West Georgia Woman Magazine April 2022 by West Georgia Woman Magazine/Angel Media, LLC

Woman

Complimentary

April 2022

West Georgia

Gloria Jean Howard Back to Nature

Maximize Your Living Space Growing Old ... Gracefully Local Golf Stars Ainsley and LoraLie Cowart Take Center Stage at the Collegiate Level

Like a BOSS! Setting Boundaries in the Workplace

Medicare Offers Annual Wellness Visits at No Cost to You. This visit identifies preventative screenings and immunizations. Our goal during this visit is to create a personalized healthcare plan for you. We’ll discuss any concerns you have and focus on what's important to you.

Accepting New Patients

Get Well. Stay Well.

Physicians Care Group of West Georgia

Primary Care, Lung and Sleep Medicine

Primary Care, Lung and Sleep Medicine 100 Professional Place • Suite 204 Carrollton, GA 30117

Primary Care • 770.834.3351 2

Lung and Sleep • 770.838.5864

www.pcgofwestga.com

Gloria Jean Howard is using her family's land to build a green legacy through Whispering Hills, a natural green cemetery. Page 10 Photo by Zachary Dailey

What’s inside... 10 24 29

Coming Full Circle Like a BOSS Growing Old ... Gracefully

In Every Issue:

26 40

Daily Fare Local Happenings

33 34 44

Maximize Your Living Space Sister Act: Local Golf Stars Ainsley and LoraLie Cowart

Kids Korner

They Could Be Reading Your Ad Right Now

Women Make Most of the Purchasing Decisions in the Household

Advertise Today and

GET NOTICED. 404.502.0251

SALES@WESTGEORGIAWOMAN.COM

Providing Complete Gastrointestinal Care

We specialize in Colon Cancer Screening and in the diagnosis and treatment of: Reflux and Heartburn Stomach and Digestive Disorders Accepting New Patients Crohn’s Disease and Colitis Visit us online Hemorrhoids www.westgagastro.com Hepatitis Liver, Pancreas and Gallbladder Disease

CARROLLTON/BREMEN/WEDOWEE 770.214.2800 6

villa rica 770.456.3786

WWW.SPA316.US 770.537.1236

Springing Forward Last month was a whirlwind for me and my family. We published three issues, including our first Spring Sports Preview, and began getting accustomed to having my beautiful granddaughter, Chelsie, in our world. The workload was challenging for all of us, and poor Zach and Jordan learned what being sleep-deprived was all about, but we made it through! I can tell you one thing, ending my workday with little Chelsie in my arms is the best feeling I've ever had in my life. As we enter the spring season, I remain optimistic about the future, in spite of the discouraging and horrific news flooding our news feeds on a daily basis. How can I not be optimistic when I look into her beautiful eyes? My hope is that we can all make a difference in the lives of little children by being instruments of peace, love and kindness – even if it's only in our little corner of the world. In This Issue Our feature this month is Gloria Jean Howard. On April 22, 2021 (Earth Day), Jean and her brother, Ralph, opened a green cemetery, Whispering Hills Memorial Nature Preserve, on the property where they grew up at 3550 Mooty Bridge Road. Whispering Hills is the first exclusively green burial site in Troup County and the third environmentally friendly cemetery in Georgia. A green burial is a way of caring for deceased loved ones with the least possible environmental impact, according to The Green Burial Guidebook by Elizabeth Fournier. In a natural green burial, metal caskets, embalming and cement vaults are not allowed. Green burials have become a trend in recent years because of their eco-friendliness and affordability. On page 10, learn more about Jean and how she's using her family's land to build a green legacy for future generations. Do you find it difficult to say, "No" to your boss or your coworkers? Do you spend your time off checking your emails or answering work-related phone calls? On page 24, Sandra Bolan tells us how we can take care of ourselves by learning how to set boundaries in the workplace. Sadly, women often feel devalued as they get older. In fact, American women spent $40.49 billion on anti-aging products in 2020 alone. On page 29, learn how to be comfortable in your own skin and enjoy the aging process, gracefully. Ainsley and LoraLie Cowart are two of the best female golfers to ever tee up in Carroll County. Ainsley is a junior at the University of West Georgia and is one of the top-ranked golfers in Division II for 2022. LoraLie is a freshman at the University of Georgia, where she is in the starting lineup for the Georgia Bulldogs. On page 34, Corey Cusick tells us how this sister act is taking center stage at the collegiate level. Thank you for reading! There's so much more inside! Please do business with our community partners whose advertisements are included in West Georgia Woman. It is only through their partnership that we are able to give you this beautiful magazine each month. Happy Easter! Publisher

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

West Georgia Woman is a voice for and about the women who live and work in West Georgia. Our mission is to engage, inspire, and cultivate a cohesive community for all women in West Georgia by sharing our hopes, our dreams and our lives. This magazine would not be possible without the inclusion of our advertisers. Please be sure to show your support by doing business with these VIP’s (very important partners) so we will be able to continue to share with you our stories about amazing West Georgia women! Please be sure to tell them we sent you!

We welcome your comments and suggestions. Contact us: (404) 502-0251 Online: www.westgeorgiawoman.com

Need a copy? We mail thousands of copies each month to households through Direct Mail or get yours from our racks at Kroger, Publix, Smith Brothers Supply Company, Southern Home and Ranch Center, Food Depot, Neva Lomason Library and 4 a.m. Coffee Roasters (Maple Street) and the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown Inspiring women wanted. in Bremen; Kroger in Cedartown; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Fabiano’s Do you know an interesting woman Pizzaria, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Crook's who should be on the cover of West Grocery (Temple Ave.) and Kroger (BullsGeorgia Woman? Is there a special boro Drive and Newnan Crossings Blvd. loproject or organization you would cations in Newnan;Tanner Health System's like us to feature in our magazine? Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings Let us know! Email your suggestions in Villa Rica; Kroger on Chapel Hill Rd. to features@westgeorgiawoman.com. and Highway 5, and Food Depot on Hiram Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in DougShare your special events. lasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) Send your upcoming events to: in Dallas; Universal Fitness in Hiram; Jones calendar@westgeorgiawoman.com BBQ in Temple; WM Grocery and ChuckNeed to advertise? Email: wagon restaurant in Roanoke, Al. and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Al. We have them Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com in larger quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), Lee-King and Thompson pharmaCall 404.502.0251 cies in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe The views, opinions, positions or strat- in Douglasville and the Vitamin Shoppe egies expressed by the contributing in Hiram, Publix at Mirror Lake, CVS in authors are theirs alone, and do not Bowdon as well as hundreds of other retail necessarily reflect the views, opinions, locations and medical offices in 18 cities in positions or strategies of Angel Media, nine counties in West Georgia and East LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine Alabama. or any employee thereof. Angel Media, LLC. makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information in this publication and will not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

Mail correspondence to:

West Georgia Woman Magazine P.O. Box 2782 Carrollton, GA 30112

This publication is dedicated in loving memory of Tristan Alexander Brooks May 15, 1993 – September 17, 2015

Volume 7 • Issue 6 April 2022

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor Editorial Contributor

Shala Hainer shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Corey Cusick, Jordan Dailey, Rose Isaacs and Amanda Thomas

Advertising Sales

Sales@westgeorgiawoman.com West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2022. West Georgia Woman magazine, its logo and “Finding our voice. Knowing our value. Making a difference.” are trademarks of Angel Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Print or online reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. All submissions will be included as space is available. West Georgia Woman reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions that are not in compliance with our editorial policy. If you wish to have your submission returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your submission.

Coming Full Circle

LaGrange Woman Uses Her Family’s Land To Build a Green Legacy By Amanda Thomas

10 Photos by Zachary Dailey

iding through the rolling hills of Whispering Hills Memorial Nature Preserve is like taking a step back in time. The beautiful scenery makes it easy to forget the hustle and bustle of the outside world. About an hour’s drive southwest from Atlanta and less than 20 minutes from the Alabama line, Whispering Hills is a hidden gem located in LaGrange, Ga. The preserve covers 140 acres of green fields, native hardwood forests, hills and terraces. There are clusters of familiar and rare plants throughout the property, as well as two beautiful spring-fed streams that flow into West Point Lake. Along the path, horses roam fenced-in pastures. Whispering Hills also features walking trails and an arena where people can gather for events. However, the central feature of this majestic landscape is what it offers to those who have recently departed – a green burial. The preserve is home to the first exclusively green burial site in Troup County and the third environmentally friendly cemetery in Georgia. For those who have lost a loved one, Whispering Hills provides an opportunity to feel close to them again while surrounded by nature. So, what is a green burial? According to The Green Burial Guidebook by Elizabeth Fournier, a green burial is a way of caring for deceased loved ones with the least possible environmental impact. In a natural green burial, embalming, cement vaults and metal caskets aren't allowed. Before someone is buried in a green cemetery, their body is wrapped in a natural, biodegradable container or fabric shroud, then lowered into the ground where it will naturally decompose. The popularity of green burials has increased in recent years because of their affordability and ecofriendliness. By now, you may be wondering how a 20-acre green cemetery came to be developed in this rural community. It's a question that 72-year-old Gloria Jean Howard and her older brother, Ralph W. Howard Jr., are often asked. On April 22, 2021 (Earth Day), the siblings opened the cemetery on the property where they grew up at 3550 Mooty Bridge Road. Jean and Ralph recently shared how their childhood home became a destination for green burials while giving a tour of the property, which has been in the family since 1946, when the last mile of Mooty Bridge Road was still gravel, and there was no phone service.

“I’ve ridden horses, and I’m sure Jean has ridden horses up through here a million times,” Ralph says. “Yeah, Momma was OK with us just leaving at dawn and coming back at dusk,” Jean responds. She enjoys talking about her history, and how she came to develop the horse farm at Whispering Hills. Jean's role in helping bring the first green cemetery to LaGrange is only one piece of her interesting story. To fully understand her journey from a little girl exploring every acre of the woods around her home to co-owner of Whispering Hills Natural Green Cemetery and Memorial Nature Preserve, we need to go back to where it all began.

Home Sweet Home Jean was born on Aug. 30, 1949 – three years after her parents, Ralph W. Howard, Sr., and Ira Lee (Norton) Howard, began buying the forested hillside and terraced fields of Whispering Hills. She recalls growing up and getting lost in the beauty of nature – the daisy-covered meadows, the rolling streams and flourishing forests. Once or twice, she literally got lost. “I did get lost in the woods a couple of times,” she says. “It was kind of scary when I was young, but not that scary. I made it home, but it took me a while.” As the years went by, Jean explored the property and discovered new areas to hike, ride horses and bike.

72-year-old Jean Howard lives in the original homestead on the 140-acre property where she grew up.

USING ADVANCED MEDICINE TO KEEP LIFE SIMPLE From minimally invasive surgery to leading edge treatments of incontinence, urinary tract infections and kidney stones, we ensure that every patient receives the most advanced and best quality urological care close to home. Schedule your appointment today at one of our convenient locations and discover why gaining peace of mind about your urological care can be a simple procedure.

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR UROLOGICAL CARE West Georgia Urology is the regional expert in managing and preventing urinary tract infections in West Georgia and East Alabama. Our patient specific approach involves more than just providing antibiotics at the time you develop symptoms. We will work with you to establish a program of prevention, timely evaluation and treatment when necessary.

We Work With Kids, Too! West Georgia Urology doctors see children one year and older, performing examinations and administering treatments when needed. We strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that puts any childhood fears of the doctor at ease.

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS • QUICK TURNAROUND • FASTER TREATMENT OPTIONS Carrollton • Villa Rica

770.834.6988 • www.WGUrology.com

Dailey Life Photography 404.444.9072

www.daileylifephoto.wordpress.com

@DaileyLifePhotography “We lived in the country, so you had to use your imagination to come up with things to do, and I never had a problem with that,” she recalls. “I’m a country girl through and through, so my sad days were days when it rained. When confined to the house, I was not a happy camper.” But she had many good days.

@DaileyLifePhoto

Senior Portraits Commercial Real Estate Holiday Parties Family Pets Showers Weddings Maternity Newborns Engagement

“We would explore the property and find a good climbing tree,” she recalls. Jean also has fond memories of finding all the different fruits on the property you could eat. “The place was full of plums, and then there would be vines of muscadines growing in the trees,” she says. “So, when those were in season, we’d get a belly full.” Many happy hours were spent playing in the flowing water of one of the two natural streams on the property. “We didn’t have a pool, so we’d splash around in the stream, cool off and terrorize the tadpoles and crawdads,” she recalls. “Occasionally, we’d see a fox running through the woods, but you didn’t see them often because they’re shy.” Her mother made sure she had a playmate on the One of two natural streams on the Whispering Hills Memorial Nature Preserve. Jean and weekends to make exploring her big brother, Ralph, spent much of their time playing in the stream when they were the property even more fun. younger. Their nickname for this area of the preserve is simply, "The Pretty Place." Sometimes it would be a friend Photo provided by Whispering Hills.

“Mother had some of from school or the nearby the neighborhood boys neighbors, and other teach me how to ride and times she’d play with one care for the horses. They or more of the 17 first rode with me until she cousins she has on her felt confident that I could father’s side of the family control the horse and I as well as several on her was OK to do it alone,” mother’s side. Jean recalls. Jean recalls playing with That’s when her love for stick horses, but not the horses began. modern kind with a horse “From the get-go, I was head and reins attached. obsessed with them, and “We just had a stick,” she says while laughing. that’s what I basically did,” she says. “I rode horses “You just had to pretend year-round with friends.” the horse head was there. Their horse-riding But you could put your adventures weren’t limited little rope around the top to the Howard’s property. of the stick, straddle it – “A lot of times, there and gallop through the would be five or six of us woods riding your own Jean's horse, Standing Ovation. She lovingly calls him, "Stan." horse. It was a wonderful She loved horses as a child and she rode horses year-round with riding all over the county,” feeling.” her friends. Stan enjoys an idyllic lifestyle at the nature preserve. she says. “You could ride on other people’s land. When Jean was around They didn’t mind. You just knew the rules. If the gate 5 or 6 years old, she graduated to riding a real was open, you left it open. If the gate was closed, horse.

Create luxurious outdoor spaces with quality, farm fresh sod.

12+ Varieties | Certified Turf Professionals | Pickup and Delivery

e b s it e f o r D

770-431-1340 | NGTURF.COM

along with eight local investors, founded Kleen-Tex Industries Inc., an international mat corporation with factories worldwide. Kleen-Tex makes commercial floor walkoff mats and residential wash-and-dry mats designed to remove debris from the bottom of shoes. Both are easy to clean in washers and dryers. While her brother was establishing himself as an entrepreneur, Jean spent the next two years at Florida State trying to figure out what she wanted to do. She did well at the university and made Jean, with her older brother, Ralph, spend some time at the "Pretty Place" at Whispering Hills Memorial good grades, but she Nature Preserve. She says Ralph was always a good brother to her when they were growing up, and didn’t know what she they enjoyed playing together. Jean and Ralph inherited the property in 2000 after their parents passed wanted to major in. away, and it was equally divided between them. “I didn’t know what you would open it, go through it, and close it back.” I wanted to do, and I thought, ‘This is a waste of You didn’t go trampling on their crops or scaring money, so I need to work for a while. I need to go their cows – or meddling around whiskey stills either. out into the real world and find out what it’s like out Jean not only rode horses as a social activity with there,’” she recalls. friends, but she also competed for about six years. So, she decided to move to Gainesville, Fla., with “As a child, I got into speed events,” she recalls. some friends and get a job. “I had this wonderful speed events horse named When she arrived, she found work at the Rabbit. He was hard to beat. We barrel raced and University of Florida’s registrar’s office. did the poles.” “I was there during the Vietnam War,” she says. As Jean got older, she found other hobbies. While “Right across from my desk sat the Selective Service a student at LaGrange High School, she played desk.” clarinet in the band and was a majorette. On Dec. 1, 1969, the U.S. Selective Service “I loved high school,” she says. “I’m the introvert System (SSS) held lotteries to draft men to serve in the family, and Ralph’s the extrovert. I’ve always in the military during the Vietnam War. College had a very close-knit group of five or six friends. students could qualify for deferment if they Some were my horseback riding friends and others I could show they were a full-time student making met in the band.” “satisfactory progress.” “The kids that messed up and didn’t keep their grades up or their number came up (in the lottery) Leaving the Nest had to come to the Selective Service desk,” she After graduating high school in 1967, Jean – recalls. along with her horse, Honey – left Georgia to attend Jean remembers vividly the demonstrations out in Florida State University in Tallahassee. the street, with thousands of students marching on That was the same year Ralph and his father, campus and people getting arrested.

Life insurance can be lifechanging

Jill Duncan, Agent 1654 Maple Street Carrollton, GA 30117 Bus: 770-834-6570 jill.duncan.j3mm@statefarm.com

Life won’t always go as planned. That’s why there’s life insurance. It can help you protect your family’s future, no matter what happens. Call me today. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) Bloomington, IL 2001574

“They’d have sit-ins over the Vietnam War, and they’d be just laid out on the lawn,” she says. “You’d

literally have to step over them to get into the building.” Tragically, Jean had several friends who lost loved ones in the war. Her best friend, who had a 6-monthold daughter at the time, lost her husband. “That was a very sad time in history – a very turbulent time in history,” she recalls. Jean worked at the registrar’s office for two years, then went back to school for a year. Over the next few years, she alternated between attending school and working. Along the way, she got closer to deciding on her major. “I’ve always been pretty good at math, and I love numbers, so I wound up majoring in accounting,” she recalls. In June 1977, Jean graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. “I finally finished that degree, and by that time, Mom and Dad and even Ralph had said, ‘Jean, you need to come back here. You’ve got a vested interest in this company, so we need you to come back here and work,’” she says. So that’s exactly what she did. Jean moved back to LaGrange and worked with the company for eight years. After getting married in 1984, she moved to Franklin, Ga. the following year. Her daughter, Crystal Lee Yarbrough, was born in 1988. Jean and her husband purchased a package

Whispering Hills' tranquil and lush forest during the green season. Photo provided by Whispering Hills.

Because a HOME is much more than a house.

Shala Hainer, Realtor Cell: 770.842.8500 Office: 770.240.2004 shalahainer@gmail.com store business in LaGrange in July 1988, where she worked until their marriage ended in 2003. Jean and Ralph inherited the property in 2000 after their parents passed away, and it was equally divided between them.

Coming Back Home Jean returned to live on the property in the fall of 2003 and saw that as an opportunity to make her dream a reality – to develop a horse farm. “I always wanted a horse farm,” Jean says. As a child, she would build little horse farms out of the Happi-Time Farm playsets her parents would get her from Sears and Roebuck catalogs. “I built them all over the house,” she recalls. “Mom and Dad – bless their hearts – would step over them and around them so that I could keep them set up until I wanted to build a different one.” When it was time for her to build a horse farm on the property, she spent about a year preparing for it. She hired people to get the property ready by clearing the land, building stables, designing the fields, putting up fences and planting pastures. It took Jean a year to come up with a name for the horse farm. She finally settled on Full Circle Farm, which is fitting, as she was born and raised

on the property, and she has now come back “full circle” to live there. The first horse arrived on the property in April 2004. “It filled up immediately,” she says. “It was wonderful. It was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life, and it wasn’t like a job. I had my tractor, my bush hog, my weed eater, my manure spreader, and I did it all. I would weed eat all the weeds out from under 15,000 feet of fence, mow the fields, repair the fences, muck the stalls, and feed and care for the boarded horses.” At one time, about 17 horses were being boarded. Things were going well until the economic crisis hit during 2007-2008. “The economy just fell apart, so that’s when the struggle really started,” she recalls. “Over a period of a couple of years, I’d get a new boarder, but I’d also lose boarders.” Some of Jean’s boarders had to sell their horses, while others lost their jobs and couldn’t afford to stay in the area. If that wasn’t enough, the price of hay went from $2 up to $8 a bale, and a bag of shavings jumped from $2 to $6.50 a bag. And to top it all off, the price of diesel fuel went up from $0.95 to $5 a gallon.

“I was losing horses left and right,” she recalls. “I could see ends weren’t meeting very well anymore, so I had to start looking for a traditional job.” Over the next few years, she worked various jobs, including cutting grass on country roads, installing replacement parts in cars and independent insurance adjusting. In 2016, she returned to KleenTex, where she works to this day. While working full-time, she tried to keep the farm maintained but realized she needed help. “I didn’t want it to look rundown or neglected, so my brother got involved,” she says.

Starting a New Chapter

about,’” Ralph recalls. “Jeff was correct. It has been a marketing challenge.” Thankfully, the Howards were up for the challenge and – guided by Paul Sims, a public relations specialist – have received a lot of interest from regional and national media. They were initially mentored by Dr. Billy Campbell and his wife, Kimberly, who own Ramsey Creek Preserve in Westminster, S.C. – the first exclusively green cemetery in the United States. The Campbells provided advice on preparing graves without disturbing native plants. The Howards also received welcome encouragement from Bob Bell, owner of Milton Fields in Milton and the managers of Honey Creek Woodlands in Conyers. After doing the research, it was time to act. The plan was to develop a memorial nature preserve that incorporated a natural green cemetery. A crucial part of the plan involved getting Whispering Hills zoned by Troup County and registered by the state of Georgia as a perpetual care green natural cemetery.

When development and subdivisions began to spread toward their property, they started looking into preserving the land’s rural character. A series of unfortunate and then fortunate events led Jean and Ralph to find a solution. On Jan. 18, 2018, there was a hard freeze with a lot of ice and snow in LaGrange. Despite the cold and icy conditions, Ralph decided to go for a walk to enjoy the beauty of the snow up close, which resulted in a fall and a broken hip. While recovering from the injury with many hours to read, two articles in The Economist about the green burial movement caught Ralph’s eye – “Death, Disrupted” and “Funerals of the Future.” After reading the articles, he realized this could help keep the family’s legacy alive. When Ralph brought the idea of offering green burials to Jean, she wasn’t familiar with the concept. “In the beginning, I was thinking, ‘I don’t want a cemetery here,’ because I’m thinking of the traditional cemetery,” she recalls. Ralph then shared the two articles with her. After reading the articles, she was on board with the idea. While researching this new opportunity, Jean and Ralph were guided by Jeff Higgins and his family, who own Higgins Funeral Home in LaGrange. Before someone is buried in a green cemetery, their body is “Jeff explained that green burials were a ‘definite trend’ but that we had wrapped in a natural, biodegradable container or fabric shroud, a ‘big problem because no one in this then lowered into the ground where it will naturally decompose. Photo provided by Whispering Hills Memorial Nature Preserve. region will know what you are talking

Your Financial

Family

Left to right: Jennifer Sauls, Director of Operations and Client Services; Andrea Stone, Marketing Director; and Michael Stone, AAMS®, PPC®, AIF®, Wealth Manager, Founder and CEO.

Your family is the most important aspect of your life. Your future, and theirs, depends on how you plan now. Let us help you create a comprehensive financial life plan tailored specifically for you and your loved ones. We refer to ourselves as, “Your Financial Family.” This theme communicates that we are ready to serve your financial needs with the feeling of being at home – with family.

Financial Planning • Retirement Income Strategies Stocks • Bonds • Mutual Funds • Insurance Call us or email Jennifer@YourFinancialFamily.com today to schedule your complimentary, no obligation, appointment.

770.830.0063 • 551 Newnan St., Carrollton, Ga. 30117 20

www.milestoneinvestmentsllc.com

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through Milestone Investment Management LLC or CES Insurance Agency.

Create a Foundation of Healing for Your Family and Friends When the Time Comes

Bremen • Carrollton • Douglasville

770.537.2375 • 770.836.1466 • 770.489.2818

www.hightowerfamilyfuneralhomes.com

When the time comes, your funeral won’t only be a memorial for your life and accomplishments. It will also be the foundation of healing for your family and friends when you’re gone. Let us help you design the perfect service to honor your life and help your family on their grieving journey.

The Howards also addressed neighbors’ concerns no for an answer.” The entire process took three years, and the about the proposed cemetery because they didn’t preserve officially opened on April 22, 2021, the 51st understand what was being built or what it would anniversary of Earth Day. Over 200 people attended look like. the grand opening ceremony. So, the Howards reassured neighbors that the “I was really appreciative of the people who property would look the same, and they wouldn't came out to support the cemetery and my brother see the burial site since there would be no because he had dedicated three years of his life to traditional grave markers. it,” she says. Jackie Hubbard, the closest neighbor and lover of country life, was a big supporter of the The Final project. Destination While Jean was 100 percent behind The first funeral the idea and fully there was the burial embraced the of Alan Raby’s ashes concept, Ralph was and the scattering of the driving force. the ashes of his sister, “I had a job,” she Kathleen Harmon, says. “I didn’t really and his mother, May have the time, but I Raby. supported him. Never Alan was a good The process took three years before Whispering Hills was registered by did I doubt it would friend of the Howard the state of Georgia as a perpetual care green natural cemetery – only happen because I one of three in the entire state. The preserve officially opened on April 22, family, so Jean and know him too well. 2021, the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Over 200 people attended the Ralph were honored He’s not going to take grand opening ceremony.

burial site. But the new location he selected – marked by a large natural rock with his last name etched in large, bold letters across its face – is near the stream. Jean is also planning her final resting place on the land that holds so many of her Whispering Hills Memorial Nature Preserve. Inset, top right, shows an aerial view of the property. Inset bottom most cherished right, a map of the preserve shows the areas where human remains may be interred. memories. “I decided for him to be the first person interred at Whispering I wanted to be cremated, but having a green Hills. The Campbells were there to help the Howards cemetery here has given me the opportunity to since this was the first burial. During the ceremony, Kimberly played an emotional rendition of “Amazing choose a green burial,” she says. “That’s probably the way I’m going to go because it’s more Grace” on the recorder. environmentally friendly than cremation.” “It made goosebumps come up on my arms because it was so tranquil, so peaceful,” Jean recalls. “It was absolutely beautiful.” A growing number of people are opting for an environmentally friendly resting place at the preserve. As there is no traditional gravestone to mark the grave when a site is chosen, its GPS A new level of care comes to Coweta and surrounding counties. coordinates are recorded so it can easily be located in the future. Stones from the property can also be selected and used as grave markers. The stones can be engraved with a name, birthdate and date of death. Obituaries, records and other information are kept The facility is located at 125 Oak Hill Blvd., Newnan, GA, on file in the office. and the staff looks forward to serving Newnan and the surrounding areas with comfort, care, and compassion in this The Howards work closely with funeral providers brand new inpatient unit. in the area to offer green burial options. The funeral “Sacred Journey recognized a hole in the continuum of care home takes care of the bodies before they arrive at in our Southwest Metro communities,” said Alex Thomson, ExWhispering Hills, which is certified as a natural burial ecutive Director. “With over 20 years of service to patients and their families, Sacred Journey’s new Inpatient Unit is the right ground by the Green Burial Council. facility for both the communities Acute and Respite patients.” Before learning about green burial, Ralph hadn’t This is Sacred Journey’s second Inpatient Unit which features planned for his funeral. After learning more, he has 16 private rooms, 24/7 visitation (including pets), 24-hour given a lot more thought to it. compassionate care including for both acute inpatient care Ralph originally wanted to be buried beside the and respite/short-term relief care. Rooms will feature in room oxygen, private phone lines, Direct TV, adjoining restrooms, stream behind his family home named the “Pretty and temperature control. Place,” where he, Jean, friends and family members The Newnan Inpatient Unit is convenient to local hospitals played when they were kids. and is the only Inpatient Care Unit in Coweta County. The area turned out to be environmentally Visit www.sacredjourneyhospice.com or call 678-583-0717 to learn more. unsuitable, too rocky and steep to be used as a

Newnan Inpatient Unit is Now Open!

Hometown Feels with Big City Deals We guarantee you’ll love the car buying experience. 1415 Lafayette Pkwy LaGrange GA 30241 www.AutoGalleryChevyBuickGMC.com

The Legacy Continues Jean and Ralph want to expand the cemetery to abut the Army Corp of Engineers’ property surrounding West Point Lake. The site is the preserve’s highest elevation and would make for a great overlook point for people to sit and enjoy the lake’s beautiful view. Doing this will require approval from the Troup County Board of Commissioners. In addition to expanding the cemetery, the Howards plan to provide a small, relocated church or rustic shelter where families can gather. Jean is proud of what Whispering Hills has become – a place where people can come to reflect on the lives of their loved ones and find peace in nature. And when someone buys a space there, they’re also helping preserve the land for future generations. Looking back at her journey from horse farm owner to green cemetery co-owner, Jean anticipated it would be very hard to watch her dream become someone else’s dream. But her brother’s dream has helped her view their family’s property with a fresh set of eyes; eyes

that are looking out across the vast sky above the preserve and into the future with hope and optimism. “Fortunately, I still see my dream out there,” she says. WGW

If you'd like to learn more about Whispering Hills, free, guided group and individual tours are provided for first-time visitors. After touring the property, guests can register and explore the property independently. Tours are given Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment. To arrange a tour, visit www.whisperinghillspreserve.com or call 706.884.7435. 23

Like a BOSS! Setting Boundaries in the Work Place By Sandra Bolan

echnology is an employee’s best friend and worst enemy. It’s enabled people to work from anywhere, but constant connectivity has made many employees feel the pressure to be available for their superiors and co-workers 24/7. Being accessible to everyone at any time is impossible without causing burnout. Research shows burned out employees are almost three times more likely to leave their job, compared to those who are not. Co-workers not only need physical barriers from each other – individual desks, cubicles or offices – but they also need mental and personal boundaries.

Mental Boundaries To maintain a healthy work/life balance, whether it's working from home or in an office setting, ensure there are specific work hours, set a hard clock-out time at the end of each day and stick to it. For those of you who think remote workers have it easy, studies show a remote worker’s day is actually 49 minutes longer than those who work at the office. Boundaries encourage staff to have definitive work and rest hours, which can create a noticeable mental shift. Think of it as a computer that gets powered down each night and freshly reboots every morning.

Emotional and Personal Boundaries Some people love to air all their dirty laundry

“Carrollton’s Prescription Headquarters”

821 Dixie Street Carrollton, GA 30117

770.832.7076 Drive Thru Service • Gifts • Free Delivery

with their co-workers, while others don’t even tell people the names of their kids. If you want to remain emotionally detached and focus on the job, keep your personal life to yourself and don’t get involved in water cooler gossip. Everyone has bad days, just don’t let other people’s sour mood effect you and your ability to get your job done. A study by Tork revealed 39 percent of respondents only take lunch occasionally/rarely/ never, while 22 percent said they feel guilty or judged when they leave their desk for lunch. If you want peace and quiet during lunch, don’t eat at your desk. It’s too easy to keep working between bites and co-workers will expect you to be available, which doesn’t allow your brain to check out. Leaving your workstation, even if it’s just to go to the breakroom, provides a change of scenery and mental break. If people still want to talk shop during lunch and you don’t, but you can’t leave the building, pop in some earbuds. Even if you’re not actually listening to anything, it makes people think twice before interrupting. Just as important as taking lunch breaks, is going on vacation. Like your paycheck, you earned the time off, so take it.

Life's Priorities What are they? They should include more than keeping a roof over your head and putting food on the table. Make a list of everything important to you – family, hobbies, travel, kids, spouse and so on – then rank them. This helps prioritize how to spend your personal time. These priorities can also set the foundation for what you will and won’t do for the job. For example, you won’t attend evening events because you vowed to never miss your kids’ after school activities. If setting boundaries with co-workers and superiors is received with pushback, then you know they were long overdue. Motivational speaker Tony Gaskins says it best: “You teach people how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop and what you reinforce.” WGW

Find Relief From: Varicose Veins Spider Veins Leg Swelling Tired, Achy Legs Heaviness or Fatigue Restless Legs at Night Skin changes

678-833-1444

trufflesveinspecialists.com 210 Executive Dr. Carrollton, GA 30117

Daily Fare With

e s o R f e h C

Photos by Zachary Dailey

Chef Rose Isaacs is a native of Carroll County and lives in Carrollton with her husband Shawn and their son, Sebastian. She graduated from West Georgia Technical College in 2013 with a degree in Culinary Arts. After graduation, she began her career as a chef at the Carrollton Kroger Marketplace where she works in the bistro. She is a personal chef who offers cooking lessons, baby food prep, date night dinners for two and more. Learn more about Chef Rose at www.chefrosecooks.com.

Mushroom Asparagus and Ham Omelet

Make use of leftover ham and asparagus from Easter by making this tasty omelet. Ingredients

3 large eggs 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped 3 asparagus stalks, cut in 3-inch pieces 2 slices ham, cut into strips 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated 2 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs with salt and pepper. In a medium skillet, melt butter on medium high.

Heat until foamy. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 1 minute. Add the asparagus and ham and cook until asparagus turns bright green, about 1 minute. Add the eggs. Use a silicone spatula to carefully fold the edges of the omelet while tilting the pan, allowing the eggs to cover the entire surface of the pan. Once eggs are nearly cooked, add cheese and basil. Gently slide omelet onto plate, folding into a half moon shape. Serves 1.

Peaches and Cream Cocktail

Celebrate the warmer weather with this refreshing peach drink.

Ingredients 3 to 4 ripe peaches, or frozen, sliced peaches 2 cups crushed ice

1 cup half and half

4 sprigs fresh mint

1/4 cup vodka of choice (optional)

Preparation Wash and slice peaches, then freeze at least three hours. When frozen, blend on high speed in a blender or food processor. Add half and half, crushed ice, and vodka (if using) and blend until smooth. Fill 4 tall glasses evenly with mixture and garnish with fresh mint and peach slices. Please drink responsibly. Serves 4. WGW

Growing Old ... Gracefully By Sandra Bolan

rom the minute we’re born, we’re aging, but society equates aging with grey hair, wrinkles and sagging skin, along with diminished physical and mental capabilities – especially when it comes to women. So to say a woman is “aging gracefully” is to say she looks at least five years younger but isn’t obvious about it. Women are often devalued with age, so they try to turn the clock back with hair dye, injections and numerous lotions and potions. In 2020, American women spent $40.49 billion on anti-aging products.

Stay Sharp Remain curious and continue to adapt. You’ve done it all your life, and just because you’ve retired

or are considered “old” doesn’t mean you have to sit on the couch, watch the Price is Right and wait to die. Nor does it mean you have to fight it with facelifts and shopping at Forever 21. Keep up with technology. Knowing how to operate a laptop, smartphone and iPad helps with cognitive function. It also helps you to remain independent. If the grandkids want you to do a TikTok challenge with them, do it! Don’t be afraid of new social media apps and technology trends. Exercise your brain. Learn a new word from the dictionary every day, complete a word search or crossword puzzle, or learn a new language. Writing is one of the best exercises for an aging brain. It stimulates brain cells, can increase intelligence and improves the memory. Write your own stories or poems, keep a daily journal, write out your grocery list or write letters to friends and family. Explore a new hobby. If you’ve finally retired, return to those hobbies you gave up to work full time or raise your children. Or do things you always wanted to do but never had the time for – volunteer, learn to play the piano, take up Tai Chi – the opportunities are endless. Hobbies keep the mind sharp, tap into one’s creative side and, depending on the hobby, can help maintain social engagement.

Exercise Maintain a regular exercise routine that pushes you. Don’t be afraid to sweat, breathe deeply and

These women, through experience and wisdom, have come to that magical point in their lives where they don’t care what others think of them and no longer try to please anyone but themselves.

lift weights. As women age, they lose muscle mass and become susceptible to osteoporosis. Lifting weights, not little three and five-pounders, but ones

A Special Resting Place Come see why so many are choosing a simpler, more memorable way to celebrate a life passed. 3550 Mooty Bridge Rd. • LaGrange, Ga. 30240 706.884.7435 “Whispering Hills is the perfect place to honor my loved ones in this beautiful hillside forest.”

After years of searching for a permanent place for his mother’s, grandmother’s and uncle’s ashes, Kemp Freeman chose Whispering Hills.

www.whisperinghillspreserve.com 30

that are challenging, help slow down muscle loss. Always consult your primary care physician before beginning a regular exercise routine.

Nutrition Refraining from consuming processed foods is imperative as all those chemicals can affect everything from the digestive system, blood pressure, cholesterol and skin. A diet high in lean protein, fruit, vegetables and whole grains also reduces inflammation within the body. When the body is in distress, the skin’s collagen and elastin production can be impaired, resulting in wrinkles, which can make people look older than they really are. The truth is, aging gracefully is to impart your knowledge and wisdom on others – only when they ask for it, of course – and having the time to do anything you want on your own terms. Women who let their hair go grey, abstain from Botox and opt for tennis shoes instead of high heels, may sometimes be considered to have given up. The reality is that these women, through experience and wisdom, have come to that magical point in their lives where they don’t care what others think of them and no longer try to please anyone but themselves. And that is the true definition of growing old ... gracefully. WGW

The true, driving force that keeps us strong is our people and their steadfast dedication to our customers, company, environment, community and future. Come be a part of our future. CAREERS.SOUTHWIRE.COM ©2022 Southwire Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

W. E. BROOKS LAW FIRM Immigration Attorney Abogado William E. Brooks Abogado de Inmigración • Family Petitions • Refugees/Asylum • Permanent Residence • Citizenship • Adjustment of Status • Investment/Employment Visas • Immigration Detention

• Peticiones familiares • Refugio/Asilo • Residencia Permanente • Ciudadania y Naturalización • Ajuste de Estatus • Visa de inversionista/Visas de Trabajo • Detencíon por Inmigración

Helping Immigrants Live the American Dream! Ayudando a los Inmigrantes a vivir el sueño americano

1.800.903.7344 Correo Electrónico: infohou@webrookslaw.com

W. E. Brooks Law Firm

Se habla español Payment plans available/Planes de pago disponibles

WWW.WEBROOKSLAW.COM

ot everyone is lucky enough to live in homes with east and west wings or have more bathrooms than residents. For most people, living space is tight, which means you have to become resourceful with space by making use of Your every nook and cranny. The first step in maximizing Living living space is decluttering. Not Space being able to easily find things costs money because you rebuy items you already have, but just can’t find. How do you determine what is clutter By Sandra Bolan and what is worth keeping? For every item you own, ask yourself, "Does it add value to my life?" If the answer is "Yes," keep it. If the answer is "No," then it’s taking up valuable space and needs to go. To make small spaces look larger, paint the walls in neutral/light pastel colors and hang large mirrors to reflect light. Buy furniture that is size appropriate for the room. Pieces that are too big make a room look smaller than it really is. If you live alone or in a small apartment, don’t buy Costco-sized toilet paper, paper towels, bags of veggies or boxes of crackers. The space it takes to store those items can be better utilized for things you’ll keep for years. Kitchen. Keep counters clear of clutter. A coffee maker, toaster and fruit basket are the only items that should ever be on a kitchen counter. Hang pots and pans and utilize drawer organizers. As for storage containers, invest in a set so there is no wasted space. Uniformity also makes the space look tidier. Living room. Buy furniture that does double-duty: an ottoman that stores blankets, a side table with a book rack or a sofa that pulls out into a bed. Mount the television on a wall. The traditional TV stand takes up a lot of floor space that can be left open, giving the room a larger feel. Bathroom. Install a shelving unit over the toilet to hold towels, scented candles or small baskets of bathroom essentials. A pedestal sink gives the room a more open feel because you can see the floor. Vanities take up a lot of space and don’t really provide much storage. Install an oversized mirror as this will reflect light, making the room feel larger. If possible, replace the

Maximize

traditional swing door with a pocket door or barn door. Bedroom. Like in the living room, utilize double-duty furniture. For example, install a headboard with built-in bookshelves or get a bed frame with drawers, where you can store bulky sweaters, shoes and out-of-season clothes. Wall sconces take up less space than floor lamps, as do floating shelves versus nightstands. Closets can quickly become an overwhelming disorganized pile of shoes and clothes. At the end of each season, go through your clothes and purge what you didn’t wear. Do this every season. Another way to keep the closet from getting overstuffed is every time you buy an item, get rid of one. Front entry. Don’t overcrowd the front entrance with shoes and coats as this gives the home a disorganized and cramped feeling, no matter how large the space is. If there is no front hall closet, neatly line up regularly worn shoes on a mat and hang jackets on a coat tree. WGW

PERSONALIZED, FAST AND FRIENDLY SERVICE FREE CITY-WIDE DELIVERY WE ACCEPT MEDICAID AND MOST INSURANCE WE HAVE CANDLES, GREETING CARDS AND GIFTS INCLUDING

NORA FLEMING, TERVIS AND COLLEGIATE ITEMS

770.834.3393

623 DIXIE STREET – CARROLLTON, GA 33

sister act

Journey for local golf stars Ainsley and LoraLie Cowart now taking center stage on the collegiate level

By Corey Cusick 34Photo of Ainsley Cowart (top) provided by UWG. Photo of LoraLie Cowart (bottom) provided by UGA.

rivalry – that started at a young s two of the premier age and has only intensified prep players to ever over the years. tee it up across Carroll That in-house competition County, Ainsley and LoraLie is something both sisters Cowart are now taking center credit to their incredible stage on the collegiate level. success over the course of And the Sister Act is their playing careers, from the swinging strong once again high-level junior golf circuit this spring, with Ainsley to championships in high headlining the defending Gulf school and now furthering their South Conference champion endeavors at the collegiate University of West Georgia ranks. women’s golf program, while LoraLie is in her first season of “We were always very competitive. Even if we weren’t college action at the University doing a sport, we were always of Georgia, where she has competitive. Growing up, I already cracked the starting remember when we started lineup for the Bulldogs as a playing golf and we started true freshman. hitting the ball a lot further, And even though they are I would always out-drive her now competing in different Ainsley Cowart is headlining the defending Gulf South Conference champion University of West because I’m taller and I’m locations and for different Georgia women's golf program. Photo by the Cowolder,” recalls Ainsley, who is a universities, golf is still very art family. junior at West Georgia and one much a family affair for the of the top-ranked golfers in Division II for 2022. Cowart ladies. “She would get so upset. But we would always It’s a love – not to mention a long-standing sibling

WEEKENDS

APRIL 9 thru MAY 30 10:30am – 6pm • Rain or Shine

OU BUY DISC

T.COM S E F N E R A WWW.G T A S T E K Located in Fairburn, NT TIC

just off I-85 at Exit 61 (Peachtree City Exit) 35

the Peach State. “We played together every day. When we could start driving, we would just drive to the golf course. After school, we would stay out there until dark or PreK-3 to 12th Grade College-Preparatory Academy even past dark sometimes. We would be out there Leave a Lasting Legacy. with a flashlight, hitting golf balls,” Ainsley says. For parents Eric and Kim Cowart, the in-house competition was actually something they welcomed, as they never had to intervene in maintaining a Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence healthy sibling rivalry. Developing confident leaders inspired to serve. “They’ve actually been really good themselves by always keeping it that way,” Kim says. “I think that’s what’s made them become the golfers they are today. They had at-home competition to always put them in the perspective of tournament play while they were practicing.” Ainsley, who prepped at Central High School and helped lead the Lady Lions to a second-place finish Starting at: PreK-3 & PreK-4 half or full in the Class AAAA state championship as a senior, is coming off an All-American campaign last year with day academic programs the Wolves. She registered seven top-10 finishes during her sophomore season, highlighted by winning the Louise Suggs Invitational on her home course Apply or Register online in Carrollton en route to GSC Player of the Year www.oakmountain.us accolades. Ainsley missed qualifying for the Division II NCAA Nationals by two shots, finishing 11th at the NCAA goof around, do some smack talk. We just made South Regional. each other better. We always wanted to beat each Reflecting on her sophomore season with other and that’s what helped us get good and get tremendous pride, including her selection as the good fast.” conference player of the year LoraLie, a highly touted in her first run with the Wolves, freshman for the Georgia women’s Ainsley is hopeful that it’s just the golf program, was quick to start of even bigger and better agree, adding how their head-tothings to come at UWG. head matches in practice were “It was really special. I honestly oftentimes more fiery than the didn’t think that would happen. actual tournaments. I didn’t even know that was “If we ever got bored in really a thing,” Ainsley says of practice, we’d be like, ‘Hey, let’s the award. “It was really special go play a match.’ Those matches because it’s not just for me. It’s would definitely get pretty heated for my teammates, too. They’re because I like to trash talk a lot and out there backing me up and toward the end of us going off to they help me stay competitive college, she finally learned how to in practice and that helps me in do it back. So it made it a lot more tournaments.” fun,” LoraLie says. Thus far in 2022, Ainsley is Regardless of who actually won right back at the top of the LoraLie Cowart is in her first season of those “matches” – both sisters college action at the University of Georgia, lineup for West Georgia, opening argue they won more than they where she has already cracked the starting lost – they became a staple for the lineup for the Bulldogs as a true freshman. the season with back-to-back rising stars as they grew older and She hopes to pursue a professional career in fourth-place finishes at the Spring Kickoff Intercollegiate developed into big-time players in golf following college. Photo by UGA.

Now Accepting Applications for 2022-23

Schedule a campus tour today!

and Peggy Kirk Upon moving Bell Memorial up to the heading toward next level in the GSC the SEC with Championships the Bulldogs, at the Robert LoraLie hasn’t Trent Jones Golf allowed the lofty Club in Mobile, expectations Ala., on April or injury to 15-16. deter her from Her goal the desired for the spring destination. season is to Growing up a repeat as league Georgia Bulldog champions, fan, it creates win individual a heightened medalist honors sense of at conference motivation to and lead the represent the The Cowart sisters, Ainsley, left, LoraLie, right, show off their championship rings. Photos Red and Black Wolves to provided by the Cowart family. the NCAA every time she Championships competes. as a team. “Just being around this culture and environment, Down the road in Athens, LoraLie’s collegiate it definitely deeper reaches those values and ties to career didn’t quite start in ideal fashion after Georgia,” LoraLie says. “It means a lot more than suffering a wrist injury that required surgery, forcing I’m sure it does to some people because I’ve always her to miss the entire fall season. been a fan. It’s definitely been one of the dream But true to her nature, the feisty freshman schools to go to when I was going through the wouldn’t be sidelined for long, getting back in the recruitment process.” swing of things at the start of the spring season by LoraLie made her collegiate debut on Feb. 18making an immediate impact for UGA in the lineup 20 at the Reynolds Lake Oconee Invite hosted and living up to her reputation as one of the nation’s by Mercer at The Golf Course at Great Waters, premier players. registering a top-20 finish. LoraLie, who started her high school career at From there, she hit the course against an elite Central, capped off her prep days at Carrollton High field at the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate at Long as the Class AAAAAA individual state champion, Cove Club in Hilton Head, South Carolina, on Feb. crushing the field by a five-stroke margin last 28-March 2, closing out the final round as UGA’s top spring. She would go on to be named the 2021 individual performer on the day with a 1-over 72. Georgia High School Player of the Year across all LoraLie and the Bulldogs were looking forward classifications by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. to hosting the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic at the

770.462.5005 37

end of March before moving full-steam ahead toward the SEC Championships on April 13-17 in Birmingham. “Our team is really striving to do the best we can and just go out there and win. We all have our games in a good place and I know my teammates can perform and I can perform. So we’re really just looking to go out with a Left: The Cowart family, l to r: LoraLie, Kim, Ainsley and Eric. Right: LoraLie caddies for Ainsley during a tourbang and make nament. Photos provided by the Cowart family. it all the way to the sisters remain in touch – phone calls before and nationals,” LoraLie says. With the meat of the season quickly approaching, after matches are the standard – as they continue to serve as each other’s No. 1 advocate. “We definitely rely on each other a lot, and I think having that sister that knows what you’re going through and having that extra support system definitely helps,” says LoraLie, who is hopeful of pursuing a professional career in golf following college. “It’s nice to know that she’s always one phone call away.” One of the most difficult adjustments for the Cowart parents is not being able to see their daughters play as much as they’re accustomed to through the years. After taking them across the country for junior golf tournaments and following them during high school matches, the majority of college competitions are during the workweek and require a good bit of travel. Even so, they are proud of the work the ladies have put in to become highly-regarded representatives of their hometown as they stay steady on the course of their championship drive. “Eric and I feel so humbled and thankful that God’s given us the opportunity to be able to travel with them and have the funds it took to get them to We are your LOCAL plumbing, electrical, the level that they’re at,” Kim says. “We were able heating and appliance store. to see so many places that, without golf, it wouldn’t 770.832.6341 have taken us to see around the United States. It’s 10 City Hall Ave. • Carrollton been such a blessing, and we can’t wait to see what’s www.smithbrotherssupply.com in store down the road.” WGW

Make Your House a

Home

Local Happenings

Due to our country's current health situation, please call or email the organizations included in our local events section to inquire about in-person meetings.

West Georgia Mental Health Professionals Wellness Meetup Group

This group meets the last Saturday of every month in Douglasville or Austell. For more information, contact Cheryl at theheartmatters@gmail.com or 678.754.5840. Learn more at www.heartmatterswellness.com.

Hope For The Journey This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the Tracy Stallings Community Center at 118 South White St. in Carrollton. These events are free to breast cancer survivors or those currently battling breast cancer. Learn more at www.hopeforthejourneywestga.org, email execdirector@hopeforthejourneywestga.org or call 770.214.1491.

Rare Pearls Mentoring and Leadership Program Rare Pearls mission is to enrich and empower the

lives of young girls and women. This group meets the third Saturday of each month at Heritage Baptist Church in Douglasville, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This program is open to all girls ages 7 to 17. For more information, call 770.947.8210, email rarepearls2015@gmail.com or visit the website at www.rarepearlsmentoringandleadership.org.

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group This group meets the third Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 500 Old Bremen Road in Carrollton. These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Free weight checks for your baby will be available. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us. Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.com.

Gertrude's House Breast Cancer Support Group This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Lithia Springs Family Chiropractic

& PRESENT THE SECOND ANNUAL

The Ultimate

West Georgia Women's

Presenting Sponsor

Extravaganza

VENDORS • SHOPPING • HEALTH & WELLNESS NETWORKING • BREAKOUT SESSIONS • SWAG COMPLIMENTARY BEAUTY BAR • PHOTO BOOTH

TICKETS: $5 PREREGISTRATION • $10 AT THE DOOR THE FIRST 100 TO PREREGISTER WILL BE ENTERED FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A VISA GIFT CARD! Only preregistered guests are guaranteed an exclusive WGWE swag bag! Reserve your spot today at www.westgeorgiawoman.com or call 770.537.5701.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 • 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. WGTC MURPHY CONFERENCE CENTER 176 MURPHY CAMPUS BLVD. • WACO, GA.

#WGWE2022

Vendor booths start at $50. Register now to reserve your space. For more information call 678.664.0509 or email Terri.Sticher@westgatech.edu

at 1758 Lee Rd. in Lithia Springs. This group is open to all survivors, caregivers, supporters, friends, family and those fighting breast cancer. Visit their Facebook page @GertrudesHouse or email them at GertrudesHouse@yahoo.com.

Domestic Violence Support Group There is Hope is a support group for women survivors who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, domestic violence. This is a private group where women survivors come together and share their personal stories of experience, strength and hope. Effective Jan. 6, 2022, the group will meet the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at a private location. A ZOOM option is available. There will be guidance for help and resources available as needed. At times there will also be guest speakers. Contact hopefulone807@gmail.com for more information and to obtain the privacy contract with the physical address or ZOOM meeting ID and passcode.

Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Groups Has your life been impacted by the loss of a friend or loved one to suicide? You are not alone. These groups offer peer support for anyone who has been affected by suicide loss. There is no cost to attend. Group meetings in Carrollton are the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 306A Bradley Street. For more information, contact Ivey Rollins at iveyrollins@gmail.com or call 470.729.0909. Group meetings in Douglasville are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 6167 Priestley Mill Rd., Room 226. For more information, contact Terri Johnson at chose2live@aol.com or 770.765.2181. Group meetings in Newnan are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Crossroads Church, 2564 Hwy 154. For more information, contact Lynn Bradley at 770.301.4890 or email nbll.bradley170@gmail.com, or contact Nancy Bradley at 770.251.6216.

3:16 Healthcare Blood Drive If you've thought about giving blood and helping to save lives, now is the time to do it. It's the blood donations on the shelves that help save lives when an emergency occurs. 3:16 Healthcare is hosting a blood drive on Friday, April 1 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the 3:16 Infusion Therapy Center located at 1017 Alabama Ave. S. in Bremen. Visit www.redcross.org to register with sponsor code 316 or call Vanessa Musick at 678.821.1850.

Carroll EMC Blood Drive Carroll EMC will host a blood drive Tuesday, April 5, in the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center at the Carrollton office from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. If you'd like to sign up for an appointment, please call 770.832.3552 or visit www.redcross.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

FFA Day at Carroll EMC Brings Ag Students Together More than 400 agriculture students across Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Floyd and Troup counties gathered at Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) for its annual FFA Day. The highly anticipated event was held at the co-op’s headquarters where both middle and high school FFA chapters participated in agricultural education sessions. To help grow the very community that began the rural electrification movement and put electric cooperatives in business, Carroll EMC has organized the small-scale expo for five years running. From early morning until noon, agriculture professionals spend half an hour presenting to rotating groups of students on their ag-related niche. This year, special guests included University of Georgia (UGA) professors, Brent Credille and Nick Fuhrman; Carroll County Young Farmers Advisor, Ryan Ayers; United States Department of Agriculture District Conservationist, Cindy Haygood; and UGA Extension County Coordinator, Paula Burke. From a life-size calving simulator and honeybee presentation to a high-voltage demonstration and soil sampling, students learned about different types of farming and their impacts. Keynote speaker Fuhrman, also known as Ranger Nick on Georgia Farm Bureau’s Farm

Monitor, closed the morning with another stimulating presentation. Bringing to the stage his pet turtle and snake, Ranger Nick used live animals as teaching tools for not only wildlife education but also to demonstrate the ease of public speaking when sharing the spotlight.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 52,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.

Students were excited to get an up close look of Ranger Nick’s corn snake, Snowy.

Southwire’s Rich Stinson Named to Manufacturers Association Board of Directors The National Association of Manufacturers recently announced that Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO, has been named to the NAM Board of Directors. The NAM was founded in 1895 and is the largest industrial trade association in the United States, with more than 14,000 members —from small businesses to global leaders—in every industrial sector. The NAM is the nation’s most influential manufacturing advocate, telling the story of the manufacturing industry and equipping manufacturers with resources through its news and insights channels and partnerships with the Manufacturing Leadership Council, The Manufacturing Institute and the Innovation Research Interchange. “I am honored to join the NAM Board and represent Southwire as we work to contribute to the continued growth and success of all manufacturers,” said Stinson. “Our company has a clear growth strategy and a commitment to remain generationally sustainable for the next 100 years and beyond. As our world becomes even more connected and as electrification plays an even greater role, I look forward to working alongside my industry peers to

promote opportunity and prosperity and, ultimately, further strengthen the future of manufacturing.” Executives on the NAM Board, which is composed of leaders representing companies of all sizes in every industrial sector, are the driving force behind the NAM’s efforts. As a board member, Stinson will bolster the NAM’s leadership in policy advocacy, workforce solutions, legal action, operational excellence and news and insights. Board members play a key role in the NAM and the MI’s “Creators Wanted” campaign, a member-driven initiative to inspire, educate and empower more Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing—and to shift perceptions about careers in the industry. The campaign, which supports MI programs for students, women, veterans and other underrepresented communities and features a first-of-its-kind mobile experience and tour, seeks to cut the skills gap by 600,000 workers by 2025 and increase the number of students enrolling in technical schools, vocational schools and apprenticeships by 25%, as well as the number of parents who would encourage their children to pursue a career in modern manufacturing to 50% from 27%. “Manufacturers are the driving force behind our economic recovery, and the NAM’s mission is to ensure that we always keep moving forward. Rich Stinson is a recognized leader in our industry, and the NAM will be stronger thanks to his service on our Board of Directors,” said Jay Timmons, NAM president and CEO. “Rich will bring invaluable insights as we advocate for the men and women of our industry and advance the values that have made America exceptional and our industry strong—free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.” A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, utility cable products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment and hand tools. For more on Southwire’s products, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwiresustainability.com. The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.5 million men and women, contributes $2.57 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Kids Korner

April Flower

Materials 2-inch terra cotta flower pot Green pipe stem Dark and light green craft paint Yellow construction paper Pink pompom Hot glue gun and glue sticks Plastic spoon Paintbrushes Scissors Instructions Paint the flower pot with the dark green paint. Paint the plastic spoon with the light green paint.

By Jordan Dailey Photos by Zachary Dailey

Cut flower petals out of the yellow construction paper. Glue several petals to the rounded part of the spoon. Cut a four-inch piece of the pipe stem and twist into a round shape. Glue pipe stem to center of flower petals. Glue pompom on top of the pipe stem. Insert end of spoon into the hole in the flower pot. Glue in place from the inside of the pot.

Popcorn Tree Materials One bag of microwave popcorn or a bag of already popped popcorn Light blue construction paper Paper plate Black, brown, white and green craft paint Paintbrushes Hot glue gun Glue sticks

Instructions If using microwave popcorn, pop the bag of popcorn in the microwave. Allow popcorn to cool before using. Using the brown craft paint, paint the shape of a tree onto the blue construction paper. Paint a banner with the white paint as shown in photo. Decorate banner as desired. Paint leaves on the tree using the green paint. Glue popcorn to the tree for the blooms. WGW

Dedicated Healthcare When You Need It Most.

770.832.9689

Happy Easter Word Search

Word Bank

Jesus Lamb Easter Eggs Good Friday Holy Celebration Sunday Cross Beginning Lilies Parishioner Rebirth Jelly Beans Prayer Easter Bunny Church Peeps Sunrise Chocolate Easter Dress

Word search created at puzzle-maker.com

Creating Beautiful Smiles for Over 18 Years!

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Complete Facial Esthetics

Dr. Harvey, bottom right, with her staff.

M. Dawn Harvey, DMD, PC 105 Dallas Rd. • Villa Rica 770.459.5778 www.drharveysmiles.com

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID EDDM RETAIL LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

Time for Your Mammogram?

No appointment? No problem! Mammograms save lives, but sometimes it’s hard to remember to make an appointment. We’re making it easy for you to get this important yearly screening with Walk-In Wednesdays - no appointment needed. Walk-In Wednesdays Tanner Breast Health | Carrollton 8 a.m. to noon No appointment needed! A baseline screening mammogram is recommended between the ages of 35 and 40 and yearly screening mammograms beginning at age 40. Mammograms are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare. Allow one year, or 366 days, in between screening mammograms for insurance coverage. (Walk-in appointments are for screening mammograms only. Consult your physician if you have pain or tenderness in the breast, nipple changes or discharge, and lumps or other breast issues.) .

Learn more at tanner.org/mammography. 48