West Georgia Woman Magazine Issue September 2023

West Georgia Wo ma nTM

Hailey Jackson

Painting a Picture of Happiness

Kids 2.0: Grandparents

Raising Grandchildren

10 Things to Do

When Nothing Goes Your Way

Let's Talk!

Teaching Children to Share Their Feelings

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Photo by Zachary Dailey

Painting by Hailey Jackson

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Turning Pain into a Passion

Eight years ago, on Sept. 17, 2015, my beautiful nephew, Tristan, lost his life to suicide. He was only 22 years old, and he had a wonderful life ahead of him. I think about him every day, and I miss him so very much.

We typically focus on suicide awareness and prevention in our September issue each year. This year, instead of featuring someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, I wanted to focus on featuring an individual who was struggling with her mental health and was able to channel that energy into something positive.

The CDC reports that in 2019, more than 1/3 of teens ages 12-17 said they had persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and more than 18% said they had seriously considered suicide. This means parents need to be vigilant in paying attention to their children’s mental health.

Please talk to your children about their feelings and get them into therapy if they are experiencing difficulties in school or in their relationships. Even if they seem fine, check in with them anyway. Don't make the mistake of thinking suicide can't happen in your family.

To find out more about suicide and prevention, please go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website at www.afsp.org and help us fight suicide in West Georgia. By educating yourself and others about suicide, you may help save a life one day.

In This Issue

Our feature this month is 18-year-old artist Hailey Jackson. Her first two years of high school were very painful for her due to being bullied by her peers. After suffering with anxiety and depression, Hailey took charge of her life and asked her mom for help. Her mom found a therapist to help her get through those difficult times.

On page 10, learn more about this talented University of West Georgia student and how she turned her pain into a passion through her beautiful works of art.

My partner, Lieutenant Detective Dan Keever, is celebrating his 30th year with the Carrollton Police Department this month. I wanted to recognize Dan for his hard work and loyalty to the police department, and to the Carrollton community. Learn more about Dan and his accomplishments throughout the years on page 24.

Do you feel as if nothing is going right in your life? Have you had some major setbacks recently? On page 26, Sandra Bolan shares 10 no-nonsense tips that will help you get back on track and get you going again when things don't go your way.

Children have big emotions, which can sometimes be overwhelming for them. On page 31, learn how you can teach your children to talk about their feelings so they'll be more comfortable and confident.

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.

See you next time!

Tristan, with Angela at his high school graduation.

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.

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The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the contributing authors are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of Angel Media, LLC., West Georgia Woman magazine 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.

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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 the Tanner Health System Medical Pavilion in Carrollton; Piggly Wiggly in Bowdon, Buchanan, Franklin and Tallapoosa; Thriftown in Bremen; The Little Giant Grocery in Sargent; Fabiano’s Pizzaria, Leaf and Bean Coffee, Crook's Grocery (Temple Ave.) and Lee King pharmacy in Newnan; Tanner Health System's Villa Med and Villa West Office Buildings in Villa Rica; Kroger (Chapel Hill Rd. and Highway 5) and Food Depot on Hiram Douglasville Hwy and Highway 5 in Douglasville; Food Depot and Brickhouse Grille in LaGrange; Food Depot (Villa Rica Hwy) in Dallas; Kroger on Ridge Rd. in Hiram; WM Grocery and Chuckwagon restaurant in Roanoke, Al. and WM Grocery in Wedowee, Al. We have them in larger quantities at Publix (Bullsborough Drive), Lee-King and Thompson pharmacies in Newnan, the Apothecary Shoppe in Douglasville, Publix at Mirror Lake and New Georgia, CVS in Bowdon as well as hundreds of other retail locations and medical offices in 18 cities in eight counties in West Georgia and East Alabama

September 2023

Publisher/Editor

Angela Dailey

angela@westgeorgiawoman.com

Copy Editor

Editorial Contributor Shala Hainer

shala@westgeorgiawoman.com

Photographer for cover/ Graphic Design

Zachary Dailey

Editorial Contributors

Sandra Bolan, Jordan Dailey and Rose Isaacs

Advertising Sales

Sharon@westgeorgiawoman.com

West Georgia Woman is a monthly publication of Angel Media, LLC. All contents of this issue are copyright 2023. 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.

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

Painting a Picture of Happiness

Local teen overcomes bullying, depression through art

By Shala Hainer

Photos by Zachary Dailey

What does a person struggling with mental health look like?

Often, she looks exactly like a well-adjusted, happy person, at least from the outside – the turmoil and damage happening on the inside may go unnoticed for months or years.

Hailey Jackson, 18, is a person who knows those struggles, except she’s one of the lucky ones who has a strong support system to help her find her way. With the help of her mom, Hailey found her path by discovering her passion for art.

Born in Carrollton to parents Maria Rios and Chris Jackson, Hailey is an only child who always found ways to entertain herself growing up. One of her favorite pastimes was creating art. “I remember seeing my old friends draw in their sketchbooks, which inspired me to try it myself,” Hailey recalls. “What started as something I wanted to do with my friends turned into my forever favorite activity.”

Hailey’s mother Maria describes her as quiet and shy as a child who sometimes needed some coaxing to make friends on the playground. “I always thought it was a sign from God himself when my daughter, Hailey, was born on Christmas Day,” she says. “I knew she was going to be special in so many ways. She had this incredible imagination and the biggest heart I’ve ever seen.”

She also recognized the power of art in her daughter’s life early on. “I remember buying her art supplies, and she couldn’t go anywhere without a notebook and markers,” she laughs. “She was always drawing! It didn’t surprise me as the love of art runs in my family. My mother passed it down to me and my brother and I could tell Hailey had a love for it as well at a very young age. I remember in kindergarten, we visited my family in Chile and by the time we left, she had filled an entire book up with drawings. My grandmother said it was then that she knew art was going to be a huge part of her life, I just didn’t know how huge until now. She started getting more serious about it in high school. I noticed she was wanting to broaden her talent, so I got her some canvases and paint sets since we knew she could already draw. Painting was what she was interested in learning.”

Hailey Jackson with her award winning painting, "Burnt Out".

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The Bullying Begins

Once Hailey hit 8th grade, things started to change in her life. As the middle schoolers around her started worrying about popularity and fitting in, Hailey continued to be quiet and a bit reserved. Several of her “friends” began to bully her, continuing from middle school into high school, where it got even worse. “Certain people would make fun of my home life status, the way I looked, my artwork and even spread numerous rumors,” Hailey explains.

Hailey’s story isn’t unique, unfortunately. About one in five students admit to being bullied, with girls being victims more often than boys, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Up to 46% of teens report being a victim of some sort of cyberbullying or harassment, either on social media or through bullying text messages, says the Pew Research Center.

Bullying is sometimes hard to pinpoint, as not all mean or aggressive behavior constitutes bullying – for example, if two girls like the same boy and get in a fight. It might be aggressive behavior, but it isn’t likely to be bullying, even if one girl was the main aggressor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed a definition of bullying to help identify it. The behavior must include three core elements to be coined bullying:

• Unwanted aggressive behavior.

• Observed or perceived power imbalance.

• Repetition or high likelihood of repetition of the aggressive behavior.

What Hailey experienced met all three criteria, as do the experiences of thousands of students across the nation. The CDC reports students who experience bullying are more likely to have an increased risk of depression, anxiety or other mental health problems. They may also experience sleep difficulties, behavior problems, physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches, and are more at risk of lower academic achievement and dropping out of school.

The research indicates persistent bullying can take a toll on a person’s mental health. It can lead to feelings of exclusion, rejection, isolation and despair, which can contribute to thoughts of suicide. Although teens who die by suicide might be victims of bullying, it’s typically not the only risk factor –these teens usually have other mental health factors such as depression that are exacerbated by the abusive behavior.

The bullying Hailey experienced took its toll on

Signs Your Child is the Bully

Mental illness isn’t just a problem for the children who get bullied – the bullies are nearly twice as likely to experience depression, struggle academically, abuse drugs and alcohol and continue a lifelong cycle of abuse than children who don’t bully others, according to a Brown University study. Parents should watch for warning signs that their child could be a bully, including if the child is:

• Refusing to take responsibility for their actions.

• Hanging around with aggressive friends.

• Obsessing about fitting in.

• Lacking empathy.

• Needing to be in control of all situations.

• A previous victim of bullying or abuse.

Bullies come from every type of household, every income bracket and every ethnicity. If you are concerned your child might be a bully, know that it doesn’t mean your child is “bad.” Instead, it means your child needs some help to deal with strong feelings and guidance on proper behavior.

Talk to her about her behavior, and how it makes her feel when she bullies other kids. Does she feel more in control? Stronger? Engaging a therapist to help with this gives your child a safe space while teaching you the best way to talk to your child about bullying.

• Practice “cope ahead” strategies with your child, where you roleplay situations ahead of time so she knows a better way to react than with aggression.

• Help your child understand how she makes other people feel when she’s mean – encourage her to look inside and be honest about how she would feel if someone said or did those same mean things to her.

• Make sure you’re modeling positive behavior at home, free of name calling, yelling and aggressive behavior, even between siblings.

• Provide appropriate consequences for your child’s bad behavior choices. This could include removing Internet and phone access if your child is participating in cyberbullying, or requiring the child to write a letter of apology to the person she bullied.

• Talk to your child daily. Start the morning asking how her day looks, then follow up after school by asking how the day was – ask specifically about any challenges that popped up during the day, and how she handled those challenges. Talking through issues early can help keep your child from feeling overwhelmed enough by the challenges to act out against another person.

her, causing her to feel anxious and depressed.

“She just looked sad … everyday,” Maria says. “I remember begging her to talk to me some days, but she just wouldn’t. I would later come to find out that her so called ‘friends’ were behind her torment. One by one they seemed to turn on her. They were spreading rumors, they were making fun of her art or her clothes. I think that because Hailey is such an introvert and only had a few close friends, having to lose them and realizing they were never really her friends sent her into a downward spiral.”

Maria noticed a change in her behavior. Hailey became closed off, quick to anger and wanted to be left alone in her room.

Maria knew she had to take action or risk losing Hailey forever. “My greatest fear as parent with a depressed child was I’m going to lose her, physically, mentally and emotionally,” she shares. “I was scared she was going to lose that spark only I could see as her mother and it was never going to come back. She’s always been this driven, smart and ambitious student. She’s always had amazing grades and did her best at school. I remember thinking what if she stops trying? What if her grades drop? All I’ve ever wanted was to be a good mom, and at this point in her life, I felt like I was failing. A lot of parents probably feel this way, and even though we try and

try, sometimes we just aren’t the ones our kids will eventually open up to until they’re ready.”

Hailey shares that her depression got so bad at times that she did think about suicide, but only briefly.

“At first, I didn't talk to anyone about how I truly felt,” she recalls. “I thought if I ignored my negative thoughts that everything would become ‘normal’ again. Of course, this wasn't the case. Eventually, my anxiety got so overwhelming that I asked my mother to help set up a therapy appointment. That was one of the best decisions I ever made. After attending several therapy sessions, my mind cleared completely,” she says. “Oftentimes, we worked with EMDR during our sessions. EMDR helps to process traumatic memories and allows you to heal from them. I was no longer in the darkness that I was before thanks to EDMR therapy. Some things I used to think about daily I haven't thought about in over a year.”

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This specialized type of therapy has been around for more than four decades and has been used most effectively for people with post-traumatic stress disorder and similar issues. It is based on the idea that negative thoughts and behaviors could be the result of memories

artwork by 2022

best in show winner

nathan miller

individuals haven’t fully processed, according to the World Health Organization.

In EMDR therapy, the individual recalls traumatic memories and is simultaneously guided by a therapist through sensory input, such as moving both eyes back and forth quickly or hand tapping. Over time, this process helps the brain work through the memories so they are not as painful and don’t have as much power for the individual.

“It was the best thing we could’ve done,” Maria shares. “Slowly, as the weeks went by, I saw that light come back on. She just had a different outlook, and just seemed stronger to me as a person. I think she was not only learning how to love herself, but she also was learning how to cope with all the ‘white noise’ around her. She still was dealing with bullying, but I noticed it wasn’t affecting her the way it used to. I could see this new confidence coming out, and I was beyond elated knowing she was going to be more than OK.”

“I felt depressed during my first two years of high school,” Hailey says. “After getting all of my feelings out in the open and working through them with my therapist, I slowly started to feel more energetic and happy.”

Art as Therapy

In addition to therapy, Hailey discovered she could share and process her feelings a different way: through art.

This approach to improving mental health is backed in science. The National Institutes of Health cites multiples studies that show a correlation between making art, for example, and stress levels – cortisol levels can decrease as much as 75% when completing an art project, even if the art was poorly done or the participant had no artistic talent. Creative activity of any kind tends to result in an improved mood, according to the Utah State University Extension Mental Health Education department. Being outside also works, especially for those engaged in some kind of physical activity, including walking or team sports. Other options including listening to music and reading a book.

“I first discovered I had a true passion for art after doing random drawings back in 6th grade,” Hailey recalls. “I would see several talented artists on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube. Seeing their artwork gave me the desire to be as great as they were. I began reading as many art books as I could and watching tutorials. Fast forward to high school,

and I began to realize doing art wasn't just fun for me, but it was also a form of therapy. Throughout my high school years, I began painting things relating to how I felt that day. Usually, I do this through my oil paintings.”

Maria noticed a positive change in Hailey’s mood when she began teaching herself to paint. “It’s like she was escaping reality and painting would just relax her,” Maria notes. “It became a part of her therapy. Soon she was coming home telling me about some art competitions her art teacher had mentioned she should enter. I was in disbelief because I never in a million years would think my introverted and shy daughter would want to not only put her work out there for the world to see, but this would mean she’d have to stand in front of a bunch of people. But I saw that fire in her eyes like she knew she could do it! She started setting goals and accomplishing every single one. She was coming out of her shell after so many years, and I couldn’t be happier! Finally, others got to witness what I knew all along was there.”

Knowing that art had healing power for her, Hailey began to paint what she was feeling. For example, her award-winning piece “The Courageous One,” which depicts a masked nurse holding a white flower

Hailey’s Awards/Honors

(2023) Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: 2 silver keys for "Broken" and "The Courageous One" 3 gold keys for "Inner Beauty", "Burnt Out", and "Free Fall"

(2022) Kiwanis Club Art and Music Showcase: Best in Show for "Free Fall"

(2021) Hughston Foundation Art Gala Awards: High School 2nd Place STEAM award and Best in Show for "The Courageous One"

(2022) Hughston Foundation Art Gala Awards: High School 1st Place STEAM award and Best in Show for "Inner Beauty," $1,000 Columbus State Scholarship

(2021) Carrollton Center for the Arts High School Award: 2nd Place: "Pretty in Pink"

(2022) Carrollton Center for the Arts High School Award: 2nd Place "Burnt Out"

(2023) The Bryson-Caylor Family Scholarship and CAE Fulbright Scholarship

Hailey with her paintings. Left, "The Courageous One" and right, "Free Fall".

surrounded by larger-than-life germs, helped her express her feelings about the COVID pandemic she lived through her freshman year of high school.

Although painting is her primary medium, she finds changing to other creative outlets can help keep depression and anxiety at bay. “Sometimes I have moments where I'm even too unmotivated to do anything painting or drawing related,” she says. “If this happens, I go to my second hobby, crocheting. I began crocheting during quarantine back in 2020. With all the free time on my hands, I wanted to try something new. I began making blankets, bags and various stuffed animals. I've even sold a few to some people. Not only does crocheting help me get back into the groove of my normal art, but it helps me not get bored of doing the same thing over and over when I feel down.”

The Future

Hailey is currently studying art education at the University of West Georgia. After realizing how important art is to her, she also discovered that she enjoys talking to others about art. “Oftentimes, people ask me to teach them a specific technique or ask me to critique their artwork,” she explains. “After

doing this so much, I honestly can't see myself doing anything else. I hope to teach art college level one day since the majority of people in high school take art because it is ‘easy.’ I want to be able to teach emerging artists and help them grow into the artist they inspire to be.”

Maria is proud not only of her daughter’s art accomplishments, but of the fact she was honest about her mental health and was willing to take the necessary steps to find happiness again.

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“I thought if I ignored my negative thoughts that everything would become ‘normal’ again. Of course, this wasn't the case. Eventually, my anxiety got so overwhelming that I asked my mother to help set up a therapy appointment. That was one of the best decisions I ever made."

“I think what makes me the proudest about Hailey is her perseverance,” Maria says. “She didn’t let others tear her down and KEEP her down. She took that hurt and transformed it into something beautiful. Something meaningful. Something that paved her future. I used to look at my daughter and see this quiet, sweet girl who would get lost in the crowd but now I see this young woman who knows who she is, is proud of who she is and goes after what she wants.

“One of my favorite things to witness is how she interacts with younger kids at her art shows. I love seeing them come up to her and asking her for tips on how to get started or how to be a better artist. She’s always patient with them, and I can see her face light up when she talks to them. This is one of the reasons why I think she chose to pursue art education. She wants to instill that love for art in future generations and wants to be the one to make a difference in their lives just like her art teacher did for her. I owe so much to Mr. Jake Richardson at Carrollton High School. He saw something in Hailey that maybe she didn’t even see herself, and because of him, she discovered this talent that she wanted to share with everyone. I’m so grateful she did.”

Hailey also creates custom pieces on commission,

which people can order through her website. “I have painted numerous commissions and will continue to do so,” she says. “Most of my orders come in around Christmas time. My favorite part about being able to do commissions for others is to see the impact my art makes on them. I have done pet paintings for people with deceased pets, and it's always so bittersweet to see their reaction to the final product. I'm glad I'm able to make such a strong impact on others through just my art.”

It's OK to Not Be OK

Living with mental illness, and supporting people who do, is no easy task. People often expect you to “get over it” or “just deal with it like everyone else.” That’s not how issues like depression and anxiety work. It takes a powerful strength of will and a robust support system to overcome and live with these issues. The CDC reports that in 2019, more than 1/3 of teens ages 12-17 said they had persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and more than 18% said they had seriously considered suicide. This means parents need to be vigilant in paying attention to their children’s mental health.

“Mental illness is no joke,” Maria expresses. “I think as parents, we want to refuse to think it could ever happen to our own kids. I think today more than ever it’s important to look for the signs and to take action and seek help. So many kids suffer in silence because they think we won’t understand or that we will get upset with them, but I think as a parent, it’s important to tell them it’s OK to not feel OK. There’s nothing wrong with feeling the emotions and having a good cry.

“I remember sitting with Hailey and telling her about all the bad stuff I dealt with at her age, and how I was also bullied at one point or another in my life. It’s important to show them that we can relate,

A Letter to Hailey from Her Father

Hailey,

From the moment you picked up a crayon to the first paintbrush you held, it was obvious you had an amazing talent.

Your hard work and dedication turned that talent into a gift you've been able to share with the world.

From school awards to local competitions, l've witnessed your artistic journey and it's made me feel nothing but pride. I know this is only the beginning of the mark you're going to make on the artistic world.

So today, I celebrate your accomplishments and want you to know your passion inspires me daily.

I hope you never forget you have a dad who wholeheartedly supports you, and I truly believe your art doesn't just show your immense talent, but it's also a reflection of who you are as a person. Inspiring, powerful, and beautiful.

Love always, your proud Papa.

that we understand them, that we love them no matter what, but most importantly, that we’re here when they’re ready to talk.”

Maria warns parents to be patient – teens especially tend to have a difficult time opening up to parents, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to talk to someone. “Don’t take it personally if they just don’t want to open up to you right away. Find a therapist who can help – it will make a world of difference, and in the end, the only important thing is that they’re not keeping it all bottled up inside.”

Hailey echoes her mom’s advice, emphasizing how important it is for people to be honest about

they feel. “Some advice I'd give to other teens or young adults struggling with their mental health is to not be afraid to seek help,” she says. “It does not make you weak. You never know, maybe the person you come to has been through the exact same situation you're going through at the moment. I promise it'll do way more good than harm.”

For parents, family and friends, Hailey stresses how essential it is to be open to having sometimes uncomfortable conversations with people who might be struggling with mental health. “If you ever have a loved one come to you in that situation, be understanding and truly listen to what they're saying without judgement. Even if you don't know much about mental health, it always feels good to have someone to talk to about what they're going through. Your support is the most important thing that you have to offer.”

Although sharing innermost thoughts and fears with other people is difficult on a good day, and can feel impossible on a bad day, Maria encourages everyone to be honest with themselves and the people around them when they feel they need help. “The more we talk about these issues openly, the more the stigma behind mental illness will go away.”

WGW

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119 Maple Street | 770-838-9608

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Congratulations Lieutenant Dan Keever

On September 23, 2023, Lieutenant Detective Dan Keever will celebrate 30 years with the Carrollton Police Department.

In March 1993, he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of West Georgia. He was hired as a patrol officer in Sept. 1993, and his first assignment was C-shift. While on C-shift, Lt. Keever obtained his Intermediate, Advanced, FTO (Field Training Officer) and Supervisory Certifications. He was assigned to a new four-person crime scene unit in 1998.

of service

30Years

International Association of Property and Evidence, and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. He is a member of and serves as the 1st vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police Tony Jackson Garrett Lodge #35.

Congratulations Lt. Keever, and thank you for your 30 years of service to the Carrollton community.

Lt. Keever's Achievements/Accolades include:

1995: Awarded the Jaycees Outstanding Young Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

In 1999, he was promoted to Corporal on C-shift. He received his P.O.S.T. (Police Officer Standard and Training) Crime Scene Certification in 2002. At the end of that year, he transferred to the Criminal Investigative Division (CID), where his duties shifted from crime scene investigator to investigator.

In 2006, he was promoted to Sergeant over B-Shift, where he returned to the Crime Scene Unit and advanced his certifications through the International Association of Identification as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator and Certified Crime Scene Analyst. He also received his General Instructor Certification and began teaching Crime Scene Processing courses.

In 2015, he transferred to CID as a Detective Sergeant, investigating all crimes and assisting with domestic violence cases.

He was promoted to Lieutenant Detective in Oct. 2021, and was appointed supervisor over the Domestic Violence Unit and the Crime Scene/ Property and Evidence Units.

Lt. Keever is a member of the Georgia chapter of the International Association of Identification, the

1997: Received Intermediate Certification from P.O.S.T. and Field Training Officer Certification.

1998: Received Advanced Certification from P.O.S.T.

2000: Received Supervisory Certification from P.O.S.T.

2002: Received Crime Scene Investigator Certification from P.O.S.T.

2003: Completed Management Certification courses 1,2,3 from P.O.S.T.

2004: Received Investigator of the Year award.

2007: Represented the Carrollton Police Department for the City of Carrollton Employee of the Year.

2010: Received the International Association of Identification Crime Scene Investigator Certification.

2013: Received the International Association of Identification Crime Scene Analyst Certification.

2014: Received General Instructor Certification through P.O.S.T.

2020: Recipient of the Fraternal Order of Police Tony Jackson Lodge #35 B.L.U.E. Hero Award.

As of 2023, Lt. Keever has a total of 4,200 Georgia P.O.S.T. training hours.

By Sandra Bolan

You’ve had a life plan from a young age, with every single step laid out in great detail. But then real life blindsides you and completely throws your grand plan out the window.

Don't get discouraged. Just because things haven't worked out exactly as you planned doesn't mean you're a failure. These 10 tips will help you get back on track and get you going again when things don't go your way.

#1 Setbacks are not a reflection of you

Every time you get tossed backwards, understand it’s not a reflection of your efforts. Setbacks don’t mean you’re unworthy, not smart enough or not good enough. As cliché as it sounds, those setbacks you're experiencing may just be part of a bigger and better plan. Think positively, and understand that what may seem to be the worst day/week/month of your life might actually be the best thing that ever happened to you.

#2 Learn from failure

Just because life isn’t going exactly according to your plan, doesn’t mean you won’t eventually get there. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Sometimes, learning from other

10 Things to Do When Nothing Goes Your Way

people's failures can be an even bigger lesson for you. For example, you might be surprised to learn that Walt Disney was fired from a newspaper because he "lacked creativity." Oprah Winfrey was fired from her first television station job because she was told she was "unfit for TV." J.K. Rowling was divorced, had no money and a baby when she began writing Harry Potter. Twelve well-known publishers rejected her book before a small publishing house agreed to print 1,000 copies. Thomas Edision finally invented the lightbulb on his 10,000th try. The point is, you never know what remarkable things are waiting around the corner for you.

#3 Reevaluate your goals

At 16 you set a goal. At 30, it has yet to be achieved. Do you throw in the towel and come up with a completely different plan, or do you look at all the reasons why you’re not there yet? What happened to slow your progress down? Was it finances for school, lack of job growth opportunities, the pandemic? How many of your unachieved smaller goals were a direct result of your inaction, and what was out of your control?

You can’t undo the past, but you can keep moving forward. Focus on what you can change and work on those things. Do you need to gain certain skills to be considered for that promotion? Go get them. Make it happen.

#4 Don’t whine/wallow

When you don’t get what you want, it’s OK to acknowledge your feelings of disappointment. Eat all the ice cream and carbs you want and have a good cry. But don’t stay there. Whining does nothing to improve the situation or your mood and no one wants to be around you while you’re in this funk. Once you acknowledge and accept that setbacks are things that happen to everyone in the flow of normal life, it may be easier to let go of those extreme emotions.

#5 Figure out the real issue

Is the reason why you’re not where you want to be in life because of you, or were your goals too lofty for even the most talented and hardest working version of yourself?

There is no shame in revamping your goal or being satisfied with where you end up landing.

#6 Don’t compare

Success means something different to everyone. You may be perfectly content with where you are in life, but for someone else, they may want more. Do you, and don’t get caught in the trap of comparing yourself with others. Remember, you have skills, knowledge and experiences that are completely unique to you.

#7 Let go of expectations

Having expectations and goals are great, but having unrealistic expectations may lead to misery. Sometimes in life we don’t always get what we want, no matter how hard we try. It's OK to strive for greatness, but realize you may end up with less.

#8 You’re not alone

There are numerous people out there who have been disappointed or didn’t achieve their goals. But like you, they have survived, and thrived. It may seem like everyone is lucky and successful, but they’ve had their share of ups and downs and continue to carry on.

#9 Dust yourself off

Whether it’s putting on your big girl pants, pulling yourself up by the bootstraps or dusting yourself off – just do it. You can handle anything life throws at you. So get out there and figure out how to get where you want to go.

#10 Quit

Nobody likes giving up, but believe it or not, sometimes throwing in the towel is the best option. Sometimes quitting can open you up to opportunities you may have never considered.

If you think of failures as learning opportunities and life experiences, it will be much easier to move on so you can get to where you need to go. WGW

Daily Fare Chef Rose With

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.

Chef Rose photos by Zachary Dailey, Dailey Life Photography Recipe photos by Agresta Photography www.agrestaphotography.com @agrestaphotography

Fresh Corn Polenta with Tomatoes

Ingredients

2-3 ears corn

2 teaspoons butter

Kosher salt or flaky sea salt

1 pint cherry tomatoes

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

A handful of fresh basil

Grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Preparation

Preheat broiler to high. Place the tomatoes, olive oil and garlic in a small skillet or oven-safe dish.

Season with a pinch of salt, then toss to coat. Transfer pan to the broiler and broil for 10 to 15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes. Cook until tomatoes are blistered and have a jam-like consistency, then remove pan from the broiler.

Stir in the handful of basil.

Meanwhile, clean the corn, removing all husks and threads.

Working over a large bowl, grate the kernels off the cob on the coarse side of a box grater.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Add the grated corn and season with a good pinch of salt.

Simmer over low heat – stirring to prevent browning – for about 3 minutes, or until thickened.

Spoon the polenta into a serving bowl.

Top with the jammy, blistered tomatoes.

Top with some grated Parmigiano Reggiano and pepper to taste.

Serves 2

" Perfect as a side or a main vegetarian dish."

Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Clusters

Ingredients

2 cups blueberries

1 cup Greek yogurt

Zest from 1/2 lemon

1 cup dark chocolate chips

1 teaspoon coconut oil

Coconut flakes or sea salt for garnish

Preparation

Place washed blueberries in a bowl and toss with yogurt and lemon zest until completely coated.

Drop spoonfuls onto a pan lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 20 minutes.

In a separate bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil, and melt in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until fully combined.

Remove pan from the freezer and dip the covered blueberries into melted chocolate, working quickly so yogurt doesn’t melt. Sprinkle with coconut flakes or sea salt and return to freezer for about 10 minutes to fully harden chocolate.

Serves 4 WGW

"

A healthy treat for a hot day or an after school snack. "

Teaching children to share their feelings Let's

By Sandra Bolan

Talk!

Children are small, but their emotions are big – temper tantrums, uncontrollable crying, squeals of delight – they typically occur at the worst times and in the most embarrassing places.

Despite being poorly timed, those outbursts are 100% valid as they are reactional energies.

When your or your child fees angry and they hear you describe the emotion as “being angry,” they begin to associate the word to the emotion.

To help children develop an emotional vocabulary, ask targeted questions throughout the day. For example, at the end of the school day instead of asking “How was your day,” ask, “What did you do today that made you happy?” Or, if you notice the child is unusually solemn, ask "Did anything make you sad at school today?”

Parents also need to explain to children the difference between feelings and behaviors. Experiencing any and all feelings is OK and good, but not all behaviors are acceptable. For example, it’s OK to get angry, but it’s not acceptable to hit someone because you’re angry at them.

Once children are capable of associating words to feelings, they are better able to cope with them, and the temper tantrums, acts of defiance or aggression – in theory – should be mitigated.

By developing emotional self awareness, children can begin to figure out what calms and soothes them when emotions start to go into overdrive. Studies have shown that children who can regulate their own emotions are more empathetic toward others.

Working through emotions helps a child to become her best self. If feelings are suppressed, children are unable to grow into emotionally whole

adults. Working through emotions, especially as a child, also leads to good mental and physical health. Studies show that children who are allowed to express themselves are less likely to utilize negative coping mechanisms as they get older – such as violence or alcohol and drug abuse.

Prolonged, unexpressed feelings can also manifest into anxiety, depression or physical ailments, such as stomachaches or headaches.

Talking about their emotions, and how to acceptably react to and work through them, helps children develop more flexible thinking, as well as build self-confidence, because they will know that they’re capable of handling whatever life may throw at them. WGW

J. Collins, with his daughter, J.J.

Kids 2.0

Grandparents raising grandchildren

By Sandra Bolan

Right about the time you’re likely to become a grandparent is also when you’re heading into retirement, so you can finally go on that cross-country road trip, book your mid-week tee times and start digging into that ever growing to-beread pile of books beside your nightstand.

But just as fast as you’ve come to grips with having an AARP card, you have unexpectedly been thrust back into parenthood. But this time, you’re going to be raising your grandchildren.

More than 13 million children in the United States are living with their grandparents, according to Father Matters, which means 2.5 million grandparents are the primary caregiver of their grandkids. In Georgia, more than 300,000 children are living in homes headed up by a nonparent relative, and of that number, just over 95,000 grandparents have taken over primary parental duties of their grandchildren, according to Grandfamilies, a national legal resource for grandfamilies.

Why are so many grandparents raising their grandchildren? The reasons vary, and may be due to parental substance abuse, child abuse, incarceration, military deployment, severe disability, deportation, teen pregnancy or death.

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates more than half of the children of incarcerated mothers are being raised by a grandparent. When it comes to military deployment, there are more women and military couples still serving, which means grandparents will often step in and take over parental duties during that time.

Becoming a parent for the second time – although unexpectedly – can be a joyful experience. It’s an opportunity to forge an extremely close relationship with your grandchild. Grandparents also have the opportunity to correct all the mistakes they made the first time around, in addition to getting an injection of youthfulness because they're plugged into the younger generation. They also have to physically keep up with their grandkids, which may keep grandparents healthier in the long run.

Raising your grandchildren can also prove to be challenging. First and foremost, when money was put away for your retirement, that didn’t account for raising another child, which costs about $13,000/ year, according to the USDA. The average annual income from social security is roughly $18,000, which doesn’t leave much for other expenses including rent/mortgage, food and medical care.

No matter the circumstance that shifted the grandparent and grandchild relationship to parent/

child, it will be stressful for both, as it’s a new dynamic. Below are a few tips to help with the transition:

Offer an age appropriate explanation. When talking to your grandchildren about the new situation, be truthful, using age-appropriate details and language. Talk to them about their feelings. Depending how the two of you came to live together, there may be a lot of emotional turmoil to contend with. Therapy for both you and your grandchild may be helpful.

Paperwork. Get all necessary documents in order: birth certificate, death certificate (if applicable), marriage or divorce decrees, your grandchild’s Social Security number, medical records, consent forms from authorities (parents, the courts), school records and proof of citizenship. Be forewarned: you may be faced with numerous roadblocks in trying to obtain these documents, and hiring a lawyer may be necessary. Talk to everyone involved with your grandchild’s day-to-day life, not only to explain the new arrangements, but to also learn more about her.

Try to recreate the child’s former bedroom and maintain as many routines as possible, including keeping her in the same school, programs and sports. Although you’re not her parent, you’re now acting in that capacity, and the child should understand the shift. When you tell her to do her homework, she should. The same goes for chores and any other expectations you have of them.

Pay attention to changes in her grades, friends and behavior. Although you and your grandchild have a special bond, she may be confused and apprehensive about spending an indeterminate amount of time living with you versus visiting for a weekend. She may also feel anxious or abandoned by her parent, which can lead to behavioral issues.

If the parents are still alive, try to maintain regular contact. This will be particularly helpful if a parent has the potential to regain custody. Keep your feelings to yourself, whether it be anger or disappointment regarding your child’s life choices. As long as your grandchild will be safe during visitations with her parent, her relationship with her mom or dad should not be influenced by you.

Once you’ve sent your child out into the world, the expectation is that you’re done parenting. But sometimes life throws you a curve ball, and you’re afforded the opportunity for a do-over, whether you think you got it right the first time or not.

While you’re now your grandchild’s parental figure, try to keep doing the fun things you used to do together. It may help this new and unexpected transition go much smoother. WGW

LocaL Happenings

Nursing From The Heart Breastfeeding Support Group

This group meets the third Thursday of each month from 11:00 to noon at the Villa Rica Library located at 869 Dallas Highway, Villa Rica, Ga. These events are free to pregnant women and moms looking for breastfeeding support. Weight checks for your baby will be available at no cost. Come and share your breastfeeding journey with us. Please check our website for meeting and event updates at www.nursingfromtheheart.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.

This group meets on the first Thursday of every 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.

PFLAG Carrollton Support Group

PFLAG Carrollton provides a free monthly peer facilitated support group for adult members (ages 18+) of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as their family, friends and allies, as a resource for families struggling with acceptance of their LGBTQ+ loved ones.

The goal is to meet people where they are and lead with love. PFLAG’s mission of support, education and advocacy from a place of love can help struggling families, as well as the community at large.

Support group meetings (for adults 18+) are led by a PFLAG trained facilitator and held on the second Thursday of each month from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Lutheran Church, 101 Somerset Place in Carrollton.

PFLAG Carrollton’s first support group will be held Thursday, Oct. 12. Contact Julia Houser, pflagcarrollton@gmail.com for more information.

Meet and Greet: African American Veterans

The Armed Services Committee of the Carroll County NAACP is hosting a meet and greet of African American Veterans on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post 70, 120 Legion Lake Circle in Villa Rica.

There will be music, food and fun.

RSVP to eiiculturalarts.youth@aol.com or call 770.832.3404 for more information.

Carroll EMC Offices Closed for Labor Day

All Carroll EMC offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 4, for Labor Day.

During this time, make payments at the kiosks, through the automated phone payment system (770-832-3552), online at carrollemc.com or via the free Carroll EMC mobile app.

To report a power outage, call 770-832-3552 (Option 1) or report it online at carrollemc.com or on the Outage Pal app.

Carroll EMC Sponsors Local Student to Co-op Camp

Aanyah Lovett, rising junior at Central High School, was sponsored by Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) to attend the Georgia Cooperative Council Youth Leadership Conference held at the FFA/FCCLA Center July 1721.

At the conference, affectionately known as “Coop Camp,” Lovett joined with nearly 40 other young leaders from Georgia and Virginia for a week of leadership development taught through interactive sessions and games as well as fun outdoor activities. Students were given the opportunity to grow in problem-solving, relationship building and communication while in a relaxing environment. Leadership skills were learned by teaming up with peers and participating in an interactive workshop where they better understood different personality types and how to work with each other while navigating social situations. Students also competed in challenging high-ropes and mud courses that helped them build meaningful friendships and made the goodbyes at the end of

the week bittersweet.

“Co-op camp made me much more social,” said Lovett. “Everyone was so inviting. You’ll truly have the time of your life learning about different types of businesses – who knew!”

Members of the Georgia Cooperative Council, including Carroll EMC, sponsor the conference to not only offer a leadership development opportunity but also to provide a unique way for students to learn about cooperatives and why they are vital to communities.

Throughout the week, students sat in on sessions with representatives from the Farm Credit Associations, Georgia EMC, Go Energy Credit Union, Pineland Telephone Cooperative and the Cooperative Way. The presenters emphasized and gave examples of how their organization incorporates the seven cooperative principles that all cooperative businesses follow: voluntary and open membership, democratic membership control, members’ economic participation, autonomy and independence, education and training for members, cooperation between co-ops, and concern for local communities.

“It is so important to support and encourage leadership growth for the youth of our communities. This week-long conference brings the seven cooperative principles to life for these teenagers while fostering leadership and soft skills in a fun environment,” says Ryan Sammon, Community Relations Specialist for Carroll EMC.

The Georgia Cooperative Council is a

statewide, nonprofit cooperative association whose membership is composed of financial, electric, telephone, marketing and service cooperatives. The objective of the Council is to promote and encourage all types of cooperative associations in the state and to educate the public about the cooperative way of business.

Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 54,000 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.

Carroll EMC Receives Clean Energy from New Nuclear Unit

Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) is now receiving safe, reliable, emission-free nuclear energy from Plant Vogtle Unit 3, which has reached commercial operation in Waynesboro, Ga. Now in service, the new nuclear unit will provide cooperative Members in West Georgia and across the state with clean energy for the next 60 to 80 years.

“We serve our Members with a diverse portfolio of power, and nuclear has become increasingly important in the transition to a cleaner energy future,” said Tim Martin, President and CEO for Carroll EMC. “Nuclear is also considered one of the most reliable energy sources. With this new unit online and operating safely, I am proud our homes and businesses will be powered by reliable, emission-free nuclear energy for decades to come.”

The commercial operation of Plant Vogtle Unit 3 marks a historic achievement for the energy industry, the state of Georgia and the entire country. As one of the largest clean energy projects in the nation, the Vogtle construction project represents the first advanced commercial nuclear project in the United States in more than three decades.

The existing units at Plant Vogtle, Units 1 and 2, have been providing safe, clean energy for Georgians for more than 34 years. Once Unit 4 reaches commercial operation, the final unit at the nuclear site, Plant Vogtle will become the largest producer of emission-free energy in the United States.

Aanyah Lovett, rising junior at Central High School, was sponsored by Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) to attend the Georgia Cooperative Council Youth Leadership Conference held at the FFA/FCCLA Center July 17-21. Photo provided by Carroll EMC.

Saturday, September 9 9am-12pm 1515 Lower Fayetteville Rd. Newnan 30263

Learn ways to cope with feelings of anxiety and depression and new skills to strengthen your mental health!

If you would like to honor a loved one that has lost their life to suicide, please reach out to Abigail Alvarez for more information at 678-5525781 or Aalvarez@pathwayscsb.org.

Please join us at this free, family friendly event!

Solar Flower Unveiled at Carroll EMC Headquarters

Members and guests of Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) will notice a new piece of eye candy when visiting the headquarters along Highway 113 in Carrollton. An 18-foot solar flower stands tall at the office entrance generating clean electricity for the cooperative’s administration building.

The Smartflower, commonly referred to as a solar flower, is an elegant structure that utilizes advanced solar technology to capture sunlight from all angles, ensuring maximum energy production throughout the day. Each morning, the flower blooms and tracks the sun from east to west. In the evening, it folds its panels and stows away for the night.

With a 2.5-kilowatt system, the Smartflower produces approximately one-fourth of the energy needed to power the average household on a hot summer day and produces 40% more energy annually than the normal rooftop solar system. It is currently powering 1.5% of the cooperative’s administration building while also serving as an

educational tool for Members and the public about renewables and other parts of the generation mix including nuclear, natural gas, hydro and others.

“The installation of a Smartflower is a visual reminder of Carroll EMC’s commitment to renewable energy,” said James Layton, Vice President of Engineering and Technology for Carroll EMC. “Renewables are an important part of our future and one piece of the larger generation puzzle in providing sustainable power for our Members.”

The cooperative welcomes guests to visit the Smartflower and admire the innovative technology from dawn until dusk. For guided presentations, schools and organizations are encouraged to contact Carroll EMC at (770) 832-3552. If Members are considering rooftop solar, they are also encouraged to reach out to the cooperative or visit www.carrollemc.com/solar.

Nancy Richards Farese to Be Inducted into the 2023 Class of the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame

Southwire is proud to celebrate Nancy Richards Farese, board member, shareholder and daughter of Southwire founder, Roy Richards Sr., who has been named as one of 10 outstanding women leaders who make up the 2023 class of Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees.

The Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame was created in 2019 by the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM) and proceeds raised through its efforts support the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WiMEF). The Hall of Fame recognizes women who have made, or are making,

Carrollton Kiwanis Club

8th Annual Bob Reeves Memorial 5K

Dr. Bob “Woody” Reeves 1937 – 2020

September 30, 2023 • 9 a.m. Hobbs Farm • Greenbelt • Carrollton $35 after 9/16 and on day of the race

We Are Your LOCAL Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Appliance Store

generationally sustainable, it must emphasize a culture that cares about its impact on its people and its community.”

Nancy, along with the rest of the group of exceptional women, will be officially welcomed to the Hall of Fame with an induction ceremony and gala on Sept. 26, 2023, as part of WiM’s 13th annual SUMMIT event. The event will be held in San Diego, Calif.

"We are thrilled to announce the 2023 inductees into the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame,” said WiMEF Executive Director, Gretchen Moore. “These exceptional women have forged new pathways for future generations in manufacturing careers. We look forward to celebrating these leaders, their impressive careers and their invaluable contributions to the sector.”

For more information about the Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame and the 2023 WiM SUMMIT, visit the website at www.wimef.org.

renowned contributions to the manufacturing industry while supporting, promoting and inspiring other women in manufacturing.

“The 10 honorees are a prestigious group, each of whom has made significant, lasting contributions to our industry,” said WiM President Allison Grealis. “They are true trailblazers whose work has created opportunity for countless other women. We are honored to recognize them in this special way.”

Inductees were nominated by their colleagues and industry peers and selected by a judging panel of WiMEF Executive Committee Board Members. The inductees were chosen based on their significant contributions to the advancement of women in manufacturing.

“This is such a great honor for Nancy, and our Southwire team is proud to celebrate this recognition. Her fierce passion for DEI, sustainability and social justice is reflected in her strong leadership and contributions on Southwire’s board of directors and as a shareholder for the company,” said Rich Stinson, Southwire’s president and CEO. “Nancy champions and challenges our team to continuously advocate for gender equity and partnership. She understands that for a company to remain

A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers and an emerging influence in many important electrical markets. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions, and the company provides a variety of field and support services to customers around the world. For more information about Southwire’s products, its community involvement and its vision of sustainability, visit www.southwire.com.

Southwire is proud to celebrate Nancy Richards Farese, board member, shareholder and daughter of Southwire founder, Roy Richards Sr., who has been named as one of 10 outstanding women leaders who make up the 2023 class of Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees.

Kids Korner

Fun Finger Puppet

By Jordan Dailey

Instructions

Cut the shape of a cylinder out of the construction paper.

Cut out the desired shapes from the cupcake wrappers for the top of the puppet.

Glue the googly eyes to the puppet.

Glue the pom poms and the cupcake liner shapes to the top of the puppet.

Materials

Construction paper

Cupcake liners

Pom poms

Googly eyes

Scissors

Pipe cleaners

Marker

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Glue two pipe cleaners to the sides of the puppet for the arms. Decorate as desired with the marker.

Craft photos by Zachary Dailey

Autumn Owl

Materials

Brown construction paper

Googly eyes

Leaves

Glue stick

Scissors

Marker

Cut the shape of an owl from the construction paper. Glue the leaves and googly eyes in your

Decorate the owl's facial expressions as desired.

770.462.5005

Fall Word Search

Word Bank

Pumpkin

Cinnamon Leaves

Autumn Acorns

Windy

Red

Flannel

Cider

Hay

Football

Harvest

Festival

Apples

Rake

Orange

Stop struggling and start sleeping.

Get the sleep you deserve.

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, take our free online quiz.

We can help you figure out if you’re at risk for sleep apnea and offer a range of treatments to help you get the rest you need.

Take these two steps and you’ll be on your way to better sleep:

1. Take our free sleep apnea risk assessment at tanner.org/sleepquiz

2. Make an appointment with one of our sleep specialists at Tanner Center for Sleep Disorders by calling 770-812-9146

Our specialists can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need to get the rest you deserve.

Learn more at TannerSleep.org

Tanner Center for Sleep Disorders offers comfortable sleep labs and in-home sleep studies to diagnose a host of sleep disorders, including:

• Insomnia

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

• REM sleep disorders

• Restless leg syndrome (RLS)

• And more