Business briefs

Home business can bring benefits

* A Chatsworth designer says a home-based business might be a good gift to yourself this holiday season.

“We all want to be able to provide a fulfilling holiday experience for our children, relatives and friends. But in today’s economy it will be difficult for some people to set aside the same amount of money as in years past,” said Julie Feltman, a Chatsworth resident and designer for Marshall, Texas-based Celebrating Home. “I’m glad to say that the direct selling industry has been a life saver for many, including me. I am able to contribute to my household income and make money for the holidays, without having to sacrifice my personal responsibilities and time with my family.”

Celebrating Home (www.celebratinghome.com) “was founded on Christian principles with the purpose of helping people take control of their lives, both spiritually and financially,” according to a press release from the company. The program uses home-related entertainment and decorating products designed to be “affordable.”

The company says individuals can earn up to $25 per hour or more by running their own home-based business. For more information, contact Feltman at (706) 618-8788 or visit the Web site.

Physicians use robot for surgeries

* The latest state-of-the-art, noninvasive surgical machine, the da Vinci robot, is now stationed and being used at Hamilton Medical Center. North Georgia Women’s Center doctors Anthony Harbin and Wesley Stuckey are certified to use the da Vinci robot. 

Harbin performed Hamilton Medical Center’s first robotic surgery procedure. Da Vinci robotic technology enables Harbin and Stuckey to combine their surgical skills with the unprecedented precision of robotic assistance to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures.

“For complex hysterectomies and other gynecological procedures, robot-assisted surgery significantly decreases the recovery time and allows a faster return to normal activities while providing excellent clinical outcomes,” said Harbin. “It allows physicians greater range of motion and the ability to operate with increased precision and versatility. It also offers better visualization of the surgical area than traditional open or laparoscopic surgery due to magnification and improved depth perception.”

The small incisions made from the robotic-assisted surgery allow women the benefits of minimal blood loss, shorter hospitalization, reduced pain, faster recovery time, minimal scarring and reduced risk of infection.

“Traditional open gynecologic surgery usually means significant pain, a longer recovery process and threat to surrounding organs and nerves,” said Stuckey. “Da Vinci robotic technology rids us of these traditional results and risks.”

“This technology does not replace a surgeon’s skills,” Stuckey said. “It improves what we do and allows us to stay at the forefront of the medical field.”

— Submitted by North Georgia Women’s Center

House of Beauty hires masseuse

* The House of Beauty at 1500 Dug Gap Road in Dalton is introducing a full-time licensed massage therapist, Contessa Long. Call (706) 278-3222 or (706) 218-6658. 

Resale shop to open a flea market

* Rita’s Corner Shoppes, described by its owner as “an upscale resale shop,” is opening a flea market at 109 N. Glenwood Ave. Shop hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; flea market hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. To rent a booth or learn more, call Rita at (706) 264-1291.

Dalton Falls offers expanded laser tag

* Outdoor laser tag is offered at Dalton Falls Golf and Laser Tag in an expanded Old West town, the owners say. Thirty minutes of laser tag is $6 a person or you can get 60 minutes for $10. Call (706) 272-3574 for group or birthday party information.

Chamber to hold mixer today

Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce news:

* There will be a grand opening and member mixer today from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 879 College Drive. The event is free. 

* The chamber has Chamber Checks — local gift certificates — available that local retailers, restaurants and service providers can accept as forms of payment. Chamber Checks may be purchased at the chamber office and $10, $25 and $50 amounts are available. Call (706) 278-7373 to learn more.