As we turn into summer, for many the most awaited time of the year, many seek and try to find what society cherishes the most, Freedom. Freedom is a topic of priority today and has been for millennia. Men and women alike treasure freedom as a treasure in their lives. We celebrate the 4th of July as a token of freedom for all as a nation, and yet many do not realize that being free is but a mirage. The human soul hopes to find freedom from what causes us deep anguish in our life. In essence, we seek freedom...
The Simplicity of Cycling
Sometimes what we initially resist, can unexpectedly transform into something we will cherish the rest of our lives. Such is the case with my recent trip to Japan where my son suggested as a destination to celebrate his upcoming high school graduation. “Just roll with it,” I told myself. Upon the completion of the trip, I was amazed by the discipline of the Japanese culture on multiple aspects such as cleanliness, respect for each other, simplicity, punctuality, organized public transportation, and of course the use of the bicycle. From bustling city streets to serene countryside paths, bicycles hold a special...
Poor Posture or Scoliosis?
While poor posture, caused by tech neck or heavy backpacks, may not directly lead to a scoliosis diagnosis, being proactive about your child’s spine health is important to avoid fatigue and muscle pain. “When we walk, our head and neck should be centered over our hips. With poor posture comes less efficient movement, meaning fatigue may set in earlier,” said Medical Director of Children’s Scoliosis and Spine Program Dr. Dennis Devito. “If you walk or sit bent over, not only are you more likely to tire sooner, but you may develop muscle pain as well.” Flexibility and core strength are...
Miracles Still Happen
Brandi Benson decided to put her college education on hold to join the United States Army in 2008. After months of basic and advanced training stateside, she was deployed to the ongoing war in Iraq in December. She was placed close to the front lines, where constant explosions and hostile activities were ongoing. She was aware and understood she had been deployed to a war zone, but she didn’t know that she was about to engage in a war from within her own body. During a day of fitness exercising, Brandi noticed a bump in her upper thigh, which had...
Impacting Youth Today For a Greater Future
Henry County’s own Boys & Girls Club location has been helping young people for nearly three years, and one in particular has been singled out as a prime example of how teens can benefit from the facility’s numerous programs. The Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club recently hosted its Youth of the Year celebration gala and announced that Kaci Chandler has been named the club’s Youth of the Year. The 17-year-old is a junior at McDonough High School, where she was named to this year’s homecoming court. “Kaci has been an extraordinary leader in her club,” said Christin Jackson, a...
Pathway to Success
Students at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy are taking advantage of a groundbreaking program to overcome their individual learning challenges and find success in high school, college, and beyond. The Arrowsmith program was created in the 1970s but was installed at ELCA in 2011. It serves students in grades 3-9 (eight students are in the program now). Arrowsmith is only offered in 25 states, and ELCA is the only school in Georgia offering it. The three-year program addresses specific learning difficulties by identifying and strengthening cognitive capacities. It helps students with ADHD, dyslexia, auditory processing, and other types of learning disabilities....
You Are Not Alone
Haven House has been a vital resource in Henry County for nearly four decades, and it is as busy as ever. It was founded to help women going through domestic violence situations who needed support when going to court. A shelter was opened in 1999 as the organization recognized the need for more services, which now include case management, counseling services, support groups and legal assistance. “We don’t just accompany victims to court,” said Haven House director Katie Tucker, who has been with the agency for 17 years. “We help with the whole temporary protective order process.” Just off the...
Recipe: Key Lime Cake
I started working on this simple recipe after visiting St. Simons Island and having a lime cupcake from a local dessert shop. It is so simple to throw together and always a crowd favorite in the spring and summer at cookouts, although I think my favorite way to enjoy a slice is with a fresh cup of coffee in the morning. I hope you enjoy it as well and share it with all your friends and family! Key Lime Cake Ingredients: 1 box of Duncan Hines lemon cake mix 3 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup lime juice 1/2...
It Takes an Army of Angels
“No man, woman or child should go without basic human needs. It takes an Army of Angels to meet the greater need,” says Rhonda Miller. Born in Alabama, raised by a single mother, in a house with seven siblings, Miller experienced all too well the pangs of hunger. One of her most impactful childhood memories was when local high school students came to her house to deliver “bag after bag of groceries” right before Thanksgiving. Miller was 10, but she understood that the community had come together to help them. This event, years later, would inspire Miller to open a...
A Life in Color
Since the age of five, Bernard Gore of Hampton has daydreamed vivid images in vibrant color. Captivated by the countless possibilities for creativity in his elementary art class, Gore eagerly picked up a pencil and paper and began bringing to life the images and stories in his mind. “I’ve always been a daydreamer,” said Gore. “When I went into art class and I saw all the compositions on the boards – purple, red, blue, green, yellow, white – I was blown away.” As a child, he did not mind when the weather was bad, as he could stay inside and...