1 15 townelaker webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Quality Pediatric Care, Close to Home Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides compassionate, comprehensive medical care for patients from birth to 18 years of age. Dr. Jamie Rollins and Dr. Shalini Shah offer the quality one-on-one care you demand to keep your child happy and healthy including, short wait times, same-day appointments and personalized care at a location convenient for your busy lifestyle. Northside Pediatrics offers: • Board-certified in Pediatrics. Northside Cherokee Pediatrics provides attentive, complete care to children in every stage of development from infancy to adolescence. • Timely Access. For sick patients who require immediate attention, we offer same-day appointments whenever possible. • Continuous Care. Patients are able to see the same provider at each visit to ensure continuous and seamless care for your child.

684 Sixes Road, Suite 220, Holly Springs, GA 30115 I-575, Exit 11

Call (678) 388-5485 to schedule an appointment Shalini Shah, MD

Jamie Rollins, MD

northsidecherokeepediatrics.com

North Cobb Christian School

Together… Cultivating Hearts.

Challenging Minds. Impacting Culture. Join us for

NCCS PREVIEW DAY for a tour of the school and a chance to visit with teachers, coaches, and administrators! Drop in between

9:30am-11:30am Saturday, January 10! See more Open House dates at

ncchristian.org

4500 Lakeview Drive Kennesaw, GA

770.975.0252 K3-12th

NCCS admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin. TOWNELAKER | January 2015 NCCS Townlaker Jan 15 ad.indd 1

12/4/14 5:09 PM

January 2015

Volume 20, Issue 9

15 A Warm Place to Sleep Canton church opens its doors to the homeless.

16 Football History

Etowah Principal recalls recordmaking year.

20 A Haven for Children

New facility offers a safe place for foster kids, families.

21 Meet the New Director

Greenprints Alliance head shares thoughts on travel.

28 Everyday Angels

Needs are great after death of young husband, father.

30 The World of Nonprofits

New monthly features brings updates, opportunities.

40 Getting Rid of Gluten

Simple tips for going gluten-free.

76 Woodstock Flashback

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overlook the past in excitement for the future.

In Every Issue

Contributing Writers Chantel Adams Don Akridge Keith Ball Paul Baumgartner Kyle Bennett Michael Caldwell Caron Catalon G. Lora Grooms Delia Halverson Dr. Scott Harden Dr. Amy Hardin Dr. Jan Henriques Deidra Hollands Jason Hunter Kurt & Sheila Johnson Dr. Travis Jones Sean Kaufman Mark Kissel

47 36 16 68 76 14 50 80 75 56 54 58 20 60 32 62 24 62

Lorre Lamarca Gary Lamb Joe Lemmo Ann Litrel Dr. Mike Litrel Rob Macmillan Gary Moore Matt Neal O. Julius Quarcoo Lisa Randall Bill Ratliff Lynne Saunders Jessica Leigh Smith Nekeidra Taylor Jodi Tiberio Tim Timmons Van Tran

46 15 63 72 34 43 21 42 53 77 69 41 40 37 26 46 55

Around Towne

Community News

Birthdays 12 Community Calendar

Everyday Angels

Towne Lake Dining Guide 38 School News

Faith 68 Parking Map

Woodstock Dining Guide 73 Greenprints Trail Map

Recent Home Sales

Classified ads

www.townelaker.com

44 & 45 On the Cover Envision Therapy. Dr. Rosalyn Coleman. Photo by Kim Bates. 2

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Join the Around Woodstock magazine fan page

www.facebook.com/Townelaker

www.twitter.com/Townelaker

Patty Ponder, ALM President and Marketing & Advertising Sales. Contact her at (770) 615-3322 or Patty@aroundaboutmagazines.com.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

AROUND TOWNE

The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Towne Lake

What’s New?

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodstock, TowneLaker and Sixes Living magazines. She has lived in Cherokee County for 25 years. Send your comments or questions to candi@ aroundaboutmagazines. com

Affordable Vet Center has opened at 6422 Bells Ferry Road in the Streetside at Towne Lake shopping center. The center is a wellness clinic that offers vaccines, does dental work and treats skin, eye and ear issues. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and Friday, 10 a.m.7 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday. (678) 503-2009. www. affordablevetcenter.com. NY Style Deli and Pizza has opened in the Towne Lake Shopping Center at 2340 Towne Lake Parkway. Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Delivery available. (678) 426-7004.

Stock Bistro & Lounge is officially open. Located at 6424 Bells Ferry Road, the new restaurant and lounge held its grand opening in early December. www.stock-bistro.com. The walls of the new Applebee’s at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta are covered with individual framed photos, taken by Woodstock photographer Darleen Prem, and several large murals (below) depicting scenes in Cherokee County. The design company worked closely with local artists in compiling the images that make up the murals. The largest - called the Community Mural - measures 268” by 80” and shows snippets of life from Holly Springs to Woodstock. Local residents may want to take a closer look and see if they’re part of these artistic collections.

Dr. Kirk Hewling, a board certified physician in family medicine, has joined Towne Lake Primary Care, the practice of Dr. Robin Loe and Dr. Noreen Mercando, on the fourth floor of the Northside Cherokee/Towne Lake Medical Campus in Woodstock. Dr. Hewling is a graduate of the Howard University College of Medicine, and completed his residency at the Emory University School of Medicine. He has practiced in the Atlanta area for more than 10 years. Dogwood Growlers, at 6215 Bells Ferry Rd., will celebrate a grand reopening Jan. 8-11. The business is under new ownership and will host brewing classes. www.dogwoodgrowlers.com.

What’s Coming? An 18-pump RaceTrac gas station and convenience store will be built at the corner of Rope Mill Road and Ridgewalk Parkway, in front of The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. There’s no word about when it will be completed. Construction is underway on Salt Factory Pub at 8690 Main St. An opening date hasn’t been determined for this location, Salt’s third in the metro area. The menu will include shepherd’s pie, pizzas, sandwiches and salads, among other Salt favorites.

Cherokee Chamber Ribbon Cuttings Cherokee Tennis Center, 155 Brooke Blvd., Woodstock. www.cherokeetenniscenter.com. Connect Hearing, 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Building 800, Suite 100, Woodstock. Little River Family Dental, 12201 Hwy 92, Suite G, Woodstock. www.littleriverfamilydental.com

COURTESY GATE 3 DESIGN, INC.

Styl’n Salon will be moving from their current location on Eagle Drive to a new one at 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 700, Woodstock. http://stylnsalon.com. Also, they are sad to announce the passing of their co-worker and friend, Kap Lee, who died on Nov. 29, 2014 after a brief illness.

Gary Moore is the new executive director of the Greenprints Alliance, appointed in December to succeed Jennifer Stockton, who served as the group’s volunteer director for the last three years. See Gary’s article written exclusively for Around Woodstock on page 21.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

COMMUNITY BOARD

Townelaker Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc.

The TowneLaker Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board members assist us in many ways, including contributing to our magazine, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Ann Litrel — Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally published work includes decorative art, paintings for private and corporate collections, and writing and illustration for a range of publications. Ann lives in Towne Lake with her husband and co-author Dr. Mike Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached at Ann@annlitrel.com

Dee Locklin — Dee is a Georgia State University retiree who moved to Towne Lake in 1998. She and husband Lewis are the proud parents of KSU student Taylor. Dee joined the TowneLaker as a contributing writer in 2011 and now is focusing her energy on caring for her beloved husband as he battles late-stage cancer.

G. Lora (Gay) Grooms — Gay has been teaching, writing, directing, and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. She opened the Towne Lake Arts Center — now the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village — in 2002. She credits her four now-grown children for teaching her almost everything she knows about working with creative young minds. Gay can be reached at director@elmstreetarts.org

Dr. Scott R. Harden — Scott is a family dentist at Fountain View Family & Cosmetic Dentistry serving Woodstock and Cherokee County for 25 years. During this time, he has lived in the Towne Lake area with his wife, Kathy, and two children. 6

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

ALM President Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3322 Marketing Support Associate Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3309 Assistant Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com (770) 615-3307 Graphic Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com TowneLaker, a publication of AroundAbout Local Media, Inc., is a monthly community magazine. The magazine’s goal is to build a sense of community and pride in the Towne Lake and surrounding area by providing its residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,000 free copies. Approximately 14,900 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. It also has 2,000+ digital viewers of the magazine online each month. TowneLaker welcomes your comments, stories, and advertisements. The deadline is the 5th of the previous month. 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. 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 2015.

TowneLaker

PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189

For Advertising: Patty Ponder, (770) 615-3322 Website: www.townelaker.com Powered by TrustWorkz Inc. Volume 20, Issue 9

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Heritage Food Pantry Wins Major Grant The Jay Weaver Food Pantry, a ministry of Heritage Presbyterian Church, has won a grant from the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The food pantry has been a key outreach ministry of Heritage since the 1980s when Jay and Doris Weaver, long time members of the church, saw a need to provide food for people who had hit hard times. Today, around 50 families are helped each month. In the months when the church hosts the Mobile Food Pantry, the number jumps to 250 families. The Atlanta Community Food Bank invited Heritage to apply for the grant after witnessing its commitment to hunger in our community. Earning this grant was no Andrea Dean unpacks boxes small feat. A dedicated team including Kaye Mero, Ben in the food pantry. and Jerry Hadaway, Jeremy Dean and HPC office manager Beth Cox worked tirelessly to gather information to meet the tight deadline. The ministry helps real people with real needs in our community. A recent study found the number of suburban poor in Atlanta has climbed nearly 160 percent over the past decade. Each week, new families call asking for food. The grant is designed to help food pantries improve their infrastructures so that they can increase the number of people they feed. Among the plans for HPC’s food pantry: to buy a van to distribute and pick up food, a new freezer, handcarts and scales. In order to qualify for the grant, the food pantry committee had to present a proposal to expand the number of people helped by 10 percent each year for the next three years. For more information on how you can support the food pantry by volunteering or with both food and cash donations, call (770) 926-3558 ext 212.

Donate a Tote for a Tot On Jan. 16, Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) and Northside Hospital will collect backpacks and kid-sized suitcases for foster children in Georgia as part of the 13th annual Totes 2 Tots suitcase drive. Approximately 8,500 children, from infants to teenagers, are currently in the foster care system in Georgia. Many of these children shuffle their belongings in garbage bags when they are removed from their homes. Since Totes 2 Tots was first launched in 2003, the annual volunteer event has collected and distributed more than 37,000 bags. Donations of new or nearly new backpacks and suitcases will be accepted between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at GCS offices across Georgia, including the Canton location at 228 Riverstone Drive. GCS partners with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to distribute the bags in the counties in which they’re collected. For more info, visit www.gacancer.com, find Totes 2 Tots on Facebook, or call (877) 716-CARE (2273). 8

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Trail Run Registrations Open Registration is open for the 2015 Trail Run Series, which includes a lengthened series finale. Both of the Rope Mill courses will utilize new trails that are under construction on the north side of Little River. • Mar. 7: Assault on Garland Mountain, a four-mile and nine-mile trail run. • April 18: Battle of Allatoona Creek, a four-mile and 10-mile trail run. • May 23: Sutallee Trace Trail Challenge, a 4 ½ and 10-mile trail run. • June 13: Rope Mill Half Marathon, a 10K and 13.1-mile trail run. Additional trail runs that aren’t part of the series include the April 11 Blankets Creek Spring Sports Festival - Dirty Duathlon and 5 Mile Trail Run, the Aug. 8 6-Hour Race to Sunset at Blankets Creek, and the Oct. 24 Rope Mill Dirty Duathlon and 5K Trail Run. For more details and to register, visit www.mountaingoatadventures.com.

County Leaders Part of Graduating Class Mitzi Saxon, Woodstock Downtown Program Manager, and Meghan Griffin, Canton Main Street Director, recently graduated from the 2014 Region 3 multi-day training program, held by the Board of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. Participants represented a number of professional and Graduates include (from left) Georgia EMC’s Carrie Barnes, Woodstock Downtown Program Manager Mitzi Saxon, nonprofessional economic Canton Main Street Manager Meghan Griffin, and Johnna development fields, including Robinson and Steve Foster of Georgia Power. elected officials, public servants, business leaders, educators, and social service providers from 10 counties in metro Atlanta. The academy provided each graduate an opportunity to gain a unique understanding of the complexities of economic and community development on the local, regional, and state levels. “One of the goals for the multi-day regional Academies is to encourage multicounty cooperation,” says Corinne Thornton, director of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. “Many times the participants discover the issues facing their community are the same as those facing other communities in their region, and can then combine limited resources to address the issue.” The next Region 3 Georgia Academy for Economic Development will begin in August 2015. For more information on this, please contact Corinne Thornton at (706) 340-6461 or by email at corinne.thornton@dca.ga.gov.

Police Department Honors Officers, Residents

From left: Officer Max Karneol, Cpl. Jeremy Cochran, Chief Calvin Moss, Darleen Prem and Scott O’Meara.

The Woodstock Police Department recently announced the 2014 honorees for service to the community. Winners were: Officer Max Karneol for Rookie of the Year, Cpt. Jeremy Cochran for Officer of the Year, Darleen Prem for Volunteer of the Year, Scott O’Meara for the Tessa Basford Community Service Award, Nancy Petersen for Civilian of the Year and Sgt. John Steelman for Supervisor of the Year. Darleen Prem, a member of Around Woodstock’s community board and regular photography contributor, was honored “for her countless hours of service to not only us but the fire department, the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation and the city. Darleen never misses an event where her photography captures moments that can be shared for all to enjoy. Through her work, the professional image our department strives to uphold is only enhanced by her professional photography,” said Brittany Duncan, administrative coordinator and public information officer for the Woodstock Police Department.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS New Playground Open to Public

Special Olympics Gets a Special Donation The BridgeMill Men’s Golf Association donated $20,200 to the Cherokee County Special Olympics program, money raised from a recent golf tournament. The funds will be used by the Cherokee County Special Olympics to provide year-round sport opportunities for community members with intellectual disabilities in Cherokee County. Adaptive physical education teachers Amy Aenchbacher and Dave Martinez accepted the contribution.

The new playground also has a new fence around the area.

The old playground at the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Center in Woodstock has been replaced as part of a project that renovated parts of the JJ Biello Park and the recreation center. Improvements include updating the playground and adding a fence around it for increased safety during the summer camp program, a new water fountain, new restrooms inside and outside the center and renovations to the existing pavilion. For details about the facility, call (770) 924-7768 or visit www.crpa.net.

Adaptive PE Teachers Amy Aenchbacher and Dave Martinez, front row third from left, accept a donation for the Cherokee County Special Olympics from the BridgeMill Men’s Golf Association.

Historical Society Earns Award, Gains New Collection The governor-appointed Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council (GHRAC) recently honored the Cherokee County Historical Society and 14 other individuals and projects. The Cherokee County Historical Society was chosen to receive the Award for Excellence in Documenting Georgia’s History for the documentation and education effort titled “Unearthing the Past: Archaeology in Cherokee County.” The project was designed to meet four recognized needs: to educate the general public on the archaeological sites in the county, the various cultures associated with those sites, the archaeological surveys performed in the county, and to document and display privately held artifacts in a secure manner. The project entailed obtaining original scholarly articles, interviewing archaeologists, identifying and interviewing local collectors, conducting a public artifact identification program, a museum exhibit The Historical Society’s Lisa (January- April 2014) and an accompanying booklet, “Native Americans in Cherokee County and the Tressler and Stefanie Joyner Archaeological Surveys that Revealed Them,” which is available for purchase for $5. with their awards. The Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council established the Outstanding Archives Awards Program in 2003 to recognize excellence in archival work in Georgia in hopes of inspiring others to action in the interest of preserving, using, and sharing the original record of Georgia’s and the nation’s history. Members of the Cherokee historical society have announced the acquisition of the Lamar and Mary Fowler Holcomb Native American collection, which contains a significant number of artifacts from the Long Swamp archaeology site in Ball Ground. Long Swamp’s peak Native American occupation occurred from A.D. 1100- 1200, when the site included a mound, palisade wall and village. Receipt of the collection was made possible by grants from Bank of North Georgia, Marshall and Kathy Day, and Skip and Helen Spears. The Lamar and Mary Fowler Holcomb collection is unusual in its scope, containing 16 pottery bowls and jars, earspools, pipes, carved pottery figurine fragments, beads and many other items. Due to limited space, a select portion of the collection will be on permanent display at the Cherokee County History Museum beginning in mid-January. The historical society and the Georgia State University Anthropology Department will collaborate to use the identification and classification process as a teaching tool for archaeology students. Six of the pottery bowls and jars in the Lamar and Mary Fowler Holcomb collection. For more information, contact Stefanie Joyner at (770) 345-3288. 10

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL-CHEROKEE IS WORKING TO KEEP CHEROKEE GREAT. BECAUSE, IT’S OUR HOME,TOO. Northside Hospital-Cherokee has served the residents of this county for many years. And our commitment to bring you the very best possible care goes well beyond our walls.

BEING NEIGHBORS Most of the people who work at Northside Hospital-Cherokee live in Cherokee. They’re not just your doctors or nurses, they’re your neighbors.

INVESTING

VOLUNTEERING

We’ve invested more than $100 million to bring the best the medical world has to offer right here to Cherokee.

Our employees and physicians have volunteered more than 10,000 hours to Cherokee County schools and organizations.

CONTRIBUTING We contribute to Cherokee County schools and support local venues and community activity centers.

Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

Happy Birthday!

Joey Miller Age 10 on Nov. 23 Welcome to double digits! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Gemma Catherine Breeland Age 1 on Jan. 20 Happy birthday sweet girl! Love always, Mama and Dada

Charlotte Grace Parker Age 1 on Jan. 8 Happy Birthday little princess! Love, Mommy, Daddy, and Raylan

Skylar Wallace Age 15 on Jan. 4 Daughter of Lynn and Kim Wallace, sister of Cullen

Chloe Widner Age 5 on Jan. 12 Happy Birthday Love Bug. We love you bunches! Love Mom, Dad, and Carley!

Thomas Ferguson Happy birthday on Jan. 14 Enjoy all of your blessings! Julie and family

Liliana Grace Berrio Age 5 on Jan.10 Happy Birthday Lili! Love, Daddy, Mommy, Joscie, TJ & Christian

Maria Nicole Meyer Age 15 on Jan. 19 Daughter of Bob and Terry Meyer Happy birthday, sweetheart! All Our Love, Dad, Mom and Tucker

Alba Laureano Happy birthday on Jan. 26 Happy birthday to my amazing wife and best mom ever! Enrique, Valerie and Enrique jr.

Lydia Van Demark Age 1 on Jan. 11 Happy 1st birthday pumpkin! You have brought so much joy to our lives, we love you so much!! Love, Mommy and Daddy

Lulu Paccasassi-Horton Age 3 on Jan. 15 Three years ago I finally found the treasure at the end of the rainbow, and I named her Lulu. Happy birthday! Love you, Mommy.

Celebrations!

Sgt. Kevin Henson From fiancee Rosemary and stepchildren Sieto and Ricky Sanchez

Announcements are free! E-mail to: Candi@ AroundAbout Magazines.com February deadline is Jan. 10. Becca and Tanner Romine Married Oct. 24, 2014 Becca, daughter of Ron & Leeann Desprez. Tanner, son of Kathy Daly & Steve Romine.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Alex and Maggie Hilliard Married Nov. 8, 2014 at Proctor Farm in Rome, GA

Thomas and Julia Ferguson Celebrating 12 years on Jan. 13

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

Restoring a Protection You Thought You Already Had BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

Georgia’s General Assembly meets for 40 staggered legislative days each year, prescribed by our Constitution to begin on the second Monday in January. This year our legislative session will convene on Jan. 12 when the 153rd General Assembly of Georgia is sworn into office. The 236 legislators (180 in the House and 56 in the Senate) will propose and debate thousands of pieces of legislation Michael Caldwell is the over our two-year term. Some of state representative for District 20, which these will be vitally important to the covers Towne Lake and preservation of Georgians’ natural Woodstock. He can be reached at (678) rights and the future prosperity of 523-8570 or email our state. Others will not be. For this him at Michael@ CaldwellForHouse. month’s column, I’d like to highlight com. what I consider to be one of the most important pieces of legislation our General Assembly will consider in the coming year. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA (pronounced rifra) is a piece of legislation modeled after current federal statute and is codified, or in effect, in 30 states. Historically, the Supreme Court of the United States interpreted the First Amendment’s guarantee that “Congress shall not pass laws prohibiting the free exercise of religion” to mean that any law passed burdening the exercise of religion should be prohibited. In the 1980s, the U.S. Supreme Court began allowing laws that prohibited mandatory religious practices as long as those laws were generally applicable to all citizens. In 1993, in response to this new interpretation, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act was introduced and passed. It cleared the House unanimously and the Senate with only three dissenting votes under a Democratic majority in both chambers. It was then signed into law by President Bill Clinton, also a Democrat, who made a passionate signing statement describing the importance of the bill. He included mentioning that we should “fight to the death to preserve the right of every American to practice whatever convictions he or she has.” This law simply provided that “Government shall not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability.” It forces the government to prove a “compelling governmental interest,” and that the law in question is the simplest way of providing for that interest, before it can be upheld. The catch? This federal law applies only in federal court cases, meaning questions based on state law are left without protection. Georgians deserve the same constitutional protection in state courts as they see in federal courts. That’s where Georgia’s RFRA comes in. How about a real-world example. Just a few years ago, the city of Philadelphia passed an ordinance prohibiting the 14

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

distribution of free food to more than three people within city limits. The city made it illegal to feed the homeless. Many outreach missions in Philadelphia saw this as an abridgement of their religious conviction to feed the poor. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania had a RFRA in place that prevented the prohibition, and the missions were allowed to continue their work of caring “for the least of these.” During the course of this debate, you are going to hear numerous arguments in favor of the measure and why it is crucial to protecting the Christian faith. Though the measure will certainly protect Christians, we must remember that it is intended to protect people of all faiths. For example, many who practice Judaism believe it inappropriate to disturb a body after death. This makes the mandatory autopsies that are currently required under state law an issue for those practicing this belief. What stops a coroner from conducting a mandatory autopsy on a member of the Jewish faith who died of natural causes? Under current state law, absolutely nothing. Georgia’s RFRA would serve as a protection from unnecessary government interference in anyone’s faith whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist or any other, unless a compelling governmental interest can be identified and proven.

“Just a few years ago, the city of Philadelphia passed an ordinance prohibiting the distribution of free food to more than three people within city limits. The city made it illegal to feed the homeless. Many outreach missions in Philadelphia saw this as an abridgement of their religious conviction to feed the poor.” This protection is fundamental to the American system of government. It is also vital to the freedoms of our people. I look forward to advocating for the measure during my time serving our families this legislative session. Please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at (678) 523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact me or come meet me at one of my Weekly Coffees with District 20 nearly every Saturday at Copper Coin Coffee in downtown Woodstock. Thank you again for allowing me the honor of representing your family in Georgia’s General Assembly!

A Warm Place to Sleep on a Freezing Night BY GARY LAMB/ACTION CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR

year of building trust, we have seen record numbers this year. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever been a part of. We are constantly getting questions from people asking how they can help. We can always use help. The biggest need we currently have is people willing to provide hot meals on the nights the shelter is open. We normally ask for people to make a meal (something easy) that will feed up to 25 people. We also always need winter coats, gloves, hats and hygiene products. Action Church recently acquired space to expand the church from 7,500 to 32,500 square feet, offering more room for the shelter next year. For more information on how you can partner with us, you can like us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/actionchurch.tv or email info@ actionchurch.tv. Action Church is at 271 Marietta St., Canton. Church doors open at 6 p.m. when temperatures are 32 degrees or lower. Overnight guests are given breakfast before they leave around 8 a.m.

Photos by Darleen Prem

Last December I received a phone call from one of our councilmen here in Canton, asking if I was aware of how bad the weather was going to be that night. After talking for a few minutes about the cold front that was moving in, he got to the point of the phone call and asked if the church I pastor, Action Church, would be willing to open our building as a temporary warming shelter for the night. Without hesitation, I answered yes. We intentionally started Action Church three years ago in the older part of town because of the huge needs there for people down on their luck. To have the city give us permission to use our building in this fashion was Winter came early in 2014. something we had prayed about since we had our first service. find a hot meal and a warm bed. Within four hours of the phone call, we The stories have been amazing and had cots, blankets, clothing and a hot heartbreaking at the same time. We’ve meal in place. We were ready to serve, had alcoholics who have chosen their and no one came that night. addiction over their family, married Even though no one came, a fire couples who lost their jobs and were was ignited in us to serve people in living in their van, disabled veterans this area. After much discussion with and people just out of prison with no representatives of the city, police, place to go. We have hosted families fire and various other non-profits, we with children who have come in decided we would open the church because they have no place to go as doors whenever the temperature they try and keep their family together. outside dropped below 32 degrees. Some of the people who stay the Night after night we opened last year night with us have no place because and slowly but surely the misplaced in they chose not to have a place by our community started trickling in to their actions. Some who stay with us have mental disabilities that have forced them to live in the woods, and some are people just like my family who are one missed paycheck away from homelessness. The reasons why they are misplaced really isn’t my concern. My concern is that when the temperature gets dangerously low, they have a place to get warm—no strings attached. Winter is here again and the warming shelter is open. Winter actually came Guests get a hot meal for dinner. early this year and we had to open several nights in November. After a

Action Church member Tommy Simmons volunteers in the shelter. TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Feature

E.T. Booth students show their support fo the football team.

Historic Season Won’t Soon Be Forgotten BY KEITH BALL / PRINCIPAL OF ETOWAH HIGH SCHOOL

Etowah High School is full of talented young men and women who on any given day can take your breath away when they have the opportunity to share their gifts and show just how awesome they truly are. As educators, parents and fans, we were fortunate to witness something this fall that was a first for Cherokee County. As principal of Etowah High School, it was my distinct pleasure to watch our 2014 Eagles football team represent our community, school district and state with class and honor. We are proud of the young men who took the field on 14 Friday nights from August to December. They are students of character with tremendous resolve! The coaching staff, under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Svehla, are men I want my two boys to be taught and coached by. Our coaches are smart, compassionate and trustworthy, and fully understand the awesome responsibility they have to help mold young men into productive community and global citizens. Our fans and student section supported our team every week regardless of weather or distance. They were at opening night in Marietta when it was 100 degrees and the unranked Eagles beat the 10th-ranked Blue Devils. They were there in the freezing rain and wind on Halloween when our Eagles beat Roswell to lock up a playoff spot. And they were there at Westlake and at Archer after driving or sitting on a spirit bus for three hours. They were there when Etowah made school and district history the day after Thanksgiving in the win over Newton in the state quarterfinals. All of Eagle Mountain, Towne Lake and Woodstock were there when our buses rolled out, filled with our players bound for the state final four. Everybody was “true blue” that day, even those who wear Warrior red, Wolverine garnet or Chief black. The Eagles were the team of the community and the county that day and the only team in the district’s six-decade history to experience the state football final four. The famous basketball coach John Wooden said, “Talent gets you to the top, character keeps you there.” That could not have been more true 16

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

photo by Michael Beck

this season. The 2014 Etowah Eagles football season was full of first downs and first times for Etowah High School and Cherokee County. Not only were the Eagles the first team in county history to go to the final four, but they are only the second team in Cherokee County School District history to finish with an 11-win season. The Eagles were recognized for their dominating performance by earning the Georgia Sports Writers Association final state ranking of No. 4. This is the highest ranking any school has earned on any poll in CCSD history! The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ranked the Eagles No. 8 and Score ranked the Eagles No. 7 in the final state polls. Additionally, Coach Svehla was selected Region Coach of the Year. Like any team, the Eagles suffered losses on Friday nights and lost players to injury. The 2014 Eagles team never earned a pre-season or in-season state ranking and had no players selected to the Cherokee Super Six. In fact, they “flew” below the radar during all of 2014 because the radar can never measure the true character and worth of a team. Thank you to everyone who supported our Eagles on the turf and on the tile as students. The 2014 Eagles wrote a new chapter of history for Etowah and Cherokee County. What will not show up in the rankings, statistics or in the record books will be how this team brought a school, community and county together. On behalf of all Etowah Eagles—past, present and future—thank you! TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

JANUARY CALENDAR

Jan 3

Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. Price is $10 per person for advance registration, $15 at the door (678) 880-4763. www.crpa.net.

Bring One for the Chipper: Bring your Christmas tree, pick up free tree seedlings while they last, and enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Olde Rope Mill Park off Ridgewalk Parkway near The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Sponsored by Keep Georgia Beautiful, Home Depot, Davey Tree Expert Co., and WXIA-TV.

Jan. 31

Parents’ Night Out: 5:30-10 p.m. at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. Price is $10 per person for advance registration, $15 at the door (678) 880-4763. www. crpa.net.

Through Feb. 1

Jan 9, Feb. 13

Jan. 10

Friends of the Library annual meeting 1-3 p.m. at the R. T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton, featuring local historian and author Juanita Hughes as guest speaker. Open to the public, refreshments will be served.

Jan. 17

Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast: 9-11 a.m. at the NorthsideCherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The winner of the annual Unity Award will be announced during the breakfast. The honor was established in 1999 by the Rev. Carl A. Moore, Sr., pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Woodstock, to recognize the contributions of an individual who has made a positive impact on the community by fostering harmonious racial and cultural relations.

Jan. 22-24

Book Sale at R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton, 4-6 p.m. Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 23 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 24. Gently used adult paperbacks are $1, hardbacks are $2. Proceeds benefit the library’s purchase of children’s books and media.

Jan 23, Feb. 6

Teen Night at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1200 Gresham

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Restore Your Health Summit is set for 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m. at The Land Retreat Center, 2135 E. Cherokee Dr. in Woodstock. Health professionals will discuss changes that can lead to a healthier life. $25 fee includes a healthy lunch. For more details or to register, call (404) 216-4943. “Images of the Atlanta Campaign and the March to the Sea” photo exhibit on display in Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center at Reinhardt University through Feb. 1. From the private collection of Gordon Rich Elwel. Free and open during library operating hours. http://library.reinhardt.edu/.

Feb. 7

Ladies’ tea fundraiser for Camp Gideon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. featuring guest speaker Elizabeth Weatherby, founder of Feed My Lambs. The event raises money to help local, underprivileged “at risk” girls attend a weekend of Princess Camp in the spring. $20. Details at www. camgideon.com/ladiestea. 2nd Time Around Dinner sponsored by Win2ition, 7:30-11 p.m. at Bradshaw Farm Golf Club. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support single caregivers and their children. Cost is $50 per person. Includes dinner, dancing and entertainment, silent auction and photo booth. Cash bar. For reservations, email W2i@Win2ition.org or call (404) 229-3840.

March 13-15, 20-22

“The Dining Room,” directed by Myrna Feldman, will be performed at the Canton Historic Theatre, 171 E. Main St., by the Cherokee Theatre Company. $15 general admission, $12 seniors or students, $10 group rate for 10 or more seats. www.cherokeetheatre.org.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

New Children’s Haven a Safe Place for Foster Kids BY DEIDRE HOLLANDS/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHILDREN’S HAVEN, INC.

The old state patrol building across from Cherokee High School has been transformed to become The Children’s Haven, a place where the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse and neglect can be promoted. The safe, child-friendly facility will offer foster youth the opportunities and support they need to fully realize their potential, pursue their dreams and become productive members of our community. Kids enter foster care through no fault of their own. All have experienced abuse and/or neglect due to a crisis of parenting. Family stress factors such as poverty, substance abuse, incarceration, mental illness and homelessness have forced the state to intervene in the lives of families to protect children from abusive and neglectful situations. In Cherokee County, hundreds of kids are touched every day by the emotional suffering caused by abuse, neglect and placement in the foster care system. Kids in foster care are just like any other child you know. They have the same needs, dreams, and unique potential as all children, and seek the same opportunities that all kids equally deserve to build a bright and promising future, and to be responsible and contributing members of their community. But life in foster care can be extraordinarily challenging and disruptive for kids and teens, emotionally and developmentally. Separated from their family, foster youth face tremendous obstacles due to changes in home placements and caregivers, school transitions, lack of basic services and emotional turmoil. The impact can be profound, and it can last a lifetime, unless we intervene. The mission of The Children’s Haven is to give kids the opportunity to succeed by making sure that every child has access to the following programs, integrated under one roof.

Foster Kids in Cherokee County On any given day there are approximately 390 children in foster care in Cherokee County. Region 3 (Bartow, Cherokee, Floyd, Polk, Haralson, Paulding and Douglas Counties) leads the state in the highest number of children in foster care. Of all these counties, Cherokee County has the largest number of kids in care. 20

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• Safety. Supervised visitation offers a safe, comfortable environment for a child to visit with parents, siblings and extended family while they are separated by child welfare involvement. This allows for bonded attachments to be kept intact while maintaining the safety and well-being of the child. • Advocacy. Focused court appointed child advocacy so that no child lingers in the foster care system without the security of a safe, nurturing and permanent family. Advocates work with parents to access services they need to stabilize their lives and improve their parenting skills so that families can be reunited. But when reunification is not appropriate, advocates help to quickly find relatives or adoptive parents who can provide a permanent and stable home. • Support. Children need guidance and compassion to prevent trauma and loss from defining their lives through later destructive choices. Here a child’s social, emotional and educational health is supported through goal-setting for education and tutoring, mentoring to focus on character development and esteem building, grief support groups and an emergency supply closet filled with essentials. The Children’s Haven will provide children with the support every young person deserves, no matter their circumstances. For more information, visit www.cherokeechildrenshaven.org. Donations can be mailed to 100 North St., Ste G22, Canton, GA 30114.

The exterior of the new facility (top), which includes a covered patio area (above) for outdoor gatherings.

Looking Forward to a Better Option for Travel BY GARY MOORE

Gary Moore was just appointed executive director of Greenprints Alliance, a privately funded nonprofit organization that works with the city of Woodstock, businesses and community partners to raise awareness and support to help realize the Greenprints Master Plan developed by the city of Woodstock in 2008. See page 83 for a map of the trails.

A few weeks ago, I had a 5:30 p.m. appointment to meet with a Greenprints Alliance volunteer on the other side of downtown Woodstock. Normally a 10-minute trip from my home off Eagle Drive, I headed out early knowing that the traffic during the evening rush on Towne Lake Parkway has grown substantially in recent years. But I quickly learned that I had significantly underestimated the volume of traffic waiting. Sitting idle near the Towne Lake Hills South intersection, I noticed a female cyclist moving along the shoulder next to the stationary cars. Two thoughts immediately presented themselves: I bet she gets to the interstate before I do, and I wish she had a better way to make her trip. The first thought, in fact, proved to be the case, and it wasn’t even close. This left me with plenty of time to consider the second thought.

Bike lanes along the shoulder of the road offer a bit more safety and cyclist-accommodating paths next to roadways move bikes even further from the traffic. But trails that run their own path through green corridors and along waterways provide a new environment that is far more appealing than the streets. The good news is we will soon have a trailhead for the Greenprints Trails right in that area. The trail segment is called Towne Lake Pass and is due to start construction this year. Soon cyclists will have the chance to leave the tight confines next to the rows of cars and trucks and disappear into the woods, exchanging the sounds of traffic for the burbling of Noonday Creek and the chirping of birds. It’s a side of Woodstock that too few of us have had the opportunity to enjoy. Our town is blessed with a great natural beauty and experiencing it along a trail, removed from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, brings that beauty to bear in a whole new way. I’ve experienced this firsthand, spending hours in the woods around Woodstock mountain biking on our stellar natural surface trails. That’s an experience that I want more Woodstock residents to have. The multi-use trails being planned and built by the city of Woodstock—a network connecting homes and schools, parks and businesses—bring this opportunity. Our mission at Greenprints is to ensure and hasten the building of these trails.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

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TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Happy New Year! TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

The Legacy of Listening BY SEAN KAUFMAN

I believe there comes a time when we stop and ask ourselves, “What is our mission – our goal – our contribution in life?” His was simple. He was called to serve God and in this calling, he was successful. He built a church and wrote books. Dedicated as he was, there was always a woman – a wife and mother at home who spent her life building him up and raising the family. Sean Kaufman lives in Woodstock with his wife, I wonder what it was like for her, two sons and daughter. initially – watching her husband start He specializes in intrinsic coaching/motivation, small and build something which owns a behavioral-based would impact so many. Starting young, consulting business and is an internationally she was the attention of her town. recognized trainer. He Special and exceptional at basketball – can be contacted at sean@seankaufman. everyone liked her. She was beautiful, com. smart, and earned a university scholarship. You can see it in a picture at her memorial service – nothing was going to stop her! From what I knew, her life was summed up as a mother and wife. As I sat there in the church, I wondered if she ever felt that she had settled – was held back as her husband climbed

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

the ranks. Her daughter (our best friend) – took the stage and provided the following story about her mother. “Momma got to a point in her life when she asked God – what is my role in this life?” It seemed that I was right – she did want to make a difference – but not in the same way her husband was. My friend continued, “She got her reply and the answer was – listen. I want you to be a listener.” So often, when our loved ones come to us with a problem or a complaint – we want to rush in, offer a solution, provide our insights, and solve the problem for them. It is almost like it becomes more about us than it is about them. She was a listener, and, in listening to others, she offered her services. She did not judge, she always loved, and no matter what she was always there for anyone who needed an ear. As I listened to the stories about the lives of those she touched, I realized she had built a miraculous legacy. Survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and a community of those who she provided a safe ear to – she had found her purpose, and in that purpose she served others her whole life. Listening – a skill much harder to master than talking. This new year - ask the question, “What is my purpose in life?” – then listen. The answer may not come immediately, but when it does, it will change your life forever.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

A Look Back BY JODI TIBERIO

Over the past 11 months, we have been fortunate to provide makeovers for many deserving women in our area. We are so proud of them that we wanted to feature them one more time before we begin our 2015 makeovers!

And speaking of makeovers, if you are interested in participating in one of our makeovers and being featured in this magazine, please contact me at jodi@tiberioretail.com.

Jodi Tiberio owns Branches Boutique for women in Towne Lake as well as a second Branches location and Brooklynnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boutique in Downtown Woodstock. Contact Jodi at jodi@tiberioretail.com.

February: Erika Tipper

March: Amy Walker

April: Jesse Champion

May: Vikki Frost

June: Cassie Fainter

July: Ann Findlay

August: Dana Draper

September: Tammy Owens

October: Kelly Pate

November: Madonna Mezzanotte

December: Emily Hart

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

EVERYDAY

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please visit www. everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste., 620, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@gmail.com for consideration and qualification.

When 38-yearold Chad O’Laughlin died in his sleep on Nov. 5, he left behind a growing young family, a burgeoning business and a heartbroken community. He and his wife of six years are expecting a baby girl, Jayce Ryan, in April, a new sister for their 4-year-old daughter. Chad has lived in Cherokee County for more than 15 years. He’s one of seven boys of the O’Laughlin/Cull family, and was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and Daddy to JoAnna Ruth. At 6-feet-6, Chad had a larger-than-life presence and he adored his 23 nieces and nephews. He was a big kid at heart and could always be found on the floor or in the yard playing games with them. Chad had recently started TurnTable Billiards, a pool table consignment and repair business that was beginning to thrive. “He worked his full-time job and moved tables nights and weekends until it was busy enough to require his attention full time. It was amazing to watch him create this thriving business. They were doing so well that they decided to expand their family, and are expecting their second child in April. We were so proud of him,” Chad’s mother said. Chad’s life wasn’t always easy and he spent many years learning by trial and error, but he always made 28

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

a point to openly share his personal experiences and hope with others to help them when they lost their way. He even provided jobs for those in need. Friends credit Chad with saving their lives as he honestly shared his past struggles with them, giving them the hope and strength they needed to get them through. He was a devoted Christian who believed that all blessings come from God and made certain that before big life decisions were made that he was truly ready to accept their challenges. He was finally at a very happy place in his life and was a doting husband and smitten with his baby girl. No one is ever ready to lose a spouse, dad and son at such a young age. Chad’s sudden passing, resulting from unknown causes, has been very difficult to understand and accept because he was a very healthy young man. He was the sole provider for his family and the small amount of insurance they he had was used for funeral expenses. Today, Chad’s wife works part-time and plans to work full time after their baby is born. Her hope is to remain in the family home, but she has many fears of what lies ahead. Everyday Angels would like to help this sweet mom by assisting with utility expenses and baby needs to help her get through the rest of her pregnancy. There is so much more we can do with community support. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to this family, please see the directions in the box on the upper left.

Untitled

By Chad O’Laughlin I know a little bit about the back of the line, missing the bus, and always fighting with time. And I kinda got a feeling that I’m not alone, we can’t be living this life just to hold up our bones! I’m afraid of heights ‘cause how far I could fall. Rather be on the ground then crashing down from it all. I have a small suspicion you’re a lot like me. We don’t have far to fall if we just stay on our knees. My old man told me once how things turn around, the end’s a new beginning, what goes up comes back down! And if I’m not mistaken, this ol’ back of the line can’t hold me back forever when my God says “it’s time!” My greatest moments aren’t when things go my way, it’s when I learn to let go, and just live for the day. I know a little bit about the back of the line and when it all turns around I’ll come in first and on time!

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

Nonprofit Roundup Our community has many nonprofits that work hard to help folks in need. Each month Around Woodstock will run an update to share news of activities and events. We’re hoping our readers will find plenty of opportunities to volunteer to help others, or use this page as a resource to reach out for assistance. Never Alone From a full-time outreach center at 291 Rope Mill Road in Woodstock, Never Alone serves more than 60 families a week who are in need of food, personal hygiene products and diapers. Through a partnership with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, $9 worth of food can be bought for every $1 donated, which helps the outreach meet the goal of providing clients with enough food to feed a family for one month. Currently, more than 17,000 pounds of food are distributed to the community through Never Alone. A $50 tax-deductible donation to this nonprofit will feed a local family for a month. Sign up online at www.NeverAlone.org. MUST Ministries - Cherokee County The strongest need during these cold winter months is gloves, hats, coats, mittens and scarves, as well as blankets, sheets, pillows, washcloths and towels. Other items requested are men’s shoes and work boots and winter clothing for boys and girls, sizes 5 through teens. They are also accepting donations of heavy-duty 33 gallon garbage bags, paper towels and 13-gallon kitchen trash bags. Over Thanksgiving, MUST provided food for more than 3,000 individuals in 932 families. MUST is a faithbased nonprofit that serves our neighbors in need with food, clothing and job and housing assistance. www. mustministries.org

Cherokee Youth Council members, front row from right: Dane Viker, Cory Smith, Gideon Ojo, Caleb Ductant, James Lindsay and Jasmine Lewis. Back Row: Gabi Latimer, Logan Struchtemeyer, Kristina Meyer, Zach Rider, Sarah Logan and Molly Perkins. Not Pictured: Terry Williams, Hope Mainieri and Jennifer Gomez.

Cherokee Youth Council Cherokee Youth Council (CYC), members of Cherokee Youth Works, a division of Cherokee FOCUS, spent a few days last month taking part in a sticker shock campaign, where they visited stores that sell packaged alcohol to distribute information reminding adults that it’s illegal to provide alcohol for minors. This is a misdemeanor that will require the offender to appear before a judge and

Members of the Cherokee Youth Council attach warning stickers to bottles during the Sticker Shock campaign. continued on page 82

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Community

I’m Not Going to Renovate My Home Just to Sell It! BY KURT & SHEILA JOHNSON

While we will always recommend you update your home before it’s marketed to maximize its sales price in the shortest time, there is an alternative. The best way to market a home in need of updates or repairs is to answer your potential buyer’s concerns up front regarding repair costs and the home’s lendability. We recommend that Kurt and Sheila Johnson are Keller Williams estimates for updating and repairs be Top Producing Agents readily available to buyers viewing the (over 80 deals in 2014) and have been serving property. Providing information about a Cherokee County for more lending solution that can possibly include than 10 years. www. KurtandSheilaTeam.com the money for updates and repairs in the loan could ease the buyer’s mind and remove objections. An FHA 203(k) streamlined renovation loan is an excellent loan for homes in need of repairs or updates. An FHA 203(k) loan allows the buyer to include up to $35,000 for repairs in his or her loan amount. Ideally, it is best to provide quotes prepared by a lenderapproved contractor in conjunction with the contact information for a preferred FHA 203(k) lender.

TOWNE LAKE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION Happy New Year from the Towne Lake Business Association (TLBA)! We wish everyone joy, good health and prosperity in 2015. We want to thank everyone who attended our annual TLBA holiday gala at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills in December. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and the close of 2014 with fellow business people in the Towne Lake area. The TLBA helps promote business in the Towne Lake area and serves as a support system for the business community. We host monthly Lunch ‘N’ Learn workshops that feature expert guest speakers who share their experience and knowledge on a variety of business-related topics. We will post topics for 2015 in future articles and on our website.

LUNCH ‘N’ LEARN WORKSHOP 12:15 - 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 Sharon Saffold, motivational speaker and author. Please visit www.tlba.org for more information on the topic. All workshops are held at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills. Please RSVP to all events by email to danny.branom@cbauto.net. As always, thank you for supporting our community by “Keeping Towne Lake Dollars in Cherokee.” Visit us at tlba.org. 32

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Here are the facts about FHA 203(k) loans: 1. Once the sale is completed, the repairs must be completed by a lender-approved, licensed contractor. When all the repairs/ improvements are completed satisfactorily, these contractors are paid from funds the lender holds in escrow. 2. These loans are offered by most traditional lenders and have competitive rates. 3. These loans require only a 3.5 percent down payment but are available only to owner-occupant borrowers. 4. These loans permit borrowers to include lender required repairs as well as optional improvements such as granite countertops, stainless appliances and minor bathroom and kitchen remodels. Addressing these concerns before marketing the home will reduce the buyer’s anxiety about the costs of repairs and the feasibility of getting the repairs completed after the purchase. Again, you will net the most money for your home if you make the updates and repairs before marketing the property; however, these alternatives are good for sellers that aren’t able to do so.

TLBA SPOTLIGHT Corporate Care Georgia LLC Have you ever wished there was someone you could trust and talk to at work about personal issues in your life? What if this person regularly visited your office or workplace with the sole purpose of supporting you? Corporate Care Georgia LLC exists to provide that support and help develop effective individuals and organizations through the utilization of corporate chaplains, coaches and counselors. Human resource departments are stretched thin in most corporations and frontline managers find it increasingly difficult to develop the kind of personal relationships that benefit employees. Besides, sometimes it’s appealing to confide in someone other than a coworker or employer - someone who is an objective, well-trained, caring individual. Connecting on a weekly basis provides emotional, physical, financial or spiritual assistance, helping employees deal with life’s hurdles and grow in their effectiveness as employees. Business owners who are looking for ways to increase profits, loyalty and demonstrate proactive, relational care for employees have been pleased with how Corporate Care Georgia fills the gap and provides support. For more information, contact www. corporatecarega.com.

Lifestyle

New Year’s Resolutions: Don’t Be a Spiritual Couch Potato BY MIKE LITREL, MD

My office schedule was packed with patients one day when a colleague called me into an exam room to see her patient. The situation was urgent, and I tried not to think about the delays our patients would experience because I was making time for someone else. This patient was a 30-year-old woman who had been bleeding Dr. Mike Litrel has heavily for almost two years. Her pain authored hundreds of had increasingly become worse, so articles and two books on the faith-health severe that today that she had arrived connection. He is a at the office without an appointment, board certified OB/GYN and specialist in pelvic insisting on being seen. Our nurse reconstructive surgery practitioner had made time for at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists in her, but it turned out her problem Roswell and Woodstock. was complicated, too complicated Dr. Litrel can be reached at www. to be diagnosed without a surgical herokeewomens perspective. health.com I could clearly feel the large mass in her pelvis: it was obvious she needed surgery. We performed the ultrasound and necessary biopsy to line her up for the help she needed. Unfortunately, the patient didn’t have health insurance. For a doctor or anyone in the healing profession, it’s heartbreaking to see patients who need help but can’t afford care. The patient glared at me with a mixture of pain and anger, and asked what she was supposed to do. I suggested going to the health department to see if she was eligible for Medicaid— or perhaps to the hospital, to see if she could get charity care. “I already tried that!” she snapped. “And it didn’t work!” She angrily held out her hands in a gesture that seemed to offer up her problems for me to take on. The tone of voice clearly

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

conveyed that this was someone else’s fault. I pointed out that she had been suffering with this problem for years—she needed to take some responsibility for not having health insurance. She was very capable. If she had begun looking for a job with benefits a year ago, instead of staying at home, she would not be in this situation, and we could perform the surgery. Whose health problem is it? I try to be as honest and open with patients as possible about how I can help them—and how I can’t. Sometimes maybe I am too honest, and I began thinking this was one of those times. I’d tried to communicate in a non-judgmental way, but I wondered as I went back to my waiting patients if I had not just been a big jerk. About six months ago, a patient arrived at the office unannounced, with a plate full of home-baked cookies. She asked if I remembered her. I didn’t. It was the same patient. She had come in to thank me. Three months after I had examined her, she had gotten health insurance, and one of my partners had performed her surgery. She felt better than she had in years. She just wanted me to know she had made changes. And she thanked me for my honest words. “All these years I felt like my problems were somebody else’s fault,” she said. “I think you were the first person to tell me I had to help take care of myself.” She said she felt better physically, but she was most surprised that she actually felt better spiritually and emotionally. “I feel like my life is finally on the right track.” Health is not what someone does for you, and it’s not just about your body. It’s about your soul, and what you do for yourself. To be healthy and happy, you have to assume responsibility for your life. And as we come to the time of year for making new resolutions, it’s important to know that God doesn’t smile on the Spiritual Couch Potato.

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Lifestyle

How Women are Planning Their Financial Futures From assorted survey data, an interesting snapshot emerges. DON AKRIDGE, MBA, CPA/PFS, CFP® U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN – EMORY UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS

Women are taking action to approach retirement with greater confidence. Some recent, intriguing survey data indicate that women are planning their financial futures with some degree of pragmatism, but also with considerable motivation. One of the key motivations, it seems, is receiving financial advice. Results from a new TIAA-CREF survey Don Akridge is (and other studies) bear this out. The president of Citadel Professional Services, retirement services giant polled a LLC, an independent random, national sample of 1,000 firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently men and women age 18 and older for located off Chastain its 2014 Advice Matters survey, and it Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. found that 81 percent of women who Phone 770-952-6707. had obtained financial advice were more likely to feel informed about retirement planning and retirement saving than women who hadn’t. Additionally, 63 percent of women who had received financial advice felt confident that they were saving sufficiently for retirement. What kind of difference does financial advice make? A significant difference, it seems. In the big picture, 87 percent of the women surveyed by TIAA-CREF this summer said they had taken “positive steps” in their financial lives as a consequence. In particular, 64 percent altered spending habits and 53 percent took an organized approach to managing debt. In addition, 51 percent of the women had created an emergency fund and 57 percent had increased monthly saving rates since getting advice, and that leads us toward another interesting statistic. One study suggests women are more dedicated to retirement saving than men. Looking back at 2013, Vanguard discovered that 79 percent of women earning between $50,000 and $75,000 were participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans; only 60 percent of men in that income group were. Another notable difference appeared, this one across all income levels. Examining data from all of its retirement plans, Vanguard found that women saved for retirement at rates ranging from 6 percent to 12 percent greater than men. The message that women need more money for (a potentially longer) retirement than men is being heard loud and clear, it seems. Where are women getting their financial advice? TIAA-CREF’s survey asked this question, but it counted only online sources. Back in 2012, 20 percent of women in TIAA-CREF’s survey said they went to financial websites for advice; this year, that rose to 41 percent. Most telling is that 49 percent of the women TIAA-CREF polled felt that it would be helpful to turn to a real person online with their basic personal financial questions. In fact, 61 percent of women respondents in the survey reported relying on financial 36

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

services providers (and presumably, the financial professionals who work for them) for advice. Still, 66 percent of the women answering TIAA-CREF’s questions indicated that it was hard for them to determine what sources of financial advice to trust. (That was across all women surveyed, including those who had not sought advice.) Women may put more importance on long-term care planning than men. Or so suggests Genworth’s 2014 Online Consumer Survey. The insurer collected responses from more than 1,200 U.S. adults age 18 and older during October, and 64 percent of women respondents said they were motivated to plan for longterm care needs. Only 40 percent of men responding said they were concerned about that. Even so, Genworth discovered that less than 30 percent of respondents had talked with their loved ones about planning for eldercare or aging issues. Long-term care insurance is getting costlier as the baby boom generation matures, and it may get more expensive for women in the near future than for men: as Morningstar columnist Mark Miller recently noted, gender-based pricing is quickly emerging and may become standard practice. Single women need to plan and save aggressively for the years ahead. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies recently surveyed American workers 50 and older and found that the median retirement savings for single women was only $35,000. (For single men, the median was $70,000; for married women, it was $153,000.) Women living alone anticipated a financial struggle; 48 percent of those surveyed believed they would retire to a lower standard of living, and 52 percent assumed their main income resource would be Social Security. Perhaps most troubling, 56 percent of these single women expected to work into their 70s or never retire. The takeaways here for a single woman: save early, save consistently, exploit Social Security-claiming strategies for any potential advantage, and find a social support network that can help you look after yourself as you age. Advice promotes action. As you amass financial knowledge, you gain perspective. When you run the numbers and estimate the level of retirement savings and income you will need, you are able to set goals and timelines for your financial future. Planning the financial future starts with a commitment, and following through on that commitment is critical. Don Akridge is president of Citadel Professional Services, LLC, an independent firm, founded in 1994 and conveniently located off Chastain Road between I-575 & I-75 in Kennesaw. Phone 770-952-6707. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse the opinions or services of Peter Montoya, Inc. or MarketingPro, Inc This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Girl Scout Volunteers Needed to Meet the Need in Cherokee County BY NEKEIDRA TAYLOR / GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER ATLANTA

In Cherokee County, more than 1,000 Girl Scouts rely upon roughly 500 adult volunteers and members to effectively run programs, but there are still girls on waiting lists because of a need for volunteers. The rewards are great for the leaders who step up to guide the scouts in diverse curriculum and creative activities formed around the interests of the girls. Volunteers are essential to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. A Girl Scout volunteer is giving, dedicated, and genuinely interested in mentoring future leaders. The essence Activities like camping are fun for all ages. of a Girl Scout volunteer is leading by example and devotion to a 102-old institution whose mission is to “build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.“

“Without our committed volunteers, we wouldn’t be the organization we are today. They lead our girls, who eventually become leaders in their communities,” stated Kirby LewisHobba, membership specialist in Cherokee County. Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta encourages more than 42,000 girls to “follow the fun” and do what they love with the help of 16,000 volunteers. Every day is different in Girl Scouting, requiring volunteers to be easily adaptable. The reward is invaluable. Whether learning about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), making s’mores, or embracing natural camp environments, girls learn new skills. “Seeing how important Girl Scouting is in providing new continued on page 82

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Lifestyle BKFST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAYS SPIRITS

RESERV.

Blue Sky Barbecue, 295 Molly Lane, Ste 100 (770) 485-0503,www.BlueSkyBarbecue.com

Barbecue

11 a-9 p

beer/wine

Cheeseburger Bobby’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 494-3200, cheeseburgerbobbys.com

American

open

Chili’s Bar & Grill, 1460 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-7676, chilis.com

American

$-$$

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Chinese

$-$$

open

Soup/Salad Sandwiches

closed

American Irish

open

full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

full bar

Homestyle Cooking

closed

American Casual

$-$$

open

full bar

special events

GAMEDAY Fresh Grill, 2990 Eagle Dr. (770) 693-6754, gamedayfresh.com

American/Burgers

open

full bar

yes

Izumi Asian Bistro, 2035 Townelake Pkwy. (678) 238-1899, iloveizumi.com

Thai/Sushi/Chinese

open

full bar

JD’s Barbeque, 6557 Bells Ferry Road (678) 445-7730, jdsbbq.net

Barbecue

$-$$

open

Jersey’s Sports Bar, 6426 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 790-5740, jerseysgrille.com

American

open

full bar

Pizza/Pasta/Salad

$-$$

open

full bar

American Casual

Sun. brunch

$-$$

open

full bar

Japanese Steak/Sushi

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

Mexican

open

full bar

Steakhouse

open

full bar

call ahead seating

Marco’s Pizza, 6424 Bells Ferry Rd. (678) 213-2100, marcos.com

Pizza/Pasta/Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Mellow Mushroom, 2370 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 591-3331, mellowmushroom.com

Pizza/Pasta/Salad

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Bakery/Soups/ Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Mexian/Irish

Sat.&Sun. brunch

open

full bar

large groups call ahead

Chinese/Japanese

$-$$

open

beer/wine

Chinese

$-$$

open

American Casual

$$-$$$

open

full bar

Bar/Grill

$-$$

open

full bar

American

$-$$

open ‘til 3

Italian

$-$$

$$-$$$

open

full bar

10+

China Fun, 1075 Buckhead Crossing (770) 926-2671, chinafun88.com Corner Bistro, 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-1202, cornerbistrotl.com Donovan’s Irish Cobbler, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 693-8763, donovansirishcobbler.com El Ranchero, 1025 Rose Creek Dr. (770) 516-6616 Family Tradition, 4379 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 852-2885, familytradition.net Featherstone’s Grill, 1003 Towne Lake Hills Golf Club (770) 592-9969

Johnny’s Pizza, 1105 Parkside Lane (770) 928-9494, johnnyspizza.com *Jump Kitchen Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Crsng see ad * (678) 388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com pg. 34 Kani House, 2455 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-5264, kanihouse.com LaParilla, 1065 Buckhead Crossing (770) 928-3606, laparilla.com LongHorn, 1420 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 924-5494, longhornsteakhouse.com

Panera Bread, 2625 Towne Lake Pkwy. (678) 813-4809, panerabread.com

*Papa P’s, 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com

d *see a pg. 7

Peking & Tokyo, 200 Parkbrooke Dr. (770) 591-8858, pekingandtokyo.com Song’s Garden, 2068 Eagle Dr. (770) 928-8387, songsgarden.com *Stock Bistro & Grill, 6424 Bells Ferry Road *see ad (770) 516-6779, www.stock-bistro.com pg. 3 The Place, 1105 Parkside Ln. (770) 928-8901, theplacebargrill.com Town Lake Diner, 2290 Eagle Dr. (770) 675-3390 Tuscany, 250 Cinema View Dr. (678) 453-0888, mytuscanyrestaurant.com

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

yes no yes no yes yes no

* Denotes Advertiser

CUISINE

RESTAURANT

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20

Towne Lake Area Dining Guide

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Lifestyle

Living Gluten-Free Doesn’t Have to be Difficult BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH

With the new year comes resolutions to be healthier. For many, that means eating gluten-free (GF). No longer a foreign concept, the GF lifestyle is seen by many as too difficult to maintain. My GF trial started over three years ago. Within weeks, I no longer got sick with every bite, my skin cleared up, and I had an abundance of energy Jessica Leigh Smith (I dropped a full minute on my mile!). lives in Cherokee Now, when I am tempted to cheat, County with her family. Jessica is I only need remind myself of the also an actress and consequences. Feeling good is the producer. www. JessicaLeighSmith.com reward. and Facebook.com/ Going gluten-free doesn’t have NotFinishedInc. to be a final decision. If it doesn’t provide the results you want, you can simply quit. Just remember that you need to commit to three months of strict GF eating to see accurate results. I’d like to share a few things I learned that will make your new venture a little easier. 1. Stick to the perimeter. The key to eating healthy is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store. The same is true

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

for eating GF. All fruits, meats, and vegetables are inherently gluten-free; therefore, you can eat as much as you want. 2. Bake at home. Cooking at home saves money and is healthier. Our favorite guilty-pleasure foods have been manufactured GF, but tend to be expensive, unhealthy, and taste like cardboard. I have learned what I make at home tastes better than anything I can buy. I actually prefer my GF cookies and cake to their gluten-filled counterparts! 3. Use a flour blend. The key to yummy desserts is to use a flour blend. No single gluten-free flour can do what you need. However, they are designed to complement each other— where one yields flavor, another provides moisture, etc. There are many recipes out there for the “best” blend, but a simple one I use in a pinch is this: sorghum flour, rice flour, and tapioca starch. Use equal parts of each and substitute cup for cup in any of your old recipes. Also, don’t forget the xanthan gum! For reference, you’ll need about a teaspoon in a batch of cookies. Bake GF without xanthan and you’ll never forget it again. 4. Buy in bulk. You’ll save money buying your flours in bulk from Amazon. It is really easy to reach the $35 threshold for free shipping and you’ll have your flours in no time. Here’s to a healthy 2015!

There’s Renewed Hope in the New Year BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

“Congratulations, you’ve made it this far!” These are some of the most encouraging words when you learn that your application/résumé has been forwarded to the next level. Now that we are in the new year, be encouraged! Companies that have been holding off on making hiring decisions will be filling key open positions. The first week of December, our training center celebrated with Lynne is an author and the director of four employment students who landed Papa’s Pantry and the new jobs! Hopefully, the economic MastersTraining Center.com. She can atmosphere will brighten, giving be reached at (770) employers confidence. 591-4730 or visit www.papaspantry.org. With that said, time is of the essence. As you begin to shake off the holidays and refocus on your job search, others who are applying for the same jobs are also getting into gear. They are your competition. Approach your job search as if it was a race. Here’s a game plan to get you on the right track. 1. Set big goals. I learned an acronym when working in the corporate world years ago: BHAG. Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals! Don’t be afraid, and certainly don’t limit yourself to settling for what may come quick and easy. If you must earn an income right away, go ahead and accept the immediate offer. Keep looking for the job that fulfills your dreams. 2. Train to gain a strategic advantage. Most everyone thinks they know how to apply for jobs and write a résumé. If you have experienced frustration because the process is taking longer than expected, you might consider training. The Master’s Training Center in Woodstock is a great option, or try one of the local churches that offer employment guidance. 3. Strengthen relevant skills to be the best in your field. The phrase “use it or lose it” applies here. Skills can weaken when not regularly implemented. Take time to improve in areas that you think may be a barrier to employment. Most businesses require computer knowledge. Speaking a second language, especially Spanish, is quite attractive. 4. Manage time and tasks efficiently. Be sure to have a 2015 calendar/ organizer. I find that having a tool in which to plan tasks and schedule blocks of time on a daily basis is most effective. Plan to “work” your job search during the work hours you hope to gain. Take guilt-free time off evenings and weekends. Plan your work, and work your plan. Keep making progress!

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Lifestyle

A Resolution with Style BY MATT NEAL

Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived in Woodstock with his wife since 1999. He has a daughter who turns shoeboxes into dollhouses, a son who fights those stealthy ninjas, and a wife, Diane, who provides patience, compassion and a kick in the pants when needed. mattnealwriter@yahoo. com

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Okay people, it’s time we had a serious discussion. We need to talk about something we all keep in the back of our closets. Behind those boxes of old photos and that stack of Southern Living magazines you just can’t part with because of the recipes - there lies that hidden bundle. You know what I’m talking about – those clothes you bought that were too small, and you kept them for years hoping one day you would lose enough weight so they’d fit. It’s okay, it’s me. We can talk. Those clothes have been hiding there for years, holding hope and promise of a better you, a better life. But let’s face it, they’re getting out of style. I’ll admit, my own secret stash contains brand new shirts from eons past. You remember the kind – blue with that white half-collar that was trendy

back in the 90s. Now I don’t even know what to do with them. If they ever did fit again, wearing them would certainly get people’s attention, but not in the way I’d once hoped. Sure, it’s a new year, time for resolutions. Many of us want to lose weight so those clothes can fit again, so we can finally take the tags off (we certainly can’t return them after 10 years). Many of us lament not being able to wear them when they were still in style. So I’m here to encourage you, to encourage all of us. We can do this. First, we must admit the clothes are out of style. This step is a catharsis. We need to cleanse our minds of our need for these remnants of unstylish garb. Second, gather them all up and donate them to charity, tags and all. Blow the dust off those shoulderpadded blouses. Dig out those high-waisted jeans, and trade them all in for a tax write-off. Now the way is clear to replenish your secret stash of unwearable clothes with something more trendy. We each need to go out and buy more fashionable clothes that are just a little too small to replace the ones we just purged from our lives. Once completed, you are now ready for another decade of hoping and dreaming they will one day fit. Happy New Year!

Rob’s Rescues This dog is Princess. She’s OK with other dogs and she knows how to sit. She walks well on a leash. Her owner could not afford to keep her. I wish they had known about Pet Buddies Food Pantry. Princess likes laps and treats. She is 7-years-old and a bit chubby. She is a Chihuahua mix. She does not play much. I’m Rob Macmillan and I’m on a mission to help shelter dogs and cats. These animals are at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter at 1015 Univeter Road, Canton. Contact me at robsrescues@ gmail.com www.robsrescues.com

This cat is named Nicholas. He doesn’t like being carried, probably because he is a baby at the shelter and probably because he is nervous. He likes to lie on his blanket. He is grey with white paws. He is a domestic short hair mix. Party people – moms and party places – get a Rob’s Rescues Pet Food Collection Bin for your party and ask friends to bring a can or bag of pet food for the bin. I will send a thank you note to the birthday kid. I will also put places that have a birthday bin on my web site: www.robsrescues.com. The shelter has cool calendars. They show some of the dogs and cats and guinea pigs that have been adopted. I am on the October page.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Vision Therapy Helps Patients See Results

ptometry is more than just prescribing glasses and contact lenses. In fact, a majority of optometrists have an area of specialization, such as diagnosing and treating eye disease, surgery co-management, or prescribing aids for individuals with vision loss. At Envision Therapy, Dr. Rosalyn Coleman specializes in diagnosing and treating learning-related vision problems. Sometimes vision problems are obvious, such as an eye that turns inward or outward. Other times vision problems can’t be seen with the naked eye but they can be just as disruptive. Examples are double vision (seeing two of the same image), lack of eye coordination when reading, or problems with vision information processing (the ability to understand what you see or read). Coleman, who is the only optometrist in Cherokee County specializing in developmental vision and vision therapy, says studies reveal that 80 percent of learning is visual and that one out of four children has a vision problem that interferes with the ability to read and learn. With these things in mind, it’s not surprising that many who come to Envision Therapy, open since October 2014, have vision problems that severely impact their success in school, work and life. The scope of vision therapy is wide-ranging and Dr. Coleman sees patients of all ages with learning-related vision problems, including those recovering from traumatic brain injuries and individuals with autism whose vision interferes with their ability to learn and interact socially. Coleman, who has lived in Woodstock for three years, says the conditions and situations she sees cover a broad spectrum. However, the impact of the therapy she provides is profound and she is excited to bring this service to the Cherokee County community she has grown to love and appreciate. “There were no doctors in Cherokee County who provided vision therapy services, but with the number of families and overall growth here there certainly is a need,” Coleman said. She received two bachelor’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one in psychology and the other in international studies. Following her undergraduate studies, Coleman attended the Southern College of Optometry, where she developed a passion for working with children and adults whose vision caused struggles with learning and daily living. During optometry school she interned at a practice that specialized in vision therapy. That is where she felt her future was solidified and she decided to undergo more specialized training in the field. Following graduation from optometry school, Coleman completed a residency in pediatrics, vision therapy and binocular vision. After completing her residency, Coleman had the opportunity to work in several types of optometry offices in metro Atlanta. She learned how to run a successful practice and how to meet the needs of individual patients. “I’m so grateful for each experience and encounter because they gave me the confidence to open my own practice,” said Coleman. “But what made me even more excited was that I could also focus on vision therapy as a specialty—it’s like having two dreams in one!” Dr. Coleman is passionate about her work and draws satisfaction from knowing she is able to help people return to their normal activities after debilitating injuries. One such patient was a busy lawyer who had suffered a brain injury, similar to a concussion, during an attack. Symptoms that included double vision, headaches, vertigo, and difficulty reading began to

reveal that 80 percent “of...studies learning is visual and that one out of four children has a vision problem that interferes with the ability to read and learn.

photos by Kim Bates

”

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Envision Therapy Dr. Rosalyn Coleman, O.D. 117 Mirramont Lake Drive, Woodstock, GA 30189 (678) 540-6680 By appointment only www.envisiontherapycenter.com facebook.com/envisiontherapycenter affect her ability to work. After undergoing vision therapy with Dr. Coleman, the patient’s symptoms subsided and she was able to return to her demanding work schedule. Children who struggle with school work are often diagnosed with learning-related vision problems. Dr. Coleman recalls one young patient who avoided reading and often took hours to complete homework assignments. “During his initial evaluation, we discovered that he was actually seeing double when he looked at anything closer than three feet,” she said. “After treatment with vision therapy, he was finally able to see one book, one page, and one word at a time while reading.” Coleman said many learning-related vision problems begin in childhood and, if left untreated, continue to create problems well into adulthood. Comprehensive eye exams for children ages 6 months and older are provided at Envision Therapy. Coleman is a participating optometrist in the public health program, InfantSEE®, which provides a free exam for children between 6 months and 1 year. She said, “With so much of our learning being visual, especially with the increase in technology in the classroom, I want to stress the importance of every child having a comprehensive exam before they begin reading.” Coleman’s plans for future growth are based on her passion for teaching and spreading the word about the importance of vision. “Vision is intricately involved in almost every aspect of our lives, but most of us take the ability to see and understand what we see for granted,” she said. “I look forward to making an impact on people’s lives by improving their vision and changing how others think about vision.” In addition to providing specialty vision care services Coleman also provides routine vision care for children of all ages. Coleman also provides no charge vision assessments for infants 6 to 12 months of age as part of a national program sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and the American Optometric Association: InfantSee®. To accomplish this goal, she has plans to work with other local medical professionals, such as optometrists, ophthalmologists, occupational therapists, pediatricians, neurologists, etc., to make sure patients receive wholeperson care so that no aspect of their well-being is left out. Coleman also welcomes the opportunity to work with schools to make sure that students who struggle with learningrelated vision problems are not left behind or mislabeled. “I look forward to Envision Therapy becoming a large multidoctor/therapist specialty practice where patients can come to get answers and find solutions,” she said. TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Lifestyle

To The Rescue with Seasonal Hair Remedies BY TIM TIMMONS

Summer sun and heat take their toll on your hair, but did you know that Old Man Winter wreaks hair havoc with his arsenal of storms, snow and cold spells as well? Artificially heated air also adds a lot of extra stress to hair. There is a wide selection of hair care treatments to repair and protect hair through the seasons. They will also help prevent hair damage in the Tim Timmons is first place. the owner of Salon It is best to weatherize your Gloss. Tim has been a hairstylist for 13 years hair before the summer or winter and has extensive seasons start to take their toll. industry experience. Tim can be reached at Dry heated air is particularly hard (678) 483-8900. on hair; hats and caps rank a close second in terms of ruining hair cuticle and style. Hair needs tender loving care to protect it against extreme environmental conditions. Convenient hair treatments come in the shape of deeply penetrating oils and elixirs, designed to restore hydration, elasticity, strength and luster.

Although there are several at-home remedies and over-thecounter treatments to choose from, professional salons offer the most concentrated ingredients and the latest technology for all hair types and textures. Salon experts can choose from added boosters containing moisture, ceramides, protein, and even collagen. In-salon professional treatments can be customized to the client’s specific needs and often include a stimulating massage of the head, neck, and scalp for a spa-like experience. Another popular salon option is a hair mask treatment under a special micro-steamer that lasts for approximately 15 minutes. The steam opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the product to travel deep down, sealing it for better moisture results and maximum concentration. You can even indulge in a spa color. Adding treatment technology directly into your hair color formula can result in longer-lasting vibrant pigments, luster and softness. Many of us let our hair define us. We let it dictate how we feel about ourselves. If we are having a bad hair day, chances are the rest of our day follows suit. We wear our hair everydayit’s our most important accessory. Take a moment to give it some love!

The Dogs’ New Year’s Resolutions BY LORRE LAMARCA

Now that the new year is here, many of us are full of resolutions for self improvement. Since I own a large doggy resort, I sat down with a few of my furry clients to discuss how they resolve to be better doggies in their own universe. 1. While on a walk, I will be more accepting of other dogs that wish to use my sidewalk. Lorre LaMarca is the owner of the Bark Station, 240 Arnold Mill Road. www.barkstation.com. (770) 517-9907

2. Make peace with the birds, chipmunks, squirrels and lizards that squat in my backyard. 3. Baths are not the enemy. Baths are not the enemy. 4. Get more naps in during the day.

5. Keep my nose above the belly button when greeting a new human. 6. The mailman is not the enemy. The mailman is not the enemy. 7. Re-organize the pantry. Dog treats always go on bottom. 46

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

8. Help take out the trash, piece by piece, occasionally. 9. Be courteous to my stuffed animal toys. 10. Instead of hogging the bed and covers from my human, sleep on his or her head. 11. Counter surfing is not a sport I need to improve on. 12. Pass gas without shame. 13. When I feel the sudden urge, run outside and scream. 14. Car window nose art is not really necessary. 15. Not every bite of my human’s food should be mine. 16. Vacuum my own dog hair. 17. Get my business done fast on rainy days. 18. The cat is not the enemy. The cat is not the enemy. 19. Treat a nail trim like a manicure, not an amputation. 20. Every night before I got to sleep, pray that all my homeless friends left behind in the shelter find a home just like mine.

KEEPING IT

Cozy

BY CHANTEL ADAMS | CHANLYNNADAMS@GMAIL.COM

It’s no surprise that many Southerners don’t love winter. While we might be counting down the days until spring arrives, we don’t have to be down for the count. This month’s shopping guide can help you stay cozy and warm, inside and out. January is your opportunity to shine a light that will warm the hearts of the people you love most.

1. I heard the founder of Krochet Kids speak at a conference two years ago and was instantly “hooked.”

Krochet Kids began when four high school kids started crocheting for fun. After a mission trip to Uganda, they felt compelled to begin a nonprofit that employs and empowers people from around the world. The beautiful head wraps will warm your head and your heart. Each one is handcrafted and signed by a real person in a developing country. B. Loved offers an assortment of unique beanies, scarves and wraps from Krochet Kids. Downtown Canton. Prices start at $17.

2. Shauna Niequist is the

Queen of Cozy. I devoured this book because of the beautiful prose and the delicious recipes. Shauna says, “People aren’t longing to be impressed; they’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character and creativity and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude and rest.” Come on in. Wrap up in a warm blanket. Let’s get cozy. Available at Foxtale Book Shoppe in Woodstock or Books-a-Million at the Canton Marketplace. $15.

3. Keeping it cozy is often about the

atmosphere you create at home. When people visit me, I want them to feel like they can take a seat at my table and stay awhile. The sweet, embroidered message on these tea towels lends a cheery vibe to the kitchen. I was also pleased to discover that the towels are handmade by women pursuing freedom in southern India. Downtown Canton. $17.95.

I will never take this off. It’s a wrap, but oh so luxurious. Wear it at home, wear it out. Rub it against your cheek, close your eyes and imagine your own Barefoot Dreams. Barefoot Dreams Calypso Luxe Wrap, $94. B. Loved, Downtown Canton.

Don’t want to leave the house? You don’t have to! These tasty mixes will fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of a three-course meal. Prepared mixes often lack flavor or harbor a lingering aftertaste, but Plentiful Pantry’s line of artisan food products is perfectly seasoned, delicious, and maybe best of all, easy to prepare. A wide variety of flavors is available. Try the tortilla soup and cornbread. Willows Gift Shoppe, Canton Marketplace (next to Target). Prices start at $6.95. TOWNELAKER | January 2015

A High-Energy Workout that Keeps Up the Burn The message on the billboard where Towne Lake Parkway meets Eagle Drive is hard to miss: The black and orange sign declares: “The Orange is Coming To Woodstock! Orangetheory Fitness: Best 1-hour workout in the country.” Just under the sign is the location for the new Orangetheory Fitness Woodstock, set to open mid-April. Future gym members don’t have to wait until then to join. Memberships are being sold onsite while the gym is under construction. Partner/manager Michael Mehr has worked in the fitness industry for close to 15 years and said he always wanted to open his own business. “I took one Orangetheory Fitness class last year and was hooked. I knew right then I wanted to be part of the Orangetheory Fitness family and open my own franchise location.” What’s unique about Orangetheory is the personal attention given by fitness coaches during the workouts, which are high-energy sessions that consist of three components: treadmill interval training blocks, indoor rowing and weight room or resistance training blocks. Changing up the activity during the workout decreases boredom and the chance of reaching a plateau. The sessions have the energy of a group workout with the attention of a personal trainer. Sessions are open to adults of all skill levels, from amateur to elite performance athletes, and teens age 16 and older. If weight loss is your goal, clients can expect an estimated loss of three to five pounds per week 48

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by attending three to five sessions each week when coupled with good nutrition. Clients burn Partner/manager Michael Mehr. between 500 and 1,000 calories per workout.“The That’s the orange effect.” best thing about it is that we take care Participants wear heart monitors of everything. All you have to do is during the sessions, which help the show up. You don’t even have to know trainers keep track of everyone’s how to work out. You get a certified progress, and projects their numbers trainer with every class.” said Mehr. to a flat screen TV mounted on the Here’s how it works. Each workout lasts wall. Under each person’s name is 60 minutes, and the goal is to achieve at the number of calories burned and the least 84 percent of your maximum heart percentage of maximum heart rate in rate for 12 to 20 minutes of that hour. real time. When that percentage hits Reaching that level is called the orange the zone, the screen turns orange. zone. It’s a great way to keep an eye on the “That’s where the magic happens,” intensity of the workout and fuels the said Mehr. “You will get a great workout competitive spirit of those who want to while you are in the gym and it will push themselves. “We do it scientifically give you the afterburn when your and the best way possible, giving you metabolism is about nine times higher great results,” said Mehr, who lives in for up to 36 hours after you work out.

Orangetheory FITNESS 200 Parkbrooke Dr. Suite 140 Find us on Woodstock GA 30189 Facebook (770) 833-4550 Open 7 Days per Week www.orangetheoryfitness.com Acworth with his wife and dog. Multiple sessions are held each day, with a limit of 24 participants per session. There is no typical member - it’s truly a mix of beginners to hard-core athletes. And because of the way Orangetheory is designed, there’s no need for embarrassment or concern about keeping up. Each client works at his or her own pace. Over the years of working in the industry, Mehr has seen his share of people who join a gym and stop attending not long after signing up. The upbeat and motivational atmosphere at Orangetheory sets up an environment that inspires each client, Mehr said. According the Orangetheory website, “it puts a fire in our members giving them a ‘get-up-and-go’ attitude.” Participants who had a good experience with Orangetheory have a hard time not talking about it. Here’s what some clients had to say. “The trainers are outstanding and keep me motivated. Best workout that I have found. As a new mom trying to lose baby weight, this is the only workout that has proven results.” “I get a better workout than I was getting with my personal trainer for a third of the cost.” “You feel so accomplished after a workout at Orangetheory! The heart monitors enable me to push myself when I would otherwise be lazy. The heart monitors don’t lie! I never get bored and always feel like I get a fantastic workout.” “I like how they work on all parts of your body and the fact that a person can keep burning calories even after leaving the gym. I love how everyone is so friendly and have no problem answering questions. For more information, call Michael Mehr at (770) 833-4550, visit www.orangetheory.com and find them on Facebook: Orangetheory Fitness Woodstock TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Lifestyle

Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Guinness Barbecue Sauce It’s cold outside. Sounds like a good time for some Crock-Pot cooking. I had never heard of a slow cooker until I moved to the States – what a wonderful idea! I remember my aunt having a pressure cooker, but nothing as easy to use as a Crock-Pot. Best wishes for 2015 for you and your families. ~ Caron and Alberto

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 Boston butt Can of Coke Sprig of thyme Sprig of rosemary 1-2 bay leaves Salt and pepper 8 ounces Guinness stout 16 ounces of your favorite barbecue sauce Hamburger buns

Method: Heat oil in a large saucepan. Sear pork on all sides. Place in slow cooker. Add Coke, herbs, salt and pepper. Cook on low for six to eight hours. While pork is cooking, pre-heat a saucepan, add Guinness and turn down heat to medium. Reduce Guinness to half its amount. Let cool. Add to barbecue sauce. Remove pork and shred. Mix with barbecue sauce. Place on buns. Serve with a side salad. If you are using a very large Boston butt, you may want double the sauce recipe to make sure to have enough. Caron and Alberto Catalán are the owners and managers of Papa P’s – Mexican with an Irish side, located in the Towne Lake Kroger shopping center. They have lived in Towne Lake since 2008. They have four children, Conor, Ciara, Derek and Fiona. Visit them online at www.papa-ps.com or call (770) 592-3100.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Health & Wellness

Ankle Replacement Puts You Back On Your Feet BY TRAVIS JONES, D.P.M., NORTHSIDE CHEROKEE ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE

Most people have heard of knee or hip replacements, but there’s another aging joint being replaced that’s gaining ground. By replacing arthritic or injured ankles with artificial joints, foot and ankle surgeons help get people back on their feet. Ankle replacement surgery relieves debilitating pain and discomfort caused by arthritis, and also restores and maintains ankle motion in people Dr. Travis Jones is a foot and ankle surgeon with compromised ankle function. at Northside Cherokee During the two- to three-hour surgical Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. procedure, the ankle joint is exposed, www.northside diseased cartilage and bone are cherokeeortho.com. removed, and a metal and lightweight plastic bearing is inserted. In general, healthy, non-diabetic older patients—who also have exhausted non-surgical treatment and continue to experience painful and disabling ankle arthritis—are ideal candidates for ankle replacement. Ankle arthritis is the progressive loss of the smooth gliding surface that lines the ends of the bones that form the ankle, causing pain, stiffness, swelling and warmth at the joint. These detrimental effects lead to discomfort and a lack of endurance for everyday activities such as standing and walking. Many people might not have heard of ankle replacement surgery because when compared to the other major joints, arthritis of the ankle is uncommon. About 50,000 people a year experience end-stage ankle arthritis, when the ankle cartilage wears away completely, causing bone-onbone contact. How long an ankle replacement lasts depends on many factors, including the type of implant used and the patient’s physical condition, activity level and lifestyle. While prosthetic joints can provide increased mobility and pain relief for many years, most patients can expect their ankle replacement to last 10 to 20 years. As with any surgery, there is always a risk of infection or complications, including nerve, vessel, tendon or bone injuries and persistent pain. A surgeon specialized in foot and ankle surgery can best evaluate your condition and determine if an ankle replacement is right for you.

“About 50,000 people a year experience end-stage ankle arthritis, when the ankle cartilidge wears away completely...”

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Bone Health Improves with Non-Prescription Medication BY O. JULIUS QUARCOO

Many people worry about developing osteopenia or osteoporosis as they age. This disease is a condition where bone tissue breaks down, making them so brittle they break easily. Prescription anti-bone loss medications, usually taken once a week or once a month, are promoted as a solution to osteopenia or osteoporosis. Instead, some patients taking these medications report having O. Julius Quarcoo, a major side effects like broken bones pharmacist for 21 years, and permanent jaw bone damage. In is owner of Towne Lake Family Pharmacy, which fact, fracture of the strongest bone of offers compounding and the body - the femur - is very common, regular prescriptions. (770) 635-7697. not to mention a slew of other side townelakepharmacy@ effects like gastrointestinal ulcers, yahoo.com. nausea and vomiting, low blood calcium and bone pain. Some patients report breaking bones while simply doing normal, everyday tasks such as walking or sitting. Promptly report any groin or hip pain to your physician if you are taking these medications. Another alarming possible side effect of this group of antibone loss medications called the bisphosphonates is permanent

jaw bone damage. This happens when blood flow to the jaw bone is cut off and causes bone death. Patients on these meds considering major dental work need to be aware of this, as dental procedures may not heal easily. A much safer alternative is to take proper bone-supportive nutritional supplements. These medicinal foods target the decreased bone mineral density that is associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis by supplying bone tissue with highly absorbable forms of (chelated) calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin K and other nutrients essential for building strong bones. They do not simply manage loss of bone tissue, which prescription medications focus on. Balancing hormones using compounded bio-identical hormones (not synthetic hormones) helps to prevent and reverse low bone mineral density. For instance, low doses of estradiol (a type of estrogen) helps prevent bone loss, while progesterone (from yam base) actually helps build bone tissue. A flawed study (WHI study) years ago blamed hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for increased risk of adverse effects for use of hormones to prevent osteoporosis. What the study failed to mention is the fact that synthetic (lab-altered) hormones were used to conduct the study. Synthetic hormones continued on page 82

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Health & Wellness

Embarrassing Problem Doesn’t Deserve Punishment BY DR. AMY HARDIN

About once or twice a month, I see a sheepish elementary school child who is embarrassed by the fact that he or she still wears disposable training pants to bed. Both the parents and the child want to know if there something to help with bedwetting. My answer: “Yes!” Primary nocturnal enuresis (or bedwetting without a spell of dry nights) is more common than you would expect. Dr. Amy Hardin is a It’s a family problem that can create pediatrician in Towne anxiety, shame and embarrassment for Lake at Northside Pediatrics. Check out more than just the child. It is important Northside Pediatrics’ for children to know they are not alone. new website at www. northsidepediatrics. More than 5 million American kids older com and follow them on Facebook at than age 6 wet the bed at night. Parents Northside Pediatrics. should know that children should never be punished for wetting the bed. Bedwetting is not an indication of anything wrong with the reproductive parts. It is basically a sleep problem where the brain and bladder don’t talk to each other at night. Kids who suffer from this problem are usually deep sleepers and don’t receive the cue to wake up at night when it’s time to go to the restroom.

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Here are some interesting statistics. Most kids who wet the bed have a parent or close relative who also did. Parents need to know that if the relative wet the bed into later school years, it’s likely the child will do the same without intervention. Statistics also show that 45 percent of kids wet the bed if one parent was a bedwetter, and 75 percent of kids are likely to if both parents wet the bed. By age 13, boys wet the bed twice as much as girls, but girls tend to have more urgency, frequency, and daytime wetting than boys. Parents and kids often wonder if the problem will go away on its own. Only 15 percent of 5-year-olds stop wetting without intervention, so often by the time sleepovers begin, kids (and parents) are ready for help. A lot of parents have already tried restricting liquids after dinner by the time they talk to me. Unfortunately, that doesn’t solve the problem. While it may decrease the amount of urine, it’s likely the child will still wet the bed. Studies show that the best method to use is a bedwetting alarm (Potty Pager and Night Hawk are two that I recommend). If you’ve taken a psychology class, it works similar to Pavlov’s dogs salivating at the sound of the bell. Basically, an alarm is worn in the underwear every night and it rings, vibrates or both after the child has wet the bed. I always let parents know that, continued on page 82

Examining the Types of Headaches BY DR. VAN TRAN

In order to effectively treat any problem, it is important to understand what causes it. While there are several different types of headaches, the more common ones seen in a chiropractic office are tension, cervicogenic and migraine headaches. Tension headaches occur when we become stressed, angry or frightened, and our body responds with increased Dr. Van Tran is a board muscle tension in the neck, shoulders certified chiropractor with Discover or head. Repetitive strain such as Chiropractic in Towne poor posture is also a common source Lake. He can be reached at (770) 516-9900. of muscle tension. Constant muscle tension can cause misalignment of vertebrae in the neck, which in turn irritate the nerves going up the head. If stress or postural strain becomes constant in our lives, the muscle tension can become just another habit. All of this can lead to a muscle tension headache. Migraines are brought about by changes in vascular flow, triggered by a variety of factors that include different foods, smells, weather, hormonal changes and stress. These headaches are extremely painful. Migraines can begin with nausea or the person experiencing a halo effect called a pre-migraine aura. Last but not least are cervicogenic headaches, which are caused by irritation of the vertebrae, muscles or nerves of the neck. Misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck leads to irritation of the local nerves and muscles, which can cause pain in the back of the neck and head or as far forward as the temples and forehead. Chiropractic can be a great help to those headaches involving muscle tension and changes in vascular flow. Sinus headaches may be effectively treated as well, but may require medical attention in cases of infection. Chiropractic treatment for headaches in general centers on the idea of adjusting the spinal column and neck to improve posture and blood flow. Along with the adjustments, chiropractors also may recommend deep tissue massage, stretching exercises, stress management, dietary changes, nutritional supplementation and basic changes in posture.

The more common ones seen in a chiropractic office are tension, cervicogenic and migraine headaches.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Health & Wellness

Focus on a Clean, Sterile Environment BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

Infection control, proper instrument sterilization and surface disinfection are at the foundation of dental care and the responsibility of each clinical staff member. It’s evident at each visit, where patients see dentists and clinicians wearing gloves and masks, opening sterile instrument packs and using a sterile water supply and drills. Chairs and computer keyboards also are Dr. Scott Harden is a dentist at Fountain covered in plastic. View Family Dentistry Patient safety must remain a top and has served the Woodstock area for priority for every staff member, and each more than 21 years. office should have a written protocol You can reach Dr. Harden at book outlining Occupational Safety and (770) 926-0000 or visit Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines FountainViewSmiles. com. that is followed by the dental team. Dental offices have rooms designated for cleaning, sterilizing and storing instruments, setting aside space away from the treatment rooms to avoid contamination. While sterilization of instruments is carefully regulated, the cleaning process can vary widely, from scrubbing by hand to cleaning in a machine. Modern cleaning techniques

involve minimum handling to reduce the risk of cuts and needle punctures. Instruments are placed in a perforated metal cassette, which is transferred to an instrument washer and disinfector that looks like a dishwasher. High water temperatures and chemical additives clean and disinfect the instruments to prepare them to be sterilized. Packaging instruments before sterilization helps prevent contamination by airborne bacteria. The sterilization packing is specifically designed to allow penetration of heat, steam or vapor and then to safely seal the instruments inside for sterile storage. The FDA regulates the method, and computerized sterilization ovens make sure the process is accurate. Indicator strips that change color when the proper temperature is reached ensure that the packets are properly sterilized. The use of biological monitors placed in the instrument packs during a sterilization cycle is the most reliable method to make sure the sterilizer is working effectively. Modern computerized machines have made the sterilization process efficient and reliable with many levels of confirmation. At the heart of this process is properly trained dental staff that must follow FDA and OSHA guidelines, deliver quality dental care and ultimately ensure optimal patient safety.

Always Tired? You’re Not Alone 70 million people in the United States suffer from sleep disorders. A good night’s sleep can fuel your day with energy, keeping you refreshed, alert, and less-stressed. However, for more than 70 million Americans, sleep does not come easy. Northside Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Center is here to help. With more than 30 years of experience, our specialists will help you find personalized solutions. To learn more about the benefits of sleep, please contact the center nearest you. Relaxing & Comfortable Settings in 3 Convenient Locations.

Centralized SChedUling: (404) 236-8200 View videos on sleep disorders at northside.com/sleep

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Health & Wellness

Don’t Forget to Exercise Your Brain BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.

We can all benefit from exercising our brains. Studies show a strong link between hearing loss and dementia. Research also supports that there is more brain shrinkage in older adults who have hearing loss. According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, these findings include a growing list of health issues associated with hearing loss that result in diminished physical and mental Dr. Henriques is health. a board certified Did you know that we actually hear audiologist and lead provider at North with our brains? The eardrum, bones Georgia Audiology in and cochlea carry sound to the brain, Woodstock. She has been practicing since but it’s the brain that makes sense of 1985, after earning a it all. If your brain is not receiving the doctorate in audiology from the University of whole message due to hearing loss, Florida and a master’s then giving your brain improved sound degree from LSU Medical Center. will help. Hearing aid manufacturers are incorporating brain hearing technology into their latest devices. You have heard of the expression “use it or lose it.” That goes for physical exercise to maintain strength and stability, and also for brain function for understanding and balance. Stimulate the brain with sound, and you might possibly be preserving brain tissue. According to Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D, there may be some urgency in treating hearing loss rather than ignoring it. “If you want to address hearing loss, well, you want to do it sooner than later. If hearing loss is potentially contributing to the differences we are seeing on MRI, you want to treat it before these brain structural changes take place.” He also states that we place stress and strain on the brain in an effort to hear and understand. “If you put a lot of effort just

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

to comprehend what you’re hearing, it takes resources that would otherwise be available for encoding [what you hear] in memory,” says Arthur Wingfield, who leads neuroscience at Brandeis University. He goes on to say that getting clearer speech signals to the brain might allow the brain structures to grow back to their previous size and function. In addition to stimulating your brain with sound, there are many exercises available to improve understanding. How do we exercise our brains? The first step is to be evaluated by a licensed doctor of audiology to find out if you have hearing loss and to see if hearing aids might be recommended for you. One exercise audiologists use is called LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement) - a system that can be used at home. Another one we recommend is Lumosity, computer-based brain games and brain training. Of course you can take out pen and paper and do crossword puzzles and Sudoku as well - all are good ways to keep your brain sharp!

You have heard of the expression “use it or lose it.” That goes for physical exercise to maintain strength and stability, and also for brain function for understanding and balance. Stimulate the brain with sound, and you might possibly be preserving brain tissue.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

School & Sports

High School Track and Field Stars Near Finish Line BY JASON HUNTER

The graduating class of 2015 for Woodstock and Etowah high schools has five hard-working athletes who deserve recognition for their athletic accomplishments over the past three years. Track and field typically doesn’t get the same interest that’s shown to the more popular sports like football, basketball and baseball, or cross country, although it is the fastest-growing sport on the high school level. However, our two schools athletically are in the toughest and highest class (6A) in the state. Right here among us, we have five outstanding athletes that I’ve personally witnessed grow from babies in the sport to some of the top athletes in the state by their sophomore or junior seasons. At Woodstock the athletes are Arielle Hunter (sprints), Alexandra Melehan (distance) and Owen Bailey (distance). At Etowah, they are state champion Leena Morris (field events) and Kingsley Green (distance). In this group of athletes we have county, regional, sectional, and even a state champion. While they all have made it to state finals—the highest level of competition—over the past three years, their senior year will be an especially important and exciting one. This is due in part to the fact that they all will be attempting to make it back to the top one more time and bring home the coveted state title before graduating from high school. Track and field is a very competitive sport that has more athletes participating than any other sport. So, starting in February 2015, please come out to witness and support some of Georgia’s top athletes and help root them on during their final journey on the road to the state high school track and field championships.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Arielle Hunter

Owen Bailey

Alexandra Melehan

Leena Morris

Kingsley Green.

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TOWNELAKER | January 2015

School & Sports

Be Alert to Risks of Social Media BY MARK KISSEL

Smartphones, tablets, notebooks: When you give these amazing devices to your child, do you have a plan for dealing with the inevitable drama created in the world of social media? Many parents may not be adequately informed of the inherent risks associated with the software applications (apps) that can be downloaded. A recent online article, “Seven Chief of Police Mark dangerous apps that parents need to Kissel has served the know about,” addressed applications that Cherokee County School District since seem innocent at first glance. The first, 1999 and has more Yik Yak, is a GPS-based app that allows than 35 years of law enforcement the user to send a 200-character text experience. message that will go to 500 people, also known as Yakkers, who are closest to the sender. SnapChat allows users to send photos that disappear within 10 seconds on both the sender’s and the receiver’s device, but the receiver can “capture” the photo and send it to others. More information on these and the other apps can be found at www.checkupnewsroom.com/7-dangerous-apps-that-parentsneed-to-know-about/. Develop a game plan for your child’s safety:

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

• Start an ongoing conversation with your child. Explain that you own the device (you paid for it and are likely paying the monthly bill) and, as a result, there will be periodic inspections. If that seems unreasonable, think about the phone or computer given to you by your employer for work purposes. At any time, the employer can inspect it, put filters on it and monitor the software. • Enable parental controls. On Apple devices, go to settingsgeneral-restrictions where you can manage the apps that came with the device, the iTunes store and in-App purchase. Next, go to allowed content and create basic filtering options on music, movies and Internet sites. Finally, go to location services. If enabled, the device allows various apps to use GPS antenna; if GPS is enabled for the camera, every photo taken by the user will be imprinted with the GPS location where it was taken. When the photo is posted online, anyone who knows how to find this data will know exactly where it was taken. This could raise security concerns with regards to stalking and abduction. Finally, always protect the restriction’s password and iTunes password. • Social Media. Facebook, Instagram and Kik Messenger tend to be used predominantly by teens to connect to their friends. Many social media sites do not allow children younger than 13 to have social media accounts. Do you set up the account even though the media site restricts access? If you decide to allow your child access continued on page 82

What might a conversation between a brain and a heart sound like? CREATIVE WRITING ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY JOE LEMMO, 7TH GRADE E.T. BOOTH LANGUAGE ARTS CLASS

Kylie Geist

Steven Riddick

Hunter Smith

Lauren Wheeler

Dr. Phil was listening intently to the Brain. The Heart was in another room waiting his turn to share his side of the matter. The Brain was saying, “No one gives me credit when it comes to making decisions about love. They always say, ‘I’m just going to see where my heart takes me,’ when I’m the one always making the decisions! It’s not fair I tell you!” “This is going to be harder than I thought,” Dr. Phil said to himself. “So let me get this straight,” Dr. Phil said, “you want people to stop claiming that the Heart is making their ‘love’ choices?” “Yes. That’s exactly right,” said the Brain. “Okay. I’m going to let the Heart come in here now, so you’ll both be in the room,” Dr. Phil told the Brain. A few moments later, the Heart walked in. He took a seat, and Dr. Phil said to him, “The Brain told me he wants people to stop claiming that you make all the ‘love’ decisions. What do you think?” “I think that’s ridiculous. It may have some truth in there, but not much,” the Heart told him. “And how is that?” the Brain interrupted. “Because nonsense wakes up the soul, which is in me, and that includes love.” Dr. Phil said to them both, “How can it be, then, if my brain has no heart and my heart has no brain, when I speak my mind I appear heartless, and when I do what’s in my heart I appear thoughtless?” “Wow. I never thought about it that way before,” the Brain said. “I’m sorry, Heart. Maybe if we work together, we can choose the right choices.” “I agree. Let’s not fight again,” said the Heart. And they never did.

“Hey, hey, Heart! Do you mind sending up some more oxygen? I’m running a little low,” the Brain yells down. “Sure thing pal, it’ll be up in a second,” the Heart yells as friendly as possible. “Thanks,” the Brain yells back. The brain goes back to work, blinking, breathing, and most importantly thinking. While the Brain has been thinking, he thought a little too hard. He had thought that he should goof off instead of study. Just as he is about to start, the heart jumps in. “You know the right thing to do, come on, sit down, and study. It’ll only take 10 minutes then you can goof off.” But the Brain didn’t listen. He just continued. Then, when that dreaded test day finally came, he didn’t make the grade he was looking for. “You were right Heart, sometimes you hold the answers that I can’t see,” says the Brain in a dreadful tone. “I’m glad you feel that way. Maybe you’ll think a little more next time,” says the Heart. But he didn’t. Every day the conversations went the same way. The Heart had to tell the Brain not to do something, and the Brain was always challenged to think a little more.

I look around seeing all this empty space. Space I can use to expand my greatness. I wonder to myself, “Why is the heart full of love and sweetness while I am full of mostly imagination and intelligence? It’s not fair. The heart is so beautiful with the pumping of blood and candy apple red skin. All I am is a nerdy beige-pink brain with glasses full of intelligence.” I start to think and I feel a pounding. My body is hitting its head because it can’t stand my complaining. I know now it is time to end this. Enough memories of Scooby-doo episodes and math problems. It’s time to go on with my life. “Hey, um…heart. I uh…kind of wanted to, you know, switch spots with you. I don’t want to be the one full of memories and intelligence. I want to be filled with love,” I yelled to the heart. To my surprise, there was no response. The heart was pumping like usual. Did she not hear me? I thought that I should call her name, but before I could even make a peep, the heart looked up at me. Her lips had bubble gum pinkish lipstick on and her eyes were sparkling like the ocean. She blew me a kiss and I could feel myself melting like a marshmallow. “I would probably switch with you if I could but I can’t. If you want to, you can always be my boyfriend.” I couldn’t believe it. The heart was asking me to go out with her. Then, a thought came up to me. Where could we date if we’re stuck in our positions? I noticed that if I wasn’t filled with intelligence, I wouldn’t have figured that out. I guess I’m good being a brain.

“Just beat it, just beat it.” Sang the Heart. “Oh my gosh Heart, shut up, I’m trying to read!” said the Brain while giving the Heart a sour glare. “Sorry Brain, I just love that song.” “But it makes no sense. ‘Beat what’ is what I’m asking.” “Just beat ‘it’ that’s what the song says.” Says Heart as he starts singing another song. “Will you ever stop singing and do something logical Heart?” Questioned Brain. “Hey, I just follow myself.” Responded Heart. “I know, just stop and think once.” Continued Brain. “But I can’t. I’m a heart. I have no brain.” Reinforced Heart. “Not my problem.” “You can be a little heartless sometimes Brain!” “Well, I don’t have a heart.” “You’re mean, Brain.” “No, I’m logical.” the Brain replied in return. “Mean!” continued Heart. “Logical.” He said again. They rambled on like this for the rest of the day until the rest of the body got annoyed. TOWNELAKER | January 2015

School & Sports

Team Escalade to Compete in Texas E.T. Booth Middle School students and siblings Ethan and Emma Hunt are part of Team Escalade, which recently received an invitation to the USA Climbing American Bouldering Series Divisional Championships in Texas. The top seven climbers in each age category in the region will move on to compete for a spot at the USA national championships.

From left, Ethan Hunt, Coach Rudy Armocida, Emma Hunt, Tara Midha and (front) Maggie Carter.

2014 USTA Georgia Junior Player of the Year: Josh Raab

Local Charity Awards Its First Sponsorship Woodstock High School sophomore Brooke Bowling has been selected as the first recipient of a sponsorship for Indoor Color Guard/ Indoor Drumline by Kirsti’s Wishing Well, a nonprofit for musicians, writers and artists in memory of Kirsti Sue Baiel. (www. kirstiswishingwell. com) Brooke is a member of Woodstock High School’s Winter Guard as well Brooke Bowling as the Marching Wolverines’ Color Guard. She is the daughter of Jim and Christy Bowling.

Students Receive Introduction to Computer Science Students at E.T. Booth Middle School recently had a chance to participate in the Hour of Code, a one-hour introduction to computer science that’s designed to show that anybody can learn the basics. The program helps introduce students to coding and computer science as a possible career choice. Students were able to choose from game-based activities or learn Java or drawing codes. For more information on the Hour of Code, go to http:// hourofcode.com/us.

Josh Raab (left) 13, has been named the 2014 USTA Georgia Junior Player of the Year. He also won the 2014 Sportsmanship Award at the Georgia/Alabama State Championship. Josh is a student at Rivers Academy in Alpharetta and has been playing tennis at Eagle Watch since August 2010. E.T. Booth Middle School students Jackson Yoder, left, and Blake Norman work on their games. 64

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

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I’ve made it my mission in practice to help those suffering with chronic pain like you.

It would be nice to get out of bed – just one morning – without pain. Every time you try and push through the pain…like standing or walking for a long period of time…you pay for it for the next 2-3 days with even more pain. Do you have any of the these Arthritic problems?      

Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Bursitis/tendonitis Degenerative joint disease Lumbar disc problems Aching pain in the arms or legs Pain Pills Are Not the Answer

Do you remember the Vioxx scandal? It was a medication designed to relieve arthritis pain…but like all drugs, it had side effects. After years of use worldwide, the makers withdrew it from the market because of the overwhelming evidence it caused heart attacks and strokes. There’s a time to use pain medications, BUT not before seeking a natural way to correct the CAUSE of the problem! Ask yourself … after taking all these pain medications…maybe for years…are you any better off?

“I only wished I had found you sooner” I hear this too often, so I decided to do something about it and run this ad. Just call before

Jan 15th

and you’ll get a Arthritis Consult for $20

An in-depth consultation about your arthritis where I will listen…really listen.

•

A complete nerve, muscle and spinal exam to find the “cause” of your problem.

•

• A full set of specialized x-rays to look for joint degeneration (arthritis)… (NOTE: These would normally cost you at least $200).

A thorough analysis of your exam and x-ray findings so I can show you how to fix the problem.

•

I’ll answer all your questions about chiropractic and arthritis pain. The appointment will not take long at all and you won’t be sitting in a waiting room all day either. To take me up on this special offer, you must call before Jan 15th Call today…Phone 678-

574-5678

Feel the Improvement and Say “Yes” to Life Again Listen to what our patients are saying about it…

I sought out care at North Cobb Spine and Nerve for the pain and stiffness in my Have you had one doctor after another telling you Knees. The pain had been bothering me this is just the natural process of the body getting for about 4 months. Making day to day older - that you should expect to have arthritis. life hard. Before seeking treatment I had Sure, if you don’t take care of your damaged joints tried pain medicines and antinow, as you get older they will be worse (which is inflammatory medications. Since starting why you shouldn’t wait any longer to see if I can my care I have improved 100%. The pain help you.) in my knees is gone and I am now able to However, old age is not the cause of your arthritis. walk with no pain. The staff here has I’ll venture to say all 360 joints in your body are treated me great and always show the same age, yet arthritis and joint degeneration genuine concern about my well -being. has not affected every one of them – only your Thank you, previously injured joints that never healed Martha Wann- Teacher properly. Pain Is Not Just ‘Old Age’

My name is Dr. Amy Valente owner of North Cobb Spine and Nerve Institute. Over the past seven years since we’ve opened the doors, I’ve

I came to North Cobb Spine and Nerve Institute with terrible knee pain. Since being treated here, I no longer have pain in my knee. I can now climb up and down the stairs without feeling pain. I can get on with my busy life with far less pain and stiffness! Thanks, Donna Adams With my “Arthritis Evaluation”, we can find the problem and then correct it. Think of how you could feel in just a few short weeks. See and feel your life change for the better. Start your body on the way to pain-free, normal living. Feel tight joints rest, relax, free up. Feel muscles tied in knots become suppler. Feel strength in your muscles increase. As you begin to see motion returning to your joints, you’re preventing and reducing chances of disability and a crippling future. You’re playing Golf again -- hitting longer drives, smoother putts, and lower scores…without pain.

Arthritis can be successfully treated. Healthy, pain-free living should be yours. Please call our 24 Help Line at 678-5745678 and tell the receptionist you’d like to come

in for the Special Arthritis Evaluation before Aug 15th. We can get started with your consultation, exam and x-rays as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. North Cobb Spine and Nerve Institute is located at 3451 Cobb Pkwy. Suite 4 in Acworth. (On the corner of Mars Hill Rd. and Cobb Pkwy) I look forward to helping you get rid of your pain so you can start living a healthier, more joyful life. Sincerely, Dr. Amy Valente, D.C. P.S. The only real question to ask you is this… Life’s too short to live in pain like this. Call us today and soon I’ll be giving you the green light to have fun again!

Call Today!

678-574-5678

North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute •

3451 Cobb Pkwy Ste #4, Acworth

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

School & Sports

Shop With An Eagle

Woodstock Students Help Families in Need

The fourth annual Shop With An Eagle program at Etowah High School was able to help 53 junior eagles—students from feeder schools—shop for their families for Christmas. The Etowah PTSA raised $2,750 to set up Santa’s Workshop, where children could get gifts for their parents and siblings. The Beta Club, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Psychology Club, Student Advisory Board, and the basketball programs contributed to Shop With An Eagle through activities and fundraising. The Psychology Club collected 1,560 cans of food to help the families in need. Excluding the PTSA funds, $17,940 was raised to use toward expenses for the day and shopping. Leftover funds were used to help Etowah students in need.

Woodstock High School students donated more than 5,000 pounds of canned food for needy families, winning second place in the Atlanta Falcons “FalCan” Food Drive School Challenge, sponsored by Publix supermarkets. Players and cheerleaders from the Atlanta Falcons visited the school to thank students for their efforts, including Falcons players Corey Peters and Sean Baker, who answered questions and signed autographs.

Board Bids Farewell to Departing Members Vice Chair Robert Wofford and school board members Michael Geist and Rob Usher recently served in the last meeting of their four-year terms on the Cherokee County Board of Education. Each was presented with a plaque and words of appreciation from board Chairwoman Janet Read. All three members completed one four-year term and did not seek re-election. Wofford’s service on the board followed a long career with the school district that—including his education as a student in the system—totals 60 years.

Senior Parsh Patel gets a football signed, while Hope Nuttall, also a senior, waits for her autographs.

The Woodstock Elementary School Student Council conducted a canned food drive that netted more than 1,000 cans. The donations were given to Mt. Zion Church Food Bank.

Winter 5K and Fun Run Support Etowah Soccer The eighth annual Etowah Soccer Winter 5K/Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m. Jan. 31. The start and finish lines will be in the Etowah High School stadium, 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock. The entire event is contained on Eagle Mountain and away from traffic and busy streets. Registration is $25 and everyone registered by Jan. 20 is guaranteed a race T-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Etowah High School boys’ and girls’ soccer teams. For information or to download a registration form, go to www.etowahsoccer.com. For more details, contact Susan Moore at (770) 865-6262 or smsgrad@gmail.com. 66

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Student council members Yang Hui Bowen, Aiden Briggs, Ellie Entrekin, Anthony Gentile, Braxton Ghetti, TJ Huston, Andrew Hyman, Kyle Motsiff, Jessica Sow, Manov Tilca and Ashlyn Utley count cans.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Faith

Grief and Faith BY REV. DR. PAUL W. BAUMGARTNER

The past weeks have not been “the most wonderful time of the year” for me. My only child died in July, and during the holidays my mom lived her last days. God’s Word keeps me going. A helpful Bible story has been the one about Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). I know what it is like to be terrified, to want God to prove Himself to me, to feel myself beginning to The Rev. Dr. Paul drown. Baumgartner has When Jesus identified himself to the served as senior pastor of Good Shepherd terrified disciples, he said, “Take heart, it Lutheran Church since is I; do not be afraid.” I hear reflected in January 2004. He can be reached at pastorpaul@ those words God’s self-identification to gslutheran.org Moses: I AM. Why should the disciples take heart and not be afraid? Because it is the great I AM who is coming to them. In Peter’s response, I hear the temptations that the devil posed to Jesus in the wilderness: that if Jesus is who he says he is, he should prove it. Jesus responded to the devil that one should not test God, yet the whole gospel story is full of people wanting to test God, wanting Jesus to prove he is the Son of God. Even Peter said that if Jesus was who he said he was he should have Peter walk on water. Jesus actually granted his request and Peter did, until he got scared. Then Peter cried out to Jesus to save him, and Jesus did that, too. Afterward Jesus asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?” I’ve heard lots of interpretations of this story about how with enough faith you can receive miracles, but I think Jesus meant that with enough faith you can believe Jesus is who he says he is. When I find myself sinking in the fear and doubt of grief, I cry out to Jesus to save me, and he always comes to me and takes my hand. He comes in his Word and sacraments; he comes

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

to me through my precious wife; he comes through my faith community. Jesus always comes and reaches out his hand for me take. That’s what we’re asked to believe. We’re not asked to believe that with enough faith we can walk on water, we’re asked to believe that Jesus is who he says he is and when we cry out to him he will save us—even in grief.

Faith Notes / Events in Area Churches Hillside Offers New Season of Classes On Jan. 15, the following classes are beginning at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4494 Towne Lake Parkway: DivorceCare, a 13-week seminar, $20 for materials; Depression Cure for individuals under the care of a professional counselor for chronic depression; Grief Support, an eight-week workshop for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, $17; and Boundaries, an eightweek study group that targets singles who have moved through a divorce care type class. Requires book purchase. Childcare is available. (770) 924-4777. www.hillsideumc.org. Be Rich Campaign Completed The Be Rich Campaign initiated by Watermarke Church collected 13,566 pounds of food that will help MUST Cherokee, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch and Forever Fed. Goshen Valley was given funding to support program and staffing costs. More than 50 service projects were completed by more than 950 people serving 3,000 hours, and 1,750 shoeboxes were given to the Operation Christmas Child program. The campaign is an annual effort to help meet community needs. For more details, visit www.Howtoberich.org/impact.

Marriage Moments: Know the Heart of Your Partner BY BILL RATLIFF

Great marriages are always built by intentionality, not happenstance. Many naively believe that when they get married, their problems are solved. The truth is that after you get married, your problems double. So how do you create matrimonial bliss while enduring the normal barrage of painful issues? I believe marital blessing occurs when you Bill Ratliff is the Senior know the heart of your partner. So Pastor at Towne Lake Community Church. many of the emotional hurts your He can be reached partner inflicts on you become at (678) 445-8766 or bratliff@tlcchurch.com. forgivable when you know his or her heart. There is a contemporary Christian song that I treasure, entitled, “You Get Me” by ZoeGirl, that came out some years ago. The song’s theme is that Jesus understands us even when no one else quite gets who we are. It’s terrible to be married to someone who doesn’t “get you” or know your heart. The opposite is true: It’s awesome to be married to someone who does. As you begin 2015, I encourage you to get to know better the heart of your spouse. Get to know his or her dreams for the future. After several trips to South Dakota, I have brought home Native American artwork pieces called dream catchers. I think the idea is to keep your dreams from escaping your life. In your marriage you ought to be the dream catcher for your spouse. The Bible tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that the Lord is our dream catcher and dream creator. “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 a future.”

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Date Your Mate: In order to make life interesting and fun as you begin the year, try some new activities together. Why not play a game? Actually two games. One game you enjoy, and another game your partner enjoys. Keep in mind that winning is not the goal, but fun and ultimately oneness!

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

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WELLSTAR WINDY HILL HOSPITAL | 2540 Windy Hill Road | Marietta, GA 30067 The WellStar Pediatric Network offers a range of services for children of all ages. These include emergency care, urgent care, after-hours care, primary care, orthopedic surgery, anesthesia, imaging, lab, physical therapy and a child-life specialist to help ease your child’s fears in a clinical setting. Through a collaborative partnership with pediatric subspecialists such as orthopedics, neurology and GI, children have access to physician experts close to home. For more information about WellStar’s pediatric services and locations, go to wellstar.org.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Welcome to

photo by Darleen Prem

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

The Outlet Shoppes

T at Atlanta at Saks

Fifth Avenue Off Fifth

- park in marked spaces only - parking in Woodstock UMC lot is M-Sa only - Chatt Tech parking is limited until early 2015

Trolley Routes outlined in red

Chattahoochee Technical College

Parks Cir

Trolley Stop

Public Parking Lots

Dobbs Rd

Rope Mill Rd

Kyle St

On-Street Parking - park in marked spaces only

Woodstock UMC (M-Sa)

Arnold Mill Rd

ail

Mca

d ar Rd

r Pe

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S er

Reeves St

CSB Bank (after 5PM)

Dupre

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Pade

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Sat 1:45-4:15

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Fowler St

Hicko

Reformation Brewery

Wheel

Oak St

To GA Hwy 140

T Fri 6:00-8:15

ffee

Elm

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to Cre

Map

Pinehill

Park at City Center

Pinehi

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Download the Visit Woodstock App for info on downtown businesses and events! TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Downtown Woodstock

The Safari Stick BY ANN LITREL

My 5-year-old nephew Jackson arrived for a visit on a dreary winter day, forlorn because he’d left behind his favorite toy truck. I suggested an alternative: a safari. Curious, he followed me outside. We rummaged in the brush pile at the side of the house. Here it is! He was disgusted. ”That’s just a stick.” Oh, no, I say. “It’s a SAFARI Stick. Ann is an artist and writer whose nationally We need this for protection. And published work includes decorative art, paintings it does other things, too.” I put my for private and corporate finger to my lips. “Shhh! There’s wild collections, and writing and illustration for a animals everywhere!” range of publications. We crouch behind a stump. Sure Ann lives with her husband and co-author enough, a huge ruckus erupts in the Dr. Mike Litrel and their leaves at the end of the yard. Mind two sons in Woodstock. Ann@annlitrel.com you, it’s not a big yard. The typical suburban handkerchief: three eighths of an acre. The alarming rustling increases. Is it a bear? A deer? A wild coyote? We creep close, keeping low. Dry leaves rattle and fly into the air. Then we see it. A small black bird brushed with red, furiously scrabbling in the leaves. “A rufous-sided towhee!” I keep my eyes wide. “He looks small, but he’s HUNGRY. Hold on to your stick—just in case.” “What’s he eating?” Out comes the Safari Stick, now Scientific Investigative Tool. We poke at the leaves and unearth two specimens: a beetle

and an earthworm. We agree the bird is eating bugs. But how come he’s in the ratty old leaves, not the nice green grass? We march to the small strip of lawn in front. I get a spade; Jackson has the Stick. We pry up the edge of grass, manicured per association standards. It lifts like a doormat, unattached to the earth. Underneath is dry, compacted construction dirt, unchanged from 25 years ago. No wonder the towhee is in the leaves. The grass is green, but it’s as barren as any desert. Jackson heads for the tiny pond in the back, a hole with a black liner to hold water, edged with rocks. Jackson spears the leaves floating on top. They layer on the Stick like a shishka-bob. I tell him about the four frogs that lived here this summer. Plop, plop, they would jump into the water when I walked by. Jackson peers into the water. They sleep in the winter, I say. In goes the Stick. Now it’s a ruler. He pulls it out to look. It’s wet up to, maybe, 18 inches. “Okay; we have a demolition project!” The Stick can whack things. We walk down to the remnants of field weeds and flowers in my butterfly garden. The bare stems are lovely with textured seedheads. “Let’s knock these seeds out!” Enthusiastically Jackson begins whacking at the dry stems. This is Stick as Demolition Equipment. Fluffy bits of seed drift to the ground. I explain we have to stomp them in so they have good contact with the soil. Stomp, stomp. Jackson stomps with vigor. We’ll check back in the spring, I promise, and see what comes up. As we go inside, we leave the invaluable Safari Stick propped by the back door. Giving children an experience with nature doesn’t have to be a once-a-year vacation, or even a weekend outing at the park. The best gift you can give a child—and yourself—is learning to see what is right in front of our eyes. It’s so easy to miss the gifts just under our noses. Winter safari with a Stick. Right in the backyard.

The book to read: “Noah’s Garden: Restoring the Ecology Of Our Own Back Yards” by Sarah Stein. It’s a story about becoming an advocate for nature in one’s own yard, and offers a captivating vision for transforming the landscape of American subdivisions. Ann Litrel - www.annlitrel.com 72

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com

CUISINE

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

SUNDAY

SPIRITS

RESERV.

American

open

Beer/Wine

Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com

Modern American

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com

Wood-fired Pizza & Grill

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Southern

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

American

open

Tapas/Sushi

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com

Italian

open

Full bar

J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com

Diner

$-$$

$ - $$

open

weekdays only

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches

$ - $$

open

Beer

Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com

J Miller’s Smokehouse 156 Towne Lake Pkwy. 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com

Southern

Sunday Brunch

$$$$

open

Beer/Wine

yes

Pure Taqueria 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock

Mexican

Sat./Sun. Brunch

open

Full bar

6 persons +

Seafood

Sunday Brunch

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

limited

English Tea room

closed

yes

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

Reel Seafood 41 ad on pg. 8670 Main St. see 770-627-3006 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

$ = most entrees under $10 • $$ = most entrees $10 - $15 • $$$ = most entrees $15 - $20 • $$$$ = most entrees over $20

Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants

Downtown Woodstock

Christmas in Woodstock PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARLEEN PREM

Shop with a Hero

Downtown Parade

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Senior Sense: Dwelling on the Positives BY DELIA HALVERSON

This column may be titled Senior Sense, but those who aren’t seniors can find some interest in it too. Since this is a new column, I’ll introduce myself. I’ve written columns in two other communities where I’ve lived, and I’m excited to meet you through this magazine. Yes, with a husband who was employed by the U.S. Forest Service and a father who was a Methodist pastor, I’ve had my share of moves. When moving to a new place, I Delia has written more than 25 books, usually hit the ground running. In 2002 leads workshops and when we moved here, that was my plan. has trained teams in the Congo and However, our single daughter decided to Mozambique. She and adopt a child and I told her I would take her husband have lived in eight states, but now care of the baby when she taught. The reside in Woodstock, adoption turned out to bring us four-dayand have a daughter, son, daughter-in-law old twins, double blessings in our lives. and four grandchildren Consequently, most of my running was living in Cherokee County. with two sweet girls. The twins have kept me young, but I guess I have to admit that I’m a senior now. I remember that when I had my 50th birthday, I told everyone that I was middle age. If I was to live to 100, then 50 had to be middle age. Of course I was

happy to accept the price of a senior coffee from McDonald’s! My stepmother used to revel in being a senior. She said that she could blame forgetfulness on her senior-hood. I find that I’m blaming falling flat on my face on my senior-hood - literally falling flat on my face. I’ve been figuratively falling flat on my face most of my life! Last month I had my second cataract surgery, and I told my doctor that he gave me wrinkles overnight. When I looked in the mirror, I suddenly saw wrinkles in my face that hadn’t been there the night before. But there is an advantage to the surgery too. The people on television no longer have four eyes. We are fortunate in this area. We have doctors and hospitals nearby. Most of my doctors are within 15 minutes of my home, and all I have to do is hop on the interstate and be at a hospital in 25 minutes. For 13 years, I lived in the Dakotas. One town had a population of 92, and we traveled 75 miles of gravel road to the doctor and hospital. The other two towns had a bustling population of 2,000. One had a doctor when we moved there, but he retired, and although we had a small hospital, we had trouble getting a doctor to move to our town. They must have heard that we wore our other doctor out. Yes, senior-hood has its faults and advantages. Personally, I’d rather dwell on the advantages. We’ll see what next month’s advantages come to be.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Downtown Woodstock

Don’t Overlook the Past in the Excitement for the Future BY KYLE BENNETT

Downtown Woodstock has seen a tremendous amount of change in recent years. Seemingly every month the excitement builds over the latest stores and restaurants to open their doors for business, a new festival debuting, a new trail opening, and so on. But with most eyes focused on the Kyle Bennett is the director of tourism exciting future, it can be easy for the Woodstock to overlook Woodstock’s Downtown Development fascinating history. Authority. He can be For instance, Woodstock reached at kbennett@ woodstockga.gov. was home to two Rhodes Scholars: Dean Rusk, secretary of state under presidents John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, and Eugene Booth, an atomic scientist involved with the Manhattan Project and the development of the atomic bomb. It is amazing to think that a small town like Woodstock produced two winners of this prestigious honor! Traffic is a topic that’s often discussed, but a look back in time Dean Rusk offers a great perspective. Did you know that Woodstock’s Main Street wasn’t paved until 1929? Go back farther and you will witness a time period where Main Street was traversed by cars, riders on

The train depot opened in 1912.

horseback and horse-drawn carriages and wagons. That doesn’t even factor in pedestrians and the train passing by. Now that sounds like one historic traffic jam! You can see the history of Woodstock in the buildings downtown. The current Woodstock Train Depot, which is now home to the restaurant Freight Kitchen & Tap, opened in 1912. The original depot sat a few yards north of today’s structure on the west side of the tracks, and was probably built in 1879, the year railroad construction reached Woodstock. The Woodstock Train Depot is the only building located in Woodstock that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Another building in Woodstock of historic note is the Dean House. Built in 1875 this is the oldest residential house in Woodstock. The Dean House, located next to the Park at City Center in Downtown Woodstock, is now home to the offices of the Cherokee Ledger News. If you are interested in the history of Woodstock, please consider becoming involved Eugene Booth with Preservation Woodstock, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving the history of Woodstock for future generations. For more information, call (770) 9240406 or attend the next meeting, set for 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store.

Horse and buggy and pedestrian traffic is shown clogging Main Street in this photo featured on page 14 of “Georgia’s Woodstock,” a history of the city written by Felicia Whitmore in 1997. 76

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Get Out and Run, Cherokee! BY LISA RANDALL

Lisa Randall is a mom, small business owner and athlete from Canton. She is owner of Mountain Goat Adventures, LLC, which organizes local trail running and mountain bike events.

With the beginning of the new year, many decide to make positive changes in their lives that include getting more active. We are blessed to be surrounded by many beautiful city and county parks where outdoor recreation opportunities abound. One of the easiest ways to get active is hiking or running. Hiking or running on trails is very relaxing and eliminates the noise and potential dangers of vehicles that you find by running on roadways. If you are looking for a new adventure, check out some of these local parks the next time you want to get away from the hustle, bustle and noise.

Rope Mill Park

690 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock, GA 30188 Trails built and maintained by SORBA Woodstock. Rope Mill Park offers nine miles of hilly, wooded singletrack trails suitable for bike and foot travel. Nearly all the trails at Rope Mill Park were purpose-built for mountain bikes, so the tread is fairly narrow and there are a lot of ups, downs, twists and turns. Rope Mill Park is a good destination for runners and hikers, as it is much less crowded than nearby Blankets Creek Bike Trails, especially during the early morning hours. Trails are well marked and there is a map at the trailhead. Five additional miles of trail are planned and scheduled to be built on the north side of Little River by this spring.

Boling Park

1098 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 Trails built and maintained by Boy Scout Troop 241. Boling Park offers nearly 15 miles of rugged, wooded trails suitable for foot travel. Trails range from narrow, rocky singletrack to wide wooded roadbeds. The hike along the Etowah River (white blaze trail) is quite flat, while other trails can have half-mile sustained climbs. Trails are blazed, but a trail map is recommended as there are numerous trails but no map at the trailhead. Hikers can also park near Hightower Church for easier access to the more remote sections of the Etowah trails. You can print a map from this link: http:// mountaingoatadventures.com/forms/EtowahTrailMap.pdf

Garland Mountain Horse and Hike Trails 1411 Garland Mountain Way, Waleska, GA 30183

Trails built and maintained by the Cherokee County Saddle Club. Garland Mountain offers roughly 11 miles of wooded trails suitable for horse or foot travel. Trails are wide, well marked and offer spectacular views of Pine Log Mountain during winter months. All trails meander through rolling hills, but the layout of the park allows for trail loops of various distances. There is a userfriendly map at the trailhead and the park is seldom crowded, making it well worth the drive to Waleska.

Views from the trails at Garland Mountain.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Downtown Woodstock

Cherokee Photography Club Congratulations to the winners in our competition! As usual, our very talented members submitted lots of truly beautiful images! Digital Projection:

1st David Ferguson “Tattered”

3rd Eillene Kirk “Color Blocks”

2nd Karen Beedle “Bleeding Colors”

HM Mike Voeltner “Autumn in the Japanese Garden”

Color Prints:

1st Kim Bates “Bridge Over Colored Waters” 78

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

2nd David Ferguson “Marquis Stripes”

3rd Bill Bradford “Dark Glow”

HM Peter Kilpo “Autumn”

Monochromatic:

1st David Ferguson “Sleeves”

3rd Martin Longstaff “Autumn Gold”

2nd Percy Clapp “Wheelchair”

HM Karen Beedle “Painted Desert”

The Cherokee Photography Club meets on the fourth Monday of the month, and for those participating in the monthly contest, that meeting is held on the second Monday of the month. Both meetings are from 7-9 p.m. and held at the Cherokee County Arts Center, 94 North Street, Canton. For more information, please contact Kim Bates at (770) 617-7595 or email him at kbphotoart@comcast.net. TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Downtown Woodstock

Experience Elm Street Humor - a difficult concept! BY G. LORA GROOMS

G. Lora Grooms is the director for the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. She has been teaching, writing, directing and performing in the Atlanta area since 1990. You can reach her at director@ elmstreetarts.org

The subtitle of this article is a line from a droid in a sci-fi TV show when he doesn’t understand a joke spoken by a human. Even human to human, a particular joke may be funny to one person and not at all to another. Ask any stand-up comedian or actor. Performance to performance, you never know if the same joke or sight gag is going to get a laugh. And certainly, modern humor has changed a great deal in the past several decades. From Bob Hope to Jerry Seinfeld, from Phyllis Diller to Tina Fey, what is deemed funny by both comedians and audiences is not what it used to be. The style and content is very different.

At Elm Street, we offer a wide variety of comedy intended for different audiences. The iThink Improv Troupe is wellknown in the county for its student-friendly school tour programming, which is wildly hilarious while keeping it clean.

CITY CENTER • WOODSTOCK

JANUARY

16 & 17 - PRELIMINARIES 24th - FINALS AT 7:30PM

Fortunately, for the grown-ups who like comedy with a bit more kick to it but don’t want to drive all the way to Atlanta, the iThink Improv Troupe is versatile enough to also provide mature humor. As downtown Woodstock attracts more out-of-county visitors to its fabulous restaurants, the ability to present after-dinner-and-drinks programming for those folks becomes important. And who doesn’t enjoy great comedy?

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

Better yet, how about a comedy/stand-up competition?

ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

It’s happening in January: Elm Street and iThink’s first comedy competition - “Last Laugh.” There will be judged preliminaries on Jan. 16 and 17 and the final showdown for cash prizes on Jan. 24. Comedic talent from all over metro Atlanta will be right here in town. Perhaps you or someone you know might like to be up there trying out fresh material. Come have a laugh or two at Elm Street this month!

WINTER CLASSES

This often surprises people, as modern improv is rarely considered appropriate for children. But it really can be appropriate with the right folks in charge. Troupe Founder and Director Siobhan Brumbelow has proved that over and over again since 2008. Teachers, staff and administrators really appreciate the students’ interaction with the troupe as it offers an opportunity for them to be creative and have fun.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Nonprofit Roundup continued from page 30

could result in up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. This effort is part of an initiative by Cherokee Youth Works to curb alcohol use among minors. Sonia Carruthers, Executive Director and CEO of Cherokee Focus, says, “We are very proud of these young people for taking on this initiative to reach the adults of the community.” This effort is spearheaded by Kristina Meyer, CYC youth chairperson and senior at Cherokee High School as part of her senior project to educate the community and diminish alcoholism in our community. For more information, visit www.drugfreecherokee.org. Serenade Heights This ministry for single mothers is beginning a free workshop series this month to cover a series of topics that includes cooking, basic car mechanics, organizational ideas and financial education. The meetings are set for Jan. 29, Feb 12 and 26, March 12 and 26, and April 9 and 23. Dinner and childcare provided. Serenade Heights is a supportive transitional housing ministry that bridges the gap between homelessness and permanent housing for single-mom families in Cherokee County through housing assistance life coaching and mentoring. www. serenadeheights.org

Girl Scout Volunteers Needed to Meet the Need in Cherokee County continued from page 37

experiences and developing leadership skills in our girls makes you want to volunteer and do more,” said Leslie Wagner, service unit director of Cherokee Rose Service Unit. “I find that our adult volunteers often get as much out of the experience as the girls they mentor. It’s exciting to see that you can have a positive impact on individual girls and in the community. Whether that impact is big or small - it’s valuable.” Wagner is also the executive director at Southern Peanut Growers and devotes her time to Girl Scouts by leading an 8th grade Girl Scout Cadette troop and providing support to the troops in her Service Unit. Volunteer opportunities are available, either short or longterm. “There is always a demand, especially for troop leaders. We look for people who are interested and excited about the difference they can make,” said Lewis-Hobba. “For our volunteers, it’s always about making a positive impact in our community and a girl’s life.” To learn more and volunteer with Girl Scouts, visit GirlScoutsATL.org.

Bone Health Improves with Non-Prescription Medication continued from page 53

Be Alert to the Risks of Social Media continued from page 62

to social media, have a discussion on cyberbullying and make sure your child has a clear understanding that every post, picture and comment made on social media is permanent, it is a reflection of the child as a person and it can be unforgiving. More importantly, personal information is to be kept private!

The Downtown Buzz is held at the Chambers at City Center (8534 Main Street) on the last Friday of the month and begins at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at (770) 592-6056. Business Membership Information: $80 investment per year (2 reps) + $30 investment per year for each additional rep Subscription to email newsletter Main Street Woodstock decal Individual and nonDowntown Buzz meeting (monthly) profit memberships Member appreciation event also available Access to workshops Directory listing on website Ribbon cutting or groundbreaking Hobnob - a social event (quarterly) 82

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

are not found in nature and are not made in our bodies. Most researchers believe they account for the significant increase in risk and adverse effects experienced with the synthetic hormone use in women. There is good scientific evidence that supports the use of topically applied bio-identical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and that these hormones have no increased risk of causing blood clots or cancer. That’s because bio-identical HRT are the exact hormones which our bodies produce. They are identical in every way to that which nature gives us. Comprehensive reviews of the safety and effectiveness of bioidentical HRT have concluded that they are an excellent choice for protecting against fractures in women with osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Embarrassing Problem Doesn’t Deserve Punishment continued from page 54

because kids who wet the bed are such heavy sleepers, it’s usually the family getting up and not the kid the first few nights. After several nights of the alarm sounding, the child himself starts getting up when wet, and then the brain starts learning the cues of the full bladder. Finally the child starts waking up before the bedwetting starts. It works about 70 percent of the time if families are consistent and use it for several weeks. There is also a medicine available called desmopressin, which is a pill version of a hormone that works to decrease urine production at night. This pill works when taken, but once stopped, the brain forgets and bedwetting begins again. It’s a good medicine to use while training with the alarm system, and for sleepovers, vacations or camps when training has not been completed.

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

Town to Creek Trail - This 0.57 mile paved trail begins at Market Street in downtown Woodstock one block west of Main Street. It continues downhill toward Noonday Creek where it intersects with the Noonday Creek & Towne Lake Pass trails. Noonday Creek Trail - This 0.86 mile paved trail is a continuation of the Town to Creek trail meandering along Noonday Creek. It intersects the future Towne Lake Pass trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. Trestle Rock Trail - This 0.40 mile paved trail is located in Olde Rope Mill Park and is an easy flat trail on the banks of Little River. Towne Lake Pass (2015) - This approx. 1.2-mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the interesection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2015) - This 1-mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA COMMUNITY OF FAITH Baptist

Jewish

Carmel Baptist Church 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Sunday Service 11 am Pastor: Stanley Pruitt

Chabad Jewish Center 14255 Wade Green Rd NW, Ste 120 Kennesaw, GA 30144, (678) 460-7702 Introductory Service: 1st Shabbat monthly at 11 a.m. Traditional Service: 3rd Shabbat monthly at 10:30 a.m. Rabbi: Zalman Charytan www.JewishWoodstock.com, www.Facebook.com/ JewishCenter

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 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock, (770) 710-1068 Pastor: Elder Larry White www.crossroadspbc.org First Baptist Church of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, (770) 926-4428 Sunday Services: 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 Alive Groups & Worship Service: 9:30 & 11 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship Service: 6 p.m. Wednesday Services: Youth 6:30 p.m., Adults 7 p.m. Pastor: Mike Maxwell

Congregation Ner Tamid A Reform Jewish Temple (770) 345-8687, Marci, call for information Serving the Northwest Suburbs Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green Street Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta, (770) 973-3533 www.Kolemeth.net

Lutheran

New Victoria Baptist Church 6659 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-8448 Sunday Services: 11 a.m Sunday Bible Study: 9:45 a.m. Wednesday Awana/Youth: 6:30 – 8 p.m. Pastor: John Harris www.newvicbaptist.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.gslutheran.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

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

Episcopal

Orthodox

Christ Episcopal Church 1210 Wooten Lake Road, Kennesaw, (770) 422-9114 Sunday Services: 8 & 9 a.m. (family service) & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. praise music, 7 p.m. Eucharist Rector: Doris Graf Smith

St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church 2263 E. Cherokee Drive, Woodstock, (770) 485-0504 Sunday Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Priest Matthew Dutto www.stelizabethga.org

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 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

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Presbyterian Christ Covenant Presbyterian of Woodstock (PCA) Meets in the Rec Center of Cherokee County’s South Annex, 7545 Main Street; Bldg. 200, Woodstock Pastor: Ted Lester www.cc-pca.org Geneva Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Meets at Hope Presbyterian Church 4101 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta Sunday Services: 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Pastor: Matthew Holst www.genevaopc.org

Heritage Presbyterian Church 5323 Bells Ferry Road, (770) 926-3558

Sunday Services: 9 & 11:10 a.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m. 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: 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Don Esa

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: Rev. Larry Niese www.saintmichaelcc.org 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. Pastor: Rev. Harden Hopper www.bascombchurch.org CITY ON A HILL United Methodist Church 7745 Main Street, (678) 445-3480 Sunday Service: 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. Pastor: Chris Bryant www.coahumc.org Hillside United Methodist Church 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 924-4777 Traditional Services: 8:25 & 11 a.m. Contemporary Services: 9:25 & 11 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 & 11 a.m Pastor: Dr. John Beyers www.hillsideumc.org 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 Little River United Methodist Church 12455 Highway 92, (770) 926-2495 Sunday Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Bill Coady www.littleriverumc.info

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: Dr. Joe McKechnie www.sixesumc.org Woodstock United Methodist Church 109 Towne Lake Parkway, (770) 516-0371 Sunday School: 10 a.m. Worship Service: 11 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Claude T. Herbert

Unitarian Universalist Emerson U U Congregation 4010 Canton Rd., Marietta, Georgia 30066 (770) 578-1533 Services: 9 & 11:30 a.m. August – May www.emersonuu.org Rev. Jeff Jones

Other Churches Allen Temple, AME Church 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, (770) 926-6348 Prayer Time: Friday, 7:14 p.m. Sunday Services: 8 & 11 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:45 a.m. Pastor: Carl A. Moore, Sr. www.allentempleame.org Awakening Church 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140 next to Folks Restaurant, (770) 924-4150 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. www.awakeningwoodstock.com Lead Pastor: Jeff Whitmire 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 Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth, (770) 917-4964 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Steve Pettit www.branchesofchrist.com BridgePointe Church 230 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, (770) 517-2977 Sunday Service: 9 & 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Mat Garcia www.bridgepointechurch.org Catalyst Church 9872 Main Street, Woodstock (678) 463-6330, catalystonline.tv Sunday Services: 10 a.m. 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 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. Wednesday Program: 7:30 p.m. Pastor: Marc Lawson www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road Allatoona Ward, Sacrament Meeting: 11 a.m. Auxiliary Meeting: 10:20 a.m. Bishop Phillip Hailstone Woodstock Ward Spanish service: 9 a.m., English service: 1 pm. Bishop Dave Schweiger 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 Dayspring Church 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth, (770) 516-5733 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Tony Crawford www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle Church 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock, (770) 928-7478 Sunday Worship: 10 a.m. Pastor: A.D. Hinton www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com Faith Family Church 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth (770) 926-4560 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday Service: 7 p.m. Pastor: Tommy White His Hands Church 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, (770) 405-2500 Sunday Service: 9 & 11 a.m. www.hishandschurch.com Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 3431 Trickum Rd., Marietta (770) 924-8080 Sunday Orthros: 8:30a.m., Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. Rev. Fr. Panayiotis Papageorgiou, PhD Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth, (404) 663-1828 Sunday Service: 10 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Donna T. Lucas 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 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 www.prayerandpraise.org

Resurrection Anglican Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 591-0040 Holy Communion: Sunday 10 a.m. Christian Education (all ages): Sunday 9 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Gene Prince www.rezwoodstock.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, (678) 494-2100 Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m. www.sgcatlanta.org Sunnyside Church of God 2510 East Cherokee Drive, (770)-693-1018 Sunday service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Lance Turner www.sunnysidecog.com The Church at Acworth 6464 Highway 92, (770) 924-9161 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Jason Tomczak www.ctkatlanta.com Thrive Chapel River Ridge H.S., 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Sean Jazdzyk www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community Church (TLC Church) 132 North Medical Parkway, (678) 445-8766 Contemporary Family Style Worship: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sr. Pastor: William S. Ratliff www.tlcchurch.com Victory Church 4625 Highway 92, Acworth, (770) 794-7366 Sunday Service: 9:00 & 10:45 a.m. Pastor: Jeff Hidden www.victoryga.com Watermarke Church Meeting at Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton, (678) 880-9092 Sunday Services: 9 & 11 a.m., 5 p.m. www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian Church 7700 Highway 92, (770) 926-8238 Sunday School: 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Service: 10:30 a.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. Ministro: Rafael Uzcategui, (770) 926-8271 Pastor: Matt Amos www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, (770) 924-4499 Sunday Services: 10:45 a.m. & 6 p.m. Pastor: Lewis Stark www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, (770) 926-8990 Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Greg Michael TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS Business Organizations American Business Women’s Association, Cherokee Eagles Charter Chapter Meets Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Contact: Jacqueline Miller Van Hook, (678) 493-3618 Cherokee Area Business Connection Meets 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 Club Meets noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock. Contact: Richard Stacy at (843) 697-5189, richbstacy@gmail.com. www. cherokeetoastmasters.com. Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets 3rd Thursday at 8.30 a.m. at J Christopher’s in Downtown Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 Facebook: Empowered Women Through Synergy

CASA for Children Inc. provides child advocacy to abused and neglected children through trained community volunteers. Contact: Deidre Hollands, (770) 345-3274 www.casaforchildren.org

MUST Ministries offers groceries, hot meals, emergency shelter, supportive housing, clothing, employment services, summer lunch and more from five locations in eight counties, including the Canton office at 111 Brown Industrial Pkwy.

Chance Afrika Contact: Eric Mwangi, Exec. Dir., ericm@chanceafrika.org, (770) 256 2280, www.chanceafrika.org

Next Step Ministries provides day programs Monday through Saturday for special needs kids, teens, and young adults. Contact: (770) 592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net

Cherokee Child Advocacy Council, Inc. Anna Crawford Children’s Center and Parents HELP 319 Lamar Haley Pkwy., Canton Contact: Amy Economopolous, (770) 592-9779 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org

Papa’s Pantry is a year-round local food ministry. Contact: Lynne Saunders, (770) 591-4730 www.papaspantry.org

Cherokee County Animal League Contact: Steve Monahan at CherokeeAnimalLeague@gmail.org or (770) 712-4077 Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: (770) 928-5115 admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org

No Fee Referral Network Woodstock Meets Every Monday morning at 7:30 am at IHOP 8979 Hwy 92, www.meetup.com/No-FeeReferral-Network-Woodstock

CCHS Thrift Store 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, (770) 592-8072, accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for CCHS.

North Georgia Referral Network Meets Every Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. at J. Christophers, 315 Chambers Street Contact: (770) 592-5990

Companion Animal Connection Contact: (678) 493-9847 www.cacadopt.petfinder.com

The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets Third Thursday at 6:45 p.m. Contact: Edeline Dryden (678) 789-6158 www.thejoyofconnecting.com Together We Rise Meets Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Pat Snipes, (404) 569-5280 Towne Lake Business Association Meets Third Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 615-3350, www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets Every Friday at 7:15 — 8:45 a.m. At Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle, (770) 952-5000, X20 (404) 816-3377, www.powercore.net

Everyday Angels offers financial assistance for local families in need. Email aaeverydayangels@ gmail.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Contact: office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net Funds 4 Furry Friends helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter, (770) 842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Green Pets America Rescue animal rescue group (770) 712-4077, SteveMonahan777@gmail.com www.GPACharities.US Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: (770) 345-1024, www.habitat-ncg.org Harvesting Hope Ministries gives surgery care packs to children facing liver and kidney failure. Contact: dawn@harvestinghopeministries.org. www.harvestinghopeministries.org.

Women of Woodstock Meets First & Third Wednesday at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com

Hope Center offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: (770) 924-0864, info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com

Charitable Organizations

Hospice Advantage needs volunteers. Contact: (770) 218-1997 www.hospiceadvantage.com

Ahimsa House help for victims of domestic violence who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 24-hr, (404) 452-6248, Info (404) 496-4038 www.ahimsahouse.org

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

iCOR helping orphans, seeks volunteers. Contact: Lily Colgate, (404) 992-8155 www.iCORorphans.com

Pet Buddies Food Pantry has pet food collection bin at TowneLaker offices. www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County — Call for an appointment for free child safety seat inspections. Contact: (770) 721-7808 www.cherokeesafekids.org Volunteer Aging Council, a non-profit that helps to raise funds for our seniors of Cherokee County. www.vac-cherokeega.org

Civic Organizations AARP Woodstock Chapter is for anyone 50+ Meets Second Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich, (770) 926-1944 American Legion Post 316 Meets Third Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin, (678) 662-2366 Junior Service League of Woodstock Meets 3rd Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Tuscany Contact: 24 hour info line: (770) 592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org Pilot Club of Cherokee County Contact: Lynda Goodwin, (770) 393-1766 Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets Every Thursday at 12 noon (lunch)at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Ivan Garcia (770) 926-0105 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. at IHOP on Highway 92, Woodstock (770) 4804179 Sewrifics of Cherokee Meets Third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Sixes United Methodist Church, Canton Contact: Sheri Torch, (770) 591-8335 South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. at Featherstone’s Grille at Towne Lake Hills Contact: (770) 926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets Every Friday at 7:30 a.m. at Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: Charlice Byrd, (404) 557-2218

Woodstock Jaycees Meets First Tuesday & Third Thursday at 7 p.m. at 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: (404) 690-4452

Cherokee County Arts Center At 94 North Street, Canton Contact: (770) 704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org

Woodstock Lions Club Meets Second & Fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contact: (770) 906-2958

Cherokee County Saddle Club www.cherokeesaddleclub.com

Woodstock Masons Lodge #246 F. & A.M., Inc. Meets Second & Fourth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Corner of Air Acres Way & Arnold Mill Rd. Contact: lodge.info@woodstocklodge246.org Woodstock Midday Optimist Club Meets Every Wednesday at 12 noon at Folks Contact: Johnny Young, (770) 345-6158 Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets Second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Woodstock Senior Center Contact: Andrew Yrabedra, (404) 663-4663

Political Organizations Cherokee County Democrat Party Meets Second Thursday at 7 p.m. at Holly Springs Train Depot, www.cherokeedems.com Cherokee County Libertarians Meet 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee Co. Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock. http://cherokeelp.org. Cherokee County Republican Party Meets Second Saturday at 9 a.m. at Winchesters Woodfire Grill, (678) 809-1411 Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women. Meets monthly in Woodstock/Canton. Contact (770) 592-7811 jkconkeygmail.com. Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meet at 4 p.m. the third Sunday at Latimer Hall in Woodstock. Contact Conrad Quagliaroli, (770) 378-8232. Republican Women of Cherokee County www.rwccga.com Contact: (678) 520-2236

Recreation & Hobbies Allatoona Gold Panners. Periodic events and outings to pan the creeks in the Dahlonega Gold Belt along the Lake. Contact Rob Kelly, rrkelly@ bellsouth.net. Arts Alliance of Georgia, Inc. Meets Second Saturday at 10 a.m. at Studio 101, 101 Emma Lane, www.artsalliancega.org Blue Skies Laughter Club Meets Every Wednesday 7 — 8 p.m. at Northside-Cherokee Medical Offices 100 Stoneforest Dr., 1st floor conf. room Contact: Craig Whitley (404) 520-0221 www.addlaughter.com Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets Second Saturday at 10 a.m. at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road www.cherokeehams.com

Cherokee Co. Social Adventures Group www.TCCSAG.org Cherokee Hockey In Line League (CHILL) roller hockey, www.cherokeehockey.org Cherokee Music Teachers Association Contact: Linda Lokey (770) 720-1701 www.cherokeemta.org Cherokee Soccer Association CSA Impact Soccer, 157 Railroad St., Canton Contact: (770) 704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild is a writing support group open to both experienced or inexperienced writers. Meets 1st and 3rd Mondays 7-8:30pm at Prayer and Praise Church, 6409 Bells Ferry Rd. www.christianauthorsguild.org Kingdom Riders, a forming chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Canton. Meets: 8 a.m. fourth Saturdays at Family Tradition restaurant in Hickory Flat. All makes of motorcycles welcome. Les Marmitons is for men interested in culinary arts. Meets Third Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Chattahoochee Tech Contact: Larry Lodisio, (770) 516-5197 Neighbors & Newcomers of Towne Lake Contact: Ellen Kayton, (678) 494-6005 www.nntl.org Wildlife Action, Inc. is a conservation organization, 2075 Kellogg Creek Contact: WLA Office, (770) 924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com

Support Organizations Adoption/Infertility Support Group Meets First Wednesday at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Woodstock Contact: Cindy Braddock, (678) 445-3131 Autism Parent Support Group Meets Second Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Cherokee County Community Service Center, BridgeMill Fire Station, Canton Contact: Sharon Jones, (770) 345-6551 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets First Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. — 12 noon at Northside Hospital — Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center, Contact: (404) 843-1880 Canadian Women’s Club Contact: Lesley Frappier, cwcatlanta@yahoo.com Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors & Law Enforcement Together) Meets Second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room) Dale Walz (404) 375-8193

Cherokee County Family Child Care Association Contact: Brenda Bowen, (770) 926-8055 Cherokee Co. Foster & Adoptive Parents Assoc. Contact: Marie Blackwell, (770) 378-0759, mblackwell@fosteroradopt.org www.fosteroradopt.org Cherokee County Lupus Support Group Meets 2nd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at New Light Church Hall Contact: Pam Bennett, (404) 975-7580 C.H.O.O.S.E. of Woodstock Meets First Monday at 7 p.m. Contact: mailbox@chooseofwoodstockga.org Diabetes Support Group Meets 3rd Tuesday at 9:30 & 11 a.m. at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Rd., Woodstock Linda Watson, (770) 793-7818. Georgia Canines for Independence www.gcidogs.org, Contact: (404) 824-4637 GRANDparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets Second & Fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m. (nursery available)at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta Contact: Jeannie, (770) 919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter, for people with hearing loss looking for support and resources, holds free and informative quarterly meetings in Woodstock Contact: nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com or (770) 517-2941 Jewish Havurah Contact: Marcia, (770) 345-8687 La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets First Tuesday at 10 a.m. & Third Wed. 7 p.m. at Bascomb UMC Contacts: Marguerite, (678) 315-7686 Megan, (770) 517-0191 MOMS Club Towne Lake — 30188-30189 https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock/ Email: momscluboftownelake@gmail.com MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets Second & Fourth Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: (770) 924-4777 NW Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America holds free, informative quarterly meetings in the Woodstock area for people with hearing loss. For more information, contact nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com Spirit of Success Career Clothing Connection Provides professional business attire at no cost. Contact: (770) 956-0711. Tender Hearts Caregivers Support Group Meets Second & Fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Hillside United Methodist Church Contact: Robin Galloway, (770) 517-5899 Towne Lake Area Moms Group www.TowneLakeArea.com Unlimited Possibilities, support group for stroke and brain injury survivors meets First Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly (678) 677-2589 TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Reference

ELECTED & APPOINTED OFFICIALS United States Government President Barack Obama (D)

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov

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

Sen.-elect David Perdue (R)

TBA TBA

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

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

Rep. Tom Price (R) District 6

85-C Mill St., Suite 300 Roswell, GA 30075 http://tom.house.gov

Rep. Rob Woodall (R) District 7

75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville, GA 30046 http://woodall.house.gov

Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R) District 11

100 North Street Suite 150, Canton, GA 30114 http://gingrey.house.gov

(202) 224-3643 GA: (770) 661-0999

(202) 225-4501 GA: (770) 565-4990 (202) 225-4272 GA: (770) 232-3005 (202) 225-2931 GA: (770) 345-2931

(404) 652-7003 203 State Capitol, 206 Washington St. Atlanta, GA 30334 www.gov.georgia.gov

Sen. Bruce Thompson (R) District 14

(770) 546-7565

Sen. Brandon Beach (R) District 21 brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov

(404) 463-1378

Sen. Jack Murphy (R) District 27

jack.murphy@senate.ga.gov

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

Rep. Michael Caldwell (R) District 20

(678) 523-8570

Rep. Scot Turner (R) District 21

(678) 576-2644

Rep. Sam Moore (R) District 22

(404) 656-0220

michael@CaldwellforHouse.com scot@turnerforhouse.com

Cherokee County Courts Superior Court: Chief Judge David Cannon Jr. Judge Jackson Harris Judge Ellen McElyea

State Court: Chief Judge Clyde J. Gober, Jr.

Judge W. Alan Jordan Judge A. Dee Morris

(678) 493-6270 (678) 493-6260 (678) 493-6240 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6490 (678) 493-6480 (678) 493-6431 (678) 493-6431

Probate Court: Judge Keith Wood (R)

(678) 493-6160

Juvenile Court: Chief Judge John B. Sumner Judge Anthony Baker

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Cherokee County Board of Commissioners 1130 Bluffs Pkwy., Canton, GA 30114

Commissioners: L.R. “Buzz” Ahrens (R) Chairman

www.cherokeega.com (678) 493-6000 fax: (678) 493-6001

lbahrens@cherokeega.com

Steve West (R) District 1 Ray Gunnin (R) District 2 rgunnin@cherokeega.com

Brian Poole (R) District 3 bpoole@cherokeega.com

Scott Gordon (R) District 4 sgordon@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Coroner Earl W. Darby Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

498 Chattin Drive Canton, GA 30115 rdgarrison@cherokeega.com

Cherokee County Tax Commissioner Sonya Little

2780 Marietta Highway, Canton, GA 30114 slittle@cherokeega.com Woodstock Annex 155 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock, GA 30188

Cherokee County School Board Superintendent, Dr. Frank Petruzielo

221 West Main St., Canton, GA 30114 drp@cherokee.k12.ga.us

(678) 493-6250 (678) 493-6280

(770) 735-8055 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org (678) 493-4100 fax: (678) 493-4228

(678) 493-6400 fax: (678) 493-6420 (770) 924-4099 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us (770) 479-1871 fax: (770) 479-1236

Kyla Cromer (R) District 1

(678) 493-8088

Patsy Jordan (R) District 2 patsy.jordan@cherokee.k12.ga.us

(770) 893-2970

John Harmon (R) District 3

(404) 462-4950

Janet Read (R) Chair

(770) 516-1444

kyla.cromer@cherokee.k12.ga.us

john.harmon@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Magistrate Court: Chief Judge James E. Drane III (R) Judge Gregory Douds

(770) 479-1488 (678) 493-6511

swest@cherokeega.com

State Government Governor Nathan Deal (R)

District Attorney Shannon Wallace Clerk of Courts Patty Baker

janet.read@cherokee.k12.ga.us

Rick Steiner (R) District 4

rick.steiner@cherokee.k12.ga.us

(770) 721-4398, x4370

Clark Menard (R) District 5

(770) 928-0341

Mike Chapman (R) District 6 mike.chapman@cherokee.k12.ga.us

(770) 345-6256

clark.menard@cherokee.k12.ga.us

City of Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques

dhenriques@progressiveaudiology.com

(770) 592-6017

Towne Lake Residential and Commercial Owners’ Association

(Covenant enforcement issues — all Towne Lake common areas) Douglas Properties (770) 926-3086 117 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock, GA 30188

SCHOOL INFORMATION Public Schools Ace 3921 Holly Springs Parkway, Holly Springs (770) 345-2005 Principal: Mr. Richard Landolt www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ aceacademy Bascomb Elementary School 1335 Wyngate Parkway, Woodstock (770) 592-1091 Principal: Ruth Flowers www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ bascomb-es Carmel Elementary School 2275 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock (770) 926-1237 Principal: Keith Bryant www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ carmel-es Cherokee Charter Academy 2126 Sixes Road, Canton (678) 385-7322 Principal: Dr. Scott Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Prey cherokeecharter.org E. T. Booth Middle School 6550 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-5707 Principal: Dawn Weinbaum www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etbooth-ms Etowah High School 6565 Putnam Ford Road, Woodstock (770) 926-4411 Principal: Keith Ball www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/ etowah-hs Kleven Boston Elementary School 105 Othello Drive, Woodstock (770) 924-6260 Principal: Ms. Joey Moss www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/boston-es Oak Grove Elementary School 6118 Woodstock Road, Acworth (770) 974-6682 Principal: Les Conley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/oakgrove-es Polaris Evening School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive, Woodstock (770) 926-1662 Administrator: Dr. Curt Ashley www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/polaris Woodstock Elementary School 230 Rope Mil Road, Woodstock

(770) 926-6969 Principal: Kim Montalbano www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-es Woodstock High School 2010 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock, (770) 592-3500 Principal: Dr. Paul Weir www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-hs Woodstock Middle School 2000 Towne Lake Hills South Drive Woodstock (770) 592-3516 Principal: Mark Smith www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/woodstock-ms

Private Schools Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Road, Woodstock (678) 494-5464, www.cherokeechristian.org Middle & High School Principal: Richard Goff Elementary School: Robert Lester Compass Prep Academy Director: Laura George www.compassprep.org info@compassprep.org (404) 643-9424 Cornerstone Preparatory Academy 4310 Moon Station Lane, Acworth (770) 529-7077 Administrator: Jeanne Borders www.cornerstoneprep.org

Furtah Preparatory School 5496 Highway 92, Acworth (678) 574-6488, www.furtahprep.org Headmaster: Fred Furtah Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth Principal: Jamie Smithey (770) 974-9091 www.harvestbaptist.org Holdheide Education K-3 5234 Old Highway 5, Woodstock Principal: Tammy Dorsten (770) 516-2292, www.MyGiftedKids.org Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Rd., Woodstock (770) 926-0166 Headmaster: Linda Murdock www.lyndonacademy.org

North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive, Kennesaw (770) 975-0252 Headmaster: Todd Clingman www.ncchristian.org Northside Christian Academy 303 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 180 Woodstock, GA 30102 (770) 334-0648 Principal: Jill Trout http://nca4hope.com

Omega Academy (770) 792-7431 www.omegalearningcenter.com Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road, Kennesaw (770) 926-7729 Administrator: John D. Ward www.shilohhills.com St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street, Marietta, (770) 428-3328 Principal: Patricia Allen www.stjosephschool.org

Homeschool Homeschool Community Classical Conversations Woodstock Director: Cari Lingerfelt carinwoody@bellsouth.net

Cherokee County School District Calendar at a Glance Jan. 5

School resumes

Jan. 19

No School

Feb. 16-20

No School

March 30- April 3

No School

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

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Reference

TOWNE LAKE AREA HOMES SOLD IN NOVEMBER

Towne Lake Sales for November 2014 List Price

Address

Subdivision

$154,000.00 $175,000.00 $175,000.00 $190,000.00 $184,900.00 $124,900.00 $205,000.00 $114,900.00 $159,900.00 $185,000.00 $149,900.00 $189,900.00 $179,000.00 $224,900.00 $193,000.00 $209,900.00 $265,000.00 $279,900.00 $339,900.00 $163,000.00 $139,900.00 $185,000.00 $132,900.00

1788 Cumberland TRCE 512 Allatoona Hills DR 303 Allatoona Ridge RD 134 Lovingood DR 266 Ascott LN 2055 Britley Park XING 503 Keeneland AVE 507 Hollow CT 254 Shaw DR 4035 Mount Vernon DR 506 Cherokee Mills DR 107 COUNTRYSIDE CT 222 Brookhaven CT 407 Middle Valley LN 836 Eagle Glen XING 220 Bent Oak LN 187 Colonial DR 824 Bermuda RUN 1025 Golf Estates DR 531 Brooksdale DR 117 Golden Hills DR 117 Valley Farm LN 242 King Arthur DR

Allatoona Pass Allatoona Shores Allatoona Shores Allatoona Shores Belmont Trace Britley Park Brookshire Cedar Hollow Centennial Lakes Centennial Place Cherokee Mills Estates Countryside Villas Creekwood Place Deer Run North Eagle Glen Eagle Watch Eagle Watch Eagle Watch Eagle Watch Etowah Valley Estates Golden Hills Grahams Farm Kingsridge North

Beds Baths Yr Built 4 4 4 3 4 2 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 5 4 4 5 5 4 3 3 3 3

3 3 3 2 2.5 2 2.5 2 2.5 2.5 2 2 2.5 3.5 4 2.5 3.5.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 2 3 2

1983 1988 1986 1986 2005 1996 2002 1990 2008 1995 1985 2002 2006 1994 1998 1993 1990 1989 1993 1992 1976 1993 1973

Days on Market 61 0 82 66 10 32 5 66 7 6 78 48 16 189 9 1 128 107 45 53 48 6 101

Sales Price $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

151,300.00 175,000.00 178,000.00 182,000.00 188,000.00 117,500.00 205,000.00 110,000.00 168,500.00 190,000.00 147,500.00 185,000.00 161,000.00 224,900.00 193,000.00 205,500.00 265,000.00 277,500.00 332,500.00 155,000.00 138,400.00 168,000.00 134,900.00

$$/sq ft No data $ 52 $ 89 $ 81 $ 88 $ 129 $ 87 $ 65 $ 69 $ 75 $ 70 $ 116 $ 82 $ 115 $ 63 $ 83 $ 50 $ 69 $ 98 $ 93 $ 72 $ 63 $ 92

See all the photos and details of these sold listings at http://TLNOV2014.KurtandSheilaTeam.com $180,000.00 $125,000.00 $425,000.00 $149,900.00 $264,900.00 $184,900.00 $233,000.00 $269,900.00 $285,000.00 $349,900.00 $250,000.00 $264,900.00 $299,900.00 $359,900.00 $374,900.00 $419,900.00 $275,000.00 $339,500.00 $196,900.00 $118,990.00 $124,900.00 $244,900.00 $464,352.00 $214,085.00

228,435

538 Arden Close 3276 E Ragsdale WAY 6150 Kemp DR 531 Parkstone LN 1001 LEGACY WALK 967 Rose Creek RUN 111 Sable Ridge DR 215 Sable Ridge WAY 200 Morning Mist LN 247 Somerset CIR 3027 Summer Point DR 2001 Sugar Maple LN 529 Fairway DR 98 Batten Board WAY 100 Batten Board WAY 703 East Green LN 239 Morning Mist WAY 4010 Ironhill LN 229 Sharon WAY 1119 Rook PL 2014 Brittania CIR 208 Abernathy WAY 511 Highland DR 423 Village VW

AVERAGES IN NOV 2014

Montclair at Ridgewalk None None Parkview at Towne Lake Providence Place Rose Creek Sable Ridge Drive Sable Trace Ridge Serenade Somerset Summerchase The Arbors The Fairways The Village At Towne Lake The Village At Towne Lake Towne Lake Hills Towne Lake Hills North Towne Lake Hills West Townview Commons Village At Cobblestone Village At Cobblestone Woodland Trace Woodstock Knoll Woodstock Village

2 3 3 3 5 3 3 4 5 3 4 4 4 3 3 5 3 4 3 2 2 4 5 4

2 2 3 3 3.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.5.5 2 2.5.5 2.5 2.5.5 3 3 5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2 2 2.5 3 3.5

2005 1974 1982 1999 1995 1993 2006 2014 2002 2010 1993 1992 1992 2014 2014 1996 1999 1994 2014 1991 1990 2014 2014 2014

We have seen a surge lately in buyer activity. Seize this opportunity to sell. Rates can only go up from here which will make homes less affordable for buyers using financing.

5 43 87 30 29 49 26 82 46 2 114 9 35 35 16 24 60 98 205 9 46 160 151 136

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

178,000.00 125,000.00 419,000.00 144,800.00 262,000.00 181,000.00 225,000.00 274,100.00 279,000.00 342,500.00 240,000.00 257,000.00 299,900.00 399,522.00 434,985.00 412,500.00 240,000.00 330,000.00 183,500.00 115,000.00 119,000.00 244,900.00 449,161.00 223,795.00

56.62

226,238

$ 120 $ 91 $ 228 $ 102 $ 73 $ 73 $ 114 No data $ 92 $ 141 $ 65 $ 101 No data No data No data $ 89 $ 103 $ 120 $ 94 $ 105 $ 126 No data $ 135 No data

94.33

Data compiled by the Kurt & Sheila Team / Keller Williams Realty Partners / www.KurtandSheilaTeam.com Sales Data derived from the FMLS (Area covered by Townelaker)

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

CLASSIFIED CLEANING SERVICES

The Dynamic Clean Team. Let us put the *SPARKLE* back in your home! Weekly or Bi-weekly cleaning. Also move-in and moveouts! 10% off 1st service. 15 years experience, pet friendly, references available, bonded & insured. CALL TODAY Melissa Jones, 404-414-7743. FOR RENT

Basement Apartment. Utilities included on the lake. $500. Call 770-337-2170. HYPNOTHERAPY

STOP SMOKING WITHOUT WITHDRAWAL www.georgiahypnotherapy.com or 678-938-7274 for more information LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT DIETING with hypnosis www. virtualgastricbandgeorgia.com or 678-938-7274 for information PUPPIES FOR SALE

AKC Doberman Puppies. Black/Rust and Red/Rust. Born 10-614. $800. Call 770-337-2170.

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Reference

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Emergency — 911 • TowneLaker • (770) 516-7105 Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce (770) 345-0400 Cherokee County Government:

Animal Shelter (770) 345-7270 Business Licenses (770) 721-7810 Clean & Beautiful Commission (770) 517-7650 Commissioners (678) 493-6000 Courthouse (770) 479-1953 Engineering Office (Traffic Signals) (678) 493-6077 Extension Office (770) 479-0418 Jury Phone (770) 479-9011 Justice Center (Courts, Judges, etc.) (770) 479-1953 Planning & Zoning (678) 493-6101 Senior Services (770) 345-5312 Tax Assessors/Evaluation (678) 493-6120

Taxes:

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax (678) 493-6400 Woodstock Office (770) 924-4099 Voter Registration (770) 479-0407

Children/Family:

Anna Crawford Children’s Center (770) 345-8100 Bethesda Community Clinic (678) 880-9654 Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club (770) 720-7712 Cherokee Family Violence Center (770) 479-1804 Cherokee Focus (770) 345-5483 Child Support Enforcement (770) 720-3581 Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org (770) 345-3274 Department of Family & Children Services (770) 720-3610 The Hope Center (770) 924-0864 MUST Cherokee Ministries (770) 479-5397 Papa’s Pantry (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 (770) 793-5000 North Fulton Hospital (770) 751-2500 Northside Hospital — Cherokee (770) 720-5100

Hotlines — 24 Hour Help Lines:

Battered Women Hotline (770) 479-1703 Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) (770) 345-7920 Poison Control Center — Atlanta (404) 616-9000 Outside Metro Atlanta (800) 222-1222 Probate Court Information Line (770) 704-2610 Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center (770) 428-2666

Libraries:

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org Rose Creek (770) 591-1491 R.T. Jones (770) 479-3090 Woodstock (770) 926-5859

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Non-Emergency 911 (770) 479-3117 Parks and Recreation:

BridgeMill Athletic Club (770) 345-5500 Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA (770) 591-5820 Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency (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. (770) 926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org 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 www.cherokeega-animals.org Cherokee County Humane Society (770) 928-5115 www.cchumanesociety.org Emergency Veterinary Clinic (770) 924-3720 Funds4Furry Friends (770) 842-8893 Lost Pets Go to www.townelaker.com. click on lost and found pet button to report missing pet Pet Buddies Food Pantry www. petbuddiesfoodpantry.org 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 Sheriff’s Department (678) 493-4100 www.cherokeega-sheriff.org Georgia Sex Offender Registry www.cherokeega-sheriff.org/offender/offender.htm

Utilities:

Atlanta Gas Light Co. (770) 907-4231 www.aglc.com AT&T (404) 780-2355 www.bellsouth.com Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority (770) 479-1813 Comcast (770) 926-0334 Cobb EMC (770) 429-2100 www.cobbemc.com Georgia Power www.georgiapower.com

Urgent Care Facility

American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock (770) 200-1220 Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy (404) 851-6577 SHEFA Urgent Care 2000 Village Professional Dr. #110, Canton (678) 661-3166 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.woodstockga.gov City Hall (770) 592-6000 Fire Department (770) 926-2302 Police Information (770) 592-6030

Since 1996, we have brought relevant, uplifting and reader-driven content to the residents of Towne Lake, Canton and Woodstock. We look forward to serving you, our readers and advertisers every month. Thank you for your continued support and participation in making this truly your community magazine. At AroundAbout Local Media, we believe the world functions at the community level: diverse groups of people living in close proximity; sharing commonality of culture, values and local pride; developing safety nets for those in need; and helping each other to live richer lives. Candi Hannigan Executive Editor

Michelle McCulloch Art Director

Jackie Loudin Assistant Editor

Laura Latchford Page Designer

Patty Ponder ALM President Marketing & Advertising Sales

Denise Griffin Controller

Christie Deese Marketing Support Associate

Karen & Jon Flaig Owner/Publisher

It is our heartfelt desire to contribute to the fabric that helps make a community happen. Through our magazines, we aim to provide everyone in the communities we serve with uplifting, interesting information about the community they are proud to call home. We encourage you to send us your photos, ideas, stories or anything else you think the community would like to know about. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your community. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your magazine.

TowneLaker Distribution Map Circulation: 16,000

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Townelaker

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY For advertising rates & information please contact Patty Ponder, 770.615.3322 • Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Debranski & Associates, LLC (770) 926-1957, ext 306 321 Creekstone Ridge

CHIROPRACTIC 9

Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 31 (678) 445-7423, www.hartman-imbriale.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 200 AUTOMOTIVE Aspen Falls Auto Spa 6390 Bells Ferry Rd. (770) 591-3630

Christian Brothers Automotive (770) 926-4500 1930 Eagle Dr., Woodstock

Joe’s Auto Service (770) 517-2695 6957 Hwy. 92, Woodstock

Mike the Mechanic Auto Service & Repair 7 (770) 928-2828, www.mikethemechanic.com 3155 Parkbrooke Cir., Woodstock Frankfurt Foreign Automotive 54 (678) 505-8907, 9817 Main St., Woodstock FrankfurtForeignAutomotive.com Towne Lake’s Carwash & Detail 69 www.townelakescarwashanddetail.com (770) 592-8102, 1490 Towne Lake Pkwy. BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Citadel Professional Services, LLC 29 (770) 952-6707 225 Town Park Dr., Suite 440, Kennesaw BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA Azure Salon & Spa 24 (770) 345-8280 1359 Riverstone Pkwy., Ste. 110, Canton Salon Gloss (678) 483-8900, www.SalonGloss.biz 220 Chambers St.

The Sundance Massage Center (678) 591-5066 www.SundanceMassageCenter.com

BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Discover Chiropractic & Rehabilitation 37 (770) 516-9900, www.discoverrehab.com 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. North Cobb Spine & Nerve Institute (678) 574-5678 3451 Cobb Pkwy, Ste. 4, Acworth

Optimum Health 13 (770) 516-7477, www.optimumhealthrehab.com 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 104, Woodstock Ribley Chiropractic 2453 Towne Lake Pkwy., Woodstock (770) 592-2505, www.ribleychrio.com

CHURCHES Hillside United Methodist Church (770) 924-4777, www.hillsideumc.org 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy.

CLEANING SERVICES Carpet Dry-Tech (678) 368-5991

Rejoice Maids 19 (678) 905-3476, www.rejoicemaids.com COMPUTERS Cherokee Computer Guys (678) 889-5900, www.ccrguys.com 10511 Bells Ferry Rd., Canton

DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics & Pediatric) Byrd Dental Group Inside front (770) 926-8200 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 130

DEPRESSION RECOVERY Depression Recovery Program 42 (404) 394-3940 Cherokee Seventh-day Adventist Church, 101 Rope Mill Rd., Woodstock EDUCATION / INSTRUCTION Bascomb UMC Preschool (770) 926-0397 2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd.

Goddard School, The 3115 Parkbrooke Circle, Woodstock (770) 516-0880, GoddardSchool.com

KinderCare 29 3051 Parkbrooke Circle, Woodstock (678) 445-3820, www.kindercare.com Mathnasium 29 (678) 214-5544 2265 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 102 North Cobb Christian School (770) 975-0252, ncchristian.org 4500, Lakeview Dr., Kennesaw Park View Montessori School (770) 926-0044 6689 Bells Ferry Rd.

FITNESS

Orangetheory Fitness Woodstock 48, 49 200 Parkbrooke Dr. Suite 140, Woodstock (770) 833-4550, www.orangetheoryfitness.com

S. Bruce O’Neal, DDS 31 (770) 924-8848 2230 Towne Lake Pkwy., Bldg. 100, Ste. 100

Spillane Orthodontics 50 (770) 928-4747, www.SpillaneOrtho.com 335 Pkwy. 575, Suite 200, Woodstock

Thad Baird & Tyler Baird, DMD 23 (770) 517-0444, www.BairdFamilyDentistry.com 4595 Towne Lake Pkwy.

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock (770) 926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Suite 200-C

Towne Lake Business Association

Williams Orthodontics (770) 592-5554 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com 145 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 201

Fountain View Dentistry 57 (770) 926-0000, www.fountainviewsmiles.com 1816 Eagle Dr., Bldg. 200, Suite A

Papa’s Pantry www.papaspantry.org

Werner Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 39 (678) 224-5722 www.ChildrensDentistWoodstock.com 250 Parkbrooke Place Suite 250, Woodstock

Brooks Personal Training 7 (678) 665-6021, BrooksPersonalTraining.com 1432 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 120

Downtown Buzz

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Towne Lake Family Dentistry Inside Back (770) 591-7929, www.RayMorganDMD.com 120 N. Medical Pkwy., Bldg 200, Ste 100

HOME & GARDEN Atlanta Prestige Flooring 60 (770) 516-3227 www.atlantaprestigeflooring.com 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1338, Woodstock Atlas Garage Door Company (770) 592-6217 AquaDoc Plumbing (770) 516-9000

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Bryan Plumbing Services (770) 826-5277 Coleman Home Services (770) 294-9667 www.colemanhomeservices.com Dr. Fixit, Ph.D. (770) 974-2390 Drainage First John Brodbeck, (678) 525-589 Grout Doctor, The (678) 383-1311, www.GroutDoctor.com Hammocks Heating & Air (770) 794-0428 Handy Handyman, The (404) 316-1490 Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping (404) 520-0710 Mr. Junk (678) Mr-Junk1 Nelson Exteriors (678) 283-8171 Overstreet Lawn Care (770) 861-7272 Pike’s Professional Painting (770) 516-0045 Precision Painting & Remodeling (678) 234-9668 Reliable Heating & Air (770) 594-9969, ReliableAir.com RPM Landscape & Pavers (770) 597-5175 www.rpmlandscapeandpavers.com

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Etowah Eagles Basketball

Northside Hospital – Cherokee www.northside.com

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PET/VETERINARIAN SERVICES & SUPPLIES Animal Atlanta 39 (770) 591-0007, www.AnimalAtlanta.com 6449 Bells Ferry Rd. Animal Hospital of Towne Lake 68 (770) 591-9500, www.townelakevets.com 3105 Parkbrooke Circle 81

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital 75 (770) 924-6746, www.southcherokee.net 513 Sharp St. PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Internal Medicine (678) 238-0301, www.cherokeeim.com 1192 Buckhead Crossing, Ste. C

Graham Pediatrics, Fitzroy Graham, MD, FAAP 52 (770) 485-9670, www.grahampediatrics.com 105 Mirramont Lake Dr.

Elm St. Cultural Arts Village (678) 494-4251

INSURANCE

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.cherokeega-animals.org

Ursula & Assoc., Keller Williams Inside front (678) 569-4044, TowneLakeExperts.com

North Georgia Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 53 (770) 726-8948, NorthGeorgiaHearing.com 203 Woodpark Place, Ste. B-100, Woodstock

Uptronix 35 (770) 928-0260, www.uptronix.com The Clarke Agency (Farmers Insurance) 2360 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 105 (678) 400-6725 mclarke@farmersagent.com

Envision Therapy Dr. Rosalyn Coleman Cover, 44,45 (678) 540-6680, envisiontherapycenter.com 117 Mirramont Lake Dr., Woodstock

RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT

RESTAURANTS/FOOD & DRINK Around Town Take Out www.AroundTownTakeOut.com Butchers Block (770) 517-2225 1025 Rose Creek Dr.

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Northside Cherokee Pediatrics 1 (678) 388-5485, northsidecherokeepediatrics.com 684 Sixes Rd., Holly Springs

Dogwood Growlers 6215 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth (4040 981-2739

Northside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine 51 (770) 928-0016

Jump Kitchen 34 (678) 388-7717, jumpkitchensaloon.com 1085 Buckhead Crossing, Woodstock

Northside Sleep Disorders Center (404)236-8200, northside.com/sleep

Piedmont Physicians (678) 582-8862, piedmont.org/today

Plastic Surgery Center of the South 58 (770) 421-1242 www.plasticsurgerycenterofthesouth.net 120 Vann St., Ste. 150, Marietta Psychologist John R. Lutz, PhD 35 (770) 592-9065, www.johnromanlutz.com Rausch Family Practice (678) 384-7305, judithrauschmd.com 1000 Wyngate Pkwy., Ste. 210

The Kaufmann Clinic 59 (770) 926-7411 www.TheKaufmannClinic.com 900 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 300, Woodstock Towne Lake Family Pharmacy (770) 635-7697 2045 Towne Lake Pkwy., Ste. 110

Wellstar Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery at Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital 2540 Windy Hill Road, Marietta (770) 956-STAR (7827)

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Bates Photography www.KimBatesPhotoArt.com

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES Berkshire Hathaway The Tomlinson Team (770) 365-6193, (678) 494-2953

Current Realty Angela Martin, (678) 540-3230 www.CurrentBrokers.com

Kurt & Sheila Team, Keller Williams Back Cover (404) 954-2486, (678) 494-0644 www.kurtandsheila.com

NY Style Deli & Pizza (678) 426-7004 2340 Towne Lake Pwy., Woodstock

Papa P’s 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. (770) 592-3100, papa-ps.com

Reel Seafood 8670 Main Street, Woodstock (770) 627-3006

Small Cakes — A Cupcakery 2035 Towne Lake Pkwy., Suite 110 (678) 324-1910

Stock Bistro & Lounge (770) 516-6779 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock

RETAILERS/ SHOPPING Branches Boutique 2295 Towne Lake Pkwy. #140 (770) 517-1505 370 Chambers St., (678) 540 5483

Diamonds R Forever 21 4200 Wade Green Rd., Ste. 212, Kennesaw (770) 422-0845, www.diamondsrforever.net Gifted Ferret, The 35 (770) 693-5889, www.TheGiftedFerret.com 1910 Eagle Dr., Ste. 400 Max Video Games & More 51 (770) 924-9300 6424 Bells Ferry Rd., Ste. 124, Woodstock www.facebook.com/maxvideogames Rudi Fine Jewelry (678) 445-2626 rudifinejewelry@yahoo.com 6790 Hwy. 92, Acworth

Spirited 55 8670 Main St., Ste. 2, Woodstock (678) 214-5304, www.spritlala.com

TOWNELAKER | January 2015

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