 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat.
Add diced red onion to the pan and sauté until soft and caramelized, 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the blueberries, brown sugar, brewed coffee, lemon juice, lemon zest and thyme.
Stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the berries to start breaking down.
Return the bacon to the pan and reduce the heat to low.
Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy.
Let it cool slightly before transferring to a jar.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups or 10 to 12 servings. WGW
Holding On and Letting Go: A Story of Love, Life and Loss
Lesson #7: The Gift of Time
By Patrick Yuran
After Marie’s cancer diagnosis we stopped measuring time in hours, meetings or deadlines and began measuring it in moments. The moment that cup of morning coffee turned into a slow ritual of calming presence. The moment a quiet walk around the neighborhood with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Jackson, felt more healing than a full therapy session. The moment we realized that time isn’t something to spend, but something to honor. When life hands you something as jarring and sobering as a stage four, non-curable cancer diagnosis, the illusion of unlimited time evaporates. Suddenly, every second feels sacred. You stop chasing the clock and start paying attention to what the clock can’t measure. Things like joy, laughter, stillness, belonging and peace become more important and valuable than ever before. We had always been busy individuals with calendars full of meaningful work, purposeful commitments and exciting opportunities. However, somewhere in the busyness, we lost track of the sacredness of time. We were living by default, not by design. When everything came to a halt, we finally had the clarity and the courage to look at how high the cost was of all this busyness. Being busy by default and not by design will cost you being present with the people in your life. Once we realized this, everything changed for us.
Time became less about efficiency and more about intimacy. Less about productivity and more about presence. We started treating our time as an offering, something to give generously to the people and experiences that made us feel fully alive. We began to curate our days with the same intentionality an artist curates a gallery. We deliberately, lovingly and with deep reverence for what each moment held, placed a purpose on every day. This did not mean we stopped working or abandoned our goals. In fact, the opposite happened. It meant we worked harder with more focused, intentional goals because we were working from a different place. We said "no" more often, not out of avoidance, but out of clarity, and we said "yes" more slowly because we wanted to be sure we could show up fully and not just fill a space. Most important, we stopped trying to balance our lives and started trying to be more present in them.
Time with each other became a priority, not a leftover. We carved out sacred space for dinners together, for quiet Sunday afternoons, for being together and not just doing together. We found ourselves watching some of our favorite TV shows together more often. Sitting on the back patio watching Jackson chase birds in the backyard. Listening to music without multitasking. Laughing a little longer. We learned how to linger, and in that
lingering, we found healing. What we discovered in doing this is that when you slow down enough to honor the moment you're in, time expands, and it becomes generous.
You see clearly where your time is going, and whether it reflects the life you say you want. You begin to realize that how you spend your time is, quite literally, how you spend your life. That truth, while sometimes uncomfortable, is also deeply liberating, because it means you have the power to change it. It provides you with the opportunity to realign and choose differently. So, we did. We began offering ourselves, and others, the gift of unhurried presence, direct eye contact, undistracted listening and full-hearted attention. In return, we received something beautiful. People began to trust us with their real stories. Their stories of pain, hope and truth. People know when you’re truly with them, and when they feel your authentic, whole presence, they open up to you. Time, when given freely, becomes a doorway to connection.
We still have hard days, the clock still ticks, and the world still demands more than we can give. But now, we are more at peace with what we can, and are willing, to offer. We no longer feel the pressure to do it all because we just want to be fully present
in whatever we choose to do. So, if you’re feeling like time is slipping away, or like you’re running faster and faster toward something unclear, this is your gentle reminder. You get to choose how you spend your time, so protect it. You get to slow down, so be present – really present – for the moments that truly matter.
Time is not just a resource, but a gift, so give it with care and receive it with gratitude. Use time to build a life that feels like yours, so you don’t have to wait for a wake-up call. Start now ... with stillness … with clarity … with presence … with love … because the gift of time – like the gift of intentionality – is really the gift of being alive, and that is too sacred to spend on autopilot. WGW
Patrick Yuran is an educator, artist and entrepreneur. He currently serves as the Head of School at Oak Mountain Academy, is the founder and Artistic Director of The REAL Theatre and is the President of PJY Consulting. Photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography.
75 Years of Delivering Power
On March 23, 1950, Roy Richards, Sr. founded Southwire and began wire and cable production with 12 employees and three used machines. Today, alongside our more than 9,000 team members around the world, we honor our strong legacy, celebrate our transformative growth and anticipate even more exciting times ahead for our company, our industry, our people, our customers and our communities.
Pawsitively Purrfect
Ways you can help the Full Circle Rescue organization assist shelter animals
Full Circle Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Carroll County Animal Shelter. Established in 2016, the organization’s mission is to provide financial assistance for areas of need that fall outside the county’s budget or for immediate requirements that can be addressed without waiting for a commissioner’s meeting or vote.
For the last nine years, Full Circle Rescue has funded various items for the shelter, including additional surgery tables and equipment to double the spay/neuter event capacity; 20 dog houses for the outside kennels; 25 carrier crates for transports to other shelters; 11 permanent shelters for exterior kennels;
fencing and labor to divide outside green space into play and bonding areas; food; swimming pools; tarps; bedding and kitty litter. Additionally, the organization purchased a “Catio” to enable cats to sun and enjoy fresh air outside, helping prevent respiratory infections. These purchases are in addition to a range of other smaller needs that arise.
Full Circle Rescue currently seeks to raise funds for a permanent covered shelter and metal dog park benches for the five outdoor play/ bonding green space areas. Other projects include providing permanent support for at least five animal transports annually, where up to 35 dogs will be taken per transport to less crowded shelters for increased chances of adoption, and replenishing its general fund to cover immediate needs that arise and to help fund the low cost spay/ neuter program. Overcrowding at the shelter remains a significant concern. The county faces challenges similar to those encountered in many other regions, characterized by
Elise and Ruby play in the shelter's outdoor green space. Local community donations to Full Circle Rescue provided funds for the fencing and labor to divide the green space into five different play and bonding areas. Each of these areas needs a permanent covered shelter. Photo: Facebook
The shelter's new surgery table was funded by community donations to Full Circle Rescue.
limited resources, an abundance of litters, an increase in adult animal abandonments and too many owner surrenders. In response to these challenges, Full Circle Rescue focuses on several educational initiatives and resource offerings aimed
at raising community awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering, in addition to offering affordable spay/ neuter options to the community at large.
The Carroll County Animal Shelter currently hosts 10 to 12 low-cost spay/neuter days each year, and Full Circle Rescue aims to add an additional four days, with the goal of increasing this number annually as funding permits. This initiative would allow approximately 35 animals to be spayed or neutered each day for a nominal fee of $10, with coupons distributed through various local nonprofit organizations. WGW
Visit Full Circle Rescue on Facebook at FullCircleRescueGeorgia for more information or email fullcirclerescue25@gmail.com.
To donate through Venmo, scan the code below, or checks can be mailed to:
Full Circle Rescue 1654 Maple St. Carrollton, Ga. 30117
LocaL Happenings
Domestic Violence Support Group
There is Hope is a support group for women survivors who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, domestic violence.
This is a private group where women survivors come together and share their personal stories of experience, strength and hope.
This group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at a private location. A ZOOM option is available.
There will be guidance for help and resources available as needed. At times there will also be guest speakers.
Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information and to obtain the privacy contract with the physical address or ZOOM meeting ID and passcode.
Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Groups
Has your life been impacted by the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide? You are not alone. These groups offer peer support for anyone who has been affected by suicide loss. There is no cost to attend.
Group meetings in Carrollton are the third
Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 306A Bradley Street.
For more information, contact Ivey Rollins at iveyrollins@gmail.com or call 470.729.0909.
Group meetings in Douglasville are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 6167 Priestley Mill Rd., Room 226.
For more information, contact Terri Johnson at chose2live@aol.com or 770.765.2181.
Group meetings in Newnan are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 2564 Hwy 154.
For more information, contact Lynn Bradley at 770.301.4890 or email nbll.bradley170@gmail.com, or contact Nancy Bradley at 770.251.6216.
PFLAG Carrollton Support Group
PFLAG Carrollton provides a free monthly peer facilitated support group for adult members (ages 18+) of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as their family, friends and allies, as a resource for families struggling with acceptance of their LGBTQ+ loved ones.
The goal is to meet people where they are and lead with love. PFLAG’s mission of support,
education and advocacy from a place of love can help struggling families, as well as the community at large.
Support group meetings (for adults 18+) are led by a PFLAG trained facilitator and held on the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 101 Somerset Place in Carrollton. Confidentiality and safety are top priorities. Contact Julia Houser, pflagcarrollton@gmail.com for more information.
Al-Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon family groups provides support for families and friends who have been affected by an alcoholic or drug addict. Members have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar problems. There are several weekly meetings in the Carrollton, Douglasville and Newnan areas. There is no cost to attend. If you'd like to find a group near you, visit al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings, click on "Find an Al-Anon Meeting" and enter your ZIP code for the complete directory in your area.
West Georgia Woman Magazine Celebrates with Community at July 4th People's Parade
We wanted to share a few photos from this year’s People’s Parade that photographer Andrew Agresta captured as we traveled through the city of Carrollton on our float. The July 4th parade is one of our favorite events, and all of us at West Georgia Woman loved celebrating the birth of our independence with our friends and neighbors. Special thanks to Eddie LeBlanc, owner of CMB Rentals for letting us use his truck and trailer. We're looking forward to seeing you next year!
Dealing With Teen Disconnect
What do a toddler and a teenager have in common? They both throw temper tantrums, push boundaries and test your patience. However, what makes the tumultuous teen years more challenging than the terrible twos is the relationship the two of you built over the past 13 or so years seems to have disintegrated overnight. It seems no matter what you do to try and repair it, it’s all wrong and creates an even greater divide between the two of you.
As kids grow from child to teenager, rules and expectations have to shift accordingly, while still maintaining the parent/child dynamic. This is something teens tend to fight tooth and nail, because they feel like they’ve been parented enough and want to take on the world all by themselves.
Up until now, when you told your child she couldn’t do something, she typically accepted it, albeit begrudgingly. Now that she's a teenager, she wants an explanation and, no matter how logical it may be – such as no parties on a school night – she'll still think it's unreasonable.
Keep Communication Open
Your goal as a parent is to make your teenager feel safe, seen and heard. This is tough when they do nothing but rebuff any attempt you make to communicate with them.
The first thing you should do is stop talking and just listen. When you sit back and listen to what your
Dinnertime is a great opportunity for open conversations, without fear of judgment. Kids who
kids are saying to you and other people, it provides you with more information than you could ever have extracted from them.
How to Maintain Your Sanity and Strengthen Your Relationship
By Sandra Bolan and Angela Dailey
feel comfortable speaking freely are more likely to come to their parents when they think their world is coming to an end because they’ve just been dumped, didn’t make the cheer squad or worse.
She needs to know she can be around you without being watched like a hawk and interrogated about everything she does. Save your battles for the big things, and let the small things go. Unless your child has broken your trust, you have no reason to interrogate her about her every move or install tracking software on her phone or computer.
But this doesn't mean you should have a blanket trust agreement. When former President Ronald Reagan was having nuclear disarmament discussions with the Soviet Union, he said, "Trust, but verify." This means that although trust is present, it's still your responsibility as her parent to verify what's going on and confirm she is safe and healthy, and that she is being honest with you.
When she does let you peek into her world, don’t judge or try to problem-solve. That shows her you lack confidence in her ability to fix her problems. Instead, ask what she’d like from you – to quietly listen or offer some guidance. No matter what she wants from you, don’t minimize her emotions. Validate her feelings and be empathetic.
After days of nothing more than grunts and stomping about, if you’ve got enough courage to attempt a conversation with your teen, avoid talking about chores or homework. Start with topics that meet her where she's at, such as asking her what the latest viral trend is on TikTok or if there are any good movies coming out that she wants to see.
If that doesn't work, you might have to wait for her to initiate a conversation. When your teen decides she's ready to talk to you, drop everything you’re doing and be there for her – and be ready for that to be at 10 p.m., just as you are looking forward to going to bed.
Control Your Emotions
You’re the adult, so you should lead by example. When your teenager starts yelling at you, don’t yell back at her, no matter how hard it may be to control your behavior. Take a deep breath, and respond calmly. If tensions are still too high, go to your separate corners and try again when you’ve both had time to cool off.
If you end up yelling or overstepping in your actions or questions, admit you made a mistake. This goes a long way toward rebuilding the trust that becomes very tenuous during the teen years. More important, it shows you’re someone who can
PERSONALIZED, FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE CITY-WIDE DELIVERY
WE ACCEPT MEDICAID AND MOST INSURANCE WE HAVE CANDLES,
recognize your mistakes and apologize for them. It's also important that you show empathy toward her during these difficult years. Even though some of the things she thinks are the end of the world for her may seem ridiculous or unimportant to you, don't tell her that. Be there for her and let her cry on your shoulder for however long she needs you.
Do Things Together
Teens and parents can have fun together. When it comes to figuring out what you can do together, think about things the two of you enjoyed just a few short years ago – going to the movies, mani/pedis, baking cookies or going to a ball game. Or, you can try something your teenager wants to do but makes you question your sanity, like letting her choose your next outfit.
A teenager and everyone within arms' reach of one typically feels confused, isolated and misunderstood. Don’t give up on her, no matter how challenging she may be, and try not to take anything she does or says personally. It may help to remind yourself that the teenage years shall pass (all too quickly), and before you know it, you’ll have one really remarkable young adult ready to tackle life and adulthood on her own. WGW
Kids Korner
By Jordan Dailey
Apple-stamped Tote Bag
Materials
Canvas tote bag
Apple (cut in half)
Fabric paint and fabric markers
Paper plate (for paint)
Instructions
Start by laying your tote bag flat on a protected surface.
Cut an apple in half and gently blot away any excess moisture.
Pour some fabric paint onto a plate, then dip the cut side of the apple into the paint.
Press the apple stamp firmly onto the canvas tote bag to create a fun, bold stamp. Repeat as many times as you'd like to make a pattern.
Once you're happy with the design, use fabric markers to add your name, grade or a few extra doodles.
Let it dry completely, and your one-of-a-kind school tote is ready to go.
Craft photos by Zachary Dailey
Pencil Top Monsters
Materials
Pipe cleaners, cut in half
Feathers
Googly eyes
Glue (hot glue or tacky glue)
Scissors
Pencils
Instructions
Wrap a pipe cleaner tightly around the top of a pencil – starting about 3 inches from the eraser.
Glue a feather to the eraser head.
Glue googly eyes to the pencil below the metal part of eraser.
Twist another pipe cleaner around the pencil, and glue in place, leaving some pieces sticking out for the arms, ears, horns, tail or tentacles. WGW
Get the care you need when you need it.
At Tanner Urgent Care, we provide reliable care with multiple options to help you get the treatment you need when you need it.
Treatment Options
No appointment necessary! Simply walk in during our hours of operation to be seen by one of our experienced providers.
Find an appointment that fits your busy schedule! By booking ahead, you’ll minimize wait times and ensure prompt care at a time that’s convenient for you.
Schedule an appointment by visiting your Tanner MyChart app or scanning the QR code.
Tanner Urgent Care
If you can’t make it in person, Tanner Urgent Care now offers virtual visits. Connect with a provider from your phone, tablet or computer and receive expert care virtually.
Schedule a virtual visit today by scanning the QR code.
We’re here for you and your family when you need us most.
Your health matters, and we’re here to make care easy with locations in Bremen, Carrollton and Villa Rica. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.