January 2011 Issue by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011 Volume 16, Issue 9

64 50 & 51

On the Cover

Park View Montessori School will hold an open house on January 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cover photo by Kim Bates.

Featured Articles

14 31

AroundAbout — TowneLaker is printed using soy-based inks and paper stocks that are at least 25% recycled. Our printer also recycles all paper and ink waste.

Readers’ Choice A greener way to vote for your favorite local businesses!

Complete Health & Wellbeing for 2011

How do you define health?

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Local woman shares personal story

64 72

High School Basketball

Highlights from Etowah and Woodstock High Schools.

2010: A Year in Pictures A look back at the memories we made.

Keep up-to-date with our community! www.townelaker.com Follow us on Patty Ponder is the General Sales Manager for AroundAbout — TowneLaker. She can be reached at (770) 615-3322 or patty@townelaker.com. 2

Join the TowneLaker fan page www.facebook.com/ aroundabouttownelaker

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www.twitter.com/townelaker

January 2011

40 Broken Boy

Community

— Kara Kiefer

Who’s on Second? — David Hecklemoser

42 The Art of Listening and Good Communication with Dental Patients

— Dr. Scott Harden

8 16 How Much Retirement Income Will You Really Need? — Don Akridge

17 Don’t Forget the Ducts! — Dan Jape

20 Education in America — Chip Rogers

23 Traffic Laws and Courteous Driving — Part 1 — Sgt. William Rownd

New Drivers and Their License

44 Heartbeats

Faith

— Dee Locklin

46 How Birds Survive Winter — Scott Lemmon

48 Separating Fact from Fiction — Dr. Osbourne D’Souza

74 Starting Over or Continuing On — Doug Thrasher

76 Marriage Moments — Rev. Bill Ratliff

52 Asthma — Dr. Amy Hardin

54 What’s Bugging You this Winter? — Paul Pugliese

55 Cervical Cancer Survivor — Susan Cannizzaro

— Doug Rohan

Lifestyle

22 Schools & Sports

In Every Issue Around Towne. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

28 Emergency Surgery for a Marriage

Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Product Recalls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

— Dr. Mike Litrel

Community Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . 26

30 Short Sale

Everyday Angels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

— Kurt Johnson

TLBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Will Jobs Come Back?

— Tim Grady

Church Listings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

34 Organizing for Holidays 2011 — Shelley Herod

36 Moms and Kids — Colin Morris

Taboo No More — Becky Smith

38 Growing Pains — Dr. Ross Brakeville JAnuary 2011

School Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

60 You Can Make a Difference — E.T. Booth Students

63 The Off Season — Mark Billson

70 Daylight Savings Crisis — Susan Cannizzaro

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Local Clubs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Community Numbers . . . . . . . . . . 84 Elected Officials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Classifieds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Real Deals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Community Coupons. . . . . . . . . . . 93 Advertisers Directory. . . . . . . . . . . 94 3

Community Kara is the Editor of AroundAbout — Townelaker magazine. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and their two sons Brandon and Garrett. Feel free to send your comments or questions to editor@townelaker.com.

Around Towne The People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake by Kara Kiefer Every year, we have included “The Letter” with our Christmas cards. You either love those types of letters or hate them. I’ve always strived to make mine humorous, not too much of a brag-fest, and to the point. I would spend hours writing and rewriting the perfect letter. Once a year, our distant friends and relatives would receive an update on our family, but now there’s Facebook! The people who would hear from us once a year now are part of our online friend world, and thanks to daily status updates, The Letter has become obsolete! To receive daily digital updates from friends beats any once-a-year letter! And because I always enjoy getting a card in the mail as opposed to a digital one, I will always send a holiday card … just minus The Letter!

What’s New?

Dee Dee Lutz formerly from Hair Quarters recently relocated to Wild Orchid Salon, located at 2340 Towne Lake Parkway. For more information, call Dee Dee at (770) 924-9815, or book online with her at www.TheWildOrchidSalon.com.

Who’s Celebrating? Bar-B-Cutie is celebrating its second anniversary this month. See page 87 to see how Bar-B-Cutie is celebrating by giving YOU a gift.

What’s Coming? Maximum Nutrition will open January 3 in the spot formerly occupied by the Picture Framer, 1025 Creek Drive, Suite 680. A grand opening is scheduled for January 8. For more information, call (678) 324-6245. Pizza Pilot will be re-opening. The pizzeria is located adjacent to WOW Fitness, in the former spot of Rocky’s Pizza and Hot Dogs. As of press time, an email and voicemail to the owner had not been returned regarding opening date or other information.

Calling All Writers! Do you have a secret passion and talent for writing? Do you have a particular area of interest that you enjoy writing about, but haven’t found the right vehicle to showcase your talent? The answer could be right here, at AroundAbout-TowneLaker! You read us. You know what you enjoy reading, and we’re looking for readers who also want to be lifestyle contributing writers. Possible themes include parents of tweens or teens, humor, cooking tips/recipes, inspirational, shopping/deal experts, etc. If this speaks to you, speak to us. E-mail editor@townelaker.com with your idea and a sample article.

2011 Tournament of Roses Contest If you know a couple or if you’ve been married a long, long time, you could be the winner of the 15th annual Tournament of Roses Contest! Winners will be featured in the February issue of Around About — TowneLaker. If you or someone you know is a contender in the Tournament of Roses Contest, send us your nomination, including the names of the couple and their wedding date, including year. Please include your name, address and phone number, as well as a phone number for the couple you are nominating. Nominations may be submitted by e-mail to editor@townelaker.com, faxed to (770) 516-4809 or mailed to AroundAbout — TowneLaker, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189. 2010 Winners: Revalee & Lonnie Ayers

The deadline for nominations is Monday, January 10.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

www.townelaker.com Keeping you plugged into the latest online happenings by James Ball This month, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about a new feature on our website. Consider this an open invitation to use it as well! The Community Calendar feature on our website has been populated previously by the staff here at AroundAbout — TowneLaker ... until today! Now, we’d like to invite you to add YOUR events to our Community Calendar! We encourage you to help keep your community informed about your events!

Publisher AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc. Owners Karen and Jon Flaig Sales Manager Patty Ponder

patty@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3322

Executive Editor Kara Kiefer

editor@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3309

Advertising Director Leslie Proctor

admanager@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3304

Events such as:

Art Director Michelle McCulloch

Concerts l Charitable Fundraisers l Family Fun Days l Fall Festivals l Parades l

art@townelaker.com, (770) 615-3307

Digital Marketing Director James Ball

james@aroundaboutmagazines.com, (770) 615-3310

You get the idea! For us, there’s nothing worse than hearing about an incredible event that we’ve missed because we didn’t hear about it beforehand. To submit your event, simply click on the banner on the top of our website that looks like this:

Video Correspondent Brandon Schultze Community Board Sen. Chip Rogers, Colin Morris, Debi Radcliff, Bill Ratliff, Doug Thrasher AroundAbout — TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It is distributed free to approximately 12,500 homes by mail to all Towne Lakers. An additional 2,200 are placed in racks around the community. AroundAbout — TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th of the previous month.

You’ll be taken to a simple form when you click on the image. Fill in the form with the name, date and details of your event - we’ll handle the rest. To keep our entries within the spirit of our online presence, they are subject to editorial control as well as editing for space purposes.

Subscriptions are available for $24 per year. Send check or money order to the address below. The viewpoints of the advertisers, columnists and submissions are not necessarily those of the Editor/Publisher and the Publisher makes no claims as to the validity of any charitable organizations mentioned. AroundAbout — TowneLaker is not responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the Publisher. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2010.

Keep up-to-date with our community! Join the TowneLaker fan page www.facebook.com/ aroundabouttownelaker 6

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AroundAbout — TowneLaker 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Ste. 340, Woodstock, GA 30189 Website: www.townelaker.com Franchise Opportunities Available: www.AroundAboutMagazines.com

Volume 16, Issue 9

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Local News Scholarship Pageant Slated for January The Miss Cherokee Rose and Miss Cherokee Rose Outstanding Teen scholarship pageant will be held January 29 at Woodstock High School. The Miss Cherokee Rose pageant is open to young ladies, age 18-24, from Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Dawson, Fannin, Floyd, Fulton, Gilmer, Gordon, Paulding and Pickens counties. The Miss Cherokee Rose Outstanding Teen pageant is open to young ladies age 13-17 from all over the state of Georgia. The Miss Left to right: 2010 Miss Cherokee Rose Michaela Cherokee Rose Scholarship Lackey and Miss Cherokee Rose Program is a nonprofit Outstanding Teen Brooke Doss. organization that depends on community involvement and support. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and donations are accepted for awards and gifts. For more information, contact Robin White at robinwhite@windstream.net or (404) 861-8976 or Cyndi Brooks at (770) 653-4165.

iCOR Seeking Sponsorship of Children iCOR, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children in need across the globe, is looking for sponsors for 32 children, ages 2 – 7, in El Salvador and 100 children including orphans, ages 3 – 16, in Congo, Africa. Sponsors can choose the child’s gender, and will receive a photo of the child and a quarterly status report. Monthly cost is $35. For more information, e-mail Karen DeSoto at sponsorship@icor-orphans.org.

Molly Maid Helps Victims of Violence Molly Maid of Cherokee County, Kennesaw and Acworth, their customers and the Ms. Molly Foundation recently donated more

than $700 and 2,100 personal care and non-perishable food items to the Cherokee Family Violence Center. The money and items were collected during the company’s fourth annual Making a Difference drive during October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. “We are so grateful to all our customers and friends who helped us raise these funds and collect these needed goods for the Cherokee Family Violence Center,” says Greg Flegle, owner of Molly Maid of Cherokee County, Kennesaw and Acworth. “We know domestic violence is a persistent problem that often goes unnoticed and we are thankful to our community for helping us get out the message that these victims of abuse need our help.”

Therapy Horse Volunteers Needed Horse Talk, a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Center in Woodstock needs adult and teen (age14 and up) volunteers to lead trained therapeutic horses or walk alongside special needs children in hippotherapy. Horse experience preferred, but training will be provided. School approved community service hours available. Flexible week-day shifts available along with a covered arena and heated lounge. For more information, e-mail greenacresonline@bellsouth.net.

Local Chiropractor Helps Papa’s Pantry Towne Lake Family Chiropractic recently held a food drive to benefit Papa’s Pantry. Patients brought nonperishable food items to the office and received complimentary services. The clinic has held numerous charitable events, benefitting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, M.U.S.T. Ministries, the Hope Center and U.S. Veterans. Dr. Kirk Pusey with food items donated by generous patients.

Woodstock Rolls Out Downtown Dollars Main Street Woodstock, Inc., is introducing a Downtown Dollars gift certificate program, which was begun to keep funds flowing through the cash registers of downtown Woodstock. The gift certificates are available at Dean’s Store at 8588 Main Street. The certificates, redeemable at any participating store, have no expiration date. For more information, please call (770) 9240406 or e-mail Kyle Bennett at kbennett@oldetownewoodstock. com. 8

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Local News Discover Chiropractic Holds Successful Food Drive Staff members at Discover Chiropractic in Towne Lake paired their annual food drive for Shiloh United Methodist’s food bank with “Discover Chiropractic Annual Souper Day.” Patients were treated to homemade soups and chili while waiting for their treatment. If patients brought items for the food drive, they didn’t have to pay any out of pocket expenses for treatments. “We all had such a great time raising canned goods for the less fortunate in our community. All our patients really came together to make a difference during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season” said office manager Tracie Blankstein. “We look forward to next year being even bigger than ever, and thank you to all our patients who donated to this special mission,” said Dr. Jared Lesseigne.

Cherokee FOCUS Recognized Cherokee FOCUS participants and partner employers recently were recognized at the Atlanta Regional Commission Luncheon. Ashley Ballenger and Arletys Gonzalez, accompanied by Stacy Cooper, were acknowledged for their successes through Cherokee Youth Works, a program of Cherokee FOCUS. Kirsten Mazur of Reinhardt University and Kevin Williams of Chick-fil-A were commended for their continued partnership and support of the program.

Left to right: Ashley Ballenger, Arletys Gonzalez, Kevin Williams, Stacy Cooper and Kirsten Mazur.

Contest Corner

Girls Can Have a Fairy Tale Ending Local real estate agent Lindsey Haas has created Fairy Tale Endings, a non-profit organization that provides girls with dresses and accessories for formal dances. The organization has partnered with Donatemydress.org to coordinate a Donate My Dress Drive January 24 – 29. Accessories such as formal shoes, makeup, jewelry and perfume samples are requested, as well as donated services for hair styling, manicures and tanning. Donations can be dropped off at Body Plex, 8811 Highway 92, The Shake Place, 5947 Holly Springs Parkway, and Remax Town & Country, 3760 Sixes Road, Canton. For more information, e-mail fairytalesgeorgia@gmail.com.

Banking, only better! 10

Congratulations to Shelli Cossel (left) for being the first to find our hidden picture on page 33 of the December issue. Congratulations also to Missy Hugenberg (daughters Elizabeth and Rachel are pictured right) for being the first to spot the phrase “Evaluation is the key” it was on page 85. Missy won a gift certificate to the Corner Bistro and Shelli won a gift certificate to Bar-B-Cutie.

Which advertisement includes the phrase “2 Year Anniversary Bash.”

Find the hidden picture:

If you know the answer to the trivia contest or find the hidden picture, be the first to call (770) 615-3325 or e-mail editor@townelaker.com. Contest rules: A player is eligible to win once every 12 months.

LGE

770-424-0060  www.LGEccu.org

Community Credit Union

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Happy Birthday! Wedding, Birthday and Anniversary Announcements are Free! E-mail to: editor@townelaker.com • February deadline is January 10.

Barrett Teasdale

Olivia Lynne Philpot

Jacob Boaz

Emma Carruth

Age 4 on January 9 Son of Blair & Tim Teasdale Brother of Kyle, Amanda and Gunnar

Age 3 on January 22 Daughter of Abbey & Josh Philpot We love you Princie!!

Age 2 on December 26 Son of Suzanne & Wade Boaz Big Brother of Brooke Grandson of Kay Ezelle We Love you Sweetheart

Age 7 on January 25 Daughter of Danielle & Lance Carruth Jack’s little sister

Age 8 on November 23 Son of Tricia & Ray Ranson Brother of Brooke

Jesse Mullins

Danielle Hampton

Jacob Duka

Nicholas Butler

Jonathan Butler

Age 16 on December 31 Son of Shannon & Clay Mullins Brother of Cameron & Billy

Age 11 on December 29 Daughter of Elaine & James Hampton Sister of Jessica Shiver,Darius Hampton,Marquise Hampton, and Jordan Hampton

Age 10 on December 16 Son of Dana & Mike Duka Grandson of Arlene & Rene Teijeiro

Celebrating on January 1 Son of Daisy & Steve Butler Brother of Jonathan

Celebrated on December 11 Son of Daisy & Steve Butler Brother of Nicholas

Katie Reed Age 10 on January 12

Megan Reed

Age 5 on January 20 We love you! Mom & Dad

Davis Chandler Ranson

Wedding Bells

Stork Watch

Sarah Carver and Adam Strzemienski

Born on Sepember 5 at 4 a.m. 7lbs., 8 oz. Daughter of Suzanne & Wade Boaz Sister to Jacob

“MNM” (aka Maria Meyer) Happy 11th Birthday! All Our Love, Mom, Dada & Tucker

Brooke Kaelyn Lottie Boaz

were married November 6, 2010

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Feature

Readers’ Choice Awards It’s time to let your voice be heard! Vote for your favorite local businesses today It’s that time of the year again! Time to vote for your favorite businesses in the North Cobb/South Cherokee areas! We’re doing things a little differently this year so please refer to the Question and Answer section below. Q: How do I vote for my favorite businesses? A: Go to www.townelaker.com. Click on the “Readers’ Choice 2011” button. You will be directed to the online ballot. Q: How many times can I vote? A: You may vote four times from the same IP address, which allows additional members of your household to cast their votes. Q: Why are some businesses listed? What if the business I want to vote for is not listed? A: The ballot is populated with businesses that have received more than one vote in past Readers’ Choice contests. The population of these businesses is done strictly for the convenience of the voters and does not indicate endorsement or preference by AroundAbout – TowneLaker. If you don’t see your business listed, enter the name of the business in the place marked “other,” and the vote will be counted. Q: Do I have to vote online? A: If you don’t wish to vote online or don’t have access to the Internet, we will have paper ballots available at our office, 1025 Rose Creek Drive. One ballot per person will be issued. Q: Are any photocopies of the ballots permitted? A: No photocopies of blank or completed ballots will be accepted. Q: How long do I have to vote? A: Voting will end on February 10, 5 p.m.

Look for this button: AroundAbout Community Magazines

Readers’Choice

Vote Here 14

It’s easy! Just log on to www.townelaker.com and choose your favorites Today! Submit your votes by Thursday, February 10 at 5 p.m.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

Readers’ Choice Categories Restaurants

Home Improvement/Repair

Hardware Store

All-Around Restaurant

Insurance Agent (specify agent)

Home Improvement Store

Bakery

Lawn Care

Jeweler

Barbecue Place

Medical Doctor

Liquor Store

Breakfast Place

Nail Salon

Music Store

Coffee Shop

Optometrist/Ophthalmologist

Pet Supply Store

Dessert Place

Orthodontist

Shoe Store

Ethnic Restaurant

Painter

Specialty Foods

Fast Food Restaurant

Pediatrician

Sporting Goods

Fine Dining Restaurant

Pest Control

Tire Shop

Italian Restaurant

Pet Groomer

Toy Store

Kid-Friendly Restaurant

Plumber

Lunch Place

Photographer

Mexican Restaurant

Physical Therapist

Recreation and Entertainment

New Restaurant

Print Shop/Copy Center

Dance Studio

Oriental Restaurant

Travel Agency

Fitness/Health Club

Pizzeria

Tutoring

Golf Course

Seafood Restaurant

Veterinarian

Gymnastics Center Movie Theater

Sports Bar

Retailers Services

Boutique

Auto Repair

Children’s Clothing

Residential Development

Car Wash

Convenience/Gas Station

Apartment Community

Caterer

Custom Automotive

Subdivision

Chiropractor

Drug Store

C.P.A.

Electronics/Appliance Store

Day Care/Preschool

Florist

Day Spa

Frame Shop

Dentist

Furniture Store

Electrician

Garden Center

Financial Institution/Bank

Gift/Home Décor Store

Hair Salon

Grocery Store

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

How Much Retirement Income Will You Really Need? Many people underestimate lifestyle costs, medical expenses and inflation. by Don Akridge, MBA, CPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ U.S. Marine Corps Veteran – Emory University Alumnus What is enough? What is not enough? If you’re considering retiring in the near future, you’ve probably heard or read that you need about 70 percent of your end salary to live comfortably in retirement. This estimate is frequently repeated, but that doesn’t mean it is true for everyone. It may not be true for you. You won’t learn how much retirement income you’ll need by reading this article. You’ll want to meet with a qualified retirement planner who can help you plan to estimate your lifestyle needs and short-term and long-term expenses. With that said, there are some factors that affect retirement income needs – and too often, they go unconsidered. Health. Most of us will face a major health problem at some point in our lives – perhaps even multiple or chronic health problems. We don’t want to think about that reality. But if you’re a new retiree, think for a moment about the costs of prescription medicines, and recurring treatment for chronic ailments. These minor and major costs can really take a bite out of retirement income, even with a great health care plan. While generics have slowed the advance of prescription drug costs to about one to two percent a year recently, one estimate found that a 65-year-old who retired in 2007 would need $215,000 to pay for overall retirement health care costs – up about 7.5 percent from 2006. Heredity. If you come from a family where people frequently live into their 80s and 90s, you may live as long or longer. Imagine retiring at 55 and living to 95 or 100. You would need 40-45 years of steady retirement income. Portfolio. Many people retire with investment portfolios they haven’t reviewed in years, with asset allocations that may no longer be appropriate. New retirees sometimes carry too much risk in their portfolios, with the result being that the retirement income from their investments fluctuates wildly with the vagaries of the market. Other retirees are super-conservative investors: their portfolios are so risk-averse that they can’t earn enough to keep up with even moderate inflation, and over time,

they find they have less and less purchasing power. Spending habits. Do you only spend 70 percent of your salary? Probably not. If you’re like many Americans, you probably spend 90 or 95 percent of it. Will your spending habits change drastically once you retire? Again, probably not. Most people only change spending habits in response to economic necessity or in pursuit of new financial goals. People don’t want to “live on less” once they have had “more.” Social Security (or lack thereof). In 2005, SSI represented 39 percent of a typical 65-year-old retiree’s income. But by 2030, Social Security may only replace 29 percent of that income, after deductions for Medicare premiums and income taxes. Since 1983, retirees earning more than $25,000 in SSI have had to pay income tax on a portion of their benefits. This is all presuming Social Security is still around in 2030. So will you have enough? When it comes to retirement income, a casual assumption may prove to be woefully inaccurate. Meet with a qualified retirement planner while you are still working to discuss these factors and estimate how much you will really need. Don Akridge is President of Citadel CPA, Financial Planning & Investment Services founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-9526707. Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Created by 1st Global or Peter Montoya, Inc. for use by our financial advisors.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

Don’t Forget The Ducts by Dan Jape One of the most important aspects of your home’s heating and cooling system is the duct work. Proper duct work can make a huge difference in the comfort and efficiency of your home. I visit four or five customers’ homes each day, and in most of them I find duct work issues that need correcting so the new heating and cooling system we install will deliver what is promised in terms of comfort and efficiency. I see a number of customers who are talked into replacing the equipment in their home without analyzing the distribution system. They end up with the same poor comfort level they had before they purchased a new system. One of the most frequent problems we find is lack of the proper amount of return or intake duct work. A proper operating system has to have the correct number of return ducts to match the output of the system, or problems will arise, including a lack of cooling capacity, overheating furnace heat exchangers, freezing cooling coils and reduced life of the entire system. Many homes have duct work built out of fiberglass or duct board. This a foil covered, glue impregnated sheet of fiberglass that is used as plenums or distribution boxes on the top and the sides of furnaces and is a very poor choice for ducting material. It is very porous and rough inside and collects dirt and debris and after a few years of service is always filthy dirty. Mold grows on the inside of this material and it is very hard to keep the corners and seams sealed up to keep air from leaking out in attics or basements. Metal ducts and plenums need to be installed to replace this inferior product when a new system is installed in your home to assure you of proper airflow, comfort, and efficiency. In some extreme cases, I find actual splitter boxes or wyes made of this duct board to try and save money on new home construction. You can find these by looking for boxes made into triangle shapes with many ducts attached to them. These impede airflow, overwork the furnace blower, and provide inferior comfort to the entire home. They have to be replaced to make sure you are getting the full comfort and efficiency a new HVAC system can provide you. The last and one of the most important aspects of your ducts is making sure they are sized properly to deliver the correct amount of airflow to each room in your home. Almost every homeowner I visit complains about the comfort in the bonus room or the room over the garage. This discomfort is caused by lack of airflow to overcome the heat loss or heat gain in this special room, which is over an unconditioned space and needs more air flow. I will never understand why builders ignore this room and provide a space that in many cases cannot be used in continued on page 88 JAnuary 2011

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Community

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community by State Senator Chip Rogers

Education in America The literacy scale rankings for the United States show us 27th in math, 22nd in science and “dead last” 32nd in reading among the top 32 industrialized nations according to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) 2009 Report. According to the National Assessment of Economic Progress, one-third of American 4th graders and one-quarter of 8th graders are functionally illiterate. Spending on education is not the problem. According to the U.S. Department of Education, K-12 public education spending more than doubled from $221 billion in 1993 to $489 billion in 2007. Depending on which source you consider, the U.S. spending per student ranks somewhere between first through fourth among all nations. To make matters worse, our nation is $13.8 trillion in debt and competing in a truly global innovation economy where technology is king. Our competitors certainly understand the importance of producing educated students in a technology driven economy. As of 2004, the United States was producing about 70,000 engineers per year while China graduated 600,000 per year and India 400,000. Folks, it’s time for a wake-up call! The United States as we know it will not exist in 30 years if we do not radically change education. Yes, the United States will still be here, but we will have become economic slaves to our debt-holders while our children will live in a nation with little opportunity and far less freedom. As Americans, we have one major responsibility: to leave this nation better than what we were given. On this most important task, we stand at the brink of failure. So what do we do? How about a dramatic change in the way we educate children with the national goal of graduating 200,000 engineers and scientists every year by 2020? President Roosevelt challenged Americans to win a world war, and we did. President Kennedy challenged Americans to place a man on the moon, and we did. We have risen time and again to meet the challenges facing our nation. However, this challenge may require our greatest effort yet. First, let’s recognize where we are in education. Our current system was built in the 1920s to meet the demands of the emerging industrialized workplace where producing goods in a factory was the primary purpose. All students were to be 20

educated to similar standards and the resulting high school graduates almost identical in their skills. Now some 90 years later, while most everything else has changed by quantum leaps, education has progressed only ever so slightly. Think about what we do. We take children based on their mailing address and send them to a brick and mortar building we call school. We divide the kids into groups of about 25 or more per class, based upon their age, and place them in a room. We then ask a teacher to take all those kids from point A to point B on the knowledge scale during the next 180 days, exactly. If our intent was to produce factory workers, this method would still be sufficient. Unfortunately this doesn’t work in a 21st century global economy. The average American classroom is filled with students from varied economic, social, and family structure backgrounds. Understandably, each student has different learning “Regardless of zip code, interests and abilities. Asking race, gender, socio-economic a teacher to move background, or special needs, each student from digital learning can be the exactly point A to great equalizer.” exactly point B is nearly impossible when we consider no two students are starting from the same place or have the ability to move at the same pace. Simply put, teachers need tools to reach every student on an individual basis. This can only happen with the transformation to digital learning. If we believe every student can learn, and I do, we soon realize this method of individual learning is perhaps the only chance we have to put America back on top in education. Embracing a transformation to digital learning will allow teachers to do what they do best, mentoring and coaching to the individual needs of each student. Governors Jeb Bush(R-FL) and Bob Wise(D-WV) recently brought together 100 national leaders from education, technology, and government to help create a set of standards for beginning this transformation to digital learning. I was honored to be chosen as one of a handful of lawmakers to take part in the Digital Learning Council. The premise is that personalizing education for each child, through the use of digital learning, allows students to learn at their own pace and style. The motto of the Florida Virtual

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

continued on page 80 January 2011

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AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Recent Consumer Product Recalls AroundAbout — TowneLaker wants to help keep you and your family safe. The following items have been recalled by their manufacturers in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Oscillating Ceramic Heaters. Meijer, of Grand Rapids, MI is voluntarily recalling approximately 6,700 Touch Point oscillating ceramic heaters. The oscillating mechanism in the heaters can short out, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Folding Camp Rockers. L.L. Bean, of Freeport, ME is voluntarily recalling approximately 2,300 folding camp rockers. The plastic anchors attaching the fabric seat back to the frame can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers. Stainless Steel Carafes. J & H International, of Morris Plains, NJ is voluntarily recalling approximately 36,000 carafes. The handle can come loose from the body of the carafe and cause liquid to spill, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Rocking Horse. Rocking Horse Depot, of Buckeye, AZ is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,200 rocking horses. The reins on the rocking horse bridle is long enough to form a loop around a child’s head and neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children. Golf Cars. Club Car, LLC of Augusta, GA is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,000 golf cars and hospitality, utility and transport vehicles. The brake pedal can crack and separate, resulting in a loss of braking ability. This can result in a crash. Inline Skates. Rollerblade USA, of West Lebanon, NH is voluntarily recalling approximately 29,000 pairs Spark, Spitfire inline skates. The frame mounting bolts and wheel axle bolts can be loose on new skates. Loose wheels or frames on the skates can cause the rider to fall, posing a risk of injury.

Bowhunting Arrows. Beman, of Salt Lake City, Utah, is voluntarily recalling approximately 11,300 Beman bone collector arrows. The recalled arrows can break when launched and hit unintended targets, posing a puncture hazard to the user and bystanders. Lamps. Pottery Barn, of San Francisco, CA is voluntarily recalling approximately 7,300 Pottery Barn lamps. The electrical wire that runs through the lamps can be pinched or severed at the lamp’s adjustable joint, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers. Horse-on-a-Stick. Big Ideas Marketing, of Owings Mills, MD is voluntarily recalling approximately 8,800 horseon-a-stick toys. The reins on horse-ona-stick toy’s bridle are long enough to form a loop around a child’s head and neck, posing a strangulation hazard to young children.

Infant Car Seats. Britax Child Safety, Inc. of Charlotte, NC is voluntarily recalling approximately 23,000 Chaperone infant car seats. The harness chest clip can break and pose a laceration hazard. Due to its small size it also poses a choking hazard. Chest Freezers. Haier America Trading LLC, New York, NY is voluntarily recalling approximately 67,500 chest freezers. A capacitor in the freezer’s circuitry can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

For more information on these and many other warnings issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, visit www.cpsc.gov or call 1-800-638-2772. 22

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

Traffic Laws and Courteous Driving — Part 1

New Drivers and Their License

by Sgt.Will Rownd

A new driver in Georgia is issued a “Class D” drivers license after completing certain prerequisites under a learners’ permit. State officials have decided to gradually introduce our teenagers to driving responsibilities. I have to admit that I agree with the state. There is no more dangerous activity than driving a 2,000-pound guided missile at 70 mph on the interstates. You can open the paper almost every Sunday morning and read about a teenager who, while driving home, manages to find a tree or telephone pole to wrap the car around. These are tragic events, and parents should educate their children on the weight of such responsibility.

I know I will strike a few nerves with this article, but I believe these topics need to be reiterated. I am going to address some common laws and practices that either are not followed or completely unrecognized. Everyone is in such a hurry to get everywhere that we forget that driving is a privilege and not a right, and can be removed by the state of Georgia at any time. I am going to lay out a number of things that will keep you from getting road rage or keep you from giving road rage to someone else. Again, like most of my articles, some of these issues are common sense but not everyone conforms. One of the biggest violations that I see daily is the failure to use a blinker. Not using your turn signal is still a violation of state law. This is a simple, effortless way to let others around you know when you are about to change directions. In case you do not know where this piece of equipment is located, it is on the left hand side of the steering column. Automotive engineers put it there so little to no effort can be employed to activate it. This will eliminate excessive honking from the person behind you when you suddenly turn with no signal. Accelerating to the speed limit while entering an interstate system will keep you from getting run over and will allow you to enter traffic at the same speed the other cars are traveling. This will also remove the person who is attached to your bumper if you are attempting to merge onto an interstate at 47 miles per hour. I can almost guarantee you will not receive some sort of hand gesture, high beam, or other rude behavior if you get up to speed when entering the interstate. The last topic I am going to cover is the use of devices that take your attention away from driving. There are a few new laws out there to help your attention span while driving a motor vehicle. The new texting laws (40-6-241.1 and 40-6-241.2) apply to drivers under 18 and drivers over 18. Drivers under 18 years of age cannot use a mobile phone for anything except an emergency! No texting, no phone calls, no MySpace, no NOTHING while driving. Those of us over 18 can use the mobile phone for phone calls but cannot use the data portion. That means no texting, no Facebook, and no e-mails. You are not even allowed to check these things at a stop light or stop sign. Your attention needs to be on driving. It is a $150 fine if you get caught and a $300 fine if you’re involved in an accident while doing one of these acts. I know this was a little off the tone of what I normally write, but I believe these issues of road rage need to stop. Remember the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like others to treat you. E-mail questions to Sgt. Rownd at wrownd@hollyspringsga.net. JAnuary 2011

by Doug Rohan, Esq. Castan & Lecca, PC

State legislators have passed several laws to try to help parents, by imposing restrictions on behavior that increases the risks of teen driving. These laws can be found at OCGA §40-5-24(b)(2). A Class D driver:

Cannot drive between midnight and 6 a.m.

l For the first six months, cannot drive with ANY nonfamily passengers l For the second six months, cannot drive with more than one non-family passenger who is under the age of 21 l After 12 months, and until they obtain a Class C license, cannot drive with more than three non-family passengers under the age of 21

Parents shouldn’t let the complicated nature of these rules discourage them from enforcing the law. Study after study shows that the presence of a passenger encourages more risky behavior and can frequently be a distraction to the driver. Do not let your child’s night at the movie become the next morning’s headline in the paper. Doug Rohan lives in East Cobb with his wife, Julia, and daughters Vivian and Claudia. He is a bi-lingual attorney with the law firm Castan & Lecca, PC where he specializes in Criminal Defense and Workers’ Compensation claims. He also is a member of AroundAbout — East Cobb Community Board. You can email doug at doug@caslec-law.com.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Dine and Golf in Cherokee County

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Community

Community Calendar: January Through January 9

January 16

Locations:

Hobgood, Sequoyah, Kenney Askew and Ball Ground City parks. Look for signs. Information: Remove all lights and ornaments. Sponsored by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Authority. Call (770) 924-7768.

Time: Location:

Tuesdays and Thursdays in January

Cherokee Bridal Expo

Christmas Tree Recycling

Barry Scott and Second Wind 7 p.m. The Cherokee Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton Information: Tickets are $15 at door. Call (770) 704-0290; e-mail info@cherokeearts.org or visit www. barryscottonline.com.

January 22

10 a.m. — 1 p.m. Papa’s Pantry & The Master’s Training Center, 6551 Commerce Parkway, Suite 200 Information: Various job skills classes are offered. Please call (770) 5914730 or visit www.papaspantry.org for specific class information. Classes and workshops are offered to everyone in the community – food assistance need is not a requirement!

1 – 5 p.m. Woodstock Community Center, 108 Arnold Mill Road Information: Sponsored by Globe Trotters with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments courtesy of The Magnolia House and Center Cut Catering. Brides-to-be can meet with businesses specializing in bridal services and products. Pre-registration is $6 or$8 at the door. To purchase tickets and get more details, visit www. cherokeebridalexpo.com or call Maria Murray at (770) 924-3235.

January 3

January 20 & 27

Employment Strategies — Basic & Career Time: Location:

CRPA Registration Location: 7545 Main Street, Bldg 200 Information: Registration for FebruaryApril programs. Participants can register online with a debit or credit card at www.crpa.net, by mail to the recreation center or in person. Call (770) 924-7865.

Time: Location:

Town Hall Meetings with Senator Chip Rogers Time: Locations:

6:30 — 7:30 p.m. January 20 — Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street, Woodstock. January 27 — Hickory Flat

Library 2740 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton. Information: Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers will update constituents on the upcoming legislative session and the legislative developments which happen during the session.

January 22

Blood Drive Time: Location:

8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1208 Rose Creek Drive Information: Call (770) 924-7286.

“The Snow Queen” Dates/Times: January 21 & 28, 7:30 p.m. January 22 & 29, 11 a.m. & 3 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Auditorium, 8534 Main Street Information: All seats $9. Visit www. elmstreetarts.org or call (678) 494-4251.

Send Us Your Community Calendar Events editor@townelaker.com February deadline is January 10.

Holding a Summer Camp? Reserve your space now in our Summer Camp Section Our readers use this section to plan their summer. E-mail information to: editor@townelaker.com. To advertise in this section, call (770) 615-3322. To be listed in our special Summer Camp Section for the March issue, the deadline is February 10.

Banking, only better! 26

LGE

Community Credit Union

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

770-424-0060  www.LGEccu.org continued on page 88 January 2011

New Year Intentions Dear Everyday

I always love the holidays and all of the chaos surrounding them. They give us an opportunity to connect and reconnect with loved ones, and at their best, the foods, traditions, and festivities give us a welcome and needed opportunity to revel and indulge. Then, suddenly, it is over. The New Year resets the calendar and we have a clean slate in front of us. It is once again time for resolutions and new intentions. This year, my intention is to constantly, consistently, not just conveniently, make a difference in the lives of others. To go out of my way to make someone feel special or help others whether it is through a simple smile, phone call or helping physically or financially – because I can. I am grateful that I CAN today and don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Will I be the person wearing those shoes next year? If so, I hope someone will take the time and effort to care about me. Make your 2011 New Year’s intention about others before yourself and see what the New Year brings! We would like to share the note below to remind you the affects of simple giving and taking the time for others. Thank you to our readers and supporters for a wonderful year of making a difference.

Angels:

es with various e to help famili m r fo lls ca n ofte in Cherokee hool counselor e are fortunate W r. te el My role as a sc sh d hich hing an and churches w ch as food, clot basic needs su munity agencies m co ul have a rf to de is on a thrill it several w h times. What County to have ug ro h the ug in ro ll th not only ca help families ls that we may are willing to ge An ur ay yo yd t er ou know ab t with The Ev . Now that we ly te personal contac ia ests, ed m qu re im s variou t who responds u recently with yo d te time of need, bu da es. un ili in m fa have s of these seems like we y met the need gl in ed organization it ce ex t, r ye have met, bette and the Angels used e bags of gently off several larg d pe ildren op ch dr rs by ee being worn your volunt e clothing was Most recently th , ys ugh da ro o th tw she looked hing. Within ost cried when m children’s clot al ar d ul lle ic rt ca of being One girl in pa endured years s ha in our schools. dy la g lo un yo r family’s w her size. This aking fun of he m ds ki the clothing in by h” tras . Although ch as “trailer d three siblings an om m r vulgar names su he es with nt, utilities This student liv gh money for re ou en s ha ly income level. re she mily ba for “as long as two jobs, the fa ped at Goodwill her mom works op sh new ly se on s ha rc ha lect and pu month. She portunity to se and food each op e ess th dr d d ha ul r that she co and has neve always wished ly et can remember” cr to se rd d fo ha af e could told me that sh no way her mom ly te lu clothing. She so she n ab he as ew d nine w r girls but ther She was on clou h. tc Fi like the popula d t an os e ombi was alm ng from Abercr om A&F. She buy her anythi in HER size fr s nt pa d gifts making an R s U irs of jean witness YO to as w it ng saw several pa si the t a bles to wear most of citement. Wha was also able e screaming in ex Sh . her ild r ch fo is e to her hom in the life of th nated clothing do the difference r he ot e th livered some of shirts and I de siblings. granted. It is their lives for of s ng si e es bl e ke th e and encourag own children ta rspective for m pe to in ck I know that my ba of ything them the power that bring ever n and to teach re times like these ild ch y m ith purposeful w me to be more giving.

ay God wraps munity and I pr m co r ou in ct pa ing such an im r your actions. You are all mak his pleasure fo of gn si a as ng hug of you in a lovi ce. ntinued assistan eful for your co at gr n ai m re e W

each

Everyday Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides short-term funding (currently up to a maximum of $500 per month) to those in need in our community. If you would like to offer assistance, please send your donations or gift cards to Everyday Angels, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 340, Woodstock, GA 30189. No amount is too small. To contact us, please call (770) 615-3349 or email AAeverydayangels@gmail.com. Everday Angels now has a Facebook page where you can follow what they are doing. JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle by Mike Litrel, M.D.

Emergency Surgery for a Marriage The other day my patient Christine came in for a routine visit just before her planned surgery. She arrived with a flurry of questions plucked from Internet sites.

Ann and Mike Litrel and their sons, Tyler and Joseph.

How will you handle scar tissue? What about a tumor? And what happens if you find cancer?

Surgery moves toward a defined goal – for example, removing a tumor that’s causing pain. But the exact course of the operation can’t be plotted until the incision reveals the terrain inside the body. I reassured Christine we would do whatever was needed to treat her symptoms and disease, and nothing unnecessary. “I treat all my patients exactly the same way I would treat my wife,” I explained. This is a guiding principle in our practice: give everyone the same care you’d give a loved one. This is what patients mostly want to hear, and I am happy to say it with confidence. But this time I felt uncomfortable. Christine noticed and raised her eyebrows questioningly. “Well, to be honest, I got into a little argument with my wife before work,” I admitted. “So in your case - I’ll have to treat you even better.” Christine laughed and we finished our appointment. My next patient had not yet arrived. I finished some charts and wondered whether I should call Ann to make up. My first thought was “No way.” I had a feeling that talking to Ann would just make me angry all over again. Plus, I could sense it in my bones: this time, I was one hundred percent right. Why apologize? Isn’t it easier to just stay angry and live forever after with glares from your spouse in a miserable home? Perhaps not. Unfortunately, I have noticed that any argument in which I am dead sure I am right eventually ends with me realizing exactly how I was wrong. So I reviewed the events leading up to the disagreement. I had been called to the hospital for an emergency surgery at two a.m. Sleep deprivation aside, there is something deeply rewarding about this aspect of my work. Gathered together in the operating room in the dead of night are a team of people utterly dedicated to helping a stranger in need. Granted, I am tired. And sometimes even a little grumpy. But on the plus side, I’m in charge. And miraculously, everyone listens: “Hand me the knife, give me the retractor, suction here,

retract there …. move, move, MOVE!” During an emergency operation, the surgeon marshals the team through dangerous territory to safety on the other side – and in the process, he or she is allowed to be bossy, pushy, demanding - even megalomaniacal, with high expectations and low social finesse. Talk about your dream job! Unfortunately, the job skills used to lead surgery in the middle of the night are not the same ones required for persuading one’s wife over morning coffee. This particular morning, the operation was fairly simple: get Ann to trade her ancient relic of a phone for something more suited for the 21st century. Still a bit groggy perhaps, I forgot we weren’t in the heat of a medical emergency. What I meant to say was, “Annie, I know technology isn’t your thing, but if you get a smart phone, you could e-mail me a list of chores and I could text you back how much I love you.” What came out instead was: “I am sick of your lousy phone losing reception and not taking e-mails. Get a new one already!” She did not respond in quite the same cooperative way as my hospital crew. “I can’t believe you can be such a jerk, Michael!” Well, I KNEW this couldn’t be true. Ann and I have been married 23 years. She knows EXACTLY how much of a jerk I can be. A more accurate statement would have been that she didn’t appreciate the tone of my voice. That’s something I might have been able to agree with. But truthfully, I really had been worried about Ann using that old cell phone for quite some time, especially when she was driving alone at night, with the phone reception hit or miss. In the operating room, a surgery can sometimes become challenging. But nothing like repairing a marital disagreement. Having gotten into heavy bleeding, I had no choice but to reach for the never-fail band-aid: A heartfelt apology. I called Ann and told her I was sorry for being a jerk. Falling back on surgical tactics, I changed my approach as well: “I’m just concerned about your safety,” I truthfully explained. “And sometimes,“ I admitted, ”I just want to hear your voice.” Ann bought a new phone the next day. Dr. Mike Litrel practices with his fellow OB/GYNs at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in Canton and Woodstock. Dr. Litrel lives in Woodstock with his wife Ann and their two sons, Tyler and Joseph. Email Dr. Litrel at www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle

Short Sale

Will Jobs Come Back?

by Kurt Johnson

by Tim Grady

What if I must sell my home and I owe more than it is currently worth? This might call for a “short sale.” A short sale is when the seller lacks sufficient funds to sell his home and needs his mortgage lender to accept less than he owes on the balance of his mortgage. The seller or the seller’s representative must negotiate with the lender to determine if a short sale is feasible in his case, and to determine exactly what the terms will be. Sellers can’t always control when they must sell their home, and it isn’t always feasible to rent. Maybe they are facing foreclosure, illness, a job loss or an escalating payment amount. The need to sell immediately is becoming a common problem; and, in this economy, some sellers are experiencing as much as a 20 percent decline in the value of the home they hope to sell. There are pros and cons for the seller to consider when deciding whether to list their home with a realtor as a short sale. 1. The seller’s lender pays all of the realty and legal fees associated with a successful short sale. 2. The seller can remain in the home while the home is marketed for sale and the short sale is being negotiated. This gives the seller some breathing space to prepare his finances for the move. 3. With most lenders, a short sale will keep the seller from being eligible to finance a home for the next 12 - 24 months. Most lenders require 36 months after a foreclosure. 4. Not every home is a good candidate for a short sale. A home with one lender, or the same lender for the first and second mortgages, has the best chance of being negotiated into a successful short sale. 5. When a lender agrees to a short sale, the lender doesn’t always agree to forgive the reduced portion of the debt. The lender could report the debt forgiveness on the seller’s credit report and pursue a judgment after the home is sold at a loss. This must be negotiated before the home is sold. The seller’s decision to sell the home as a short sale should not be taken lightly and should be considered only if confronted with foreclosure as the only other option. Kurt and Sheila Johnson are with Keller Williams Realty Cityside. Visit www.KurtandSheila.com or call (404) 954-2486. 30

Please note that the title of this article isn’t, “When will jobs come back?” History shows that some jobs never come back after each recession. But as I write this during the holiday season for the January issue of this magazine, I feel compelled to offer something to people in need. It hurts my heart to hear these stories of unemployment, foreclosure, bankruptcy and desperation. In the recent article, “Why Employers Won’t Hire” by Chris Isidore, senior writer at CNNMoney.com, is the following quote: “We’re producing almost as much as we did before the recession, with 7.5 million less people,” said Lakshman Achuthan, managing director of Economic Cycle Research Institute. During the recession of “I will e-mail, meet 1990 – 91, I was asked by with, or otherwise many middle managers, find ways to advise “When will those middle anyone who is management jobs paying $60,000 to $90,000 come unemployed – for back?” My reply – “likely, FREE. . .” never.” Why? The answer lies in technology. In the 80s and 90s, mundane, repetitive manufacturing jobs that required human hands were automated. Machines don’t require managers; they require a few mechanics and programmers. Technology also helps companies manage jobs they send offshore (think video conferencing, e-mail, and Skype). This past November, unemployment went up. Seasonal hiring was down from the previous December. And job growth in 2011 won’t push unemployment below eight percent. It may be stuck around nine percent. So, now what? How will someone who is unemployed earn a living? Support the family? Get out of the hole? Get their dignity back? I’m a big believer in entrepreneurship – starting a business of your own. I’m also a big believer is giving someone a lift. And given these very tough economic times, when jobs remain bleakly scarce, when unemployed people can afford very little, I’m going to make this offer to readers of this issue of AroundAbout — TowneLaker who are unemployed. I will e-mail, meet with, or otherwise find ways to advise anyone who is unemployed – for FREE – anyone who has it in their head to start a business. I will discuss the options, opportunities, pitfalls, pratfalls, joys and successes of striking out on their

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

continued on page 80 January 2011

Complete Health & Wellbeing Throughout 2011! by Dr. Jared J. Lasseigne How do you define health? Is health not having a cold? Is it feeling good? Or is it something more? In my profession, we consider health to be something that speaks to a higher quality of life itself.

of disease or sickness.”

According to the World Health Organization, “Health is the state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence

In almost every survey taken on this subject, people named good health as one of the top three things they most wanted out of life. The only two things that ever topped it were happiness and good family relationships. Yet many of us let other less important things to keep us from attaining maximum health. Like happiness, health does not come by luck. It is true that hereditary factors contribute to good health, but most people can be healthy in spite of hereditary influence. Conversely, hereditary strengths will not overcome a failure to take care of yourself. Most people come into our office and express a desire to be healthy. Unfortunately, they often do not realize that it will take effort on their part. Many people are of the mindset that they will be made healthy by what their doctor does or gives to them, and that they can just sit back, do nothing or at most, remember to take their medication at the right time. While this approach may be relatively effective in the treatment of disease, it has virtually nothing to do with health. For the most part, disease treatment is a passive activity. Health maintenance or health restoration is largely an active endeavor. Sitting back and doing nothing will not promote or maintain health — hoping or wishing for it will not make it happen. It must be actively pursued. A choice must be made. Good, nutritious, healthpromoting food is available. You must make the decision as to what you are going to eat and then make the extra effort to obtain it. Exercise is not a passive activity. You cannot get it by just watching Jane Fonda videos. Make the effort to start an exercise routine and stick with it. With these two decisions, you are on the right path to pursue health and wellbeing. Just because you are not experiencing any symptoms at the moment doesn’t mean that you are living at your full human potential of health. Do you really want to be healthy? Sadly, many people do not want to put forth the time and effort. Happiness does not come by accident. Similarly, you cannot expect to have good health unless you do those things necessary to attain it. Each of us must establish our priorities. Is watching continued on page 80 JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Happy New Year from the Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA)! All of us at the TLBA wish everyone joy, good health and prosperity in 2011. We want to thank everyone who attended the annual TLBA Holiday Gala at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills in December. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays with fellow business people in the Towne Lake area. Year 2010 was a continuation of the economic challenges that we all experienced in 2009. Year 2011 is sure to be another challenging year, but the signs recovery can be seen on the horizon. So long as local businesses and residents support each other, our community should be back on its way to prosperity. In this regard, the TLBA is dedicated to promoting business in the Towne Lake area and serving as a support system for the business community. To help grow businesses, the TLBA hosts informative, monthly Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshops. The featured speakers are experts in their fields and share their experience and knowledge with us. Anyone attending the Workshops can secure several takeaways that can be extremely beneficial for business. Topics in 2011 can be seen on our website.

Lunch ‘N’ Learn Workshops Tuesday, January 18, 12:30 — 2 p.m. Social Media Marketing and Networking, presented by James Ball, Digital Marketing Director for AroundAbout Community Magazines. Do you "Facebook" or "Tweet"? Are you active on social media websites to generate more business? If you don't or would like to learn more about Social Media Marketing on the Web, please join us and listen to James share his knowledge. All Workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events at (770) 615-3350.

Welcome New Members: Towne Lake Academy Advanced Outdoor Experts, LLC

Jack Aronson Rene Hochdoerfer

As always, we thank you for supporting our community and our local businesses, and thus “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.”

Visit us at www.tlba.org. 32

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle

Organizing for the Holidays 2011 by Shelley Herod The in-laws have gone, the presents are opened, and the malls are empty. It must be time to take down your holiday décor. I always love being creative and making my house look beautiful for Christmas, but taking down the decorations is an entirely different story! It is important to know how to store your items in an organized and protected manner. For those of us who have an artificial Christmas tree, the box that it came in might seem like the ideal storage box. However, it isn’t ideal because the box will begin to break down over time, attracting insects such as termites. It is better to use a Christmas tree bag or tree box. There is a proper way to store your wreaths to get more seasons out of them. Make sure to remove all the decorative pieces before packing them; remove the bows and place them in a separate container where they will not be crushed. Consider storing the ornaments in smaller boxes for protection, and buying plastic storage bags for securing the wreaths. After putting the wreaths in storage bags, hang them on hooks in your store room. This will save a lot of space and ensure the safety of the wreaths. Make sure that the wall in which they hang is moisture free. Storage boxes for Christmas wreaths are also available. Each box should be a perfect fit for each wreath. In case you have to pack more than one wreath, wrap them individually in newspapers and place the box in a vertical “standing” position. This reduces the number of boxes you need and saves storage space. Storing Christmas ornaments is always tricky, especially for those that are fragile. Many times the original container is a good place to keep them safe. Smaller ornaments can be stored in an egg carton. Place your ornaments together in a larger storage container but make sure not to overload it in order to prevent crushing. After trying several methods for storing my Christmas lights, I’ve come up with an inexpensive solution that works for me. After throwing out any broken or nonworking strands, coil the lights in a circle and pack them in an appropriate size Ziploc bag (freezer bags are more durable). Write on the bag where the lights are used, and store all baggies in one large bin. A simple way to store holiday linens is in a separate container like a suitcase, trunk, or storage box. Make sure the container is airtight. Add a dryer sheet or two to keep the moths away and keep your items smelling fresh. I love candles at Christmas. However, I do not use the same candles at Christmas that I use throughout the year. There is a very simple solution for storing them. As silly as it sounds, place them in old socks to prevent scratching. Store them away from the heat of the attic and other areas where they can melt. You may want to take photos of your decoration to refer to the following year. Also, use detailed labels on the outside of your storage boxes. This will make it much easier next year when it is time to create that winter wonderland once again.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Lifestyle

Moms and Kids

Taboo No More

by Colin Morris

by Becky M. Smith

Did I just write that? 2011, really? Not fair. I once heard that time does, in fact, speed up as you get older, and that was such a comfort to me. The speaker mentioned that when you are five years old, one calendar Colin Morris with her children (left to year is one fifth of your right) Patrick, Micaela and Gabriel. life—a whopping 20 percent. Time crawls by at a snail’s pace. That same 12 months when you are 20 years old is now only one twentieth of your life (which for you non-math folks is 5 percent) and therefore, it feels much faster. Given that I am - well, not 20 years old anymore - that same “year” becomes a mere 2.7 percent of my life. No wonder it screams by faster than a speeding bullet. As I get older, each year represents a smaller and smaller slice of my life. Time is not accelerating, but my perception of it certainly is, alarmingly so. And is it any surprise that my children and I view time so differently? My poor 11-year-old came home with a school T-shirt that said, “Class of 2017,” and I nearly had a stroke. 2017? That’s next week. My idea for this month centers on tracking time with your kids. Obviously, kids and adults view time differently. These activities might help bridge that gap. First, buy your child a calendar. Now that the new year has come and gone, monthly calendars should be on sale. Choose one with cute puppies or SpongeBob and bring it home as a fun way to talk about time with your child. I am not psychic, but 10 bucks says the first thing your child will turn to is his or her birthday. Everybody wants to see what day of the week his/her birthday will be on this year. You can write special events on the calendar, talk about the days of the week and months of the year. Calendars provide education carefully disguised as fun.

The history of tattoos dates back more than 5,000 years. In modern culture, the once taboo art form has now gone mainstream. Once associated with sailors and bikers, tattoos have become a rite of passage for our teenagers. Which leads me to wonder what I would do if one of my own kids wants a tattoo. Note to self: Do Not Scream! Now I have to admit, I have tossed the notion back and forth a few times since college about adorning my own body with a tattoo. I didn’t do it mainly because I was too indecisive. What would I choose? Where would I put it? I remember when I was in college, I considered having a small Irish four-leaf clover tattooed on the inside of my hip, where it could easily stay covered. I talked myself out of it, knowing that one day I would like to have children and the end result of my tattoo might look more like an Irish cabbage than an Irish clover. Unfortunately, I don’t know if teenagers have the understanding at such an impressionable age of all the risks associated with getting a tattoo. First of all, their taste may change. The once cute Winnie the Pooh tattoo may seem silly when they are adults. Second, despite the popularity of tattoos, there is still somewhat of a social stigma attached to them, which might come back to haunt them in the form of job discrimination. Could a corporate executive lose some credibility with an exposed tattoo? Probably the most significant risk is getting an infection along with the tattoo. It’s important to find a reputable salon. Most likely, if your teen approaches you seeking permission for a tattoo (most salons require parental permission for clients under age18) they’ve already given it a lot of thought. Instead of blowing up, take advantage of this opportunity to open up a dialogue about why they want one. In my household, we’ve talked about tattoos BEFORE they’ve expressed an interest, just like we’ve had talks about sex, drinking, drugs, peer pressure, etc.

Second, I have found that as major events like the first day of school or family vacation approach, children become restless with impatience. One way to harness some of their energy is to make a countdown chart. This can provide a framework for judging time and relieve some of the constant nagging. I learned the hard way to limit the countdown. Do not start your countdown a month before the event unless your child has the patience of a saint (in which case a countdown calendar may be unnecessary.) Two weeks is plenty of countdown time. If your child is old enough, he or she can make the chart and decorate it. Then post it on the fridge and set a certain time to mark off each day. I like bedtime because the day is officially over.

I have an adult friend who recently got her first tattoo and put a great deal of thought into its placement, the sentiment behind the design and the salon she selected. She involved her husband in the decision and the end result was very pleasing. I asked what she thought if her sons also wanted one, and she admits they won’t be getting one ANY time soon!

Where do the days go? William Wordsworth sums it up much better than I: “Sweet childish days, that were as long, As twenty days are now.”

Becky Smith is the energetic mother to a large “Yours, Mine & Ours” blended family with kids ranging from age 15 to 5 months. E-mail questions or comments to bsmith0808@yahoo.com.

It’s a very personal decision. but if your teen is considering a tattoo, be open to discussion or even allowing a temporary Henna tattoo that can be changed every few weeks. They may realize that a permanent tattoo may be worth waiting for, or the novelty will wear off as the temporary tattoo fades.

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January 2011

JAnuary 2011

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Lifestyle

Growing Pains by Ross Brakeville, PT, DPT, STC, TPI-MPC As Injpro tried gallantly to sprint down the basketball court for an easy lay-up, his painful leg slowed him so much that the cheerleaders swapped ends before he reached the foul line. Unable to continue, Injpro limped to the bench and wondered if his chance to make the all-star team, earn a spot on the varsity squad, or secure a date to the Valentine’s dance were as gone as affordable health care. Fortunately, Injpro’s pain was due to a very common condition that is frequent among adolescents during a growth spurt. In fact, hip, knee, heel, and elbow pain are more rampant in young athletes than stories about not having any homework. Pain associated with a growth spurt and aggravated when sports participation revs up, is often diagnosed by Doctor Mom as “growing pains.” More traditional doctors call conditions that irritate growth plates “apophysitis.” An apophysitis is an inflammation of the growth area (growth plate) in a bone where a muscle’s tendon attaches. If a muscle and tendon are overworked, bad things can happen and, similar to an under-appreciated mother, something is going to give. During a growth spurt, the weak link is the growth plate. During mom’s meltdown, you’re doing dishes for a week! Growth plates often become aggravated because of physical limitations, as well as sports participation. Traditional thoughts focus on flexibility issues. However, a review of patients with these conditions shows far greater problems with muscle weakness/dysfunction than stiffness. In fact, studies have found a direct correlation to these painful conditions with weakness/ dysfunction in “core” muscle groups. For example, these studies have shown that limitations in hip and pelvic function increase demands on leg muscles, which stress tendons and growth plates. Pelvic and hip control are as important to knee and ankle function as thumbs to text messaging. Weakness translates into higher demands on muscles increasing potential irritation and pain. 38

Diagnosing this condition involves: a thorough understanding of how and when the pain started, what activities aggravate the area, age of the athlete, exact area of pain, physical evaluation and sometimes X-rays. Severity of the condition is determined by amount of pain with palpation, length of time pain has affected participation, and level of pain during activities. Treatment is much more involved. In the past, treatment has been very conservative with medications, ice, and stretches. Patients are recommended to stay away from activities that increase pain until the pain has completely subsided, which can be 3 – 12 months. You might as well change your sport to “jacks!” New treatments, developed through our research and the research of others, are having a tremendous benefit on pain and recovery time. Treatment strategies addressing specific weaknesses or dysfunctions that increase stress have been identified. These programs build neurological control of “core” muscle groups, as well as enhance mobility in tight or stiff areas reducing stress and pain. Coupled with modalities such as laser and antiinflammation therapies, the source of irritation is addressed. As a result, many patients return to pain-free activities in 2 – 4 weeks instead of the usual 3 – 12 months. However, long term relief may need prolonged management to minimize risk of recurrence. The goals of any treatment are to return patients like Injpro back to full activities as quickly as possible while minimizing risk for more damage or recurrence of pain. Simply eliminating all activities indefinitely without actively treating the problem, in most cases, is unacceptable. Management of this and other conditions like it with treatments that not only relieve pain but eliminate the cause of pain should be part of a plan of care prescribed by your health care professional. Dr. Ross Brakeville is a Physical Therapist specializing in Sports Medicine, to include injury prevention, with a focus on kids and adults who want to play like one. He is owner of Woodstock Physical Therapy & Performance Institute. For more information or to contact him call: (770) 516-9191 or www.woodstockpt.com

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January 2011

The first building for Canton First United Methodist Church was a small, wooden frame structure. It was used until the second building was started on the same site around 1850. This church was made of brick and was used until around 1920 when plans for a new church were begun. That church was completed and dedicated in 1926 and is now the offices for the Cherokee County Arts Center in downtown Canton, next to Riverview Cemetery. The church congregation later purchased land and built a new structure on Lower Scott Mill Road off of Highway 140. Information taken from The Heritage of Cherokee County The second church for the First United Methodist Church.

JAnuary 2011

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Lifestyle

Broken Boy

Who’s on Second?

by Kara Kiefer

by David Heckelmoser

Prologue: Friends of ours graciously offered their condo in Rosemary Beach to my husband and me for a long weekend getaway. We left on Wednesday after work so we could enjoy three full days at the beach. Our first day was spent bike riding, lounging at the beach and spending time on the roof-top pool. We were getting ready to go to dinner, when a cell phone rang…. “Your son has dislocated his knee during his football game. He is being taken by ambulance to the hospital.”

Second labels are a good fit for budgetseekers looking for quality wines from a producer with a good reputation. Some of these wines are created by the most famous wine makers in the world and all are relative bargains. Most of us have never heard of them. It’s not because they’re produced by small vineyards or fetch high prices at exclusive wine auctions. It’s because they are second-label wines, made by the same wineries as their better-known siblings, but bottled under a different name.

Our world stopped spinning at that moment. We were six hours and 350 miles away and our son was in an ambulance, alone, being taken to the hospital for what was described as a severe knee dislocation. Angela, the mom of the family he was staying with, was on the way to the emergency room.

Second labels were born in 18th century Bordeaux as a simple solution to an old problem: what do you do with too many grapes? Thus the practice of establishing a second wine began as a way for Bordeaux wine makers to be more selective of the wine going into their estate label wine without wasting the remaining wine. The second-label phenomenon grew out of the strict rules regulating just what could and could not go into the signature blends of classed growth chateaux. The second wine may have some hints and characteristics of the estate wine but is typically less “Second labels were polished and structured than born in 18th century the estate wine.

Bordeaux as a simple solution to an old problem: what do you do with too many grapes?”

Skip Daugherty Photography

We needed to get home, but it was 6:30 p.m., and we’d been in sun all day — drowsy driving was not a good idea. So we made the decision to leave first thing the next morning. It was one of the longest nights of my life — filled with worry and longing to be by his side. It also was an evening filled with phone calls from Angela, the E.R. doctor and my son, who was more concerned about “ruining our vacation” and insisted we stay. The last call of the night was from Angela, who needed our prescription insurance information. Being weary and a bit out of it, I read the I.D number which included the letter “X,” and instead of saying “X” as in x-ray, I said, “X as in zebra,” and when she repeated that to the pharmacist, she realized my mistake. It was the first laugh we had that night. Twelve hours after the first phone call, we were on the road back to our son. At my insistence, Angela went to an already scheduled appointment and left our son on the couch, bowl of macaroni and cheese and remote control in hand. Angela’s sister-in-law, who was

An estate will rarely promote its second wines and most wine labels will not even mention the parent estate because of the desire to keep the estate solely associated with its grand vin. Consumers discovered these wines are a more affordable way to drink the wine of a first-growth or classified Bordeaux estate without paying the premium for the estate’s label and classification. Many Chateaus in Bordeaux create a grand vin and a second label. Alter Ego de Palmer sells for around $50, compared to around $250 for big brother Chateau Palmer. Les Pagodes de Cos is a second label of Château Cos D’Estournel. The second label will fall into the $30-$50 range depending on year versus $150-plus for signature label. A few second label options: Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon, approximately $40, is about half price of the Napa Valley signature Cabernet from Darioush. Jayson by Pahlmeyer, named after the trial attorney Jayson

continued on page 88 40

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continued on page 88 January 2011

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Lifestyle

The Art of Listening and Good Communication with Dental Patients by Dr. Scott R. Harden There are many scenarios in everyday life that reflect good listening and, ultimately, good communication. A husband and wife are at the breakfast table and the husband has the morning paper in front of his face while his wife is explaining details about the day. A mom is explaining the importance of a school project to her teenage daughter while she has on headphones and is tuning into the music more than the blah blah blah from mom. The busy manager at work does not stop long enough to look at his co-worker and truly acknowledge his or her question. All of these examples relate to poor listening skills and produce the need to further review the information again, or worse, the loss of this information altogether. Communication requires a person providing information that is received by a person carefully listening. In dentistry, the “The dentist can art of listening and communicating with communicate about these dental patients is very photos and show the important because patient decay around old patients can have a fillings, fractures in teeth, range of concerns to bleeding gums and many share with the dentist. A other issues.” patient could be afraid of needles, hate the sound of the drill or be sensitive to smells. Patients are often difficult to numb, and don’t like lying too far back in the chair. A dentist could dismiss any of these comments as insignificant, but listening and communicating can lead to solutions for the patient, making their dental experience a good one. For example, noise-cancelling headphones can fill the patient’s ears with music instead of a noisy drill. Fear of needles is a big barrier to dental care. Concerned dentists can offer these patients a chance to take advantage of the latest technology, computer anesthesia, which is painless and immediately alleviates the patient’s fear. The thoughtful suggestion of using nitrous oxide or Valium for relaxation can overcome tremendous barriers for patients. It revolves around the simple communication between dentist and patient. Nonverbal communication can be louder than words. In these cases, observation becomes a listening skill. If a patient does not immediately sit down in the dental chair, it is often a clear sign the patient is very nervous. It’s time to communicate about the ease of the dental treatment and how comfortable the procedure will be. It’s a time to calm the patient with words to

help he or she put things in perspective. The dentist may talk about an unrelated topic for distraction until the patient is ready. This is the art of listening and good communication. Communication does not only involve dental diagnosis and care but extends to other areas including insurance and fees. It’s important to make sure the procedure costs are within the patient’s budget. A good system of financial and insurance reviews before treatment is rendered can help eliminate any surprises. If any treatment changes during dental care while the patient is in the chair, the dentist can ensure communication with the patient regarding why treatment is changing and any additional fees to ensure they agree and approve this in advance. The patient must understand and consent to the value of their dental needs. Today’s technology in dentistry involves cameras in the treatment rooms that permit the patient to see pictures of their teeth and allows amazing communication that is now very visual. The dentist can communicate about these photos and show the patient decay around old fillings, fractures in teeth,

bleeding gums and many other issues. A picture is worth a thousand words and provides great communication in today’s world of dentistry. The art of listening and good communication with dental patients is very important to ensure that patients understand their dental needs, agree to required treatment, and most importantly receive their care in a calm and comfortable way. Dr. Scott Harden is a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry and has served the Towne Lake area for more than 21 years. He is a Dental Advisor for two nationally renowned dental research companies. You can reach him at (770) 926-0000 or visit FountainViewSmiles.com.

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Lifestyle

Heartbeats by Dee Locklin Following two years of multiple fertility treatments, my husband Lewis and I were told that we could not have children. I remember well a particular intervention that required daily shots which made sense until I found myself at an all-day meeting in Kentucky. My co-worker had to help me inject the magic medicine that would stimulate the growth of little eggs . The shots did not work, but they certainly served as a humorous anecdote for my work associates. Understand the context in which this occurred. Lewis was 37 and I was 31 when we married. We were both well established in our careers, but we knew the clock was ticking and we were anxious to mark “Have a Baby” off our to-do list. We did everything by the book, but grew impatient after a few months of no results. Time for the specialists! Then, when those options failed, we simply gave up and decided to move to Atlanta, buy a great house, and develop our promising careers. Six months after our move, a nurse informed me that I was pregnant. I laughed in her face and demanded a retest. She scheduled me for an ultrasound the next day. Lewis and I fell asleep that night heckling the medical community for the misdiagnosis. The next day, while laying on a table with cold gel on my tummy, I heard something. Heartbeats. The technician showed me a blob on the ultrasound screen and I slowly came to understand that that was our baby. That was very real. That was our very real baby. Was I happy? Of course! But I was equally scared. I suddenly realized that my life would never be the same. Priorities would immediately shift, and I did not know the rules in this world of parenting. Lewis and I had never been around small children. My exposure to disposable diapers was limited to what I saw peripherally in women’s restrooms. This invincible career woman became, in a heartbeat, vulnerable. Our baby is now a senior in high school. From the moment

I first heard his heartbeat until now, this remarkable son has brought us nothing but joy. Oh, he has had his moments, of course: The spring break car wreck, the failing semester grade in pre-calculus, his occasional I’m-so-much-wiser-than-youtwo attitude. But these are blips on a much larger screen of accomplishments. We are very proud of our boy. The path from ultrasound to January 2011 has been fraught with all manner of drama, dilemmas, and dysfunction! We are less than perfect parents. There, I said it. I confess. I often fail to balance the multiple roles of wife, mother, sister, friend, and professional. As a careerist, I am forced on a daily basis to make choices that impact either my livelihood or my responsibilities as a parent. And I am a nightmare of a wife. Just ask Lewis. I know I am not alone in this journey. But too often, we women remain silent as we struggle to succeed at everything. Maintaining our public “Our baby is now a persona becomes more senior in high school. important than addressing From the moment our need for support. How I first heard his unfortunate. Think of all that we could learn from heartbeat until now, each other! this remarkable son

has brought us nothing but joy.”

Which brings me to the purpose of this new column. I don’t promise sage advice on parenting or time-tested tips for balancing home and career. Your mistakes have no doubt been duplicated by me a dozen times. What I can offer, however, is a heartfelt story or two each month from my own family’s experiences, to remind you that you are not alone. My goal is to write about our shared journey as overwhelmed and overworked parents, and to draw what conclusions I can from my own rocky path. If my words resonate, if they affirm your own experiences, if they cause you to smile and in some way touch your heart… we’ll have learned from and supported each other. Dee Locklin is Director of the Public Performance and Management Group at Georgia State University. She lives with husband Lewis and son Taylor in a cluttered home filled with love and lots of dust bunnies. Contact Dee at dlocklin89@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

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Lifestyle

How Birds Survive Winter by Scott Lemmon Birds use a variety of techniques that range from what they eat to feather adjustments and shivering to stay warm during winter.

Food

Food is the most essential element that gives birds the energy, stamina and nutrition they need. To stay warm, birds will expend energy very quickly, some losing up to 10 percent of their body weight on extremely cold nights. An ample supply of high-calorie foods, such as black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts and suet, can be crucial to a bird’s survival. We can play a vital role because feeding the birds becomes critical during extremely cold conditions. At these times, a supply of food can mean the difference between life and death for a bird. Most birds also keep warm by adjusting their feathers to create air pockets. You will often notice the birds look fatter or “puffed up” during cold weather. This is because the birds are fluffing up their feathers; the more air space, the better the insulation. Staying warm is not all about food and feathers though. Some birds perch on one leg at a time, drawing the free leg to their chest for warmth. Most birds will shiver for short-term adjustments to the cold. Shivering converts muscular energy into heat for the short term, but the energy must be replenished shortly thereafter.

Water

As winter temperatures fall, many people are helping wild birds stay warm by allowing them to take dips in birdbaths. In addition to drinking, birds need a place to bathe when temperatures drop. Clean feathers help birds stay warm, and a birdbath with open water is often the only way for some birds to

drink and stay clean when it’s cold. Many bird enthusiasts are using birdbath heaters in their plastic or stone birdbaths to provide water. Some are trying birdbaths with built-in heaters. Most birdbath heaters shut off automatically when the temperature reaches approximately 40-50° F, or when it is out of the water. It is important to understand that as long as there is an opening in the water, the heater is doing its job. The birds only need an opening in the water to be able to drink, so the entire bath does not have to be thawed. While it is important to provide birds with water in cold weather, it is also important for owners to take proper care of their birdbaths. Bird baths made from porous materials should not be used during freezing temperatures, even with a birdbath heater. Most importantly, people should never add chemicals to birdbath water because it can be very dangerous to the birds. If someone wants to attract birds during these cold times, there are better, safer ways. While birds are equipped to withstand most winter weather, survival can be made easier by providing food, a heated, open source of water and protection from the elements with natural plant cover or a roosting box. Scott Lemmon can be reached at (770) 928-3014 or e-mail him at wbuwoodstock@comcast.net.

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January 2011

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Schools & Sports

Separating Fact from Fiction by Osborne F. D’Souza, M.D. Most of us could stand to lose some weight but it’s often easier to come up with excuses. Here’s a list of the most common excuses weight watchers use when they don’t see hoped-for results.

1. Diets don’t work for me. You’ve tried different diets but never managed to keep the weight off. The facts: If you take in fewer calories than you need, you will lose weight. The problem comes when you follow quick fix diets. They’re fine for a few weeks, then we hit our target, take our foot off the gas and get back into our previous lifestyle. The result is you end up heavier than before. Beat it: For lasting weight loss, make realistic lifestyle and diet changes. And watch your alcohol intake – it piles on the pounds and weakens your resolve.

2. Regular meals are impossible. Having a hectic lifestyle and working antisocial hours means your mealtimes are far from regular. With such a disruptive diet, it’s no wonder that your weight fluctuates. The facts: Some people believe that “grazing” during the day helps you lose weight, but a recent study shows it’s not good for appetite control. Nibbling means you burn fewer calories, tend to eat junk and find it harder to keep an eye on your food intake. Working night shifts is a bigger problem because it messes with metabolism, which leads to weight gain without increased eating. Beat it: Bring food from home so that you can eat three lowcalorie, high-protein meals a day.

3. It’s my hormones. The mysterious world of hormones gets blamed for all manner of things, including your weight gain. The facts: Women with polycystic ovaries may find their weight hard to control. This is equally true for people with an underactive thyroid. Talk to a board certified internal medicine doctor if you think you have problems with either. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) also can have an impact on a woman’s weight. Rising progesterone and serotonin levels affect our mood and food choices. Beat it: Don’t overeat in the week before your period. When you feel less hungry afterward, make sure you go back to eating sensibly.

4. I’ve got a slow metabolism. Some people seem to eat loads and never gain weight, while you pile it on and always feel tired. Must be that iffy metabolism of yours. The facts: While there are conditions which can affect it, the vast majority of overweight people do not have a dysfunctional metabolism. If you are very active, you will have a high metabolism and burn lots of calories. If you are not active, you will have a slower metabolism and your body will store all that unspent energy as fat. 48

Beat it: Being active and eating nutritious foods like lean meat and vegetables gives metabolism the ingredients it needs to function. You will lose weight quickly if you cut back on the amount of food you consume every day.

5. It’s my medications. You can’t risk your health by stopping your medications. What can you do if they make you gain weight? The facts: Many medicines for depression, diabetes, migraines and high blood pressure can lead to unintentional weight gain. Beat it: First, ask your doctor if there is an alternative medication that doesn’t cause weight gain. In cases where this isn’t possible, see a dietician. That being said, don’t quit taking your medicines. Consult with your doctor.

6. It’s in my genes. Chubbiness runs in the family so it’s not your fault if you have those extra few pounds. The facts: While it’s possible to inherit obesity, it is not a dominant gene. While it’s true that having overweight parents could mean the “fat gene” has been passed on to you, it’s not necessarily inevitable. Your chances of being overweight are far more affected by the eating habits you adopted while growing up. Beat it: If there is a family tendency to being fat, it’s especially important to learn about healthy eating.

7. It’s water retention. It’s not flab, it’s water and you are forever finding yourself puffed up with it. Or are you really? The facts: Many women suffer from cramp-related water retention during the week before their periods. Gaining more than a couple of pounds because of water can be a sign of heart or kidney failure. Beat it: Fluid is transported around our body by our circulatory and lymphatic systems and we rely on muscle movement to keep the flow going. So get plenty of exercise. Walk instead of driving and take the stairs instead of the elevator when you get a chance.

8. I suffer from insomnia Sleeplessness makes you gain weight. The facts: A very recent study found that dieters who got a good night sleep lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t. The researchers also found that lack of sleep produced a hormone which triggers hunger, meaning that people prone to bouts of insomnia are more likely than most to gorge on a midnight feast. Beat it: If you’ve done all the sensible things like eliminating caffeine and alcohol, avoiding television and computer viewing after 7 p.m. and gradually unwinding during the evening, and still find it hard to fall and stay asleep, see your doctor for a sleep evaluation. Osborne F. D’Souza, M.D.is Board Certified, Internal Medicine St. Jude’s Internal Medicine, LLC,1198, Buckhead Crossing, Suite C, Woodstock, GA 30189. He can be reached at (678) 324-7406.

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Feature

Building Success One Student at a Time

he Montessori method was developed by the Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori with the premise being self-directed learning for children. For more than 22 years, Park View Montessori has been using the educational methods that emphasize individualized instruction in a self-paced environment. But don’t let the terms individualized and self-paced mislead you. “This method of teaching does not mean a free-for-all classroom environment,” said Kathy Faircloth, owner and director. “The goal of a Montessori education is to instill a love of learning and exploring interests in a supportive, flexible and varied environment.”

Tyler Bryant

Park View has programs for infants as young as six weeks through Kindergarten. The youngest students receive special attention to their developmental needs. “Our infant programs use the basic Montessori principles with a developmentally appropriate curriculum. This curriculum is based on a child’s major milestones in the first year,” said Kathy. Every child develops differently. Some are strong in physical and motor skills while slower in visual and verbal, or vice versa. Park View teachers work with the infants to strengthen the weaker areas while encouraging the stronger ones. Each infant is given oneon-one lessons, and through this individualized attention, the teachers are able to catch potential problems at an early age.

“Park View Montessori was a big part of my life when I was very young. I learned so many things while I was attending and made friends that I still have today. The Montessori method used at Park View allowed me to learn and grow in ways that would have been impossible at other schools. Currently, I attend Etowah High School and have a 4.0 grade point average. Needless to say, Park View set me up to succeed. Since my days at Park View, I have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, which is scouting’s highest honor. When I entered high school, I joined AFJROTC (Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) Unit GA-958. I hope to be appointed to the United States Air Force Academy where I plan to major in Aeronautical Engineering. From there I plan to enter the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and subsequently become a pilot of the A-10C Thunderbolt II.” 50

— Maria Montessori

Infants enrolled at Park View have the opportunity to develop and learn in the same familiar environment until they reach Kindergarten. Starting at Park View as an infant allows teachers to follow the child carefully, assisting that child every step of the way to achieve his or her full potential. Infant programs range from two and three-day to full time. Attendance days can vary in the two and three-day programs. Montessori teaching begins at the age of one with Montessori certified teachers in every class, toddler through Kindergarten, and a typical classroom will include three, four and five yearolds, all learning, being challenged and developing their individual passions. Park View is one of the approved Georgia state lottery funded Pre-K program schools, with 40 spots available each year. Students who are part of the state-funded program receive the same Montessori education alongside students not in that program. The only difference? Less tuition.

Then and Now Park View considers each student a member of the family, and that doesn’t end when the child leaves the school. We caught up with several former students who received their academic start at Park View, and as you will see, Park View has every reason to be proud!

Lauren Baker

Park View Montessori

“Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world.”

Lauren attended Park View from age 6 weeks to 7 years old. Now, 13 years after leaving, she is in her third year at the University of Georgia majoring in Linguistics. She has traveled abroad extensively in her years since Park View, and is now nearly fluent in Spanish, French, and Chinese. “Park View provided me a wonderful foundation that taught me how to learn. When I left Park View after Kindergarten, I excelled in public school. The teachers and I knew the reason — Park View. I thank Park View for providing an excellent foundation in my education, and am proud to include Park View in my academic resume.”

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January 2011

“I’m a senior at UGA majoring in linguistics, with a possible eye toward artificial intelligence in graduate school. Last summer, I received a $3,000 research grant from the university to study large-scale patterns of language use in Japanese. At the beginning of the semester, I joined a research group investigating tone of voice in schizophrenia. Much of my spare time is spent self-studying audio production and recording. After I graduate, I’ve got a list of things a mile long that I want to do, including missionary work in Japan. I also would like the opportunity to work in a recording studio.”

JAnuary 2011

Katy Cobb Corbin Clinage

I attended Park View from age three through Kindergarten. In college, I returned and worked part time in Park View’s infant room. I am 22 years old and a recent graduate of Kennesaw State University where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology. I was a HOPE scholar throughout my entire collegiate career, charter member and scholarship chairwoman of the Zeta Omega chapter of Gamma Phi Beta. Currently, I am a lead three-year old teacher and a member of the management team at Brookside Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia. I hope to one day become a licensed marriage and family therapist.”

Thomas Bailey

Malav Chakrovorty

“I’m a sophomore at Stanford University majoring in economics. One of my most memorable experiences about Park View has to be the time I put a lot of effort into a map of North America and was rewarded by getting it laminated! I was so proud that my work was going to be made permanent; it’s still hanging on the wall at home. On a more serious note, Park View was an amazing place that helped me develop a sense of intellectual curiosity from a very young age, and I am very thankful for that!”

“I am 21 years old and currently at Georgia Tech finishing up my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. I plan to graduate May 2011 and work for an engineering firm in Atlanta. My parents still live in Woodstock, and my little sister Hollynd is in the top 30 of her class at Etowah High School. I look back all the time and am grateful for the tools that I learned at Park View Montessori. I have some of my best childhood memories from that place!”

Park View Montessori will host an open house 10 a.m.12 p.m. January 15. You are invited to stop in and see everything the school has to offer you and your child!

Park View Montessori is located at 6689 Bells Ferry Road (770) 926-0044 www.parkviewmontessorischool.com

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Asthma by Dr. Amy Hardin When we tell parents that their children have asthma, many parents seem very upset and recoil at the idea, almost like their child has a Scarlet “A” now tattooed on his or her forehead. Did you realize that more than eight million kids in the United States have asthma? Your child is not the only one! Much of the fear comes from the unknown. First, what is asthma? Asthma is a disease of the small airways of the lungs. A trigger causes swelling and inflammation in the lining of the airways, which then leads to mucus buildup that affects the child’s ability to breathe. Children will cough as a way of trying to open their airways. Triggers can be from many etiologies: respiratory infections; strong smells such a smoke or perfumes’ allergies to pollen, food, and animals’ and in some kids, exercise. If untreated, children can become progressively “tighter,” which causes more coughing, and then eventually parents may notice work of breathing, which is a sign of respiratory distress and even oxygen deprivation. Work of breathing includes fast or shallow breathing, retractions (pulling or tugging of the chest wall which shows the ribs or notch at the base of the neck), and grunting, in which small grunt noises are heard with each breath. Inability to talk without coughing is another sign that the kids are having an asthma attack. The main treatment of asthma is done with inhalers (and in some cases, nebulizer or mist treatments) that help open the airways, decrease inflammation and stop the cascade of chemicals that cause inflammation inside the lungs. Bronchodilators are rescue meds and include albuterol (trade names include Proair, Proventil and Ventolin HFA) and levalbuterol (Xopenex). Antiinflammatory medicines are maintenance medicines, including steroid inhalers such as Flovent, Pulmicort and Qvar and Leukotriene modifiers such as Singulair. How much medicine needed is based on what level of asthma the child has. A mild intermittent asthmatic may only need to use a bronchodilating inhaler once or twice a month or year. If a child has symptoms more than twice a week or night time wakening more than two nights per month, or symptoms don’t seem to improve with a bronchodialator, the anti-inflammatory inhaler or Leukotriene modifier are added. Subspecialists often help us with asthmatic kids who don’t seem to be improving despite these medicines. These professionals can be pediatric pulmonary (lung) doctors or allergists who are specialists in asthma. In our office, we often do a lung function test called spirometry to see how a child’s asthma is doing, and we can check oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter if we are concerned. One of the worst things to happen is for one of our asthmatic patients to catch influenza. This disease almost always triggers 52

a moderate to severe attack in our patients. Even kids who haven’t wheezed in several years will wheeze if they catch the flu. The higher temperatures seen with the flu also cause work of breathing, which makes it more difficult to tell if their asthma is worsening. If your child has wheezed in the past and has fever and cough, he/she should be seen by a doctor right away. These children are more at risk for complications like pneumonia and, unlike children who don’t have asthma, may even need a medicine like Tamiflu to help fight off the flu. Influenza vaccination is very important for all kids, but especially for children who have a history of wheezing. We see a lot of new patients who have moved to our practice with diagnoses of “chronic bronchitis” or “recurrent pneumonias.” Many of these children actually have asthma and when treated with asthma medicines, have a much improved course. A version of wheezing that we see in infants is called bronchiolitis. This is not necessarily asthma, but many of these children end up having asthma later in life. This infection is caused by viruses, mainly RSV (respiratory syncitial virus) and parainfluenza, as well as several other cold viruses. A percentage of kids with bronchiolitis respond to bronchodialator inhalers, but some do not. We often “test” the babies with a breathing treatment to see if they are a “responder.” Bronchiolitis, especially in the very young infants, can be very serious and even life threatening. Any baby with a prolonged or severe cough, especially with fever or poor intake, should be seen right away. Some children will outgrow their asthma, but many do not. Sometimes it evolves into a less severe version if we get good control with medicines. Some lucky kids simply outgrow their asthma. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, and we really can’t tell the future for our kids with asthma. Our most important job is educating the kids and parents about when treatment is necessary when to be seen, and by adding maintenance meds when needed. Scientists are trying to find a cure, but the most important thing is recognizing the symptoms and treating them accordingly. If your child has a prolonged cough, chest cold, chronic or recurrent “bronchitis” or difficulty with exercise, see your doctor. He or she may have asthma, and need to be treated with the right medicine and receive an education about asthma. Amy Hardin is a pediatrician at Northside Pediatrics in Towne Lake. She has one daughter who has outgrown her asthma. Her other daughter has exercise asthma, but it doesn’t stop her from being a superstar on the basketball court or lacrosse field!

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What’s Bugging You This Winter? by Paul Pugliese Georgia will likely experience a warmer-than-normal and drier-thannormal winter and early spring, according to David Stooksbury, state climatologist at the University of Georgia. If this long-term forecast holds true, then Punxsutawney Phil shouldn’t see his shadow on Groundhog Day this year and mosquitoes will likely return with a vengeance. Whenever we have unusually warm, dry winter days, we also often see some interesting bugs come out in January and late winter. During those mild, winter days County Extension offices often receive a number of calls and e-mails from clients who have found tiny flea-like insects by the thousands covering their driveways, sidewalks or their carports. At first glance, many people assume the colored mass is a mold or fungal growth. But, when they look more closely, they see there are actually thousands upon thousands of tiny (almost alien-like) moving insects. Although the appearance of so many insects can be unnerving, they are harmless. The culprits are strange little creatures called Springtails. Springtails are normally less than 1/16th inch in length. They are wingless and have very limited vision. Their color can range from yellow to almost purple to green or gray. There are actually about 700 species of springtails in North America. In northern regions, they can appear on the surface of old snow banks and are known by the common name “Snow Fleas.” However, this name is misleading since these aren’t really fleas and they don’t actually bite.

The word springtail sounds like the title of some new Olympic gymnastics event. In fact, these insects are pretty good gymnasts in their own right. They have a specialized structure called a furcula on their abdomen that acts like a tiny spring or catapult. When the furcula is released, the insect jumps into the air and travels a distance of 3 to 4 inches (up to 100 times their body length)! Because of their small size, springtails can quickly dry out, which is why you will usually find them in moist environments. Damp basements, pond edges, and areas of moist leaf litter or mulch are especially attractive to springtails. When ideal moisture and temperature conditions are met, springtail populations may skyrocket. “Damp basements, In fact, up to 50,000 pond edges, and springtails can inhabit one areas of moist leaf cubic foot of topsoil. Huge litter or mulch are clusters can sometimes be found on rocks, sidewalks, especially attractive or driveways. They can to springtails.” also be found covering the lower portions of garage doors or house foundations. Springtails feed primarily on dead or decaying vegetation. Other food items include fungi, pollen, algae, and lichens. Springtails help to decompose organic matter and release nutrients back into the soil. For that reason, they are generally considered beneficial and indicators of good soil health. Of course, if you have a wave of springtails inhabiting your garage, they might not seem beneficial. They seek out these moist locations when their usual habitat becomes uncomfortably dry. When they are found on sidewalks, garage doors, and similar areas, simply wash them off with a water hose. The water will disperse the insects and provide moist conditions in the surrounding soil for them to inhabit. If springtails move indoors, you can simply vacuum or sweep them up. Insecticides are not necessary and do not provide long term control. Eliminating excess moisture in the home is the best long term solution. Fortunately, most springtail infestations last only a few days until rainfall or a change in temperature disperses them. Springtails may seem like an alien encounter from another planet, but are just another fascinating part of our natural world. Paul Pugliese is the Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent for Cherokee County Cooperative Extension, a partnership of The University of Georgia, The U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Cherokee County. (770) 479-0418. For more information and free publications, visit our local website at www.ugaextension.com/cherokee

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January 2011

Michelle Sasapan, Cervical Cancer Survivor and Crusader for Good Health by Susan Cannizzaro

January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month and The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010, approximately 12,200 new cases of cervical cancer will have been diagnosed and about 4,210 women will have died from cervical cancer. Towne Lake resident Michelle Sasapan is a busy mom of three and nurse who got a diagnosis of stage one cervical cancer after a routine Pap test. She could not believe the news. “Just because you are married and done having kids, you still need Pap tests,” said Michelle. She feels like her purpose now is to educate others. “Many of our neighbors may have lost their health insurance with this economy and that is no reason to put off good health screenings. They need to realize there are places to go to get free Pap tests and check-ups so they can stay healthy.” Michelle went to her gynecologist, Dr. Richard Robbins of Roswell OB/GYN, in late October 2010 for a routine Pap test. It had been a year since her last one. Her results came back abnormal. The next step was a colposcopy, a 10-minute procedure that allows the doctor to take a closer look at the cervix. Michelle’s doctor extracted a tissue sample, which came back abnormal. The next step in her journey was a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), that uses a thin wire loop electrode, attached to an electrosurgical generator, to cut away the affected cervical tissue. Michelle’s tissue samples were put on slides, which in turn were sent to two different pathology labs. One of these samples went to the Mayo Clinic. It was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and Michelle was teaching a class in Minnesota when she got the call from her doctor. She was told the tissue samples showed cancer, and had an unforgettable experience on her trip back to Atlanta. “After going through the airport security and standing in the body scanner, I thought about my own diagnosis and the news reports about how scanners could cause cancer and I had a complete meltdown, crying and hiccupping. They handed me a huge wad of tissues and asked if I was ok,” said Michelle. During her appointment with Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. Benedict Benigno, a CAT scan revealed her cancer had not spread. She is a candidate for the robotic arm hysterectomy surgery to be done at Piedmont Hospital by Dr. Margarett Ellison. As of press time, Michelle was scheduled to have a radical hysterectomy before Christmas. “I am excited about the

JAnuary 2011

robotic surgery; supposedly you have a 3-6 week recovery time, versus the normal 6-8 weeks and less complications and smaller incisions,” said Michelle. Her cancer was caught very early and her prognosis is excellent. She does not need chemotherapy or radiation. “I am so lucky my doctor was so thorough and caught this so early. He has saved my life,” she said. Michelle’s attitude and positive outlook is such an inspiration. She currently works for a United Healthcare nurse helpline. “I figure if I was to get a cancer diagnosis, this was the one to get,” said Michelle. “We need more education and awareness so the average person will know where to go to find out answers, and have access to care.” She recently met a woman who had waited several years for her Pap test. She went in to be treated for bronchitis, which turned out to be cancer that had metastasized to her lungs. She needed chemotherapy and radiation. Michelle said she is amazed at the people she meets daily who have told her that they have not been to a gynecologist in several years. She is working to get the word out about the Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program in Georgia, which offers free and low cost Pap tests to uninsured women. For information, call (404) 657-3330. Another good resource is www.nccc-online.org, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition website. According to Michelle’s primary care physician, Dr. Courtney Maniatis, D.O., “Cervical cancer is usually caused by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus. There are numerous strains of this virus. Some cause genital warts while others can lead to cervical cancer. In early stages of the disease, these abnormal cells are not visible to the naked eye and the patient would have no symptoms. As cervical cancer progresses, the woman may have irregular bleeding or spotting, vaginal discharge, discomfort during intercourse or a persistent pelvic pain.” Michelle reports she has never had any symptoms. According to the American Cancer Society between 1955 and 1992, the cervical cancer death rate declined by 70 percent because of an increase in Pap tests. Michelle hopes her outreach to women about cervical cancer will change lives and make a difference to at least one woman. It’s a disease that can be treated successfully if caught early, as she is living proof. Susan L. Cannizzaro lives in Towne Lake with her husband Frank, and their two small children Jack and Sydney. She has written for several Atlanta publications including The Piedmont Review and The Atlanta Business Chronicle.

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Schools & Sports

Carmel Students Inducted into National Junior Beta Club Carmel Elementary School recently inducted 58 students into the inaugural chapter of the National Junior Beta Club. The mission of the National Junior Beta Club is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students. The Beta Club is the nation’s largest independent, nonprofit, educational youth organization.

Booth Students Help Those in Need E.T. Booth Middle School students participated in a Spirit of the Season drive to help needy families. Under the direction of counselor Marci Goodloe, each 7th and 8th grade team received a tree to fill with ornaments that represented $1 given toward food for needy families. Overall, the students gave more than $2,000. The 7th grade Pine Mountain team filled up five trees and gave more than $1,000. Money collected was used to purchase meals for needy Left to right: Robert Zamorano, Sean Sassi, Troy families in the Wilms, Graham Sheriff, Nikki Gilner, Avery Rowe community. and Sarah Brown.

Parkview Participates in Can-a-Thon Newly installed officers, left to right: Jonathan Shea, reporter; Virginia Cason, treasurer; Chloe Norrell, secretary; Kirsten McNamara, vice president and Preston Alsup, president. Not pictured: Faculty sponsors Robbin Walker and Robin Moles.

Parkview Montessori School collected 488 cans of food for the 11Alive Can-a-Thon. Classroom Montessori V (pictured) collected 136 cans and won a cupcake party.

Cherokee Christian Bring Smiles to Seniors Miss Griffin’s first grade class at Cherokee Christian School recently purchased various gift items to present to the residents of Woodstock Estates Assisted Living Home. The students earned the money to purchase the items by doing various chores at home and in their neighborhoods.

Carmel Receives Character Award

Front row (left to right): Lincoln Young, Lanna Kate Graves, Mia Abbott, Cooper Glosson, Erin Bach and Ava Shipley. Middle row: Kohl Stevens, Travis Maufer, Evan McCann, Nathan Carter, Josh Powell, Tori Catanach and Raegan Bare. Back row: Miss Griffin, Michael Boatright, Titus Becker, Karina Van der Walt, Braden Pierce and Brielle Olivia. 58

Carmel Elementary School recently was honored at the 17th National Forum on Character Education, sponsored by the Character Education Partnership (CEP). Carmel received the State School of Character Award for Georgia and Promising Practices Award for first grade students who created books for and become pen pals with Egyptian first grade students. Congratulations! Left to right: Joe Mazzola, CEP Executive Director, and Dr. Pam Green, Assistant Principal of Carmel Elementary School.

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You Can Make A Difference Joe Lemmo’s 7th grade Language Arts students at E.T. Booth share their thoughts with the community. Alyssa Borgschulte 2010 was a year filled with 365 days separated into 12 months. You’d think it would sound like any other year, but it’s not. You can’t just sit around and wait for something fun to happen. You have to make the year fun on your own! This year, I was asked to go on a church mission trip to Marshall, North Carolina. I didn’t think much of it, but I decided to go anyway. I ended up standing under a waterfall and jumping off a cliff! That all happened because I had a good attitude and made it happen! I also made a difference in a family’s life. I rebuilt their trailer and in return was brought joy! Many of my goals were accomplished. Challenges came with 2010 also. My dad lost his job, and I was worried. My family all came together and prayed. I am excited to report; my dad got a new job! When we work together, sometimes I feel like my family is unstoppable. 2011 is a new year — 365, days, 12 months, it’s all the same, though you can make it different. I can’t wait to see all the adventures 2011 will bring. Look out 2011, here I come!

Eric Norman As the year comes to an end, and the new one begins, people often forget to stop and think about how the past year went. There are usually ups and downs, and even good things and bad things. Maybe a relative passed away, or you could have gone on a vacation you will never forget. There are many memorable things that happen throughout the years, and there will be for years to come. My advice to everyone is to look at all the good things, not the bad, about memories when you reflect on them. You should does this so you can remember all of the good times you had during the year. This new year, I will continue to look for good things that happen in the world around me. I just can’t wait for the new year to come, and to also remember all the good memories I had in 2010!

Madison Notarthomas When I look back at my past year, it makes me smile. Last year, I met some of the friends I know I will always have throughout my life. I think last year had many good things going on, but yes, of course, I had some tough things going on as well. I had my last year with my sister at home. I love her so much, and she was always making me laugh. When she left for college, it made me really sad, but she comes home for holidays such as New Year’s, so I’m happy about that! New Years at my house is so much fun. We have some family friends who come over, and I usually invite one of my friends over too. My mom goes shopping for a bunch of crafts and then on New Year’s Day we make hats out of those crafts! When everyone is done with their hats, we sit around the family room and have a contest with our hats. My parents pick out a prize and the winner gets it! After that, we wait around munching on snacks, for it to be the fresh brand New Year!

Jordan Kalteux Happy New Year! This year went by fast! It was a great year! At the beginning of this year, I was not only 11, but I was also a sixth grader. Now I have grown in age, education and even height! What are your New Year’s resolutions? What is that thing you have always wanted to do? Everyone has at least one! Mine is to get along better with my friends and family, and to work on giving without expecting something in return. You always hear how people say, “I’m going to join a gym” or “I’m going to be nicer to my family” but they never do. How do you think you could not only make resolutions but also follow through with them? Maybe you could make a list. You could write them down and hang them up somewhere in your room. It could be a place you will always be able to see. This way whenever you see them you will be reminded of what you are trying to achieve this year. This year was great! And I hope the next will be great too! Happy New Year! 60

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Schools & Sports

Etowah Youth Track Club Gears up for Spring Track Season Registration for the spring season of the Etowah Youth Track Club will be held 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, January 27, and 2:30-4 p.m. Saturday, February 5 at the Rose Creek library, and 2:30-4 p.m. Sunday, January 30 at the Publix at Rose Creek Drive. New member registration fee is $180, returning member fees start at $115. The club’s mission is to foster interest in track and field while motivating boys and girls age 6-18 to demonstrate personal integrity, discipline and friendship. For more information, visit www.eytclub.com.

Deer Run Girls Tennis Wins Finals

Yong In Holds Festival Yong In Tae Kwon Do sponsored a martial arts festival to promote partnership and friendship among the community and businesses. The students put on a martial arts demonstration to promote the school, the study of their art and, hopefully, to encourage interest in Tae Kwon Do.

The Deer Run 18U girls tennis team, which has played together for three seasons, won the ALTA City Finals. This is the team’s second city championship. The girls, from Deer Run, Towne Lake Hills South and Eagle Watch, are coached by Jeff Wood and Carla Czaja. Congratulations!

Left to right: Savannah Wood, Savannah Barlitt, Anna Timm, Carlie Adair, Gabrielle Wood and Nicole Hicks. Not pictured: Qandeel Ahmed, Katrina Basto, Natassia Basto, Nicole Clarke, Madison Luker, Michelle Raftis and Samantha Sepe.

Below: Front row (left to right): Ben Angalet, William Grizzle, Chloe LeRoy, Madison Thomas, Allen Perez and Blake Jaraczewski. Back row: Nicolas Angalet, Anthony Thomas, Adonis Best, Nicole Grizzle, K’anen Grizzle, Jonah Salyers and Master Won.

Chapman Receives Volleyball Donation The volleyball after-school program at Chapman Intermediate recently received a donation of new balls from the Etowah High School Volleyball Booster Club. Approximately 30 Chapman students learned basics of the sport during the two-hour twice-weekly sessions this fall. Chapman employees Kelli Klein and Jaime Azaroff started the program, and Etowah players volunteered to help the fifth and sixth graders each week.

Banking, only better! 62

LGE

770-424-0060  www.LGEccu.org

Community Credit Union

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January 2011

The Off Season

Etowah Soccer to Host 5K The Etowah Soccer Wonderful Winter 5k run will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, January 15, at the Etowah’s stadium. Proceeds will benefit the Etowah High School boys and girls soccer teams. Entry fee is $20 before January 10, then $25. Download the registration form and instructions at www. etowahsoccer.com.

Cherokee Christian Completes Soccer Season Elementary students at Cherokee Christian have wrapped up the recreational soccer season, offered each fall for the school’s students. Pictured enjoying their last game of the season are (left to right): Hannah Wagner, Dylan White, Aaron Wenzel and Mikaela Luna.

by Mark Billson We are lucky enough to be able to play tennis throughout the year in Atlanta. There are some cold spells during winter, but if you are passionate enough, you will be able to find time to play. Many top players try to reinvent themselves over the relatively short off-season. They try to improve on the areas of their game that broke down in the previous year. Most often in the modern game, much of the progress comes from improved endurance. Both Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish improved their performances over the last two years with better conditioning. Mental toughness is often discussed as the key to being a better tennis player. I hear players say they lost it mentally. Most people lose because “So what would the of technical breakdown and bad conditioning before average tennis player they lose it mentally. hope to accomplish

during the off-season

Local Woman Achieves Instructor Goal Tina Johnson, wife and mother of three, recently achieved Level 4 Instructor at Bowen’s Tiger Rock Academy. Tina’s achievement required 250 teaching hours, 75 lesson plans and 2 ½ months of daily preparation. This instructor status has not been achieved at Bowen’s since 2005 and is rare in the Tiger Rock Martial Arts International due to the rigorous exam. Congratulations!

So what should the average or during winter?” tennis player hope to accomplish during the offseason or during winter? The first thing is to stay active and not wait until the ALTA season begins in the spring. You can do this, but don’t expect to have a successful season. Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” When you consistently hit a tennis shot with the same form that has broken down in the past and expect it to suddenly win matches for you, then you are heading for disappointment. I would suggest that if you are really interested in improvement, you should identify one area of your game that has let you down in the past and make an attempt to improve it. Making a change requires time, so it shouldn’t be during an ALTA season. Find a tennis professional who you trust and ask him to help you with correcting that stroke. Be careful with changing grips, because it is very difficult to do. Often you will be able to see good results by improving the fundamentals of your stroke without completely changing everything.

Left to right: Tina Johnson and Lili Bowen

In all my years of teaching, I can’t remember anybody being continued on page 80

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Etowah High School Basketball JV Boys Varsity Boys

JV Girls Varsity Girls

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Varsity Girls Action!

Photos courtesy of Lisa Fortner / Bowen JAnuary 2011

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JV Boys Varsity Boys

JV Girls Varsity Girls

Photos courtesy of Lisa Fortner / Bowen 66

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January 2011

Woodstock High School Basketball

Photos courtesy of Skip Daugherty JAnuary 2011

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School Information Public Schools Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/carmel-es Chapman Intermediate School 6500 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-6424 Principal: Dr. Pam Colvin www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/chapman-es E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 924-6260 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA. 30189, (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Bob Hahn www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 592-3500 Principal: William Sebring www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ woodstock-hs

Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, GA 30189, (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms

Private Schools American Heritage Academy 2126 Sixes Road Canton, GA 30114 (770) 926-7779, www.ahacademy.com Principals: Maryann Radnovich (PreK & K) Sharon Day (1 — 12 grade) PTO President: Fran Chandler Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road Woodstock, GA 30188 (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org Principal: Hal Scripka Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92 Acworth, GA 30102 (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road Acworth, GA 30102 (770) 974-9091, www.harvestbaptist.org Principal: David Goings

Lyndon Academy 9914 Highway 92 Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 926-0166 www.lyndonacademy.org Headmaster: Linda Murdock North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 975-0252 www.ncchristian.org Headmaster: Todd Clingman Omega Learning Center 5330 Brookstone Drive, NW, Suite 320 Acworth, GA (770) 792-7431 Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road Kennesaw, GA 30144 (770) 926-7729 www.shilohhills.com Administrator: John D. Ward St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street Marietta, GA 30060 (770) 428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org Principal: Pat Allen

Cherokee County School District 2010 – 2011 Calendar at a Glance

January 17 No School, MLK Day February 21 – 25 Winter Break March 17 – 18 Tentative Furlough Days April 4 – 8

Spring Break

May 27

Last Day of School Cafeteria account information: www.mealpayplus.com Aspen: https://sis.cherokee.k12.ga.us/aspen/home.do School District Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

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JAnuary 2011

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Daylight Savings Crisis by Susan Cannizzaro Daylight savings brought new meaning to us this year. The day before we were supposed to set our clocks back and change our batteries in our smoke alarms throughout our home, my husband was leaving for a business trip to Israel. I secretly worry about major things going wrong with our home when he is gone. Little did I know replacing batteries would be on the worry list. Around 5 a.m. on Sunday I hear beeping from the baby monitor on my bedroom dresser. The electricity has shut off while we are sleeping and is causing the monitor to beep. I get up to make sure there is no crying from my daughter, turn down the volume and proceed to go back to bed. A very short time later, a more annoying noise began in the hallway outside our master bedroom. I stumble into the hall and figure out it’s the smoke alarm beeping, letting me know the battery needs changing, not that there is a fire. Thank goodness. I somehow managed to find a flashlight, since the electricity was still out, and grabbed a chair to reach this smoke alarm on the hall ceiling. Somehow at this very early hour, with no electricity and a flashlight that was not real bright, I struggled to get the smoke alarm cover off the back of the unit, actually plastic went flying, so the cover did not exactly slide right off and I proceeded to get the battery out. At some point I managed to get downstairs and track down another new battery. Although the beeping continued very loudly, my two children slept through it all. New battery went in, sound stopped, problem fixed, back to sleep. 7 a.m. and it’s time to get up. We get dressed, head downstairs, and prepare for breakfast. I always give the kids a little bit of organic juice mixed with water while I fix breakfast. My daughter, who just drank her organic grape juice, got violently sick all over our hardwood floors. Dark purple goo went all over the place. As I cleaned up, my son was jumping on our ottoman bench, trying to close the lid since it had too many toys stuffed inside. CRASH, my son went flying and the ottoman lid broke. So then I had purple puke to clean up and a broken piece of furniture to fix. But wait. It gets better. On Sunday evening, my son locked my daughter in the upstairs guest room. I heard this very faint “mommy, mommy” from the room and looked at my son. “Sydney locked herself in the room,” he said. I looked at the lock and realized it takes a key to unlock it. I have no idea where to find the key. I panicked. My daughter is not quite two. I used all my body weight to knock open the door, and ended up 70

cracking the door. Daughter was safe but door would have to be fixed, along with the smoke alarm and bench. As I got into bed at midnight, I said a quiet prayer that no smoke alarms would go off. Just as I turned off the light and started to slip under the covers, the beeping started. My first thought is that it had to be the same smoke alarm. I got out another new battery and change it, but- the beeping continues. I put in another battery, no luck. This time around, the beeping was much louder. I ran around the house to see if it was a different smoke alarm. I called our security service provider hoping it is one of the smoke alarms connected to their system. Or maybe the alarm system has a glitch. They instructed me to input various codes on the control pad. Then they instructed me to disconnect the main unit downstairs. It’s in the coat closet, with many winter coats in the way. I took the coats out and then attempted to disconnect the right wires and plugs. After an hour on the phone and several representatives later, they told me they cannot help me and they cannot send a representative until Friday. The beeping continued. I decided it is now a good time for a meltdown. “I ran around the house Hysterically I called my husband in Israel, who to see if it was a different was just sitting down to smoke alarm. I called our eat breakfast. He said security service provider my words to him were, hoping it is one of the “You need to come home now!” Obviously that smoke alarms connected was not happening, so he to their system.” walked me through the battery issue and listened to me trying to convince him the smoke alarm with no batteries in it, dangling from the ceiling, was still beeping. I got up on the chair and put my ear to the dangling smoke alarm. “It’s definitely coming from this spot,” I told him. After a little while, we both finally realized the beeping was from the nearby hall bathroom. It is the carbon monoxide alarm that has caused all this stress and apparently what needs new batteries. Feeling very stupid after we realized what was causing the problem, I exclaimed some choice words as I yank out the battery. The beeps slowly subside and peace is now restored. My husband finished his breakfast in Israel. I could now go back to sleep, and the kids never knew what happened. Now that was Priceless. Susan L. Cannizzaro lives in Towne Lake with her husband Frank, and their two small children Jack and Sydney. She has written for several Atlanta publications including The Piedmont Review and The Atlanta Business Chronicle.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Starting Over or Continuing On by Dr. Doug Thrasher Every year about this time, people all around the world make New Year’s resolutions. I’ve done it, and I imagine you have too. New Year’s resolutions are about starting over. They are meant to be resolutions about new things that a person is going to do in his or her life, such as losing weight, reading, or exercising. These are changes that are initiated at the beginning of the New Year. But, how many of us have kept our New Year’s resolutions beyond the month of January – if we manage that long? There is another way to evaluate our lives and then to reset our course. I first read about it in Stephen Covey’s books. It’s called a Personal Mission Statement. Basically, a Personal Mission Statement is a statement of principles by which a person proposes to live. Mahatma Ghandi called his “Resolution.” Here’s what he wrote: “Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day: I shall not fear anyone on earth. I shall fear only God. I shall bear no ill toward anyone. I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.” If you are familiar with Mahatma Ghandi’s life at all, you can readily see how he incorporated this resolution into the living of his life. Thomas Jefferson also had a Personal Mission Statement. He called his “Decalogue.” Some of his principles to live by were: “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today” and “Never spend money before you have it” and “Be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit troubles.” Wise words even today, don’t you think? Every year around New Year’s day I try to sit down and reflect on the previous year and set goals for the coming year. My goal setting is based on principles that I use to try to direct my life. In this way, I experience continuity in my life. And I’d like to encourage you to try something. Rather than making resolutions this year, take the time to consider what kind of person you want to be. Write down the principles that you feel would help you live up to that image. And, then, set goals based on those principles. In that way, you will be beginning the process of continuing on rather than starting over. I’ve looked at my principles and, if I’m true to them, I’ve got to spend more time exercising and reading this next year. So, maybe I’ll see you at the gym. Dr. Doug Thrasher is the Senior Pastor at Hillside United Methodist Church. He is also a member of the AroundAbout — TowneLaker’s Community Board. You may contact him at dthrasher@hillsideumc.org. 74

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

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Faith

Marriage Moments by Rev. Bill Ratliff What do you want your marriage to be? What do you, as a couple, want to accomplish together in this new year? Most couples I know would consider these questions very significant and have given some thought to the answers. However, most couples have not written down the answers to these questions, much less prayed about them. Even a year before our wedding, my wife and I sat down and wrote out our goals for the future in the form of a prayer. Over the years, we have continued this practice, which has helped us focus our attention on our mutual priorities. I realize some of you are asking yourselves: why should we “Writing marriage goals write down our goals? Isn’t that going a bit overboard? Not at all! Writing with each other helps create marriage goals with each other helps to create common ground, mutual common ground, mutual investment, and shared opportunities for personal growth and your growth as a couple. investment, and shared People make a very serious mistake when they assume they know what their spouse wants in their relationship. Several of television’s reality shows about dating illustrate that point beautifully. When the man orders from the menu what he assumes his date will like it, he doesn’t take into consideration what she might really want. He doesn’t score many points that way. How stupid is that? It is as stupid as not writing down your couple goals, praying over them and asking God’s help in achieving them.

opportunities for personal growth and you growth as a couple.”

Jeremiah 29:11 states; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”

Date Your Mate:

Play the game of Risk with your mate. Make it fun without being too competitive. Use the game as a springboard for discussing and planning for certain risks you may be willing to take to bless each other this year through your marriage. Bill Ratliff is the Senior Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. He is also a member of the Around About — TowneLaker’s Community Board. He can be reached at (678) 445-8766.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Faith

Towne Lake Area Religious Services Baptist

Jewish

Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 592-7007 Sunday Services: 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Pastor: Bob Goodner

Chabad Jewish Center 1635 Old Hwy 41 NW, Suite 112-265, Kennesaw (770) 771-9952, info@JewishwestCobb.com Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat of each month at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat of each month at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWestCobb.com

First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Dr. Johnny M. Hunt www.fbcw.org Hillcrest Baptist Church 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth, (770) 917-9100 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Paul Vance New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 10:50 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Monty Guice www.newvictoriabaptistchurch.org South Cherokee Baptist Church 7504 Highway 92, (770) 926-0422 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steven Lambert

Episcopal Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton, (770) 479-1778 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Morning Prayer: Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Rector: Kurt Wheeler Christ the Redeemer Charismatic Episcopal Church 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 395-5003 Saturday Service: 5:30 p.m. Priest: Stephen Hunter Episcopal Church of the Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta, (770) 928-7916 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Rector: Rev. Paul McCabe www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clement’s Episcopal Church 2795 Ridge Road, Canton, (770) 345-6722 Sunday Eucharist Services: 8, 9 & 11 a.m. Christian Education: 10 a.m. Wednesday Eucharist Service: 6:30 p.m. Rector: James B. Stutler

Tikvah l’ Chaim “Hope for Life” Messianic Jewish Fellowship 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock (678) 936-4125 or (678) 445-8766 Shabbat Services — Saturday’s 10 a.m. Rabbi Gary Maxted www.tlchaim.com (partnering with TLC Church, Woodstock, GA)

Lutheran Celebration of Grace Lutheran Church 2260 Holly Springs Pkwy, Suite # 120, Canton (770) 503-5050 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Nursery available Sunday School: 9 a.m., Faith Formation: 9 a.m. Pastor: Virginia Krekling www.CelebrationofGrace.org Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1208 Rose Creek Drive (770) 924-7286, sheeptalk-gslc@comcast.net Sunday Services: 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Thursday Youth Activities: 6:30 p.m. Pastors: Paul Baumgartner & Justin Ask www.goodshepherdwoodstock.org Timothy Lutheran Church (LC-MS) 556 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 928-2812 Sunday Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Stephen Constien

Orthodox St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church Service at the Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Frederick Watson www.stelizabethga.org

Presbyterian Cherokee Presbyterian Church, PCA 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton, (770) 704-9594 Sunday Services: 9 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. Sunday School: 11 a.m. Pastor: Alan Lutz www.cherokee-pca.org Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558 Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Pastor: Dr. Sid Gunter www.heritagepres.com Sixes Presbyterian Church Meeting at our Fellowship Hall at 2335 Sixes Road, Canton, (770) 485-1975 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Dr. Lucas Pina www.sixeschurch.org Woodstock Presbyterian Church 345 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-0074 Adult Sunday School: 10 a.m. Traditional Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jake Marshall

Roman Catholic St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church 490 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 516-0009 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9 & 11 a.m. & 12:45 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday Spanish Mass: 2:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry Niese www.stmichaelthearchangelwoodstock.catholicweb.com Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Rd. NE., Marietta, (770) 977-1442 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5 p.m. Sunday Masses: 8 & 10 a.m. & 12 noon Sunday Spanish Mass: 2 p.m. Pastor: Monsignor Patrick Bishop www.transfiguration.com

United Methodist Bascomb United Methodist Church 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, (770) 926-9755 Contemporary Service: 9 a.m. Traditional Service: 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Millie Kim www.bascombumc.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church Worship Experiences at Johnston Elementary School 2031 East Cherokee Drive, (404) 862-7850 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:45 a.m. Nursery available at both times Pastor: Chris Bryant www.COAHUMC.org First United Methodist Church of Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 926-6440 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11 a.m. Over 50s meet 1st Saturday each month at 11:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude Herbert Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. Doug Thrasher www.hillsideumc.org

January 2011

Liberty Hill Church at the Mill 141 Railroad Street (678) 493-8920 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Nursery available Pastor: Jamey Prickett www.libertyhillumc.org Sixes United Methodist Church 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton (770) 345-7644 Sunday Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. Pastor: Jim Buckman www.sixesumc.org

Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 — 8:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org

Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Allatoona Ward, 2205 Bascomb Carmel Road Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 12:30 p.m. Sacrament Meeting: 2:15 p.m. Bishop Phil Karski Canton Ward, 3459 E. Cherokee Drive, Canton Sunday School & Auxiliary Meetings: 10:20 a.m. Sacrament Meeting: 9 a.m. Bishop Scott Harman Church of the Messiah (Non-denominational) 415 Charles Cox Drive, Canton, (770) 479-5280 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Fred L. Goodwin Cornerstone Community Church 503 Hickory Ridge Trail Suite 160 (678) 439-5108, dlkight@comcast.net Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor David Kight www.ccchurchonline.org

Axios Church 155 Rickman Industrial Drive, Holly Springs (678) 493-5969 Sunday Service: 10:15 a.m. Pastor: Ray Brim www.axioschurch.org

Covenant Christian Center 330 Adam Jenkins Memorial Blvd, Canton (770) 345-0307 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Apostle Kito J. Johnson www.CityOfCovenant.org

Bells Ferry Church of God 6718 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 592-2956 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Ted Wooldridge www.bellsferry.com

Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com

Branches of Christ 2355 Highway 92, Acworth, (770) 917-9040 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church Meeting at Woodstock Middle/High School (770) 517-2977 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m. Pastor: Chuck Angel www.bridgepointechurch.org

Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White Freedom Church Meeting at North Cobb High School 3400 Old Highway 41 NW, Kennesaw, (770) 529-6006 Sunday Services: 9:30 & 11 a.m. www.freedomchurch.tv Pastor: J.R. Lee

Celebration Church 340 Towne Lake Parkway, (678) 461-9626 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.

Jubilee Church (Newfrontiers) Meets at Kell High School 4770 Lee Waters Road, Marietta, (678) 471-1930 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. www.jubileechurch.us

Cherokee Seventh Day Adventist 101 Rope Mill Road, (770) 591-7304 Saturday Worship: 11 a.m. Sabbath School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Jonathan Williamson

Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth (Cherokee Corners) (404) 663-1828 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas

Christ the King Church of Greater Atlanta 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Larry Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com

Momentum Church 110 Londonderry Court Suite 130, Woodstock, on Hwy 92 — ½ mile east of Hwy 5, (678) 384-4919 Sunday Service Times: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Ross Wiseman www.MomentumChurch.tv Northern Hills Church of Christ 4563 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton, (404) 579-0885 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Ronny West www.northernhillsfamily.org

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, (770) 924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main Street, Suite 250 (behind NAPA) (678) 494-2193 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. JAnuary 2011

The Pointe Church AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Hasty Elementary, 205 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, (404) 557-9640 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Brian Jones www.myfriendschurch.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship Church 6409 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 928-2795 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Christian Living Class: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Youth Meeting: 6:30 p.m. Pastor: Larry H. Baker Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Greg Goebel www.resurrectionwoodstock.org Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Messianic Jewish Fellowship (Tikvah l’Chaim): Saturday 10 a.m. The Walk — Adult Singles Worship: Saturday 6 p.m. Celebrate Recovery: Friday 6 p.m. Sr. Pastor William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Unity Christ Church 2871 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, (770) 422-9552 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Terrence Padgett www.unitycc.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Sunday Small Groups: 6 p.m. Wednesday Meal: 6 p.m.; Worship: 6:40 p.m.; Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Lynn Eynon www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8838 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Servico En Espanol Domingo: 10:30 a.m. Aprenda Ingles Gratis (Free ESL): Lunes 7 — 9 p.m. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Bryan Collins www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Program: 7 p.m. Pastor: Greg Brown www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 8534 Main Street, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael

Will Jobs Come Back?

Education in America

continued from page 30

continued from page 20

own, even if they don’t know what kind of business they want to start. Keep looking for that job, and let’s talk about the road less traveled.

School, America’s largest virtual school serving more than 200,000 students, captures the essence of individual student centered learning “any time, any place, any path, any pace.”

If the response becomes overwhelming, I will find a place we can meet as a group on a regular basis. Send me an e-mail with your contact information and let’s get started. It’s time to do something!

Whether students are from an inner city or the most remote community in America, they deserve access to high quality and rigorous courses in every subject. With digital learning, this standard of access is possible. A high-achieving high school junior in downtown Chicago can learn physics from an M.I.T. professor in Boston, while the teacher of incoming first-graders in New Orleans can create individual lesson plans to make sure every student is reading within eight weeks.

Tim Grady is a Towne Lake resident, senior strategist, business advisor and public speaker for NetMark International. He also serves as Executive Director for The Wildlife Sanctuary in Ellijay, GA. For more information, you can reach him at 888-605-6400 or timgrady@ comcast.net.

The Off Season continued from page 63

unhappy with the decision to change a stroke after six months to a year of working hard at it. If you want to play competitive tennis for a long time, it is worth taking a year to get better at it. Too many people make a change and then dump it before it starts working for them. If you are going to make a change, then you need to make the decision to follow through with it. This is the season to make that change. This time of the year is also a good time to start tennis if you have not played for years. In this city, it is truly very well organized and worth the effort. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the Towne Lake tennis players and others a happy holiday season. I hope next year brings good health and great tennis. Mark Billson is Director of Tennis at Towne Lake Hills Tennis Club. He is USPTR certified with more than 20 years teaching experience. He works with players of all ages and levels. Mark can be contacted at tlhtennis@comcast.net.

Regardless of zip code, race, gender, socio-economic background, or special needs, digital learning can become the great equalizer. It can truly lift all boats and in doing so transform American education. The time is now and the cost of inaction could be catastrophic. Chip Rogers is the State Senator for District 21. You can call him at (404) 463-1378 or fax him at (404) 657-9887. You also can e-mail Chip at Chip@SenatorChipRogers.com. Chip also serves on the AroundAbout — Townelaker Community Board.

Complete Health & Wellness continued from page 31

television more important than exercise? Is saving money by eating poor quality food more important than spending the few extra dollars for good food? Only you can answer these questions, which could ultimately determine your health, your happiness and your life. Do you really want to be healthy? Dr. Jared Lasseigne graduated from Life University. He has been involved with Chiropractic Wellness for the last twenty years You may reach Dr. Jared at Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation at (770) 516-9900

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January 2011

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Reference

Towne Lake Area Clubs and Organizations Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. Contact: Marci Zied, (770) 345-8687 Cherokee Financial Women International Contact: Mitzi Saxon, (770) 479-3400 Cherokee Toastmasters Meeting: Every Wednesday from 12 noon Location: Keller Williams Realty, 220 Heritage Pkwy Contact: Steve Monahan, (770) 712-4077 Website: www.CherokeeToastmasters.com No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday morning at 7:30am Location: Corner Bistro off Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: Stephanie Natarus, (770) 928-2700 stephanie@livinginsured.com Website: http://www.meetup.com/No-FeeReferral-Network-Woodstock/ North Georgia Referral Network Meeting: Every Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Steve Green, (770) 427-2799 Together We Rise Meeting: Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meeting: January 18, 12:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350 Website: www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meeting: Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377 Website: www.powercore.net Woodstock Business Networking Group Meeting: Thursdays at 7:45 a.m. Location: Atlanta Bread Company on Highway 92 Contact: Lee West, (770) 591-7101 Woodstock Community Business Association Meeting: Second Monday at 12 noon Location: Latimer Hall Contact: info@woodstockcba.com Women of Woodstock Meeting: First & third Wednesday. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Stephanie Natarus, (770) 928-2700 stephanie@livinginsured.com Website: www.womenofwoodstock.com

Charitable Organizations Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hour, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 Website: www.ahimsahouse.org Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika. org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org Cherokee County Animal Shelter Auxiliary Contact: (770) 704-PAWS or ccasa4paws@yahoo.com Website: www.ccasauxiliary.org Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS)

Contact: (770) 928-5115, admin@cchumanesociety.org Website: www.cchumanesociety.org CCHS Thrift Store located at 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS. Cherokee County Special Olympics Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. Location: CrossRoads Middle/High School Contact: Colleen Konwick, (770) 517-7101 Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 Website: www.cacadopt.petfinder.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: Candice Knight, (770) 795-9349 Website: www.feedmylambs.net Genesis Adoptions Contact: Lindsay Kirk, (770) 517-0043, lkirk@genesis-adoptions.org Website: www.genesis-adoptions.org Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia. Contact: (770) 345-1879 Website: www.habitatncg.org Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com Website: www.hopectr.com Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: Shari Koch, (770) 218-1997 Website: www.hospiceadvantage.com iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 Website: www.iCORorphans.com Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at AroundAbout — TowneLaker offices. Website: www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org MUST Ministries Contact: Kim Loesing, (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 Website: www.papaspantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: Chad Arp, (678) 493-4343 Website: www.cherokeesafekids.org

Civic Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50 and older. Meeting: Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944

Kiwanis Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (678) 494-4841 Website: www.kiwanisofwoodstock.org Rotary Club of Woodstock Meeting: Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: Gary Floyd, (404) 506-6878, glfloyd@ southernco.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meeting: Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch) Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Sewrifics of Cherokee Meeting: Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 Sons of the American Legion Meeting: Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Church Contact: Charles Tucker, (678) 643-0794 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meeting: Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. Location: Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Terry Morrison, (770) 715-3375 Woodstock Jaycees Meeting: First Tuesday & third Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (770) 926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: New Victoria Baptist Church Contact: (770) 906-2958 Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meeting: Second & fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Location: Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: (770) 993-3145 or (770) 926-0627 Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meeting: Every Wednesday at 12 noon Location: Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663

Political Organizations

American Legion & Auxiliary Meeting: Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Location: Woodstock Community Church Contact: Charles Tucker, (678) 643-0794

Cherokee County Democrat Party Meeting: Third Monday at 7 p.m. Location: The Holly Springs Train Depot Contact: Judy Hamilton, (770) 380-7071, jkmailbox@yahoo.com Website: www.cherokeedems.com

Beta Sigma, Kappa Chi Chapter Meeting: Third Thursday at 7 p.m. Contact: Maria Kuhn, vccibaker@aol.com or April Bolle, (678) 327-7233

Cherokee County Republican Party Meeting: First Saturday at 9 a.m. Breakfast served Location: Lodge at BridgeMill, 10451 Bells Ferry Rd. Contact: (678) 809-1411

Hickory Flat Optimist Club Meeting: First & third Tuesdays 12 noon Location: Family Tradition, Highway 140 Contact: Alan Flint, (770) 720- 9056

Cherokee County Republican Women Meeting: Third Wednesday, Dinner at 6 p.m., Speaker at 7 p.m. Location: Featherstone’s at BridgeMill Contact: (678) 520-2236 for reservations Website: www.ccrwcga.com

Junior Service League of Woodstock 24 hour information line: (770) 592-3535 AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

Recreation & Hobbies

Contact:

Airstream Caravan Club Website: http://home.windstream.net/topofga/ Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044

Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Meeting: First Thursday at 7 p.m. Location: Atria, 1000 Professional Way Contact: Atria Woodstock, (770) 926-0119

Allatoona Gold Panners Location: Creeks around Lake Allatoona Contact: Rob Kelly, (770) 516-7044 rrkelly@bellsouth.net Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meeting: Second Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Location: Woodstock Art Center, 205 Arnold Mill Rd. Contacts: Madeline Hall, (678) 754-8482 woodstockartcenter@comcast.net Blue Skies Laughter Club Meeting: Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. Location: Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 Website: www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meeting First Saturday at 10 a.m. Location: BridgeMill Community Center Contact: Jim Millsap, PIO, (770) 928-8590 Website: www.cherokee-ares.org/ccars Cherokee County Arts Center Meeting Fourth Friday at 10 a.m. Location: 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 Website: www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Saddle Club Meeting Third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Family Tradition, Hickory Flat Contact: Tamma Trump, (770) 655-0819 Website: www.cherokeesaddleclub.com Cherokee Fencing Club Meeting: Beginners, Wednesdays at 5 p.m.; Club, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Location: Recreation Center, Main Street Contact: Andy McCann, (678) 494-9750 Website: www.cherokeefencingclub.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association Contact: Dan Baldwin, 770-846-4843 Website: www.cherokeelacrosse.com Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Melanie Williams, (770) 345-2983 Website: www.cherokeemta.org Crossfit WOD Club Meeting: Daily for the “Work Out of the Day” Contact: www.crossfitgarage.com Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meeting: Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Meeting: Third Tuesday Contact: Carolyn White, (770) 926-6756 Singles of Towne Lake 35+ holds monthly mixers. Contacts: Lisa, (770) 597-3430 LisaR789@bellsouth.net Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization. Meeting: Third Sunday at 1 p.m. Location: Wildlife Action, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (800) 753-2264

Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meeting: First Wednesday at 7 p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock

JAnuary 2011

Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131

Autism Parent Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Location: Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551

Meeting: Second Saturday Location: River Green Subdivision Facilities Contact: Tom, (770) 345-4864, Tom@brushwithart.com Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meeting: First Tuesday at 10 a.m. Location: Bascomb United Methodist Church Contacts: Marguerite, (770) 926-2791 Megan, (770) 517-0191

Breast Cancer Support Group Meeting: First Thursday of each month Time: 10 a.m. — 12 noon Location: Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: (404) 843-1880

Miracle Mothers is for women trying to conceive or adopt. Contact: Melissa, (770) 516-1078 Website: www.miraclemothers.org

Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com

MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30189 Contacts: www.momsclubtownelake.com momscluboftownelake@gmail.com

CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 Website: www.casaforchildren.org Cherokee Autism Spectrum Support Group A support group for families with children on the autism spectrum. Contact: Heidi at hcf67@comcast.net or Renee at mrjperrelli@yahoo.com Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee County Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org Website: www.fosteroradopt.org C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meeting: First Monday at 7 p.m. 24-hour information line: (770) 517-3043 Depression and Bipolar Support Group Meeting: Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Location: 8534 Main Street, Woodstock Contact: (770) 560-7112, healthymoods@aol.com Website: www.Myspace.Com/healthymoods Emotions Anonymous Meeting: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contacts: Cindy, (770) 928-6554; Sherry, (770) 926-1889 Fellowship of Companies for Christ International Meeting: Second & fourth Thursdays at 7 a.m. Location: Woodstock Family Restaurant Contact: Randall Hill, (770) 516-5887 Georgia Canines for Independence Meeting: First Monday at 6:30 p.m. Location: 6683 Bells Ferry Road, Suite H Contact: Ramona Nichols, (404) 735-3647 Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meeting: 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available) Location: Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 Hearing Loss Resource Group Contacts: Cathy, (678) 483-9135 WoodstockSHHH-info@phydeaux.org JDRF Cherokee Pickens Family Support Group for families of children with Juvenile (type 1) diabetes.

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

MOMS Club Woodstock — 30188 Contacts: momsclubwoodstockn@yahoo.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meeting: Second & Fourth Tues. a.m. or Wed. p.m. Location: First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: (770) 926-4428, www.fbcw.org Mothers & More Meeting: First & third Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Location: Kroger at Towne Lake Contact: Michelle Wise, (770) 720-8834 Website: www.woodstockmm.com National Alliance for Mental Illness Family Support Group Meeting: Second & fourth Tuesdays, 7 — 8:30 p.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Jill, (404) 394-1229 or Patrick, (678) 654-2091 Website: www.nami.org National Psoriasis Foundation Support Group Meeting: First Tuesday at 7 p.m. (call for directions) Contact: Scott Bell, (404) 218-6626 Website: http://support.psoriasis.org/woodstock NWAtlantaMommies.com Play dates, mom’s night out, and online support Meeting: Weekly Contact: Stephanie Peterson, (678) 653-1418 admin@nwatlantamommies.com Website: http://www.nwatlantamommies.com Overeaters Anonymous Meeting: Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Location: H.O.W. Place, behind fire station on Bells Ferry Road at Old Bascomb Court Contact: Lois, (770) 592-6421 Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. S.N.A.P. offers resources for children with special needs. Meeting: Second Monday from 10 — 11:30 a.m. Location: 100 Hickory Circle, Holly Springs Contact: (770) 720-4068 Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meeting: Second & fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. Location: Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899

Reference

Community Information Numbers & Websites Emergency — 911 • AroundAbout — TowneLaker • (770) 615-3322 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce

(770) 345-0400

Cherokee County Government: Animal Shelter Business Licenses Clean & Beautiful Commission Commissioners Courthouse Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) Extension Office Jury Phone Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) Planning & Zoning Senior Services Tax Assessors/Evaluation

(770) 345-7270 (770) 721-7810 (770) 517-7650 (678) 493-6000 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6077 (770) 479-0418 (770) 479-9011 (770) 479-1953 (678) 493-6101 (770) 345-5312 (678) 493-6120

Taxes: License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration

(678) 493-6400 (770) 924-4099 (770) 479-0407

Children/Family: Anna Crawford Children’s Center Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry

(770) 592-9779 (770) 720-7712 (770) 479-1804 (770) 345-5483 (770) 720-3581 (770) 720-3610 (770) 924-0864 (770) 479-5397 (770) 591-4730

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)

(678) 413-8400

Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)

(770) 926-7155

Georgia State Patrol

(770) 205-5400

Health Department

(770) 345-7371

Hospitals: Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee

(770) 793-5000 (770) 751-2500 (770) 720-5100

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines: Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Rite-Call (Child Medical Problems) Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center

Libraries: Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock

(770) 479-1703 (770) 345-7920 (404) 616-9000 (800) 222-1222 (770) 704-2610 (404) 250-KIDS (770) 428-2666

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org (770) 591-1491 (770) 479-3090 (770) 926-5859

Banking, only better! 84

Non-Emergency 911 Parks and Recreation:

(770) 479-3117

BridgeMill Athletic Club Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency

(770) 345-5500 (770) 591-5820 (770) 924-7768 www.crpa.net Cherokee Soccer Association (770) 704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com Eagle Watch Golf Club (770) 591-1000 Hobgood Park (770) 924-7865 North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. www.nasa-ga.org (770) 926-4175 SCRA Park (770) 926-5672 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969 Wildlife Action, Inc. (800) 753-2264

Pets: Animal Control (678) 493-6200 CatSnip (low cost spay & neuter) www.atlantaanimalalliance.com Cherokee County Animal Shelter — Adoptions (770) 345-7270 Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Lost Pet Hotline (770) 615-3333 Meals “Fur” Pets www.mealsfurpets.com (770) 762-4077 SPARE (Sterilizing Pets And Reducing Euthanasia) (770) 928-5120 Second Chance Dog Rescue www.secondchancedogs.org

Post Office (Woodstock) www.usps.com

(800) 275-8777

Recycling Center

(770) 516-4195

Schools: see www.townelaker.com for complete listing Board of Education www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

(770) 479-1871

Sheriff’s Department www.cherokeega-sheriff.org

(678) 493-4200 Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Utilities: Atlanta Gas Light Co. www.aglc.com A T & T www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority Comcast Cobb EMC www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power

(770) 907-4231 (404) 780-2355 (770) 479-1813 (770) 926-0334 (770) 429-2100 (888) 660-5890

Urgent Care Facility Wellstar Urgent Care

(678) 494-2500

Woodstock, City of: (in Towne Lake, only applies to Avonlea, Deer Run, ParkView, Paces and certain annexed commercial parcels) www.ci.woodstock.ga.us City Hall (770) 926-8852 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6025

LGE

770-424-0060  www.LGEccu.org

Community Credit Union

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

Phone NOT ringing off the hook?

Start Generating Calls For Your Business! Contact

today to advertise! 770-615-3322 Email: patty@townelaker.com JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Reference

Elected & Appointed Officials United States Government:

President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Website: www.whitehouse.gov e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)

Senate Russell Courtyard-2 Washington, D.C. 20510 Website: http://chambliss.senate.gov e-mail: use contact form on website

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

1 Overton Park, Suite 970 3625 Cumberland Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: http://isakson.senate.gov

Rep. Tom Price (R), District 6

P.O. Box 425 Roswell, GA 30077 Website: http://tom.house.gov e-mail: use contact form on website

Rep. John Linder (R), District 7

90 North St., Suite 360 Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.linder.house.gov

Commissioners:

(202) 456-1414 fax: (202) 456-2461

Buzz Ahrens (R), Chairperson Harry Johnston (R), Post 1 e-mail: hjohnston@cherokeega.com

(202) 224-3521 fax: (202) 224-0103

Jim Hubbard (R), Post 2 e-mail: jhubbard@cherokeega.com

Karen Bosch (R), Post 3 (202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999 fax: (770) 661-0768 (202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 fax: (770) 565-7570 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 479-1888 fax: (770) 479-2999

e-mail: kbosch@cherokeega.com

Jason Nelms (R) Post 4 e-mail: cnelms2@gmail.com

Cherokee County School System

Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo

P.O. Box 769, 110 Academy St., Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokee.k12.ga.us e-mail: drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

Governor Sonny Perdue (R)

(404) 656-1776 fax: (404) 657-7332

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 Website: www.cherokeega-sheriff.org e-mail: rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

Senator Chip Rogers (R), District 21

(404) 463-1378 fax: (404) 657-9887

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner David Fields

State Government:

State Capitol, Room 111 Atlanta, GA 30334 e-mail: chip@SenatorChipRogers.com

Senator Jack Murphy (R), District 27

e-mail: jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov

(770) 887-1960 fax: (770) 205-0602

Rep. Charlice Byrd (R), District 20

(404) 656-0126 fax: (404) 463-2793

Rep. Sean Jerguson (R), District 22

(404) 656-0287

e-mail: charlice.byrd@house.ga.gov

e-mail: sean.jerguson@house.ga.gov

Cherokee County Courts:

100 North St., Canton, GA 30114 e-mail: dfields@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 8681 Highway 92, Woodstock, GA 30189

Board of Education: Stephen Bentley (R), Post 1 Mike Chapman (R), Post 2

(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240

State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr. Judge W. Alan Jordan

(678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490

e-mail: janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us

(678) 493-6431

e-mail: rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

(678) 493-6160

e-mail: Radfam5@bellsouth.net

Magistrate Court: Probate Court:

Judge Keith Wood (R)

Juvenile Court:

Judge John B. Sumner

Clerk of Courts:

Patty Baker

Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby

90 North Street, Suite 310Canton, GA 30114

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners 90 North Street, Suite 310 Canton, GA 30114 Website: www.cherokeega.com

(678) 493-6511

(678) 493-4200 fax: (678) 493-4228

(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420 (770) 924-4099 fax: (770) 924-9567

(770) 704-4398, x4374

(770) 704-4398, x4372

e-mail: mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Gary Puckett (R), Post 3

(770) 928-3315

e-mail: puckett@bellsouth.net

Janet Read (R), Post 4 (Chair) Rick Steiner (R), Post 5

(678) 493-6250

(770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236

e-mail: me@stephenbentley.com

Superior Court: Chief Judge Frank C. Mills, III Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea

Judge James E. Drane III (R)

(678) 493-6001

e-mail: lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Debi Radcliff (R), Post 6 (Vice Chair)

(770) 516-1444

(770) 704-4398, x4370

(770) 592-7864

Kim Cochran (R), Post 7 e-mail: kimgcochran@gmail.com

City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

(770) 592-6017

e-mail: dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com (404) 362-1600

Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association (Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) (678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6013

Douglas Properties

(770) 926-3086

117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Don’t Forget Your Ducts

www.townelaker.com Check Out our Online Community Today! You already love the magazine, now you can connect online with friends and keep up to date with what’s happening right here in Towne Lake!

continued from page 17

peak weather conditions. This problem is easily corrected when replacing your comfort system and should not be overlooked and if it is, the problem will still be there after the new system is installed. One should never purchase a new HVAC system without having a competent contractor inspect the duct system to assure you that your new heating and cooling system will actually deliver the promise of comfort and efficiency that you should demand from this purchase. Dan Jape is the owner of Reliable Heating & Air. You may contact him at (770) 594-9096.

Who’s on Second? continued from page 40

Craft Happy Projects

Pahlmyer, is about half price the Napa Valley proprietary red called Pahlmyer, which sells for about $100 a bottle.

Videos

Pavillion Rouge (de Chateau Margaux) would be the second label for the great Chateau Margaux. Pavillion Rouge sells for about $120 a bottle, while Chateau Margaux can set you back $500 to $1,000 a bottle.

Photos

One of Napa’s original second labels, Hawk Crest by Stag Leap Cellars, is a bargain in the under $20 bracket.

Community Events Calendar

Cheers! David Heckelmoser is a professional member of the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Specialist of Wine CSW, Atlanta Chapter Sommelier Les Marmition.

Broken Boy

More ways to stay connected: Join the TowneLaker fan page www.facebook.com/ aroundabouttownelaker

continued from page 40

visiting for the weekend, arrived while Angela was gone and found a strange, broken boy on Angela’s couch. Imagining what went through her sister-in-law’s mind provided much needed comic relief. We were fortunate to get an appointment with an orthopedist that afternoon, and I knew my son was in good spirits when he said, “What time is the appointment because I have a lot of people who want to see me!” He has several months of rehab ahead of him. Luckily, no surgery is needed, and he found a second mother in Angela. I think it’s safe to say… we won’t be traveling anymore when our son is playing football!

www.twitter.com/townelaker 88

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Kara Kiefer is the Editor of AroundAbout — TowneLaker. She lives in Towne Lake with her husband Mike and sons Brandon and Garrett.

January 2011

Customers NOT Leaping Through Your Door? Don’t Wait For Them To Find You! JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Call (770) 615-3322 to advertise in

Email: patty@townelaker.com 89

Classifieds Childcare

Free to Good Home (these ADS ARE FREE)

Childcare in Towne Lake. 21 years experience. Full, part-time and hourly available. No extra charges, only pay when you come. M — F, 7:30 a.m. — 6 p.m. Janine, (770) 517-9604.

FREE TO GOOD HOME Three Beautiful Cats that I must give free to a good home. They are indoor cats and have been well cared for. Please call Karen. (404) 431-6900.

Towne Lake Mom with teaching degree and extensive daycare experience. Opening January 2011. (678) 266-2705, Sherri.

Custom Home Decor Sewing. Window treatments, pillows, bedding, etc. Call Caron, (404) 372-1706. www.caroncreates.com.

Former Museum Instructor. Private lessons in oil, acrylic, watercolor and drawing. Contact Edward, (770) 365-6074.

events

Looking For A Loving Home For Your Pet? You can place your 'Free To Good Home' ad in the classifieds for FREE!

Penny Clean "One Woman Show." Residential, commercial, moving and deep cleans. Reasonable rates, 25 years experience. Licensed, bonded and insured. Free estimates. (678) 494-3602.

tutoring/ instruction

Any Age Children, any time, any day. At your house or mine. 30 years experience, very affordable. Tutoring available. (678) 494-6904.

Weight Loss Challenge. We challenge you to become one of "The Biggest Weight Losers" of the North Atlanta metro area. The cost is $30 for the 12 week program being held at Shake by the Lake on Bells Ferry Road (next to Fitness 19). Competition begins January 13th 2011, 7 to 8 p.m. For questions or to pre-register, call (678) 758-8504.

Home Services, cont'd.

help wanted

Private Tutoring By Certified Teacher. Math, test prep, reading. Contact Durema Bacchus, (678) 230-1768.

Hair Stylists Needed/Booths Available. Reasonable rental rate. Ayesha, (404) 579-5823.

OPPORTUNITY

Home Services Frameless Shower Enclosures. Update your bathroom now with glass benches, mirrors and frameless enclosures. By D'Sapone, (770) 9242871. Free estimates. Visit our website, www. dsapone.com.

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Franchise Business Opportunity. Would you or someone you know like to make your community a better place to live? Well now you can! AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc. is offering franchise opportunities! This is the opportunity to take a leadership role in your community. For more information, please call (770) 615-3276, visit www. aroundaboutmagazines.com.

Mail this Form with your Payment to: AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc. 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 340 Woodstock, GA 30189 Fax: (770) 516-4809

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Please make checks payable to AroundAbout Community Magazines, Inc. Form of payment: ¨ Cash or Check ¨ Visa ¨ Master Card ¨ American Express ¨ Discover CC Account # Exp: Sec. Code (CVC): Credit Card Authorization Signature: Name: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Daytime Phone: AroundAbout — TowneLaker Classifieds is a monthly feature. All ads are accepted and placed under categories at the discretion of the publisher. Rates are only $1 per word, per month, with a 10-word minimum. “Pet Lost and Found,” “Ride Share” and “Free to Good Home” pet placement ads are FREE.

NEXT CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THE 10 th FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH'S ISSUE! 90

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Animal Atlanta......................................................................... 35 Azure Salon & Spa.................................................................... 33 Bam Fence................................................................................ 41 Bar-B-Cutie............................................................................... 87

Marshall Gunn Window Cleaning............................................. 13

Bon Vivant Salon...................................................................... 75

Monti’s Food Express.................................................................. 5

Carpet Dry Tech........................................................................ 85

Mr. Junk................................................................................... 19

Christian Brothers Automotive................................................. 32

My Mechanic Joe...................................................................... 59

Dr. Jerry Smith Orthodontics..................................................... 96

Pineapple Park......................................................................... 41

Endless Fitness Center.............................................................. 89

Quiznos.................................................................................... 32

Green Heating & Air................................................................. 53

Reliable Heating & Air.............................................................. 41

Hammock’s Heating & Air......................................................... 91

Skin Essentials by Marilyn......................................................... 47

JD’s Bar-B-Que.......................................................................... 29

The Plumbing Doctor................................................................ 61

Jewelry Doctor......................................................................... 69

The Sundance Center................................................................ 96

La Chic Boutique....................................................................... 35

Woodstock Shoe Repair & Alterations...................................... 33

Lamour Nails............................................................................ 17

Zest & Zing............................................................................... 37

Visit our Community Clipper page for more coupons from our advertisers.

Connect with friends and keep up to date on what’s happening right here in Towne Lake!

3 ways to get connected 92

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AroundAbout — TowneLaker

January 2011

Affordable Coupon Advertising Get customers in your door! AroundAbout TowneLaker Advertisers who can benefit from coupons: • Auto services • Carpet cleaning • Restaurants • Hair salons • HVAC • Jewelers • Clothing store • Nail salons • Pet sitting • Retail • Spa services • Medical/Dental All advertisements in the Community Clipper must be a coupon offer(s) only. This page cannot be used for regular advertising.

To reserve your spot, call (770) 615-3322 or email patty@townelaker.com today! JAnuary 2011

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Support the Advertisers that Support Your Community! Attorneys/Legal Services Kathleen McGillick, Attorney at Law...........................77 Merino & Associates, LLC...................31, Back Cover (770) 874-4600

Wellpath Center.................................................... 71 (770) 218-1166

North Cobb Christian School................................. 17 (770) 975-0252

Computer/Business Services

Park View Montessori School..........Cover, 50, 51, 91 (770) 926-0044

Nerd in a Flash......................................................... 5 1-888-637-3462

Pantana Accounting & Tax..................................... 35

Churches Robertson Law....................................................... 69 (678) 313 -0122

Bridgepointe Church.............................................. 74 www.bridgepointechurch.org

Automotive

Dentists/Orthodontists

Christian Brothers Automotive.............................. 32 (770) 926-4500

Byrd Dental Group................................................. 45 (770) 926-8200 2035 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock

My Mechanic Joe................................................... 59 (770) 591-6640

Banking/Financial Services Citadel Professional Services, LLC.......................... 37 (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Drive, Kennesaw First Cherokee State Bank...................................... 21 www.2gochecking.com LGE Credit Union..................................10, 26, 62, 84 (770) 424-0060 www.LGEccu.org Morrison Financial Group...................................... 85 (770) 384-8380 Towne Lake Mortgage..............................Back Cover (770-591-8277

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners Carpet Dry-Tech .................................................... 85 (678) 368-5991

Chiropractors 1st Choice Chiropractic.................................... 13, 87 (770) 924-6757 1000 Woodstock Parkway

Health & Beauty Azure Salon & Spa................................................. 33 (770) 345-8280 Bon Vivant Salon................................................... 75 (770) 516-9100 www.bonvivantsalon.com Lamour Nails.......................................................... 17 (770) 517-4757

Dr. Jerry Smith, Orthodontist................................. 96 (678) 905-0300

Salon & Spa Venessa............................................. 31 (770) 591-2079

Fountain View Dentistry........................................ 43 (770) 926-0000 www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Drive, Woodstock

Skin Essentials by Marilyn..................................... 47

Park Pediatric Denistry of Woodstock, LLC............ 37 (770) 926-9260 S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS............................................. 75 (770) 924-8848 Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD................................ 9 (770) 517-0444 4595 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Williams Orthodontics........................................... 85 (770) 592-5554

Education/Instruction/Counseling Access Education Towne Lake Driving School........ 19 (678) 494-2200

Sundance Massage Center, The............................. 96 (678) 591-5066

Home Improvement/Repair & Service Bam Fence............................................................. 41 (678) 525-1125 BCF Home Services Inc.......................................... 47 (678) 575-8245 Bryan Plumbing Services......................................... 9 (770) 826-5277 Dr. Fixit, Ph.D......................................................... 71 Green Heating & Cooling, Inc................................ 53 (770) 479-2844 Hammocks Heating & Air...................................... 91 (770) 794-0428

American Heritage Academy................................. 71 (770) 926-7779 www.ahacademy.com

Marshall Gunn Window Cleaning.......................... 13

Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation.................. 61 (770) 516-9900 www.discoverrehab.com

Goddard School, The............................................. 47 (770) 516-0880

Nelson Painting & Home Improvement................. 89 (678) 283-8171 www.nelson-painting.com

Towne Lake Family Chiropractic............................ 57 (770) 592-1877 www.townelakechiro.com

Kennesaw State University, Cont. Ed..................... 56 (770) 423-6765 www.kennesawedu/coned.com

AroundAbout — TowneLaker

Mr. Junk................................................................. 19

Plumbing Doctor, The............................................ 61 (770) 516-9000

January 2011

Northside Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine........ 87 (770) 928-0016

Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills.............. 13 (770) 926-6097

Ridge Valley Exteriors............................................ 45 (678) 517-0277

Plastic Surgery Center of the South....................... 45 (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net

J.D.’s Bar-B-Que..................................................... 29 (678) 445-7730 Monti’s Food Express............................................... 5 (678) 809-4333

Roswell Woodstock Plumbing................................. 5 (770) 663-0600

Progressive Audiology Center Inc............................ 9 (770) 592-4744, (706) 253-7244

Lawn Maintenance/Landscaping

Rausch Family Practice.......................................... 89 (678) 384-7305

Reliable Heating & Air........................................... 41 (770) 594-9969 www.reliableair.com

Pike Nursery.................................................... 47, 49 (770) 926-3252 www.pikenursery.com

Signature Benefits................................................. 59 (678) 388-1837

Optometrist/Eyewear Towne Lake Eye Associates.................................... 53 (770) 926-2858

Village Podiatry Centers........................................ 59 (770) 384-0284 www.vpcenters.com

Photographer Kim Bates Photographic Art.................................. 33 (770) 617-7595 www.kimbatesphotoart.com

Wellstar................................................................... 1 www.wellstar.org/heart

Skip Daugherty Photography................................. 91 (770) 329-5807 www.skipdaughertyphotography.com

Keller Williams, Kurt & Sheila Johnson.....................Back Cover (404) 954-2486 www.kurtandsheila.com

Pet/Veterinarian Services & Supplies A Home Away From Home.................................... 71 Animal Atlanta....................................................... 35 Animal Hospital at Towne Lake.............................. 57 (770) 591-9500 Cat Clinic of Woodstock......................................... 57 (770) 780-2800 Cherokee County Animal Shelter........................... 81 (770) 345-7270 www.petfinder.com/shelters/GA460.html 1015 Univeter Road, Canton South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital..................... 96 (770) 924-6746

Physicians and Medical Services Cherokee Internal Medicine.................................. 53 (678) 238-0301 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, PC............ 29 (770) 720-7733, (770) 516-0552 www.cherokeewomenshealth.com Georgia Pain Management.................................... 69 (770) 544-1000 120 Stone Bridge Parkway, Woodstock In Harmony Pediatric Therapy............................... 74 (770) 345-2804 John Lutz, PhD....................................................... 19 Northside Hospital................................................ 11 (770) 720-5100 201 Hospital Road, Canton www.northside.com

JAnuary 2011

Quiznos.................................................................. 32 (678) 494-9989 Zest & Zing............................................................. 37 (770) 591-4000

Services/Retailers Miscellaneous Art Jewelers............................................................. 7 (770) 924-3133 136 Woodstock Square Avenue, Woodstock Critter Catchers...................................................... 13 Habitat for Humanity No. Central Georgia............ 77 (770) 345-1024

Real estate & related services

Lake Nantahala............................. Inside Front Cover (828) 321-3101 www.visitlakesend.com Reflection - Lake Nantahala.......... Inside Front Cover www.reflectionlakenantahala.com

Recreation and Fitness

Jewelry Doctor....................................................... 69 (770) 866-4791 La Chic Boutique.................................................... 35 (678) 402-5788 MGJ Productions................................................... 29 (678) 755-1959 Pineapple Park....................................................... 41 (678) 494-8494

Dancentre South . ................................................. 57 (770) 516-7229 www.dancentresouth.com

Towne Lake Arts Center......................................... 19 (678) 494-4251 www.tlaclive.org

Endless Fitness Center........................................... 89 (678) 401-3158 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock

Woodstock Furniture Outlet.................................. 77

Etowah Eagles Basketball........................................ 7 www.etowaheagles.com Etowah Eagles Football.......................................... 35 www.etowaheaglesfootball.com

Woodstock Shoe Repair & Alterations.................. 33 (770) 928-7005

Business A Little Slow?

Optimal Performance Training, LLC......................... 5 (678) 738-5378 Steps Dance Center............................................... 75 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club..................................... 24 (770) 592-9969 1003 Towne Lake Hills East, Woodstock www.townelakehillsgc.com Woodstock Wolverines.......................................... 77 www.woodstockwolverinesfootball.com

Restaurants/Food Services Bar-B-Cutie............................................................ 87 (770) 924-9491

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