Titles and Blurbs

By Marcia Divack

Nine on an island, orphans all, any more, the sky might fall. These are the words a group of nine children live by on the mysterious Orphan Island. The island is idyllic and provides for all the needs of its inhabitants. There is always food, the weather is always fair, and even the animals on the island live in harmony with the children.

Each year, a little green boat brings one child to the island and then bears one away. This is the way it has always been and likely always will be. No one on the island ever questions the rules, until Jinny becomes the Elder. After Deen is borne away by the boat, Jinny, as Elder, is now required to care specifically for Ess, the newest child on the island, while also ensuring the safety of the other seven children who reside there. All the children need to do is follow the rule of nine. As the year progresses and Jinnys time to leave the island approaches, she begins to increasingly question the need to maintain the rules. Jinny scoffs at the idea of ensuing chaos should she choose to remain on the island.

This story is certainly a metaphor and most likely an allegory. It is as much about growing up as it is about questioning long-held beliefs and challenging the order of things. Lyrically written by Georgia author Laurel Snyder, this beautifully moving book of magical realism may lead readers to think about their lives and the consequences of their decisions. While this story is intended for children ages nine to twelve, many adults may also enjoy reading it. Additionally, it works very well as a read-aloud, shared with and discussed amongst the entire family.

• Was awarded a campaign or service medal for serving overseas in a combat zone
• Served thirty consecutive days, or a total of sixty days, in Korea
• Received Imminent Danger/Hostile Fire Pay

Wowing Customers for Five Generations and Counting

By Cyndi Braun

The choices are endless. You can buy jewelry everywhere from chain stores with flashy ads, to retailers that specialize in electronics and clothing, to small family-owned shops.

If you want a unique piece of jewelry made by local artisans, Art Jewelers is the place to go. Conveniently located on Highway 92 in Woodstock, Art Jewelers specializes in custom-designed, hand-crafted pieces and unique jewelry.

A lot of life happens here, and thats one of the joys of what we do, said Dave Meadows, owner of Art Jewelers. Family is important to me. I love to see that interaction with customers when they come in as families to create a memory for a child or buy jewelry for an anniversary or an engagement.

Designed to Wow
With five award-winning artists on staff, its no wonder that Art Jewelers has such an impressive selection of one-of-a-kind pieces. Master jewelers offer in-house custom design of rings, pendants, necklaces, cuff links, and anything else you can think of.

The custom process starts with a consultation with a designer who guides customers in creating their jewelry. Using pieces in the showroom, catalogs, or the customers own research, the designer establishes a base point, so he or she can create something the customer will love.

Often, customers like to use generational pieces to create new jewelry. A young man might use a grandparents ring to create an engagement ring for his fiance using a diamond passed down from grandma to grandson.

We share life stories, and we create relationships with everybody who walks through this door, said Dave. We recently had a customer whose husband passed away. She decided to create a custom piece with their wedding rings. We were able to take the metal and let her cast it into a new ring. The experience was very meaningful for her and touching for us.

Few jewelers offer the complete design process, start to finish. Art Jewelers does everything in-house, in their Woodstock store, including CAD design, 3D printing, casting, finishing, and setting. Customers are welcome to participate in the process.

No Stuffed Shirts Here
Brightly-lit, the showroom is comfortable and welcoming. The unique collections are fascinating to look at and offer a variety of styles and designs. Customers range in age and income level, and the store offers something for everyone.
Besides custom work designed in-house, Art Jewelers sells handmade pieces and unusual pieces created by other artisans.

When we look at outside artisans work, were interested in that unique factor. Its got to fit our vibe here, said Dave.

Five Generations Strong
Daves grandson Judah spends many days at the store, observing his family at work. He comes from a long line of jewelers, five generations to be exact. It all started with his great-great grandfather Arthur Meadows, who established the family business in 1926 in Michigan.

Arts sons Gene, Glenn, and Art Jr. continued in the business, passing the craft on to the next generation. The third Meadows generation opened their own stores in Georgia and Florida. Dave Meadows is now passing down the craft to his children, many of whom work in the store.

Someday, Judah may join the business as well.

Creating Dreams in Precious Metals
Art Jewelers offers hand-fabricated and hand-carved jewelry, ring sizing, jewelry and watch repairs, insurance appraisals, laser soldering, stone identification, one-of-a-kind jewelry from local artisans, and much more.

A lot of people are wowed by what we can do here, and thats always fun. We like helping people and making their dreams come true, said Dave. But the best part of being in this business is we get to be part of our customers lives. We get to share joyful times with our customers, and they become part of our family.

Open
Tuesday-Saturday
10:00am-6:00pm

136 Woodstock Square Avenue
Suite 400
Woodstock
770-924-3133

ArtJewelers.com
Facebook - @ArtJewelersOnline
Instagram - @Art_Jewelers
Pinterest - @ArtJewelers

Living the Dream in North Fulton

By Cyndi Braun

When its time to clean your home, what do you enjoy most? Vacuuming? Scrubbing bathtubs? Dusting ceiling fans?

For many, relaxing after the hard work is done is their favorite part, sitting back and admiring what has been accomplished: the sparkling clean floors, shiny kitchen, fresh towels and linens. Perfect. If only it would stay that way
forever.

S&B CLEANING, INC. can help keep your home clean, so you can enjoy it without all that hard work. Established in 2006 by Sean and Beata Henry, this family-owned company offers exceptional cleaning services to customers throughout north Fulton County.

Chance Meeting
Twenty-two years ago, Beata Zabczak left Poland to travel to Atlanta to visit an old friend. That trip was a lifelong dream. Her friend picked her up at the airport and suggested they stop at a restaurant. Beata selected the restaurant and ended up meeting the man she would later marry, Sean Henry.

Originally from Antigua, Sean had become an American citizen four years prior and was now a restaurant manager. He and Beata immediately connected. After visiting her friend for a month, Beata returned to Poland. Sean and Beata stayed in touch, and Beata came back to visit several times over the next couple of years.

When they got married and settled here, Beata knew very little English, which limited her job opportunities. She started working as a nanny and cleaning homes. She taught herself English; she and Sean started a family; and the cleaning business became a success.

As the business grew, Sean cleaned homes during the day and worked at the restaurant at night. Eventually, the two decided it was time that Sean join the business full-time.

Sean is now responsible for day-to-day operations, while Beata takes care of marketing and customer service. They both hire and train employees.

Personalized Cleaning
The company really listens to its customers. Sean and Beata encourage clients to share personal requests, so they can design individualized cleaning programs.

We have a lot of clients with specific requests, and we are pleased when they tell us about these because we want to make them happy, said Beata.

When a cleaning team enters a customers home, they carry with them a client profile and a 49-point cleaning checklist. Before the team gets started, they review the instructions. For example, a client might request no polish on the furniture or paper towels instead of cloths to clean mirrors.

Our employees must be able to take direction and apply those directions, said Sean. We personally train them, and, in some cases, we train them for specific houses that they will clean.

Wearing gloves and shoe covers, uniformed cleaning teams use color-coded sponges for different rooms of the home. Yellow is used in the kitchen, and blue in the bathroom. After cleaning a home, the cleaning team places dirty rags in a special container in their car to be washed later. They use new cloths and mops for the next house.
Unique in the Field
We understand the value of cultivating a safe and comfortable living environment, said Sean. With our tender care and thorough cleaning, families can focus on creating memories without the worries of housework.

Sean and Beata Henry are committed to attention to detail and efficient cleaning. They offer clients unique services, including the following:

• Customized cleaning and 49-point checklist
• Christian values
• Meeting customer expectations
• Exclusive to north Fulton homes and businesses
• Free oven cleaning for clients in November

A Family That Gives Back
Sean and Beata have two children: Meghan (19) and Martyna (15). Meghan majors in chemistry at the University of Georgia and minors in music at Hugh Hodgson School of Music at UGA. Martyna, a freshman at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, plays the violin at North Atlanta Talent Education.

Active in their community and church, the family regularly visits a retirement home, feeds the homeless in Atlanta, and offers comfort to residents of a cancer home. Sean organizes mission trips to Jamaica and Haiti every year. Beata helps people who are suffering from cancer.

The more we do, the more joy it brings us knowing we are helping others, said Beata. My best friend died of breast cancer, so if someone is suffering with cancer, with no family around, I like to give them a little bit of comfort.

As a child, Beata dreamed of coming to America. Her dream was fulfilled when she became a citizen many years ago. Beata and Sean are proud to be Americans and proud that through hard work and perseverance, they have established a successful business that serves their community.

Call for a free consultation today!

CleanItsWhatWeDo.com
404-435-5742
10929 Crabapple Road, Suite 104-D, Roswell

Caring for Families Through Insurance

By Cyndi Braun

If youre looking for a stuffy insurance agency filled with condescending corporate types, youve come to the wrong place.

At Malone Insurance Agency, youll be greeted by a furry receptionist (a cute little puppy named Marley), who cheerfully leads customers to Marsha Woodall-Malone office.

A tell-you-like-it-is, straightforward southern girl and lifelong Canton resident, Marsha is well known for her days as a standout softball player, her 22 years of insurance experience, and for being the proud mom of Sam and Shae.

About a year ago, she opened her own Farmers Insurance agency in Canton, just past Cherokee Gun and Pawn on Highway 20 West (towards Cartersville), next to Arrow Exterminators. The agency offers auto, home, life, motorcycle, RV/boat, and specific commercial insurance.

Childhood Tragedy
When Marsha talks about the fire that destroyed her familys home in the 1980s, she gets choked up. Her family escaped with the clothes on their backs and a few photos her mom grabbed on the way out. Thankfully, the family was safe. Afterwards, Marshas parents struggled to put their lives back together. They had purchased homeowners insurance; however, their policy did not include replacement value a mistake Marsha doesnt want any client of hers to repeat.

Such a traumatic experience is bound to have an effect on a child. For Marsha, the experience taught her about taking care of others, being thankful, and appreciating public safety for the important role it plays in our lives. She also learned a bit about insurance.

I remember the insurance person talking to my parents about how they did not have replacement cost of the homes contents, and I remember the position that put my family in, said Marsha. I feel this is something that sets me apart from other agents. With my clients, I really want to know the familys situation because if something happens, I want to be sure they are properly covered. Nobody wants to meet with a client and tell them they didnt have enough coverage.

Building Relationships
Today, as a Farmers agent, Marsha takes time to get to know her customers and makes sure they purchase the right insurance to fully protect their family or business. When a client comes in about car insurance, Marsha quotes apples to apples, as well as what coverage she would purchase if she were in their situation.

Of course, everybody wants cheap insurance until they have an accident, said Marsha. I explain things clearly, so that my customers understand how insurance works and then purchase the right insurance for their needs. Marsha takes the time to get to know her clients, so she can help them understand what they need to protect. For example, many people fail to purchase life insurance because they dont understand how reasonably priced it can be.

I always mention life insurance. Ive witnessed first hand families suffer and lose everything when a parent failed to purchase life insurance coverage. I dont want to see my clients hurt this way, said Marsha. When a client dies, and the family does have life insurance, they receive funds from the life insurance proceeds that protect their family. Of course, money cannot replace a life, but it can help the family grieve and not worry about their finances.

If clients have a question about their insurance or a claim, Marsha asks them to call her, so she can help. She gives clients her cell phone number to ensure she is accessible.  

I feel its important that people have an experienced agent and someone they can meet face-to-face. You need a person to go to, said Marsha. If you buy a policy online, they dont know anything about you. They just want to know what coverage you want, and thats what they give you. I try to make sure all my customers insurance needs are covered.

Marsha Woodall-Malone
Marsha cares for her customers and wants the best for them. Her approach enables customers to make smart decisions about insurance.

Besides being an insurance agent, she is a mother and a caregiver. She understands issues that families experience, good and bad. Her son is a pole vaulter on the track team and has had Type 1 diabetes since he was six. Her daughter plays softball in high school, and she also plays travel ball.

Marsha is passionate about taking care of her family, and she would be happy to take care of yours through insurance.

For more information and a free insurance quote,
contact Marsha at 770-479-6939.
Agents.Farmers.com/ga/canton/marsha-malone

9266 Knox Bridge Highway, Suite 300,  Canton, GA 30114

Farmers is an A+ agency that was founded in 1928. American-owned, the company is one of the countrys largest insurers of vehicles, homes, and small businesses.

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

As of October 1, the Cherokee Sheriffs Office (CSO) has concluded its fiscal year, and Im happy to report that we are under budget once again.

Budget
The Sheriffs Office participates in an annual budget process similar to county-managed departments. However, the sheriff is a constitutional officer and is not considered a department of county government. The sheriff submits an annual budget proposal to the Board of Commissioners (BOC), which is either approved, denied, or amended.  

The CSO 2018 annual budget was set at $36,373,674.00 and is expected to be under budget by nearly $300,000.00 once all purchase orders have been finalized.

• Salaries and benefits - $29,302,144.00    438 employees
• Operations - $6,070,630.00    
• Jail operations, maintenance, equipment Allocated costs - $1,782,661.00 - Utilities, telephones, pest control, etc.

Jail Expansion
In November 2017, the citizens of Cherokee County approved a renewal of a penny special-purpose local-option sales tax (SPLOST), which included funding for an expansion of the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center (ADC). The current jail is nearing maximum daily capacity with an average of 650 inmates. These include individuals waiting for trial, inmates serving a sentence of less than twelve months, and probation revocations.  

The jail expansion project is currently in the architectural and construction design phase. It is expected the addition will house an additional 600 beds to include updating the medical unit, laundry services, and food preparation. The entire project is budgeted at $40 million.

Hiring
The CSO has been able to fill 57 civilian and deputy positions in 2018. We expect to hire a total of seventy employees by the end of the year. These positions were made available through employee retirement, a strong private sector market, and as preparation for the jail expansion.  

Our hiring success is the result of building a very positive relationship with our employees (team). Although we have created a full-time recruiter position, our team actively recruits people seeking to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Additionally, law enforcement professionals from other agencies are coming to the CSO team for our competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for advancement, and state-of-the-art training.   

Training and Education
One of our greatest strengths at the CSO is our advanced training and education opportunities. The state of Georgia requires all certified peace officers to attend twenty hours of annual training. This includes mandatory training on de-escalation of force, firearms qualification, and reviewing state and federal law regarding the use of deadly force. However, the CSO requires all deputies to receive a minimum of forty hours, twice that of the state mandate. Most CSO deputies receive an average of 100 more hours of annual training.

Supervisors are required to attend a 400-hour professional supervision and management program hosted by Columbus State University.  

We have also partnered with Reinhardt University to create scholarship opportunities for deputies to attend the basic police academy with the goal to assist them to obtain their bachelor and masters degrees. The CSO currently has a dozen employees enrolled in Reinhardt Universitys bachelor and masters programs.

By Jim Cheatham

In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, the amount of devastation left in the Carolinas stirred many emotions. Many lost their homes and neighborhoods, and some even lost loved ones. Watching people lose all of their belongings is hard. Unfortunately, public safety employees see this often.

What can you do to be prepared? Preparedness is a mindset. Recognize your belongings as just that belongings. Think about the day that they may all be gone. It is not going to be a pleasant experience, but if youve thought about the loss and planned for what is next, it will allow you to focus on the important things when tragedy strikes, and the important things are people.

Planning is critical. Start with thirty minutes. If a tragedy strikes, what do you and your loved ones do for the first thirty minutes? This is about getting to safety; its the number one item on your checklist. Create a plan, and practice evacuations, so your family will know exactly what to do. Once your family is safe, you can focus on doing whatever is possible to rectify the tragedy at hand.

Next, focus on 72 hours. You should have a plan to be on your own for 72 hours. It could be getting a hotel room and going clothes shopping; it could be breaking out the camping gear and the bottled water youve been storing for such an occasion. The idea is to be self-sufficient for a variety of tragedies. You should also have a plan in place for this, and make sure all involved know what the plan is.
Other things to conside: have you recorded the contents of your house, so you can keep the video in a safe place? Is your computer backed up? Is the backup drive in a separate location? Do not let the day of the tragedy be the first time you talk to your insurance company to make sure your coverage is what you think it is. Did you know the amount to rebuild your home has nothing to do with what you could sell it for?

Reach out to Alpharetta Public Safety, or check out Ready.gov for more preparedness ideas.

November is usually the month where people consider what they are thankful for. Even during a tragedy, there is usually still plenty for which to be thankful. Be sure to count your blessings.

Get Inspired by Artist Steven Lester

by Dawn Major

Inspired. You hear that word a lot. You see stay inspired on coffee mugs, T-shirts, and bumper stickers, but what does it actually mean to be inspired? The New Oxford American Dictionary defines inspired as having an extraordinary quality, as if arising from some external creative impulse. Steven Lester painter, husband, and father is someone who has this quality. When asked what inspires him, Lester said, I dont want my paintings to look like someone just took a picture. I paint to capture the emotion of a moment. While I paint with my hands, it is my heart that I want to express. Thats what you see when you look at a Steven Lester painting, whether its Matt Ryan poised to throw a football or Evander Holyfield with fists ready, eyes steady, and focused. You see movement; you see energy; and you definitely see what inspires him.

Lesters paintings, like himself, are accessible. He is personable, friendly, and open. A Georgia native, he was born in Decatur and has resided in Canton for the past few years. At an early age, Lesters family recognized and encouraged him to pursue art. He started out working with pastels and charcoals. While studying at Georgia State University, he focused on visual arts and illustration. Lester has always enjoyed athletics, and he has worked as a commercial illustrator, concentrating his attention on competitive sports.

From his work as the creative director for Turner Broadcasting System to serving as vice president, creative director for two international advertising agencies, Lester has enjoyed a successful career as an artist. Although retired from the corporate world, he still works full time, concentrating on painting. Most of his work is commissioned, mainly by individuals, but Lester also does commercial illustrations. In the past year, he has painted portraits of some of our great leaders: Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi, Mark Twain, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Billy Graham. Lester loves to travel and makes a point of going to art museums whenever he visits a new city.

When asked if he had any advice for other artists, Lester said, While art takes a certain level of skill, it also requires commitment. Sometimes, you have to table or adjust your dreams to make a living, but it shouldnt mean giving up on your dreams. These are wise words from an accomplished artist with a proven track record.

For more information on Steven Lesters art, please visit StevenLesterFineArt.com, StevenLesterSportsArt.com, or StevenLesterPortraits.com.

by Farris Yawn

In todays hectic, fast-paced world, we all look for ways to slow down a bit, and take a breather. In her new collection of short stories and poems, Anita Roper Foster gives her readers a chance to do just that by sharing a glimpse of a simpler time in the rural south.

Her stories are funny, shocking, and at times sad. Fosters characters come alive in the short time you get to spend with them. From a young girl seeking acceptance from a distant grandmother, to an old-time country healer, to a family taking a rare holiday, you will miss these characters when you finish reading about them.

Fellow southern writer Kathi Harper Hill had this to say about In the Pines: Whether you want to read about red dirt, mayhaw jelly, Christmas trees cut fresh in the woods, lightning bugs, thunder and lightning or white lightning, funerals, births, how to make do, why Jake killed Frank, and (especially) why housework is a bad idea, this book is for you. It goes back to the old days, the not-so-old days, and covers our present day with heartfelt stories and poems. Sweet and funny, this thoughtful book will give you lots of enjoyment, as you stroll through its pages.

In the Pines is available in hardcover and paperback from Amazon.com and YawnsPublishing.com, or at Yawns Publishing in Canton.

By Gabriel Morley

Is love invincible?

The question seems to swell around the heart of all of Louise Erdrichs novels, especially LaRose.

When Landreaux Iron is out hunting in the late North Dakota summer, he sees a deer. He takes his shot. But its not a deer he has killed; its his neighbors five-year-old son. The dead boy also happens to be Landreauxs nephew. And if that werent enough, the dead boy was also Landreauxs sons best friend.

Erdrichs books can also make your stomach hurt.
 
Is family invincible?

In LaRose, Erdrich seeks to explore the boundaries of family. As a member of the Turtle Mountain Clan of Ojibwe Indians, Erdrich infuses her novels with a Native American culture not many Americans are familiar with. This is never more apparent than when Landreaux and his wife give away their own son, LaRose, to the relatives whose son was killed.

Imagine that for a moment. Consider what such an act, such a decision, does to a family to two families. Therein lies the tangled commonalities of the human experience laid bare to either draw us together or split us apart: the hatred and despair, the longing and sorrow, the frustration and hopelessness. But also therein lies LaRose, a perfect boy to navigate the awkward terrain of forgiveness and healing.         

If you havent read all of Erdrichs books you should. Spend this fall with The Antelope Wife, Love Medicine, The Round House, The Painted Drum, or The Plague of Doves. Start with LaRose. Let Erdrich introduce herself to you. Her writing is lyrical and plain at the same time. It will uplift you, but it will also make you hold your breath. When you finally breathe again, you will be glad to be alive.       

Erdrich won the national Book Critics Circle Award for LaRose in 2016.

• 3 cups fresh basil
• 1/2 cup fresh oregano
• 2/3 cup finely grated parmesan
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup diced white or yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped pecans
• 2 cups rice (any blend of white, brown, whole grain)
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth

• Prepared pesto recipe 
• 4 salmon filets 
• Panko bread crumbs

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

Each year, the Cherokee Sheriffs Office (CSO) completes an annual report of the previous year. The report contains detailed information from each division within our organization, which can range from criminal activity to community outreach programs. We use this statistical data to monitor trends in criminal activity and where to best reallocate our resources to better serve our community.

Although our Uniform Patrol Division (UPD) conducts high-visibility patrolling techniques to deter criminal activity, we simply cannot be in all places at all times. As a result, we often respond to property crimes that have already occurred. Unfortunately, many of these crimes were preventable.

Here are a few simple things you can do to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of a crime:

Lock Your Doors

It sounds simple, but theft is one of the most common crimes in Cherokee County.

Do not leave your home or vehicle unlocked. Thieves are generally opportunists and look for unlocked doors. This is particularly true in neighborhoods where there are ample opportunities to take someone elses valuables. Rural areas can expect more thefts of ATVs and tools left in sheds.

Although our stats were down last year, the CSO experienced 861 reports of theft by taking and 281 reports of entering auto. Additionally, we reported 52 cases of commercial burglaries and 311 residential burglaries.

Monitor Your Credit

Fraud and identity theft is a problem that is ever-increasing. Many of the scams are very convincing and may cause someone to make a costly mistake. These crimes can be difficult to investigate.

Have a reputable company monitor and track your credit. There are several companies that offer this service. A credit monitoring service can alert you if someone is using your personal information to open fraudulent accounts in your name.

When practical, use your credit card at the gas pump instead of your debit card. A growing trend for criminals is to steal your debit information by placing a device over the actual card reader. Credit cards offer more protection, and those accounts are typically insured. Also, try to use the pumps that are closer to the business entrance.

Another recent scam is when someone portrays him/herself as a representative with the Sheriffs Office or the courthouse. The scam artist will tell the victim there is an active warrant for his/her arrest, but he/she can pay a fee to avoid going to jail.

This is a rather sophisticated scam using real names from the CSO, judges, and elected representatives. The Sheriffs Office and the courthouse will never ask you to send money. If you are in doubt, call the phone numbers listed on CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org. Never use a phone number provided by the scam artist.

Personal Safety

Although violent crimes do occur in our community, our statistical data indicates these numbers are much lower than other metropolitan counties.

The CSO recently dedicated an area at each patrol precinct for public/consumer transactions. Each location is marked with a designated parking area that is monitored with video surveillance and proper lighting.

If you would like to know more information on how we can best serve you, please reach out to any of our precinct commanders at the following locations. Together, we can make a difference.

BridgeMill Precinct
9550 Bells Ferry Road
Canton
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Free Home Precinct
9253 Freehome Highway
Canton
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Hickory Flat Precinct
7675 Vaughn Road
Canton
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Oak Grove Precinct
100 Ridge Mill Court
Acworth
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Waleska Precinct
9081 Fincher Road
Waleska
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Traffic Enforcement Precinct
1190 Evenflo Drive
Ball Ground
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South Annex
7545 Main Street
Woodstock
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By Jim Cheatham

When most people think of October, two things come to mind: the fall season and Halloween. The drop in temperature seems to make neighborhoods come alive. Friday night high school football and playing in the leaves after spending all day raking them, for some reason, the evenings just seem more relaxed. However, this wonderful time of year comes with some very real dangers.

We have become an extremely aggressive driving society. This summer, we focused on distracted driving with the enactment of the hands-free law, but if you spend any amount of time on the road, you see speeders as well as people running red lights and cutting each other off. Traffic issues are the number one complaint Alpharetta Public Safety receives day in and day out. Our traffic unit and patrol units are very responsive, targeting the areas of complaint, but they just keep coming in. Recently, there were so many vehicle accidents at one time that we ran out of available officers on the road. Some places do not call them accidents. They call them collisions because they could have been avoided avoided if we would just slow down and be the defensive drivers that we were all taught to be.

Aggressive driving is speeding, running stop signs or lights, tailgating, failing to yield to another with the right of way, and weaving in and out of traffic/making excessive lane changes, and road rage is a whole other conversation. Do some research; this is a national problem. Some resources, like AAA, say eighty percent of us drive aggressively. The experts give a broad range of reasons why: stress, traffic, long commutes, peers, parents, video games, movies, and the feeling of anonymity. That last one indicates that we dont think we can be recognized, and we dont recognize others as people.

What can we do about it? Its going to take a concerted effort on everyones part. Take a deep breath; allow for more time; dont be rushed; visualize that every other driver and pedestrian around you is one of your loved ones; drive like everyone knows who you are.

What happened to the days of enjoying the road, the days when people would just go for a drive? The only accessory you needed was a cool pair of sunglasses. Enjoy the fall; enjoy the leaves changing; enjoy football and friends. Enjoy the drive, and drive safely. Happy Halloween!

All About Cats Rescue is a local nonprofit organization that strives to rescue cats and kittens from high-kill shelters. These cats are typically abandoned, abused, and/or homeless cats, or sometimes rescued from hoarding situations. This organization helps them find the purrfect forever home. All About Cats Rescue provides full vetting and medical care for its cats: spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and rabies shots as required by law. Their volunteers work diligently to get cats ready for their new families.

Welcoming a cat into your home can make a significant positive impact on your life. Your new family member can provide many health benefits, such as stress reduction and relief from symptoms of depression, all while delivering companionship and unconditional love. Cats can certainly keep your family entertained for hours, and they say that laughter is the best medicine. In return, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you gave a formerly homeless cat their furrever home, as Georgia animal euthanasia rates are among the highest in the country. Metro Atlanta euthanizes over 300,000 cats per year.

If you have been thinking about introducing a rescue cat into your life, you will be in great company, as over 51 percent of Americans have cats in their home. Cats are amazingly easy to care for because they do not require daily outdoor walks like our canine friends.

All About Cats wants to be your first choice when you decide to adopt a new feline family member. Each weekend, adoption events are held inside the PetSmart store located at 625 W. Crossville Road in Roswell from 1:00-6:00pm.

All About Cats needs your help to continue providing care for these homeless felines. If you want to help liven up the soulful eyes of these cats and kittens, please consider the following:
    Monetary donations
    Fostering
   Cleaning and socializing with cats inside the PetSmart store
   Assisting with adoptions and special events
    Participating in fundraising
    Donating cat care items such as food, litter, cat toys, and towels

All About Cats operates solely through your generous contributions, which go directly to the care and well-being of their cats. Donations can be made online through their website or in the cat room inside the Roswell PetSmart.

For more info on how you can donate or volunteer, please contact Kristy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit AllAboutCatsRescue.org.

By Pete Mitchell

When I visited Blood Mansion (the countrys first nonprofit haunted house) back in the early seventies, I was frightened by the setting, the people, and actors inside, but a visit backstage opened a door for me. I eventually became involved in this new style of Halloween entertainment and gained insight into production.

For Medical Training

After doing makeup, acting, and producing rooms for Blood Mansion, I worked at Kennestone Hospital and decided to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). Though EMT training teaches students what to do on the scene of an accident, illness, or crime, it doesnt fully prepare them for the visual trauma and life and death experiences they will see. It seemed as though more could be done to help prepare students for those experiences, which spurned the idea of melding makeup artistry with medical training to help better prepare medics, firefighters, doctors, and nurses for the things they might encounter in their career.

I got my first basic makeup at Eddies Trick Shop in Marietta and started experimenting with the different types adhesives and colors. At that time, the makeup/effects options were very minimal. Most of the effects makeup artists of that era got their inspiration for trauma looks from the Vietnam War. Some of the Vietnam photos and news footage were very gory, but they did not resemble what I and other medical professionals had experienced in the trauma situations we encountered in our line of work. So, the plan was to recreate a more realistic representation of the injuries that medical professionals would treat on actors and other medical professional volunteers to help eliminate some of the shock value from real life situations that may arise. Now, EMTs, firefighters, police, and hospital staff would see victims/patients in front of them who would be screaming, bleeding, and frantically demanding treatment.

Creating the Looks

To create these looks, the godfather of modern effects makeup, Dick Smith, had a book that listed the basics of three-dimensional makeup applications. They were time consuming, so I worked with easy-to-use latex and other adhesives to craft realistic lacerations that could be stitched when needed.

Blood

Red, oozing blood was not realistic in many situations, so I experimented with different types of chemical compounds and colors to create blood that looked like either arterial or venous blood, and the color of each could be corrected for film or video purposes.

Bruises

Bruises are easy to create when using colors made by Joe Blasco Cosmetics of Hollywood and Orlando. Deep (blood) red and deep (Tahiti) blue cosmetics make very realistic contusions when artistically applied.

As I perfected the art of trauma makeup application, friends began to hire me to assist with basic and advanced life support classes for doctors and nurses, and then hospitals and EMT certification schools began to hire me to apply makeup for their training purposes as well. The special effects makeup was applied well enough that it would not fall off it stayed on until it was deliberately removed when the training session/filming was complete.

Special Effects Makeup for Halloween Events and Attractions

After using special effects makeup to assist with medical training, I went on to create one-on-one experiences along with full-scale disasters with special exploding fire effects, and the Disaster FX Team was born. The Disaster FX team went on to create looks for many Halloween events such as the Limelight, WQXI-94, Confettis, and Halloweekends at Six Flags.

Due to the popularity of Halloweekends, a new haunted house was constructed in Six Flags, which drew a larger crowd than the park had ever experienced. With the disaster training and medical expertise that the Disaster FX Team had acquired, we knew how to build and create a safe yet terrifying attraction. When word spread about the success of this attraction, other theme parks across the country began to produce what is now known as Fright Fest, and the Disaster FX Team branched off to include the Creature Crew for Halloween.

Special Effects Makeup for Movies and Television

Over the years, my colleagues and I have done makeup on movies and television shows along with working on hundreds of educational videos for emergency response teams. We were also awarded an Emmy for an application we call Special Trauma.

Advice for Aspiring Special Effects Makeup Artists

The important thing is to practice. Experiment with different supplies that are safe and are made for the human body. Makeup can be fun for the entire family, and it is much safer than covering your face and eyes with a Halloween mask. It also looks more realistic. So, research different characters, and use your supplies to try and reproduce them on your favorite ghoul or goblin this Halloween!

What Should Be in Your Halloween Makeup Tool Kit?

Be sure to try out these products BEFORE your event. Practice different applications, and get to know how each product works. Then, have fun creating your own creature.
Mehron 5 color pallet
Clown white
Three makeup brushes
   - Wide tip
   - Medium tip
   - Small tip
Baby wipes
Makeup sponges
Liquid latex
Crepe hair (use for werewolves, eyebrows, beards, etc.)
Blood! Experiment with making your own, or get it in a jar. There are many different types out there, so choose the best for whatever injury you want to create.

Pete Mitchell is an EMT and owner of JPM Productions, Inc., 582 Etowah Drive N.E. Marietta, Georgia. JPMProductions.com

How Can We Help Our Children Be Resilient?

By Rod Metcalf, Ed.S., L.P.C., N.C.S.C.

As a school counselor for 23 years, Ive watched as parents, myself included, have become more and more protective of their children.

To some degree, its warranted, for it often seems that our children are growing up in a more dangerous and hurtful society than when we were kids. At the same time, we often go too far when trying to protect our children from making mistakes and having their feelings hurt while also keeping them from solving everyday problems on their own and recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses.

While were doing more to protect our children, were also giving them electronic devices at younger ages, often without enough thought about the harm it may cause them or the harm they may cause others. As a result, bullying, which used to be primarily limited to face-to-face interaction, now has a platform on electronic devices.

Cyberbullying usually refers to bullying behaviors that take place using texts, emails, and various social media apps.

Unfortunately, it has become common for users of all ages to make mean comments using electronic platforms. One important distinction is that cyberbullying, just like bullying, is when this negative behavior is repeated over time. We must help our children understand the difference between a single, isolated, mean comment or post and ongoing bullying behavior. Our children need to be able to recognize when its an isolated mean comment and be able to tell themselves, This is just one persons opinion, and I can choose to let it hurt me or not hurt me. I get to choose if I want to focus on this one comment or focus on all of the good qualities I know I possess.

When Im working with students at school, I challenge them with an exercise. I share these comments: You have a nice smile. You draw very well. You are a good math student. You are kind to others. I dont really care for your tennis shoes. You are very polite. When I finish, I ask which comment stood out the most. Many will say, You didnt like my shoes.  We talk about why they chose to focus on the one negative comment and not the five positive comments. We also talk about why tennis shoes would be more important than all the really great qualities that were shared.

Through that lesson, the fact that they have the power to choose what comments they will focus on is reinforced. As parents, we can do the same.  Ask your children to share with you what good qualities they think they have. Dont accept I dont know, or I dont have any for an answer. Dont be afraid of sitting there quietly while they think. Dont jump in and answer for them. After they have shared, agree with them, and perhaps cite an example you have seen that supports their opinion.

The more we help our children believe in themselves and recognize their qualities and talents, the more insulated they will be from the possible effects of cyberbullying.

Additionally, we can help by giving our children opportunities to develop other interests and talents. Learning a musical instrument, creating artwork, joining a club or a youth group, or participating in sports or any other organized interest group all help to build a strong sense of self. These options also reduce the amount of time our children spend on their electronic devices.

Restricting access to electronic devices during homework and at bedtime can also pay great dividends. Resist the temptation to give in when they say they need the device to do their homework or to set an alarm to get up in the morning. They can use a laptop or computer at a centralized location, so we can monitor what is on the screen during homework, and old-fashioned alarms clocks wont hurt them either. You may think theyre sound asleep, but they may actually be on social media sites experiencing cyberbullying.

Another way we can help minimize the effects of cyberbullying is to involve our children in causes greater than themselves. When they have consistent opportunities to serve others, they become less inwardly focused and more outwardly focused, thus far more resilient. We can also model healthy reactions, such as saying to them, Im upset about a post on my social media account, so Im going to take a break from my site, and lets do something fun together.

Finally, we need to know exactly what is on our childrens electronic devices. Our children dont deserve privacy on the device that we pay for.  We need to review their apps and contacts with them regularly. Apps like Ask.fm, which allows users to post anonymously, are ripe for cyberbullying.

We may not be able to protect our children from cyberbullying, but we can, more importantly, help them learn to be resilient.

Rod Metcalf is a student counselor at Woodstock Middle School and Cherokee County School Districts 2018 Counselor of the Year.

Here's a Guide for Parents and Caregivers

By Samiah Garcia

In this age of technology and social media, we are always connected. Most of us see this as a blessing to be able to connect with friends and family. But when the messages on social media are negative, degrading, and are there for all to see, there can be serious consequences.

Bullying can cause lasting effects, as feelings of shame and low self-esteem can follow students throughout their school years. According to StopBullying.org, Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, text, and apps, or online in social media, forums, or games where people can view, participate in, or share content. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else, causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2017 that 14.9 percent of high school students were electronically bullied in the past twelve months. Historically, females have a higher rate of being bullied than males. The issue has led state governments to create legislation to address this growing concern. In 2015, Georgias definition of bullying was expanded through House Bill 131, or The End of Cyberbullying Act, and it includes acts of cyberbullying, which occurs through the use of electronic communications. Forty-nine states in the Unites States have antibullying legislation.

Cyberbullying comes in various forms. It can be threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves, posting comments or rumors about someone that are hurtful or embarrassing, or posting a mean video about someone. It can also be creating a hurtful page or post about someone, telling a group of people online not to be friends with someone, sharing secrets about someone to a group without permission, sharing photos, that are compromising in nature with a group or starting a rumor that is cruel and unkind. The reasons behind these actions can be varied and can be the same reasons face-to-face bullying occurs. Cyberbullying is relentless and can severely impact a persons well-being. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide.

Signs that a student may be a victim of cyberbullying include marked increase or decrease in use of electronic devices, emotional response during and after use of an electronic device, deactivating social media accounts, changes in mood and behavior, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, withdrawal, school avoidance, decline in grades, change in appetite, and avoiding discussion about online activity.

Signs that a child is the bully or taking part in bullying can overlap with the signs of being bullied. These include increased use of electronic devices, separation from family, hiding devices when near others, laughing excessively when looking at a device but not sharing the reason for laughter, increased concern about popularity, callous attitude about other students, and use of multiple online accounts or use of an account that does not belong to them.

It is critical that parents and caregivers monitor their childrens online activities and limit the use of such devices. The rules and limitations need to be age appropriate. But the most important thing is to give the child a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where they know that they will be supported and loved unconditionally. In such an environment, a conversation can occur that will let a parent know that cyberbullying is taking place, and then steps can be taken to stop it.

First, teaching students about responsible online behavior is most important. In a place where anonymous profiles and avatars exist, it is important for children to know what they can and cannot share online. The importance of reporting the event if they are being cyberbullied needs to be emphasized. Schools can be involved if the bullying is occurring at school. Local law enforcement agencies need to be involved if a serious threat is made. All social media sites have policies on reporting threats of harm or the posting of harmful photos and videos. In many cases, such sites can be shut down to prevent further damage.

If cyberbullying is suspected, monitor, discuss, document, and report the behavior. Keeping children safe online requires parents to be vigilant and knowledgeable of the possible dangers of the cyberworld. If adequate steps are taken, cyberbullying can be conquered.

To get more information on cyberbullying, please visit ADL.org, StopBullying.gov, and Cyberbullying.org.

Samiah Garcia is the coordinator for school counseling for the Fulton County School District.

Local Law Firm Offers Quality, Individual Approach

By Cyndi Braun

Divorce, criminal charges, custody issues, whatever the legal concern, Cherokee County residents can call upon top-notch attorneys at The Burns Law Group.

Located on East Main Street in Canton, The Burns Law Group is a full-service law firm. With three attorneys, five paralegals, and an office manager, they are an experienced staff available to handle complex cases and legal matters around the clock.

Established by J. Daran Burns in 1993, the firm focuses on both domestic and criminal law.

Experienced Local Firm

Most people have little to no experience with the legal system and find it intimidating, as they dont know what to expect. As a seasoned law firm, The Burns Law Group is familiar with the local courts, prosecutors, and judges. They know how to use the system to get the best results for their clients.

When you have a case, you want to have a lawyer who is local, knows the court, has experience with the judges, and has a solid history and reputation here. We provide all of that to our clients, said Burns. There are many lawyers in our town, and we try to set our firm apart by providing our clients with a capable office staff that is available for a higher level of client contact, regardless of our trial schedule. Clients can always reach someone in our office who understands their case and can discuss details and information on the progress of the case. When the lawyers are in court, the clients can rest easier knowing their matter can still be advanced by the firm, and they can still communicate with us.

The firm offers a free, thirty-minute consultation by phone or in person. This enables potential clients to discuss the basics of their case and determine if theyd like to retain the services of the firm.

Domestic and Criminal Law

In domestic cases, emotions tend to run high. Having an attorney who knows when to be aggressive and when to be amicable is important. Some lawyers believe that every case requires them to be combative for their clients, but Burns disagrees.

Each case is different, and the lawyer needs to have the experience and knowledge to determine what approach is in the clients best interest. Sometimes, the client needs an aggressive attorney who will ensure that their rights are protected; however, most cases should begin with the goal of an amicable settlement, particularly when the parties have minor children, said Burns. Settling a domestic case in the conference room, as opposed to the courtroom, saves the client time, money, and the emotional toll a domestic case can cause. The lawyers at The Burns Law Group take the time to understand the issues involved in each case and develop a unique case strategy to give clients the best possible outcome.

The firm also handles criminal defense cases including everything from traffic tickets to murder trials. To begin building a defense, Burns encourages clients to seek legal help right away.

When someone is facing a criminal charge, they and their families may feel helpless or devastated. They need to hire an attorney quickly, making the right choice on who they hire, said Burns. The attorneys and staff in our office know how to navigate this system and know how to resolve criminal cases. Like other types of cases, knowing when to be aggressive and knowing when to push for a settlement is one of the most important parts of the case. Also, knowing that your lawyer has successfully tried the most complicated and serious cases provides a sense of security that you are in the right hands at The Burns Law Group.

Individual Approach

The firms attorneys believe in building relationships with clients based on trust and compassion and are committed to an individual approach tailored to each clients specific legal needs. Because of this, The Burns Law Group has earned a reputation as honest, skilled, and accomplished.

A lot of attorneys have a standard protocol on how they handle different types of cases. We believe that every case is unique and different because the facts, the people, and their life experiences are all unique and different, proclaimed Burns. I always remember that todays case is the most important thing in that clients life. And its out of their control. They are coming to us, and saying, Heres my life; heres my issue. They are putting it into our hands.

In addition to Burns, the firm has three other attorneys: Senior Attorney Jennifer L. Davis, who heads the domestic team along with Associate Attorney Alex D. Morris; and Senior Attorney Susan M. Zereini who heads the criminal law team.

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