Carroll EMC is looking for former Members whose 2019 capital credit checks have gone unclaimed.
Checks must be claimed by October 3, 2025.
Photo by Zachary Dailey
Sincere Thanks
Another women's event is in the books, and we were thrilled with the hundreds of women who turned out on May 10th for our fifth annual West Georgia Women's Extravaganza. We had a wonderful time in spite of the weather –it rained all morning and was really chilly. But that didn't stop all the wonderful ladies who attended our event!
I want to personally thank all of you who were there. We were so happy to see you and honored that you took time out of your day to stop in. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. We can't wait to see you again next year!
In This Issue
Our feature this month is Gyla Gonzalez. Born in Nicaragua, Gyla and her mother immigrated to the United States in 1988 to escape the civil war between the Sandinistas and Contras. They moved to California, where Gyla completed beauty school and became a hairdresser. Later, after a move to Miami and then a planned move back to California, a visit with her brother in Georgia led to a conversation with the local priest that would change her life forever. As a result of that visit, she and her mom made Carrollton, Ga., their home, and Gyla jumped headfirst into helping the Latino community through multiple endeavors.
On page 10, learn more about Gyla and how she's made it her lifelong mission to uplift the Latino community in West Georgia.
Inside, we've included highlights and several photos from our women's event, you'll learn about the benefits of fostering a shelter pet in your community, how to stave off loneliness as you grow older, and Chef Rose Isaacs offers two delicious recipes. We've also included the fifth article of our cancer support series written by Patrick Yuran.
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Finding our voice. Knowing our value.
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Lighting the Way
By Shala Rathke
Gyla Gonzalez and Her Lifelong Mission to Uplift the Latino Community
Photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography.
Some people quietly but powerfully leave marks in the community by sharing their unshakeable passion for change and acceptance. Gyla Gonzalez, now 56, is one of those people, dedicating her life to helping others, including West Georgia’s Latino community.
Born in Managua, Nicaragua, her life is steeped in rich Latin American traditions and guided by deep values of faith, resilience and service.
Faith and Family
Gyla’s educational journey began at Teresiano High School in Managua, where Catholic values were not just taught, but lived. “Jesus is our friend and companion on our journey,” she recalls of her school’s motto, which continued with, “We value and defend the dignity of all individuals.” Those early teachings of dignity, compassion and service became her guiding light.
Her family’s story began with true love that spanned several countries. “My great-grandfather was a first-generation German immigrant in Pennsylvania,” she explains. “He traveled to Nicaragua as a mining engineer and fell in love with my great-grandmother, a beautiful indigenous woman.”
The couple had four children, including Lucila, Gyla’s grandmother. Lucila had 13 children, one of whom was Gyla’s mother, Emelda Dietrich. “She married a handsome dark-skinned man named Luis Alberto Gonzalez. Together, they were like "Café con Leche" (Coffee with Milk) because my mom has fair skin while my dad has darker skin,” she laughs.
In the late 1980s, Nicaragua was at the height of its civil war between the Sandinistas and Contras. The brutal civil war left citizens running for their lives, as there were stories of mass executions,
burned villages and torture. The insecurity in the government led to a severe economic crisis, with the annual inflation rate topping 30,000 percent. This led to food shortages and almost nonexistent medical care in many areas of the country. In 1988, Gyla’s parents decided it was best get her out of the country and to safety in the United States. Gyla and her mother relocated to California, but her father remained in Nicaragua.
“We arrived in Ventura County, Calif., a beautiful place filled with culture and family support,” Gyla remembers. “My mom was always by my side, and my dad was able to visit every six months. Unfortunately, in 1989, my dad fell ill, and we returned to Nicaragua to care for him. He passed away at home, surrounded by family.”
Devastated by the loss of her father, Gyla’s mother offered gentle support and guidance, helping Gyla look ahead. “As my mom would say, ‘This will be your machete to go to school,’” she says. They returned to California, where Gyla completed beauty school.
They moved to Miami but stayed less than a year before they decided to move back to California. “My family in California came one by one; my mom was the first to arrive there. She even bought a home in 1964 for $28,000, with a monthly payment of $165. What a difference that is compared to today! Overall, we have family all over California, and I have known all of them my entire life. Family is truly important in our lives.”
Gyla’s three older brothers had moved out of Nicaragua years before, and one had settled in Georgia near his wife’s family.
“We made a stop in Carrollton to visit my brother, Arturo Gonzalez. On the third day of our visit, we met with Monsignor Reagan at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. He told us, ‘Look at this red dirt; this is a promised land. Stay with us.’ That same day, I told my mother
Gyla, with her mother, Emelda Dietrich.
I wanted to stay. She responded, ‘There are only cemeteries and churches here; there aren’t even lights on the streets.’ Nevertheless, the decision was made. She supported me, and we have considered this place our home ever since.”
The Call to Serve
Gyla’s early days in Carrollton were marked by service to the Spanish-speaking population, often through her work as a hairdresser. “At the time, I was the only Spanish-speaking hairstylist in the area,” she says. Her salon chair became a space of comfort and cultural exchange.
It was through one of her clients, Rafael Cardona, that Gyla was invited to co-host a Spanish-language radio program at WLBB. “He played a significant role in helping me get started,” Gyla shares.
“Together, we launched the first Spanish radio program in the area. However, after about a year, we lost our venue for the show. Fortunately, we met Kevin Sanders at the same radio station. He had become the manager of University of West Georgia radio station and offered us space to continue our programming there.”
Gyla was attending UWG, studying mass communications, with a minor in French.
There, she created two radio programs: La Voz Hispana, a Spanish-language show focused on music and community dialogue, and Sounds of Pangea, an English-language program celebrating global cultures through music and interviews.
These shows were more than entertainment; they were lifelines for many people from different cultures in the area. Gyla says that began unexpectedly after she received a minor traffic citation, and she went to traffic court.
“When I arrived, I noticed that many people from the Latin American community were present, and there were communication issues,” she remembers. “I offered to help translate for them. From that day on, we started receiving calls at the radio station, allowing us to address questions the community had. In between songs, we would discuss topics that were important to our listeners. Additionally, after church, I often encountered people with questions, providing a chance to help them find solutions. I feel blessed to have had parents who instilled in me the value of helping others.”
After graduating from UWG, her storytelling brilliance eventually caught the attention of Georgia Public Broadcasting. She created and hosted Latin Beat, a bilingual radio show featuring musicians,
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artists and community leaders across Georgia.
“This experience was truly wonderful and led me to win a Georgia Association of Broadcasters award for Best Documentary for Bésame Mucho: A Latin Love Story,” she shares.
Building Multicultural Bridges
After realizing the difficulties many people of other cultures faced, Gyla felt a responsibility to find a way to help. To Gyla, preserving traditions is more than a cultural obligation – it’s a path to empathy. She discovered early on that when people understand each other’s stories, they grow closer together, and that’s how positive change begins.
Part of that journey was trying to overcome misconceptions about people from other cultures.
“Misconceptions are prevalent, but they highlight the importance of sharing stories, coming together and learning from one another,” Gyla explains. “Latin America is a vast and diverse part of the American continent. Each country, region, state and city has its own identity, traditions and even accents, much like in the United States.”
The need is definitely there. A disproportionate number of Latino families struggle financially. While 91% of Latino households in Georgia work and report income, about 20% still live in poverty –that’s more than double that of non-Hispanic white Georgians, according to the Latino Community Fund Georgia. Three out of five Latinos in Georgia are U.S. citizens, which most people don’t realize –citizens who, because of their backgrounds, often struggle to obtain services like medical care, mental health care and educational opportunities.
Gyla recognizes the challenges faced by the Latin American community but sees that as an opportunity to build a stronger community through education and advocacy.
“Our differences – such as appearance, accents and names like Gonzalez – can create barriers, and that is when we can build bridges of understanding. A unique aspect of our community is that we hail from various countries, each with our own distinct customs and beliefs. While this diversity enriches us, it has also resulted in a lack of adequate representation. We need to work more on this, as we are an integral part of our community.
"For me, culture, traditions and languages are essential parts of the magnificent experience we call life. Our humanity is diverse, and we must recognize that loving our commonalities and embracing our differences is the best way to coexist in this world. It is crucial for our humanity to understand each other's histories, as doing so brings us closer together.
“There is immense power in our ability to connect, unite and learn from one another. It allows us to know our experiences, and it allows future generations to not commit the mistakes of the past and work together to build a future together.”
In 1998, she met with Dr. Marjorie Snipes from the UWG Anthropology Department and Ms. Suzy Montalto at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.
Together, they created a team to help establish the Multicultural Alliance. This eventually grew into a larger partnership that formed the Latinos United of Carroll County (LUCC) in 2002.
“Through these efforts, we built bridges of understanding within our community,” she relates. “Dr. Evangelio Gonzalez was our fearless leader who always gave so much of himself to the community. He always has a way of healing us! He truly cares and is someone I admire deeply, and I am thankful to know him and have worked with him for so many years. He still works at Tanner Health in Villa Rica, and he is a beloved man in our community. Unfortunately, LUCC closed in 2020.”
Gyla says they already planned to close LUCC by 2025. “Regrettably, the pandemic accelerated the closing. There are no agencies serving exclusively the Latin American community, which made closing a very hard decision. During the months we prepared to close, and with the fragile situation of pandemic, we educated the community on what to do. We also partnered with the Rouse Foundation and the NAACP to provide information to our communities in the language they could understand and with medical staff who were willing to educate the community.”
A Lifeline for Families
While with LUCC, Gyla’s focus was on the Latin American community. Since 2021, Gyla has worked as the executive director of Carroll County Family Connection, Inc., which serves all families in Carroll County.
“Our primary mission is to unite community partners to collaboratively address the challenges that families and children face, working together to find effective solutions. We function as a partner engagement collaborative.
“Being bilingual allows me to connect with and support everyone effectively,” she says. “Our mission revolves around education, raising awareness about mental health and improving emotional well-being.”
The organization is part of a statewide network dedicated to the health and welfare of families and the community as a whole.
GAFCP (Georgia Family Connection Partnership) empowers communities across 159 counties to create local solutions based on community-driven decisions.
“We’re all about strengthening youth and families,” she explains. “We focus on resilience,
emotional well-being, and building bridges between people.”
The organization partners with other existing groups to increase community awareness, eliminate stigma and support youth and families in ensuring their emotional health.
“The key strength of our collaborative lies in our ability to coordinate efforts among partners to achieve positive outcomes for families,” she shares. “We primarily focus on strengthening youth and families, building community resilience and implementing preventative measures through engagement and education.”
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A Vision for the Future
Gyla credits her parents for being strong role models, teaching her the power of giving back. “I am my mother’s daughter!” she exclaims. “She taught me the value of helping others by leading by example rather than forcing it upon me. As a child, I witnessed how she and my dad supported those around them. Additionally, my faith and education have continually guided me on my journey.
“This journey has shown me that while we can shine individually, our light becomes much brighter when we come together. At night, when you see a firefly (luciérnaga). They always fly in groups, synchronizing their flashes. As human beings, we need to synchronize our efforts in love, because
Please
Help
when we love, we do things right.”
She notes that this time of year is especially meaningful to her because of the many graduations, symbolizing the value of education and how that can propel people toward success.
“My hope is that we can continue to educate ourselves without fear, carrying a humble yet proud heart,” she relates.
“Education is key in this journey we call life, whether it takes place at a local college, university, technical school, workshop or in any class that helps us learn and improve. Having an education and solid principles is essential in life. We should not be afraid to dream, work hard and turn those dreams into reality.
“Let us always remember Marie Curie’s quote: ‘Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.’ We need to grasp this idea and apply it consistently.”
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.
Though deeply integrated into West Georgia life, Gyla remains closely connected to her Nicaraguan roots. Her home is filled with Latin American art. She speaks Spanish daily and finds joy in traditional dishes like Gallo Pinto, which is made of rice and beans.
“I love listening to salsa, boleros and world music,” she shares. “If you visit my home, you'll find art pieces from various places across Latin America, especially from Mexico and Nicaragua. I have had a deep love for Mexico since childhood; its rich culture, music and history hold a special place in my soul.”
She remains passionate about different cultures, not just those from the Latin American community. “I enjoy reading and, since traveling was something I aspired to do, I often explore destinations with my mom through YouTube,” Gyla relates. “I also love languages and have learned French and Italian. Although I don’t use them regularly, I sometimes listen to music or watch films in those languages without translations to keep my skills sharp, just in case I ever need them, but I must admit I am rusty.”
She recalls a touching story about her friend, Kim, who she met after moving to West Georgia. Kim introduced Gyla to grits and taught her different flavors to add to them. “Since then, grits have been my comfort food,” she laughs.
When they met, Gyla sometimes struggled to be understood because of her accent. She also had a difficult time understanding people with a Southern accent. “My dear friend Kim exemplifies when you
educating the community about how it becomes stronger when that understanding exists. Gyla looks forward to a time where cultural differences are embraced as opportunities to grow.
“My dream is that we remember that in this human experience, every action counts, and if love is present, our actions exemplify it. I hope that when we see differences, we are able to see it as an
"I hope that with this story, we get inspired to learn from each other and find ways of understanding and eventually love.” WGW
WEST GEORGIA WOMEN'S EXTRAVAGANZA 2025
Hundreds of women turn out for West Georgia Woman magazine's fifth annual community women's event
In spite of the cold and rainy day, hundreds of women turned out for West Georgia Woman magazine's fifth annual women's extravaganza held Saturday, May 10, 2025. This free community women's event brought women from all over West Georgia and East Alabama together in a fun, interactive and entertaining environment, while helping them learn more about women's health and wellness, female empowerment and educational opportunities, as well as offering
women the opportunity to shop with local vendors, and enjoy valuable fellowship and networking opportunities.
This year's Beauty Bar (free to attendees) included chair and table massages performed by Spa 3:16 and Indulge Salon and Day Spa massage therapists, eyebrow waxing performed by Spa 3:16 estheticians and hand and scalp treatments performed by Bain Beauty Skin Spa estheticians. Auto Gallery Chevrolet GMC sponsored the massage and waxing portion of the Beauty Bar, while Bain Beauty
Jordan Alexis, left, and Sydney Dailey, right, worked tirelessly to prepare for WGWE 2025.
Photos by Andrew Agresta, Agresta Photography
Skin Spa sponsored the hand and scalp treatment portion.
Attendees had an opportunity to participate in sound healing sessions as well as introductory Tai Chi – both sponsored by Tanner Women's Care. Tanner Women's Care also sponsored the Breakfast Bar, which included delicious fruit cups, donuts, pastry bites, coffee and water.
Photo: The Tanner Health team. In addition to being the presenting HEROIC sponsor and our Breakfast Bar/Beverage sponsor, Tanner Women's Care donated some fabulous door prizes, including an Obagi Nu-Derm System, provided by West Georgia Center for Plastic Surgery, a Ready for Summertime package and a Pamper Yourself gift basket, both provided by Tanner Health. Very special thanks to our dear friends and community partners Meri Wade (second from right) and Hannah Keown (far right) with Tanner Marketing for always going above and beyond to help make our event amazing each year!
Sponsors of the event provided multiple swag items for the recycled cotton event tote bags that were given to attendees. We extend heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and vendors for helping us provide this event to women throughout West Georgia and East Alabama.
• Tanner Health, Presenting HEROIC Sponsor / Breakfast Bar and Beverage Sponsor
• Auto Gallery Chevy, GMC, INFLUENTIAL Sponsor / Beauty Bar (massage and eyebrow waxing) Sponsor / Chef Rose Small Bites Sponsor
• Bain Skincare and Spa, INFLUENTIAL Sponsor / Beauty Bar (hand and scalp treatments) Sponsor
• Spa 3:16, INFLUENTIAL Sponsor
• Addison Smith Mechanical, Inc., INFLUENTIAL Sponsor
• West Georgia
Gastroenterology Associates, INFLUENTIAL Sponsor
• Georgia Vision Institute, EMPOWERING Sponsor
• Truffles Vein Specialists, ADVOCATE Sponsor
• Chelle Lamb Mary Kay Sales Director, ADVOCATE Sponsor
• Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley, ADVOCATE Sponsor
• Phillip Hoenig State Farm, ADVOCATE Sponsor
• Avaas Spa and Tan, ADVOCATE Sponsor
• Key Farms Meats and Mercantile, ADVOCATE Sponsor.
All of us at West Georgia Woman look forward to seeing you next year at our sixth annual West Georgia Women's Extravaganza scheduled for May 9, 2026. The link to all the photos is available on our Facebook page @WestGaWoman or scan the QR code on the next page. WGW
Jake from State Farm (right) even stopped by for a cup of coffee and to visit one of our ADVOCATE sponsors, Phillip Hoenig, State Farm Agent (left). Jake is only a cardboard cut-out, but he's still awesome.
Lt. Dan Keever with the Carrollton Police Department provided security for the event, and Zachary Dailey, photographer for West Georgia Woman, helped attendees sign up for their free digital issue.
West Georgia Women's Extravaganza
Several young helpers took care of drawing door prize tickets and announcing the winners with event EMCEE Richard Turnbull. Special thanks to Tanner Health, West Georgia Center for Plastic Surgery, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Warrior Defenders for donating door prizes.
Chef Rose Isaacs handed out homemade seasoning blend packets and lemon blueberry cream cheese pound cake bites, sponsored by Auto Gallery Chevrolet GMC.
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
Cold Brew Coffee Float
“Vanilla
ice cream is classic, but try salted caramel or chocolate for delicious variations.”
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups cold brew coffee
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Chocolate syrup or shaved chocolate for garnish
Preparation
In two tall glasses, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream each.
Slowly pour 3/4 cup cold brew over the ice cream in each glass.
Top with whipped cream and chocolate if desired.
For an adult version: add one shot of bourbon, coffee liqueur or Irish cream to each glass before adding the cold brew.
Serves 2.
Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups canned pineapple cut into 1-inch chunks
1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Wooden skewers
Preparation
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread chicken, pineapple and red onion alternately onto skewers.
Grill over medium-high heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked, the pineapple is caramelized and the onion is slightly charred and tender.
Serve warm with a squeeze of lime and your favorite summer side dishes.
Serves 4.
“Swap out the pineapple with fresh peaches for a Southern flair.”
Holding On and Letting Go:
A Story of Love, Life and Loss
By Patrick Yuran
There are moments in life that split us wide open. Moments that bring everything into sharp clarity. Our priorities, values and capacity to carry what we never imagined we’d have to hold become finely tuned and focused. For us, that moment came in a quiet doctor’s office one spring with the murmur of one phrase that changed everything – you have stage four, incurable cancer. It didn’t just disrupt our lives, it also destroyed the future we had so carefully and intentionally built.
My wife, Marie, is one of those rare souls who brings purpose into every room she enters. She designs and leads professional learning experiences for educators. She creates transformational learning spaces where teachers are seen not just as professionals, but as real people. She believes in building capacity through connection, in fostering growth with dignity. Her work has always been about cultivating courage in others. And now, life was inviting her to cultivate courage in the most personal of ways.
In the beginning, we tried to meet the moment of diagnosis with strength. We leaned on schedules,
data and research. We wanted to be the kind of people who rose quickly, fought hard and held it all together. However, we quickly learned that cancer isn’t something you just power through. Cancer is something you feel your way through, moment by moment, breath by breath. Slowly, over time, we began to realize the real strength we needed wasn’t the kind that makes you tougher, but the kind that keeps you softer. Softness, we discovered, is not weakness. It is the steady strength of staying open when everything in you wants to shut down.
I remember one evening after a particularly hard round of treatment. Marie was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket with papers scattered all over the couch and a computer in her lap. She had been working on one of her many professional learning sessions, creating space for educators to feel safe, empowered and whole. As I watched her, pale and tired but still so deeply present, I realized that her work wasn't just something she did, but who she was – it is her purpose. Even in her most vulnerable moments, she was still leading and building a space of transformation.
Lesson #5: The Gift Of Clarity
However, this time, I noticed the transformation was within her. Together we began to see that resilience isn’t always loud or performative, but it can be quiet and intentional. Sometimes, it looks like letting yourself cry during a staff meeting or saying no to a project you would have once answered with a yes. Sometimes, it means pausing long enough to feel instead of fix.
As Marie leaned into treatment and healing, she didn’t step away from her work, but instead, she allowed it to evolve. She started weaving even more reflection, humanity and rest into her sessions. She invited teachers not just to learn new tools and strategies, but to reconnect with their own stories. She reminded them and herself that being an educator isn’t just about what you deliver, but how you show up to deliver.
Soon we started noticing the small things again. The way the afternoon sun lit up her favorite tree. The way handwritten notes and cards from former colleagues and longtime friends made her smile. The joy we both felt from a hike in the woods. We listened more closely to the silence between the noise. We let beauty in, even in the midst of uncertainty. Marie’s softness didn’t come from giving up, but from giving in as she gave into grace,
MAIDS
presence and the sacredness of each moment.
People often ask how we manage to stay hopeful and positive through it all. The honest answer is that we don’t always. Some days are brutal, but we work hard at staying open. It takes effort to stay focused on our priorities, values and capacity. However, staying focused allows us to receive the gift of clarity. So, if you find yourself in a season of loss, change or limitation, I hope you’ll choose softness over toughness and welcome in the gift of clarity.
Cry if you need to cry. Rest without guilt if you need to rest. Listen without rushing to fix. Lead with your whole heart, even if it’s breaking. Because in that softness there is space for healing, courage and connection, which leads to the gift of clarity.
In the end, this is where the real transformation begins. 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. Photo on page 32 by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography.
Friends for Life
The Benefits of Fostering an Animal in Your Community
By Sandra Bolan
More than 6.5 million dogs and cats are surrendered to shelters every year, but just over 4 million of them are adopted on an annual basis, according to the World Animal Foundation. Roughly 14% of the unadopted animals are euthanized.
Although animal shelters have been around since the 1800s, foster programs for cats and dogs have only emerged in the past few decades. Their purpose is to alleviate some of the stress on shelters – which always seem to be at or above capacity in every jurisdiction around the United States – as well as help aid in animal adoption. When a pet is adopted from the shelter, unfortunately, it's quickly replaced with another animal in need of adoption.
Shelter life for any animal can be stressful and overwhelming, but for some dogs, it has them expressing their stress through excessive barking and jumping, while others curl up in the back corner of their cage and completely shut down. Either way, the dog becomes a challenge to adopt because her true personality isn’t making itself known.
However, by placing dogs and cats in foster homes, their exuberance for life can shine through, thus making them more adoptable.
Studies show foster stays of just one or two nights increase an animal’s chances of being adopted by 14 times. Even taking short field trips – where volunteers and foster families take adoptable dogs out into the community for a few hours – can help pets, making them four times more likely to be adopted. The animals that were studied typically found their forever homes within 10 days of the sleepovers and field trips.
Depending on the health of the animal when it enters the shelter, foster care may be required so the animal can heal from its physical injuries or surgery. Puppies – and even some adult dogs – need to be potty trained and learn how to live in a home. These things can be accomplished in a shelter, but it’s much easier and more effective in a home setting. All of these skills enhance a pet’s adoptability and help the shelter’s staff learn more about the pet, which aids in finding its best forever
Shelter animals aren’t the only ones who benefit from fostering. You, the foster parent, will know that you not only saved the life of the animal currently in your care, but also that of another animal who was able to fill that open spot at the shelter.
Who’s a good candidate to become a foster parent? Anyone who loves animals. Fostering is a great option for people who aren’t yet capable of committing to a long-term relationship and for those who want to adopt but aren’t quite sure what kind of pet would best suit them. Fostering lets you test drive or speed date a variety of pets while preparing them for their forever home.
Many people believe a requirement of fostering is to become an adoptive family if the pet doesn’t find their forever people within a certain amount of time. That’s false. While it could take months or years to find the perfect pairing, there’s no expectation for the foster family to adopt. Most foster situations last
two weeks to a few months, but if the pet isn't a good fit or you reach a point where you can no longer foster, you have the option to return the pet to the shelter. If tight finances are part of why you’re reluctant to adopt, the good news is when you foster, many shelters and rescue organizations pay for a portion of the animal’s food, and they’ll typically pay for any veterinary care the pet may require while in your care.
Fostering gives dogs and cats who were abandoned or abused a second chance at happiness, which is something we all deserve. Our local animal shelters are stretched to their limits and need your help.
Please contact the animal shelter closest to you if you'd like to get involved through adopting, fostering, volunteering or making a monetary or shelter wish list donation, such as food, toys, litter, puppy pads or other supplies. WGW
YOU Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Shelter Animal
Carroll County: 770-214-3590
carrollcountyga.gov/149/Animal-Shelter
Coweta County: 770-254-3735
coweta.ga.us/departments-services/departments-a-e/animal-services/ adoptions
Douglas County: 770-942-5961
douglascountyga.gov/220/Animal-Shelter
Haralson County: 770-646-6622
haralsoncountyga.gov/animal-control.cfm
Heard County: 706-675-3570
heardcountyga.com/animalHome.html
Paulding County: 770-445-1511
paulding.gov/80/Animal-Control
Troup County: 706.298.3606
facebook.com/CityOfLaGrangeAnimalShelter/ Randolph County (Alabama): 256-357-0101 randolphshelter.org
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.
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.
Promising Lineworkers Awarded Carroll EMC Scholarship
In its ongoing commitment to education and training, a core cooperative principle, Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) has awarded four promising future lineworkers with the Lineman School Scholarship. Carroll EMC is proud to recognize Wyatt Farmer, Hanely McCosh, Haydan Richardson and Timothy Skipper as this year’s recipients.
The Lineman School Scholarship, a program that helps recipients take their first steps into the electric utility industry, has a demonstrated track record of kickstarting successful careers with electric cooperatives, municipalities and contractors in the area. Since 2017, nearly 50 individuals have been sponsored through their training.
“It’s important that we prepare this next generation of lineworkers,” said Carroll EMC Vice President of Operations Tommy Cook. “Many in our workforce are reaching the age of retirement, including myself, so we need young men and women who are willing to pursue a career and stick with it. We’re proud to support those who do.”
This year’s recipients, all with a passion for serving their community, have answered that calling.
“This is not just a job to me,” wrote Richardson, a scholarship recipient. “It’s a career and something I plan on retiring from. This is my calling in life.”
To qualify for the scholarship, interested applicants
Cathye Dowda Cota
Wyatt Farmer is a 2025 graduate of Holy Ground Baptist Academy. Photos by Carroll EMC.
Hanley McCosh is a 2025 graduate of Heard County High School.
must live in a home served by Carroll EMC or be an employee, employee’s child or employee’s grandchild. They must also be a graduating senior in good standing or have earned a high school diploma or GED and be drug free with a safe driving record. If these requirements are met, individuals can submit an online application with two letters of recommendation and an essay outlining why they want to pursue this career path. Each qualified applicant must sit down for a panel interview with a scholarship committee.
In addition to the $5,000 scholarship, which may be used to cover the cost of tuition, tools, gear and other program-related expenses, each recipient is assigned a lineman mentor who regularly checks in on their progress.
“Helping students succeed in linework is more than a workforce goal – it’s also an investment in our communities’ future,” added Cook. “We’re excited to see where this journey takes them.”
Interested applicants for next year’s scholarship cycle can call Rolando Benitez at (770) 830-5721 or email rolando.benitez@carrollemc.com for more information or with questions.
GED and ESL Graduates
Recognized at WGTC’s Spring Adult Education Commencement Ceremony
The Adult Education program at West Georgia Technical College celebrated its ESL and GED graduates with a commencement ceremony held Wednesday, May 7, at WGTC’s Callaway Conference Center in LaGrange.
“This is a special occasion for our graduates and their loved ones,” Dean of Adult Education Rebecca Wheeler
said. “Our students have overcome challenges, balanced responsibilities and stayed committed to their goals. We are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished and excited for what lies ahead.”
Executive Director at Addison Smith Mechanical Contractor, Inc., Ron Haynes, delivered the keynote speech, sharing his own journey as a GED graduate and encouraging the graduates to keep learning, growing and challenging themselves.
“There are doors waiting to be opened, jobs to be claimed, degrees to be earned, businesses to be built,” said Haynes. “The road ahead may not be easy – but neither was the one behind you. And you made it through that. You have everything inside you to create a future far greater than your past. Don’t let fear or comparison or doubt rob you of what you’ve earned. You’ve already proven that you can rise. Now go out and thrive.”
214 students earned a GED® or HiSET® diploma or successfully completed the English as a Second Language (ESL) program for the 2024/2025 school year. Seventyfive of those students took part in Wednesday night’s ceremony in front of a packed house of family, friends, and supporters.
Many of these graduates will continue their educational journey as students at WGTC, but one student began that journey even before earning his GED.
While working toward his GED at WGTC, Shaw Orange simultaneously completed the Nurse Aide Accelerated Certificate program, showcasing his commitment to building a better future. His dedication paid off as he proudly walked in WGTC’s GED graduation ceremony on May 7, followed by the college graduation on May 8 – an inspiring back-to-back celebration of hard work and perseverance. Reflecting on his journey and the challenges he overcame, Orange shared words of wisdom for his fellow graduates during his graduation speech.
“To change anything in life all that is required is the courage to step out of your comfort zone as much as possible, the patience to continue loving yourself even when you encounter difficulties, and to never forget that you can achieve anything your heart desires as long as you’re willing to go the distance.”
WGTC President Dr. Julie Post praised Orange’s dedication and determination, highlighting his achievement as an inspiration to others.
“Shaw Orange is a shining example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity,” said Post. “His commitment to pursuing both his GED and a college certificate at the same time is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud to have him as part of the WGTC family.”
For more information about the Adult Education program, including information about free classes and registration dates, visit westgatech.edu/adult-education.
Haydan Richardson is a 2025 graduate of Central High School.
Timothy Skipper is a 2025 graduate of Heard County High School.
WGTC GED and ESL graduates celebrate with the college mascot, Knightro, before the commencement ceremony.
Get More Social
Coping with Loneliness and Social Isolation
By Sandra Bolan
Most people have those days where they lock the doors, turn off the phone, tune out the world and just hang out with the dog. It doesn't mean they are suffering a massive depressive episode; it just means they need to take a time-out from the world. Depending on your personality, you may be able go without communicating with the outside world for days and feel just fine – refreshed, even. However, as people age, spending time alone becomes less of a choice and more a product of circumstance.
A 2023 poll revealed more than one-third (37%) of those surveyed between the ages of 50 and 80 experienced loneliness, while 34% of respondents felt socially isolated.
Many people perceive loneliness and social isolation as interchangeable, but they are vastly
different. The World Health Organization defines loneliness as “pain we feel when our social connections do not meet our needs” and social isolation as “the state of having a smaller number of social contacts, which may contribute to loneliness.” You may have a large circle of friends and a jampacked social calendar, yet, you still feel lonely. On the flip side, you might live a relatively solitary life, but not feel socially isolated.
Humans have always been social creatures. Historically, it was for survival purposes. Today, it’s still about survival, but instead of protecting the group from predators, it’s more about protecting the group's emotional and mental health rather than its physical safety.
Factors that can increase your chances of experiencing social isolation or loneliness include
loss of mobility, visual or hearing impairments, mental health issues, financial struggles, lack of access to transportation, rural living, a major life shift (retirement/divorce/death of a partner) or a geographical change.
People who experience either loneliness or social isolation – at any age – but in particular those over the age of 50, are at higher risk of suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, a weakened immune system, anxiety or depression, as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
How to Stay Connected
• Take care of yourself. Continue to exercise, eat your fruits and vegetables, get eight hours of sleep a night and feed your soul with hobbies and activities that make you happy. Those hobbies may also help you maintain your social connections, especially if you take classes or participate in group activities.
• Choose activities that give you purpose. Volunteer for a cause you feel passionate about or help someone in need, such as a relative, friend, neighbor or someone from your church family.
• Use your electronic devices. Technology doesn’t have to be your nemesis. Use it to
regularly connect with friends and family, either by Zoom, FaceTime, text, email or through regular phone conversations.
• Join Facebook or other social media groups related to your interests. Just remember, social media can’t replace connecting with people in real life for coffee or a lively book club discussion. For some, social media can even exacerbate feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
• Consider moving into a 55+ community. Today’s seniors are active and residential developers are noticing. The American active adult (55+) community is expected to grow by 4% between 2023 and 2030. An active living community is independent living for people over the age of 55 within a closed community that offers a multitude of activities. The residents typically have everything they could want – all within the community.
As we age, our social circle gets smaller and we tend to isolate ourselves from the outside world more. Maintaining your social circle and getting out of the house regularly – even if it’s just to go grocery shopping, taking a walk or going to a local restaurant for your morning cup of coffee – can help stave off the emotional distress that's often associated with loneliness and social isolation. WGW
Kids Korner
By Jordan Dailey
Watermelon Fan
Materials
Green, red and pink construction paper
Hot glue gun or craft glue
Scissors
Popsicle stick
Black permanent marker
Instructions
Cut one green, one pink and one red piece of construction paper into rectangles, about 4-inch-by6-inches each.
Fold each paper back and forth, about half an inch per fold.
The green sheet should be on bottom. Glue the pink sheet to the green sheet and the red sheet to the pink sheet, lining up the folds.
Fold the whole stack in half to find the center, then trim into a triangle shape to resemble a watermelon slice.
Glue the bottom center of the green paper to the popsicle stick.
Draw black seeds on the red paper.
Allow to dry.
Craft photos by Zachary Dailey
Bottle Cap Bugs
Materials
Bottle cap
Construction paper, any colors
Paint, any colors
Paintbrush
Craft glue
Scissors
Yellow pipe stem
Googly eyes
Instructions
Paint the outside of your bottle caps.
Allow to dry.
While the caps are drying, cut two small ovals from the construction paper for each bug's wings.
Cut a two-inch piece off the pipe stem for each bug. Fold each piece in half to make the antennae and bend the ends slightly.
Once the bottle caps are dry, glue two googly eyes to the front of the cap.
Glue the wings to the back of the cap and the antennae to the top, just behind the eyes.
Optional: Glue round magnets inside the bottle caps for cute refrigerator magnets. WGW
Every Heartbeat Matters
Your heart holds your greatest moments — laughter, love, and the ones who matter most. At Tanner Health, we’re here to keep it strong. With expert care and a compassionate touch, we help you keep living, loving and embracing every heartbeat. Because your heart’s story deserves the best care.
