West Georgia Woman Magazine January 2017

Woman

Complimentary

January 2017

West Georgia TM

“ Dorothy “

Extra Holiday Pounds?

Steps You Ca n Take to Mai ntai n a Healthy Weig ht

Dot Padgett

A Voice for Women, and a President 1

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This publication is dedicated in loving memory of

Tristan Alexander Brooks

May 15, 1993 - September 1 7, 2015

He will remain forever in our hearts...

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Changing our Name, Not our Focus

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What’s inside...

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Working for Peanuts

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The Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer

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Are You Eating for Recreation or for Nutrition?

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Too Fat? Too Thin? Let's Work on Good Health

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New Year, New You: Thinking Outside the Box

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Local Happenings

In Every Issue:

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32

Daily Fare

49

Womentality

40

Celebrate Her Success

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New Year, New You

The cold weather is here, and I've been dreading this season for a few months now. Honestly, I am not a big fan of winter. Logically, I understand we need the cold and all the nasty ice and snow to kill off all of the bad bugs and things, but I am the type of person who could easily stay inside my home, (if only I could hibernate like a bear) and never leave for the two or three months of really cold winter we usually experience in this area. Oh, well, I'll have to suck it up and live with it, I suppose. I hope to be thawed out

by May. Have you made any resolutions this year? I haven't yet. Maybe I need to resolve to carve enough time out of my heavy workload to make some resolutions, but I can tell you that's not looking too promising, either. All joking aside, I do have some ideas about some things I need to change in 2017: 1. Carve out at least one hour a week from my schedule to read one of the many books my friend Dr. Fred Richards gave me in 2016 that I haven't had time to read yet. I just love Fred. He never gives up on encouraging me to take some time for myself. Fred, I promise I'm going to try this year. 2. Put my phone or computer down when someone I love is talking to me so I can be fully present and attentive with them, even if I am working with a tight deadline. Gosh, I hope I can (will) do this. 3. Take charge of my own happiness and work through some difficult changes that need to be made in my life. Whew! Scary things, these resolutions. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Thank you for reading! Please don't forget to stop in and do business with our valuable advertisers who support West Georgia Woman every month. If you can't visit them personally, please give them a call and tell them thanks for supporting the magazine.

In This Issue This month's feature is Dorothy "Dot" Padgett. When I sat down with Dot for her photo shoot, her lovely, deep Southern drawl and her stories about being a progressive woman in the 1970s were captivating. I could have listened to her for hours. I hope one day I'll get to hear some more of the wonderful stories of her life. Read about Dot and her march through the United States with Jimmy Carter and the Peanut Brigade on page 10.

We also featured the beautiful Bretha Bryan, owner of A+ Size Consignment Boutique in Carrollton, Ga. Bretha has been helping plus-sized ladies look fabulous for over five years in West Georgia.

Ms. Bretha is someone who is very dear to my heart, along with her mother-in-law, Mary Bryan. When the first issue of West Georgia Woman magazine published last year, they both embraced and supported the magazine by handing out copies and spreading the word to those who may not have heard about it, and I had never met them before. They still hand out so many of the magazines to women in our community, and Ms. Bretha has one of the magazine racks in her store. I wish I had more room in this letter to tell you about how wonderful, kind, caring and supportive Ms. Bretha and Ms. Mary are. Please read about Ms. Bretha and celebrate her success on page 40.

Eddie Gore, Board Director of Carroll EMC, one of our valuable advertisers, and two of our other valuable advertisers, Fred O'Neal, with Edward Jones, and Marc Morin, with West Georgia Urology, were honored with some wonderful awards recently. Their service to our communities goes far beyond supporting West Georgia Woman magazine! Please read about their achievements on page 56 in our "Local Happenings" section.

If you've made some resolutions and you're already feeling the temptation to break them, well, don't beat yourself up. Instead, read Cheryl Francis' article on page 26. She explains how to start the new year off right with some very smart and achievable goals. Please don't forget to take some time to take care of yourself this year. See you next time.

Happy New Year,

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Publisher

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

TM

West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia.

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Volume 2 • Issue 3 January 2017

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sales@westgeorgiawoman.com Angela Brooks Dailey, 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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Photos by Keith May 10

Working for Peanuts One Woman's Journey Into Politics

By Shala Hainer

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T

he 1970s were full of disco, bell bottoms and a noticeable increase in women in the workforce. Women were enjoying more responsibility after the hard work of the feminist movement in the 1960s, but many doors were still closed to them.

Women like Dorothy “Dot” Padgett helped pave the way for women in the younger generations to reach for the stars and find success in careers of their choice, not just careers considered suitable.

Dot raised a family of four children, supported her husband’s career as a banker, and volunteered in all the right ways, such as in the PTA and as a Sunday school teacher.

But Dot didn’t let gender roles stand in her way.

When she was asked to help with Jimmy Carter’s campaigns, she used her strong leadership abilities to turn relatively small campaign budgets into successful campaigns.

“All the things I learned as a mother of four children and a wife of a young man making his mark in the banking industry taught me how to handle the frenzied life after I met Jimmy,” Dot says. “I had learned discipline, determination, how to negotiate, navigate, participate and delegate.”

Dot started practicing her leadership skills at an

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early age. “When I was growing up, at 7 or 8 years of age, my playmates would say, ‘Here comes Dot! She will tell us what to do,’” Dot remembers. “I had a talent for organizing. As a teenager, I always had a job. I worked at the Five and Dime store and at the drug store behind the soda fountain. This is a job all teenage girls wanted to have. Being independent was in my blood.”

The Peanut Brigade When Mr. Carter decided to run for president, he did so with a very limited campaign budget. To reach the voters, Dot headed the Peanut Brigade, which was a group of Jimmy’s friends and supporters who traveled the country, knocking on doors, visiting factories, and telling everyone they could about Jimmy Carter.

This organized group functioned as a well-oiled machine, working on little sleep but tons of fervor.

Under Dot’s leadership, the Peanut Brigade worked on creative ways to get attention for the future president and encourage voters to choose him on election day.

“There was a special event called Cattle for Carter,” Dot recalls. “These trucks would cross the country, starting in Texas, and people would donate a cow and put it on these trucks with big Carter signs. It ended at a beautiful farm near Warm Springs, Ga. We were having an auction on Saturday, and on Friday people were beginning to come in. The hostess worried about where everybody was going to sleep, so our crew said they would sleep in the barn. It was a nice and clean, goodsmelling barn.

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“We were only going to be able to sleep a couple of hours anyway because we had to be up bright and early handing out brochures.”

A different campaign committee focused more on female voters. In 1976, 51.3 percent of the registered voters were women. The 51.3 committee wanted women to realize that their votes could make a difference in the election. “We had a specific committee to highlight the fact that more women were registered to vote than men. It was a way to capitalize on the women’s movement and let them know they had a voice,” Dot says.

Living in the Capitol After Pres. Carter won the presidential election, he offered Dot a position in his administration, and she chose assistant chief of Protocol at the State Department. It was a high-level, high-profile position.

“Washington, D.C. during the late 1970s still had a hometown, intimate feeling,” she remembers. “If you worked for the Administration, people were drawn to you for one reason or another. It was a very social town. Being social was not new to me.

As the wife of a banker, I was accustomed to large gatherings.”

In the White House, gender wasn’t as much of an issue as it might have been in other areas of the country as women fought for equal rights. “My job was so intense and time consuming,” she says.

“Working with men was not an issue. We were professional and did our work. Working in the Office of Protocol was a job that required working together as a team. Women's rights were coming more on the stage. On a national level, l attended events and supported women that were running for office.”

She says it helped that there were several women in prominent positions in the Administration. “The Secretary of Commerce was female,” she says.

“One of the most important positions to Jimmy Carter personally was the person who carried out his human rights agenda, and she was female. He also appointed a number of women as ambassadors.”

She often diffused what could have been difficult situations with humor. “Someone from the campaign staff applauded me for telling Hamilton Jordan, the campaign director, that if the guys made any campaign decisions that affected me while they were conversing in the bathroom, that I would walk

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Dot

into the bathroom with them,” she recalls. “Later, when I worked on other campaigns, I made every effort to see that the young women on the staff were given responsible positions and given credit for their work.”

Her job required her to work long hours under constantly changing conditions. “Our Protocol office had to be sensitive to the customs of international leaders,” she says.

“It was part of the responsibility to the President to provide the proper attention to these guests that he had invited to this country. We worked hard, even at White House party functions, and I would often be wearing my tennis shoes under a formal dress. That enabled me to move quickly.

“The enormity of a

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hite House

arter at the W

Rosalynn C with First Lady

Dot recalls.

presidential campaign did not register with me until I saw it from another perspective.

When I was appointed assistant chief of Protocol for the Department of State, it seemed only natural for me to be a part of the Carter Administration.

Leaving home to go to Washington, D.C. seemed unique to some of my friends.

I had friends who wouldn’t even dare to make a left turn at a street intersection,”

Coming Home When the Carter Administration ended, Dot returned to Douglasville.

Although she was busy with her family – two of her children were about to get married – and she jumped into other projects immediately, the transition from life in Washington, D.C. wasn’t easy.

“I did not experience the abrupt departure from Washington, as did some of my friends,” she remembers.

“I had come home earlier to work on campaign fund raising.

However, coming back home to settle back down as a private

HAPPY NEW YEAR

WISHING YOU THE GIFT OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY THROUGHOUT 2017.

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citizen was a totally different atmosphere. I had spent so much time in a world of political leaders, journalists, authors, professional actors and wellknown personalities. I missed the Washington newspapers and not being a part of the action of that city. It seemed strange to be in my den watching TV and seeing a well-known person that had been my dinner partner in Washington a few weeks back.”

She said her friends and family simply had a different view of the world. “My friends weren’t interested in where I had been and what I had done,” she says. “For example, my sister greeted me and said it was good to have me home. Then she started talking about how she was raising money for Sunday school and how she had raised more than anybody else. I thought that was great, but it was not the same as helping shape foreign policy.

I tried very hard not to impose my experiences on everyone. It was a transition. But I never had a break – I went right from one thing to another and stayed busy.”

Although it was a bit of a struggle at first, she settled into her life after the Carter Administration.

“I always thought that yesterday is history, tomorrow

President Carter and Dot share a greeting on Air Force One.

is a mystery,” she says. “Lucky for me, Atlanta had a booming convention business and was the city picked for the Summer Olympics. I went back to work with Atlanta Arrangements with Tour Gals, the company I had worked with before the campaign.

This company was owned and operated by a group of women. This company came about because a woman saw a need in the business world. I also went to work in a successful gubernatorial campaign. My bridge-playing friends invited me back to the bridge tables. Luncheon club friends called. It was a good feeling to be back with long-time friends.”

Dot looks at an old photo of herself with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jr. in Warm Springs, Ga.

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The Growth of Women Dot has seen the role of women in this country evolve significantly during her lifetime.

Although she doesn’t perceive herself as a pioneer of women’s rights, her hard work and sacrifice has helped open doors for future generations of women.

“I’m three generations back, and today, women in their early 20s are making themselves well-known and established,” she explains. “We didn’t have that advantage. When I was younger, women could be teachers, nurses and secretaries.”

Today, women can interview for open positions at any level in the corporate world. In years past, however, they often had to prove themselves before being considered for a position outside of the normal roles, according to Dot. “To get a foot in the door, women could volunteer,” Dot says. “For example, if CocaCola was putting on a fundraiser, which they did quite often, you could volunteer and meet some of the people you might need to know later on. That was the opportunity

women might not have otherwise. If you were good at it, people would pay attention to you. As a volunteer, you were invited into the ranks of men in

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She worked in the trenches of trying to get the Equal Rights Amendment passed, but when that didn’t happen, she watched women find a new path toward equality. “Women educated themselves,” she relates. “My daughter did. She studied to be a lawyer, which was almost unheard of in my generation. She went to law school in 1977 while she worked for the Department of Justice, taking evening classes at Georgetown Law School. That’s where the young women got smart: if we’re going to do this, we must further our education to change our direction.”

She says her daughter, who worked in a maledominated job when she was appointed as a federal judge, didn’t sit back and let the men talk around her as if she wasn’t there. “Many times she would counter interruptions with a smile and ‘Excuse me, am I invisible?’” Dot says.

Although Dot felt like an equal when she worked

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for Pres. Carter, she sometimes noticed inequalities on future campaigns she worked on. “I made sure women were given the credit they deserved,” she says. “When men were creating a newsletter, they often left out the contributions of women. Most of these guys were younger than I was, and I could just talk with them. They would say they just didn’t think about that, when I pointed out women who should be recognized. I would tell them they needed to start thinking about those women who were doing more important jobs than some of the men they highlighted. It was just the mentality, that they wouldn’t even think about it.

“Truly, it was just a mentality, that it was hard to see a woman as doing a responsible job. Thankfully, women have overcome a lot of that.”

Putting It In Writing Dot has written a book about her time working with Pres. Carter: “Jimmy Carter Elected President with Pocket Change and Peanuts.”

“The title of my book tells a story,” she says.

“This campaign was run under the Federal Election Laws. We had only $38.3 million dollars for the

Left: Dot sharing a hug with the President.

Right: Dot standing beside President Carter during a campaign speech.

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1140 Main Street, Whitesburg, Ga. entire campaign. The stories that I tell are how hard Jimmy, Rosalynn and their family and friends worked to get his name and message out to voters. My role was the recruiting and organizing the hundreds of volunteers that became known as the Peanut Brigade, that went all over the country campaigning for their friend, Jimmy Carter. What really prompted me was a book written about Jimmy that I thought was snarky and negative about Jimmy, about his growing up in Plains and his political endeavors.

This book really pissed me off, and I decided to write a book about the man I knew: a man of great determination, discipline and tenacity.

“Reading the book, you can tell my strongest feeling about the Carter Administration were the days he spent in the Oval Office in the White House working to get 52 Americans home safe and never losing the honor of this country to a hostile, fanatical country,” she explains.”

Having never published a book, she spent much

of her time deciding how to put it together. She had mounds of material from campaigns, the White House days and the Carter Center, as well as taped conversations. She wanted to make it interesting, but keep it factual.

After having her book rejected by several editors, she settled on Mercer University Press. “It seemed like a good fit,” she says. “Lucky for me, they did agree to publish. Inviting the Director of the Mercer University Press to lunch with some of my Peanut Brigade friends might have created an interest in the book.”

Staying Busy Dot continues to stay busy, right now with book signings, among her other activities, including serving on the Carter Center Board of Councilors.

She collects netsuke, which are carved ivory belt weights. “These pieces of art are small and do not take up a lot of space,” Dot explains. “I was drawn to them in a calculating way because they were so beautiful, unique and at the time I started this collection they were cheap. My favorite piece was given to me by a friend. Her husband had brought it back from the Orient.”

She enjoys playing bridge, both for the skill required and the social time it creates with the other players. She also continues her lifelong love of gardening. “Gardening or just working in the yard has never lost its magic for me,” she says. “I can put on a pair of gloves, solve problems, write speeches and do a lot of mental work while I am digging in the dirt.” WGW

Dot's book is available for purchase at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, and locally at Another's Treasure and The Book Nook in Villa Rica, Ga. 21

Are you Eating for Recreation Or for Nutrition?

By Dr. Habiba N. Shaw

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W

e all know we eat food to keep ourselves alive. When we eat, our bodies take the calories, metabolize them and use them to provide the body with energy. The body needs the energy for everything including brain function, the function of vital organs and the maintenance of a heartbeat.

A nutrient-rich food consists of lean protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet would also help us stay healthy and reduce our risk for chronic diseases. We can get these

micronutrients through a variety of healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, and lean meats and fish. Getting vitamins and minerals through food ensures that your body is able to absorb them properly.

When we don’t eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, we may not be getting all the micronutrients our bodies need. In fact, Americans tend to eat foods that are high in calories and low in micronutrients.

These foods often also contain added sugar, sodium

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(salt), saturated fat, cholesterol and trans-fat.

A new study of American adults reveals that 28 percent of Americans don’t know how to cook.

A routine part of the diets of most Americans are now from fast-food establishments, table-service restaurants, a take-out or delivery meals eaten at home, and other locations. The average American adult buys a meal or snack from a restaurant 5.8 times a week, and more than 30 percent of children eat fast food on any given day. The researchers suggested that certain factors inherent to fast food might promote overeating: • It's low in fiber.

• It's high in palatability (that is, it tastes good).

• It offers a high number of calories in a small volume.

• It's high in fat.

• It's high in sugar in liquid form.

The eating out trend is taking a toll on American health. In a new survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity rates rose to approximately 37.7 percent for adults in the U.S., up from 34.9 percent in 2011 to 2012. Women are more likely to be obese, with 38.3 percent of women facing obesity vs. 34.3 percent of men. Since 1980, the childhood obesity rates have tripled. The rates of obese 6- to 11-year-olds increased more than double (from 7 percent to 17.5 percent) and rates of obese teens have quadrupled from 5 percent to 20.5 percent.

Consumption of fast food, trans-fatty acids (TFAs), and fructose – combined with increasing portion sizes and decreased physical activity – has been implicated as a potential contributing factor in the obesity crisis. While we are better at diagnosing, treating, preventing, and curing disease than ever before, obesity is the major epidemiologic challenge facing today's doctors. Obesity-related

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conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.

As a retired professional woman, wife, and a mother, I understand how tired and hungry you are when get home from work, especially with no dinner planned ahead.

Despite your good intention of eating healthy, you end up ordering pizza delivery, taking a quick trip to a fast food chain or picking up unhealthy convenience foods.

Please keep in mind that restaurant foods (food away from home) almost always have more salt and saturated fat, dangerous trans-fatty acid and cholesterol, and are lower in dietary fiber than home-cooked foods. Very few restaurants prepare food with your health in mind. They are in a business

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to sell prepared food. They are not responsible for your health, but you are. They prepare tasty food, loading it up with butter, cheese, eggs, canned soups, heavy cream, salt, sugar and lard, often fried and greasy. You simply cannot trust somebody who is only trying to please your taste buds to make money. Once again, remember that food companies like restaurants are not responsible for your health and well-being.

Nobody will prepare your food as well as you would for yourself.

If you want to eat healthy and lose weight by preparing your own low-fat, low-calorie meal at low cost, cooking at home makes the most sense. I know the thought of washing, peeling, chopping, cooking and cleaning up turns you off, but don't worry, there are ways you can enjoy a nutritious, satisfying diet without spending every waking moment in the kitchen. You can cook meals at home once or twice a month and freeze them.

Too busy to cook? It is time to find out how you could incorporate healthy eating habits into your life without sacrificing time, convenience and money.

Let’s start by creating a collection of your favorite easy dinner recipes that your family would enjoy.

It’s important that recipes are not complicated or time-consuming. Alter your recipes by reducing the amount of fat, sugar and salt, and adding more vegetables. You also must choose recipes that freeze well such as roasted chicken with ginger and lime, turkey chili, seafood and rice casserole, individual chicken lasagna, slow cooker beef or chicken stew.

Make Your List of Meals for the Month Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out or bringing home takeout. Here are few tips to start: • Make an inventory of your pantry, refrigerator and freezer • Make a list and buy only what you need • Stick with your budget • Don’t go shopping hungry • Buy generic brands or store brands • Buy cheaper cuts of meat • Buy frozen fruits and vegetables as they are cheaper and low in salt and sugar • Buy foods in bulk quantities if it’s cheaper and use coupons • Take your lunch from home

Take a day off from your work or pick up a weekend. Use your slow cooker, oven and stove top to cook different recipes at the same time. Make three or four batches and just forget about cooking every day! You can then freeze all the food you cooked. You can thaw these simple recipes in the microwave oven and add a salad or some steamed vegetables. Cooking at home can drastically reduce the cost and will significantly improve the nutritional quality of your meals.

If your group or organization would like to have a workshop for a once-a-month cooking demonstration please get in touch with Angela Dailey, publisher, West Georgia Woman magazine.

I taught once-a-month cooking to many of my clients. In this way, you can prepare your own food using healthy tips (like using spices and low heat) and not be as tempted to go eat out or quickly fry or grill something. WGW Publisher's note: Please take a look at the ad on page 24. Jwyanda Norman, owner of Need It Most, was our business woman featured in our May 2015 issue. Her business will prepare nutritious meals for you in your home at a very reasonable price.

Dr. Habiba Shaw was a member of the National Speaker’s Association, Alabama Chapter, and is regarded as an expert in healthy lifestyles. Dr. Shaw has a Doctorate Degree in Health Care Education from Nova Southeastern University and a Master’s Degree in Food and Nutrition. Habiba, a former university health and nutrition specialist, specialized in working with medical professionals and organizations that are concerned with general health and obesity. During her thirty plus year career, Dr. Shaw wrote health and nutrition related articles for newspapers, scientific magazines, and brochures, and presented seminars to major universities and colleges in Alabama. She also appeared on local television programs in her role as a nutrition expert.

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New Year, Thinking New Outside You: the Box

By Cheryl Francis

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A

s we begin the New Year, many of us have already done some serious self-talk on what we hope to do differently throughout this year. You may be one of those who have chosen a different path and have decided from experience that New Year’s resolutions do not work. For you, resolutions are “gone with the wind!”

By February, you realize you are back to your old self, doing the things you were determined to change in January. That gym membership you bought last year, or that set of books you purchased to read, are still packaged, yet to be utilized. The membership, like the books, has become a figurine, holding a place of status on your mantle. You begin to regret spending all that money on items you never use, or just have not had the chance to use them because you are, well, distracted.

I am giving you permission to free yourself and let go of the guilt. Go easy on you by making a decision to reframe the way you think about all those resolutions you've created for 2017. Begin to start looking at your resolutions as lifestyle changes instead of “resolutions.” Just like a diet, resolutions can be like yo-yo’s. When you are starting a lifestyle change, even when you relapse, there is a fervor that pushes you to get back up and begin again.

Some lifestyle changes can be making a decision to leave home, your old boyfriend, or simply trading up for a new vehicle. When you make one of these decisions, you fight passionately to ensure you stick with your decision. For 2017, I am suggesting that you create a "New You" and make the decision to begin a lifestyle change.

Lifestyle changes begin by changing old habits.

In the past, we were told it takes 21 days to change a habit. A 2009 study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology stated that it takes an average of 66 days, approximately two months, to

develop a habit. It may take longer for some based on temperament and perceptions.

Habits are behaviors that are done repeatedly and on autopilot. They are done without thought and with minimal effort. For lifestyle changes to develop and be maintained, things will need to be practiced and done automatically. Therefore, for the "New You" in 2017, begin developing new habits.

Here are some suggested habits to begin developing a "New You" in 2017.

Believe Believe you can accomplish this lifestyle change.

Everyone talks about making goals S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time sensitive). When you have these expectations and fall short, you may tend to blame yourself and give up.

Usually the goal is not reattempted because you may tell yourself that this was the area where you were unsuccessful. So why attempt to start the process again when it is so much easier to go back to what you know well?

After all, it requires less effort to use what has worked in the past even after recognizing that these behaviors and situations were unhelpful. Refusing to begin again is a thought process that exemplifies a lack of belief in what you were originally attempting to change. Lifestyle changes will only occur with belief. Welcome to the "New You."

Reframe What if you Reframe your thought processes and make your lifestyle changes more meaningful to you? Call them Significant, Motivating, Acceptable, Relatable, and yes, Tenacious! Think outside the box.

Very S.M.A.R.T., huh?

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Choose a Partner Who Provides Guidance and Motivates You To Succeed What if you begin to lavishly set goals which are considered significant and acceptable to you only? Would the "New You" come forth? I want to suggest it will. The "New You" will be more forgiving to the self and allow the self to experience a metamorphosis when you begin to work on reframing those negative thought processes into optimistic, believable thought processes.

Create Daily, Moment By Moment Resolutions

Someone who suffers from an addictive disease will tell you that they stay sober one day at a time. At the start of each day, write down some daily lifestyle changes and affirmations you wish to accomplish.

They could be as simple as "I am getting to work on time today," or "I will drink one less caffeinated Go Easy beverage today."

Using the previous weight loss example, if you are Go easy on yourself! For example, if your goal is working on weight loss, a daily resolution may be to to lose weight, instead of saying I want to lose 10 drink more water and eat less sweets. If you drink an pounds in 60 days, how about simply saying, "I just extra cup of water than you did the day before, you want to lose weight!" Then begin being intentional have met your acceptable lifestyle change. An extra doing the things within your power that will lead cup of water is a resolution achieved as you have had to weight loss. Any amount of weight loss you more water than you did the day prior. This mindset experience will meet goal achievement and will be is more acceptable and changes are more achievable acceptable to you as you will have noticed progress. than desiring to drink a gallon of water daily. With The change you determined to create was to lose less pressure and more consistency, daily resolution weight, and you did that. This thought process is less attempts will lead to lifestyle changes. damaging to the ego and the self. It also encourages more weight loss as you would have noticed that you Enlist The Support Of A Partner lost some weight without experiencing undue stress to reach that magical number.

Enlist the support of a partner to begin your You have now become motivated to proceed. Your lifestyle changes. A two-strand cord is not easily energies are more focused on the present (weight broken. To achieve any major goal, we need some loss) as well as the progress made. The motivation type of accountability. Believe it or not, we are to continue working on the lifestyle change will be held accountable in every area of our lives. Our aroused, and you will be more eager to stay on the employers, for example hold us accountable daily path to goal achievement. for us to receive an income. We show up at work

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because of this accountability. They indirectly say to us, we are working together, but you work, then we pay you.

It is important to choose a partner who will challenge you. This partner you choose needs to be someone who provides guidance and motivates you to succeed. This partner should be admired by you and evoke a sense of achievement in you. He or she will be working on his or herself, as well as willingly be your biggest fan. It is important to tell your accountability partner how to challenge you. Explain why you need them on your journey. After all, it is your lifestyle change! Can you see the "New You?"

Meet with a neutral third party if possible.

Recognize when it is time to step back. Clearly identify what is in your control. Honestly, the only thing in your control is what you have the ability to change.

Ask yourself these questions when you are struggling with what you can control. “Whose problem is it?“ "Am I able to control this?” If it is not your problem, you are not able to control it.

Worrying about it and attempting to fix someone else’s problem only brings with it increased stressors and anxiety. Focus on what you can control to begin lifestyle changes.

Focus

Live In The Moment

Focus only on what you can control. In creating a new you, there are some things that you will need to decide to simply let go.

If you have been doing everything to improve a particular relationship and it continues to be disconnected, it is time for a decision. Assess what you are getting from the relationship and what it is that you need from the relationship. Once you assess, make a decision to resolve what is in your control to effect change. Assess whether what you are doing is able to change the relationship.

Live in the moment and make time for you.

Yesterday is over! Worrying about tomorrow will not change what happens then. Recognize that planning and worrying are two separate things. Create alone time on your schedule. This will enable you to become more aware of who you are. Your likes, dislikes, strengths and weakness are all a part of you.

Awareness supports creativity and allows you time to reflect, plan and make changes. The awareness that your alone time brings will be beneficial for you and your relationships and will make a lasting change

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Speak Up

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on your lifestyle.

Start Saving Start saving – stop spending! I once told a client who was making minimum wage to begin saving to get out of the rut she was in. She laughed at me until she cried. I waited and then asked about her spending habits. I suggested she save $15 monthly, approximately $3.50 per week. I did the calculation, showed it to her and she stopped laughing. I reminded her that the hypothetical $180 she would gain in December would not have been there had she not begun saving. I then went silent, and she became very serious. The goal here was to do something significant for her situation, and saving on a minimum wage salary is absolutely tenacious.

An increase in income is an excess; however that does not mean it needs to be spent. An increase is an opportunity to build the savings fund and walk a little differently because there will be money in the bank. I can see the "New You" emerging!

Detox

Speak your mind. Do this to expose truth. Share truth about your emotions and what is not working for you. In being truthful, watch your tone, your words and your message. Be respectful and do not speak that which brings regrets afterward. Consider what you will say before you begin speaking. Do not be afraid, empower yourself and let your voice be heard.

Be Be healthier. Refuse to diet, but watch what you eat. The goal is to do something significant that will motivate you toward an acceptable, and tenacious goal. With a diet, the likelihood of the weight coming back is extremely high. However, should you decide to make a lifestyle change … So what If you mess up and eat carbs on a day you should have fasted? It will not matter, as you are working on a long-term process of a lifestyle change, not a downward movement on the scales.

Be grateful and incorporate a spirit of gratitude.

This helps with mood. A smile or a hug benefits you and the receiver.

Be more active. Go walking for 10 minutes daily and change your scenery.

Sleep Get more sleep. You will be happier, healthier, live longer and maintain a sharp memory. Sleep is important for learning, studying efficiently, and reasoning. Sleep deprivation contributes to mental health disorders. Our national sleep “debt” is on the rise. Make a decision to get at least seven hours of sleep nightly and reduce that sleep deficit in your life.

Lifestyle changes will not be immediate. However, incorporating them in your daily life will bring about a more fulfilled and happier you.

Here’s to the "New You!" WGW

Detox your body and your life of toxicity. I recalled as a child every school break being given herbs to detox my body. The only time I recalled Cheryl A. Francis, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the owner going to the doctor as a child was for checkups. of The Heart Matters Wellness Services LLC, a full-service There are relationships in our lives that create counseling agency. She is certified as a Mental Health First toxic build up. They deplete our energy and Aid Adult trainer and regularly provides seminars and trainings constipate our growth. They add no value to our to the community on various lives but pull so much from us. These relationships mental health issues. She are toxic, and to be S.M.A.R.T., a tenacious decision currently works as a school-based mental health counselor, and needs to be made to remove them like toxins from has partnered with the Georgia our lives.

Center for Child Advocacy to Detoxification is not an immediate process. It train individuals in the prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Visit takes time. You will need to assess your relationships heartmatterswellness.com for and determine when to remove those toxic more information about Cheryl relationships. and her work.

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2017 Signature Events Art Fest

April 15, 2017

West Georgia Jazz Festival April 22, 2017

Thomas A. Dorsey Festival June 23-24, 2017

Reel at the MILL

June 9th, July 14th & August 11th

Gold Rush 5K

September 9, 2017

Gold Rush Festival September 9, 2017

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Reindeer Run 5K December 2, 2017

Christmas on Main Parade December 2, 2017

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Daily Fare ”Adapt these recipes to your tastes and your lifestyle. That’s what I want you to feel the freedom to do with my recipes. You are more talented and creative than you give yourself credit for!”

Julie Culpepper

Julie Culpepper is a Georgia native who lived in Carrollton for 26 years with her husband Alan and their adult children. She and Alan recently became residents of Wedowee, Ala. Julie became a personal chef after graduating

Photo by Keith May

culinary school in 2012 and loves working with two companies that she incorporates into her style of cooking – Branch and Vine in Newnan, and Doterra, an online source for essential oils located in Utah. For further information about contacting Julie or these companies, please feel free to contact her at : jculpep4@gmail.com or culpepperoilsolutions@mydoterra.org

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or go online to: branchandvineonline.org

Cold Weather Comfort: A Healthy Wrap and a Delectable Cheesecake

People love to eat healthier in the new year and nearly every group gathering has at least one person who is vegan nowadays. This recipe can be adapted to add protein, of course. The point is to make something healthy, quick and that will allow for vegans to love it as well. You might decide to go meatless a few times a week, too! If you have a good low-fat sauce and fillings with substance, you will not miss the meat anyway. I have listed ingredients that can be included or not, but if you have them, are easy to prepare and very nutritious.

When it comes to cheesecakes, this is a savory option that can be utilized as an appetizer or part of a meal. You could balance it out by serving with a side salad or with a hearty vegetable soup with crackers.

It is slightly lighter because it doesn’t contain any cream cheese. But keep this recipe in mind when you attend your next weekend gathering because it is uncomplicated and doesn’t take long to make. It can also be made a day ahead to save time. It will definitely be a crowd pleaser.

Photos by Michelle Horsley

Winter

Weekday Wraps Ingredients

4 whole wheat flat breads or any kind of wrap 4 medium sweet potatoes, washed and sliced into bite-sized chunks 1 medium eggplant, washed and sliced into bite-sized chunks 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained – save out half for the sauce 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

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1 teaspoon garlic paste

1 teaspoon ginger paste ½ teaspoon salt

Additional Toppings Diced cherry tomatoes ¼ cup chopped parsley

Chopped onion or green onion 1 teaspoon each cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked or sweet paprika and pepper Salt, to taste

1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the sauce: 1/3 cup tahini

2 tablespoons lemon balsamic vinegar and lemon extra virgin olive oil; or unflavored and 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon dried dill

½ can of the drained and rinsed chickpeas 34

sunflower seeds

Roasted pumpkin seeds or

Dried cranberries

Instructions

Toss the sweet potato chunks, eggplant chunks and ½ can chickpeas with oil, spices and lemon juice. Place onto a baking sheet and roast in a 400-degree oven about 30 minutes.

Stir every 10 minutes and check to determine when they have reached fork tenderness.

In the meantime, make the sauce. In a food processor, place all the ingredients and pulse until it’s a smooth and

creamy texture. Add additional salt and spices if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Salt and pepper to taste (about ¼ tsp. each) 5-6 whole chives 1 tablespoon lemon juice ¼ chopped fresh parsley 2 cups crushed plain potato chips

Place a few large spoonfuls of roasted vegetables onto the middle of each wrap, leaving space around the edges.

Top with hummus sauce and additional toppings. Fold over and enjoy!

Instructions

All these ingredients can be made ahead of time and used throughout your busy week.

Bacon & Crab Cheesecake

Ingredients

1 15-ounce container light ricotta cheese ½ cup half and half 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon Salt Sisters Mediterranean Spice blend or your favorite spice blend 2 eggs 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon garlic paste 1 tablespoon butter 1 can flaked crab meat, drained or 1 ½ cups shredded imitation crab seafood 4 cooked slices of bacon, crumbled (about ½ cup) ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

In a small skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic about 5 minutes until tender. In a medium bowl, with a mixer, combine ricotta cheese, half and half, flour, herb blend, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.

Add eggs, one at a time, and blend until smooth. Stir in crab meat, bacon, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and parsley and combine until well incorporated through the batter.

Lightly grease the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Lay the chives into the bottom in a pretty pattern and cut off the ends to lie flat to the edge of the sides of pan. Gently pour the batter into pan over the chives. Bake at 350 degrees about 40 minutes, or until the center is set. Loosen the sides of the springform pan and allow to sit on serving platter for about 5 minutes. With your hands, gently press the crushed potato chips to cover the sides of the cheesecake. Cool to room temperature. Cover and chill in the refrigerator if making ahead. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, crostini’s, or fresh vegetables.

Makes about 10 servings. WGW 35

The HPV Link and Between

C

ervical Cancer is a cancer of the cervix and is almost always caused by a virus called HPV or human papillomavirus. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus which connects the vagina, or the birth canal, to the upper uterus.

Cervical cancer is very preventable with routine screening tests readily available to women. If detected early, cervical cancer responds well to treatment, and most women who have been treated for this disease go on to live long and healthy lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are two tests that can help prevent cervical cancer, or find the cancer early enough for treatment. The first test is the Pap test, or Pap smear.

The Pap test looks for precancerous cells on the cervix that could potentially cause cancer if they are not treated in a timely manner.

The second test is the test for HPV. This test looks for signs of the virus that cause the cells to change into cancerous cells in the cervix.

The CDC suggests that women ages 21 to 65 years old have an annual Pap test. The Pap test is the most effective and reliable screening test available to women. They also recommend women age 30 and older have an HPV test performed. Even if you are older, don't have sex anymore or you think you may be too old to have children, regular Pap tests are still recommended, unless your doctor has

36

told you that you don't need to have one anymore.

Some reasons why your doctor would tell you Paps aren't necessary anymore would be if you have had normal Pap results for years, or if you've had a total hysterectomy and had your cervix removed for other, non-cancerous conditions. Always check with your doctor first before deciding not to continue with the annual Pap test.

Facts About HPV, the Virus That Causes Cervical Cancer • The humanpapillomavirus is transmitted during sexual activity. HPV is most commonly transmitted through genital-to-genital contact or genital-to-anal contact, even if there is no sexual penetration. The virus can also be spread from oral to genital contact. • A condom will not completely protect you from HPV. This virus can be transmitted to both female and male genital areas that are protected and covered by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered, says the CDC. It is currently unknown how effective condoms are at preventing HPV, but studies have shown that condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer

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Advancing Health WITH WOMEN'S WELLNESS BEYOND MEASURE.

You need to be there.

For the birthdays. For the ballgames. For the vacations and get-togethers. For your spouse, your children, your parents and your friends.

You’re so much to so many. And your health is constantly changing. At every phase of life, expert gynecologic care can provide preventive services to help you maintain your health, as well as essential screenings to find problems early when treatment is most effective.

The team of obstetrics and gynecology specialists at Tanner Medical Group — including Tanner Healthcare for Women, West Georgia Healthcare for Women and West Georgia OB/GYN — have the experience and expertise you need to safeguard your health. And as part of Tanner Medical Group, each practice offers access to the full resources of Tanner Health System, including the labor and delivery and surgical services units at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton and Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica.

With women’s health services at Tanner Medical Group, you can be there for it all.

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690 Dallas Highway, Suite 301 Villa Rica, GA 30180 www.TannerHealthcareforWomen.org 770.812.3850

150 Henry Burson Drive, Suite 215 Carrollton, GA 30117 www.WGHFW.org 770.214.2121

109 Professional Place Carrollton, GA 30117 www.WestGaOBGYN.org 770.834.0170

• HPV is very common. Most people who are sexually active have had HPV at some point in their lives. In fact, approximately 79 million people in the United States are infected with HPV at any given time, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.

• It can take years to detect the virus or to experience symptoms. Just because someone has received a diagnosis of HPV does not mean they have just contracted the virus. Even if someone has been in a longterm relationship for years and begins to have symptoms or has been diagnosed with HPV, this does not mean they have been unfaithful in the relationship. It sometimes takes weeks, months or years after exposure before the virus is detected or symptoms develop.

• 14 million new HPV infections are diagnosed each year in the United States. That's right, 14 million, says the NCCC. Because HPV is considered a sexually transmitted disease, there can be a stigma associated with the virus. In fact, most people who are sexually active will have the virus at some point in their lives.

• There is no treatment for HPV, but the virus usually goes away on its own, and there are no symptoms to detect HPV. The problem is when HPV does not go away on its own.

This can lead to cell changes in the cervix, which may eventually cause cervical cancer.

That's why it is extremely important to have an annual Pap test every year that can detect precancerous cells in the cervix.

• There are many different types of HPV. Some high-risk types of HPV cause cervical cancer, and other low-risk types can cause genital warts. HPV also causes some cancers of the throat, penis, vagina, anus and the vulva, says the NCCC. • It is extremely rare for a newborn baby to contract HPV from its mother. Most pregnant women with HPV have normal deliveries and healthy babies.

• There are currently three HPV vaccines available. These vaccines can prevent some low risk and high risk types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccines are recommended for boy and girls through the age of 26. Always speak with your doctor first about the risks and benefits of vaccinations to see if they are right for you or your children. If women are vaccinated for HPV

they still need to have annual screenings for cervical cancer with a Pap test.

Some other ways you can lower your risk for cervical cancer are to limit your number of sexual partners, stop smoking (smoking sometimes prevents HPV from going away on it's own) and to use condoms during sex, even though condoms will not protect you from contracting HPV completely.

The most important thing you can do to prevent cervical cancer is to have your annual Pap test from the age of 21 to 65 years old. Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early. Please make an appointment for a Pap test and continue having annual Pap tests until your doctor says you don't need them any longer. No one should have to die from cervical cancer due to the early tests available to women that save lives.

The CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States. If you cannot afford to be tested please call this number to find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test and where to get screened: 404.657.7735. WGW

Pediatric, Hand & Speech Therapy

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Local Plus-Size Consignment Boutique Owner Bretha Bryan Helps Women Feel Good In The Skin They're In 40

Celebrate

Photos by Keith May

HER SUCCESS

hen you walk into the A+ (Plus) Size Family Connection Consignment Boutique in Carrollton, Ga., Bretha has a deep love and appreciation for her a consignment clothing boutique created family. She has been married to her husband, Kenny, especially for larger women in West Georgia, owner of Bryan Insurance in Carrollton, Ga., who you're sure to be greeted with a smile and some happens to work right next door to Bretha, for 44 good conversation from the boutique's lovely and years. They have two children, John, 42, who also outgoing owner, Bretha Bryan. works as an insurance agent at Bryan Insurance, and Bretha has been providing high-quality plus-sized clothing at a reasonable price to larger women in West Georgia for five years now, and she is still going strong.

Much of the reason for her success is because of Bretha's friendly and outgoing personality, her sincere and authentic desire to help others and her outstanding variety of high-quality, plus-sized clothing that she offers to the public at very affordable prices.

Bretha knows most people have such busy schedules they don't have much time to shop, and when they do make time, they want to be able to find the highquality items they need, without breaking the bank in the process. "You have to be clean, neat and have quality," she says.

"Not just in clothes but also in your store to make it easy for people to find what they need."

Bretha is originally from Graham, Ala., but she moved to Carrollton during her senior year and graduated from Central High School. After school every day, she would go to work at McCrory's, a Bretha's family is very important to her. She works next door to her husband, department store in Carrollton. She then went on to attend West Georgia Technical Kenny, owner of Bryan Insurance, and her son John, also an insurance agent.

Her mother-in-law Mary Bryan comes to the store often to help Bretha, or just College, known as Carroll Tech at the time, to visit, and Bretha's grandchildren's drawings always have a place of honor and she has lived in the area ever since. in her store.

W

by Keith May

Photo 41

“

There's an old saying that 'a person can count their true friends on one hand,' well, I have more than that. I’m blessed.

Bretha has a large network of girlfriends who support her as well. Her friend Pat will come by the shop and bring her coffee, and her other friends Ms. Ora and Ms. Martha, often will come by the shop for some good conversation. Her friend Amanda drives all the way from Ranburne just to spend some time with Bretha. She says she met most of these ladies just through owning the shop.

"When I had surgery, they would call and check up on me at home or come by the shop and ask my friends running it how I was doing," she relates. "That is one reason I come to work everyday."

Bretha says it isn't easy owning her own business. It takes hard work and dedication, and she says her greatest challenge is the shop owns her, not the other way around.

She says she's always heard if you make it to five years your business will succeed, but it takes a lot of work and she can’t stop just because she doesn't feel like working on

“

Matt, 39.

Bretha and Kenny have five grandchildren ranging from the ages of 2 to 15, and they have two dogs named Buzz and Izzy.

Bretha enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and she loves fishing. She and Kenny belong to a couples fishing club, and they compete in tournaments together. "I think every couple should have something that they enjoy doing together," she shares. "Working in your yard or anything you can do together – I think that is important."

Bretha feels very lucky to have such a strong family support network. She often asks Kenny for advice on the business side of things. "I ask my husband for advice, he is very knowledgeable in business because he owns his own business," she says. "He worked hard and long hours when he started, so he has learned what to do and not to do.

I trust his advice."

Bretha also has quite a different relationship with her mother-in-law than some. She considers her a dear friend. Mary Bryan, Kenny's mother, is a steadfast and staunch supporter of Bretha and her business, and Bretha is so thankful for that support.

"My mother-in-law Mary is always there if I need anything," she shares. "And for that I am grateful."

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The Power of Friendship

any given day.

"I have some wonderful friends that help me when I have to be out," she relates. "I don’t know what I would have done without them: Pat Rhudy, Grace Fulghum and Ellen Gilbert. I had to have surgery, and they kept my shop going while I had to be out. So I’m truly blessed. There is a saying that 'a person can count the true friends on one hand,' well, I have more than that. I’m blessed."

Helping Others Bretha believes helping her clients find the right outfits at reasonable prices is her calling in life. She enjoys people and loves helping them find the things they really need or want. "I know that sounds corny," she says, "but it's true. I love people, and through this adventure I have made some wonderful friends. I offer my clients personal service and great prices. I like the feeling of helping someone, even if it is buying a top and just a pair of shoes."

Bretha goes above and beyond for all of her clients because she considers them her friends. She has

even met clients at her shop after hours just to help someone find something to wear to a special event that evening.

Her motivation for owning the shop is to help women find high-quality clothing they can afford.

She says it's hard for some women to purchase clothing online or from department stores because of the expense. "I had a lady come in my shop to purchase something for her mother who had just passed away to be buried in," she relates. "It had to be a plus size and she wanted it to be certain color, and I was able to help her. Then we have young ladies that come in going to the prom, or some special event, looking for that special something to wear. It can be very expensive, and my prices are very reasonable. Everyone wants to look great for that special day, no matter what it is."

Bretha also gives back to her community through the shop. When women bring in their used clothing and accessories for consignment, she will keep them on her racks for 90 days. After the 90-day contract is over, Bretha donates all of the items that did not sell to the Salvation Army, various churches or women's

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Bretha has a large selection of medical scrubs to choose from at very reasonable prices. You can snag these XL "Grumpy" scrubs shown above for only $5; now that's something to be happy about!

shelter, wherever there is the greatest need.

How Consignment Works A consignment shop will accept clothing or accessories from a client and place them on their racks in their store. If the consignment shop sells the items, the original owner will receive payment for the sale of the items, minus a pre-determined, mutuallyagreed-upon fee the consignment shop charges to sell the items.

When women bring in their used clothing in for consignment, Bretha requires the items to be clean, odor-free and wrinkle-

44

free. The blouses and dresses require hangers with everything else neatly folded.

She takes 25 items or less at a time, never over that amount due to space restrictions, so she can display all items on the racks. Once she receives the first 25 items, clients are welcome to call her later to see about bringing more items in the shop.

During those 90 days, Bretha pays her consignors once every month after the 11th day of the month.

After 90 days, if the items don't sell, Bretha donates them to charity.

A+ Consignment Boutique carries clothing from size 18 to 5 or 6X and Bretha says they have so much more to offer than just clothing. Shoes, handbags, jewelry, hats and lingerie are just some of the items she offers, pretty much anything a woman could ever want or need to wear or carry with her.

Bretha truly considers her shop a consignment boutique because of the wide variety of items she sells, as well as the really high-quality clothing she offers to the public. She says she has wonderful consignors who bring her quality items from

all over, including Atlanta and Birmingham.

Her Advice Bretha says the biggest piece of advice she would give someone thinking about starting a consignment business is to specialize. She suggests creating a niche service that appeals to the current market.

"There is an old saying, 'jack-ofall-trades, master-of-none,'" she shares. "You can’t be everything. You have to know what the need is, or you will end up being a thrift store, A+ Consignment Boutique has a little something for every plus-sized woman, from and when someone says the words shoes, accessories, lingerie and jewelry to handbags. 'thrift store,' they think of low-quality, but a nice consignment shop or boutique is not any of those things." before opening for business, because even though She also says before opening a business like hers, she had experience, she still changed things about preparation is a key element to being successful. It's her store many times before she found the right important to have a system in place for what you will formula for success. need to keep the business running.

Bretha also says it's important to understand that She says if a person has never worked with a lot of you are tied to your business and you can't just paperwork or with the public, it will be a challenge, leave when you feel like it. You have to be there but not impossible. She can't stress enough how because most of the time, no one else will be there important it is to do your research and prepare first to manage it for you except in dire circumstances.

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Unsung Heroes Bretha shares that her personal life has been impacted the most by her mother and her late father. They both had a very strong work ethic, and she considers her mother her mentor and her hero.

Her father fought in two wars before he retired from the military, and during those years of service, it was up to her mother to balance being a wife to her husband and raising all seven of their children, sometimes in other states and overseas, with no other family to lean on.

Bretha's father passed away at the age of 52, and her mother was left with four children at home to raise without her husband. She put those four children through school, and then through college.

Facing Adversity Bretha says she has experienced many challenges in her life much like many others have, but those challenges are still difficult to deal with, of course.

Losing her 52-year-old father, and then losing her beloved 30-year-old nephew in a car accident three years ago was heartbreaking and devastating.

"You are never prepared for that," she shares.

"The grief and learning to cope with it, the tears and the feeling of so much lost time.

"My mother and little sister are cancer survivors, and my mother was recently diagnosed with dementia. It is like a slow death in a way. You miss the person they were, the things you did but can’t do now, the conversations you had and the laughter and the fun.

"I recently had a birthday and I was always used to my mom and sister calling and singing 'Happy Birthday' to me over the phone. It sounds silly, but it hurt not to hear her sing, knowing that I would probably never hear her sing it to me again."

The Secret's Out Bretha enjoys it when women come in her shop and tell her about all of the compliments they receive about the beautiful clothes they purchase at her store.

"They say they will not tell them [where they bought their clothes] because they don’t want them coming here and purchasing their clothes," she says with laughter. "I just laugh, but it makes me feel like

West Georgia Ambulance

Encourages all WOMEN to INVEST IN YOURSELVES!

Tips for Taking Care of Yourself During the Winter Months: •

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and hair healthy • •

• • •

Use a deep moisturizing lotion daily Try to get 8 hours of sleep every night

Exercise indoors if you don’t want to go outside in the cold

Wash your hands regularly and avoid close contact with someone who has a cold

Watch your diet and don’t eat too many high calorie comfort foods that are high in fat, sodium & sugar

No one is worth more than you.

When you are at your best, then you can be better for those around you.

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The painting above is something of a store icon at A + Size Consignment Boutique. Bretha says it sends out a positive message to all women to encourage them to never be afraid to dance, no matter what their clothing size. (Publisher's note: Rock on, ladies!)

a personal shopper for that person."

She shares her favorite part of living and working in Carrollton is the people. Carrollton still has that small town feel, she says, even though it has grown a lot in the 40 years she's lived here, and Atlanta is not far away so she can enjoy the things that Carrollton doesn't offer.

Looking Ahead Bretha recently expanded the size of her business and moved just a few doors down in the same shopping center from where she was located the last five years. She felt the move would help with the expansion as well as being in a better location for the store. She is still located in the Trojan Center in Carrollton, but is now in a different suite, and her store is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She still has dreams of more expansion, though.

Bretha says five years from now, she hopes to still be helping people find what they need in her shop, but in an even larger location.

For now, Bretha is staying right where she's at.

She looks forward to meeting new people every day

and invites you to stop in for a visit and conversation very soon. "I look forward to seeing everyone that comes to my shop," she says. "A friend is someone you just haven’t met yet, so every time someone new comes through my door, that is a possible friend, so there is never a dull moment." WGW

For more information about Bretha and A+ Size Consignment Boutique, call 678.822.4664 or visit her at 907 South Park St. beside Bryan Insurance in the Trojan Center in Carrollton 47

770-832-1640

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49

Too Fat? Too Thin?

Let's Work on Good Health

W

hen your child looks in the mirror, what reflects back: too fat, too thin? Everyday, from sources virtually everywhere, there are images that suggest how we should look: that chiseled athlete, the svelte model, that glamorous action hero swaggering through a bunch of bad guys. Television, movies, advertising, the Internet project body types that are sadly, for most of us, missing in that reflection in the mirror. Kids, too, are struggling with knowing what is a healthy body size.

Not only are children inundated with media information about what might constitute a healthy body, but they receive many messages at home.

Children watch as parents stand in front of the

50

By Sara Anderson

mirror, pulling in bellies, trying to flex muscles that may no longer exist, complaining about a paunch or fat rolls, or examining hair that may show the effects of time, and sigh. This becomes yet another message our children get; it’s one more example that there is a specific body type that is very important, and acquiring it is the path toward happiness.

So it becomes for a child, especially a child approaching adolescence, that a reflection in the mirror is a reflection of the individual, a display of worth, of self-worth. The message a child may now believe is "perhaps if I were thinner people would like me better. Perhaps if I had more muscle

definition people would like me better. Perhaps if I were taller ... perhaps if ..." There are a thousand ways the mirror can convince someone there is something wrong, that there is something peculiar, aberrant, abnormal about the way I look; my body is defective, I am defective.

There is, however, more to body image, the child's self-image, than just size, and this is frequently overlooked. Body image goes beyond size or shape. Children, again especially adolescents, can be healthy and yet look in the mirror and find other fault in their looks: too light, too dark; complexion; ethnicity or religious practices; even the uncertainties of fashion.

Granted, these aren't physical, but they still affect the image in the mirror and what the child thinks about how she is presented to the world.

Parents remember those years themselves, or we should. We should remember when fitting in with the crowd was indispensable for happiness, and the fragility of confidence and self-assurance could be shattered easily. Parents have to be aware of changes in the personality and actions of their children. They must be vigilant, particularly if the child becomes withdrawn and preoccupied with body image. (There are studies that show children as

young as 6 can begin having body image issues.)

Girls tend to worry more about excessive weight and dieting, and boys to worry about gaining

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Tips to Help Your Child Focus on Health • Reflect your child’s abilities: You can ride your bike for such a long time! Your body really loves to run fast! You can lift a lot of things all at once!

• Model your own body acceptance. Talk openly about how your body is strong, capable and able, but may look different than other people’s. Restrain from making defaming remarks about your own body and how it looks.

• Engage in daily healthy activities with your child, such as taking a walk after dinner. Stream a yoga class to your living room and grab a mat (even toddlers enjoy following along with a gentle yoga sequence!).

• Plan fun dates with your kids: Go roller skating, swimming, or play a game of basketball. Fly kites in the spring and play Frisbee in the fall.

Most of all, parents need to reassure their children that health is what matters and health is what makes for a good body. Parents can teach their children that activity and fitness make the healthy body. They can teach their children that good values matter more than good looks. Parents should never criticize weight – muscle – more than losing weight. Mood a growing child's body, but instead offer positive swings outside those of normal adolescence and messages and activities that revolve around fitness anxiety can be the result of grappling with body and health, which can also include an activity for the image issues. Parents need to reassure their child whole family. that, first, the bodies presented on magazine covers So when your child looks in the mirror, what should and in popular culture while possibly impressive reflect back: too fat, too thin? Just right? How about certainly aren't a reflection of the real world. Parents none of these. When your child looks in the mirror, also need to stress health over an idealized body. what your child should see is a good person in good There are very thin people in the popular world who health, fit and ready for the day. This is what you are very unhealthy, and there are very large people helped your child to see. WGW who are healthy. Issues of skin complexion or tone will change with time, and differences of ethnicity of Sara Anderson is a religion will resolve themselves. psychotherapy

expert who specializes in helping kids & adults find relief from overwhelming trauma, stress, anxiety, and much more. You can contact her at Spoken Heart Counseling Center in Bremen, Ga.

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IT’S NOT A HOME.

IT’S A LIFESTYLE.

Put your trust in a Realtor who listens to ensure you find the house that fits you today and grows with you into the future.

Shala Hainer, Realtor Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers Office: 404.843.2500 Direct: 770.842.8500 www.metrobrokers.com Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers.

53

Local Happenings

Healers and Helpers Wellness 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 54

cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer. No one should have to face breast cancer alone.

Need It Most – Mommy’s Day Out Each Mommy’s Day Out event is from 6 to 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Locations vary. Please contact Jwyanda at 678.739.1740 or Jwyanda@icloud.com for more information.

These are free events for new mothers, mothers with children 0-12 months and mothers suffering from postpartum depression. www.needitmost.wordpress.com

Scholarships Available

Walter Harrison Scholarship

• $1,000 scholarship (10 will be awarded throughout Georgia in 2017) • Applicant must reside in the primary residence of a Carroll EMC Member or employee • May be used at any accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical institute in Georgia • Recipients must be enrolled in an accredited program (full- or part-time) and be an undergraduate student or high school senior • Carroll EMC selects one finalist from its service area to compete at the state level • Application deadline: February 1, 2017

Lerlie & Millard Copeland Scholarship

• $800 scholarship • Sponsored by University of West Georgia (UWG), based on academic achievement and financial need • To be used by children of Carroll EMC Members or employees • UWG’s financial aid office must receive completed application packages • Application deadline: March 1, 2017

Washington Youth Tour

• June 8-15, 2017 • A week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. • Three high school students sent by Carroll EMC, approximately 100 students in the Georgia delegation • Students must be at least 16 years old • Applicants must attend a high school or be home schooled in the Carroll EMC service area • Application deadline: March 1, 2017 55

Photo by Carroll EMC

CARROLL EMC DIRECTOR NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

D

ue in large part to the leadership and commitment of Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative Board Director Eddie Gore, children in western Georgia now have access to a comfortable, clean and expansive dormitory while attending annual camp meetings at Union Campground in Waco, Ga. To honor Eddie’s dedication and service and to recognize his key role in the project, he was recently named Volunteer Director of the Year by Georgia EMC and presented the 2016 Georgia EMC Community Service and Volunteerism Award.

The purpose of the Georgia EMC Community Service and Volunteerism Award is to spotlight the outstanding efforts and initiatives of EMC management, individual directors and employees who are working to build stronger communities.

As an example of Eddie’s leadership, the new Floyd and Clara Harris Hall was opened and dedicated during a ceremony July 6. Located on the campus of Union Campground, the 4,000-squarefoot dormitory can accommodate up to 48 campers during camp meetings and people of all ages at

56

other times of the year.

According to Union Campground Vice President and Union United Methodist Pastor Herb Butler, Eddie played a pivotal role in the project; he personally drafted the preliminary floor plans, coordinated contractors and more than 40 volunteers at every stage of the construction process, and worked on-site throughout the project.

“During the 14-month effort, Eddie was often at the construction site all day, and it was not unusual for him to work 12 to 14 hours a day,” Butler said.

In addition, Butler estimates that Eddie’s contributions and efforts resulted in more than $100,000 in savings for Union Campground.

“Eddie is a blessing to the community and to the children who will enjoy this dorm for years to come,” says Bill Verner, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Georgia EMC.“His willingness to serve, and the tenacity and humility with which he does it, makes him a deserving recipient of the Director of the Year.”

According to Verner, the dedication and steadfastness displayed by Eddie is especially meaningful since charitable organizations in

recent years have experienced some decline in volunteerism and giving. As a result, they rely upon the generosity of others to bridge the gap to provide aid to the non-served and underserved within their communities.

Eddie was presented the Community Service and Volunteerism Award during Georgia EMC’s Annual Meeting Nov. 14 in Savannah. To commemorate the occasion, a donation in his name will be made to a charity of his choice.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 50,000 homes and businesses.

The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk and Troup counties. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Marc Morin Named Sertoman of the Year and Fred O'Neal Receives Service to Mankind Award.

Photos by: Rebecca Smith

Sertoma members from left: Ethan Sailers, City of Carrollton Mayor Walt Hollingsworth, Fred O'Neal, Thomas James, Jay Gill, David Higgins, Jim Gill and Marc Morin.

57

David Higgins, President of the Carroll County Sertoma Club presents Marc Morin with the Sertoman of the Year award.

M

arc Morin has been honored by the Carroll County Sertoma Club and North Georgia District of Sertoma (Service To Mankind) International as the Sertoman of the Year for 2016.

Marc became a member of the Carroll County Sertoma club in 2012 and immediately became involved by participating in most of the club’s fundraising and special events. A few years later, he would begin to assume leadership roles by first serving on and chairing committees, serving as a board member, and later serving as president in 2015-2016. His involvement includes assisting in the Fantasy Baseball Camp for speech and hearing impaired children, coordinating the annual Drug Awareness Rally and Midnight Madness golf tournament.

“Marc has been an asset to the Carroll County Sertoma Club from day one,” said Jim Gill, past International President of Sertoma International and current Carroll County Sertoma Club Treasurer.

“Marc has provided the same leadership to Sertoma and the community as he has to West Georgia Urology. He is truly an asset to all of us.”

58

As a local business leader, Marc began his professional life as a Staff Sergeant with the United States Air Force while being stationed in Germany.

Upon returning to the states, Marc completed a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of West Georgia in 2005 before earning his MBA in 2011.

He is currently the Practice Administrator for West Georgia Urology Associates and is a credentialed Certified Medical Practice Executive and Six Sigma Green Belt by the Medical Group Management Association.

Sertoma (Service to Mankind) was established in 1912 as the Co-Operative Club in Kansas City, Missouri. Now, Sertoma clubs can be found throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Historically, the organization has focused on speech and hearing health problems, particularly in children, but has since adopted programs targeting drug abuse education and projects promoting freedom and democracy to school-aged children. Local Sertoma clubs also sponsor and support teen and collegiate clubs in area schools.

David Higgins (right), President of the Carroll County Sertoma Club and Thomas James (left), President of the Carrollton Evening Sertoma Club presents Fred O'Neal (center) with the Service to Mankind Award.

F

red O’Neal has been honored by the Carroll County and Carrollton Evening Sertoma (Service To Mankind) Clubs and North Georgia District of Sertoma (Service To Mankind) International with the Service To Mankind Award for 2016. The two awards recognize local philanthropists for their works in the community and at large.

As the 2016 recipient of these awards, Fred has been a community leader for the past three decades in Health Care, Education, Economic Development, Chambers of Commerce and Government. Fred has served as a trustee for Tanner Health Systems, the University of West Georgia and West Georgia Technical College. He is also a former Chair for A-Day for West Georgia and charter member of the UWG Richards College of Business Board of Advisors.

“Fred is such an icon in this community that we sometimes take his involvement for granted,” said Charles Hodges, Past President for the Carroll County Sertoma Club. “Regardless of his quiet demeanor, when he is involved or whenever he speaks, people take notice. His wisdom carries a tremendous amount of weight in our community.”

Other areas in which Fred has served are the Community Foundation of West Georgia, The Salvation Army, Chatt-Flint Regional Development Authority, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Carroll County Emergency Shelter, Carroll County Education Collaborative and Boys and Girls Club of West Georgia. He has also been recognized as the Carroll County Citizen of the Year 2004, Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year 2003, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Minority Small Business Advocate 2005, a graduate from Leadership Georgia and recognized as the first AfricanAmerican Chair for the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.

After receiving his B.B.A. in 1985 and his MBA in 1988 from the University of West Georgia, Fred began his career with Edward Jones as a financial adviser and is the longest tenured African-American adviser in the company’s 145-year history. His work has been featured in Fortune Magazine, Black Enterprise, Georgia Trend and On Wall Street.

WGW

59

Kidz Korner Deliciously Frosty

Iced

Polar Bears T

hese delicious iced polar bears will be sure to keep your little ones busy on a cold winter day, and they are so easy to make. Eating and sharing these delicious treats will be the best part!

Ingredients Peanut-shaped cookies Mini marshmallows White chocolate bark Milk chocolate bark Round pink candy melts Parchment paper

60

By Charlene Brooks and Sydney Dailey Instructions Melt the white chocolate bark in a bowl.

Cut the mini marshmallows in half and dip the cut side into the white chocolate then place on both sides of the cookie for the ears. Let dry for five minutes.

Dip entire cookie into the white bark until covered with chocolate. Place on parchment paper and allow to dry.

Melt the milk chocolate bark for the brown-eyed polar bears and for the mouth. For blue- or green-eyed bears dye the white chocolate bark with food coloring.

Using a toothpick, dab the chocolate onto the cookie for the eyes and mouth.

Take the back side of the pink candy melt and dip into the white chocolate then place on the cookie for the nose.

Winter Wonderland Bird Treats T ake care of your feathered friends this winter with these tasty treats made with a few slices of bread, bird seed and peanut butter.

Birds have a more difficult time finding food in the winter, so you will not only be helping them, but on blustery winter days your bored little ones will be able to watch your beautiful backyard birds enjoy these homemade treats made with love and generosity. The bread should be dried before covering with the peanut butter and seed.

After you are finished making the bird treats, take them outside and hang on various tree branches for your feathered friends to enjoy. WGW

Materials Bird seed Bread Assorted cookie cutters Straw Peanut butter Yarn or twine Instructions Take the slices of bread and use your cookie cutters to create shapes.

Use a straw to make a hole into your bread shapes.

Place twine or yarn through the holes and tie the ends for hanging the treats.

Let the bread dry out or you can toast it slightly in the oven. Don't over-toast.

Cover both sides of the dried cut out shapes with peanut butter and dip in the bird seed.

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