When preparing to take on the responsibilities associated with being a foster parent, it is important to be fully prepared. This might include speaking to others who have served in a similar capacity, reading a book or article about the topic, or discussing the subject with your family about how this new experience might change or alter your daily life. I encourage everyone to … [Read more...]

A wise person told me, “The world is run by those who show up.” I’ve recently seen in action a group of citizens who showed up and are making a difference in their neighborhood.The Highway 92 corridor in southwest Cherokee, between Woodstock Road and I-75, has become an important area for economic development in our county. It started 10 years ago, with an initiative by the … [Read more...]

In a land far, far away (St. Petersburg, Russia) a little girl named Caitlyn was born to alcoholic parents. Placed in an orphanage at age 4 with her brother, they stayed there for five years, until a wonderful Christian couple adopted them.Sadly, Caitlyn’s childhood trauma began to manifest itself in her early teens. Anger, rebellion and self-hatred left her adoptive … [Read more...]

West Cherokee County, north of Lake Allatoona, is largely undeveloped. The county’s land-use plan calls for low-impact development across most of it. The state plans to start widening Highway 20 west of Canton within the next 10 years, but, overall, road plans in that area are only designed to support low-intensity development. I hope that’s realistic. If not, we could face an … [Read more...]

We’ve all had growing awareness of homeless people in Cherokee County, including children and veterans. A statue dedicated in January at Veteran’s Park depicts two homeless veterans. It’s a beautiful yet cold and constant reminder of this problem. At that dedication, I pledged to help in some way. I don’t think we can stand by with vulnerable and better-deserving folks … [Read more...]