Titles and Blurbs

Do Your Kids Love the Dentist? Quality Care That Kids Love

By Cyndi Braun

Imagine your child walking into the waiting room of a dentists office only to discover an environment that looks more like an indoor playground, complete with a treehouse and wall murals depicting a mountain wilderness. Imagine dental hygienists quickly putting your child at ease, and a dentist who talks to your child one-on-one and never makes you feel rushed. Imagine the calm you feel knowing your child is in good hands.

Since 2007, Cherokee Childrens Dentistry has provided this kind of service to families in the Canton area. A team of dentists and dental hygienists treat toddlers to teens, specializing in anxious kids and children with special needs. The family-owned practice is committed to providing quality care in an environment that feels more like home than a dental office.

Families Treating Families

Dentists Dr. Miles Mazzawi (Dr. Miles), Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi (Dr. Drew) and Dr. Nirali Procter treat young patients like they are family.

We are families taking care of families. We are all moms and a dad, just like the parents of our patients, said Dr. Drew, a board-certified pediatric dentist. We know what parents are going through, and we understand.

Owners Dr. Drew and Dr. Miles are married with twin daughters, and Dr. Procter has three young sons. As experienced dentists and parents, they know how to use childlike enthusiasm to put patients at ease.

All three of us bring the same type of energy into the practice. We really care about our patients and their families, said Dr. Procter. I treat my patients like I would treat my sons, nieces and nephews. I make a point to let them know Im proud of them.

Easing Fears while Fighting Sugar Bugs

When new patients are anxious about going to the dentist, Cherokee Childrens Dentistry knows how to put them at ease. The dental staff first focuses on engaging the child, not conducting an exam. The dentist might even conduct the exam on a stuffed animal or doll before looking at the childs teeth.

For a young child, we might talk about Elsa or Spiderman or whatever the child is into. I find an opportunity to connect with the child on their level before we even start to engage in dentistry, said Dr. Miles. We also tell the kids that its us against the sugar bugs. We are all on the same team. We are all part of the process.

The team approach helps children understand that dentists are not to be feared; instead, dentists are part of a team, with the child, fighting sugar bugs.

Weve been doing this for a long time. We know how to talk to the kids and bring it down to their level. The kids will have a great experience, which puts the parents at ease. So often, when these anxious kids and their parents leave, the kids are hi-fiving us and the parents are happy, said Dr. Drew.

Establishing a Dental Home Early

One of the most important jobs for a pediatric dental practice is to teach children and their parents the importance of good oral health. With this in mind, parents should bring their children to the dentist by the time they are one year old.

As a pediatric dentist, I have the opportunity to impact the oral health of the lifetime of each of my patients, said Dr. Miles, adding that establishing a dental home early enables dentists to educate parents about oral hygiene.

Some toddlers are predisposed to issues that put them at a higher risk for cavities. In those cases, a dentist can educate the parents to make dietary changes and improve oral hygiene in addition to encouraging check-ups every six months.

What Makes a Pediatric Practice Special?

Im a kid at heart. I like to sing Disney songs, watch cartoons and just be silly. I think working with children fits my personality best, said Dr. Procter.

I love kids! As a pediatric dentist, I have the opportunity to shape their impression of dentistry for the rest of their lives, said Dr. Drew.

I enjoy getting to know the kids and talking to them about whats going on in their lives. When a child comes in, whether its for a routine check-up or dental work, and theyre fired up and excited and having a great experience, and they say they loved it, thats the best part of my job, said Dr. Miles.

205 Waleska Road, Suite 2-B, Canton
770-479-1717
CherokeeChildrensDentistry.com/

Reducing Interior Sun Damage

By Cyndi Braun

Whether youre on a boat, headed to the beach or relaxing poolside, if youre outside, you have probably protected your skin with sunscreen. But have you protected your home, your car or your business from sun damage? The same heat, glare and UV rays are penetrating your windows, fading your interior, making your air conditioner work harder and producing annoying glare.

Why Window Tinting?

At this time of the year, we get a lot of calls from people concerned about the suns effect on the interior of their home. UV rays can quickly fade furniture, flooring and window treatments, said Chris DeLuca, owner of All Pro Window Tinting. Ive been in new homes where we lift up the area rug and the homeowner is shocked to see that ultraviolet damage has already occurred.

All Pro installs high-end Hper Optik window films to eliminate energy consumption in the home, workplace and vehicles. The Hper Optik product lines also help to reduce interior fading, reduce glare, block UV rays and block IR rays to keep homes, businesses and autos comfortable during all times of the year.

Typically, the products will pay for themselves in energy savings within the first one-to-two years, said DeLuca. Hper Optik products also meet Energy Star qualifications, which means customers may get tax credits depending on the power company they use.

Hper Optik Exclusive Films

Hper Optik is the market leader in German-engineered, multi-layered, nano-ceramic and traditional solar-control film technology. Offered only by select authorized dealers, these films provide energy savings with low-to-no interior reflectivity and heat rejection without having a dark, noticeable film on your windows.

Our films are designed to be non-reflective with higher heat rejection and better fade control than traditional films. There arent many manufacturers or companies we compete against who can offer these types of products, said DeLuca. Homeowners and business owners end up choosing our Hper Optik products because they want natural light without the heat. The films protect their furniture and allow visibility outside during the day or night.

The Select series and Ceramic series are the most popular Hper Optik films chosen by customers in the north Fulton area.

Hper Optik Select Series

Originally designed for NASA, the Hper Optik Select series is the highest performing, non-reflective film in the world. These clear films are manufactured with alternating layers of microscopic gold and silver metals as well as dielectric substances. The process produces a film with incredible heat, glare and ultraviolet protection. The films block damaging infrared rays that produce heat and the ultraviolet light rays that cause fading. The films never fade, are dye- and pigment-free, and do not have a metallic or shiny appearance.

Hper Optik Ceramic Series

These films are produced by depositing ceramic coatings on ultra-clear films. The end product offers heat, glare and ultraviolet light protection. Metal-free, dye-free and pigment-free, these films do not bubble, split, turn purple or fade. The product delivers heat rejection without affecting visibility. In addition, the film does not appear shiny and has low reflectivity, producing a natural view day and night.

All Pro Window Tinting

Founded in 2007 by Canton, GA native Chris DeLuca, All Pro Window Tinting has become known for quality products, expert installation and professional customer service. With locations in Atlanta, Canton and Roswell, the company offers a complete line of products for residential, commercial and automotive applications. Automotive tinting is offered at the Canton location in a large warehouse facility.

DeLuca explains that he built his company on quality not quantity. He believes in old-fashioned interaction with customers, and he takes time to consult with each customer and offers tinting solutions based on their needs and budget. DeLuca leaves a written quote with the customer when the estimate is completed.

I love this business. I enjoy meeting different people every day. Im very casual and down-to-earth, and very attuned to what customers want, said DeLuca.

Satisfied Customers

I had window tinting done on all my family room windows in 2003. The film became streaky, and so the windows always looked dirty. I had mentioned this to a friend who recommended All Pro Window Tinting. Chris came out promptly and gave me a reasonable price for removing the old film and applying a new, much better-quality film to the family room windows and also to my kitchen windows. Chris helped me pick the right tint for the job, and the installation was flawless. I tinted the windows to reduce sun exposure on items in the house and reduce the glare on our TV screen. I am thrilled with how much better the view is, in addition to the tinting. Chris was professional, friendly and prompt, and I would definitely use their services again, said Trisha Beller, Cumming, GA.

All Pro Window Tinting gets my business every time. Over the last few years, they have tinted my office, home and cars. When All Pro tinted my office, it made a huge difference in cutting the glare and making it more comfortable for everyone. They definitely take care of their customers. When we had a contractor break a window on our home, Chris repaired the window, even though it was a rather small job. He was glad to do it, said Matt Rogers, Marietta, GA.

I selected All Pro Window Tinting for my beach house. Wish I had done it years ago, but all I can say is thank goodness I finally got around to it. What a difference! You could feel an immediate drop in temperature inside the house. I didnt think the view of the beach could be any better, but honestly, looking through the tinting, the colors are brighter, and everything just looks clearer. The product is amazing, but equally important was the quality of service. Chris and the whole team were so responsive. They worked around my schedule and made the entire process so easy. I was so impressed that I have recommended them to my place of business, and I think that says it all, said Denise Swords, Atlanta, GA.

AllPro Window Tinting
3025 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton
1100 Peachtree Street NE, #200, Atlanta
205 Hembree Circle Drive, Roswell
770-479-8468
AllProWindowTinting.com/

3 Generations of Service

By Cyndi Braun

When WWII ended, Navy veteran Herbert Mauldin was ready to pursue his chosen career. Armed with a set of body shop tools, he started fixing dents and dings, painting exteriors, and repairing wrecked cars. In 1961, he moved his business to Butterworth Road in Canton, and he later added towing and recovery.

From those humble beginnings, the legacy of Mauldin Body Shop and Towing began.

All in the Family

By the early 1970s, Herbert employed his daughter, Debbie, and her husband, John Weaver. Granddaughter Angela joined the family business after she graduated from Reinhardt in 2001.
Angela brought her husband, Brian Reece, into the business when they married in 2005; they then introduced Mauldin Body Shops fourth generation when their daughter, Sierra, was born
in 2008.

This is my life, said Angela, laughing, as she showed pictures of herself at 4:30pm one evening, operating a 75-ton wrecker, and then later the same evening, she was dressed in a formal gown. In three hours, I went from bright yellow and grease to all dressed up for an event. Thats my crazy life. You never know where you might be or when.

Towing and Recovery

Mauldin Body Shop has been in the towing business longer than any other Cherokee County business. The shop has three heavy-duty wreckers: a 30-ton Kenworth, a 60-ton Peterbilt and a 75-ton Peterbilt rotator that can handle all heavy-duty wrecker needs.

Back in the day, Granddaddy always put on our cards no job too large or too small. In those days, the biggest truck we had was a 10-ton, and you didnt need all these big trucks, said Angela, pointing at the wreckers. Dad really grew the wrecker business. Weve had to get bigger trucks to meet the needs in society, and now were up to a 75-ton rotator.

Mauldin wreckers assist in emergencies that require moving automobiles, trucks, and heavy construction and farm equipment. They also assist with large animal rescues. All wrecker drivers are trained and certified through WreckMaster, where they learn the latest skills and techniques in the towing and recovery industry. Six drivers are also certified firefighters, including John and Angela. Angelas husband, Brian, is a career firefighter in Cherokee County.

Were the only wrecker service in Cherokee County that has all of its drivers trained and certified, said John. We are trained on how to handle all sorts of situations, so we can take the best care of the vehicle, damage-free. John and Angela are committed to training. As the highest-trained female WreckMaster worldwide, Angela was honored as WreckMaster Top 10 in 2010. John was named WreckMaster of the Year in 2005 and was inducted into the International Towing Museum Hall of Fame in 2016. John also travels throughout the southeast to teach a heavy-duty cross-training course for towers and fire rescue.

The Body Shop

Managed by Debbie Weaver, the full-service body shop warranties all work for the lifetime that the customer owns the vehicle.

The shop uses PPG paints to ensure optimum gloss and durability. Trained technicians mix colors by factory computer codes and then custom tint to match the vehicles specific color. The shop also offers paint-less dent removal (PDR), which is needed after hailstorms or door dings.

We meet with customers before preparing a detailed estimate to restore the car to pre-accident condition. We fix the vehicle as if it was our personal vehicle, said Angela. My parents used to say if they wouldnt put their daughter in it, theyre not going to give it back to you.

Serving the Community

An Army veteran and volunteer fireman, John has served his community for more than fifty years. He was the first chief of the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department, and he helped train hundreds of volunteer firefighters. He is chaplain for the Cherokee County Fire Department, a Critical Incident Stress Management counselor, a wellness director for Georgia HERO unit, and an ordained deacon. He also serves as chairman of the operations committee for the Traffic Incident Enhancement Management (TIME) task force. He teaches rescue and recovery operations for various organizations throughout the county and beyond.

Angela is a member of the Service League of Cherokee County, Safe Kids of Cherokee County, Ghost Out, and TIME Task Force of Georgia.

For the past 25 years, the company has participated in Ghost Out, a county-wide program that promotes safe driving among teenagers.

The Next Generation and Beyond

My Granddaddy worked here his entire life. Retiring was not an option for him, said Angela. My parents are the same way. They just wont slow down.

With Angela at the helm, the next generation is ready to continue what Herbert Mauldin started 56 years ago.

Mauldin Body Shop & Towing
143 Butterworth Road, Canton
770-479-4851
MauldinBodyShop.com

Facebook.com/MauldinBodyShop/

By Farris Yawn

Often, when we find an author we like, we will try to find and read everything they have ever written. Since our favorite writers cant write as fast as we read, we often discover a great book we might otherwise have never picked up. Falling, a young-adult, Christian romance by Kathi Harper Hill, is just such a book.

As with many aspects of modern, popular culture, romance novels can often be quite explicit. Even young adult fiction sometimes pushes the envelope. That is why Falling is such a refreshing change of pace. Harper Hill tells a romantic story that feels real, yet it still has a strong, moral center.

Lela Sawyer is eighteen years old and recovering from a serious injury. Her chance encounter with a very famous rock star changes both of their lives in ways neither expected. They struggle to overcome some serious obstacles on their journey together. From tabloid lies, to an eleven-year age difference, to a shocking medical crisis, they use their love and trust in God to try and overcome everthing the world puts in their path. They also have the love and support of their parents, friends and church families, as they work to understand Gods plan for their lives.

Falling is a wonderful book for you or any young adult you may know. This book shows that there is a different form of romance than what is normally depicted in pop culture. If you are not familiar with Kathi Harper Hills work, you will likely seek out all her other novels after you read Falling. You can also visit her blog at Kathi-Harper-Hill.blogspot.com/.

A Great Alternative to the Four-Year College Degree

By Julie Senger

With traditional, four-year college and university tuitions continuing to increase each year, many recent high school graduates are looking for another alternative. According to *Collegedata, The average cost of tuition and fees for the 20162017 school year was $9,650 for state residents at public colleges, $24,930 for out-of-state residents attending public universities, and $33,480 at private colleges. When you multiply those figures by four, you get a total tuition cost of $38,600, $99,720 and $133,920 respectively.

As for starting salaries, In its most recent survey, the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that for ten broad degree categories ranging from engineering to communications, 2016 graduates are projected to have an average salary of $50,556 (Poppick). However, as of 2015, the average cost of living for a single person residing in Atlanta is $31,303 (Elkins & Gould). If you used every dollar of your remaining income after all your cost-of-living expenses to pay down your student loans, it would take 5.17 years for state residents at public colleges, 8.35 years for out-of-state residents at public universities, and 10.12 years for private college tuition students to pay off their student loans. These are numbers you will probably want to consider when making your decision about whether to attend a traditional four-year college or university.

You may also want to consider that while 21 percent of the class of 2016 accepted a job before graduation, 51 percent of graduates from the classes of 2014 and 2015 said they are working in jobs that do not require their college degree (Dickler). And finally, The Institute of Education Statistics estimates that 40% of attendees at a four-year college drop out before completing their degree (Hamm). So, what is another great option for recent high school graduates and anyone else who might be looking to pursue a degree, certification or advanced training to help them secure a profitable career?

If youre a fan of the show Dirty Jobs, then you know its star, Mike Rowe, is a big proponent of attending trade school. According to recent research, trade jobs account for 54% of the labor market, and over the next ten years, 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled. But two million of those will go unfilled due to the skills gap (The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte Study). Therefore, the chances of you finding a job upon the completion of your chosen program are likely very high, as there are currently not enough skilled workers to fill the necessary positions. Also, most skilled trade careers are safe from overseas outsourcing because hands-on work can only be carried out locally.

Do you fancy the idea of a varied work environment, one where you dont sit in the same cubical each day? Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you enjoy fixing things? Building things? If so, trade school may be an ideal choice for you. Examples of trade school programs include automotive, marine craft or aviation technology and repair, plumbing, welding, carpentry, electrician school, landscape design, appliance repair, HVAC, truck driving, dental hygienist, sonographer, respiratory therapist, paralegal, web developing and so much more!

Another benefit of trade school is that most programs take two years or less to complete, so youre able to get started earning a salary in your career two years sooner than you would while earning a four-year degree. And, over thirty percent of young people with an associates degree and 27 percent with an industry-relevant license or certificate earn higher incomes than those with a bachelors degree (Trade Schools, Colleges and Universities).

So, while society has always seemed to focus heavily on encouraging high school students to pursue a traditional, four-year college degree, students deserve to know just as much about trade schools and associate degree programs. We would be doing them a disservice if we didnt shine equal light on these types of opportunities, allowing individuals to pursue advanced education and training in viable, reputable career fields that employ more than half of Americas workforce.

*All numbers within this article are based upon the following sources that were utilized at press time:

Collegedata, Whats the Price Tag for a College Education? http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_payarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10064

Dickler, Jessica, College Grads Enjoy the Best Job Market in Years http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/16/college-grads-enjoy-the-best-job-market-in-years.html

Elkins, Kathleen and Skye Gould, How Much It Costs for a Single Person to Live in 24 Major US Cities http://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of-living-single-people-2015-8

Hamm, Trent, Trade School Might Be a Better Choice Than College. Heres Why http://lifehacker.com/trade-school-might-be-a-better-choice-than-college-her-1484086007

The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte Survey, The Skills Gap in the U.S. (2015). http://mikerowe.com/2017/03/attn-again-a-4-yr-degree-is-not-the-best-path-for-all/

Poppick, Susie, Heres What the Average Grad Makes Right Out of College http://time.com/money/collection-post/3829776/heres-what-the-average-grad-makes-right-out-of-college/

Trade Schools, Colleges and Universities, 7 Benefits That Prove the Value of Education https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/value-of-education.asp

By Annell Gerson

Joshilyn Jacksons newest book, Almost Sisters, is a stunning telling of the complicated. It is a story of twos: two sets of almost sisters, two churches, two kinds of fathers, two books in one, two races, and characters, both real and imagined, with two identities. It is also a story of rabbits. While this seems like a jumbled set of ideas that could never make much sense, Jackson aligns themes and plot to create an unforgettable tale.
At 39, Leia Birch is a single, successful comic book artist, living in Virginia near her step-sister, Rachel. One fateful morning, she learns Rachels perfect marriage is coming apart, and her grandmother, Birchie, who lives in Birchville, Alabama, is also experiencing very dramatic behavior outbursts. True to form, Rachel jumps into fix it mode and books a flight to Alabama for Leia and her 13-year-old daughter, Lavender.

Rachel discovers her husbands cowardly plan to run away from their marriage due to his financial collapse. Thus, her plan to send Lavender to Alabama is intended to shield her daughter from the impending family drama. However, her plan is upended when Lavender figures out her Aunt Leia is pregnant with a bi-racial baby, and a skeleton is discovered inside a trunk in Birchies attic that has been there for years. Birchie and Wattie, almost sisters since Watties birth, now live together in Birchies home. Though Birchie keeps them financially afloat, Wattie keeps Birchie emotionally stable, as her mind succumbs Lewy bodies. The Lewy bodies cause Birchie to see rabbits some doing good, and some doing not such good things.

With a skeleton in the attic, the truth of who and why must be laid out for all to hear. But remember, this is a story of twos, and sometimes, life offers up two truths.

By JoEllen Wilson

For many, a life plan often takes the route of finishing high school, attending college, getting a job, marrying and having children. However, this traditional path is rarer
than you think. Many take a more non-traditional path like I did.

Let me start at the beginning . . .

I was a traditional-age college student. I entered Reinhardt after high school and graduated in two years from this excellent junior college. Then, John Wilson and I married. I continued studying for my B.A. degree in elementary education at night school while working during the day. In 1967, our children were born. So begins starting over.

Starting Over #1

Our twin sons were born 2 months prematurely when I was a junior at Oglethorpe University. My ambition was to finish college and begin my teaching career, as my children grew with me. However, these two tiny babies (weighing about 3 pounds each) required almost two months of hospitalization and constant care. So I left college, quit my job and devoted myself to bringing these two precious children home from the hospital and helping them grow into healthy, productive men. I always knew I would  finish my degree one day, but I had to be patient. The adjustments I made to be a full-time mother took perseverance and hard work (of a different kind). However, I made the adjustment willingly and happily, with full support from my husband, knowing my family came first. It is a decision I have never regretted.

Starting Over #2

I waited until my children were ten years old to go back to work. By that time, my career objectives had taken a different turn. No longer did I aspire to be an elementary school teacher; I wanted a career in higher education. I began my profession with Reinhardt College as a part-time employee. Soon, I became full-time  and worked ten years as alumni director. During this time, I knew if I was going to build a career in higher education, I should have some myself (higher education, that is)! So I went back to college after being away from school for twenty years, this time to study business administration. At the time, my sons had already graduated from the University of Georgia. I guess the hardest part of being in college when they had finished was knowing my children would be looking at my grades, as I had done with theirs for so many years. Talk about pressure to make all As!

Starting Over #3

I remember working at Reinhardt each day, driving to Oglethorpe University in Atlanta three nights per week, and finally receiving my undergraduate degree at age fifty. It took a long time I was not able to take a full load of classes while working full-time, but I knew I could finish if I was resilient.  Graduation was exhilarating! Imagine your husband, mom, dad, sister and SONS cheering for you as you walk across the commencement stage.

Starting Over #4

If youve worked in one job for a number of years, you understand the meaning of burn-out. Although I loved my job as alumni director, enjoyed my constituents and colleagues, and really wanted to remain at the college, I knew I could not continue to go to work with the enthusiasm required to be successful. I made an appointment with the president to let him know I needed to find something else. I figured there was no other place for me at Reinhardt, since a masters degree is required for faculty and upper administration, and I had only recently achieved a bachelors degree. President Floyd Falany encouraged me to go back to college and promised I could work as a special assistant until I finished. It took another long five years, but I completed a Master of Education degree from Brenau University at the young age of 55.

Starting Over #5

Thomas Isherwood became president of Reinhardt in 2001 and promoted me to vice president after a short nine months. In making this appointment, he had to approach a board of trustees who had never worked with a woman as a permanent vice president. He assured them I was capable at the administrative level, and they approved the appointment unanimously. I was also hired as an adjunct instructor in the Education Department.

Finally, I had made it to upper management in higher education and had faculty status after years of dreaming and starting over and over and over.

The secret? Its really not a secret, it is simply resilience, tenacity, hard work and people who believe in you because of these traits. Even if you enter the job market after your children are older and finish college after the age of fifty, you CAN do it. Im living proof!

P.S. I retired from higher education in June 2016 and was re- elected to Canton City Council in November 2016. The starting over continues . . .

Making a Difference in the Lives of Children

The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy (FFCL) has a mission to provide books for local communities to prepare preschool children for reading and learning success.

FFCL was founded in 1999 to address the growing problem of children from low-income communities entering kindergarten without basic early literacy skills and school readiness. The recipe for early school success is simple: start school with strong literacy skills. FFCLs recipe for encouraging early literacy development is even simpler: ensure that children have age-appropriate books at home, and that their parents have the support that reinforces the importance of early learning and encourages them to read frequently with their children.

Children registered for the Ferst Foundation literacy program receive a developmentally-appropriate book mailed to them at home every month until their fifth birthday. FFCLs vision is to afford the best chance to every child to succeed in school and in life, and to help create an educated, productive and competitive work force.

Why is the program important?

61% of low-income families do not have a single book suitable for a child. (Reading Literacy in the United States, 1996)
The single most significant factor influencing a childs early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. (National Commission on Reading)
Children who have not already developed some basic literacy practices when they enter school are three-to-four times more likely to drop out in later years. (National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 1993)
The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.
Children in welfare homes hear 32 million fewer words from birth to age four than children who live in professional homes. (Annie E. Casey Foundation)

Donors to the FFCL have a lasting, positive effect on childrens lives. Reading as a child in those first few years of life is directly tied to performance in school and in life. For example, children not reading on grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. High school drop outs are more likely to become teen parents, have poor health, be unemployed or end up in jail. 85% of all juvenile offenders are functionally illiterate.

However, there is hope in the form of the FFCL and its supporters. In Cherokee County, a total of 16,524 books have been mailed since the program began in 2010. Over 600 children have graduated and subsequently entered school better prepared to learn. Currently, 264 children receive books every month, but an estimated 4500 low-income children in Cherokee County remain at-risk for entering school unprepared.

Ferst Foundation mails quality books from its Read to Me Library. The program costs $36 per child/year. To learn more about how you can support childhood literacy in Cherokee County, enroll a child for free books or adopt a reader, visit FerstFoundation.org.

Making a Difference in the Lives of Children

The Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy (FFCL) has a mission to provide books for local communities to prepare preschool children for reading and learning success.

FFCL was founded in 1999 to address the growing problem of children from low-income communities entering kindergarten without basic early literacy skills and school readiness. The recipe for early school success is simple: start school with strong literacy skills. FFCLs recipe for encouraging early literacy development is even simpler: ensure that children have age-appropriate books at home, and that their parents have the support that reinforces the importance of early learning and encourages them to read frequently with their children.

Children registered for the Ferst Foundation literacy program receive a developmentally-appropriate book mailed to them at home every month until their fifth birthday. FFCLs vision is to afford the best chance to every child to succeed in school and in life, and to help create an educated, productive and competitive work force.

Why is the program important?

61% of low-income families do not have a single book suitable for a child. (Reading Literacy in the United States, 1996)
The single most significant factor influencing a childs early educational success is an introduction to books and being read to at home prior to beginning school. (National Commission on Reading)
Children who have not already developed some basic literacy practices when they enter school are three-to-four times more likely to drop out in later years. (National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 1993)
The only behavior measure that correlates significantly with reading scores is the number of books in the home.
Children in welfare homes hear 32 million fewer words from birth to age four than children who live in professional homes. (Annie E. Casey Foundation)

Donors to the FFCL have a lasting, positive effect on childrens lives. Reading as a child in those first few years of life is directly tied to performance in school and in life. For example, children not reading on grade level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. High school drop outs are more likely to become teen parents, have poor health, be unemployed or end up in jail. 85% of all juvenile offenders are functionally illiterate.

However, there is hope in the form of the FFCL and its supporters. Ferst Foundation mails quality books from its Read to Me Library. The program costs $36 per child/year. Most of the funds are raised at the local level through donations from individuals, foundations, businesses, civic groups, corporate sponsorships, and churches. To learn more about how you can support childhood literacy, enroll a child for free books or adopt a reader, visit FerstFoundation.org.

Currently, the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy supports programs in over half of Georgia counties, and it has programs in Florida and Montana, with Texas to be added to the list soon!

If Your 10,000 Steps a Day Are Painful, Alpharetta Foot & Ankle Can Help

The American Heart Association recommends 10,000 steps a day, and fitness trackers encourage us to make that our goal. But if youre suffering from a sports injury, arthritis, diabetes or any other condition that affects your feet, each step may be painful.

Alpharetta Foot & Ankle Specialists treats patients with a variety of foot problems using conservative treatments and minimally-invasive surgery. The practice is committed to using the latest technology while approaching patients with an old-fashioned bedside manner.

I really emphasize effective communication with my patients. I never want a patient to leave my office more confused than when he or she walked in. If we have a complicated case, its not uncommon for me to spend 30 to 45 minutes with that one patient. I want to be sure patients understand what they have, why they have it, and how I can help them, said Dr. Brian Harley, DPM.

A Georgia native, Dr. Harley attended the University of North Georgia on a military scholarship; he then served as a combat medic and medical officer with the Army National Guard. He went to medical school in New York and completed his residency in Los Angeles. Dr. Harley is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in forefoot surgery and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery.

Conditions and Treatments

With offices in Alpharetta and Cumming, the practice specializes in conservative and surgical management of injuries and conditions of the foot and ankle. Services include -

    Reconstructive foot and ankle surgery
    Ankle replacement
    Ankle arthroscopy
    Bunion correction
    Hammertoe correction
    Torn ligaments and tendons
    Tendon transfers
    Ankle fusions
    Internal and external fixation techniques
    Diabetic ulcerations
    General foot and ankle care
    Sprained ankle care
    Fracture care

Ankle Replacements

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infection or a bone fracture can all cause damage to the ankle, leading to pain and loss of movement. When the patient has reached the point where surgery is necessary, Dr. Harley offers a plan tailored to that specific patient.

Total ankle replacements entail replacing damaged bones in the ankle joint with artificial joints, which provide more ankle mobility and eliminate pain. The ankle joint replacement is anatomically correct and keeps the patients body functioning the way it was designed to function.

With 28 different bones and 53 different joints, the dynamics of the foot and ankle can make ankle replacements a challenging procedure.  However, with advances in implants, imaging and surgical procedures, we are now able to customize the implant for each patient and precisely position it, resulting in better, more natural movement, said Dr. Harley. Many of our patients are able to go home the same day as their surgery, he added.

Foot and Ankle Trauma

In addition to joint replacements, Dr. Harley specializes in sports injuries and trauma to the foot, ankle and lower leg. For severe fractures or birth defects in which a bone didnt grow properly, Dr. Harley is trained to perform the Ilizarov method of external fixation.

After his residency, Dr. Harley completed an advanced fellowship in external fixation techniques held at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Centre in Siberia, the center that developed the procedure in the 1950s.

The Ilizarov method uses external hardware to hold bones and soft-tissues to allow correction of a deformity or stabilization for healing. Instead of requiring plates and screws on the inside, the technique enables a surgeon to treat an injury or birth defect from the outside of the bone.

External fixations are used in cases such as significant traumas, where severe compound fractures need to be stabilized and held in place, said Dr. Harley. The procedure is done on the outside, decreasing incisions and chances of infection. It is stable enough to walk on right away, so its a better way to treat a lot of significant traumas that will allow patients to return to their activities faster.

Managing Pain and Promoting Healing

During surgery, Dr. Harley adds regenerative tissue on top of the artificial joint or around the tendons and nerves to stimulate healing and shorten recovery times.

We utilize regenerative tissue during surgery to facilitate healing with less pain, less inflammation and less scar tissue. It stimulates the body to heal, and I believe it is one of the reasons our success rates are so good, said Dr. Harley. Foot surgery is life-altering. The average patient takes about 10,000 steps in one day, so what we do is evaluated 10,000 times a day.

Office Locations

Alpharetta
3400 Old Milton Parkway, Building A, Suite 500
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Phone: 770-667-4410
Office hours: Monday & Wednesday

Cumming
1100 Northside Forsyth Drive, Suite 360
Cumming, GA 30041
Phone: 770-667-4410
Office hours: Tuesday & Thursday

AlpharettaFootAndAnkle.com

Inside The Head of Filmaker Brent Lambert-Zaffino

By Maria Klouda

North Georgias Brent Lambert-Zaffino was always the kid with the camcorder, spending a lot of time playing around with iMovie. Now, Brent is an independent, freelance director and videographer for music videos, short films and corporate videos. However, what originally began as Brents third-grade hobby has recently led to his first feature-length film.

Brents film, The Head, is a dark comedy that addresses the millennial generation, the stereotypes they face, the economy and self-expression. Hes both the writer and the director of the film. Brent enjoyed working with a team of professionals who shared a common objective for the script, which was shot almost entirely in Smyrna, GA. His goal is to release the film this summer, and he has launched a crowdfunding campaign to seek investors for this original, creative project. The Head is currently in the editing process.

Brent watched a lot of movies growing up. His favorite is Stanley Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey. When he was a pre-teen, he watched Lord of the Rings with his father and was virtually transported to another world. He was completely invested in the characters and simply accepted the story as it was presented on the big screenimmersed into the fantasy as if it were real.

Brent was lucky to have parents who frequently took him to see movies. He was also encouraged early on by his English teacher, Mr. Turnbaugh (Chicago), who shared his affection for movies. Brent quickly became aware that he wanted to do more than just create films as a hobby. With that realization, he decided to attend Kennesaw State University and pursue a degree in communications, focusing on media and entertainment, with a minor in film studies.

At age 26, Brent continues to develop his voice through film. Hes comfortable with the medium and finds it easier to communicate his message behind the camera. Hes using The Head to tackle challenges faced by millennials. Additionally, Brent recognizes the cultural dichotomy of the south, and it shows in his work. Overall, he finds it interesting and fulfilling to take an idea and make it come to life visually.

Brents advice to other filmmakers is to be willing to find your own way. Realizing there are a million ways to be successful in a video career, artists should follow their gut instinct to build on the craft. He advises, Go where life takes you; never say no; keep rolling with it; dont manipulate the environment. Find your way. From that, moments of artistic (and hopefully financial) success will follow.

As many people already know, Atlanta has become quite the hot bed for film and television productions. Brent is active in the film community, and hes excited to see what lies ahead for the region. He realizes it is a great time to be on the ground floor and that new talent has plenty of opportunity to succeed.

The movie trailer for The Head and more of Brents work can be found on his website, BrentLZFilms.com/. Brent also blogs for ShareGrid Atlanta (Blog.ShareGrid.com).

By Jessica Asbell

Meg White Claytons The Race for Paris is the fictional account of female reporters during WWII. As evidenced by the actual quotes from WWII female reporters sprinkled throughout the book, its clear that they were not welcomed on the front lines, and steps were taken to try to ensure their safety and to keep them in their assigned location. If caught, going AWOL could be a career-killer for a photographer/reporter, but it could be a career-maker if they successfully made it to the front to be the first to report a citys liberation.

The Race for Paris is about Jane (a journalist) and Liv (a photographer) who go AWOL from their assigned field hospital in an attempt to report from the front. They meet up with Fletcher (a friend of Livs husband) and Charles, who is also a photographer. Fletcher is a photographer for British Intelligence; his job is to go to dangerous places and report about the locations of the Germans. The four of them set off toward the front in Paris with the burning desire to be the first to report its liberation.

Along the way, they face very real danger and are aided by allied troops. They befriend strangers and see the devastation left by the war. Soon, readers discover that Liv is chasing more than just the notoriety that comes with reporting a great story. As she pushes Jane and Fletcher on to Holland, their dreams, desires, and the reality of war all come crashing together in an explosive way.

The Race for Paris is a fictional account of WWII, but it is also about what it takes to keep going, how much we are willing to give for our dreams, and the ways we remain strong in the face of adversity and death. Claytons fictional account allows readers to see WWII from a different perspective through the lens of a camera.

By Annell Gerson

The tiny but mighty "it girl" of southern fiction, Kristy Woodson Harvey, recently released Slightly South of Simple, the first in her new Peachtree Bluff series. There is much to love in this heartfelt story of a widowed mom, three strong daughters, a coastal Georgia town, and a cast of colorful, small-town characters.

Like mothers do, Ansley Murphy has always put her daughters first. When her husband is killed in the 9/11 tragedy, and she discovers some risky investments he made have left her with basically nothing, she never lets the girls know. Instead, she waits ninety-nine days, until all the fires are out, until shes sure no more bodies will be found, until shes convinced her husband will not miraculously be coming home, and then she begins rebuilding her life.

Ansley sells their New York brownstone, and moves her three girls to the Peachtree Bluff beach house she inherited from her grandmother. She opens a waterfront design business and begins setting aside what funds she can for her girls, so they will never experience the desperation of financial uncertainty that she has.

Eventually, her three daughters, Caroline, Sloan and Emerson, head off for college, pursue careers from California to New York and build their own lives until...they all come back home. Caroline's husband has asked for a divorce, Sloan's husband has been deployed, and Emerson has gotten her "big break" as an actress, working on a film about a subject that will not make her family happy. All this occurs just as Ansley reconnects with Jack, her first summer love, whom she met on Peachtree Bluff when she was only fifteen.

The girls are excited for their mother and encourage the rekindled friendship. However, reconnecting with the past could lead to the discovery of a secret that just might redefine their family.

With a southern heart and a contemporary voice, Kristy Woodson Harvey writes of loss, forgiveness and love, most especially the infinite depth of a mother's love for her children.

By Julie Senger

With the official arrival of summer this month, it never hurts to have a collection of ways to stay cool during these often hot and humid Georgia days. One of the most obvious ways to ensure you dont break out into a summer sweat is to make sure that the AC unit in your home is in perfect operating order. R & D Mechanical is a great resource for this information. If you have large, uncovered windows in your home that let in lots of light and heat, you may want to consider tinting those. All Pro Windows is an excellent source for that as well as car window tinting. So, what are some other things you can do to beat the heat this summer? Here at Family Life, we got you covered! Check out these fun ideas!

Aquatic Centers

Aquatic centers are perfect for rainy days or any day that you simply dont feel like slathering sunscreen on yourself or the kiddos every hour. Cherokee Aquatic Center, located at 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway in Canton, offers lots of planned activities like family fun nights, teen nights, and parents night out, which allows parents to drop their kids off to enjoy a pizza dinner, crafts, games, a movie, and, of course swimming!

However, if you want the best of both worlds, they also have a fabulous outdoor Oasis, complete with water slides and colorful playgrounds surrounded by water. For more information, visit CRPA.net/aquatic-center-oasis-opening-day/.

Cold Drinks

Speaking of parents night out, if youre looking for a frosty-cold adult beverage to raise a toast to your few hours of adult time with your friends or significant other, you cant go wrong by meeting up for a cocktail at Downtown Kitchen in downtown Canton. Their delicious cocktail options will definitely help you chill out.

But if youre trying to chill out at home with your children, this refreshing recipe for frozen strawberry lemonade is a treat the whole family can enjoy:

Ingredients
1 can non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri mix
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 cup frozen strawberries
6 cups of ice
Lemons and/or strawberries to garnish

Procedure
- Start by crushing your ice in a blender.
- Add the lemonade and daiquiri mix and 2 cups of water, and blend to desired consistency.
- Add the frozen strawberries, and blend to desired consistency.
- Garnish your glass with a lemon wedge or a strawberry.

Summer Hairstyles

If youre looking for a new summer haircut, Jyl Craven of Jyl Craven Hair Design shares suggestions for 3 Summer Haircuts for Busy Women in this month's issue.

However, if youre looking for an idea for a carefree, beautiful summer style you can create at home, luscious beach waves are a great option if your hair is at least chin-length long. One of the most popular ways to achieve this style is to either braid or twist small sections of your hair, spritz them with seas-salt spray, and then use a flat iron or hair dryer to apply heat to the braids/twists to speed up the waving process. Since theres not an ocean nearby, heres an easy recipe for DIY sea-salt spray:

Ingredients
1 tablespoon sea salt or Epsom salt
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon hair gel or leave-in hair conditioner
1 cup warm water

Procedure
- Pour the warm water and sea salt into a spray bottle, and shake until the salt dissolves.
- Combine the coconut oil and hair gel (or leave-in conditioner) into a separate bowl. Then add the mixture to your spray bottle, and shake the bottle to combine.
- Apply to towel-dried hair that has been braided or twisted.

Or, if youd like to get your lovely locks up off your neck, check out the video tutorials for some awesome up-dos at Merakilane.com/10-tutorials-for-easy-sexy-summer-hair-updos/.

Cool, Floral-Print Clothing

Though the idea here is how to stay cool, right now, theres nothing hotter than a summery floral print for womens and juniors clothing items. There are lots of cute tops, shorts, skirts and sundresses on the market from which to choose. Be sure to select something in a light, airy fabric that will flutter elegantly in those rare southern breezes.

Southern Local in downtown Woodstock has many stylish, flowery-fabric options for you to try such as a darling yellow, two-piece set or colorful printed shorts, both of which will look great with your summer tan.

Chattahoochee Nature Center Canoe Trips

The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) offers several different types of canoe trips including canoe 101, birding canoe trips, date night canoe trips and other seasonal or private canoe trip options. Each trip is led by a CNC naturalist and offers a unique introduction to the ecology of the Chattahoochee River. Your naturalist will enlighten you as to the cultural and natural history of the river, citing important ecological relationships and environmental issues that affect this endangered river while allowing you to enjoy the peaceful qualities of the river.

Canoe guides are all CPR/First-Aid Certified and are experienced paddlers and naturalists. Dont worry if you are new to canoeing CNC provides all equipment (canoe, paddles, and a personal flotation device for participants). These trips are suitable for both beginning and advanced paddlers (ages 6 and up). For more information, visit ChattNatureCenter.org, or call 770-992-2055.

Ice Cream

While places like Small Cakes in Canton have ready-made, delicious ice cream flavors for you to enjoy, if you cant make it out of the house for some reason, try this delicious, simple recipe for homemade ice cream, which doesnt even require an ice cream making machine!

Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1, 14 oz. can sweetened-condensed milk, chilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Procedure
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
- On low speed, mix in the condensed milk, vanilla, and any other flavorings youd like (*suggestions coming up!).
- Pour the mixture into a sealable container; cover the surface with plastic wrap, then seal.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm. Keep leftovers stored in the freezer.

*Suggested flavors/add-ins 1 teaspoon peppermint extract + 1 cup mini chocolate chips + green food coloring will make mint chocolate chip. - 1 cup peanut butter, Nutella or your favorite cookie butter flavor makes for a delicious treat. Adding 15 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped, will give you cookies and cream. cup cocoa powder (sifted) + 4 ounces melted, cooled chocolate will create a rich chocolate flavor. Or, you can also simply add your favorite fruit!

See a Movie/Play

Back before most homes were equipped with central air conditioning systems, theatres were some of the few places where indoor air conditioning was available. Moviegoers and live play supporters would flock to the local theatres in summertime not only to be entertained, but also to cool off. Cold, dark theatres are still a wonderful way to beat the heat on sweltering hot days. Check out MovieFone.com for current movie titles and local movie theatre locations, or visit BroadwayBoundProductionsInc.com/, CherokeeTheatre.org and ElmStreetArts.org for local community theatre offerings and locations.

By Julie Senger

With the official arrival of summer this month, it never hurts to have a collection of ways to stay cool during these often hot and humid Georgia days. One of the most obvious ways to ensure you dont break out into a summer sweat is to make sure that the AC unit in your home is in perfect operating order. R & D Mechanical is a great resource for this information. If you have large, uncovered windows in your home that let in lots of light and heat, you may want to consider tinting those. All Pro Windows is an excellent source for that as well as car window tinting. So, what are some other things you can do to beat the heat this summer? Here at Family Life, we got you covered! Check out these other fun ideas!

Indoor Lap Swimming

Indoor swimming pools are perfect for rainy days or any day that you simply dont feel like slathering sunscreen on yourself or the kiddos every hour. Ed Isakson YMCA offers a variety of swim lessons, lap swim times, and exercise classes. Visit YMCAAtlanta.org/program-locations/swim-lessons/alpharetta.php for more information.

Cold Drinks

If youre looking for a nice place to enjoy a frosty-cold adult beverage with your friends or significant other, you cant go wrong with meeting up for a cocktail at Miltons Cuisine and Cocktails. Their GA Peach Southern Sipper will definitely help you chill out.

But if youre trying to chill out at home with your children, this refreshing recipe for frozen strawberry lemonade is a treat the whole family can enjoy:

Ingredients
1 can non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri mix
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate
1 cup frozen strawberries
6 cups of ice

Procedure
- Start by crushing your ice in a blender.
- Add the lemonade and daiquiri mix and 2 cups of water, and blend to desired consistency.
- Add the frozen strawberries, and blend to desired consistency.
- Garnish your glass with a lemon wedge or a strawberry.

Summer Hairstyles

If youre looking for a new summer haircut, Jyl Craven of Jyl Craven Hair Design shares suggestions for 3 Summer Haircuts for Busy Women in this month's issue.

However, if youre looking for an idea for a carefree, beautiful summer style you can create at home, luscious beach waves are a great option if your hair is at least chin-length long. One of the most popular ways to achieve this style is to either braid or twist small sections of your hair, spritz them with seas-salt spray, and then use a flat iron or hair dryer to apply heat to the braids/twists to speed up the waving process. Since theres not an ocean nearby, heres an easy recipe for DIY sea-salt spray:

Ingredients
1 tablespoon sea salt or Epsom salt
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon hair gel or leave-in hair conditioner
1 cup of warm water

Procedure
- Pour the warm water and sea salt into a spray bottle, and shake until the salt dissolves.
- Combine the coconut oil and hair gel (or leave-in conditioner) into a separate bowl. Then add the mixture to your spray bottle and shake the bottle, to combine.
- Apply to towel-dried hair that has been braided or twisted.

Or, if youd like to get your lovely locks up off your neck, check out the video tutorials for some awesome up-dos at Merakilane.com/10-tutorials-for-easy-sexy-summer-hair-updos/.

Cool, Floral-Print Clothing

Though the idea here is how to stay cool, right now, theres nothing hotter than a summery floral print for womens and juniors clothing items. There are lots of cute tops, shorts, skirts and sundresses on the market from which to choose. Be sure to select something in a light, airy fabric that will flutter elegantly in those rare southern breezes.

Ice Cream

If you cant make it out of the house to your favorite local ice cream joint, try this delicious, simple recipe for homemade ice cream, which doesnt even require an ice cream making machine!

Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1, 14 oz. can sweetened-condensed milk, chilled
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Procedure
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
- On low speed, mix in the condensed milk, vanilla, and any other flavorings youd like (*suggestions below).
- Pour the mixture into a sealable container; cover the surface with plastic wrap, then seal.
- Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm. Keep leftovers stored in the freezer.

*Suggested flavors/add-ins 1 teaspoon peppermint extract + 1 cup mini chocolate chips + green food coloring will make mint chocolate chip. - 1 cup peanut butter, Nutella or your favorite cookie butter flavor makes for a delicious treat. Adding 15 Oreo cookies, coarsely chopped, will give you cookies and cream. cup cocoa powder (sifted) + 4 ounces melted, cooled chocolate will create a rich chocolate flavor. Or, you can also simply add your favorite fruit!

Chattahoochee Nature Center Canoe Trips

The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) offers several different types of canoe trips including canoe 101, birding canoe trips, date night canoe trips and other seasonal or private canoe trip options. Each trip is led by a CNC naturalist and offers a unique introduction to the ecology of the Chattahoochee River. Your naturalist will enlighten you as to the cultural and natural history of the river, citing important ecological relationships and environmental issues that affect this endangered river while allowing you to enjoy the peaceful qualities of the river.

Canoe guides are all CPR/First-Aid Certified and are experienced paddlers and naturalists. Dont worry if you are new to canoeing CNC provides all equipment (canoe, paddles, and a personal flotation device for participants. These trips are suitable for both beginning and advanced paddlers (ages 6 and up). For more information, visit ChattNatureCenter.org, or call 770-992-2055.

See a Movie/Play

Back before most homes were equipped with central air conditioning systems, theatres were some of the few places where indoor air conditioning was available. Moviegoers and live play supporters would flock to the local theatres in summertime not only to be entertained, but also to cool off. Cold, dark theatres are still a wonderful way to beat the heat on sweltering hot days. Check out MovieFone.com for current movie titles and local movie theatre locations, or visit GET.org/ for local community theatre offerings.

Friendly, Child-Centered Preschool The Goddard School in Hickory Flat Provides Quality Education

By Cyndi Braun

When you walk into The Goddard School in Hickory Flat, the first thing you hear is someone cheerfully shouting, Good morning! Next, you notice the bright rooms and the smiling children. If you dont already feel at home, you will as soon as you meet on-site owner Mary Kay Buquoi, Ed.S.

Married, with an eight-year-old daughter and four-year-old son (who goes to school with his mother every day), Buquoi is good at making you feel at home and connecting with parents. She understands the busy lives parents lead, and she enjoys building relationships with students and their families.

During the day, I regularly leave my office to visit classrooms. It gives me a chance to get to know the kids, said Buquoi. The kids also stop by my office when they pass in the hall. I enjoy seeing them.

Buquoi figured out early on that shes happiest surrounded by little children. She volunteered in her church nursery and worked in local preschools as a teenager. When it was time to go to college, she set two goals: become a teacher and own her own preschool one day.

After graduating from college, Buquoi achieved her first goal teaching elementary school, which she did for seven years. During that time, she enrolled her daughter in The Goddard School.

My daughter thrived at The Goddard School. I quickly realized the impact the program had on her. I loved the curriculum. Its child-led, exploratory, and based off the needs of the child, not the teacher. When my daughter was two, I decided to explore my dream of owning a preschool, and it was natural that Id want that school to be The Goddard School.

Buquoi met her second goal in July 2011 when she purchased The Goddard School franchise in Hickory Flat.

I bought into the program from the parents perspective and with an educator background. Thats unique among owners, said Buquoi. Im a firm believer in all-hands on deck. If one of my teachers needs help, I am there for them. I change diapers, fill in when someone is sick, and offer advice based on my professional experience as a teacher.

With its quality-rated, AdvancedEd Accreditation (SACS Accreditation), the Hickory Flat facility provides year-round learning for infants through school-age children, in a nurturing place for them to learn and grow. Parents may drop off their children as early as 6:30am and pick them up as late as 6:30pm. Buquoi also offers the option for children to attend two or three days a week. Classroom ratios are 33-66% lower than state requirements.

The Goddard Schools approach is based on how children learn best through play and fun activities. Each lead teacher has either a Child Development Associates Degree or a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Education programs include:
-Infant & First Steps
-Toddler & Get Set
-Preschool
-Pre-Kindergarten
-Kindergarten

For all age levels, teachers prepare daily lesson plans that map out activities in areas such as language arts and cognitive skills. Children engage in independent learning through centers in math, science, music, computers and other areas. Teachers focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) throughout the day, which captivates the children through the exploration of play.

The facility also offers extracurricular programs in music, Spanish, and fitness as well as an indoor gym that gives children the chance to work on gross motor skills.

We consider ourselves a private preschool, not a daycare, because teachers prepare lesson plans for all age levels, said Buquoi. We follow developmental guidelines for children, use assessments to teach to the individual child, and we have higher standards and expectations than what is required by the state.

Teachers prepare daily reports for parents about each childs activities, participation and progress. The reports are prepared through a system called Tadpoles that sends daily sheets, pictures, video and notes to parents via email.

Besides preschool, the facility offers an after-school program and summer camps for school-aged children.

The goal of our after-school program is to make sure kids get their homework completed, so parents dont have to stress about doing it when they get home. They can just spend time together as a family, said Buquoi.

Children from eight elementary schools attend the after-school program, Transportation is provided by the school. Trained teachers provide children with individualized homework assistance in addition to socialization and play time.

Most of the after-school children have younger siblings attending The Goddard School. Picking up children at one location provides an added convenience to parents, especially when the evening is filled with sports and other activities.

To see the learning in action, call to schedule a tour, or stop by at your convenience.

The Goddard School
For Early Childhood Development
140 Foster Road, Canton (Hickory Flat)
770-720-1311
GoddardSchool.com

Facebook.com/GoddardSchoolCantonIGA

We Know Kids, But Kids Know Us Better

By Cyndi Braun

Are you looking for a pediatric dentist? Before searching online, ask your family and friends. Chances are, theyll recommend Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

Pediatric dentist Dr. Vishant Nath established the practice twelve years ago in Roswell. Pediatric Dentistry now has ten Metro Atlanta locations.

Unique Dental Experience

When families walk into Roswell Pediatric Dentistry, they realize right away that this is not the typical dental experience. The waiting room is filled with colorful art, toys, video games, TVs on the ceiling, and a projector screen playing Americas Funniest Videos.

We treat our patients as we would treat our own children, said Dr. Nath, who has three daughters who are also patients. We like to say, we know kids, but kids know us better.

Staff greet patients and their parents with a smile, and often wear fun clothing and accessories to celebrate a holiday or season. During the year, Santa, the Easter Bunny and other special guests make scheduled appearances.

Parents and patients feel the energy as soon as they walk in and see the environment, said Dr. Nath, adding that the staff is down-to-earth and well-loved. Its our approach that really makes kids comfortable. No toy in the world is going to make them feel completely at ease. Youve got to have quality interaction with them and with their parents, too.
Staff and dentists take the time to get to know their patients and their families. Building relationships builds trust and helps young patients have a better experience.

I try to connect with children on their level. I ask about friends, extracurricular activities, and reach out on a personal level. Thats how I start to gain a rapport. I also show them everything Im going to do before I do it, and I let them ask questions before we get started, said Dr. Tyler Kisling.

The staff and dentists ease young children into the dental experience by letting them have some control. The dental hygienist might ask a childs mother to sit in the chair, so the child can count her teeth first. If the child wants to try on the dentists gloves or jacket, they let them do that as well.

Before you know it, they have us sitting in the chair asking to count our teeth, said Dr. Nath. We get them to look in our mouths and their moms mouth to show them what we are going to do today and show them that they have nothing to be afraid of. Once the kids feel comfortable, we can get started.

Some kids are more anxious than others. Some children with special needs require extra attention. Very young children and their parents need to be eased into the experience. The dentists at the practice are trained to help all children feel comfortable.

I had a lot of dental trauma growing up, to the point where I was scared to go to the dentist, so when kids are nervous, I really understand how they are feeling, said Dr. Dhruti Patel. I show the kids everything we are going to do, and we practice on each other, so that makes it fun for them. I feel like Im able to communicate with kids well because Im a big kid inside.

Once the dentists start providing care, they stay focused on the patient, which helps them anticipate any need the child may have. Ensuring a positive dental experience today can lead to a lifetime of good oral health.

I feel like I can make a difference in a childs lifetime. When you start kids on a path of good oral hygiene, you can help them prevent disease, said Dr. Craig Blatt. I really enjoy the children. They get excited about brushing and flossing, and they love visiting the dentist.

Kid-Centered Care

Owner Dr. Nath is a practicing dentist and is not affiliated with any non-dentist corporate investment partners.

My protocol has always been to treat kids like they are my own kids, said Dr. Nath. We employ local people, and we rely on local families to support our practice.

The practice has offices in Roswell, Milton, Alpharetta, Canton, Perimeter, Duluth, Fayetteville, Kennesaw, McDonough and Norcross. Milton also offers adult dentistry. Each office has Saturday hours and extended hours one weekday each week. The practice accepts most major insurance plans, Medicaid and PeachCare For Kids. Check their website for a complete list.

The dentists on staff are all members of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

The practice is accepting new patients.

Roswell Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, PC
10930 Crabapple Road,
Suite 106, Roswell
678-651-1000
KidsHappyTeeth.com

Facebook.com/RoswellPedatricDentistry

In 1986, a group of theatre-loving volunteers came together to form the Cherokee Little Theatre Players. Now known as Cherokee Theatre Company (CTC), the group has performed in venues all over Cherokee County including local schools, restaurants, town squares and auditoriums.

In 1996, they found a home at the Cherokee Arts Center in Canton where they presented works such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Steel Magnolias, Little Shop of Horrors, as well as an annual murder-mystery dinner theater production. In 2009, they moved to the historic Canton Theater on Main Street, staging such favorites as You Cant Take It with You, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, A Murder is Announced, Greater Tuna and the Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Award-winning drama, The Lion in Winter.

CTC, which recently closed its 31st season, currently performs their main stage productions at the Canton Theatre. Their workshop, an airplane hangar on Arnold Mill Road, provides space for storage of building materials for scenery, props and costumes. There is a designated, stage-sized area where auditions and rehearsals take place prior to moving into the theater the week before opening night.

Throughout its production history, CTC has performed a wide variety of theatre genres including classic dramas, physical comedies, readers theatre productions and audience participation dinner theatre productions. CTC strives to provide a creative environment for theatre arts by producing and supporting quality theatrical events for the local community.

As a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, CTC endeavors to not only bring entertainment to the community, but to provide educational and skill development opportunities to the area. CTC recently expanded its theatre tech outreach by working with three schools in the community as Partners in Education in an effort to continue to serve as a source of learning for all aspects of theatre.

In June 2016, Ed Palombo, CTCs founder and president, stepped down to celebrate thirty years of successfully bringing performing arts to the area. Though he still sits on the Board of Directors along with Rebecca Bowden, Jeff Bennett, Sarah Nation, Peggy Waylor, Myrna Feldman and Darrell Blalock, he relinquished his presidential role with CTC to Rebecca Hogue.

Along with the Board of Directors, who handle the business operations of the company, there is an ever-growing group of volunteers who help build the sets, run the box office and concessions, help backstage and, of course, act on stage.

CTC will open its 32nd season in September with Red Velvet Cake War, a hilarious southern comedy. The rest of the season will include the heartwarming comedy Over the River and Through the Woods, the award-winning Driving Miss Daisy, and the Victorian thriller, Angel Street.

More information on CTC, their productions, and tickets can be found at CherokeeTheatre.org or by calling their box office at 770-591-0282.

A Rescue Sanctuary in North Georgia

Cheryl Flanagan was composing an email, explaining to someone that she had no room to take their horse because her rescue, Save the Horses, which was already home to 130 rescued animals, was full. However, she could use her extensive network to find a home for the horse. Before she hit the send button, she answered a knock at the door, and that changed everything.

The people at the door told her about a small, frail horse that appeared in a pasture that they leased. He was malnourished, dehydrated, and too weak to walk to the nearby creek to drink water. They tried to feed him, but the grain got stuck in his mouth because there was not enough moisture in his saliva to move the feed down his throat. They literally had to put their hands in his mouth to remove the grain. They insisted that Cheryl help him immediately, or they feared that he would die. Hearing this made Cheryl want to cry. It made her say, Yes! This began the rescue and rehabilitation journey of Bugg. This is a typical day for Cheryl Flanagan, founder of a horse rescue sanctuary based in Cumming, GA called Save the Horses. Since 1998, Save the Horses has been rescuing horses from dire situations. Many have been abused and neglected. Others are from families that have lost their jobs or fallen on hard times, and they can no longer afford to keep their horse. And still other horses are saved in the nick of time, sometimes pulled from trucks bound for slaughterhouses.

Currently, the rescue is home to 100 horses (including ten horses with dwarfism); some live on one of Save the Horses two properties in Cumming, and others reside in a network of foster locations. There are about thirty other animals that have all been rescued and call the farm home as well. They include Rosie the cow and a menagerie of pigs, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens and ducks.

Like Bugg, all the animals at Save the Horses get a second chance at life. Cheryl has dedicated her life to rescuing of animals and educating the public about the dangers of animal cruelty.

SaveTheHorses.org is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) with no employees. A large, dedicated team of volunteers provide the attention, love and medical care needed to enable these horses to trust humans again. The successful ones get adopted into loving homes. Others will live out the rest of their lives at the farm.

It costs $10,000 a month to run the rescue, and Save the Horses does not receive any state or local funds. They rely on donations, adoption fees, and fundraisers to feed and provide medical care for their residents.

For more information about volunteering or learning how you can help the rescue, please visit SaveTheHorses.org.

As for Bugg, a Save the Horses volunteer fell in love with him and adopted him. Hes now healthy and happy in his new home.

Our Bikes Your Cause

Founded in 2016, Kind Bikes is the brainchild of co-founder Jimmy Stubbs. Drawing from his experience as a participant and then cycling coach with Team in Training, Jimmy realized that there was a huge obstacle preventing thousands of people from participating in charity cycling races and triathlons the cost of the bicycle. With entry-level road bikes averaging around $1,000, participation in these types of fundraising events is often limited. To promote the sport of cycling and to remove the costly hurdle for those interested in improving their health and supporting their favorite charities, Jimmy developed the idea of Kind Bikes.

Kind Bikes provides affordably priced rental bicycles and related cycling equipment to individuals participating in charity cycling events. Rentals include a road bike, transportation rack, pump and lock. The rental also includes a drop-off of the cycling equipment by Kind Bikes volunteer staff. This allows them to ensure a proper fit and provide one-on-one training.

Today, Kind Bikes proudly serves the greater metro Atlanta area and a growing number of other communities throughout the United States. Its fleet of bicycles and related cycling equipment is working hard to raise awareness and money for local and national charities such as the Kiwanis Club, American Diabetes Association, Camp Twin Lakes and Action Cycling Atlanta. As Kind Bikes continues to serve those who care about the community, they hope to inspire individuals to find creative, healthy ways to support the charities they hold dear.

Since January of 2016, Kind Bikes has helped raise awareness and funds for the causes its riders care about the most. Last year, Kind Bikes outfitted thirty riders who pedaled more than 478 miles for five different charity events, raising a little over $13,690 for their favorite charities and non-profits. Some riders traveled from as far as California, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts to participate in charity rides. While Kind Bikes riders have already made a significant impact for their favorite causes, they hope to continue their momentum of positive impact while helping many others achieve their charitable goals in the years to come.

Kind Bikes is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Alpharetta. If you are interested in learning more about Kind Bikes, how to become a charitable partner, or ways you can become involved, please visit KindBikes.org.