West Georgia Woman Magazine March 2020

Woman

Complimentary

March 2020

West Georgia

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Denise Burks A Trailblazer for Women

Be Happy!

Five Ways to Choose Happiness Every Day

Renee Keener is Shredding the Competition with Her Company, American Document Securities, Inc.

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Photo by Zachary Dailey

Newnan Fire Department's first female firefighter Battalion Chief Denise Burks makes history.

Page 10.

What’s inside...

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Fired Up

34

Fifth Annual Art Takeover Comes to Carrollton

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Choosing Happiness

36

Celebrate Her Success

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Snack Healthy Healthy,, Lose Weight!

In Every Issue:

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Daily Fare

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Local Happenings

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Womentality

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Kids Korner

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Events 2020 Event 2020

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Saturday, April 25 April 25 Saturday, West Georgia Festival 4 bands 4 ba WestJazz Georgia Jazzfeaturing Festival featuring Friday, May 15 May 15 Friday, REEL at the MILL ToyMILL Story 4 Story 4 REEL at -the - Toy Saturday, June 13 June 13 Saturday, Summer Concert Summer#1 Concert #1 Friday &Friday Saturday, June 26-27 & Saturday, June 26-27 Thomas A. Dorsey Festival Thomas A. Dorsey Festival Saturday, July 25 July 25 Saturday, “Main Street Live” Talent Show “Main Street Live” Talent Show Hosted byHosted Villa Rica’s own Rodown ManRod Man

by Villa Rica’s Saturday, August 8August 8 Saturday, Summer Concert Summer#2 Concert #2 Saturday, August 22 Saturday, August 22 Miss GoldMiss RushGold Pageant Rush Pageant (The Venue, 150 Stone St.)Stone St.) (The Venue, 150 Saturday, September 12 Saturday, September 12 Gold RushGold Festival featuring 4 bands Rush Festival featuring 4 bands Saturday, OctoberOctober 31 Saturday, 31 Thrill at the MILL Thrill at the MILL Saturday, December 5 Saturday, December 5 Christmas on Main Christmas on Main

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Welcome Spring!

Spring is here, and I am ready for consistently warmer weather, with a little less rain!

What are your plans for Spring Break? I plan on taking some time off for a little rest and relaxation. It's been a very busy few months for us! We are excited to announce the publication of our second annual Bridal Guide this month.

Pick up our beautiful guide today or view it online at www.westgeorgiawoman.com.

In This Issue Battalion Chief Denise Burks made history in the City of Newnan as its first female firefighter, and has achieved numerous other firsts during her 32 years of service. After moving through the ranks in the department, her position is second only to Fire Chief Stephen Brown.

Learn more about this inspirational trailblazer for women on page 10.

Do you ever wonder how some people just seem so happy all of the time? Think they don’t have the same challenges in life as we do? Think again. Happy people don't have fewer challenges than the rest of us, they simply practice happy tricks and habits, which, in turn, allow them to have a brighter outlook on life. Learn how you can make Photo by Zachary Dailey happiness a choice on page 23.

Summer is just around the corner, and most of us desire to lose some of those extra pounds we've accumulated during the winter. Did you know that eating the right snacks can help boost weight loss? On page 33, learn what snacks are best to help you stay slim and trim year round.

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Thank you for reading West Georgia Woman magazine! Please support the advertisers in this publication by giving them your business. Without them, there would be no West Georgia Woman. Have a safe and happy spring break!

See you next month!

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Publisher

Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.

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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 advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women!

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We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Contact us: (404) 502-0251 Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com

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Get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Southern Home and Ranch and Food Depot (Maple Street) in Carrollton. We have them at Lee-King and Lee-Goodrum pharmacy locations in Newnan, the Inspiring women wanted.

Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville and Do you know an interesting woman the Vitamin Shoppe in Hiram. Publix at who should be on the cover of West Mirror Lake, in our rack at Piggly Wiggly Georgia Woman? Is there a special in Bowdon and Kroger in Cedartown. project or organization you would CVS in Bowdon and Piggly Wiggly in like us to feature in our magazine?

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Send your upcoming events to: calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com All submissions will be included as space is available. West Georgia Woman reserves the Need to advertise? Email: right to reject or edit any submissions that are Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com or not in compliance with our editorial policy. If Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com you wish to have your submission returned, Call 404.444.9072 or 404.502.0251 please include a self addressed stamped envelope along with your submission.

West Georgia Woman is a monthly pubThe views, opinions, positions or strat- lication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2020. West Georgia egies expressed by the contributing Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, voice. Knowing our value. Making a differpositions or strategies of Angel Media, ence.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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Tristan, right, with his father William.

Mail correspondence to:

West Georgia Woman Magazine P.O. Box 2782 Carrollton, GA 30112

Volume 5 • Issue 5 March 2020

Follow us! @WestGaWoman

This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Charlene Brooks, Janet Flanigan and Rose Isaacs

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Zachary@westgeorgiawoman.com Angela Brooks Dailey, owner and publisher of West Georgia Woman magazine, has lived in West Georgia most of her life and has a deep love and appreciation for the area.

She received her B.B.A in management from The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Ga., and is a Civil and Domestic Relations mediator and arbitrator registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. She lives in Carrollton, and has two wonderful children, Zachary and Sydney Dailey.

Angela enjoys reading, spending time with her children and extended family and loves to watch Sydney play soccer.

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Fired Up

By Janet Flanigan and Angela Dailey Photos by Zachary Dailey

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Newnan Fire Department Battalion Chief Denise Burks Blazes Trail for Women

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P

ublic servants such as firefighters, police and rescue squad EMTs are often considered modern day heroes. Then there are people like City of Newnan Fire Department Battalion Chief Denise Burks who are truly trailblazers for others.

Denise holds the distinctions as the first female firefighter in the City of Newnan, first female fire department driver, first female fire department lieutenant and the first female to make fire department captain. Now, she holds the position as the first female battalion chief for the department.

Before her list of “firsts” began, Denise originally looked to her own family for inspiration.

Strong Role Models “I was born on Jackson Street at the old Newnan Hospital,” she says. “We lived off of Old Carrollton Highway when I was little. I attended Arnco Sargent Elementary, then, I went to the Old Newnan Junior High and on to Central High. All of my extended family lives in Coweta County.”

Her brother, Dennis, lived in Hawaii for many years before coming back home and retiring in Newnan. Dennis' daughter, Lauren, works for the Coweta County Tax Assessor, and is like a daughter to Denise. Lauren and her husband, Jon, have two daughters, Joslyn, 6, and Calla, 18 months.

When Denise was a young girl, her dad, Gerald Bennett, became a volunteer firefighter with the Coweta County Fire Department in Sargent, Ga. "I can remember this was back before they had even built the fire station there," she exclaims. "Our family, and really the entire community, worked on fundraisers to build Coweta County Fire Station 2. My dad and other volunteer firefighters have a plaque in Station 2 honoring them."

During that time, the volunteer firefighters didn't have radios or scanners, and there was not a 911 system or a county fire department. "When there was a fire, the firefighters used a phone tree," she says. "Someone would call the Sheriff’s Department to report the fire. Then, my dad would receive a phone call and he’d gear up and leave for the fire.

My mother would then call the next people on the phone tree and that was how everyone knew about a fire. Our whole family knew when dad went out on a call."

Her father and mother both worked at the Bibb manufacturing plant, Arnco mills, in Coweta County.

He was the manager for cutting, sewing and packing and her mother became the first woman to head up quality control for the entire plant.

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Her father continued to serve as a volunteer firefighter until 1972, when he took a job as plant manager for a textile company, and the family moved to North Carolina. Her mom also continued to work in the textile industry and developed a quality control program for a company with two plants. Through her parents' example, Denise witnessed firsthand how hard work, dedication and teamwork can lead to success in life.

Newnan's First Female Firefighter During her years in North Carolina, Denise completed her schooling and married. That marriage did not work out, and in 1987 she made the decision to move back home to Newnan.

“My extended family was in Newnan, and I was happy to come back,” she says. “The administrative assistant for the City of Newnan Fire Department opened. I applied for it and was very fortunate to be hired. I knew some of the guys at the station from growing up here in Newnan and we were all buddies. The administrative job was a little different back then. My work days were actually split with a half-day in administration with the fire department

City of Newnan Fire Department Battalion Chief Denise Burks.

Photo by Linda Edmonds/Precious Memories

RalphE.E.Fleck, Fleck,Jr., Jr.,M.D. M.D. Ralph JubalR. R.Watts, Watts,M.D. M.D. Jubal GregoryS.S.Slappey, Slappey,M.D. M.D. Gregory AnthonyW. W.Colpini, Colpini,M.D. M.D. Anthony BradG. G.Prybis, Prybis,M.D. M.D. Brad KevinM. M.Charron, Charron,M.D. M.D. Kevin Taylor B. Cates, M.D. Jeffry A. Dressander, M.D. E. Franklin Pence, M.D. Taylor B. Cates, M.D. Ki-HonPence, Lin, M.D. E. Franklin M.D. Shomari A. Ruffin, Ki-Hon Lin, M.D.M.D. BryanA.Kirby, M.D. Shomari Ruffn, M.D. DavidA. A.Scruggs, Scruggs,P.A.-C P.A.-C David MichaelC. C.Gravett, Gravett,P.A.-C P.A.-C Michael AndreaMaxwell, Maxwell,F.N.P. F.N.P. Andrea AlishaSchuchman, Schuchman,N.P.-C N.P.-C Alisha BritniLockwood, Lockwood,P.A.-C P.A.-C Britni 24

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and a half-day for the police department.”

After being in the administrative position for a few months, a firefighter's position opened up – a rare occurrence within the department. “Suddenly, some of the young guys in the station were stopping by my desk telling me I should apply for the job," she says. "I had never in my life considered being a firefighter!”

When a second firefighter left, she received even more encouragement to apply for one of the positions. “At first, I thought 'Are they crazy?'" she relates. "I kept telling them I couldn’t pass the tests.

But the guys kept insisting I could. They all promised to be with me every step of the way, so I began to consider it. My biggest concern – after the physical requirements – was that if I did not get selected as a firefighter, then I would be out of a job. When I was assured by the promise of a job if I needed one the next year, the rest is history.”

A photo of an old newspaper clipping shows Denise and other The young firemen were as good as their word, firefighters on the roof of a burning home. On the ground, and they accompanied Denise daily on workout Captain G. McKenzie. On the roof, left to right: Firefighter A. sessions and running on the track. She also attended Bowden, Firefighter Denise Burks and Firefighter E. Jackson. the stringent classes at the Georgia Fire Academy in Original photo by Steve Hill.

Forsyth County. Founded in 1975, the Georgia Fire personally, they just grew up in an era where male Academy oversees all basic and advanced training and female roles were very different," she says. "I for volunteer and career firefighters in the state. had a job to do, and that's all that mattered."

“Firefighters for the City of Newnan have to Her first house fire call was for a structure fire on undergo 240 hours of training each year to make Reynolds Street. “You always remember your very sure they are still up to the job,” she says. first structure fire,” she says. “They always make a After her rigorous training and physical rookie go into the structure with a more experienced conditioning, Denise passed both the physical and firefighter. You are excited, nervous and scared on testing portions of the exams. In March 1988, she that first fire. It’s a completely new world to you.” became the first female firefighter in Newnan.

She says with any career in the public service In 2017, only 7 percent of firefighters in the U.S. industry, you have to have a passion for the job. were female, and only 4 percent of paid career "Basically, people in these positions have a love firefighters were female, according to the National for their fellow man and want to be of service," she Fire Protection Association. says.

As the "The best part is department's first helping a person on woman firefighter, the worst day of their Denise was life by making things determined to better; you see the hold her own with relief on their faces the rest of the shift when you drive up.” crew, but she says However, not some of the older, everyone who wants more seasoned to be a firefighter is firefighters were perfectly suited for the resistant to her job, even when they being a part of the Denise, in a group photo with members of her first shift. Front row from left: have the passion for team.

Firefighter E. Jackson, Firefighter B. Ross, Firefighter A. Bowden, Firefighter "I understood it K. Johnson. Back row from left: Driver H. Dean, Driver D. Holloway, Firefighter it. Some candidates have issues they didn't was not about me Denise Burks, Captain G. McKenzie.

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consider before applying for the job.

On their first day, firefighters dress out in 50-plus pounds of gear that consists of a hat, coat, boots, pants, breathing apparatus and mask, and they must learn to become comfortable moving about in the cumbersome uniform.

“You may have a passion for the job but have an underlying issue,” she says. “For example, we once had a firefighter on his first day who discovered he had severe claustrophobia after he put on the gear for training.

"This prevented him from being able to fight fires and support his team.

Unfortunately, he had to leave the department.”

Due to the nature of their work, firefighters must be able to rely on and trust each other during extremely challenging circumstances. They must also be capable of remaining calm in every situation.

“I remember one house fire where we had to crawl through thick smoke along the floor,” she says.

“Everywhere we felt, we bumped into a sofa, which was very disorienting. The room had an unusual configuration with four sofas, so it was difficult to

tell where we were. If anyone had panicked, it could have been a bad situation.”

Moving Forward After about eight years, Denise received her first promotion. “With my promotion, I became a driver of the firetruck. I tell you, it is the absolute best job you can have," she exclaims. "Driving the truck is so much fun, but it is also the first step in leadership."

To achieve the status of driver, firefighters must take additional classes on pump service testing, hydraulics, proper pressure settings and driving and operating the complex fire trucks.

After these classes have been completed, the firefighter must achieve the highest score on the promotional exam, which is both in written format and hands-on practical knowledge.

At present, those who are promoted to driver are also promoted to lieutenant simultaneously, but that title wasn't automatically attached to the position when Denise achieved driver status. She had to take a separate test for the lieutenant position and subsequently became the officer in charge of Station 2 in 1996.

Denise continued to distinguish herself within the

”The best part is helping a person on the worst day of their life by making things better; you see the relief on their faces when you drive up.”

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Edie at work in her courtroom.

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department and moved up the ranks. Ultimately, she became the first female captain, and in 2011, she was promoted as the first female battalion chief in Newnan history. After 32 years of service, her position is second only to Fire Chief Stephen Brown.

“It is an incredible honor to be named battalion chief – it is also a huge responsibility,” explains Denise. “There are three battalion chiefs: one each for A Shift, B Shift and C Shift. Each of us is responsible for our 24-hour shift, and I am battalion chief for B Shift. Jeff Patterson is battalion chief for A Shift. Battalion Chief Brian Crawford is in charge of C Shift. Battalion chiefs are responsible for everything in the city during their shift; all statutes, all operations ... basically, the ultimate responsibility with everything lies with you."

As battalion chief, Denise is a highly respected leader who still responds to calls. She consistently encourages scene safety during an emergency – something she will not compromise – but her confidence in her capable team is unwavering.

“While I may go to the scene, all of our firefighters have been training and working – some for up to 20 years," she shares. "They are able to make the right decisions and don’t have to depend on me to tell them what to do. I am there to manage the entire scene, direct overall operations and make sure we are all working together as a cohesive unit."

A Working Family Firefighters have a unique schedule, and most departments work a 24-hour shift on and 48-hours off, about 10 days per month. While they are on duty, the crews live, work and eat together at the fire station. To make this living situation work, they must have some tolerance and flexibility for one another. As it is not a typical work environment, each crew member is expected to pull their own weight and participate in the grocery shopping, cooking for the crew, washing dishes and various other household chores. Each shift has their own pantry

Above: Denise and some of her crew prepare breakfast. While they are on duty, the firefighters live, work and eat together at the fire station. Left to right: Firefighter Chase Taylor, Battalion Chief Denise Burks, Firefighter Dustin Clements, Lieutenant Kevin Parten and Lieutenant Bart Henson.

Left: Firefighters from Stations 1, 3 and 4 enjoy breakfast together. In the background of this photo is one of the Station 1 living areas. Clockwise from left: Battalion Chief Denise Burks, Lieutenant Shannon Brock, Firefighter Keith Kolvig, Firefighter Chase Taylor, Lieutenant Kevin Parten, Lieutenant Bart Henson. Foreground from left: Firefighter Winston Porter, Firefighter Dustin Clements, Lieutenant Vic Kline.

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While she's on duty, Denise's living space is one room that includes a twin bed, a recliner with a TV, a chifforobe and her office space all in one.

of the crew members use their days off as a way to bring in extra income for their families through other work. Some of the firefighters own their own businesses, such as lawncare and landscaping services, and some of them become full-time EMTs, who also work 24-hours on and 48-hours off. With the many films that are being produced in the City of Newnan, one of the firefighters at Station 1 works with the motion picture industry as an on-set EMT. Denise was also the first Newnan firefighter to obtain her paramedic’s license. "About 30 years ago, I decided to get my EMT training and license so I could work on my days off, if I wanted to," she explains. "As an EMT, I have worked in EMS, the local hospital emergency department and in the jail infirmary for the Coweta County Sheriff’s Department. Any extra training and experience like this is always beneficial to your career as a firefighter.”

Although they only work an average of 10 days a month, the days they are on duty can be physically and mentally exhausting. Firefighters do much more than fight fires; working in extremely stressful situations and required to do their job on little or no sleep, they are called out to car accidents and other emergencies.

In fact, they are often the first to respond to the scene of any emergency and are able to provide valuable life saving methods during those early moments before the ambulance arrives.

“We have the equipment, knowledge and personnel to deal with the wide variety of crisis situations that happen on a daily basis,” she says. “A call to the fire department may be for assistance with a person down, a car fire, structure fire or even an explosion, like the Bonnell case.”

The June 2016 Bonnell Aluminum Plant explosion was a steam explosion resulting from a small

and refrigerator that they fill up themselves.

A common misconception is that the city pays for the firefighters' food while they are on duty, but this is not the case. The crew is required to pay for all of their own meals, and the men on her shift particularly enjoy eating the food that Denise prepares from scratch. Although the consensus among the crew is that she is certainly the best cook, there are a couple of other men on her shift who can hold their own in the cooking department as well.

As battalion chief, Denise promotes teamwork and a family atmosphere. She shows concern, not just for the men's work life, but also for their entire families.

Her home fire station, Station 1, has a private bunk space for each crew member, bathrooms and shower facilities, a kitchen and dining area, office space, a workout area with a pool table, and two living areas with recliners and televisions.

While she's on duty, Denise's living space is one room that includes a twin bed, a recliner with a TV, a chifforobe and her office space all in one. While they are working, most of the B Shift spends their free time together in the kitchen and living areas, or in a room that is set up for playing video games. Each crew member is also required to work out at least 45 Denise, visits with the firefighters of Station 2. Left to right: Firefighter Drew Holloway, minutes each day while they are on duty. Firefighter David McKenzie, Battalion Chief Denise Burks, Lieutenant Tim Freeman, Because of their work schedule, many Firefighter Ryan Brodowski, Firefighter Barry Watson.

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amount of molten metal coming into contact with water that, literally, blew a hole in the roof of the building. The blast blew steel and concrete shrapnel and debris across Temple Avenue, and citizens reported feeling the blast from almost a mile away.

Five people were injured, some critically, and the Newnan Fire Department was on the scene, protecting the plant from further danger.

“Bonnell has incredible specialty teams in place, who we coordinated with during the event," she says. "It was a multi-agency effort of the Newnan Fire Department, Newnan Police Department, Coweta County Sheriff’s Department and Coweta County Fire Rescue."

A Heart for Her Community There is no doubt that Denise loves her job and it is at the very core of her being, and her caring extends beyond her fellow firefighters and the citizens they care for during emergency calls.

She has regularly served as a community volunteer teaching CPR to citizens, and she was the first firefighter to become an American Heart Association Instructor in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. She has received three City of Newnan Fire Department “Life Saver Awards” for saving citizens during a cardiac arrest.

In 2018, she worked with two other firefighters, Chris Calhoun and Brad Haralson, to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Michael from southwestern Georgia to the Florida Panhandle. The three teamed up together to create a temporary incident command center inside a mangled condominium where they prepared food, provided water, emergency housing and bug spray, and they offered additional support for those in need.

In September 2019, she was selected by Piedmont Hospital as a "First Friday Hero" for her dedication and service to the City of Newnan’s Fire Department, its citizens and beyond. Piedmont's "First Friday Hero" program is a monthly program

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There are two other community programs that she is particularly proud to be a part of, the "First Responder" program for high school students and the "Buzzly Bee Fire Safety Program,“ for elementary schoolchildren.

"I worked with Kerri Curlee at the West Georgia Technical College Coweta Campus Central Education Center to design the ‘First Responder’ program for high school students,” she says. “The class introduces students to emergency services, and one of the firefighters at the Newnan Fire Department today is a graduate of that program.

When Jay Jones was with the Coweta County Fire Department, there was a student who died in a house fire in the county. After that happened, Jay and I wanted to make sure that every child learned fire safety. We wrote a grant for the ‘Buzzly Bee Fire Safety Program,’ which is available in all of the Coweta County schools from pre-K through 4th grade."

The program contains an interactive video, activity sheets for the kids and a hand out to take home to parents. The lesson plan also allows teachers to count the program as education hours.

In addition to fighting fires, saving lives and educating her community, Denise is also working to help citizens save money. One of her biggest goals is for the City of Newnan to receive the best possible score on its ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating.

An ISO rating is a score that encapsulates how wellequipped your community's fire department is to put out fires. Generally, a lower rating means lower home insurance premiums.

When Denise first became involved, the department had an ISO rating of 4. The city currently has an ISO rating of 2. “Our next goal is to receive a rating of 1, which is the best possible rating," she explains. "It will also help homeowners achieve their best possible home insurance rates."

A New Flame Denise met her husband, Audie, when she was working as an EMT in Newnan hospital's emergency room. “In 2001, one of the girls in the ER asked if I was dating anyone and I said ‘no,'” she shares. “She wanted to set me up with someone. That man is now my husband and we have been married for eight years!”

The couple has a mutual love for music and

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concerts and they enjoy country music especially.

“We love lots of groups and have enjoyed some special shows like George Strait’s last concert at Cowboy Stadium in Texas, the Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Ray Price joint concert as well as Don Henley and Greg Allman," she says. "The recent Eagles ‘Hotel California’ concert in February was absolutely one of the best I have ever seen."

Her love for country music came naturally. Her mother, Phyllis Bennett, was a huge country music fan. In fact, Denise says her mom discovered one of Newnan’s famous country music stars, Doug Stone.

“Mom actually cut three songs for Doug in a recording studio in Atlanta," she says. "That was how he got his first record deal with Sony in Nashville. She guided his career to a Grammy nomination for his first release, and he had 10 number one hits and five top five hits.” During that time, her mother commuted between Charlotte, Nashville and Atlanta juggling her various careers.

Denise was also involved in the music industry through her mother. “I was very fortunate with my career at the fire department because I could combine a vacation day with my scheduled days off and go to Nashville to help mom,” she says. “We also created and ran the Doug Stone booth at Fan Fair, now known as the CMA Music Festival. We had an entire team travel from West Georgia to Nashville

Denise, with her husband, Audie, and their fur baby, Ellie, with the beautiful city of Newnan in the background.

Denise, holds the blue ribbon for "Best Booth Design," with the Doug Stone team at Fan Fair. Fan Fair is now known as the CMA Music Festival.

to work with Doug in the booth. Our booth won “The Best Booth” design for two years!”

Denise and Audie also share a passion for their rescue mutt, Ellie. “Every animal in my adult life has been a rescue,” she relates. “I knew I could not get a job with animal control or an animal shelter because every animal would eventually end up at my house, and I’d be the lady with 17 dogs!”

Ellie showed up out of the blue at Denise's parents' home, and once she and Audie saw the tiny pup, that sealed the deal. They immediately became wrapped around Ellie’s little paw. “She was so small, she crawled into my parent’s back yard where their elderly dog was hanging out,“ she says. "Audie’s mom, Betty Burks, is also in love with Miss Ellie.

When I am on shift and Audie is at work, Ellie spends the day being Miss Betty’s baby."

It is clear that Denise's husband and her family is most important in her life, and this is a philosophy that she consistantly shares with her shift crew.

“I always tell them it is important to give your all to work," she says. "However, you must always put family first. You can’t concentrate on your job if somebody is critically ill at home or in the hospital.”

For Battalion Chief Denise Burks, this woman of many firsts, her family is undeniably the most important "first" of all. WGW

To learn more about Battalion Chief Denise Burks and her work, call 770.253.1851, or you may call the Communications Manager for the City of Newnan, Ashley Copeland at 678.673.5512 Email Chief Burks at dburks@cityofnewnan.org, write to her at 23 Jefferson Street, Newnan, Ga. 30263, or visit the city's website at www.ci.newnan.ga.us 21

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Now accepting sponsors and vendors. Space is limited. Register now to reserve your space.

For more information call 678.664.0521 or email Shannon.Grogan@westgatech.edu

Five Habits You Can Do Now to Increase Your Happiness

H

ave you ever known someone who seems to be perpetually happy? Have you ever wondered what makes them that way? Do they lead a charmed life? Do they have the best of everything?

Nothing bad could ever happen to them, right?

Wrong. Happy people don't have fewer challenges than the rest of us; they simply practice happy tricks and habits, which, in turn, allow them to have a brighter outlook on life.

The good news is that you don't have to be "special" to reap the benefits. Anyone can practice these simple habits to increase feelings of serenity and wellbeing. Happiness is often a choice, and if you make it a habit to practice these every day, you will get that happiness boost you've been seeking.

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1. Simplify your life. Too much of anything can decrease your happiness and create stress.

Get rid of clutter and things you don't need.

If you constantly fill up your calendar with activities, scale those back a bit so you can fit in some quiet time to reflect.

2. Forget about the Joneses. Don't believe everything you see on social media. People usually post only their best moments, which makes it easy to compare how we are feeling on the inside with how those people look on the outside. Realize that we all experience suffering, and we all have our joys and sorrowful moments.

3. Be realistic. You don't necessarily have to think positively all of the time to be happy.

Healthy skepticism can be your friend, but it's important to keep it in balance. For example, think to yourself, "What evidence do I have that (insert whatever situation that is causing you to worry or become anxious) will happen?" Think about other things such as, how likely is it that this will happen, what are the ramifications if it does happen and what skills do I have in place to handle this if the worst scenario were to happen?

4. Enjoy your life. Take time out for fun and laughter. Studies have shown that laughing reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, defends our bodies against respiratory infections, increases alertness, helps improve learning and memory and boosts creativity.

5. Practice taking care of yourself. Exercising, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep are all natural mood boosters. It's also important to develop healthy boundaries; you can be kind without being a doormat. People who are truly happy live meaningful, authentic lives. Be true to who you are and ask yourself, "What do I want in life, and what actions can I take now to move in that direction? WGW

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Daily Fare With

e s o R f e Ch

Photos by Zachary Dailey

26

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.

After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro.

"

Roasted chicken or turkey would make a great addition to this sandwich.

"

Green Grilled Cheese Ingredients 4 slices whole wheat bread 2 tablespoons pesto 1 avocado, sliced

4 slices mozzarella cheese 4 slices fontina cheese 1/4 cup baby spinach 1 tablespoon butter

Preparation Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of pesto on each slice of bread.

Layer sandwiches with 1/4 of the avocado, one slice each of mozzarella and fontina, a few leaves of spinach another slice of both cheeses and 1/4 of avocado.

Top with other side of bread.

Repeat for second sandwich.

Heat a medium-sized skillet to medium-heat.

Melt butter and place both sandwiches in skillet.

Cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side.

Covering with a lid while cooking will help melt the cheese.

Serves 2.

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Guinness Beer Cheese Soup "

This warm and hearty soup is a perfect St. Patrick’s Day meal.

Ingredients

Preparation

3 tablespoons butter

Melt butter in a large stock pot over medium-heat.

SautĂŠ carrots and onions until onions are translucent and carrots have softened.

Add garlic, salt and pepper.

Stir well to combine.

Add flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add chicken stock, beer and milk.

Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Add potatoes and turn heat to medium-low.

Allow potatoes to cook until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.

When potatoes are cooked, add Worcestershire and mustard, then add the cheese in small batches until completely melted.

Serve with bacon and chives Serves 6.

WGW

1 medium onion, diced 1/2 cup carrots, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup flour 2 cups milk

3 cups chicken stock 12 oz Guinness beer

2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon for topping, optional

28 1 teaspoon chopped chives, optional

"

Womentality

Inspiring quotes by extraordinary women “The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also. My drooping hopes came to life again with the flowers.”

– Harriet Ann Jacobs

“I can still bring into my body the joy I felt at seeing the first trillium of spring, which seemed to be telling me, Never give up hope, spring will come. ”

'

'

– Jessica Stern

“Some oldfashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.”

– Laura Ingalls Wilder

“If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.”

– Terri Guillemets

“Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.

Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.

Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.

Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.”

– Yoko Ono

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Local Happenings

West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group

This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840.

Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

Hope For The Journey This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Tracy Stallings Community Center at 118 South White St. in Carrollton.

These events are free to breast cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer.

Learn more at www.hopeforthejourneywestga.org, email execdirector@hopeforthejourneywestga.org or call 770.214.1491.

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Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program

Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the lives of young girls and women. This group meets the third Saturday of each month at Heritage Baptist Church in Douglasville, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

This program is open to all girls ages 7 to 17.

For more information, call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org.

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton.

These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free

weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us.

Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND

Gertrude's House Breast Cancer Support Group This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Lithia Springs Family Chiropractic at 1758 Lee Rd. in Lithia Springs.

This group is open to all survivors, caregivers, supporters, friends, family and those fighting breast cancer.

Visit their Facebook page @GertrudesHouse or email them at GertrudesHouse@yahoo.com.

Proceeds raised during this event will benefit Carroll County CASA’s essential services for children in foster care.

Cancer Support Group at Tabernacle Baptist Church Has your life been impacted by cancer – whether your own or someone you know?

Tabernacle Baptist Church hosts a faith-based cancer support group providing spiritual and emotional support to those diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, those in remission and caregivers.

Meetings run from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Carrollton, Ga. For more information, call 770.832.7063 or visit the website at tabernacle.org.

Carroll County Job Fair Employers in attendance: Southwire – Sugar Foods – Yachiyo – Flowers Baking – Printpack – Systems & Methods, Inc. (SMI) – Janus International – Tanner Health System – Trident Seafoods – University of West Georgia.

This event will take place on Tuesday, March 17 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at 150 Tabernacle Drive, Carrollton, Ga.

IF:CarrollCounty Hosted by Radiant Women’s Ministry at SoHills.

UWG COLISEUM 5:00PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION 6:30PM BUFFET DINNER COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Presentation of the Dan P. Camp Award The Sarner Service Award Live Auction 50/50 Raffle Dancing Entertainment by Norris Dates & Power Surge

Ticket and Sponsorship Purchase available at www.carrollcasa.org/grandnight Limited seating – reservations required

770.838.1964 31

This event will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Station, 2115 Maple Street, in Carrollton. The cost is $5 to attend.

Register by March 22 at sohillscc.com/ifgathering

Domestic Abuse Support Group There is Hope is a support group for women dealing with, or who have dealt with domestic abuse.

Through There is Hope, women will come together and share their personal journey, while listening to others share theirs as well.

There will be guidance for help and resources available at each meeting. Meetings are free to attend. This group will meet the second Wednesday of every month. The meetings are free to the public.

Group meetings will be held at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton in classroom 4 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The next meetings will be held on March 11, April 15 and May 13.

Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information.

Circles of West Georgia Needs Ally Volunteers Circles of West Georgia is a chapter of a national organization, Circles USA. Our mission is to inspire and equip families and communities to resolve poverty and thrive.

Ally volunteers are matched with participants who are enrolled in a training program to move toward financial self-sufficiency. The role of a Circles Ally is to provide a supportive relationship as their match works on their individual goals.

Allies are asked to attend two evening meetings per month and dinner is provided at every meeting.

There is no financial commitment required.

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770.832.7076

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Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

Children are welcome to attend and participate in the children’s program.

Training begins March 24 at 306 Bradley St. in Carrollton. For more information, call 678.416.1122.

Women of West Central Georgia Luncheon Resource Exchange Consulting Group is presenting this luncheon to honor West Central Georgia female business owners.

This event will be held on Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Del'avant Event Center, 141 Main St., LaGrange, Ga. Keynote speaker will be Corrine Hodges, CEO of the Association of Women's Business Centers in Washington, D.C. This program will celebrate the successes of women who currently own businesses and seek to inspire other passionate women to open businesses.

Educational resources will be provided for aspiring business owners with the support of LiftFund, USDA, SBA, SCORE and ACE. These organizations will provide information and meet with attendees on a one-on-one basis.

The cost is $45 to attend.

Follow Resource Exchange Consulting Group on Facebook for more information or call 706.573.6826.

Visit www.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Ladies Night Out Spring Fashion Show Ladies Night Out is a spring fashion show benefiting Partners Advancing Student Success (PASS) supporting at-risk students in Carrollton and Carroll County.

This ladies-only event will be held on Friday, March 6 at 6 p.m. at The Bradley Street Train Depot, 455 Bradley St. in Carrollton.

The event will feature boutiques from all over Carroll County, a pre-show cocktail hour, complimentary drinks and food, a red carpet photo opportunity, tuxedo clad servers and more with a "Sip and Shop" before and after the fashion show.

General admission tickets are $100, VIP Admission tickets (includes commemoratve wine glass, a "Ladies Night Out" swag bag and a VIP after show, "Silent Disco.") are $125.

Must be 21 years or older to attend. Sponsorships are also available. For more information visit www.passwestga.org/ladies-night-out or email patty@omnicall.com.

Snack Healthy, Lose Weight!

C

hoosing healthy, whole-food snacks packed with nutrients and protein can be integral to losing weight when food cravings hit.

Keep these nutritious and healthy options within your reach to help control your appetite and assist with weight loss. Always consult with your primary care physician before beginning any diet program.

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Subscribe to our free digital issue and have it sent to your inbox each month. www.westgeorgiawoman.com

• Hard-boiled eggs. Eggs are one of the best foods you can eat for weight loss. They are packed with protein and vitamins B12 and K2. Given a bad rap for years due to their cholesterol content, recent studies have shown that a moderate intake of eggs does not have an effect on the risk for heart disease.

• Beef jerky. This is a fabulous snack that is high in protein. However, it's important to choose jerky that isn't loaded with preservatives, sugar and questionable ingredients. Buy beef jerky that is made from grass-fed beef instead of grain-fed beef, as the grass-fed variety contains healthier omega-3 acids than its counterpart, and purchase jerky that doesn't have an abundance of added ingredients.

• Turkey roll-ups. Turkey is a quality protein snack that helps you burn more calories during the digestive process, preserves muscle mass and helps satisfy hunger longer. Place one cucumber or a pickle strip on a slice of turkey breast with one teaspoon of cream cheese for a delicious snack packed with protein. Four of these roll-ups are only 180 calories and contain around 20 grams of protein.

• Fruit. Choosing a healthy snack doesn't have to be complicated. A single piece of fruit such as an apple, banana, orange, grapefruit or strawberries can be amazingly satisfying.

• Mixed nuts. Although nuts do have a higher fat content, they keep you full for longer.

They also provide the perfect balance of fiber, healthy fats and protein. Numerous studies have shown that a moderate intake of nuts can help with weight loss, may reduce the risk of heart disease and can help with the prevention of depression, some types of cancers and other diseases.

• Greek yogurt with berries. Greek yogurt is a wonderful source of potassium, calcium and protein. Pair it with antioxidant-rich mixed berries for a delicious snack that's packed with nutrients. WGW

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2 0 2 0

34Takeover photos courtesy of the City of Carrollton.

Art

C

arrollton's fifth annual Art Takeover is a collaboration between the Carrollton Center for the Arts, Carrollton Main Street and the University of West Georgia School of the Arts. More than 25 private businesses host local visual artists and musicians as participants take a stroll on and around Adamson Square. A concert with performer, Tyler Lyle, will cap off the evening's festivities.

“An artist’s work is not created in a vacuum,” says Carrollton Arts Superintendent, Tim Chapman.

“It reflects their view of the world that surrounds them. Art Takeover is an opportunity for our local artists to showcase their work in the community that inspired it.”

Michael and Andrea Stone's vision for this event began in 2016 and has led to its success today. Michael, local business owner of Milestone Investment Management LLC, wanted to promote businesses in the Downtown Carrollton Main Street program.

Andrea is a retired art educator who wanted to engage and connect local Carrollton Artist Guild members and artists from the University of West Georgia.

Experience an altogether artistic evening while you meet the artists and enjoy local art, dinner, shopping and entertainment on March 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. WGW

On May 6, 2019, Michael and Andrea Stone received Resolution 11-2019 declaring the last Thursday in March of each year to be recognized as “Art Takeover Day” in the City of Carrollton.The Stones' vision for this event began in 2016 and has led to its success today. Photo by Zachary Dailey.

35

Celebrate

36 by Zachary Dailey Photos

HER SUCCESS

R

unning a business is a challenge under any circumstance, but excelling in a predominantly male industry takes a woman with serious grit. Renee Keener has an abundance of that, which is reflected in the success Now with TWO locations! of her growing business, American Document Securities, Inc. 302 A Newnan St Carrollton, GA Born in Rome, Ga., and raised in Rockmart, Ga., (678) 390-6580 Renee grew up learning a powerful work ethic from her father, who was a Goodyear engineer. She started her first business, Windy Hill Farms, in 1984.

This 30-acre farm, where Renee currently resides in Carrollton, raised and boarded horses, and she offered riding lessons. and more!

In 1990, Renee started her second business business venture, MontCo., Inc, with her then211 Gordon St husband. With one location in Georgia and one in Bremen, GA Texas, she spent two decades as vice president and (770) 537-1236 owner of the company, working to make sure both locations ran as seamlessly as possible. MontCo Inc., was a label converting business and worked with some large corporate clients such as 3M and Green Bay Packaging.

She says after her extremely difficult divorce in and more!

1994, a recession hit the U.S. in 1999, and MontCo’s client base slowly started to dwindle as many could www.spa316.us no longer afford the services or found it more costeffective to bring the services in-house. The location management company offering shredding, storage, imaging and software services for paper and in Carrollton was the first of MontCo’s closings, electronic documents. and she began researching new ways to fulfill her entrepreneurial spirit. MontCo’s existence in Texas lingered on until 2011 and was finally closed.

Getting Started A friend recommended Renee investigate the With just two employees in the beginning, Renee shredding business, and after a couple of years knew she would be in the trenches for a while of research and planning, American Document getting the business Securities, Inc. up and going strong. became official on She flew one-way to Sept. 11, 2001.

Pittsburgh to drive She decided on the first truck home, the name of the specially equipped with company because an on-board mobile of the official date shredder. It was a 26it was born – a day foot, 10-speed box now synonymous truck. with patriotism and “The owner of the remembrance. ADS equipment company, is AAA Certified John Wagner, was with the National horrified that I didn’t Association of have a man with me or Information a gun to protect myself, Destruction Renee purchased her first truck in Pittsburgh and drove it home herself. so he went inside the (NAID) and is a She now owns seven box trucks and three work vans. Inset: Renee with factory and found a certified records her first truck. Photos courtesy of Renee Keener.

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Renee stands beside the ADS paper baler. The baler gathers and compresses the shredded materials, then binds them into large bales.

ADS became the first company to become an approved vendor to work off-site for the Georgia Crime and Information Center (GCIC), controlled by the GBI. This took more than a year of work on Renee’s part, but she’s proud of the close relationship she has developed with law enforcement across the state. All of Renee's employees must be approved by the GBI for employment.

Renee also went through the rigorous process of becoming both a Certified Woman Owned Business (WBENC) and a Certified SBA Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), titles she has maintained since 2004. The certification through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is especially taxing.

“WBENC is a process that never ends. You have to renew every year and show them your first-born children,” Renee jokes. “It’s a major process and expensive. Initially, it takes three to four months to just gather the information for the application.”

The effort was worth it, though, as it helped Renee earn additional business, including Southwire and King & Spalding, LLP. King & Spalding is an international corporate law firm that is headquartered in Atlanta. The firm has more than 1,100 attorneys in 21 offices globally and helps leading companies advance complex business interests in over 160 countries.

very heavy and long piece of steel and instructed me to use it if I needed to,” Renee laughingly remembers. Seventeen hours later, she got it This savvy businesswoman home. has earned some powerful She drove the truck around Atlanta for a year and a half until she was comfortable clients, including the GBI, enough with the success of the business to GCIC and all Georgia state hire drivers. Although she had two employees government departments, already, one was too short and the other one from the governor’s office had never learned to drive a clutch. So when to the State Department it came time to expand and use other drivers so Renee could focus on sales, she hired local of Transportation to the firefighters in their off-duty time.

Department of Family and

Growing Strong

Children Services.

With her powerful sales skills and business savvy, Renee has built ADS from two employees to 28. Early on, she saw the trend of paper documentation moving toward electronic documentation, and she quickly moved to add electronic document services, such as storage, archiving and scanning, to ADS’s offerings.

She has earned some powerful clients, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

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One bale of paper weighs about 1,300 pounds, and 30 bales make a truckload of around 40,000 pounds, or 20 tons. ADS ships about 2 to 3 truckloads per week to the paper mill. Once the bales reach the mill, the paper is recycled into paper tissue, towels and the like.

Paper recycling allows us to save both resources and energy. For every ton of paper recycled, we save 17 trees, 463 gallons of oil and 7,000 gallons of water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If Renee ships only 2 truckloads to the mill each week, her business saves the earth approximately 35,360 trees, 963,040 gallons of oil and 14,560,000 gallons of water in one year. (Figures based on 2, 20-ton truckloads per week for 52 weeks.)

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She also won a major contract in 2017 through the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), to service all Georgia state government departments, from the governor’s office to the State Department of Transportation to the Department of Family and Children Services.

“I had to work on that request for proposal for about a year,” she explains. “There was a lot of competition. They had divided the state into five different sections, and after much prayer, I received a contract for all five, which requires me to use subcontractors in South Georgia and northeast Georgia.”

Her most recent business venture took place four years ago, with the creation of Med Dog Waste Management, a bio-medical waste company.

"Med Dog surprisingly coexists very well with the same customer base as ADS, as we service numerous medical companies in Georgia," she explains.

Schedule your visit today.

Looking Back

222 Cross Plains Rd. Carrollton, GA 30116 770.834.6651 www.oakmountain.us

This year marks 19 years that Renee has run ADS. While she still handles the major contracts, she has a salesperson who has helped her for the past five

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years. “I did all the sales myself for the “It is really a man’s world unless you can talk shop about diesel trucks and equipment. Most women dream of first few years, and if I could change anything about this business, it would be diamonds and pearls, but I don’t. I want good equipment for my employees as they really work hard all day.” hiring a salesperson sooner,” she says.

Her salesperson has lifted much of the load off of her shoulders so Renee can concentrate on gaining and maintaining major contracts for the business.

She also realizes that her past companies helped her become a stronger businesswoman today. “My prior experience with the paper business as well as my horse farm duties with tractors and hay balers helped me prepare for this business,” she explains.

“It is really a man’s world unless you can talk shop about diesel trucks and equipment. Most women dream of diamonds and pearls, but I don’t. I want day-to-day necessities. However, Renee makes it a good equipment for my employees as they really priority to give back. “Carrollton is one of the best work hard all day.” places in our state to live because of the people who live here,” she explains. “We have a unique group who have enormous generous hearts which is Giving Back unmatched.”

With the rigorous schedule required as a small Because of her love of the community, she gives business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the back in part by donating her time to the Carrollton

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Honoring the Customs and Traditions of the Communities Where We Live and Serve.

41

Renee, with her best friend, Nikk.

Dawnbreakers Rotary. “I’ve been a member since 2001; served as secretary and president,” Renee relates. “It’s been a journey all of these years to be in that club, and I’ve learned a lot from the members and I have made lifelong friends.”

Renee serves as president on the board of directors for Fearless 271 Ministries, whose mission is “To share the light, strength and hope in us, through love, encouragement and service to all women.”

Good friends, Paula and Robert Bodi, created the ministry a few years ago in honor of their daughter, Rachel’s untimely passing.

“My Rotary family is very important to me as well as my work with Fearless 271 Ministries,” she says.

“Fearless is a 501C3 non-profit ministry that began covering women and now has encompassed men, youth and a prison ministry. My faith in Christ is very important to me.” She attends Midway Macedonia Baptist Church in Villa Rica, where she participates in the life groups it offers.

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She has served in several board positions for the New Hope Boys Home, as well as two terms as director for NAID. She has previously served on the board of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2006 and the Horizon Award in 2007.

She finds time to recharge herself with biking, hiking, traveling and spending time with her Australian Shepherd Keiffer, named after Renee’s dressage saddle — a brand of saddle made in Germany, and a short-haired 25-lb feist dog named Fancy. She still mourns the loss of her best friend, Nikk, a thoroughbred horse she raised from birth who died June 4, 2018, at the age of 31. “He was a lifelong love,” she shares.

Renee doesn't have any children, but adores those two pups she calls her “furry humans.” “I thought I didn’t want children when I was younger,” she shares. "I was too busy, and then I never remarried after my divorce in 1994. I’m actually happy. My sister, Janet, and I didn’t have the best

relationship with our mother, and I just didn’t want to repeat that cycle.”

The Pros and Cons Renee looks forward to helping the same great customers and continuing to add new ones. To her, it’s also a neverending task to meet the needs of her employees.

“My biggest challenge is making all of my employees happy – which is almost impossible most of the time, but I try,” she says.

She reflects on her decades as a business owner, admitting there are pros and cons to running a small business. “The best and least mesh together as an entrepreneur,” she relates. ”If you are good at what you do, you live and breathe the business all day – which has its advantages and disadvantages. It is true that women have to work harder and longer to become recognized. Most people think you sit around at home all day and eat bon bons, but you have to love what you do, or you’re in trouble.”

Renee believes in the power of tenacity, grit and determination, as well as the importance of a strong reputation, to lead her to success.

“You don’t ever really think you’ve reached a

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Renee with her babies. Right, her Australian Shepherd, Keiffer, and left, her feist dog, Fancy.

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Kids Korner

Lucky Leprechaun Hat Craft

S

t. Patrick's Day is on March 17. This colorful leprechaun hat is a fun and easy craft for kids to make on a rainy day.

Encourage imaginative free play with this super easy to make leprechaun stick puppet. Your kids can make several of these puppets and put on a show for mom and dad, grandparents or their friends. Try using yarn for hair if they are interested in creating some female leprechauns!

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By Charlene Brooks Photos by Zachary Dailey

Materials Aluminum cake pan or similar aluminum pan Green paint Paint brush Scissors Glue Black and yellow felt Green pom poms Instructions Paint the outer part of the cake pan green and allow to dry. This may require two coats. Try adding a small amount of glue to the paint to help it adhere to the pan.

Glue the pom poms to the top of the pan in the center.

Cut a long strip of black felt to fit around the pan.

Cut out a square from the yellow felt.

Fold the yellow square in half and cut two slits in the felt leaving about two inches between the slits.

Slide the strip of black felt through the yellow square.

Glue the completed strip of felt around the pan.

Leprechaun Stick Puppet

Materials

Large wooden craft stick Yellow or orange cupcake liner Yellow, green and black construction paper Heavy white or tan cardstock paper or a manila folder Googly eyes Markers

Instructions

Glue

Cut a 3-inch circular shape out of the cardstock paper or manila folder.

Glue the circle to the cupcake liner.

Cut the hat-shape out of the green construction paper.

Cut the trim for the hat and the buckle out of the black and yellow construction paper.

Glue the googly eyes to the face and, using your markers, draw the rest of the face.

Glue the craft stick to the back leaving half of the stick as a handle. WGW

Scissors

“Life is Beautiful, So Let’s Capture it.”

– Zachary Dailey

Dailey Life Photography @DaileyLifePhoto

404.444.9072

www.daileylifephoto.wordpress.com

@DaileyLifePhotography

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Happy St. Patrick's Day Word Search

Word Bank

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Bagpipes Celebration Lucky Beer Green March Buckle Holiday Good Fortune Irishwoman Kiss Shamrock Blarney Stone Dancing Saint Patrick Rainbow Parades Hat Gold Ireland

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

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When it comes to your colonoscopy,

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Skip pre-procedure appointments with a doctor and schedule your colonoscopy with one call.

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Colonoscopy is a life-saving screening that most people begin receiving at age 50. It allows doctors to find the earliest signs of cancer in the colon — and even remove precancerous polyps that can grow into cancer.

Learn more at tanner.org/direct-access.

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