Canton Family Life | September 2025

The Lens Within

September brings us Labor Day (9/1), Grandparents Day (9/7), Rosh Hashanah (9/23-24), and the much-anticipated first day of fall (9/22). It also kicks off the fall festival season, which ushers in such seasonal delights as decorative scarecrows, yummy food and beverage options, arts and crafts, and live music playing through the air on cooler breezes. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar on pages 6-10 for local festivals and other activities your family may enjoy.

Did you know that Cherokee County has its very own film festival? No need to travel to Cannes in France or Sundance in Park City, Utah, when you can take a short drive to charming downtown Canton’s historic theatre to screen movies from national and international filmmakers at the Peaberry Film Fest (Oct 2-5). You can read more about that on page 20.

While it’s wonderful to see the worlds created by filmmakers and artists in other genres, I think the most interesting aspect of any art form is how those who enjoy these creative expressions interpret them differently based on their own human experiences. One person may be moved to tears by a gallery painting, while others see it and are unaffected. Someone may find a movie scene hysterically funny, while the person next to them sits stoically without cracking a smile.

Personal growth author and lecturer Ken Keyes Jr. said, “You should always be aware that your head creates your world.”

That’s an awful lot of power we have. We can make or break our day just based on our perceptions or how we relate to the things we encounter. We can choose to see the positive or negative in almost anything, which dictates our reactions and overall mood. So, choose wisely when deciding which lens you see life through — it dictates your focus.

Happy fall, y’all!

PUBLISHER

Family Life Magazines

Publisher@FamilyLifePublications.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Senger

Julie@FamilyLifePublications.com

ART

Stephanie Bolton

Stephanie@FamilyLifePublications.com

Tiffany Corn

Tiffany@FamilyLifePublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Armetrice Photography

ACabine@Armetrice.com

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER

David Wright

David@FamilyLifePublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Childers, Joshua Fuder, Bill Grant, Lisa-Marie Haygood, Jennifer Paire

Family Life Magazines 6175 Hickory Flat Highway Suite 110-PMB 341 Canton, GA 30115 770-213-7095

Also available online at FamilyLifeMagazines.com

Julie Senger, Editor-in-Chief

The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists, and submissions are not necessarily those of the editor/ publisher, and the publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. The cover and its accompanying feature story are a paid advertisement. Canton Family Life is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher.

© 2025 All rights reserved

Calendar

SEPTEMBER

5

Downtown Canton First Friday: On the Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute

Bring the whole family for a fun night filled with live entertainment, extended hours for shopping, restaurants, a Kids Zone, and food and beverage vendors� Please bring a chair� 6:00-9:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga.gov; ExploreCantonGa.com; CantonGa.gov

6

Cherokee Master Gardeners Programs

Learn tips for using and preserving your herbs and be introduced to some herbs you may not have grown before FREE! 9:00-10:30am, Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. CherokeeMasterGardeners.com

6

The Cherokee Music Teachers Association Fall Kickoff Meeting

Anyone who is interested in the Cherokee Music Teachers Association is welcome to attend� 10:15am, R. T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Linda@lokey.net

6

BACK to the BOOMBOX — Go on a nostalgic journey with this band’s full-on throwback to the music of the 80s and 90s� Tickets are $38 56 7:30pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755.

BigTickets.com

6-7

6

Cherokee Master Gardeners Summer/Fall Plant Sale

A variety of plants, shrubs, trees, garden accessories, and garden art will be available plus expert advice and garden All plants are accustomed to our growing climate 9:00am12:00pm, Cherokee County Senior Center, 1001 Univeter Road, Canton. CherokeeMasterGardeners.com

ONGOING

Waleska Farmers Market Thursdays through 9/25. 9:00am-1:00pm, Waleska Farmers Market, 8891 Fincher Road, Waleska. 404-8057468. Facebook.com/ WaleskaFarmersMarket

Art on Main — Celebrate the rich tapestry of North Georgia’s art, music, and culinary culture� FREE admission� 11:00am-7:00pm, downtown Ball Ground, 288 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. DTBallGround.com

7 & 10/5

Paws in the Pool

The Aquatic Center Oasis will be taken over by our furry friends! Pet owners must be able to present current vaccination reports as well as proof of being spayed or neutered Each handler is allowed only two dogs 12:00-12:45pm small dogs and 1:00pm, 2:15pm, and 3:30pm large dogs, Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Wellstar Way, Canton. PlayCherokee.org

Sweat It Out Saturday Saturdays through 10/25. 9:00-10:00am, Ball Ground City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 470-560-7949. DTBallGround.com

Lovin Local Pop-Up Market — Saturdays through 10/25. 10:00am-1:00pm, downtown Ball Ground, 275 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground. 470-5607949. DTBallGround.com

September Is — National Chicken, Childhood Cancer Awareness, Honey, Mushroom, Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Library Card Sign-Up, Piano, Preparedness, Sepsis Awareness, Sewing, and Suicide Prevention Month; International Square Dancing Month; as well as Chiari Awareness, Friendship, Happy Cat, Hunger Action, Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness, Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness, Read a New Book, Shake, and Whole Grains Month; and Sourdough September.

11 9/11 Patriot Day Ceremony

Gather with others in the Cherokee County community to remember those we lost on 9/11

Please visit the website for additional details about the event� 8:30am, Rotary Park (at the Public Safety Memorial between the Historic Cherokee County Courthouse and the Justice Center), downtown Canton. CherokeeCountyGA.Gov

13

12, 19, & 26

Friday Night Live — Enjoy FREE live music on the green by Joshua Huff (9/12), Big Toe Mojo (9/19), and Nashville Nation (9/26)� 7:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 770-224-0200. EtowahMill.com

12-21

Arsenic & Old Lace

This dark comedic play by Joseph Kesselring is about a drama critic who discovers that his sweet, elderly aunts have been poisoning lonely old men as a twisted act of charity� Tickets are $18 - $22� 8:00pm Friday/Saturday and 2:30pm Sunday, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-591-0282. CherokeeTheatre.org

Women on Wheels Clinic and Ride — First Saturday of each month. 10:00am-12:00pm, Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trails, 2261 Sixes Road, Canton. 770-846-7979. BearPawCoaching.com/ women-on-wheels

Cherokee County American Mah Jongg Tiles and Ta-Tas Tournament

Sign up for this fundraiser, which benefits the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer� 9:00am, Cherokee County Fire Station #22, 9550 Bells Ferry Road, Holly Springs. Facebook.com (search Cherokee County American Mah Jongg)

13

Touch-A-Truck — Bring your little ones to explore big service trucks and equipment used throughout the area� Meet local heroes, enjoy games, and savor delicious food from various vendors FREE admission 10:00am-2:00pm (9:30-10:00am is quiet time for those with sensitive ears), Cherokee Veterans Park, 7345 Cumming Highway, Canton. 770-501-8002. PlayCherokee.org

13

The Woodstock Home Show Presented by Outback Deck, this FREE outdoor show allows visitors to speak with a contracting specialist about the best solutions for their next home improvement project� There will also be a bounce house, live music, and cold treats from King of Pops 10:00am-4:00pm, Market Street (adjacent to the Farmers Market), Woodstock. 470-536-1981. OutbackDeck.net

[continued on page 8]

Habitat for Humanity NCG

Cherokee Women Build Third Tuesday of each month. 6:30-7:45pm, The Timbers on Etowah/Liberty UMC, 225 Reformation Parkway, Suite 202, Canton. FKMaddox@gmail.com; Habitat-NCG.org/women-build

Community Yoga Classes Mondays. 10:0011:00am, The WREC, 7545 Main Street, Building 200, Woodstock. PlayCherokee.org

Scan for

Sequoyah Regional Library System Events

13

Unplugged Session @ City Connection — Enjoy live acoustic music from Ashley Brooks� FREE! 12:002:00pm, Ball Ground City Connection Park, 288 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. DTBallGround.com

13-14

Taste & Brews Festival

This event offers 30 food vendors, an incredible selection of craft beers, live music, a bustling farmers market, an arts and crafts market, and a Kidzone 11:00am6:00pm, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. TasteAndBrews.com

18-28

98th Annual Cherokee

County Fair — Sponsored by the American Legion Post 45, enjoy rides, great food, and other amusements� Admission is $5 for ages 12+; veterans get in free Parking is provided by Cherokee HS JROTC for $3 per car 5:00pm MondayFriday, 1:00pm Saturday, and 3:00pm Sunday; 160 McClure Street, Canton. 770-479-4405. GaLegion45.org

ONGOING

MilVet Meetup

First Monday of each month. 6:00-8:00pm, Reformation Brewery, 105 Elm Street, Woodstock. 404-441-8900. MilVetCommunity.org

Calendar

continued from page 7

19

21st Annual Hickory Flat Optimist Charity Golf Outing — This outing raises funds for the Sonlight Vision Ministries Food Pantry It’s a 4-person scramble format Complimentary lunch is included� The individual fee is $125 or $500 for a team of four 7:30am registration and 8:30am shotgun start, Fairways of Canton, 400 Laurel Canyon Parkway, Canton. 678-409-5940.

19 Stand Up For Seniors Volunteer Aging Council’s (VAC) Fundraising Luncheon — Support VAC programs and get a delicious lunch for $10� All proceeds support local seniors 11:30am-1:00pm, The Landings of Canton Hills, 1100 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton. VAC-CherokeeGa.org

20 Hiking & History

Enjoy a FREE guided hike along the scenic Roberts Lake Trail, as Ball Ground’s city manager shares fascinating stories about the area’s natural and historical significance 8:00-9:00am, Roberts Lake Trail, 388 Groover Street, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. DTBallGround.com

26

Retro Movie Series: Raiders of the Lost Ark — Enjoy this popular 80s movie on the big screen for just $5 per person! 7:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CantonGa.gov/ our-city/visit-us/canton-theatre

Cherokee Veterans Community Monthly Meeting — First Thursday of each month. 6:30-8:00pm, First Baptist Church Woodstock (“A” Building/Chapel Building, Room A250), 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock. 678-570-5828. CherokeeVeteransCommunity.org

The G.O.D. Squad (Grandparents On Duty) Second and fourth Thursdays of each month. 10:30am, Hickory Flat United Methodist Church, 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton. 770-345-5969.

26-27 Great Lake Allatoona Cleanup

Presented by the Lake Allatoona Association, GLAC will lead the Allatoona community in environmental stewardship of the watershed through education, preservation, conservation, and volunteerism� For additional details or to register, please visit LakeAllatoonaAssoc.com

27 Roots & Remembrance: A Ball Ground Celebration — Celebrate the City of Ball Ground’s birthday at this familyfriendly event that offers a unique opportunity to explore the area’s rich roots, hear meaningful stories, and deepen your connection to this great city� 12:00-4:00pm, Ball Ground City Connection Park, 288 Gilmer Ferry Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123. DTBallGround.com

27 Sensory Friendly Saturday

Designed for visitors with autism spectrum disorders and sensory sensitivities, museum patrons may explore the galleries with dimmed lighting and quieter audio, and they may also check out a sensory kit from the front desk (or feel free to bring one)� 12:005:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-345-3288. HistoryCherokee.org

27

Harvest Moon Murder Mystery Dinner — Hosted by Habitat for Humanity Cherokee County Women Build, proceeds help build a home in Canton for a veteran and his family Tickets are $70 and include a catered three-course dinner and interactive mystery� 6:30pm doors open, 7:30pm event starts, Suite Six Venue, 147 Reinhardt College Parkway, Unit 6, Canton. Habitat-NCG.org/women-build

27 & 28

Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival — As the Service League’s largest fundraising event of the year, Riverfest is a juried show, featuring original, creative, handmade work by artisans from all over the region� The entry fee is a $7 00 requested donation 10:00am6:00pm Saturday and 10:00am-5:00pm Sunday, Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. Facebook.com/ serviceleague.net; ServiceLeague.net

28

Reinhardt University Wind Ensemble — Reinhardt students and community musicians perform the finest large ensemble and chamber music literature, including world-premiere performances from today’s most innovative and exceptional composers FREE! 3:00pm, Flint Hall at Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Canton. 770-720-9167. TheFalany.com

30

Tuesdays in the Park — Enjoy an evening in the park, vendors, food trucks, games, and a Children’s Entrepreneur Market� 5:00-8:00pm, JJ Biello Park (The Valley Playground), 175 Brooke Boulevard, Woodstock. 770-924-7768. PlayCherokee.org

BINGO for Charity! — Each Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 7:30pm Wednesdays/ Fridays and 3:00pm Sundays, Canton Family Moose Center, 278 Moose Loop Road, Canton. 770-479-8300.

[continued on page 10]

OCTOBER

continued from page 9

30 Hear, Here!

A Cherokee Romantic Tragedy:

The Love Story of Elias Boudinot and Harriett Gold — Wanda Patterson, local historian and charter member of the Georgia Trail of Tears Association, will tell this story and reveal the profound impact of this couple’s interracial marriage on their hometowns� FREE admission� 7:00pm, Cherokee County History Center, 221 East Marietta Street, Canton. 770-3453288. HistoryCherokee.org

30 Canton City Limits — Enjoy this FREE open mic night of poets and songwriters Artists may begin signing up to perform on 9/23� 7:00pm, Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. 770-704-0755. CantonGa.gov/our-city/ visit-us/canton-theatre

ONGOING

Car-B-Que at the Flat Second Sunday of each month. 10:00am2:00pm, Old Country Place, 6764 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton. Facebook.com/ CarBQueAtTheFlat

1 Fresh Start Mornings

This program features entrepreneurship-geared educational discussions and presentations from startups seeking crowd-sourced feedback� 9:00am networking and 9:15am program begins, The Circuit, 1 Innovation Way, Woodstock. 770-345-0600. StartupCherokee.com

2-5

Peaberry Film Festival

Check the website for the schedule of local and international film screenings that connect filmmakers and audiences� Canton Theatre, 171 East Main Street, Canton. PeaberryFest.org

3

Downtown Canton First Friday: Chris Cagle

Bring the whole family for a fun night filled with live entertainment, extended hours for shopping, restaurants, a Kids Zone, a Cruise In, and food and beverage vendors Please bring a chair� 6:009:00pm, Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton. Velinda.Hardy@cantonga. gov; ExploreCantonGa.com; CantonGa.gov

Trivia Night — Thursdays. 7:00-9:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 678-7629950. EtowahMill.com

3-4

University Opera

Public performances feature either individual scenes or fully staged operas FREE! 7:30pm, Flint Hall at Falany Performing Arts Center, 7300 Reinhardt Circle, Canton. 770-720-9167. TheFalany.com

4

Once Upon a Market: A Bookfair for Adults

Explore a curated selection of independent authors, handmade goods, and local artisan vendors Due to certain book content, this event is for adults only 10:00am-6:00pm, The Mill on Etowah, 225 Reformation Parkway, Canton. 770-224-0200. EtowahMill.com

4

Ball Ground Rocks Festival — The streets will be packed The live music will be rocking The food will be ridiculous� And the community? Second to none 12:00-8:00pm, Ball Ground City Park, 177 Old Dawsonville Road, Ball Ground. 770-735-2123.

Adults With Aging Parents Seminar — Third Thursday of each month. 6:30pm, Covenant Presbyterian Church (Kapperman-Williams Hall), 2881 Canton Road, Marietta. CobbCherokee@acapcommunity.org, ACAPCommunity.org/events

Gateways to the Future

By Mayor Bill Grant

The City of Canton is embarking on two transformative gateway projects that will help shape the future of our downtown: the Hickory Flat Highway Gateway and the North Street Gateway Redevelopment Projects�

These initiatives reflect the ongoing collaboration between the City, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Cherokee County, and other partners� More importantly, they align directly with the priorities outlined in our Roadmap for Success, including improving infrastructure for future demands, enhancing historic downtown Canton, advancing regional economic success, creating great neighborhoods, celebrating the diversity of our community, connecting citizens to parks and trails, and others�

These ambitious projects are designed not just for today, but for generations to come�

When I moved my business to Canton in 1996, I immediately noticed the challenges at Exit 16 and Hickory Flat Highway� This corridor is Canton’s primary GPS-directed gateway and often the first impression visitors and prospective businesses receive It’s also the main entrance to Sunnyside, a culturally significant neighborhood rich in history and diversity Despite its importance, the area has long suffered from underinvestment� Since being elected in 2014, I’ve made it a priority to change that�

Hickory Flat Highway Gateway Project

This project centers on replacing the aging bridge over Canton Creek, which is an essential entrance to downtown To support this critical infrastructure upgrade, the DDA acquired the Canton Village Shopping Center in 2023� This strategic move allows us to

realign Marietta Road and build the new bridge while keeping the current one open to maintain traffic flow� We are also adding a pedestrian bridge to ensure safe, walkable access in the area Additional improvements will include new mixed-use developments, expanded retail, housing, and enhanced parks and recreational areas�

North Street Gateway Project

This project will address multiple needs coming into downtown from Exit 19� By purchasing property from the entrance of North Street to the Justice Center, the City and DDA can now shape development thoughtfully Instead of a massive parking deck dominating the landscape, the plan calls for streetlevel retail, a concealed parking structure to serve both the Justice Center expansion and downtown visitors, and new residential and office space above� The concept also includes expanded community green space and a potential boutique hotel These improvements are made possible through the county’s investment in our downtown Tax Allocation District (TAD), which stretches from Hickory Flat Highway through downtown and into adjacent historic neighborhoods�

Funded by TAD and SPLOST, these projects ensure that reinvestment in critical corridors will benefit our current residents and businesses while preserving and enhancing the character of the Coolest Small Town in America

Bill Grant is the mayor of the City of Canton. 110 Academy Street, Canton. 770-704-1500. CantonGa.gov

By Jennifer Paire

For homeschool mom Lindsay Hoang, Mathnasium has provided more than a boost in math skills for her daughters, Amelia and Cora — it has been a source of support, relief, and results she can see.

“I needed reinforcement, and I noticed they were really catching on, and they were understanding the why of what they were doing,” shared Hoang, who introduced the girls to Mathnasium 18 months ago. Amelia is in the fifth grade, and Cora is in the fourth grade.

“I was just blown away by what they were getting,” she said.

“I’ve noticed a huge difference in my ability to

teach them and for them to understand what I am saying.”

Mathnasium of Hickory Flat, a math-only learning center for students in grades K-12, has become a haven for all kinds of learners — from struggling to gifted students — all who need focused, expert, and engaging math support.

The Mathnasium Method™ offers transformation through tailored learning, meeting students where they are with individualized learning plans to fill in any gaps. Owner Karen Connelly, an experienced and passionate math educator, is committed to helping kids develop a love for the subject.

“Early intervention is key,” Connelly explained. “If a student struggles in math, they can develop a mindset that they just aren’t good at it, and that becomes very hard to overcome as they get older.”

MAKING DREAMS A REALITY

Mathnasium’s legacy of success has impacted students of all ages, including Evan Rank — a 2025 graduate of Creekview High School who is determined to earn a spot at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Rank enrolled in Mathnasium’s SAT Math Prep Program in July 2024 with a math score of 480 and quickly experienced gains, improving his score to 590 halfway through the three-month program. After scoring 660 at the end of the course, Rank decided to try Princeton Review’s prep course, knowing he had to achieve a 710 to be considered for the Naval Academy. After completing the program and taking the SAT, Rank’s score went down.

“I knew my score had been improving at Mathnasium, and that I probably should go back — and it worked,” he shared. Rank paid for the additional tutoring personally, and while he admits it was not easy, it was worth it.

“I took the SAT nine times, and my mindset was this is something I really want to do, and I don’t see any other way,” explained Rank, who ultimately achieved a 730, part of an overall score of 1420.

“I couldn’t give up on myself because I didn’t want to look back 20 years from now and think maybe if I had put in a little more effort, I would have been able to chase after these goals I have.”

Rank is part of the Service Academy Program at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama, and anticipates an appointment at the Naval Academy next year.

“I had to sacrifice a lot of time for this, and I give credit to Karen and my tutors, Sophia and Samantha, for sitting down and working with me,” he said. “The funny part is I actually scored higher than my tutors, so I was very excited.”

GOING FOR GOLD

Mathnasium’s team in Hickory Flat is highly skilled at meeting students where they are, including those who are gifted and looking for enrichment.

“It’s been close to three years that we have been with Mathnasium, and it has really been a game changer,” said Preethi Desphande, whose daughter, Krithi Kulkarni, is a fifth grader at Hickory Flat Elementary School. Fascinated with numbers, Kulkarni achieved a perfect score of 715 on her Georgia Milestones test in fourth grade. This year, she will focus on sixth-grade math concepts at the learning center.

“They understand Krithi’s abilities, and they enrich her skills depending on her interests,” Desphande explained.

“Krithi doesn’t want only one single way to solve a problem; she wants to know all the different ways, so in any given situation, she knows the techniques, and that is how she solves problems very quickly.”

Kulkarni decided to put her skills to the test in a new way last year.

“She started in competitions, and to our surprise, it was amazing,” Desphande said. “She was a champion for the Academic Bowl competition at the county level and received commendations from the Cherokee County School Board.”

Kulkarni was also a member of Hickory Flat’s winning math team, taking third place in Cherokee County School District’s Elementary School Math Competition.

“I should really thank Mathnasium for helping her, and we look forward to many more successes for Krithi with their help,” Desphande added.

Kulkarni said she enjoys being challenged, taking quizzes, and winning candy and points as part of the rewards program.

“Mathnasium helps me achieve more than I do at school, and it’s very fun to learn there,” she shared. “Now I have a bigger brain than before. I feel confident going into competitions. I trust my teachers at Mathnasium. I feel very powerful.”

MORE THAN GRADES

Kellee and Tyrone Rouse enrolled their two students in Mathnasium’s online program during the pandemic while they were working on school at home.

“When school went digital, I was concerned they would be neglected,” said Kellee, whose son, Caleb, is a junior at Creekview High School. Her daughter, Chayce, is a freshman. “We are both engineers, and we did not want them to fall behind.”

While Caleb and Chayce did not need tutoring in math, the Rouses found the program helped them stay ahead of the curve, even with an incredibly busy schedule.

“They are soccer players, and from a scheduling standpoint, the digital option has been very beneficial,” said Tyrone. “The flexibility has been awesome because it allowed them to get the work and bring it with them. They do it in the car, on the soccer field; they get it in however they have to.”

The combination of supplemental math and learning to plan ahead for extra instruction has benefited the Rouse teens.

“They both score extremely well on standardized testing and in math class,” said Kellee. “I like for them to see things in advance, so it is not too much in the classroom. Chayce is well prepared for high school and will go right into honors geometry. Caleb has done extremely well, too.”

The Rouses have no plans to let their students rest on their laurels.

“I think they’ve learned to appreciate Mathnasium because they do enjoy success in the classroom, so at the end of the year, when they get their grades, they have that feeling of accomplishment,” shared Tyrone.

For more information or to schedule a free assessment with Mathnasium of Hickory Flat, please give them a call or visit the website.

6768 Hickory Flat Highway, Suite 102 Canton, GA 30115

678-880-7592

Mathnasium.com/HickoryFlat

Canton Ranked 20th Safest Suburb in America

Canton ranked among the top 5% (20th) of the safest suburbs in the United States, according to a study done by SmartAsset, with data compiled from the FBI and County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

The organization looked at “360 places within a 15-to-45-minute drive from the 100 largest U S cities with at least 5,000 residents” that were then “compared across five safety metrics, including reported crime, lethal car accidents, drug overdose deaths, and excessive drinking�”

With a population of a little over 34,000, Canton came in with stats of violent crime per capita: 0 0069, property crime per capita: 0 0141, number of traffic deaths per 100,000 people: 8�3363, number of drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people: 20�4587, and percentage of adults reporting excessive drinking: 18 43%

Learn more about the study at SmartAsset com/data-studies/americas-safest-suburbs-2025

Cherokee County Millage Rates Stay Flat

The millage rates controlled by the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners will remain at the 2024 millage rate levels, with one being slightly reduced�

Following three public hearings, the Board of Commissioners approved a maintenance and operations millage rate of 5 153, a fire millage rate of 2 888, and a parks bond millage rate of 0�260 at its August 5 meeting� District 4 Commissioner Corey Ragsdale made the motion, which was seconded by District 3 Commissioner Benny Carter�

A millage rate is used to calculate property taxes on both residential and commercial property, which is governed by Title 48 in Georgia state law Cherokee County has the third-lowest millage rate in metro Atlanta and does not have a sales tax, such as HOST or LOST, to help reduce property taxes� Cherokee, Cobb, and Gwinnett are the only three counties without such a sales tax County leadership has attempted to implement a HOST for the last two legislative sessions, but the required legislation was not successful under the Gold Dome in Atlanta

Cherokee County also has the lowest expenditure per capita, second-lowest taxes per capita, and the second-lowest debt per capita in the 11-county metro region

The vote also included adopting the Cherokee County School District millage rate that the Board of Education approved in the spring� The Board of Commissioners is required by law to adopt the rates set by the Board of Education for distribution to the Tax Commissioner’s Office

Leadership

Cherokee Nominees Sought for Class of 2026

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2026� Coordinated each year by the Chamber, Leadership Cherokee boasts more than 730 graduates since the program’s inception in 1987

Leadership Cherokee aims to expand the class’s knowledge and appreciation of Cherokee County� “Monthly programs for the Leadership Cherokee Class of 2026 will focus on a variety of topics such as education, justice, infrastructure, public safety, healthcare, government, tourism, social services, and economic development,” announced 2026 Leadership Cherokee Chair and Ball Ground Chief of Police Jamie Gianfala�

The Cherokee County Communications Division has once again been honored nationally for its work in informing the community A short video highlighting preparations for Hurricane Helene earned Best in Category in the Audiovisual – Short Video (under 60 seconds) category, and an article highlighting the 2024 Senior Services’ Senior Prom earned the Excellence designation in the Writing – Featured Article/ Editorial (250-500 words) category during the National Association of County Information Officers 2025 Awards of Excellence�

NACIO announced the winners during the National Association of Counties annual conference (NACo)� NACIO is the professional communicators organization within NACo Its Awards of Excellence program honors the innovative, creative, and outstanding work of county government communicators and state county associations’ communications departments throughout the nation These awards mark the Communications Division’s eighth and ninth NACIO Awards in three years�

Nominations for the prestigious Leadership Cherokee program will be accepted through October 1� Based upon the number of applications submitted, the Chamber will determine the number of candidates to be interviewed� The class will be chosen in November, with the program running from January to September 2026

For more information regarding Leadership Cherokee or to receive a nomination form, please call 770-345-0400 or send an email to Leadership@CherokeeChamber com

Community

Cherokee County School District Announcements

Superintendent Appointed to Statewide Roles

Cherokee County

Superintendent of Schools

Mary Elizabeth Davis was recently appointed by Gov Brian Kemp and sworn in to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS)� TRS has more than 500,000 members and administers retirement benefits for employees of Georgia’s public schools, many employees of the University System of Georgia, and certain other designated employees in educational-related roles�

Superintendent Davis was also selected by Gov Kemp to serve as chair of his superintendent advisory committee, which is made up of superintendents from across the state� Gov� Kemp regularly meets with these leaders to hear their perspectives on public education, legislative matters, and how Georgia can continue to improve student achievement�

Free Home ES Earns National Recognition for PE Programs

For the second consecutive year, Free Home ES has earned national recognition for physical education programs The school is one of only 1,120 schools nationwide to be named to the America’s Healthiest Schools list� Published by Alliance for a Healthier Generation, a national children’s health organization, the list celebrates schools that support the health of students, staff, and families� Schools can be recognized in one or more of nine health-related categories, and Free Home ES was honored in four: Physical Education, Health, Staff Well-Being, and School Wellness Policy

School Nurse, PTA Units Earn Statewide Honors

Teasley MS School Nurse Angie Milko is the Georgia PTA Outstanding Nurse Award middle school winner Milko joined CCSD as a full-time school nurse in 2022 after serving as a substitute nurse for two years�

School PTA units were recognized with various awards, with four earning the state’s top honor of Outstanding Local Unit, which celebrates success in all areas: Mill Creek MS, R M Moore ES STEM Academy, River Ridge HS, and Teasley MS�

Ball Ground ES STEM Academy earned the state-level Hearst Family–School Partnership Award for excellence in effective communications

Eight CCSD schools earned statelevel Model PTA awards: Bascomb ES, Johnston ES, Knox ES STEM Academy, Little River ES, Mill Creek MS, R�M� Moore ES STEM Academy, River Ridge HS, and Teasley MS

Eleven CCSD schools earned state-level Best Idea awards: ACTIVE Academies, Arnold Mill ES, Ball Ground ES STEM Academy, Bascomb ES, Johnston ES, Liberty ES, Little River ES, Mill Creek MS, R M Moore ES STEM Academy, River Ridge HS, and Teasley MS

Cherokee HS Student Wins National Career Skills Award

Senior Bailey German earned a gold medal at the 2025 Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) National Leadership Conference recently held in Orlando� More than 4,300 students competed in over 30 events connected to family and consumer sciences careers� German earned her gold medal in the job interview skills event, showcasing her proficiency in portfolio preparation, job application, and interview communication�

Local University Player Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Reinhardt University Baseball’s Robert Phelps during the 19th round of the Major League Baseball draft� The RU shortstop helped his team become Appalachian Athletic Conference regular-season champions He hit 11 home runs, had a batting average of �350, and earned 47 RBIs�

City of Canton Announces Qualifying Results for Three Council Seats

Terms for seats in Wards 1, 2, and 3 for the Canton City Council will expire on December 31, 2025, thereby requiring a Municipal General Election

Qualifying for these seats was held August 18-20�

Terms and Qualifications for Office

The members of the City Council shall serve for terms of four years and until their respective successors are elected and qualified� No person shall be eligible to serve as mayor or councilmember unless that person shall be a United States citizen 21 years of age or older, who has been a resident of the city for 12 months prior to the date of the election of the mayor and councilmembers and must have been a bona fide resident of the ward which they represent for a period of six months previous to the election to which they are a candidate; each shall continue to reside therein during that member’s period of service and to be registered and qualified to vote in municipal elections of this city�

Qualifying Results for the City of Canton’s 2025 General Municipal Election

• Council Ward 1:

Darrell Rice

• Council Ward 2:

Bryan Roach (incumbent)

Pennie Clopton

• Council Ward 3:

Dwayne Waterman (incumbent)

Todd Smith

The election will be held on November 4, 2025, at Cherokee County election precincts that serve the residents of the city of Canton to fill these positions�

The PEABERRY FILM FESTIVAL Is Back!

The Peaberry Film Festival returns to the historic Canton Theatre for its third consecutive year, running October 2–5� Formerly known as the Etowah Film Festival, Peaberry brings together local, national, and international films to create a cinematic experience where the only thing more compelling than the films themselves are the conversations they spark�

While the full schedule is still being finalized, the festival has already announced several standout programming blocks These include a David Lynch-inspired showcase (complete with coffee and pie), two animation blocks (one family-friendly and one for adults), a selection of Georgia-made Latine films, and the always-popular student film block — which features work from local young filmmakers�

“Since Etowah Film Festival’s first iteration, every year someone has come up to me and said some version of, ‘I didn’t know I wanted to see a movie like that, but I’m so glad I did,’” said festival director Brent LambertZaffino� “That is my favorite thing� Each year, the festival gets bigger, the films get better, but the experience of trying new things in an idyllic theater remains the same�”

Peaberry Film Festival continues to pride itself on accessibility, diversity, and community engagement In an age when audiences can stream nearly any film from home, the festival aims to restore the magic of sharing a theater with strangers, creators, and stories from around the world�

“There’s nothing like seeing a film that challenges and surprises you and then talking to the folks who made it afterward,” Lambert-Zaffino said. “That’s what makes this festival special.”

Tickets are on sale now Day passes are $25, and full weekend passes are $60� This year, all passholders will also receive an illustrated map of downtown Canton, highlighting local landmarks and deals from partnering businesses — encouraging festivalgoers to explore the city between screenings�

Hosted in the heart of downtown at the historic Canton Theatre, a gorgeous place that dates back to 1911 when the theatre was a popular scene for silent movies, the festival offers not just a slate of bold films but also a weekend-long invitation to connect with filmmakers, with neighbors, and with the kind of stories that linger long after the credits roll�

For more information, including schedule updates and ticket purchases, visit PeaberryFest.org.

Book Review

BY SARAH CHILDERS

What you are looking for is in the library

Celebrate Library Card

Sign-Up Month with Sequoyah Regional Library System (SRLS)! Available at no cost to anyone who lives or owns property in Cherokee County, SRLS library cards are your ticket to discovery Check out physical and digital books and audiobooks, experience passes to local attractions, hotspots, Chromebooks, and so much more with an SRLS library card�

This month, anyone who signs up for a library card may choose from one of the newly designed options As green as our trees, as blue as our mountains, and as vibrant as our community, we are excited to introduce our new Community Collection library cards� Visit any SRLS location or log on to SequoyahRegionalLibrary�org to sign up�

the right book for you? In Michiko Aoyama’s novel What you are looking for is in the library, five seemingly unconnected readers experience just that� Librarian Sayuri Komachi seems to have a supernatural ability to recommend exactly the right book for every reader, even the ones they didn’t know they needed With borrowers such as a restless retail assistant who dreams of a higher career path and a new mother who aspires to become a magazine editor, librarian Sayuri Komachi seems to know the exact books to help readers achieve their dreams�

the chapters could be read as individual short stories, they all focus on the power that books and the library have to help us rediscover our passions and joy�

With an emphasis on community and the importance of building positive relationships, readers will find What you are looking for is in the library a heartwarming and engaging read To check out this title and find others like it, explore your local library’s collection of physical, digital, and eAudiobooks, which are available at no cost

Whether you’re looking for your next read or your next hobby, Sequoyah Regional Library System has all the tools to help you succeed� Whatever journey you’re taking this year, SRLS is proud to be your dynamic destination for discovery�

Have you ever felt that librarians have a magical ability to recommend just

Each chapter of What you are looking for is in the library focuses on a different library patron who is at a crossroads in their life While Sarah Childers is the marketing manager for the Sequoyah Regional Library System. ChildersS@seqlib.org. SequoyahRegionalLibrary.org

Get Ready To Rally

It’s

Pickleball Time in Cherokee County

By Lisa-Marie Haygood

[Academic Life] Calling all pickleball enthusiasts: beginners, pros, and everyone in between! The Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Fall Classics Pickleball Tournament, and this year’s event is shaping up to be the most thrilling yet!

Mark your calendars for Monday, October 13, and pull up to the BridgeMill Athletic Club (1190 BridgeMill Avenue, Suite A, Canton)� This action-packed day of round-robin social play raises funds for an amazing cause: supporting the teachers and students of the Cherokee County School District

Here’s What’s in Store:

 High-energy matches with fellow pickleball lovers

 A SWAG bag filled with awesome goodies

 A delicious Chick-fil-A boxed lunch to help you refuel

 All the fun for just $25 per player!

Whether you're in it to win it or just love a good game, this is your chance to break a sweat, connect with the community, and give back — all while having a blast on the court! Spots are limited, so log on to CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation org to register

Also, if golf is more your cup of “tee,” check the website to see if any spots are remaining for that FUNdraising event, and register to compete!

Let’s have a ball during some friendly competition for a fantastic cause – hope to see you there!

Lisa-Marie Haygood is the executive director of the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. 770-704-4213. CherokeeCountyEducationalFoundation.org

Is Your House Ready for the Fall Invasion?

By Joshua Fuder

[Home Life] More than 95% of insects are either harmless or beneficial to humans They perform specialized environmental tasks such as pollination, decomposition of organic matter, prey on other insects, or they act as a food source for the birds we love to watch from the porch However, inside the home, a bug is a bug, and it is a nuisance

As nighttime temperatures begin to drop this month, many insects will gravitate toward our homes in search of shelter Here are some things you can do to reduce the chance that they make it indoors this fall�

Seal the Cracks:

 Check your window and door screens� Replace or repair torn or damaged screens with 20 mesh or finer screen material

 Fill cracks around windows, doors, and fascia boards� Silicon or acrylic latex will work for small cracks For larger openings, fill with a strong material that matches the structure of wood, cement, or mortar�

 Seal all utility openings such as dryer vents, gas meters, outdoor faucets, wires, and entry points for pipes�

 Repair leaky pipes� This will reduce the water available to pests and save you money on your water bill

Keep It Closed:

 Use pest-resistant trash receptacles and airtight storage containers for bird and pet food�

 All outside doors should be self-closing� If this is not possible, consider installing a second screen door�

Pest proofing will reduce almost all incidents, but it is extremely difficult to create a completely bug-free environment� It’s also not necessary In most cases, a vacuum cleaner or broom is the best control option for the occasional pest that makes it into your home�

Joshua Fuder is an agriculture and natural resources agent at the UGA Cooperative Extension Cherokee County. Contact the UGA Extension office for any gardening assistance, 70-721-7830 or CAES.UGA.Edu/extension/cherokee

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