Titles and Blurbs

By Farris Yawn

In author W.R. Painters book, Blue Birds of War, he offers a raw and honest account of his over 37-year career with the Air Force and the Department of Defense. He served two tours in Vietnam, participated in the Kosovo Airlift and Desert Storm, and participated in missions throughout Central and South America.

Painter does not hold back when describing the horrible things he saw and does not gloss over his own actions in combat. He also shares the lighter side of military life with anecdotes from his years flying all over the world.

Here, Painter describes where he got the title for his memoir:

I had a vision, and in this vision, I saw the devil, as he released thousands of tiny bluebirds. They were all sent to cover up and distract Gods all-seeing eye from the truth of his evil, the slaughter, the butchery, and all the horrible things man is doing to one another in the name of war. All to camouflage with their beauty and distract his attention with their song.

Unfortunately, Painter did not live to see his book in print. He succumbed earlier this year to the effects of the Agent Orange he was exposed to during his service in Vietnam. His family was determined to honor his memory by making sure his story was told in his own words.

Anyone who has served will recognize themselves and their comrades in this book, and those who were not able to serve can get a better understanding of what men and women like W.R. Painter did for us and for our country.

By Julie Padgett

Yes, this is a book about a librarian from long ago. However, this is not your normal librarian, setting, or mere history lesson. Author Kim Michele Richardson pulls on the unique time period when Kentucky utilized pack-horse librarians to navigate the rough terrain, trails, and natural elements to deliver books to those living in desolate and hard-to-reach places. She highlights the intense poverty and hunger of the region, difficulties of funding for materials, and how necessity can lead to creative solutions when it seems everything is stacked against you.

Richardsons characters are desperately trying to find a way to feed their families, themselves, and their souls. It is rewarding to see how books (and literacy) can help lift even the most depressed and alienated. All of that would be enough of a story to tell, but the books title character also happens to belong to one of the Kentucky blue people a small population that had blue skin due to a genetic blood condition. They confronted racism, alienation, and violence for their different appearance.

Cussy, the pack-mule librarian, must learn to fight the intense prejudices of some in her community and her own desire to be like everyone else. She learns tough lessons about pride and humanity making her a brave, independent woman in the end. She also sees firsthand how she can make a difference, build friendships, and lift those around her.

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek takes on tough topics, some of which we are still facing. Keep tissues on hand and enjoy the route that Cussy and her mule, Junia, traverse; the people that they encounter; and the reminder about the power of the written word. The deep messages of how we need connection, compassion, and understanding are universal and make it worth the read.

Assisting North Georgia Seniors in Planning for Their Golden Years

By Gregory Flail

Since 2014, the Nelson Elder Care Law Firm has provided the highest quality services in elder law, estate planning, as well as probate and estate administration.

Recently, the mother-and-son legal team of Cindy and Josh Nelson earned accolades from their clients, their community, and their peers. Last year, the firm was the sole recipient of the Excellence in Customer Service Award from the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and was acknowledged by Law Firm 500 as the 47th fastest growing firm in the nation. Super Lawyers, one of the most credible online evaluators of legal services, rates the firms founder, Cindy Nelson, as one of the most excellent elder care law attorneys in the nation.

Nelson Elder Care Law has earned its outstanding reputation for good reasons. Cindy Nelson has dedicated her career to improving the lives of Georgians as they age. She previously worked for Area Agency on Aging, the Georgia Long-term Care Ombudsman, a superior court judge, and a Cobb County probate judge.

When Cindy founded Nelson Elder Care Law, her son, Josh, had been an accountant and tax attorney. After seeing Cindy stop the legal struggles seniors endure simply because they do not know what options they have and noticing the impact she was making in the community, Josh shifted his financial expertise to elder law.

The need turned out to be greater than Josh and Cindy had expected. Currently, 30,000 seniors reside in Cherokee County, and Cobb County is home to more than 80,000 seniors. Eventually, every Georgian will need some degree of assistance with their post-retirement elder care needs. Planning ahead is the only way to ensure that peoples wishes will be carried out, and that they can have the kind of care they desire.

Among the perceived barriers to seeking elder care legal help is the cost. Nelson Elder Care Law makes every effort to put clients at ease and alleviate concerns they may have about paying an attorney by the hour. When you visit us, you walk into an inviting family-like atmosphere; you wont find a room full of suits, Josh said. We offer an absolutely free initial consultation, so that our clients are informed about their options before they make any commitments. Its important to us that seniors know their options and can get guidance on their next steps, whether they are planning for their future or needing to protect their family from the costs and hardships of a current care need.

The firm is unique in that it also offers every client a happiness specialist, whose primary goal is to be sure clients are completely satisfied with the service they receive.

In Georgia, where the median age is 33, the largest sector of the population is concentrated between the ages of 35 and 60. Although this age group may not perceive themselves as likely to need medical care anytime soon, the reality is often quite different. Of those who reach retirement, approximately 70% will need long-term medical care. Most will not be adequately covered, since only 8% of Americans have long-term insurance. Elder care law is not just about having a will, Josh said. Our main goal is to provide certainty for seniors, ensuring that they get to make their own decisions, preserve their autonomy, and make sure they dont run out of money when they eventually require medical care.

Unfortunately, when it comes to important legal matters, most Americans fail to consider the issues common to us all. The age of retirement has not changed, but thanks to medical advances, Americans are living and working longer. However, the cost of high-quality care often exceeds the limits of Medicare and most retirement incomes.

There is no downside to planning, said Cindy. There is only an upside. If life throws you a curveball, you dont want to be the one who puts your family through a difficult situation or burdens them financially. If you have a plan, you can avoid all of that.

For anyone who has ever wondered about the consequences of facing injury, illness, or even an exceptionally long life without being properly prepared, the time to start planning is always now. There are elder care issues for which everyone should plan, such as legal directives, power of attorney, and a living will. Almost everyone is aware that they will one day need a last will and testament. Many believe this is all they will need.

However, Josh offers this piece of cautious advice, A will alone wont help you if youre alive and too ill to express or carry out your wishes. Youre going to want a real plan, not just legal documents, so that someone you trust can make those decisions legally and easily.

Nelson Elder Care Law offers complimentary consultations for all prospective new clients. To schedule a consultation or learn more about the firm, please call, visit their website, or send them an email. The firm has two convenient north Georgia locations.

Nelson Elder Care Law

2230 Towne Lake Parkway
Building 900, Suite 200
Woodstock, GA 30189

2414 Dallas Highway
Suite 100
Marietta, GA 30064

678-250-9355
NelsonElderCareLaw.com
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Generations of Family Care

By Marsha Cornelius

Theres something reassuring about a traditional family-owned business rather than the corporate feel of a franchise chain.

DeMercy Dental has been in business in Roswell for over 30 years. Established by Dr. Jeff DeMercy, who has treated multiple generations of patients, and his wife Tammy, who has served as office manager since their beginning on Grimes Bridge Road, this family practice has continued to grow. Their daughter, Dr. Amanda Kossick, has been a partner since 2013, and niece Allyssa is one of the staff hygienists.

Some of DeMercys patients were first seen as toddlers and are now bringing their own toddlers to the dental practice they know they can trust.

We encourage children as young as 1 or 2 years old to come in for a Happy Visit, Dr. Kossick says. Its a great way to introduce children to regular dental visits and dispel their fears.

The Happy Visit starts with a fun ride in a dental chair: up and down, sitting up and lying back. The dentist familiarizes children with the different instruments, and of course, Mr. Thirsty.   

We get them comfortable in a foreign environment, says Dr. Kossick.

Sorry, theres no candy at the end. Instead, each Happy Visitor is rewarded with their first toothbrush and floss.

Its all part of that family commitment to operate a friendly, thorough practice, not an in-and-out franchise, where employees dont know your name until they look at your chart.

Traditional Dentistry   
Weve got our patients covered with all the basics, says Dr. DeMercy, including routine checkups and cleanings, digital x-rays, fillings/bonding, crowns and bridges, veneers and dental implants, dentures, periodontal health, Invisalign, and teeth whitening.

Theyre also on board with the latest in technology like 24-hour emergency service, text and email communication and reminders, and financing options. But the top priority at DeMercy Dental is making each patient feel welcome.
 
Innovative Dentistry
Dr. Kossick has advanced training in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder in which breathing is briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep. The apnea in sleep apnea refers to a breathing pause that lasts at least 10 seconds. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, over 18 million adults suffer from OSA, and it isnt just adults. Although not as common, 10-20% of children habitually snore, which is one of the signs of sleep apnea.

Pediatric apnea is sometimes caused by large tonsils, says Dr. Kossick, a problem that is easily fixed.

How Is OSA Linked to a Dentist
Often, a dentist is the first line of defense against obstructive sleep apnea, says Dr. Kossick. Seeing a patient every six months will give us a heads-up to several conditions that could be causing OSA.

What Do Dentists See That Alerts Them to OSA?
Signs of sleep apnea include a small upper airway; a large tongue, tonsils, or uvula; a small jaw or large overbite; excessive teeth grinding; and of course, snoring. Dr. Kossick works with a local ENT specialist and refers patients when necessary.
Sleep apnea isnt just about waking up at night. Left untreated,?other symptoms can include excessive sleepiness during the day, high blood pressure, heart attack, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, or depression.

The No. 1 recommendation for OSA is the continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP), which is a mask that fits over the nose and/or mouth and gently blows air into the airway to help keep it open during sleep.

If a patient cant wear the CPAP or has a mild sleep apnea diagnosis, we now have the technology to create a mouth appliance that can help open the airway, says Dr. Kossick.

Gum Disease
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research defines gum disease as an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Gum disease is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal (gum) disease can lead to sore gums that bleed, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.

Persons with an unhealthy immune system are sometimes at risk from this buildup of plaque, says Dr. Kossick. This bacteria in the mouth can lead to health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and Alzheimers.

Regular checkups and cleanings are an important part of prevention because plaque and tartar are removed. Dr. Kossick is trained in Periolase, where a laser is used to remove harmful buildup under the gums if further treatment is needed.

Dr. DeMercy says, Our goal is to bring new patients into the family and hopefully make a difference in their lives.

DeMercy Dental
10930 Crabapple Road, Suite 140
Roswell, GA 30075
770-641-8010
DeMercyDental.com

We're Cherokee's Firm

By Ellen Samsell Salas

I try to remember that the most important thing to our clients is knowing someone with experience is working to resolve their issue.
Daran Burns, founder of Burns Law Group

As the lead attorney of the firm he established in 1993 in downtown Canton, Burns is passionate about taking care of clients and achieving the best possible outcomes for them.

Whats essential is not just understanding our clients legal needs but also learning their personal ones, Burns said. Our clients come to us in times of crisis. They need to know someone is fighting for them, and theyre not in it alone.

Crises in family and criminal law can be the most devastating events people will ever face. Assisting Burns in serving clients is an experienced team of three other attorneys: Laura Hoskins and Andrew Weegar handle most of the family law cases, while Susan Zereini focuses on criminal cases.

Their efforts are complemented by three paralegals: Traci Lingefelt, Madeline Kite, and Lorinda Green. Firm manager, Sheree Ramsey, and administrative assistant, Elizabeth MacMaster, ensure that clients needs are addressed promptly.

Teamwork Works for Clients

Together, our team brings over 100 years of legal expertise to each of the cases we are retained to handle. Teamwork is a key facet of our firms effectiveness, Burns said.

Laura and I draw off each others experiences, bouncing ideas off each other, oftentimes coming up with creative, sometimes novel, solutions, Weegar added. Clients are getting the advantage of combined experience and input on their case, not just the lead attorney.

According to Zereini, In the criminal defense arena, teamwork is especially important in making the process as easy and effective as possible for the client. One attorney cant do it alone.

I love when a client walks in, and there is a cohesive group reaching toward the same goal: to provide excellent legal service, but also to help people in distress, Burns reiterated. Because were a team, someone is always available, Burns assured. Our clients can always reach a person who knows about them and their case.

Clients work schedules can sometimes limit their ability to meet during the day. Therefore, I make time available for night and weekend appointments, Hoskins explained. Meeting my clients needs is a small part of the service that I am thrilled to provide. Often, an emergency requires me to work weekends, and I am happy to do that.

Listening Is Key

Whether the focus is family or criminal law, the firm associates agree that listening to each client is essential, hearing their goals, fears, and hopes.

Its all about developing a relationship with each client and understanding his or her needs, which builds trust. Its our job to help them walk through this process, Burns said. We use our knowledge and experience to prepare our clients for the road ahead.

Were especially good at addressing peoples personal issues and goals versus taking a cookie-cutter approach, Zereini added, listening to their needs then developing an action plan.

Experience Matters

Invaluable to clients is the experience and know-how the attorneys bring to their cases.

The secret is to know what the case needs legally, to stand up for someone, and to protect their rights, Burns explained. Clients need someone who understands that there are many avenues to get to the same result, but we must customize our approach.

We dont force clients into one way of moving forward, Hoskins noted. We give the client options on how to proceed, explaining the pros and cons of each approach. Often, Andrew and I listen to a clients case facts, offering numerous options on how to proceed.

With 13 years of experience as a prosecutor and six years as a defense attorney, Zereini said she has the advantage of seeing cases from both sides of the aisle.

I can educate my clients as to the strengths and weaknesses of their case; I can anticipate the arguments against them, Zereini stated.

Being local and having tried cases against other local attorneys often benefits the firms clients. We know their tactics, we know what to anticipate, so we can know how to move forward, Burns assured.

Having their office steps from the courthouse in the heart of the Cherokee County legal world means that, sometimes, difficult problems can be settled through one-on-one contact without having to litigate.

When I need something from an attorney, I often go talk to them personally. You cant do that in downtown Atlanta or even in Woodstock, Burns expressed.

Were Cherokee Countys Firm
When he tried a case in Canton in the early 1990s, Burns fell in love with the city and Cherokee County. Immediately, he knew that he wanted to make Canton his home and the site of his law practice.

We feel very connected to this county, and our excellent working relationship with the district attorneys office, the solicitor generals office, judges, and local law enforcement benefits our clients, Burns said. Its about trust. I need to be able to trust what they say and vice versa.

Were Cherokees firm, emphasized Burns. If you have a problem in Cherokee, were here for you. Whatever the best outcome can be, we wont stop till we get it. Youll be glad you hired Burns Law Group to fight your battle.

Burns Law Group
181 East Main Street
Canton, GA 30114
770-956-1400
BurnsLawGroup.com

By Atiya King

When walking into Chase Kings art studio/workshop, visitors eyes zigzag everywhere, ping-ponging off the walls lined with fascinating works. Between the kaleidoscope of colors, the intoxicating scent of oil paints, and the mesmerizing artwork, viewers will have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves.

Even though art appreciators may be tempted to pick up every picture, examine it, and find the meaning, etiquette suggests avoiding this because the studio is much like an art gallery. So, visitors walk slowly with their hands in their pockets to avoid knocking anything over, remembering what their moms used to say any time they entered a fancy department store as children Dont touch anything! Yeah, thats the feeling viewers get when surrounded by paintings called Jail Birds, Fishery, and many others.

But 27-year-old artist Chase King has a different approach to his art. He encourages admirers to touch everything pick it up and devour every piece. Hes proud of his work, and he should be. While his works can be viewed online, in his studio, art enthusiasts can see every little detail of each work, slowly gliding the pads of their fingers over the roughly textured pieces.

Though many assume the raised mounds are simply shellacked globs of paint applied to certain areas of a canvas, King explains that many of his works are painted over paper. Its mixed media, he says with a smile.

King has been an artist for over 11 years. His passion for art started during his sophomore year at Etowah High School, where his art teacher encouraged him to start painting after his mothers passing. This young artist clearly has talent. King disagrees, Its not a talent but a drive.

And, a drive it is. King says he paints every day, Its a compulsion, an outlet.

His studio is proof of this. Paintings fill the room, leaning against the walls. Most of them are abstract. Splashes of color meticulously dance across canvases. Twirling combinations of light and dark pli into crashing waves. Long, graceful strokes of muted grays, greens, and blues create smooth, tubular designs. Its like poetry that allows readers to understand nothing then everything.

When asked what he wants his art to say,
King says his art is personal, from the heart,
honest and genuine.

He wants people to see what he doesnt, to see beauty in waves crashing against rocks and in blackbirds perched on a tube against an apricot-colored sky. Beauty is especially evident in Madeline with a Ponytail, a painting of his current muse.

Along with his partner, Madeline Henriques, who will be managing sales and outreach, King is in the process of developing a small fine art company. For more information, to view his works, or to contact him, see the following information:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. I 404-409-6968
ChaseKingArt.com
Facebook - chasekingart
Instagram - @chasekingart

By Jessica Asbell

Daisy Jones & The Six is about a fictional band in the 1970s that broke up one evening after a fantastic concert. No one knows why until someone does a series of interviews with the band. Author Taylor Jenkins Reids inventive way of telling this story feels like a Where Are They Now? special on VH1. As we hear from each member of the band, the full picture comes together.

Reid captures the thrilling highs and the crushing lows of what being in a rock and roll band in the 1970s was like. There is the excitement when a song shoots up the charts coupled with tension behind the scenes. There are characters who keep themselves in control, and others who spiral out of control. And still, the years keep moving, as they work to stay on top. But when something happens to one of their own, it leaves each person with an important decision to make. As the band crumbles, each member must decide if they will crumble with it.

Daisy Jones & The Six is a tribute to the humanity of hit bands. In it, we see the band members at their best and at their worst. We see them make choices that affect one another terribly and we see them do things for the good of the group. This book feels like a movie and will have readers turning the page to find out what happens next.

By Marcia Divack

In Fierce Kingdom by author Gin Phillips, a routine mother-son trip to the local zoo turns into a terrifying struggle for survival. As Joan and her four-year-old son Lincoln play in their favorite part of the zoo, Joan begins to hear a sound she thinks might be gunshots, and to her horror, she quickly realizes that gunmen have invaded the zoo. She soon discovers that there is no way out, and that she and Lincoln need to find a place to hide. Joan is confronted by choices, and none of them are good. Should they stay where they are? Should she try to explain to Lincoln what is happening? Should they risk a walk to another part of the zoo?

In Fierce Kingdom, Phillips has written a novel that captures the readers attention until the very end. The pace is unrelenting, and the writing is beautiful including heart-stopping passages such as when Joan and Lincoln end up separated: She has followed some pale thread from her brain to his. There are a million of these threads between them, brain to brain, and the threads tell her when he is getting hungry and when he is about to cry, and they tell her he will like the idea of using marshmallows for a tiny astronauts boot this is a perfect thread and the thread leads her to him.

While this book is a thriller, it is also a story about motherhood and the choices and sacrifices mothers often need to make. But even more so, it explores how violence has become so intricately woven into our daily lives that no matter where we are and no matter what we are doing, we are at risk, and that we need to be prepared to make extremely difficult choices in incredibly difficult circumstances.

Serve to empower

The Matiak Foundation was formed out of a desire to serve the community in a greater way than what could be done through the Matiaks family-owned business, R & D Mechanical. The Matiak Foundation is a servant leader in the Cherokee County community, providing resources, education, and opportunities for success.

One of the desires of Matiak Foundation is to establish a skilled trades training center and apprenticeship program for Cherokee County. Matiak Foundations mission is to serve children, young adults, families, and veterans in our community and world by providing resources, education, and opportunities for them to succeed.

The Matiak Foundation partners with local schools, agencies, and nonprofit organizations to identify individuals for their programs. Their target demographic is foster children who are aging out of the system, youth who did not complete high school, at-risk young adults in local schools, veterans reentering the workforce, the unemployed, and the underemployed.

The Foundations Workforce Training Program consists of short-term classes designed to empower and equip students for success. One such program, Tools for Success, is a career-readiness program that empowers students to excel in any workforce environment from office administration, to retail, to manufacturing, to construction, and more. The Matiak Foundation wants to give each participant something to strive for and work toward to help set them up for long-term prosperity.

Participants in the Tools for Success program learn professionalism, communication, critical thinking, conflict resolution, problem-solving, stress management, resume writing, and other important skills. The program not only helps participants land a career, it also equips them with skills to keep it and excel in it. Upon completion of the program, the foundation will assist graduates with job placement in local businesses.

The Matiak Foundation recently hosted a celebration for three young men who completed the program. Two of the graduates were from the Goshen New Beginnings program and the other young man had tried a semester at college only to realize that it wasnt for him.

These gentlemen spent nine evenings, three hours each evening, learning new skills and putting them into practice. Several community volunteers took part in the program by teaching, leading mock interviews, and sharing their own personal experiences.

All of the three gentlemen are now employed with local companies two at Universal Alloy Corporation and one with Southeast Restoration. The Matiak Foundation also pairs graduates with a mentor who will help them navigate their new careers and life obstacles for 12 months following graduation.

For more information on how you can help, donate, or become a part of the Matiak Foundation, visit MatiakFoundation.com, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


Matiak Foundation
2210 Holly Springs Parkway, #885
Holly Springs, GA 30142

By Gregory Flail

The Floyd A. and Fay W. Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University recently released its calendar for the upcoming season. An exciting selection of dazzling musical and theatrical performances as well as cinematic features promise to delight audiences of all ages and interests. Falany not only offers the nearby community a rich variety of entertainment from internationally known artists, but also provides an invaluable resource for students and fans of theater and music.

Jessica Akers, the director of Falany Performing Arts Center, said, If you havent visited Falany yet, we want you to know we have something special planned just for you. Come hang at our house and see what youve been missing!

This year, the focus is on fun for everyone. Each weekend, Falany brings unique, high quality performances to audiences of north Georgia and beyond.

The new season opens September 7, when Falany will host two dynamic musical performances by inimitable Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Coasters, whose rhythm and blues and doo-wop stylings made them a legendary vocal group with a string of hits in the 50s and 60s. Other musical offerings will span eras and genres from Baroque to bluegrass and from jazz to rock. Joe Gransden and His Big Band will bring modern jazz and hard bop to Falany on September 20, followed by the University Wind Ensemble later in the month.
October will be a harvest of classic American music, featuring Beginnings, a tribute to hitmakers Chicago, and One Night in Memphis, a tribute to the musical citys greatest stars: Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. The Red Cedar Review, an energetic acoustic quintet from Charleston, South Carolina, closes out the month with a sophisticated blend of country and bluegrass.

Starting in November, Falany will ring in the holidays with warmth and cheer when the internationally celebrated Vienna Boys Choir and the Reinhardt University Choirs pay a visit. In December, the multi-award-winning family ensemble, The Isaacs, will delight audiences with traditional holiday music infused with bluegrass, country, and southern gospel. To close the Christmas season, the center will offer even more family fun with two showings of the holiday movie classic, The Grinch, and multiple performances of the Reinhardt University School of Performing Arts, featuring the Concert Choirs, the Reinhardt Chorale, and the University Wind Ensemble.

Falanys new year will begin January 17 with one of the most stylish live acts in the country today, Black Market Trust, whose hybrid approach to the American songbook combines the sounds of classic crooners and the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt. The following weekend, the Sail On! band brings the sunny songs of The Beach Boys to the stage. In February, the Grammy winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra arrives for a world-class performance. Other musical highlights will include James Garners tribute to the distinctive country sounds of the Man in Black, Johnny Cash. In March, the Liverpool Legends revive the harmony and driving backbeat of The Beatles.

This seasons theatrical and musical productions at the University Theater will feature the romance, thrills, drama, and comedy of She Loves Me, Chicago, The Crucible, and The Underpants, as performed by students of Reinhardt Universitys excellent School of Performing Arts. The school enrolls hundreds of students, providing them with the education, mentorship, and opportunity to master their craft while pursuing their professional dreams.

Performing Arts sophomore Mackensie Eckenfels said, One of the things I love most about the Reinhardt School of Performing Arts is the wide range of classes. Multiple vocal and theory classes are available year-round, and plenty of practice rooms are available for students to dedicate extra time to mastering their instruments.

The Falany Performing Arts Center has been an integral part of the arts community in north Georgia for nearly 20 years. The center offers two intimate, state-of-the-art venues for performances: Flint Hall and the Reinhardt University Theater.

Graced by one of the finest and only tunable concert halls in the state, Flint Hall would be truly dazzling in any community, but it is even more impressive for being the cultural heart of Waleska, a small town of nearly 700 residents and more than 1,500 students during the academic year. Reinhardt University has been offering excellent educational opportunities to the surrounding community since 1883.

Tickets for performances are now on sale and are always in high demand. Patron-level contributions start at $50, and a variety of membership levels are available. For more information about the Falany Performing Arts Center, including performances, dates, tickets, memberships, and directions, please call or visit the website.

Falany Performing Arts Center
at Reinhardt University

7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, GA 30183
770-720-9167
Reinhardt.edu/Falany

The Road To Playing D1 Sports

By Marsha Cornelius

We all want to help our children achieve their dreams. So, when our childs dream is to play sports at a D1 (Division 1) university, it is important for him/her to outperform the competition to catch the attention of university recruiters.

Competitive athletes follow rigorous training programs that make them run faster, jump higher, and make their bodies stronger. Every elite athlete knows, however, that the most important thing is to keep their body healthy, so they can train and compete at their peak performance.

Yet, the drive for peak performance can lead athletes, their coaches, and their parents to focus heavily on training, often to the detriment of their overall health. Strenuous repetitive training as well as intense competitions cause trauma to the body that frequently goes unnoticed, explains Dr. Veronica Jucknies or Dr. V as her patients call her. These traumas can cause pain, weakness, and degraded performance that strips away that competitive edge required to rise to the top. Sadly, great athletes often miss their chance to stand out because they are nursing injuries and are unable to shine during critical moments.

Elite athletes, like 2018 NFL MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes and three-time Super Bowl Champion Bill Romanowski, have relied on a revolutionary sports medicine technique called AMIT (Advanced Muscle Integration Technique) to stay healthy and perform their best.

AMIT not only accelerates injury recovery time, but it also enables athletes to make significant and rapid performance improvements, says Dr. V. These improvements give athletes the edge they need when being scouted for athletic scholarships because recruiters today are focused on rigid performance metrics when making their selections.

After receiving AMIT from Dr. V, David, a D1 college recruit, increased his standing vertical jump from 32 to 37 inches. AMIT helped me exceed D1 performance levels, David commented.

Jake, a high school baseball player, increased his throwing speed from 92 to 96 mph after just two AMIT sessions.?

Dr. V is one of only three dedicated practitioners on the East Coast and has patients fly in from as far away as Boston and Miami to receive this life-changing treatment.

Why Do Athletes Need AMIT?
Every person has inhibited (shut down) muscles from previous injuries that prevent them from performing and feeling their best, says Dr. V.

When a muscle is overloaded beyond that which it can sustain, it can either be inhibited neurologically, or it can tear, Dr. V continues.?Once inhibited, muscles tend to stay inhibited, creating imbalances and areas of instability throughout the body, causing joint and muscular pain.

How Does AMIT Work?
1. Identify Inhibited Muscles?
During a typical exam Dr. V says, we test approximately 300 of the major muscles of the body to find those that are weak or not firing properly. During these tests, we can identify which areas have been injured in the past which are generally why imbalances exist. Of the 300 muscles that we test, it is not uncommon to find 100 muscles that are not performing the way they should. Based on these patterns of muscle imbalance, we can define which areas of your body are unstable and predict where you will most likely experience future injury, if not treated.

Thats when the second step begins.

2. Reactivate
By integrating knowledge from the fields of chiropractic, osteopathy,?acupuncture, physical therapy, nutrition, and others, I am able to noninvasively re-facilitate these muscles, explains Dr. V.?This will restore function to your body, accelerate injury recovery, remove pain, and prevent future injury to the area. As seen in testimonials from patients, the treatment doesnt take long to work.

Results You Can Expect
-Accelerated Healing 
-Increased Strength and Coordination 
-Increased Range of Motion 
-Reduced Pain 
-Prevention of Future Injuries 
-Correction of Muscular Imbalance and Joint Instability

3. Experience Immediate Improvement
AMIT is able to re-integrate these inhibited muscles into the nervous system, and the person will notice an immediate improvement in strength and function, she says. This technique has been tested and proven by world-class athletes as well as weekend warriors for over 20 years.

About Dr. V
Not only is Dr. V the mother of three, she holds a doctorate in physical therapy, which she practiced for 10 years before discovering AMIT. She found AMIT so effective that she went back to school for four more years to get her doctorate in chiropractic, so she could drastically improve her patients results.?She also earned board certification in orthopedics and Applied Kinesiology, to treat a wide range of sports injuries.?With her 16?years experience?in these combined techniques, Dr. V has mastered an integrated approach to healing and improving the quality of life for?all her patients.?She is so sure of the benefits of AMIT therapy, she guarantees her work.

In one treatment, Dr. V corrected my shoulder dysfunction to increase pushups from four to 30 and fixed pain and weakness in my leg, so I can ride better.
Melissa (active military and rider)

Totally worth it. I was facing a medical discharge after six months of physical therapy. AMIT saved my military career!
Nick (active military)

Code V resolved severe pain that my medical doctor and physical therapist could not. It worked better than everything else.
Paul (runner)

Code V Performance

Deerfield Commons
12600 Deerfield Parkway, #100
Alpharetta, GA 30004
678-687-8023
CodeVPerformance.com

Designing Talents
Hidden Gems Found at Local Schools

By Marsha Cornelius

Art Jewelers in Woodstock held a contest last year where they invited high school students from Cherokee and other surrounding counties to participate in a jewelry design competition. Public, private, and homeschooled students were invited to compete.

At a value of $1,500, the winning design was produced in precious metals and stones and awarded to the winner at no cost. The winner also received a $500 cash award and will spend three days as an intern at Art Jewelers, learning what it takes to design a piece of jewelry from conception to finished product. This includes an introduction to CAD (computer-aided design) for Jewelry, Casting and Finishing 101, and more.

The winner is also featured in a cover story for Woodstock Family Life magazine. And dont forget the bragging rights while flashing that fabulous bling to friends and family.

And the Winner Is . . .

Anna Martin, a high school senior at The Kings Academy, won the grand prize. Her submission, (shown left) was a 14 karat yellow-gold ring with milgrain detail. The halo-style ring featured diamonds around an oval-shaped opal. Anna put a twist on the antique look with whimsical crescent moons and stars.

The contest was a great opportunity for me to really branch out into art a little more and gain more experience. I thought that, if I won, it would be awesome to put the prize money toward college, says Martin.

Why Hold a Contest?

Third generation jewelry designer and owner of Art Jewelers David Meadows says, Were always looking for ways to be involved with the community. What better way than to invest in kids? We love uncovering that hidden talent and sparking an interest in a student who may not have considered jewelry design as a possible career.

One-third of the students who entered the contest were male. Were they designing masculine rings and necklaces?

No, says Angelica McDeermond, jewelry artisan and David Meadows daughter. They submitted designs for womens jewelry, too.

They were probably designing jewelry for girlfriends, or girls they hoped might be their girlfriends, son Jonathan Meadows, also a jewelry artisan, adds with a smile.

Who Can Enter Next Year?

The complete rules for submission can be found at ArtJewelersDesignContest.com. The website is ready for 2020 submissions.

This is an annual competition, so interested students can begin pondering what piece of jewelry theyd like to design and still have plenty of time to draw up the plans before the March 31 deadline.

Who Is Art Jewelers?

Art Jewelers is a family-owned-and-operated business in Woodstock that specializes in unique and trendy jewelry, custom jewelry, and repairs.

Weve been in the area since 1985, says David. We raised our kids here; they were educated here. This is our home, and we intend to stay put.

Five of the Meadows familys nine children are award-winning artists on staff at the store. They even enjoy a little family competition to win awards for unique and outstanding designs. David was awarded Best in Show for two years in a row by the Georgia Jewelers Association.

The backbone of our business is design, says David. With computer-assisted design, we can give our customers the full perspective of what their piece will look like before we even start production.

One-of-a-Kind Options

For example, an heirloom diamond ring handed down from grandmother to grandson can be recreated into an engagement ring for his fiancee. Silverware from the 19th century can be reimagined as a necklace or ring. Earrings can be made from a precious stone that has been in the family for years. A skull pendant or ring can be designed for that hard-to-please son or daughter.

Complete In-House Artistry From Start to Finish

Art Jewelers is one of the few full-service businesses in the area that does all work in-house from the first drawings using CAD, to a mock-up of the finished product using a 3-D printer, to the finished piece in gold, sterling silver, platinum, and more.

Along with hand-crafted jewelry, they also do ring sizing, watch repair, insurance appraisals, laser soldering, and stone identification.

When the occasion calls for a truly unique gift, think Art Jewelers.

Art Jewelers
Diamonds and Design

136 Woodstock Square Avenue
Suite 400
(next to Target on Highway 92)
Woodstock, Georgia

ArtJewelers.com

By Ashley Keegan

That others may live

Its not only the motto, but also the guiding purpose of Cherokee Countys Search and Rescue team (Cherokee SAR). Volunteers are the lifeblood of this operation, but its not a typical volunteer organization.

This team requires dedication, discipline, and a desire to serve the community in a significant way. After all, its Cherokee SAR that is called to assist when citizens from Cherokee County, and sometimes citizens of surrounding counties, are missing, lost, or hurt. These volunteers understand that while SAR may not be their full-time job, it is a tremendous responsibility that potentially has life or death consequences.

The team, consisting of over 20 volunteers, is overseen by Cherokee County Fires Special Operations Chief Darrell Mitchell. Affectionately known as Chief, Mitchell has worked in fire service for four decades. He manages the hazardous materials team, the dive team, and the search and rescue team.

Team Leader Ken Logan guides Cherokee SAR. Assistant Team Leader Trent Manning and Squad Leader and Training Coordinator Patti Pratt assist Logan. The team is divided into two squads, each led by squad leaders and assistant squad leaders. In addition, the team includes designated dog handlers because Cherokee SAR is supported by both local humans and canines. Other professional skills and disciplines represented on the team include EMTs, sign trackers, firefighters, and more.

Assistant Squad Leader Anthony Roman has been on the team for three years and was recently promoted to this leadership position. Roman believes success on the team is achieved through spirit, willingness, selflessness, and the desire to help. In addition to the required physical nature of the job, Roman said that overall success demands both physical and mental abilities, which is why training exercises focus on flexing both brains and brawn.

Training occurs on a regular basis and is designed to be immersive and thorough. The curriculum is structured around National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) standards. To qualify to be on the team, each team member must be able to pass the annual Wildland Firefighter Pack Test, which requires walking 2 miles in under 30 minutes while wearing a pack that weighs at least 25 pounds.

The team trains to be ready for all possible scenarios that may be encountered on a real-life search. The team never knows when it will be called upon, so preparedness is key. Each month, team members dedicate at least one Monday evening and one full Saturday to building and maintaining skills required for a successful search. Monday evening training takes place inside a classroom with instruction typically designed to complement Saturday field trainings.

When the team trains in the field, the primary focus is building and expanding knowledge of land navigation, first aid, technical skills, and more. Real-life searches take place in the outdoors and in urban settings, both of which bring their own set of uncertainties: the possibility of extreme weather, unknown terrain, and obstacles.

On a recent team field training, squads conducted a mock search scenario at Garland Mountain. As a volunteer subject waited to be rescued, squads deployed and took the opportunity to use the skills theyve learned in land navigation and map reading to search the area and locate the subject.

This type of exercise is not just about utilizing tangible skills; it also adds to team members expertise for the intangible as well. According to Roman, one of the most important aspects of search and rescue is teamwork and not letting ones ego get in the way. Learning to work as a team provides lessons that extend beyond work in search and rescue.

I think at any level, everybodys involved in a team. And so, when you learn to put team before self and in our situation, you have to do that you have to be very cognizant of your own capabilities and limitations, as well as others, said Roman. You can take those concepts and extrapolate them into your personal and professional life.

Training prepares the team for callouts. Dispatched by Cherokee 9-1-1, team members could get called at any time, day or night. When a call comes, team members will encounter a variety of circumstances. It could be the coldest night or the warmest day, and the subject could range from a child who wandered a little too far from home while playing outside to an adult who sustained an injury while running. Training and organization ensure that the team will be prepared for whatever comes its way.

If you are interested in learning how to become involved with search and rescue, please visit CherokeeSAR.org for more information.

Public Schools

Cherokee
8/23 North Forsyth
8/30 @ Sequoyah
9/6 North Hall
9/13 @ Kennesaw Mountain
9/20 Cartersville
10/4 Etowah
10/11 Roswell
10/18 @ Woodstock
11/1 @ Walton
11/8 @ Lassiter

Creekview
8/23 @ Cambridge
8/30 Woodstock
9/6 @ Allatoona
9/13 @ Osborne
9/20 Dalton
10/4 @ Sequoyah
10/18 River Ridge
10/25 South Cobb
11/1 Sprayberry
11/8 @ Harrison

Etowah
8/23 @ River Ridge
8/30 @ North Cobb
9/6 South Forsyth
9/13 Pebblebrook
9/20 @ Hillgrove
10/4 @ Cherokee
10/11 Woodstock
10/18 Walton
11/1 Lassiter
11/8 @ Roswell

River Ridge
8/23 Etowah
9/6 @ Harrison
9/13 Allatoona
9/20 Osborne
9/27 @ Chamblee (N)
10/4 @ Dalton
10/11 Sequoyah
10/18 @ Creekview
11/1 South Cobb
11/8 @ Sprayberry

Sequoyah
8/30 Cherokee
9/6 Osborne
9/13 @ Dalton
9/20 @ Campbell
10/4 Creekview
10/11 @ River Ridge
10/18 @ South Cobb
10/25 Sprayberry
11/1 @ Harrison
11/8 Allatoona

Woodstock
8/23 North Cobb
8/30 @ Creekview
9/6 Cambridge
9/20 @ North Paulding
9/27 @ North Forsyth
10/11 @ Etowah
10/18 Cherokee
10/25 Lassiter
11/1 Roswell
11/8 @ Walton

Private Schools

Cherokee Christian Schools
8/10 Unity Christian (Scrimmage)
8/16 @John Hancock (vs. Windsor)
8/23 Holy Spirit Prep
8/30 Holy Ground
9/6 Johnson Ferry Christian
9/13 @ Rock Springs Christian Academy
9/20 New Creation Christian
10/4 @ Lanier Christian Academy
10/11 @ Holy Ground Christian Academy
10/18 @ Nathanael Greene Academy
10/25 Peachtree Academy

The Kings Academy
8/16 Calvary Christian
8/23 Georgia Force Christian
8/30 @ Skipstone Academy
9/6 North Georgia
9/13 @ Central Christian
9/20 Lanier Christian Academy
10/11 @ Community Christian
10/18 @ Cherokee Christian Schools
10/25 @ Unity Prep Academy

Private Schools

Blessed Trinity
8/23 St. Pius X
8/30 @ South Forsyth
9/6 Woodward Academy
9/13 @ Benedictine
9/27 @ West Hall
10/11 Denmark
10/18 Flowery Branch
10/25 Chestatee
11/1 @ Marist
11/8 @ White County

Fellowship Christian
8/23 North Springs
9/6 Pinecrest Academy
9/13 @ Walker
9/20 @ Stratford Academy
9/27 Mt. Paran Christian
10/11 @ St. Francis
10/18 @ King's Ridge Christian
10/25 @ Mt. Pisgah Christian
11/1 Whitefield Academy
11/8 Regional Crossover

Kings Ridge Christian
8/30 Riverside Military
9/6 @ Providence Christian
9/20 @ Mt. Paran Christian
9/27 Mt. Pisgah Christian
10/4 @ Whitefield Academy
10/11 Walker
10/18 Fellowship Christian
10/25 @ Pinecrest Academy
11/1 St. Francis
11/8 Regional Crossover

Mt. Pisgah Christian
8/24 @ Holy Innocents' (R)
8/30 Mt. Vernon
9/6 St. Francis
9/13 @ Whitefield Academy
9/27 @ King's Ridge Christian
10/4 Mt. Paran Christian
10/11 Pinecrest Academy
10/25 Fellowship Christian
11/1 @ Walker
11/8 Regional Crossover

St. Francis
8/30 @ North Cobb Christian
9/6 @ Mt. Pisgah Christian
9/13 Lakeview Academy
9/27 Whitefield Academy
10/4 @ Walker
10/11 Fellowship Christian
10/18 Pinecrest Academy
10/25 Mt. Paran Christian
11/1 @ King's Ridge Christian
11/8 Regional Crossover

Public Schools

Alpharetta
8/29 @ Milton
9/6 Lanier
9/20 Pope
9/27 Dunwoody
10/4 @ Centennial
10/11 North Atlanta
10/18 @ Chattahoochee
10/25 Northview
11/1 @ Johns Creek
11/8 @ Cambridge

Cambridge
8/23 Creekview
9/6 @ Woodstock
9/13 Dunwoody
9/20 @ Centennial
9/27 North Atlanta
10/4 @ Chattahoochee
10/11 Northview
10/18 @ Johns Creek
10/25 @ Pope
11/8 Alpharetta

Centennial
8/23 @ Northside, Warner Robins (M)
9/6 Roswell
9/13 @ Pope
9/20 Cambridge
10/4 Alpharetta
10/11 Chattahoochee
10/18 @ Dunwoody (N)
10/25 Johns Creek
11/1 @ North Atlanta (G)
11/8 @ Northview

Chattahoochee
8/23 @ Riverwood
8/30 Lambert
9/13 @ Northview
9/20 Johns Creek
9/27 @ Pope
10/4 Cambridge
10/11 @ Centennial
10/18 Alpharetta
11/1 Dunwoody
11/8 @ North Atlanta (G)

Johns Creek
8/23 @ Fairfield Central
(South Carolina)
8/30 Orlando Jones (Florida)
9/13 North Atlanta
9/20 @ Chattahoochee
9/27 @ Northview
10/11 @ Pope
10/18 Cambridge
10/25 @ Centennial
11/1 Alpharetta
11/8 Dunwoody

Milton
8/23 Buford (C)
8/29 Alpharetta
9/13 @ JSerra Catholic (California)
9/20 @ Roswell
9/27 Parkview
10/11 @ West Forsyth
10/18 South Forsyth
10/25 @ Forsyth Central
11/1 @ Lambert
11/8 North Forsyth

Northview
8/30 @ Lakeside, DeKalb (A)
9/6 North Forsyth
9/13 Chattahoochee
9/20 @ Dunwoody (N)
9/27 Johns Creek
10/4 @ North Atlanta (G)
10/11 @ Cambridge
10/25 @ Alpharetta
11/1 Pope
11/8 Centennial

Roswell
8/30 @ Campbell
9/6 @ Centennial
9/13 West Forsyth
9/20 Milton
9/27 Wheeler
10/11 @ Cherokee
10/18 @ Lassiter
10/25 Walton
11/1 @ Woodstock
11/8 Etowah

(A) Adams Stadium, DeKalb County
(C) Coolray Field, Lawrenceville
(G) Grady Stadium, Atlanta
(M) McConnell Talbott Stadium, Warner Robins
(N) North DeKalb Stadium, Chamblee
(R) Riverwood High School, Riverwood
Source - GHSA.net.

By Doannie Tran, Ed.L.D.

Fulton County is committed to supporting students with mastering knowledge and skills required for college, career, and life readiness. Preparing students with knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is a critical part of being ready for the workforce of tomorrow.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that employment in STEM fields is growing at nearly twice the rate of non-STEM fields, and that the average STEM annual wage was nearly double the national average annual wage in 2016. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce has documented the growing divergence between available supply and existing demand of talent, particularly in technology and health care fields. Science and technology are also a critical part of our societys most pressing challenges and our most promising opportunities. By building their critical thinking skills through STEM content, Fulton County Schools (FCS) is committed to developing students into citizens who can solve problems and engage critical 21st century issues.

In order to systematically build these capacities in students, FCS has developed a strategy for supporting STEM learning in all schools. The schools in north Fulton provide coursework that builds STEM knowledge and skills through advanced placement (AP) and career, technical, and agricultural education (CTAE) pathways. They also provide clubs and programs that deepen STEM learning based on students passions and interests.

North Fulton offers diverse and rigorous STEM coursework at every school. Nine north Fulton high schools have been recognized as AP STEM Achievement Schools by the Georgia Department of Education. Schools with this distinction offer at least two AP math courses and two AP science courses, and at least 40% of students score a three or higher on these rigorous exams.

Three north Fulton schools Amana Academy, River Eves Elementary, and Woodland Elementary have received official STEM school certification by the Georgia Department of Education. These schools have demonstrated their commitment to STEM education through integration of STEM concepts across the curriculum, strategic business partnerships, and technology integration. The county will continue to support more schools to earn this honor and provide these kinds of experiences for students.

All high schools and middle schools in north Fulton offer CTAE pathways that allow students to achieve certification in high-demand fields. These pathways are comprised of sequential courses that use authentic learning experiences to prepare students for college, productive careers, or other rigorous post-secondary options. Schools across north Fulton provide access to pathways as diverse as architecture and construction, engineering, information technology, and health care science.

In addition to whole-school programming, FCS believes that students should have access to clubs and programs that allow them to explore their STEM interests and passions in more individualized ways. Science Olympiad is an example of one of these clubs. FCS hosted the second largest Science Olympiad regional qualifier in the state with 36 competing elementary schools this past March. Eight north Fulton elementary school teams advanced to the state competition.

FCS is also competitive in regional, state, and international science fairs, and many schools offer robotics programs as well. Nearly all north Fulton schools have staff trained in the Design Thinking process used at many startups, and have students participate in design competitions where they solve problems using this methodology.

FCS has pushed the boundary of how to provide access to diverse and rigorous programming in STEM. In order to continue this tradition of innovation, the Fulton County Board of Education initiated the development of a new school that would help the district reimagine the high school experience. Innovation Academy will open in downtown Alpharetta in August 2020, offering a comprehensive school model that will equip students with the skills to be the entrepreneurs, innovators, and designers of tomorrow.

The curriculum will encourage students to think across disciplines through design projects that Fulton County is developing in partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology. Every student will complete a CTAE pathway in engineering, health care, or information technology. Through partnerships with local businesses, students will work on projects that solve real and relevant problems, so by their senior year, student teams can tackle an authentic industry problem and immediately add value to their community. Student teams will receive mentorship from faculty and industry experts to support development of collaborative skills, leadership, and workplace-relevant knowledge.

FCS offers cutting-edge STEM programming that supports students successes in the information age. With the innovation occurring across Fulton County Schools in STEM, schools will continue to support a thriving and vibrant north Fulton.

By Frank Reynolds

The Cherokee County Justice Center, named in honor of Chief Superior Court Judge Frank C. Mills III, is located in downtown Canton. It is home to a variety of courts including superior, state, probate, magistrate, juvenile and the clerk of courts. The current courthouse was built in 1994, and prior to that, court was held in the historic marble courthouse next door.

Of course, I remember Judge Mills and the old courthouse rather well. It was he who sentenced me to community service when I was 15 years old for breaking a school bus mirror. I recall, rather vividly, his booming voice echoing throughout the marble and oak courtroom. I often share that experience with young people when talking about the consequences of making poor decisions.

Interestingly, the old jail is on top of the historic courthouse. Many of you may still remember driving through downtown Canton on any given night to hear a few inmates shouting down to the passing cars.

One of the duties of the sheriff is to provide safety and security for all judges, prosecutors, staff, jurors, and visitors to the courthouse. The Georgia Constitution mandates that the sheriff should have an office within the courthouse and provide general security. After the deadly Fulton County courthouse shooting in 2005, Georgia law requires all sheriffs to have a written comprehensive safety plan that is agreed upon by the chief superior judge Ellen McElyea.

The Justice Center is often a very busy place, especially during trial week. On any given day, the courthouse is a flurry of activity. Licensing, trials, mediations, negotiations, and marriages fill the hours with excitement for some and monotony for others. For instance, Clerk of Courts Patty Baker-McElroy can have upwards of 200 citizens gathered in the jury assembly room on the first day of trials.

In 2018, sheriffs deputies searched 201,751 people entering the courthouse, which includes 1,716 court sessions. Additionally, deputies provided transportation for 4,739 inmates for scheduled court appearances.

The Court Services Unit (CSU) is commanded by Captain Chris Sims and Lieutenant Bobby Benfield. Although Captain Sims is relatively new to the CSU team, Lt. Benfield is an icon at the courthouse, having served in the Unit since 1994. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention retired Corporal Ronnie Reece and the 31 professional men and women who serve in the CSU.

The CSU is responsible for the safe transportation of inmates appearing for court and that each judge is provided a minimum of one deputy per courtroom, each door is secured, every person is properly checked and vetted and seemingly most importantly letting jurors know the best places to eat lunch.

In the next few years, the Justice Center will undergo a facelift and expansion to meet the growing needs of our community. I am told this will include technology updates, additional courtrooms and offices, and parking accommodations.

The next time you are visiting the Justice Center, please take a moment to say hello to one of the CSU team. They always appreciate the positive recognition, and they may even recommend a good restaurant and NO, I dont mean Dunkin Doughnuts.

By Laura Bentley

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds. Of those who have thoughts of suicide, most want to live but feel trapped in their current situation. They want to end the pain they are experiencing. A tragic mystery of suicide is that its next to impossible to know why or when one moment becomes more unbearable than another for those we lose. Research indicates the interval between deciding to act and the attempt can be as short as five minutes. As troubling as these statistics may be, like most public health problems, there are ways to help prevent suicide.

Milton is home to award-winning schools and one of the safest ZIP codes in the state, yet the city is constantly striving to provide the best quality of life to its residents by finding ways to create a strong sense of community and promote connectedness.

One of the myths we need to tackle is how talking about suicide causes suicide, said Jason Howard, a staff associate therapist at The Summit Counseling Center. Research actually shows the opposite engaging someone in a deliberate and caring conversation about suicide is shown to be the first step toward preventing suicide.

At 7:00pm, September 10, during National Suicide Prevention Week, the City of Milton will host Suicide, A Community Conversation in the Council Chambers at Milton City Hall. This event is a collaborative effort led by the City, Summit Counseling, Fulton County, Fulton County Schools, mental health professionals, and parents.

The keynote address will be delivered by Lauralyn Mustaki and Britt Beene, Milton mothers of teens who died by suicide within four years of each other. Their stories are certain to provide powerful insight, understanding, and hope, as the Milton community takes this bold step toward suicide prevention. The forum will be livestreamed, so all residents with a Milton connection can tune in remotely. The event recording will also be archived and available for viewing through the Citys website (CityOfMiltonGa.us).

To emphasize the Citys commitment to suicide prevention, Mayor Joe Lockwood will also present a citywide proclamation.

In order for Milton to be the best place to call home, were always looking for ways for our citizens to connect and learn, even when the subject is as difficult as suicide, said Lockwood.

Along with this community event, Summit Counseling will offer a trusted adult training, September 22, 5:00pm, at Community Place in Milton City Hall for anyone who wants to know how to identify, respond, and react appropriately to warning signs and risk factors related to suicide. Full details for the Milton Community Conversation on Suicide are available on the city website calendar at CityOfMiltonGa.us/calendar.