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.