Enjoy Cherokee Voices

Get to know the woman behind the networking! Lisa-Marie spends her days in the community, shaking hands and making connections to keep the Cherokee County education system at the top of its game. Today you'll learn about her fight to keep her husband alive, the time she ran for public office, and her love for black tea. You'll also find out how much impact The Cherokee County Educational Foundation has on our amazing community. Get your tickets to the Gala today!  

David Vaughn is one of our community's most prominent photographers. In an earlier podcast, David took us on a journey through Cuba and Alaska. Today David shares his recent travel to photograph the “Big Five” African beasts—gorillas, elephants, hippos, lions, and leopards. You can find his photographs at www.davidvaughn.com. Enjoy learning about Africa and coming an arm's length away from a silverback gorilla.

Lani was a simple woman. No plans for marriage or a family—maybe a dog or two. But her heart took a turn and now she has a family of seven children, a menagerie of pets (including a fish), and a loving husband to boot! Michelle Meek helps bring light to November as the month we spread Adoption Awareness. Hang on...it's a good ride! www.cherokeechildrenshaven.org 

Meet one of Canton's city council members, Shawn Tolan. Shawn shares stories of how his childhood includes eight brothers and a mother who left the family and became a nun. He also tells us what it's like to have low vision. You'll also catch the scoop on what's happening with some new housing options in Canton. It's a packed episode!

Lu Diaz is a multi-platinum, grammy award-winning music producer, executive producer, and talented mix engineer. Born in Santiago, Chile, at the age of 8 his family moved to the United States and made Miami their new home. His music career began as a drummer with a few local bands, but he quickly gravitated to the music business and works with artists around the world including The Rolling Stones, Baha-Men, P Diddy, 50 Cent, Lil Jon, Beyoncé, Toni Braxton, Mary J Blige and the list goes on. He started his first record label at the age of eighteen and has never looked back. Lu and his wife live in Cherokee County.

Sarah Kendall grew up with a little red suitcase with the phrase “Goin' to Grandma's” boldly displayed on the front. Sarah and Grandma Ruth were a great pair. Listen to what life was like with Grandma Ruth after Alzheimer's disease became a part of their lives. If you wish to donate to help eradicate Alzheimer's, visit Sarah Kendall: The Girls in Purple and support their journey at The Walk to End Alzheimer's.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to come home and see your home engulfed in flames—listen in. Kathleen Schmidt explains the horrifying experience and how it has changed her life. Lisa Grisham, Cherokee County's own fire safety educator, shares important information as to how everyone is susceptible and what we need to do to prepare for this very real possibility in our lives. 

Do you have two ways out of your bedroom in case of a fire emergency? Who is the founder of Family Tradition Restaurant? Our fire chief sold gocarts and started out as a volunteer firefighter. Looking for a career as a firefighter? You'll be surprised by what the force offers as an entry-level position. FIRE SAFETY MONTH is OCTOBER! Where is your fire ladder? TAILGATE with a Firefighter on Saturday, October 8, 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. See you then at the Mill on Etowah!

If you want to know what makes our superintendent of schools tick—you're going to find it here! Dr. Hightower brings perspective to his leadership by sharing his upbringing. Learn where our award-winning school system came from and where it's going.

"How can you father if you've never been fathered?" Anthony Hall is a talented artist, father, husband, friend, mentor, and man of Christ. Listen in as Anthony details his early years growing up fatherless in the projects of Memphis, even attending the same school as Michael Oher, the subject of the captivating film The Blind Side. Learn how Anthony overcame those odds and more to become a mentor at Goshen Valley. This is a conversation you will not soon forget. 

Cherokee County can now boast a professional hockey player as one of its notable sports figures. Woodstock High School graduate Zach Yoder signed with the Atlanta Gladiators, a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Duluth. Listen in as Zack tells of his childhood shenanigans that helped him become a pro on the ice.

On June 16, 2021, Holly Springs Officer Joe Burson met Jesus. Cherokee County, the State of Georgia, and beyond all mourned the loss of this young man. As a community, we showered prayers and gifts upon his bride and family to show our support. However, many of us never knew Joe Burson personally. Today that changes. Listen in as Joe's wife, Mary-Kate, shares her love story with all of us. You are a part of their story—now they are a part of yours.

Rennie Curran is an award-winning former professional athlete, Georgia Bulldog linebacker, and father who transitioned into a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Taking what he learned about adversity on and off the field, Rennie teaches individuals, teams, and organizations how to create a successful brand through leadership, teamwork, and personal development.

If you're hoping to hear about political stances, candidate platforms, or nitty-gritty policy patrolling—this is not the podcast for you. This interview takes you on a journey to get to know Charlice as the gal next door. She's a teacher at heart, lived in Hong Kong, and may have even dated a Hollywood icon—no joke! 

The Goshen Valley Boys Ranch began with John Blend—a New York native with one foot solidly in the path of Christ and the other foot with a lust for wandering the world. John's life took him on a journey of meeting a menagerie of amazing people from a spectrum of cultures, religions, and social backgrounds. A career in engineering helped position John and his family on a path to establish an award-winning place for struggling youth to beat the odds and cultivate a better future. This is the story of Goshen Valley. 

About fifteen percent of the population in Cherokee County are veterans and more than 350 of these vets suffer from PTSD. Some of these heroes end up homeless. There is hope and help available. Jim Lindenmayer is a veteran with a passion to help these fellow vets get back up on their feet. With his leadership, we can all make a difference. 

October is National Fire Safety Month. On New Year's Eve, 2006, Tracy and Duffy Hoopingarner invited a small family over to their newly remodeled home to quietly ring in the new year. After the guests left and every candle was blown out, Tracy was mysteriously awakened to find the house engulfed with flames. This is her story.  www.CherokeeCountyFire.org

Chris Purvis, Lead Ranger for the Army Corps of Engineers on Allatoona Lake, explains that Cherokee County is home to the third busiest corps lake in the nation. This beautiful destination hosts more than 9 million visitors annually, shares 270 miles of shoreline with Bartow and Cobb counties, and boasts more than 600 campsites. Linda Hartsfield, Chair of the Lake Allatoona Association, leads our community in cleanup, fundraising, and event efforts throughout the year. Learn why the lake drains in the winter, why the dam was built, and what is really at the bottom of the lake.

The Rotary Club of Canton held a heart-clenching ceremony on Friday, September 10, in Rotary Park. Citizens and dignitaries gathered from all corners of Cherokee County to remember the heroes and horrors of the day our lives changed forever. The keynote speaker took our breath away. Sergeant Major Dan McNeal presented a touching message that every citizen of this great country should hear. He agreed to share that message through this podcast. His words will help many of us never forget. 

Dan's grandmother passed with Alzheimer's and Chris' mother is currently living with Alzheimer's. This conversation walks us through their experiences in dealing with this cruel disease. Dan is the coordinator for the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Cherokee County which will be held at Etowah Park in Canton on October 23. The fundraising goal for this event is $57,000 for 2021 and we're almost there!! 

Photography has taken our neighbor, David Vaughn, around the world. He sat with authentic cigar-smoking women in Cuba, danced with the northern lights in Alaska, walked among the townspeople in India, and came face-to-face with a grizzly bear for the most rewarding picture in his collection. But his home is right here on Lake Allatoona where he finds unmistakable beauty in our local wildlife. Listen to his stories of adventure and see his photos on SuperDavesPhotos.com. 

If you've ever wondered what a day in the life of a coroner might be like, this is your chance. Learn why we elect a coroner and what it's like to be a public servant in this important role. You'll hear some unusual stories, learn why it takes time to obtain a death certificate—and believe it or not—you'll hear how Sally saves lives as an investigative coroner.

Not all childhoods are created equal. Joshua Dean grew up helping his mother and stepfather sell encyclopedias to make ends meet. Addiction plagued the family, often leaving young Joshua to serve as the parent to his younger brother and mother. Through all of this, Joshua pulled through with the help of government cheese, athletic scholarships, and a village of families. Now, at the age of forty-one, he holds a bachelors degree in early childhood education, a masters degree in theology, a loving wife, three healthy children, a successful career, and endless love and respect for all of the families that raised him — including his loving, strong, and beautiful mother. Truly an inspiration for all. 

What a JOY to spend time with Sue Hansard! This woman is filled with captivating stories of growing up in Cherokee County without electricity or running water. You'll learn about her adventures on a self-sustaining family farm, life during a time of social unrest, and even score some southern cooking secrets. You can buy her book by ordering via email at suenhansard@gmail.com. 

Turtle Man! A seven-year-old Cherokee County boy has created a comic book in which Turtle Man saves the world's sea turtles—one soul at a time. You can buy this comic book through his non-profit organization for only $5. All proceeds go to saving his favorite animal. Meet Graham Johns!

“Childbirth and parenting should come with an owner's manual,” said every parent on the planet. A doula can help you with that dream! Rachael Hutchins is a certified doula and childbirth educator. She has helped about fifty babies enter the world in a more comfortable and empowering way for the mama, the baby, and the entire family. This episode will help you determine if a doula is the secret to a more fulfilling birthing experience.

Diane Keen shares her journey of adopting a son from Romania shortly after Communism fell in the early 1990s. She takes us into the orphanage where she and her husband first met Haden, through their struggles in understanding what the child had endured, daily life in the Keen household, and the eventual diagnosis of autism for their son. She also shares her research, accomplishments, and plans for creating more supportive employment and affordable housing opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Plus, you'll find out where to get a cup of Coffee With A Purpose. Enjoy!

Not all tequilas are created equal. One sip of CaliFino will change the way you connect with the sweet nectar of the agave plant. Jose Luna brings his father's secret recipe to the United States and settles into Canton, Georgia. This was not an easy task, as spirits were not distributed in Cherokee County until Agave Fino Distributors brought CaliFino to town. 

Michael Caldwell is a family man, successful entrepreneur, business owner, and Woodstock's former, four-term member of the Georgia House of Representatives. He and his young family live in DTWN WDSTK and he relishes his walk to work each morning. Michael has a passion to continue to uphold Woodstock as one of the best cities in America to live, work, and play. Enjoy the interview!

Meet Charles Zanger—Woodstock resident and candidate for the upcoming mayoral election. Through this powerful interview, you'll get to know Charles as a local business owner, political outsider, and primarily a family man. Even if you know Charles, you're going to want to listen closely to this conversation as there are some mic-dropping moments. Enjoy!

Kevin Williams has been an entrepreneur since the day he took over his brother's lawn mowing gig. Today we know Kevin as the Chick-fil-A franchisee with three successful stores in Canton. Although his journey to success is just beginning, we take a walk down memory lane as he tells about his early business successes and learning experiences. Did you know he once was a KISS impersonator?  

Kayla Turner and her husband dreamed of a big family from the start. After being blessed with two biological children, they decided to open their hearts and homes to sets of children needing stability, love, and patience. Learn what life is like inside of a foster home.

Ryan Roth tells of his adventures on the White Nile River in Africa and the wicked emergency rescue he took part in on the Colorado River in the depths of the Grand Canyon. As the owner of Nomadic Flow Outfitters in Canton, Ryan also makes the Etowah River easily accessible for our community. Learn how a group of your friends and family can spend an afternoon floating through Cherokee County. It's fun! It's hassle-free! And, it's in our backyard!!

NOTE:  Listen to PART 1 before listening to this episode. Meet Mayor Donnie Henriques! Learn what it was like for Donnie to grow up in New Orleans, fight in the Vietnam War, drive through downtown WDSTK in the 1990s, and decide to spend two decades dedicating his time to bettering our community. Today Woodstock ranks among the best cities in our nation. Don't miss this episode!

Meet Mayor Donnie Henriques! Learn what it was like for Donnie to grow up in New Orleans, fight in the Vietnam War, drive through downtown WDSTK in the 1990s, and decide to spend two decades dedicating his time to bettering our community. Today Woodstock ranks among the best cities in our nation. Don't miss this episode!