





Photo by Zachary Dailey
September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, and Sept. 17 marks 10 years since my beautiful nephew, Tristan, lost his life to suicide. He would have turned 32 in May. Usually around his birthday, I'll reflect on what could have been. What would he be doing as a career, now? Would he look like his dad, my brother William, did at his age? I miss him so very much. What I would give to just get one of his hugs one last time. Mostly, I'm just sad. Sad that I wasn't where he was that day, so I could have possibly prevented it from happening (survivors of suicide loss often believe they could have controlled the outcome. Although that typically isn't the case, we still try to convince ourselves that we could have done something).
I'm sad that his boys will never have the chance to get to know him personally. My great-nephews were 3 years and 6 weeks old when Tristan died by suicide. I'm sad that he won't be able to play with his own grandchildren one day. I'm sad that he left this world much too soon when he had so many gifts left to give the world.
I don't believe I will ever be able to adequately convey to you the tremendous impact suicide has on the loved ones left behind. Even after all these years, I have guilt, grief and questions. I wish I had known more about suicide and the warning signs back then.
I want you to know you may be able to help save the life of someone in your family, a student, co-worker or a friend just by asking a few simple questions:
• How are you dealing with the things that are happening in your life?
• Do you ever feel like just giving up?
• Are you thinking about hurting yourself?
• Are you thinking about dying or having thoughts about suicide?
• Have you ever tried to hurt yourself or thought about suicide before?
• Do you have a plan? Have you thought about when or how you might do it?
• Do you have weapons or items in your home or around you that you might use to hurt yourself?
Asking someone these questions won't make them do something self-destructive. In fact, giving them an opportunity to talk about their feelings may reduce the risk of them acting on those thoughts, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If your loved one is having thoughts of suicide, don't act shocked, judgmental or tell them to snap out of it.
Be respectful, acknowledge their feelings, encourage them to call or text the free suicide and crisis lifeline at 9-8-8 or text the word, "TALK" to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the crisis text line for free, 24/7, and offer to help them take the necessary steps to seek professional help. Most important, do not leave them alone, and remove all items they may be able to use to hurt themselves.
To find out more about suicide awareness and prevention, please go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at www.afsp.org and help us fight suicide in West Georgia. By educating yourself and others about suicide, you may help save a life one day.
If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, please ask for help. There is always hope, and suicide is preventable. Your life is a beautiful gift to the world, and you matter to others more than you realize. Don't let your beautiful story end here. There are so many people who need you. Please don't ever give up!
Our feature this month is Hiram, Ga., resident Chelle Lamb. Chelle has devoted her life to helping the underdog: victims of domestic violence, senior citizens and people who have lost hope, are marginalized or hurting. She's spent the last 14 years working as a licensed clinical social worker for the Atlanta Veterans Affairs office, where she is now the Suicide Prevention Program Manager. Did I mention she's also one of the kindest, most generous people I've ever met? Chelle is truly a treasure, and I am so proud to know (and love!) her. On page 10, learn more about Chelle and her mission to prevent veteran suicide.
Also inside, Jim Carter, founder of the furniture store Sit 'n Sleep in Carrollton, Ga., his daughter Susan Carter Hirvela and store manager Cody Cash are celebrating the store's 40-year anniversary this year. Please join us in congratulating our friends at Sit 'n Sleep for this remarkable milestone!
Other articles include what to do when you find out your child is the bully, picking out the best Grandparents Day gifts and, of course, Chef Rose Isaacs offers two delicious recipes. We've also included the eighth article of our cancer support series written by Patrick Yuran.
Thank you for reading! We appreciate all of you so very much.
Take care of yourself,
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Volume 10 • Issue 11 September 2025
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Sandra Bolan, Jordan Dailey, Ken Denney, Rose Isaacs and Patrick Yuran
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By Shala Rathke
While some people seem to be born with a knowledge of their purpose and path, most people feel lucky if they discover their purpose somewhere along the way. For Chelle Lamb, Suicide Prevention Manager at the Atlanta Veteran’s Affairs Office, that moment happened during an innocent conversation with her brother as she navigated college.
“My plan was to study pre-med to become a pediatrician because of my love for children, and I started to pursue this at Brooklyn College, but quickly learned this was not my true calling,” Chelle recalls. “My hint was that I loved all the classes that had to do with biology and anatomy, anything to do with people, but not the hard sciences. I always loved math because my father was an engineer, but pre-med was not for me.”
As she worked to find her path, she considered majoring in French to work as an interpreter for the United Nations, but quickly realized she felt no passion for it.
“One day, my middle and closest brother said that I was a good listener and ‘always used to psych us out,’ so why didn’t I do psychology?” she says. “I found my passion. In my last year of college, we moved to Florida, so I finished my bachelor of arts in psychology at the University of South Florida (USFGo Bulls!).”
She worked for several years as a social services director at a couple of nursing homes, and she discovered her true path in social work. After being out of school for a decade, she went back to her alma mater to complete a master’s degree in social work.
At age 56, Chelle Lamb carries her Jamaican roots with pride. Born in the West Indies, she came to the U.S. in 1979 with her mother and two brothers while her eldest brother served in the Air Force. Her dad, the oldest of five children, stayed in Jamaica to care for his ailing father.
“Growing up, my mom was the disciplinarian, and really stressed education,” she remembers. “My dad was the fun one who took us to the movies and the beach, but both stressed the importance of education and modeled for us integrity, work ethic and a never-give-up attitude.”
Her parents’ devotion to education left a lasting mark. Her father, a civil engineer, modeled loyalty and perseverance. Her mother, the middle child of nine kids in her family, worked for the United Nations, developed Jamaica’s first learning centers for low-income families, and later worked as a nurse manager in hospitals in New York before retiring as a home health nurse in Florida.
Chelle carried those lessons with her to Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, one of the nation’s most elite math and science schools. Those lessons stayed with her through college and into her career, helping her stay true to her path and find success along the way.
After graduating with her master’s, Chelle worked in nursing homes and hospice care, experiences that tested her compassion and underscored her resolve to help others.
“I have always had a heart for the underdog,” she relates. “I believe my first inkling was when I came to the U.S. and found myself standing up to the schoolyard bully at a New York public school who was bullying a smaller child for no reason. My second hint was my conversation with my brother who convinced me to study psychology. The next was my conversation with a nurse at one of the nursing homes where I worked who convinced me to go back to school and get my master’s degree. Due to my heart of compassion and not liking to see people suffer, I did not think I would like nursing home care or working in hospice, but looking back, I see it was all preparation for my first job at the VA in the Homeless Program.”
She was required to complete an internship as a graduate student, and her introduction to a career with the VA began a little pragmatically – she followed the money.
“I would love to tell you that it was because my
brother was an Air Force veteran that I chose the VA for my graduate internship, but in all honesty, the VA offered students a small stipend, which I felt could definitely help with expenses,” she laughs. “Little did I know how invaluable this experience would be and led me to the work I do today at the VA.”
Chelle lived in Florida after earning her master’s degree but moved to Georgia when her mother became ill and needed care.
“Although she later became truly ill, I found it was more loneliness and needing someone to be with her,” Chelle says. “In fact, she felt so comfortable she went to Jamaica to care for Dad
for six months while I cared for the house.”
While she was watching the house for her mom, Chelle started working with the Homeless Program at the Atlanta VA office. Chelle has lived in Georgia for 15 years now, still caring for her mom, who is 93.
She worked for six years in the Homeless Program, helping veterans who were navigating housing insecurity, trauma and addiction. Then one of the veterans on her caseload
died by suicide. The loss shook her and ended up changing her career path. She joined the Suicide Prevention Program at the Atlanta VA, where she has worked as a case manager, coordinator and now program manager. In her role, Chelle balances administrative leadership with direct care. She organizes community education events, participates in outreach efforts, oversees daily program operations, manages a caseload of high-risk veterans and trains others through the S.A.V.E. program, which teaches
how to spot warning signs of suicide and intervene.
“Due to the nature of the program, no two days are typically the same,” she relates. “Our team collaborates with partner agencies to provide support and education, as well as to identify and coordinate resources for the veterans in our program. We also participate in community events such as fairs and other outreach activities, where we share information about accessing VA services and the Veteran’s Crisis Line. Furthermore, we organize events like our annual Walk N Roll and Day of Remembrance, where we invite community members, families and veterans to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.”
135 people are affected, like a ripple effect. So suicide does not only affect the person who dies, but everyone who knew that person in some way.”
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, press 1
• Atlanta VA Mental Health Appointments: 404-321-6111, ext. 206026
• TAP (Telephone Assistance Program) Medical Appointments Line: 404-329-2222
• Same-day Access: Available at VA clinics, Willowbrooke at Tanner Urgent Care, 20 Herrell Rd., Ste. 1 in Villa Rica or your local emergency room
The most difficult part of the job, Chelle admits, is when a veteran chooses suicide despite receiving every resource and support available. “As you can imagine, the hardest part of my job is when a veteran has been given every possible resource and even engaged in care and still decides at some point to take his or her life,” she says. “For every person who dies by suicide, statistics show at least
Thankfully, there are many victories to keep her going. “The most rewarding part is when we are able offer support and give hope to those who are considering suicide and see them improve,” she shares.
She recalls a veteran from the homeless program who was losing his sight. Angry and depressed, he felt hopeless and like no one could relate to his situation – until Chelle agreed to wear a device simulating blindness during their first meeting, showing true empathy for his situation.
“He had been given a prosthetic that simulated blindness to help him to begin to use his other senses,” she recalls. “At my first visit with him, he asked me to wear this device. While others may have been cautious as this was the first visit, I felt strangely at ease and put on the device.
“From that day forward, something changed. He looked forward to visits and went on to offer support
to other veterans. He also became the vice president of the Blind Association of Georgia, and he did the White Cane Day at the VA to bring awareness to the stigma associated with being visually impaired. This showed me that one act of kindness can save a life.”
While suicide can strike any family or members of any industry at any time, veterans have a higher instance of suicide and suicide attempts than most groups. Veterans are more likely to attempt suicide than non-veterans, according to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report by the VA. It reports that the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among veterans was nearly 72% higher than that of non-veterans in the U.S. in 2021.
Some notable statistics include:
• The highest rates of suicide were among veteran men ages 18 to 34.
• In 2021, suicide was the 13th leading cause of death among all veterans, falling below issues such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke.
• For veterans in the age groups 18 to 44, suicide was the second leading cause of death, falling just below accident/ unintentional injury.
While the reasons for suicidal ideations among veterans differ, the overlying themes seem to be high exposure to trauma and stress, isolation and
Myth: People who talk about suicide are only seeking attention.
Truth: Those who talk about suicide provide others with an opportunity to intervene.
Myth: Only a trained professional can help.
Truth: Special training is not required. Helping someone feel included and showing genuine, heartfelt support can make a big difference.
loneliness, easy access to guns and difficulties integrating back into the civilian lifestyle. Moral injury also plays a part, according to the VA. This includes being exposed to specific combatrelated experiences, such as participating in or witnessing violence or atrocities.
Chelle counsels a military veteran at the Atlanta VA. In addition to her administrative duties, she manages a caseload of high-risk veterans and trains others through the S.A.V.E. program, which teaches how to spot warning signs of suicide and intervene.
While her VA work is life-saving, Chelle has another mission founded in beauty, confidence and empowerment: a Mary Kay sales director.
“I originally joined Mary Kay for all the benefits of being a consultant, but also I wanted to work with domestic violence victims to make them feel pretty, worthwhile and loved,” she relates. “I also worked with others to make them feel and look their best. I call Mary Kay my makeup ministry, and I especially love working with seniors to make them feel pretty.”
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Other risk factors include not having a college degree upon exiting the military, which may make it harder for the veterans to find post-military employment.
Veterans living in rural areas seem more at risk, as do veterans discharged for disability, disqualification or misconduct.
Being in the military, regardless of participation in wartime, is consistently physically taxing. This often leads to injuries or issues with chronic pain – the rate of severe pain in areas such as the back, neck and jaw was nearly 50% higher among veterans than non-veterans, according to a National Health Interview Study. Chronic pain is a strong risk factor for suicide.
The 2023 VA report underscores the importance of VA care, showing that between 2001 and 2021, there was a substantial reduction in suicide rates for veterans who took advantage of VA care after being diagnosed with mental health or substance abuse disorder, such as depression, PTSD, anxiety and alcohol use disorder, falling from 77.8 per 100,000 people in 2001 to 58.2 per 100,000 in 2021.This highlights how the VA’s outreach is helping and emphasizes the essential nature of the work done by Chelle and her team.
She says the history and purpose of the company drew her in. “Mary Kay Ash originally created this business to give women the same opportunity as men, to be entrepreneurs by owning their own businesses. She built the company on the pillars of God first, family second, and career third. Now, 63 years later, women – and men – are still carrying on the legacy that Mary Kay Ash left for us to follow.”
During a Mary Kay seminar, Chelle walks across the stage after being recognized for achieving Mary Kay's Beauty Consultant Queen’s Court of Personal Sales, meaning she achieved more than $40,000 in personal estimated retail production for the company. Chelle is now a sales director with Pink Legacy, a unit she started. Her team believes strongly in community outreach and charitable events to support domestic violence victims, seniors and cancer patients, with the goal of making them feel loved, cared for and seen.
Chelle especially enjoys sharing Mary Kay with others by participating in community vendor events. “This not only enables me to meet new customers and potential partners, but also connect with other vendors to see what they are doing in the community and services they offer.”
After working as a Mary Kay consultant for a few years, Chelle felt led to mentor women who wanted to make more out of their business. She became a sales director, starting the unit Pink Legacy. Her team believes strongly in community outreach and charitable events to support seniors and cancer patients, with the goal of making them feel loved, cared for and seen.
“In addition, we do an annual MK5K walk in October to raise money for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation in support of domestic violence shelters and cancer research, which were both causes near to the heart of Mary Kay,” she relates.
“We also adopt a grandparent to spread Christmas cheer around the holidays.”
If there’s one message Chelle wants to share, it’s this: suicide is preventable
“Studies show that suicide is no longer just a mental health issue, but a public health issue and is preventable,” she says.
Her advice to veterans and their families? Don’t wait. Reach out. Ask for help. There is no shame in needing support. “The advice I would most give to veterans and families is to seek help,” she emphasizes.
From VA hospitals to makeup parties, Chelle has built a life dedicated to lifting others. And in every life she touches, her legacy grows –not just as a social worker, but as a sister, daughter, mentor and friend. WGW
By Ken Denney
When Jim Carter started his mattress and furniture store 40 years ago, he had already learned a key lesson about retailing: taking care of the customer. That might seem a fundamental lesson for any salesman. But for 11 years, before founding Sit 'n Sleep in Carrollton, when Jim was on the road throughout the South helping retailers sell his products, he found many
of them just weren’t listening. “When I was with the Simmons Company, we had high-powered people; very good retailers tell us how to sell a mattress and what retailers had to do,” he says. “And so we went out and told the retailers – and the retailers heard about half of it and then did about half of that.
“So, for what we were telling them, we were only getting about a 25 percent return.”
Those lessons that the other salesmen weren’t getting were not only the basics – how to display, stock and price the products – but also, how to deal with and help customers.
So when Jim and his late wife Delores started their store on Lake Carroll Boulevard, all of that good experience, the 75 percent that other retailers never absorbed, was put to good use. And the most important of those lessons, Jim explains, is treating everyone who comes into the store – everyone he meets, really – as a customer.
“They’re all customers,” he says. Whether they are in the store, or outside the store; whether they are looking to buy, or just someone he meets on the street, “You have to remind yourself that he's a potential customer. They're all customers.”
Jim retired from the business, which is now run by his daughter
Susan Hirvela and store manager Cody Cash. But Jim still comes into the store to check on things, and his presence is always there – in the easygoing atmosphere of the sales staff, and the calm comfort of a store that sells products people use for relaxation.
The past 40 years has seen major changes in both the furniture industry and the times. Since 1985, when Jim and Delores began what he calls “an experiment to see if we could earn a living,” there’s been a shift from landline phones to cell phones, and from retail sales to online sales. Gas was $1.25 a gallon and leg warmers have since transitioned to yoga pants.
Through it all, Sit 'n Sleep has gone with the flow, weathering national recessions and lean times, even
a pandemic that put a strain on all retailers. The cultural shifts in fashion and tastes have been reflected in the goods they sell, from bold fabric patterns to minimalist, tasteful colors. Despite all these changes, the store has kept its focus on customer service.
That includes fixing other retailers’ mistakes.
“We had one lady call us up when we first went into business and said, 'Do y'all take away old mattresses?'” Jim recalls. "She replied that another company had just delivered a new mattress, but instead of taking away the old mattress the delivery crew had just dumped it on the curb. 'Would you come pick it up?' she asked.
“I said, ‘Yes, ma'am. You're right around the corner.’ So, we picked it up and, you know, four or five years later, she showed up and bought another mattress from us.”
The store services all the products they sell, says Susan, and that means adapting to new technologies
“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”
that go into today’s furniture. Many recliners and recliner sofas use levers and handles to operate, but powered features have become more common, including adjustable lumbar and head rests, not to mention motorized devices to lift customers’ feet from the floor. All of them are serviced after the sale.
Lift chairs are one such technological advancement, and those are very important to the elderly and others with mobility issues. These chairs lift upward and pitch forward, helping the occupants to stand without having to struggle to raise themselves up from a seated position.
During the COVID pandemic, the father and daughter team found themselves being called out at odd hours and times to service the lift chairs. They did so, despite the added requirements of wearing masks and making sure the customers stayed in the back of the house.
And it’s not unusual for the store to go the extra mile to make deliveries.
“We have evolved from selling a lot more mattresses to selling a lot more upholstery, and we've changed some of our major vendors,” Jim explains. “We didn't start out with La-Z-Boy, and it’s one of our big vendors.”
“You have to keep pivoting,” Susan says. “You
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have to keep deciding what's changed in the market and where you need to go.”
While the store can always maintain good relations with customers, there are things out of their control, such as economic pressures that affect global trade and the manufacture of the goods they sell and service. These external pressures affect their business, just like other small businesses in Carrollton and around the country.
“So, when things are in short supply, it's just supply and demand,” Jim relates.
Still, Jim says they have always enjoyed good relations with other mattress and furniture retailers in the area. Even though they are competitors, it is the nature of small-town retailing that other stores will help with supply issues, and Sit 'n Sleep is happy to return the favor.
“There’s plenty of business,” Susan says.
The store has maintained its location at 111 Lake Carroll Boulevard since the beginning, although the original building has been expanded. The added space offers plenty of room for a showroom that rivals those of the larger department stores in Atlanta or other metro cities. Visitors can find a large variety of bedding, as well as adjustable beds and everything for the living room; not only comfortable
recliners and sofas, but also bookcases, tables and ottomans.
And customers don’t have to worry about a modern style clashing with their personal taste. There are a variety of traditional furnishings on hand as well as modern.
“I love being in a small town,” Jim says. “People are related to each other. Even after being in business for years, people will come in and say, ‘Oh, I came in here with my parents and now I’m coming in.’ It’s very nice.” WGW
By Sandra Bolan
Among the worst things a parent can learn about her child is that she's a bully. Once you've been told this about your child, you may simultaneously feel mortified, confused or even deny your “little angel” is a hellraiser. You may go so far as to claim the victim must be lying, and she's the bully.
There are numerous resources available to parents and school administrators regarding how to treat victims of bullying, but there’s very little information out there about how to handle a bully.
Parents believe it’s natural for a child to be respectful toward others, according to pediatric psychologist Natalie Walders Abramson. But she claims aggression is more instinctual, while kindness and respect are learned behaviors.
The purpose behind bullying is to humiliate another person, but the compulsion to do so comes from the bully’s own emotions of shame and insecurity, which is why she’ll typically go after someone who possesses her one character flaw. For
example, a child who’s doing poorly in school may bully the smartest kid in her class. Another reason why children bully is to fit in with a peer group. They either bully to get the group’s attention or because the group is a pack of bullies – they go along to get along. Some kids bully because they were once the target of unwanted taunts and torment, and want to regain a sense of power through tormenting someone else. They may be trying to get the attention of parents, teachers and classmates, when everything else (good grades, athletic achievements, being pretty or thin) has failed.
When adults think of bullies, they tend to assume it’s boys, but girls can be just as mean or meaner. However, how the two genders bully is quite different. Boys tend to use physical intimidation to demean their victims, while girls like to spread rumors and socially exclude their victims.
A bully’s behavior isn’t going to be isolated to one schoolyard incident. When looked at collectively,
there are some clear signs your child is a bully or is likely going to become one, including:
• The child views violence as a good thing.
• She is aggressive toward authority figures –parents, teachers and coaches.
• She feels a need to control situations and people.
• She's hot-tempered, impulsive and gets frustrated easily.
• The child repeatedly breaks the rules and doesn't care about the punishment because she will ignore those, too.
• She's very adept at talking or arguing her way out of everything.
• Your child has no sympathy for a victim of bullying.
• She may have come into possession of money, new clothes or electronics that you didn't buy her, despite her not having a job.
• She's obsessed with her reputation.
When you’re first confronted with the news that your child is a bully, don’t dismiss the claim, and don’t minimize the situation with a “kids will be kids” attitude. It's important that you find out everything you can about the incident first – before freaking out on your child or doling out punishment. If your investigation uncovers that your child is definitely being a bully, find out why she felt the need to bully the person, but don’t let her blame the victim for her actions. Drill down to the real “why.” This may take time and possibly professional counseling to find out the reasons for her behavior.
Once you have discovered the true facts in the case, when it comes to the consequences, they should be swift and related to the incident. The goal is to deter her from being a repeat offender. For example, if she was cyberbullying another child,
that means no access to any electronics for a substantial amount of time. During the grounding period, if she has online schoolwork, sit beside her to ensure she's not sneaking in some internet trolling. If the incident took place on the playing field, bench her, but require her to attend the games. She gets to ride the pine as she watches the game she's missing out on. The consequences of being bullied are well documented and range from victims living a life saddled with self-esteem issues, difficulty trusting anyone, alcohol/drug abuse and suicide ideation. Young bullies who become adult bullies may have issues with making friends and forming healthy relationships. In trying to cope, these child bullies are at a higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, according to stopbullying.gov.
It is vital for your child's well-being to have a trusting and open relationship with you. When she is allowed to speak openly, she can share her problems with you so you can both get to the root of the issue. Also, discipline that is clear and consistent without being too physical or extreme helps her understand bullying is unacceptable, and there will be consequences for her actions. WGW
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
“Great
paired with roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes.”
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken legs dry and season them with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken legs skin-side down until deeply golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic and thyme.
Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
Return the chicken legs to the skillet, skin-side up.
Spoon some of the glaze over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven, and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze has thickened.
Spoon additional glaze over the chicken just before serving.
Serves 4.
1 cup unsalted butter
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 ½ cups peeled, diced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line a 9-inch-by-13-inch pan with parchment, or lightly grease it.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Whisk the brown butter with brown sugar until combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
Fold in the diced apples.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
Serves 8. WGW
“Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.”
By Patrick Yuran
There comes a moment, somewhere in between remembering and moving forward, and loving and letting go, when grace quietly enters the room. It is not the kind of grace that is earned or achieved, but instead the kind that finds you unexpectedly. It wraps itself around your weariness and gently whispers, “You are doing the best you can.” My wife, Marie, has been living with her diagnosis of stage four, non-curable cancer for over two years now, and grace has been a key component of our amazing life together – post diagnosis. Through Marie’s laughter on dark days, presence in the quiet and wisdom in the simple moments, I have learned that grace is often what we need most when the noise settles and we are left alone with our thoughts. She continues to teach me that grace is not something we chase, but something we live.
On our recent trip to St. George’s Island, I remember walking beside Marie on the beach one quiet afternoon. The tide had just rolled out, leaving behind small seashells scattered across the wet sand. The breeze was light, the sky painted in soft
pastels, and the only sound was the rhythmic hush of the waves meeting the shore. We didn’t feel the need to speak. We simply walked in step, in silence, and in peace. That moment didn’t require fixing or explaining, it just was ... and in that space, I learned something about grace. Grace doesn’t always arrive with answers. Sometimes, it shows up as stillness, presence and quiet companionship.
We don’t often talk about the pressure we place on ourselves while navigating seasons of uncertainty. Instead, we compare our journeys to others, wondering whether we’re doing things correctly or moving at the right pace. We sometimes feel guilty when we laugh or experience joy, as if those moments betray the sadness we feel for the things we have lost. Grace reminds us that it is acceptable if today looks different from yesterday and that happiness and sadness can coexist together in the same space. It assures us that we are allowed to laugh without guilt. It gives us permission to rest without feeling lazy or weak. Grace removes the pressure to be perfect and replaces it with an invitation to be human.
One of my favorite moments with Marie happened during our recent beach trip. We spent part of the day just sitting in our chairs on the beach watching the surf crash against the sand and watching the horizon. At one point I turned to her and said, “It feels like time stops here.” She smiled and replied, “Maybe it doesn’t stop, maybe we just finally catch up to it.” That single sentence has stayed with me. I believe it was her way of reminding me that grace is not about doing more but trusting that the moments are enough. She has often said to me that the greatest gift I could ever give her was my time. In that moment, I finally got it.
As we learn to be kinder with ourselves, we are also called to extend that same gentleness to others. Everyone is carrying something unseen. Often, the most compassionate thing we can offer another person is not advice or a solution, but rather our time, presence, patience and compassion. When we offer grace to others, we release the need to control or fix. We learn to sit with people in their season of struggle or growth and just listen. By doing so, we support without judgment and offer one of the most powerful expressions of love that exists – the gift of being accepted just as we are.
There are days when grace feels far away and
we feel tired, frustrated and overwhelmed. In those moments, we try to remember that grace is not something to be achieved but received. Sometimes grace simply looks like pausing to take a deep breath before responding. Sometimes it is a handwritten note sent with no expectation of a reply. It might appear in a quiet walk where tears are welcome. These small acts are not insignificant, as they are grace in motion and quiet offerings from the heart to the soul.
Marie taught me that sometimes the most loving thing you can do is nothing at all – just sit, breathe and hold space with the one you love. She is a collector of special moments. We don’t always need to fix our pain or force a breakthrough. Sometimes, we just need to feel the sun on our face and the sand beneath our feet. WGW
Patrick Yuran is an educator, artist and entrepreneur. He currently serves as the Head of School at Oak Mountain Academy, is the founder and Artistic Director of The REAL Theatre and is the President of PJY Consulting. Photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
As North America’s leading manufacturer of wire and cable solutions, Southwire serves customers in the electrical transmission, distribution and renewable energy markets, which are critical to the re-electrification of America and maintaining the national electric grid, data center infrastructure and, in turn, U.S. national security.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Commerce made several critical decisions around tariffs on aluminum and copper derivative products that are imported into the United States.
"This is a great moment for American manufacturing," says Southwire’s President and CEO, Rich Stinson. "As a company, we are aligned with the administration’s interests to support American manufacturing and American jobs, and we continue to have conversations to make sure any tariffs support these interests.
"We want to thank President Trump and his trade staff, and Rep. Brian Jack (R-GA-03), for their
support in implementing copper and aluminum policies that support Southwire and other U.S. manufacturers. We also would like to thank other Members of Congress who represent Southwire facilities, including Representatives Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02), Mike Rogers (R-AL-03), Austin Scott (RGA-08), and Brett Guthrie. (R-KY-02). These policies recognize American manufacturers like Southwire who would otherwise be significantly disadvantaged to foreign manufacturers of aluminum and copper products.
"As we stand on the brink of an all-electrified future, we are engaging with experts and partners and have invested more than $1.8 billion to ensure the necessary products and solutions are available to meet the demands that lie ahead. Copper, aluminum and other metal products are an integral part of our business as we work toward creating a sustainable future for our families and future generations. It is important to us that any tariffs provide a level playing field in the marketplace and minimize any possible negative impact to our business.
"As it has been throughout our 75-year history, Southwire’s goal is to continue our long-standing commitment to team members and customers by being an extraordinary place to work and supplier of choice for generations to come."
For the latest news and information from Southwire, visit southwire.com/newsroom.
West Georgia's Premier Pro-Life Event is happening the evening of September 18th at Roopville Road Baptist Church in Roopville, Ga. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event Is From 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Don't miss this opportunity to help the Pregnancy
Resource Center serve families in Carroll, Haralson and Heard Counties.
This is a special night filled with heartfelt stories, laughter, delicious food and fellowship. The keynote speaker for this year's event is Pro-Life Comedian Mike Williams. Individual Tickets are $100. Sponsorships are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.pregnancyrc.com/2025fallfundraiser. Visit www.pregnancyrc.com/2025fallsponsor to sponsor.
On Aug. 14, Carroll Tomorrow and the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce announced a leadership transition. Brian Dill will depart the organizations to pursue a new opportunity. In conjunction with this transition, the Executive Committee for Carroll Tomorrow and the Carroll County Chamber has promoted Rhyne Owenby, IOM, to serve as President of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, effective September 1, 2025.
in excellent hands with Rhyne and the team, and I look forward to watching their continued success.”
“I’m honored to serve our members and community in this role,” Owenby said. “Our focus will remain clear: delivering measurable value to businesses, strengthening the talent pipeline and fostering collaborative growth across Carroll County.”
The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven organization that advances a thriving business climate through advocacy, programs and partnerships. The Chamber connects leaders, fosters business growth and supports a vibrant quality of life throughout Carroll County.
Carroll Tomorrow is Carroll County’s public-private economic development organization. In partnership with local governments, educational institutions and the business community, Carroll Tomorrow drives job creation, capital investment and long-term economic prosperity.
For more information on Carroll Tomorrow and the Chamber, please call 770-832-2446.
The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce proudly joined community members and business leaders Aug. 13 to celebrate the newly completed renovations and 10-year anniversary of the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Carrollton, Ga.
The event highlighted the hotel’s decade of service, hospitality and contributions to the local economy. Guests toured the updated facilities, networked and recognized the Courtyard Marriott team for their commitment to excellence.
“Brian has been a valued partner to our business community, and we are grateful for his leadership and service,” said Carroll Tomorrow Board Chair Loy Howard, President/CEO of Tanner Health. “At the same time, we are excited to appoint Rhyne – an experienced, respected leader – to guide the next chapter of growth for the Chamber.”
“Rhyne is deeply connected to our members, investors and civic partners,” added Carroll Chamber Board Chair, Dr. Allison Key, founder of 3:16 Healthcare. “Her track record of execution and relationship-building will ensure continuity for our stakeholders and momentum for the work ahead.”
Brian thanked the boards, staff and partners, noting, “It has been an honor to serve this community. The Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow are
Since opening its doors in 2015, the Courtyard Marriott has welcomed countless visitors to Carrollton, offering high-quality accommodations for both business and leisure travelers.
By Sandra Bolan
When it comes to gift giving, some people are easy to buy for, while others seem impossible to shop for because they either have everything or want nothing. Grandparents typically fall into the tough-to-shopfor category because the last thing they want, and need, is more stuff. In fact, if you ask them, they'll probably tell you they already have the best gift anyone could give them – grandchildren. There are, however, some practical and sentimental gifts the grandparents will love.
Practical gifts most everyone is likely to appreciate could be a pair of comfy slippers or an armchair caddy that holds drinks, snacks, a television remote and their phones.
Many grandparents are retired, which means they’re delving into all the activities they missed out on while raising a family and working.
For the nature lover, there are high-tech bird feeders with a camera inside so viewers can get an up-close look at the birds coming by for a visit. Consider adding a book that identifies birds along with it.
Gardening is a lot tougher than it looks, as there’s a lot of bending, kneeling and yanking involved. Ergonomic garden tools to make weeding, digging and pruning just a little bit easier might be the perfect gift. If you take that route, they’re probably going to need something to hold all of those tools,
such as a garden tote. A knee pad with bars to help them get up and down, along with a wide-brimmed hat and some gardening gloves are all great options. Pickleball is having a moment right now, so why not gift the grandparents a piece of equipment or
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lessons? Pickleball doesn't put as much wear-andtear on the body as tennis, so many middle-aged people and seniors are loving the game.
If there is something your grandparents have always wanted to learn but never had time for, now is the perfect time to give them the gift of learning. Some classes to consider include painting, drawing, clay making, blacksmithing and glassblowing.
Learning new things can be intimidating, but are usually more fun when done with other people, so don't shy away from joining them in the classes. This gives them the best gift of all: the gift of time with loved ones.
Chef-style cooking classes make a great gift, while a custom wood cutting board engraved with the names of their grandchildren is sentimental and useful.
Grandparents typically have one culinary creation everyone begs them to make, along with a multitude of other recipes committed to memory. Have them write the recipes down, collect photos of old family dinners where those meals were served, and get family members to write out their memories associated with those dishes. Then, bind them in a book. It lets your grandparents know all their hard work in the kitchen is appreciated, and it gets all those secret recipes written down so when the grandparents pass on, they’re not lost forever.
Being retired grandparents also means they’ve earned the right to be as indulgent as they want. Subscription boxes make great gifts, especially if you live in a different city, because each month they receive something, it serves as a wonderful reminder of their grandchildren. Popular boxes include wine,
cheese, decadent desserts, candy, coffee, tea, flowers, ice cream, meat, fruit and charcuterie kits.
If they like live theatre, consider purchasing an annual subscription for tickets to the local theatre. There are also boxes curated especially for grandparents, including Grandbox, My Garden Box, The Purpose Therapy Box, Puzzlebilities and Storyworth.
For a grandparent who wants to remain independent but has some physical limitations, there are regular services you can pay for, including lawn maintenance, grocery delivery and house cleaning.
Grandparent gifts don't have to be monetary, either. The most meaningful gifts come from the heart, not a store. If there are young grandchildren in the family, their craft projects are always beloved by grandparents. You can also create personalized puzzles from a photo of all the grandkids or preload a digital photo frame with pictures of the family throughout the decades. Something as simple as having your child draw a special picture or coloring page for Grandma and Grandpa is sure to bring joy to their hearts.
But if you ask the grandparents, the best gift of all will most likely be a visit from their grandchildren –and often. WGW
Materials
Toilet tissue roll, or cut a paper towel roll in half
Construction paper
Googly eyes
Markers
Raffia or yellow paper strips (for the straw hair)
Scissors
Glue
Instructions
Glue raffia or thin yellow paper strips along the top edge of the tissue paper roll for the straw hair.
Cut a hat out of the construction paper and glue to the top of the roll, covering the raffia.
Cut a piece of construction paper for the scarecrow's overalls and glue to the bottom of the tissue roll.
Glue googly eyes underneath the hat.
Decorate as desired.
Materials
Mason jar
Mod Podge or clear glue
Foam brush
Fall leaves (real or fake)
Tealight candle
Instructions
Gather some colorful fall leaves, either pressed or faux.
Take a clean Mason jar and brush a thin layer of Mod Podge or glue over the outside. Apply the leaves, and smooth them down.
Add another light coat of glue on top to seal, and allow to dry until clear.
Place a tea light inside the jar for a cozy autumn glow. WGW
Auto Gallery Chevy GMC in LaGrange, Ga., was recently named as one of 150 car dealerships in the nation – and the only dealership in the state of Georgia – to receive the prestigious Automotive News Best Dealerships To Work For in 2025 for its commitment to take care of its best asset – its employees.
The Best Dealership To Work For program is a survey and awards program that honors new car dealerships that are making their workplaces great. A two-part survey is conducted to get a thorough assessment of each employer. Part 1 consists of an employer assessment where Automotive News captures details about the dealership's policies and practices. Part 2 consists of the employee feedback survey, where it captures employees' opinions about their workplace experience. Employee surveys are conducted via online or paper survey methodologies. Both the employer and employee data sets are combined to determine the best workplaces.
Eligible organizations must enter as a single “rooftop” or “dealership” and not a group or family of dealerships.* In addition, they must be a new car dealership (used car dealerships are not eligible); have at least 15 full- or part-time employees working in the U.S. at a single dealership; have a physical operation in the U.S.; be publicly or privately held; and have been in business for at least one year by the program registration deadline.
*Additional details available online at www.bestdealershipstoworkfor.com.
Whether you’re managing care for your kids, spouse or an aging parent, the Tanner MyChart mobile app puts all their health care in one secure place — so you can stay organized, in control and up to date on everyone’s health.
► eCheck-in: Save time and complete forms before you even walk in.
► View records and lab results: Lab work, visit notes and history — all in one place.
► Message your provider: Ask questions, get answers — fast.
► Request prescription refills: Quick requests, fewer phone calls.
► Pay bills online: No paper. No stress.
► Connected accounts: View your child’s or parent’s health info with permission.
► Get virtual care and E-Visits at Tanner Urgent Care: Get care from anywhere in Georgia or Alabama. Learn more at TannerMyChart.org. Download the app for free.