1 16 around woodstock webfinal by Aroundabout Local Media, Inc.

Introducing the new Cancer Center at WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Redesigned inside and out to ensure our vision of world class cancer care is experienced by both patients and families. By changing patient flow, adding new services and enhancing the overall care experienced, a new focus on Mind/Body/Spirit has arrived. With a recognition by Becker Hospital Review’s “100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs”, our redeveloped cancer program offers: •

Cyberknife and Tomotherapy: the only health system in Georgia offering both forms of radiation therapy.

•

Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Program structured to reduce the time of diagnosis to treatment.

•

Center for Genetics, the largest in Georgia

•

Nationally recognized STAT clinics for lung and prostate cancer.

•

Nurse Navigators for patients and families

•

Clinical psychologist for emotional needs

•

Integrative treatment including acupuncture

•

Patient and Family Advisory Board

For more information, call 770-956-STAR (7827).

w e l l s t a r. o r g

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

January 2016 Volume 3, Issue 3

14 To Your Health!

A collection of healthy recipes to kick off the new year.

18 Time to Build

Plan outlines best areas for growth in Cherokee County.

19 Growing Together

New film and TV education opportunities in Woodstock.

27 Shop With a Hero

Police officers, firefighters treat kids to a shopping adventure.

44 Crossing Cultures

A call to action in Africa is centered around creative arts.

45 Game Day Recipes These favorites are sure to score big with football fans.

57 Seniors On the Move

Silver Roamers offer a variety of trips, activities for senior citizens.

Contributing Writers

In Every Issue

Chantel Adams

VenĂŠssa Lanier

Around Woodstock

Kyle Bennett

Ann Litrel

Katie Bishop

Community News

Dr. Mike Litrel

Christopher Brazelton

Michael Caldwell

Rob Macmillan

Claire Frost

Matt Neal

Ivan Garcia

Premier Group

Josh Keenum

Delia Halverson

Candi Hannigan

Dr. Scott Harden

Ribbon Cuttings

Birthdays

Everyday Angels

Jim Ray

Faith

Carla Roberts

Restaurant Guide

Lynn Saunders

Susan Schulz

School News

Dr. Jan Henriques

Jessica Leigh Smith

Community Calendar

Sean Kaufman

Tim Timmons

Recent Home Sales

Ross Wiseman

Ad Index

Mark Kissel

www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com

36 & 37 On the Cover

Plae Hard 2

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

ADVERTISING questions and comments Join the Around Woodstock magazine fan page www.facebook.com/AroundWoodstockMagazine Patty Ponder, ALM President 770-615-3322 www.twitter.com/AroundWoodstock Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Perimeter North Family Medicine

Welcoming New Patients! Offering a full range of adult and pediatric services, our boardcertified physicians proudly offer the highest quality care to keep you and your family happy and healthy. We accept most insurance plans and offer same-day appointments and extended hours at many of our locations. Our services include:

• Physical examinations and wellness care for men, women and children • General and chronic care for geriatric patients • Immunizations • Acute illness treatment for colds, fevers, flu and more • Comprehensive women’s health services

Call (770) 395-1130 for an appointment 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 210 Woodstock, GA 30189

pnfm.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

AROUND WOODSTOCK The

People, The Places and The Pleasures that make Woodstock From the Editor

It’s clear to me that we live in a very compassionate and supportive community. Scrolling through Facebook, I’ve seen photos of local teens giving backpacks filled with food and toiletries to homeless men and women in downtown Atlanta. We have a few loyal teachers in the community who spend time after school tutoring children; these special ladies arranged a Christmas party for those kids last month and helped them build their first gingerbread houses. In December, I tagged along with photographer Darleen Prem as she captured the joy and excitement of children taking part in Shop with a Hero. It was hard to tell who was more excited - the children or the police officers and firefighters who scoured the aisles at Walmart with the children, looking for just the right toys and gifts. You can see a sampling of her pictures on page 27. Our goal every month is to pack these pages with positive and uplifting stories, so that you will feel encouraged and a little more in touch with your neighbors and community. Most of us know that Woodstock First Baptist Church has an incredible creative arts ministry … but did you know several of those volunteers have created a way to take the creative arts to children and families who lived in impoverished areas of Africa? Susan Schulz introduces us to them on page 44. As you start the new year with fresh ideas and a renewed interest in keeping those resolutions that often go by the wayside, don’t forget to look around you. And let us know what you see. We’d love to share about the caring people and uplifting stories in our community, to applaud them and to encourage others.

Kudos

Local artist Kristina Havens has been named the 2015 Barbara G. Ingram Citizen of the Year. She was honored by Preservation Woodstock for her efforts to preserve Woodstock’s history through her art. Havens has been instrumental in raising money to revive the Reeves House, a part of the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, by selling a series of art she created that was inspired by the Citizen of the Year Kristina Havens with Mayor people, places and Donnie Henriques in the Woodstock Christmas objects in downtown parade. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Carter. Woodstock.

What’s Coming

Permits have been issued for Eddie Bauer and The Cosmetic Store at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Pigtails and Crewcuts has been issued a permit for one of the spaces in the outparcels at The Outlet Shoppes. July Massage has obtained a permit to build at 3342 Trickum Road, Woodstock. Aydin’s Fine Jewelry has obtained a permit to build at 9940 Highway 92, Woodstock. Camellia Place, an assisted living and memory care community at 294 Rope Mill Road, is planning to open in March. Andrew McFall was recently hired as executive director, joining a leadership team that includes Nathan Brandon as director of marketing and communications and Lisa Hatton as director of sales Representing Camellia Place are, from left, comanagement. founders Denise Swords and Lauren Clifton, Andrew The 96-suite McFall, Lisa Hatton and Nathan Brandon. facility was created by Denise Swords and Lauren Clifton to offer the area a unique style of senior care: six distinct one-story homes that will house 16 residents. The community model is designed to promote a sense of hospitality, social cohesion and fulfillment for residents who need assisted living, memory and respite care. www.camelliaplace.com.

What’s Moved

Candi Hannigan is the executive editor of Around Woodstock. She has lived in Cherokee County since 1987. Send your comments or questions to Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Cherokee Computer Guys have moved to 3725 Sixes Road, Canton. 678-889-5900.

Renovating

Expect to see renovations at the Rite Aid at 12075 Highway 92 and Kroger at 12050 Highway 92.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

COMMUNITY BOARD The Around Woodstock Community Board consists of well-respected community leaders from different walks of life. Our board assists us in many ways that include serving as contributing writers, judging our annual Trailblazer award and providing valuable feedback. Kris McKeeth is team leader and visionary for The Premier Group Keller Williams Realty on Main Street in Woodstock, and has more than 25 years experience in real estate. She’s active in many community efforts that include her position on the Business Board of downtown Woodstock and as president of Etowah Foundation. Photographer Darleen Prem specializes in natural light portrait photography and enjoys dog, pet and family photography. She spends much of her time photographing local events for the city of Woodstock and is the official “unofficial” photographer for Woodstock’s fire and police departments. Darleen’s son serves overseas as an Army Military Police Officer. Ross Wiseman started Momentum Church in 2005 and still serves as head pastor. He draws from his experiences in more than 21 years of ministry and 19 years of marriage to challenge, inspire and instruct people in what it takes for better living, loving and laughter.

Renee Gable, a sales and marketing executive for Window Expert Tinting, volunteers for many committees that work to improve downtown Woodstock. She is an avid cyclist who aligned herself with Greenprints Alliance because of her desire to help create safe and natural trail riding experiences. Beth Hermes is a graduate of Auburn University’s School of Journalism and a professional writer for more than 26 years. Her writing has appeared in magazines, newspapers and online publications, and she has created marketing campaigns for corporations and nonprofits.

Woodstock AROUND

Publisher AroundAbout Local Media, Inc. ALM President Patty Ponder Patty@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3322 Controller Denise Griffin Denise@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3315 Market Manager Christie Deese Christie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3324 Executive Editor Candi Hannigan Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3309 Managing Editor Jackie Loudin Jackie@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3318 Art Director Michelle McCulloch Michelle@AroundAboutMagazines.com 770-615-3307 Page Designer Laura Latchford Laura@AroundAboutMagazines.com

Around Woodstock, 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 Woodstock and surrounding area by providing residents with positive stories and timely information. It distributes a total of 16,500 free copies. Approximately 15,400 are direct mailed to homes and businesses and an additional 1,100 are placed in racks around the community. See page 72 for a distribution map. Around Woodstock also has many digital viewers of the magazine online each month. Around Woodstock 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. Around Woodstock 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 2016.

Suzanne Litrel is a young adult historical fiction author and doctoral student in GSU’s graduate history program. Suzanne resides with her family in downtown Woodstock, which she is very happy to call home.

Around Woodstock PMB 380 1025 Rose Creek Dr., Ste. 620, Woodstock, GA 30189 Website: www.AroundWoodstockMagazine.com Powered by

Volume 3, Issue 3 6

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Totes 2 Tots Honors Dr. King’s Legacy

New Benches Set Up Downtown New art benches have been installed in downtown Woodstock, purchased with proceeds from the 2015 Scarecrow Invasion. The benches are part of a series that will be installed through the next few years. The first bench, purchased earlier this year, is a sculpted tree that’s situated at the pedestrian crossing. One of the newer benches, with a dragonfly design, sits near the visitor info booth by Freight Kitchen & Tap and Dress Up. The other features a swirl design and is located in front of Copper Coin Coffee.

Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) and Northside Hospital are collecting backpacks and suitcases for foster children in Georgia as part of the 14th annual totes 2 tots suitcase drive. More than 11,600 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 launched in 2003, the annual volunteer event has collected and distributed more than 41,000 bags.totes 2 tots was originally held on Martin Luther King Day as a way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of philanthropy and give back to the community. The event is now held on the preceding Thursday, Friday and Saturday to kick-off a weekend of service in Dr. King’s honor. Donations of new or nearly new backpacks and suitcases will be accepted at the Georgia Cancer Specialists office at 228 Riverstone Drive in Canton. Call 877-716-2273 for drop-off times. Financial donations may be made securely online at give.northside.com/totes2tots. All donations are tax deductible.

Another Busy Season for Santa Tim

Hailey Heneghan.

Rachel Miller.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest Part of the fun during the December Friday Night Live Christmas in Downtown event was an ugly Christmas sweater contest. The winner was Hailey Heneghan for her cat sweater, with Rachel Miller coming in second place. 8

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Tim Cavender, director of public affairs for the Cherokee County Fire Department, and wife Pam are always busy during the holiday season, portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus for children around the metro area. One of their favorite events is Christmas at the governor’s mansion, where for the first time this year the public was invited to view all the mansion’s Christmas trees. “Tim brings so much Tim and Pam pose with Cherokee County residents joy and delight to the visiting the governor’s mansion. thousands of children and their families. Tim looks just like the traditional Santa Claus and is so perfect to make photographs with the visitors to the governor’s mansion,” said Joy Forth, executive director of the mansion. The mansion was decorated with trees for each governor who has lived in the mansion since it was built in 1967. The trees featured ornaments from each term of office.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

YOUR LOCAL NEWS Brian Hightower Named School Superintendent The Cherokee County School Board unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Brian V. Hightower as the next Superintendent of Schools during a December session. Dr. Hightower will take office on Feb. 1. He has served for the last 29 years in the Cherokee school district, beginning as a classroom teacher and rising through school and central office administrative roles. “I stand ready to serve as your next Superintendent,” Dr. Hightower told board members Dr. Brian V. Hightower during a brief speech to thank addresses the school board them, retiring Superintendent of meeting Schools Dr. Frank R. Petruzielo, his family, his colleagues and his mentors and friends. “To be a part of this organization for 29 of my 30 years [in education] has turned into being the privilege of a lifetime.”

Elm Street Awarded $30,000 Grant The Imlay Foundation is supporting the Revive the Reeves project with a $30,000 grant that was written by Operations Director Christopher Brazelton and Board of Directors member Katie Coulborn, in hopes of satisfying all funds prior to the demolition/construction section of the project, specifically any remaining architect fees. The Reeves House is an old farmhouse built in 1897, the same year Woodstock officially became a city. Vacant for decades, this historically significant home will be transformed into the heart of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, helping the community pulse with vibrancy. The Reeves House itself will house an arts gallery, library and studios for artists. “This funding is key to our taking the next step in the development of the Reeves House and to bringing vision of a downtown arts village to fruition,” says Ann Litrel, Elm Street Board Vice President and member of Preservation Woodstock. “Reviving the Reeves is the linchpin for the long range plans to offer our community a vital place to connect with one another and the arts, and we are so grateful for Imlay Foundation’s support.” For more details, visit www.revivethereeves.org.

New CASA Volunteers Ready to Serve CASA for Children Inc. presented seven volunteers to presiding Juvenile Court Judge John B. Sumner to be sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children placed in the state’s custody because of abuse or neglect. These volunteers are, from left, Patti Whiteside, Marge Koeser, Sirlene Felkins, Sharon Biodo, Pam DeVictor, Nadeen Archer and Savita Persad, shown here being sworn in by presiding Juvenile Court Judge John B. Sumner. For more information about the CASA program in Cherokee, visit www. casacherokee.org, call 770-345-3274 or email info@casacherokee.org. To learn more about the CASA organization in Georgia, visit www.gacasa.org or call 404-874-2888 or 800-251-4012.

New CASA Volunteer Child Advocates, from left, Patti Whiteside, Marge Koeser, Sirlene Felkins, Sharon Biondo, Pam DeVictor, Nadeen Archer and Savita Persad are sworn in by presiding Juvenile Court Judge John B. Sumner. 10

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Service League Hosts New Member Event The Junior Service League of Woodstock is holding a new member mixer at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at Marlow’s Tavern, 881 Ridgewalk Parkway, Suite 108, Woodstock. The league, which welcomes women of all ages, is a diverse group with the common goal of improving the community through volunteerism and fundraising. Members of the board will be at the mixer to answer questions from those interested in more information. RSVP to jslofwoodstock@gmail.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ jslofwoodstock.

WE VOLUNTEER AND DONATE TO CHEROKEE SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS. BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT NEIGHBORS DO. Northside Hospital-Cherokee has given more than 10,000 volunteer hours and donated millions to Cherokee schools and charitable organizations. Because Cherokee County is not only the location of our hospital, it is our home. Most of our physicians and staff live right here. Our children go to school with yours and we shop at the local grocery stores with you. Since becoming part of the community in 1997, Northside Hospital-Cherokee is committed to keeping this county great. Because, after all, it’s our home, too.

Cherokee’s community hospital. Northside.com AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

Ribbon Cuttings Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce • Planet Fitness

299 Molly Lane Woodstock, GA 30189-3713 www.planetfitness.com/gyms/woodstock-ga-1233

• MaThCliX MaTh Learning CenTer 1105 Parkside Lane, Suite 1322 Woodstock, GA 30189-5380 www.mathclix.com

• Jared Davis State Farm Insurance 1775 Woodstock Road, Suite 330 Roswell, GA 30075-8236 www.jareddavisinsurance.com

Main Street Woodstock • Healthsprout Chiropractic and Wellness 8256 Main St. Woodstock, GA 30188 www.healthsprout.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

G O

T H E

D I S TA N C E

W I T H

BMW and MINI Specialists 204 Bell Place, Woodstock, GA 30188 770.310.2381 bavarianrepair.com service@bavarianrepair.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Feature

TO YOUR HEALTH! In the spirit of cooperation and support of those of you who are trying to make a lifestyle change to better eating habits, here is a collection of healthy recipes from folks we know are diligent about eating well and staying healthy. Enjoy!

Oven Roasted Butternut Squash From Jeaneen Mitchim

Slow Cooker Aloo Gobi

(spiced cauliflower and potatoes) From Ann Litrel

Slightly adapted from “The Indian Slow Cooker,” this recipe serves eight.

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced • 1 medium onion, peeled and diced • 1 medium tomato, diced

This dish is very high in vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber.

• One butternut squash • 3 Tablespoons olive oil • ¼ teaspoon pepper • ¼ teaspoon sea salt • 1 tablespoon cinnamon Cut the squash into cubes, toss with olive oil, pepper, salt and cinnamon. Shake it all in a gallon size zipper food storage bag. Spread onto a roasting pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

• ½ can coconut milk • 1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and grated • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and grated • 1 ½ teaspoon Thai chili garlic paste • 1 Tablespoon cumin seeds • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste • 1 Tablespoon garam masala • 1 Tablespoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 3 Tablespoon canola or vegetable oil • 1 cup frozen peas • 1 heaping Tablespoon fresh cilantro, roughly chopped In a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the cilantro. Stir well to distribute the spices. Cook on low for four hours, stirring once or twice if you’re around. Thirty minutes before serving, add 1 cup of frozen peas and stir in to cook. Add the cilantro just before you’re ready to serve the aloo gobi with jasmine rice or naan.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

The Best Paleo Brownies From Joni Gommo • 1 cup almond butter • 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1 egg • 2 Tablespoons ghee • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/3 cup cocoa powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Heat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond butter, syrup, egg, ghee and vanilla. Stir in the cocoa powder and baking soda. Pour the batter into a 9-inch baking pan. Bake for 20-23 minutes, until the brownie is done, but still soft in the middle. I substitute maple syrup with Cary’s sugar free syrup, and I substitute the ghee with the same amount of Kerrygold butter.

Asparagus, Egg and Bacon Salad From Laura Mikszan • 2 grilled chicken breasts • 1 large hard boiled egg, peeled and sliced • 1 ⅔ cups chopped asparagus • 2 slices cooked and crumbled center cut bacon

Shredded Kale Salad

with Pecan Parmesan and Cranberries From Ann Litrel

Recipe by Angela Liddon http://ohsheglows.com. Vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free

If you are making this salad for more than four people, I suggest doubling it. I felt like I could’ve had half of the lot just on my own.

Salad Dressing: • 2 medium bunches destemmed Lacinato/dinosaur kale, finely chopped (8 cups chopped) • 2 large garlic cloves • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 3-4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, to taste

• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (just eyeball it)

• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

• 1-2 handfuls dried sweetened cranberries, for garnish

• Pinch salt and pepper to taste Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the asparagus and cook 2-3 minutes, until tender yet firm. Drain and run asparagus under cold water to stop it from cooking further. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, oil, vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Arrange the asparagus on a plate, top with egg, bacon and chicken, and drizzle with the vinaigrette.

Cauliflower Pancakes From Joni Gommo • 1 small head cauliflower, steamed (8-10 minutes) and riced • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten • 3/4 cup grated cheddar or Monterey jack • ½ teaspoon garlic powder • ½ teaspoon sea salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • 3 Tablespoons grass fed butter (I use Kerrygold) • 2 Tablespoons almond flour • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion

• 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

Pecan Parmesan: • 1 cup pecan halves, toasted • 1 1/2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • 2 pinches fine grain sea salt Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Spread the pecans onto a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove the stems from the kale and discard. Finely chop the kale leaves. Wash the kale and spin dry. Place dried kale into a large bowl. For the dressing: In a mini food processor, process the garlic until minced. Add the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper and process until combined. Adjust to taste. Pour the dressing onto the kale and mix it for about one minute with your hands or toss with spoons. For the pecan parmesan: Rinse the mini processor and pat dry. Add the pecans into the processor and process until the pecans are the size of peas or a bit larger. Add in the nutritional yeast, oil and salt and process again until it’s a coarse crumb. Be sure not to over-process; you want a nice crunchy texture. Sprinkle the pecan parmesan all over the salad. Toss on a handful or two of dried cranberries. Wrap and place in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to soften. Note: 1) Instead of a mini processor, you can chop/whisk the dressing and pecan parmesan by hand. 2) For a nut-free version, try using breadcrumbs instead of pecans.

Mix all ingredients except butter until well blended. Melt butter in pan and drop batter by spoonfuls into buttered skillet. Fry until edges are golden, then flip. Serve with sour cream. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

Celebrations!

Ava Myers

Leon Brinson Jr.

Age 50 on Jan. 11 Best husband, father and Grandpa ever We love you!

Maria Nicole Meyer

Jacob Kish

Age 1 on Dec. 30 Happy first birthday! Mommy and Daddy love you.

Age 16 on Jan. 19 Happy sweet 16 baby girl! Love, Mom, Dad and Tucker

Happy 15th! Let’s celebrate with fish fingers and custard. Mom, Dad and Little j.

Rylee Hall

Lydia VanDemark

Skylar Wallace

Age 7 on Jan. 7 Happy birthday, Rylee! We love you very much! Love, Daddy, Mommy and Hadley

Age 2 on Jan. 11 Happy second birthday to our spunky little girl! We love you so much! Dada and Mama

Age 16 on Jan. 4 Happy sweet sixteen! We love you to the moon and back! Love, Mom, Dad and Cullen

Madison Dunlavey

Age 5 on Jan. 20 Happy birthday sweetheart! With all our love, Mommy, Daddy, Cooper and Clyde

Mandy Whitesides, her sons Taylor and Triston, and Vance Courson became one family as they exchanged vows on Nov. 29. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Vance Courson from the Gibsons.

Audrey Myrick

Age 7 on Jan. 27 Happy birthday, Audrey! With love from Mom, Mimi, Papa and Auntie

Ethan David Esmat

Born October 21, 2015 7 pounds, 6 ounces 21.5 inches Proud Parents Adam and Tiffany Esmat

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE FREE! Happy 5th birthday Carley! Many more… much love Gramma and Papa

James Alexander Moody

Age 1 on Dec. 26 Happy First Birthday! We love you so much! Mommy and Daddy

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

E-mail to: Candi@AroundAboutMagazines.com February deadline is Jan. 10. Please specify Around Woodstock, TowneLaker or Sixes Living.

Home Prices Even Out in 2016 SUBMITTED BY THE PREMIER GROUP

It’s important to stay up to date on the changes in the U.S. housing industry as well as the local metro Atlanta market, whether you are a homeowner contemplating selling your home or a hopeful buyer-to-be wondering if now is a good time to take the plunge. Read on to learn what experts are projecting for home prices in the coming year. Price growth balances in 2016 According to a report from Bank of America Merrill Lynch, U.S. home prices are poised to even out after years of roller coaster activity. Home prices in the U.S. peaked in 2006, and in 2008

the bubble burst, with home prices falling drastically for the next few years. In 2012, the market started to rebound as prices rose steadily. Home prices continued to rise due to housing supply shortages, causing concern from economists that over-valued homes were outpacing income growth, further exacerbating the situation. Currently, U.S. homes are 12 percent above fair value estimates based on average income. Compare that to 2006, when U.S. homes were 59 percent over fair value level and it’s evident that there has been a lot of change. Now, it looks like continued on page 60

Expert Surgical Care for the Cherokee Community

Northside Cherokee Surgical Associates is a full-service practice specializing in general surgery. Our board-certified physician, Dr. Grant Wolfe, uses the latest minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic techniques to treat the full spectrum of abdominal, thyroid, and soft tissue disorders. Grant Wolfe, M.D.

Treatments offered for: • Hernias

• Skin and soft tissue lesions

• Gallstones and gallbladder problems

• Thyroid and parathyroid disease

• Breast masses and cancer

• Diverticulitis and colon cancer

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernias

• Stomach, adrenal gland, pancreas and spleen disorders

(770) 924-9656 • ncsurgicalassociates.com 900 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 412, Woodstock, GA 30189 AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

A New Year, A New Plan — Let’s Build BY KATIE BISHOP

After nearly a year of research, surveys, stakeholder groups and hard work, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) unveiled the Opportunity Cherokee Plan. This five-year strategic blueprint will guide COED’s economic development efforts moving forward. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to jump start a new plan! The plan, developed by Boyette Strategic Advisors (BSA), details Cherokee’s opportunities and where the potential for the county lies. Some key items identified were new target sectors where business markets are projected to see the

most growth. These include: Health care and entrepreneurship were also identified as areas of focus. BSA considered concentrations that would help attract these target markets, and in turn, would aid in reducing Cherokee’s staggering out-commuting workforce. How do we put this plan into action? COED has an implementation strategy detailing more than 80 action items that will set Cherokee’s path of growth, innovation and sustainability. Some items will take the collaboration of local partners, such as the industries, schools, colleges/universities and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. Other action items are internal, for example increasing the awareness of the importance of economic development and the positive change it can make. Matching this economic development strategy to county and city land planning and business site identification will be critical in attracting these targets. The thing to remember is this is a five-year plan. We continued on page 60

The Cherokee Office of Economic Development is Cherokee’s leading organization for business and film recruitment and industry retention and expansion.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

New Film, TV Education Opportunities in Woodstock BY CANDI HANNIGAN

Judging by the success of a more than 500 attendees recent Meals 4 Monologues had donated close to 2,100 event, held on a Saturday in pounds of items that were December, Woodstock could given to the food pantry at St. be a step closer to becoming Michael the Archangel Roman a popular destination for Catholic Church in Woodstock. location shooting of the Downtown businesses also many film projects coming to got in the spirit by collecting Georgia. donations. Area casting At least that’s the hope of directors from Feldstein/ Laureen Muller of RCM Talent Paris Casting, OAS Casting, & Management, who helped Big Picture Casting and Ingulli Meals 4 Monologue participants add to the 2,100-pound food pantry donation. organize the event. RCM Casting donated their time to has entered into a partnership Photo courtesy of Detour Entertainment see the actors. with Elm Street Cultural Arts Village and Chattahoochee Technical “The support from the acting community and the local College to bring more movie industry education, from acting to vendors and neighbors was incredible,” Laureen said. “We had technical crew, to local residents. people stop by who heard of the event and wanted to just be a The goal of Meals 4 Monologues was twofold: to give actors part of the donation. At a time when donations are lowest, it felt a chance to present a two-minute monologue in front of casting great to kick off the month with so much generosity.” directors based in the Southeast, and to show off vibrant and Meals 4 Monologues takes place in cities around the country. arts-friendly downtown Woodstock to actors and members of the Laureen, a Woodstock resident, asked Elm Street to be a host film and TV industry. because, “I heard about the development plans at Elm Street and The only cost to participants was a donation of two nonthought RCM and its partners would love to work with Elm Street perishable food items. Actors came from as far away as Virginia, and grow as they continue to grow.” Texas, Indiana and Ohio to participate. At the end of the day, continued on page 60

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

EVERYDAY Identifying people in need in our community.

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’ Day.” — Edith Pierce

Happy New Year! We always love the holidays and all of the chaos surrounding them. Then, suddenly, it is over. The New Year resets the calendar and we have a clean slate in front of us. It is once again time for resolutions and new intentions. This year, make it your intention to constantly, consistently - not just conveniently make a difference in the lives of others. To go out of your way to make someone feel special, whether it is through a simple smile, phone call or helping physically or financially – because you can. Make it your intention for 2016 to focus on others before yourself and see what the new year brings. We would like to share the note below from the Fige family. Thanks to all who generously donated in support of sweet Katelyn as she continues her battle with pineoblastoma. Dear Everyday Angels: This year has been a major challenge for our family and we just want to say, THANK YOU for all you have done for Katelyn and our family. The donated funds paid every one of our bills for the month of December and all of January. We 20

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

live very thrifty so we can make it go a long way. It makes things a lot easier during the holidays knowing we don’t have to worry about bills not being paid and allowing us to focus on Katelyn’s daily care. We are now at the beginning of the end of her aggressive chemo treatments. We return on December 29th for a MRI and spinal tap to check cancer treatment progress. There is still a great deal ahead of us. Please continue to pray for our daughter. David Fige Everyday Angels has had a busy December. The holidays typically present needs that are much bigger than our small organization. Last minute desperate calls from school counselors concerning students and families keep us scrambling and scratching our heads. It never fails that right before we make the call informing them that we cannot assist this year, an email arrives, proclaiming “You’ve got cash!” through our paypal account, or an envelope arrives in our mailbox with exactly what is needed. God often reminds us that HE is in control and that we simply serve as His hands and feet, sharing His love and the hope we have in Him, even during life’s toughest trials. 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 Drive, Suite 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.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

Practicing What She Teaches Melanie puts fear aside and goes for a new look. BY VENÉSSA LANIER

The Makeup Palette

To create a simple fall inspired look, Amy used a deep green eyeliner, Night Ivy. The eye shadow is a neutral soft shimmer of Sandalwood. The look was completed with soft pink cheeks and Pink Clover lip gloss.

As a teacher who is passionate about mentoring and motivating her students, Melanie encourages them to step outside of the box and try new things. She recently realized that she is not practicing what she tells her students. Melanie admitted that she has not gotten a haircut for four years and needs a change. She said her excuse is that her hair is thinning and she does not want to lose it or ruin what she has. Because of fear, Melanie did not have the courage to visit a salon. She admits to cutting her own hair and that her hair ended up “in a ponytail thingie” every day anyway. Senior stylist Dawn Futch listened to Melanie’s concerns about her thinning hair and eased her fear of her hair looking thinner after being cut. Dawn explained that by bringing the length up to above the shoulders, Melanie will feel more fullness in her hair. After six inches of length was cut, Dawn cut long soft layers by freehand slicing Melanie’s hair, which allows for movement. Stylist Bethany Renner brightened Melanie’s natural brown hair with light golden highlights and warm chocolate lowlights. Adding depth and brightness brought out the color of her beautiful eyes. Bethany explained to Melanie that adding hair color adds texture as well as volume to fine hair. Amy Chandler, our lead esthetician, showed Melanie some fast ways to enhance her eyes and still get out the door quickly every morning. Amy started with softly lining Melanie’s eyes at the lash line with Night Ivy eyeliner. She brushed a neutral shimmer of Sandlewood shadow on her eyelids from lashline to brow. Amy explained a touch of Pink Clover lip gloss is a must for looking fresh and ready for the day. Melanie is overjoyed with her new look, and told us she wishes she had done it sooner. The team at Salon and Spa Venéssa is happy she found the courage to change and allowed us to make the transformation. Melanie has newfound confidence to inspire young people to grow, change and be fearless!

Venéssa Lanier is the 24-year owner of Salon and Spa Venéssa, which is committed to providing personalized services to guests in a luxurious setting located in downtown Woodstock. www.salonvenessa.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

Forty Days in the Life of a Legislator BY STATE REP. MICHAEL CALDWELL

This month, 236 citizen legislators will congregate in Atlanta for the 2016 legislative session. This session is the second half of a two-part biennium, the two-year legislative term of the 153rd General Assembly of Georgia, which is made up of our House and Senate. In addition to some cliché warnings to “hide your wallet” and “keep an eye on us,” I’d like to use this article to teach you some of the insider terms, processes and institutional knowledge surrounding the ongoings of our legislative session. Per our state constitution, the General Assembly must convene for its annual legislative session on the second Monday in January. For 2016 that means we will be convening in both the House of Representatives and the Senate on Jan.14. Our constitution permits us a legislative session that may last no more than 40 days. The session typically spans from January until early April (as these days are not consecutive and are often purposefully staggered to accommodate committee hearings, issue studies, etc.). As a citizen legislator (someone who has to work a real job to feed my family in addition to the time I spend representing our community in the Georgia House), one facet of the session can be particularly frustrating. The session schedules never match year to year, and we don’t receive that schedule prior to the start of the session. For

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

instance, we’ll typically know the first five or 10 legislative days at the start of session, then we’ll be notified of days 1118, 19-25, etc. every few weeks. It can be very challenging to sort and schedule your day job and your family life around a constantly shifting, unpredictable legislative schedule. House and Senate leadership have fortunately been sensitive to this, and have been giving us large portions of the schedule at a time to facilitate working members like me. Typically the first week of session is a five-day week. The second week (starting with a state holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day) historically has been devoted solely to budget debate without burning actual legislative days. In recent years, we have been burning the candle at both ends and utilizing the latter half of the week for session days too. It appears that will be the pattern this year as well. It is after this point in the session that most of the standing House committees start to meet and consider general legislation. That means keeping schedules sorted continued on page 60 Michael Caldwell is the state representative for District 20, which includes Towne Lake and Woodstock. He can be reached at 678-523-8570 or email him at Michael. Caldwell@house.ga.gov

Winter Weather Advice:

Be Prepa red

A strong El Niño is causing weather forecasters to predict a colder and wetter than normal winter for the Southeast, including Georgia. Remember the catastrophic ice storm that hit metro Atlanta in early 2014? Commuters were stuck overnight on the highways. Students had to sleep in their school gyms because buses couldn’t run and parents couldn’t get to the schools to pick up their children. It’s a scenario that isn’t easy to forget and certainly one that no one wants to repeat. We could face another significant winter storm, so it doesn’t hurt to follow the old Boy Scouts’ motto: “Be prepared.” These guidelines were recently released by the National Weather Service. Keep this page handy just in case!

Terminology Here’s a weather dictionary to help us understand the watches and warnings given by meteorologists. Winter Storm Watch: Issued 12-48 hours in advance of an event for a 50 percent or greater chance of conditions favorable for a significant winter storm (including heavy sleet, heavy snow or an ice storm). Winter storm conditions include two or more inches of snow, a half inch or more of sleet or a quarter inch or more of freezing rain. Winter Weather Advisory: Issued up to 36 hours before an event for an 80 percent or greater chance of a winter precipitation event (snow, freezing rain/drizzle, sleet or blowing snow) that causes inconveniences but does not meet warning criteria. Winter Storm Warning: Issued up to 36 hours before an event for an 80 percent or greater chance of a winter weather event that meets at least one of these criteria: two or more inches of snow, half inch or more of sleet or quarter inch or more of freezing rain.

Travel Safety Kit A major key to preparedness is having a ready kit—a portable emergency supply kit of basic items you may need if a disaster occurs. • • • • • • • • • • •

Road maps/GPS equipment Ice scraper/brush Sand/cat litter for traction Water/non-perishable food Mobile phone/charger Batteries Blankets First aid kit Pocket knife Tow rope Shovel AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

Christmas Parade 2015: Behind the Scenes

Participants put finishing touches on their floats before the Woodstock parade. Director of Tourism Kyle Bennett said the parade began in 1997 as the Woodstock Centennial Parade to celebrate the anniversary of the day the city received its charter from the state of Georgia - Dec. 8, 1897. The parade is always held on the first Saturday of the month to be as close as possible to the anniversary date. Photos by Darleen Prem.

Giving Backâ&#x20AC;Ś One Song at a Time

Students at Woodstock Elementary School shared some Christmas cheer with the firefighters at Station 10. Photos by Darleen Prem.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

SHOP

With a Hero

2015

Thanks to the generosity of donations to the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation and a grant from Walmart, 154 children were able to spend $75 each at the Shop with a Hero event in December. Representatives from the Woodstock fire and police departments spent time helping each family shop. Photos by Darleen Prem.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Community

History is Not

Just a Thing of the Past BY KYLE BENNETT

Anyone interested in the history of Woodstock should consider becoming involved with Preservation Woodstock, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of the city for future generations by sponsoring activities that focus attention on historic events, locations and people who have contributed to the city. Preservation Woodstock’s roots date to the city’s centennial celebration in 1997. At that time, the organization was known as the Woodstock Centennial Commission and members helped plan centennial-related activities, such as the publication of “Georgia’s Woodstock: A Centennial Tribute.” The decision was made to change the name to Preservation Woodstock based on the organization’s historic focus and its goal of continuing to spotlight the city’s history. One of Preservation Woodstock’s most visible projects is the placing of plaques explaining the history of the city’s oldest buildings. The group also helps organize exhibits that focus on unique aspects of Woodstock history. Past Preservation Woodstock exhibits have focused on the Woodstock Train Depot, women in Woodstock History, the Cherokee Atomedic Hospital and Woodstock Elementary School. Preservation Woodstock also offers crucial support to the

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Dean’s Store, first Coca Cola fountain.

Woodstock Visitors Center at the historic Dean’s Store. This venue gives residents and visitors the chance to experience the look and feel of Woodstock in earlier decades. Historical themed ornaments, magnets and books that are fundraisers for Preservation Woodstock are also available for purchase at the visitors center. The next time you are in downtown Woodstock enjoying a meal at one of the great new restaurants, shopping at the wonderful stores or having fun at a festival, keep in mind that you are standing among the history that has helped shape the Woodstock we all know and love. If you are interested in becoming involved with Preservation Woodstock, Inc., please call 770-924-0406 or check out the website at www.preservationwoodstock.com. Preservation Woodstock meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of January, March, May, July, September and November at the Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Kyle Bennett is the director of tourism for the Woodstock Downtown Development Authority. He can be reached at kbennett@woodstockga.gov.

Local Restaurant Celebrates Fourth Anniversary

J. Miller’s a Smokehouse Jan. 1, 2016 is an extra special day for Joe Satterfield—it marks the fourth anniversary of his Woodstock barbecue restaurant, J. Miller’s a Smokehouse. But on any day, hungry guests can look forward to a diverse menu—something that sets J. Miller’s apart from a typical barbecue restaurant. “We are known for barbecue and Brunswick stew, but we also offer interesting specialty sandwiches featuring our barbecue,” said Joe.

Here’s a sampling:

The Lone Star Reuben: Brings the northern favorite down home with smoked beef brisket, sauerkraut, a special barbecue dressing and Swiss cheese on a toasted roll. Black & Blue Brisket Sandwich: Tender brisket grilled with J. Miller’s blackening spice, then topped with melted blue cheese crumbles and served on a toasted bun. Carolina Wrap: Warm barbecue chopped white meat chicken with vinegar-based coleslaw and shredded cheddar cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla and pressed on the grill. The Smokehouse Cuban: J. Miller’s take on the classic Cuban, with southern pulled pork, slices of black forest ham, pickles, a generous portion of mustard and pressed on a fresh-baked Cuban roll. It’s not uncommon for diners to choose J. Miller’s, even if they aren’t in the mood for barbecue. It’s easy to find options to please everyone with these specialty sandwiches, and a Mahi-Mahi po’boy on the menu. The Mahi-Mahi po’boy is coated with J. Miller’s blackening spice and served on a toasted roll with spicy rémoulade, lettuce and tomato. Selections also include fresh-cut salads, all-beef hot dogs and sides like fried okra, barbecue baked beans, fries, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese. To end on a sweet note, diners can choose homemade cobbler with a scoop of ice cream or brownies made with Ghirardelli chocolate. Because barbecue and beer are natural companions, Joe said J. Miller’s has an excellent craft beer selection made up exclusively of Georgia-made beers. Six Reformation Brewery beers are in that lineup. Diners enjoy service at the table, and can purchase family combo and pig packs to grab and go for special occasions at home. Catering is available for larger events; barbecue is a

Above, Smokehouse Cuban Sandwich, right, Pulled Pork platter

150 Towne Lake Parkway Woodstock, GA 30189 www.jmillerssmokehouse.com 770-592-8295 On Facebook at J. Miller’s a Smokehouse On Twitter @jmillersbbq popular choice for laid-back weddings. Along with the fourth anniversary of J. Miller’s in Woodstock, Joe is celebrating the fourth month of operating the Remington Smokehouse, a satellite location inside Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna. With the counter-service option inside the outdoors store, it’s easy to “buy your bullets and your barbecue,” said Joe. Another way to enjoy J. Miller’s barbecue is to find the food truck, which is a regular at downtown events such as the Woodstock Summer Concert Series and holiday festivities. At the Woodstock Wing & Rock Fest, J. Miller’s was runner up in 2013 and 2014, and won first place in 2015 in the People’s Choice category. Joe is a Canton native and has worked in the restaurant industry since 1979. After running sandwich shops, fine dining restaurants and a comedy club, he’s happy to be working in a barbecue restaurant where the atmosphere is more laid back. Being so close to the entertainment hub means many of his guests make the short walk from downtown Woodstock. J. Miller’s is an easy stroll from the corner of Main Street and Towne Lake Parkway. “What the city of Woodstock has done to revitalize the downtown area has helped my success at this location. The city has been supportive of me as a small business owner by creating a positive business environment,” he said. “With new residents moving into the area, I think our business also will continue to grow.”

photos by Kim Bates

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Lifestyle

A New Year, a New Miracle BY MICHAEL LITREL, MD, FACOG, FPMRS

He gurgled, struggling to take a breath. The newborn scrunched his eyelids in protest as I suctioned the amniotic fluid from his mouth. His cries, now gurglefree, reverberated through the operating room. The neonatal nurse lifted his small body from the bloodstained sterile drapes to the Ohio Bed Infant Warmer. This 30-second adventure through the cold operating room was enough insult to propel him into some much needed exercise of his lungs. Finally able to inhale, he found his voice within a few seconds, gathering his energy for a long loud wail. The volume of his complaints after his forced eviction from the warm cocoon of his mother’s body left no room for debate: This patient of Northside Hospital–Cherokee was one very unsatisfied customer. Twenty years later, my memory of that delivery is still clear. I was called in late New Year’s Eve. Darkness and cold pushed against the hospital windows. Even the operating room seemed colder than usual. I pictured my young wife, warm at home, with our infant son and 3-year-old Tyler sleeping in the next room. I had first arrived to this hospital six months earlier, on July 1, the very day after completing my eight years of medical training at Emory. I was coming to work for Dr. James Cross. Within five minutes of meeting Dr. Cross, I knew I wanted to work for him. He told me, “If you come here, Dr. Mike, you’ll

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

make a big difference.” Hearing those words, I knew that Cherokee County was where God wanted me to serve and grow as a doctor. Performing my first C-section at my new hospital, I immediately fell in love with the operating room. It was the only OR I’d ever seen with windows: the glass revealed a carpet of lush green trees, unfurling into the distance to wrap the distant mountains. The mountaintops kissed a clear blue sky. Throughout that long January night, I looked out those windows into the dark and wondered if I’d made the right choice, coming to this rural hospital. As morning drew near, a light gathered on the horizon. And at the very moment I pulled the baby’s head from his mother’s body, the sun, like a glorious proclamation, burst over the horizon, gilding the mountains with sparkling ribbons of orange and gold. And the unsatisfied customer began to cry. The operating room was no longer so cold, courtesy of a perfect sunrise. A new life. A new miracle. A Happy New Year. Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS is board certified in the subspecialty female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He is a board certified urogynecologist and obstetrician/ gynecologist at Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists. www.cherokeewomenshealth.com.

Time for Some New Year’s (Financial) Resolutions SUBMITTED BY IVAN GARCIA

Now that we’ve entered 2016, there are some worthy financial resolutions that you should consider. For example… • Pay yourself first. Even if you aren’t living paycheck to paycheck, you probably don’t have much trouble spending your money. There’s always something that you or a family member needs, always a repair required for your home or your car, always one more bill to pay. But if you are going to achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you need to invest consistently. So before you pay everyone else, pay yourself by having some money automatically moved from your checking or savings account each month into an investment. • Take advantage of your opportunities. If you have a 401(k) or similar plan at work, take full advantage of it. Contribute as much as you can afford—or at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered—and choose the mix of investments that give you the potential to achieve the growth you need at a level of risk with which you are comfortable. • Focus on the long term. In the short term, you might be excused for not wanting to invest. The headlines are typically scary, the financial markets are frequently volatile and the future often looks murky. Yet, if you can look past the uncertainties of today and keep your focus on tomorrow, you will find it easier to follow a disciplined investment strategy that gives you the opportunity to meet your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement. • Don’t be driven by fear. When the market is down, investors tend to react with fear. Specifically, they rush to sell their investments, afraid that if they don’t cut their losses they might sustain even bigger ones. If you can get past this feeling, you may find that a down market can offer you the chance to buy quality investments at good prices. • Forget about the “hot stocks.” You’ll hear friends, coworkers and talking heads on television tout today’s “hot stocks.” But by the time you might hear about them, they may have cooled off and, in any case, they might not be appropriate for your needs. Forget about getting rich quick in the market; it probably won’t happen. True investment success requires patience and persistence. • Cut down on your debts. It’s easy to pile up debts, but a lot harder getting rid of them. If you can reduce your debt load even moderately, you’ll free up money you could use to invest. So look for ways to conserve, cut back and consolidate. It will be worth the effort. Making these resolutions—and sticking to them—can help you as you work toward achieving your financial goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local advisor Ivan Garcia.

Financial advisor Ivan Garcia has lived in the Woodstock area for 17 years. He joined Edward Jones in 2007. Ivan can be reached at 770-926-0105 or ivan.garcia@edwardjones.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Lifestyle

Rob’s Rescues This dog’s name is Amber. She is a girl and 2 years old. She was brought in as a stray. She is really big and strong and looks like a tiger. She is a boxer mix. Amber is friendly and nice and she is thin. She sometimes listens to you and she is always listening to what is outside the door. She really wanted to sit on my mom’s lap. I collected so much food that it filled up the car. I hope that you could do the same. Ms. Debi Fife had a big party called “Chicksgiving.” The giving part was food for Rob’s Rescues and they also gave pet toys and money, and I think the chicks part was about eating chicken for dinner. In the picture - celebrating “Chicksgiving: (from left) Irene Macmillan (kneeling), Sarah Carney, Kelly Ingram, Alison Cox, Cadie Eure, Terri Zahorodny, Kristin Brown, Jean Landmesser, Lisa Stock, Kathleen Atkins and Debi Fife (with Kahlua). There are eight kittens in the shelter right now. Three of them are free and all of them are good. All of them are cute, too. The one in the picture is Xander.

Rob’s Rescues

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

now has a Facebook page!

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

Turning 13, and Everything Changes BY MATT NEAL

Something happened since the last time you heard from me. I now have a teenager living in my house. Fortunately for us, my daughter was kind enough to spend the last year since her 12th birthday preparing us for the transition. I think back to that time in the distant past when I turned 13. For the first time in my life, I was far more concerned about what my friends thought of me than of what my parents thought. In fact, I completely expected my parents to accept me without fail, no matter what crazy and idiotic things I did. But the acceptance of my peers was by no means guaranteed. It was a hard-fought battle just to not be ostracized. And I had to fight that battle every day, with every article of clothing I wore, with everything I said. Life was tough at 13 when peer pressure ruled my very existence. It was a time when what other people thought of me shaped how I viewed myself. It would shape the kind of person I became. What a shame that no matter how good the parents are, it’s the unknown and unnamed peers that really take charge of creating the personality of a teenager. The cool kids in school rule the roost as far as teaching the newly minted teens how they are to think, how they are to dress, and how they are to view themselves. So now I have to change my strategy for parenting. If things go bad in school I can no longer say, “It’s OK, daddy loves you,” and play tickle monster with her. In fact, all my old tricks are out the window. Everything makes her feel awkward, even in our own home. She acts as if there are spies peering through the windows, and if they see me give her a hug they will report back to the rest of the school and her reputation will be in tatters. Parents are naturally such embarrassing creatures, anyway. It’s not like we can help it. It’s an old cliché that some parents will try to be the cool mom or the fun dad. I know I have no chance of that. So whenever I meet her friends I can see the anxiety on her face. I can read her thoughts. What will he do to embarrass me? Therefore, I do the only thing I can think of in those situations. I reach out and grab her nose, then say, “Look, I got your nose!”

What a shame that no matter how good the parents are, it’s the unknown and unnamed peers that really take charge of creating the personality of a teenager.

Matt Neal is a freelance writer who has lived in Woodstock with his wife since 1999. He can be reached at www. mattnealwriter@yahoo.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Lifestyle

Closing the Door. Where Will You Go? BY ANN LITREL

On Dec. 1, I closed my studio in downtown Woodstock. I’d opened 10 years ago, when Woodstock was a ghost town. For the past four years, I shared the space with fellow artist Kristina Laurendi Havens. We painted, held classes, hosted other artists, opened the doors wide for the public every first Friday of the month. Unfortunately, our landlord Kevin got an offer on the building he “couldn’t refuse,” and the new owner needed both floors. We had to move out. The question I got most was: Where will you go? Packing up, I wasn’t sure how I felt. I’m actually kind of stupid about my feelings when they’re negative. Sometimes my husband Michael knows how I’m feeling before I do. He’ll suggest that I’m sad. Or mad. And when he says it I realize, “Yes!!! I am!!” The empty studio was beautiful, stripped to her bare bones. Century-old wood floors reflecting light from the windows. Bare bricks and plaster like an abstract painting. Wooden support columns, solid as ships’ masts. Kristina’s daughter Ari pirouetted across the floor, enjoying the large open space. My heart skipped a little, feeling light as it followed her steps. I’ve been an artist all my life. When I was 3, I began drawing every day, filling stacks of small lined tablets with childlike stick figures. I wasn’t especially talented. I just drew. A LOT.

The main place I drew was the kitchen table. By the time I was 6, I had begun saying, “When I grow up, I want to be an artist.” I learned from a few patronizing smiles not to say that I wanted to “be in museums.” By age 14, I had mastered the first step: being able to draw things to look “real.” As an adult artist, I’ve had a commercial studio in Decatur, and now in Woodstock. But I’ve ALWAYS had a place to paint at home, even when it was just a drafting desk in a tiny condo. Watching Ari dance in the studio, I felt my heart rise at being unburdened with “stuff.” I thought about painting at home. There my windows look into my little yard, my gardens. Birds, dragonflies, lizards—sparks of life flitter past. I answer them on canvas with color and light, mirroring life with a flick of the brush. My dream of being an artist has changed. Painting in my “ivory tower” downtown 10 years ago, I gradually realized I was lonely. I fumbled my way to connections, I sold my work to raise money for local nonprofits. I volunteered at the Cherokee Arts Center. And finally I joined other artists—planners and dreamers both—to help grow the Elm Street Cultural Arts Village in downtown Woodstock. On that four acres, a world unto itself has taken root—an outdoor stage, an historic home to be restored, artist studios, galleries, gardens. My childhood dream hasn’t left me; I will always paint. And I am part of the wide world through the Internet. But where my child eyes saw only my work upon the kitchen table, now I Early kitchen table art. see there are artists and dreamers all around me, at Elm Street and beyond. We paint together on a much bigger canvas: the community. The question I’ve been asked most: Where will you go? The answer? Nowhere. And everywhere. Find out more about the four-acre world of Elm Street at www.Revive the Reeves.org.

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village: restored Reeves home, artist’s concept. 34

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Ann is an artist who lives in Towne Lake with her husband Dr. Michael Litrel and their two sons. Ann can be reached in her studio Ann Litrel Art in downtown Woodstock, or at Ann@annlitrel.com.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

I N N O V AT I O N . E D U C AT I O N . C O M M U N I T Y. PLAE HARD is a new, innovative fitness studio in downtown Woodstock that provides members with an extremely original and exciting training experience. No treadmills. No machines. Just ground-based workouts led by dynamic, engaging and, most importantly, educated coaches. Each session is designed so that anyone can participate – from the elite athlete to the New Year’s resolution beginner. Offering expert knowledge to the public is one of the things that sets PLAE HARD apart. “It’s not about making sure you go the lowest, or lift the heaviest. It’s about what you can do, and how you can do that better,” said Josh Keenum, director of PLAE HARD. Coach Keenum is a Reebok-sponsored athlete with certifications from AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), ACE (American Council on Exercise), KettleWorx and Les Mills. He has presented throughout the U.S. and internationally. He is also a second-generation Woodstock

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

businessman, full of hometown pride as he works to make the community healthier. Each coach has spent years honing his or her training craft. Helping people reach their personal fitness goals and educating them about movement and mobility is the PLAE HARD team’s passion. Members are educated on what areas of the body particular movements target and why. The science-based workouts at PLAE HARD get results for clients interested in increasing lean muscle mass, strength, endurance and mental clarity. Robb Christian joined PLAE HARD at 420 pounds and is currently below 365 after 12 weeks of training. “You’re never judged at PLAE HARD,” said Christian. “I’m thrilled with it, but Coach Hickmann is actually more enthusiastic than I am.” PLAE HARD’s Director of Performance, Matt Hickmann, developed the Next Level Training Series – a systematic approach to circuit training. He uses a variety of strength, speed, agility, endurance, mobility and pre-habilitation exercises, crafting challenging but safe, high-intensity workouts. “In order to get the most out of your training, you need the right plan. At PLAE HARD we create a plan just for you. Once the plan is in place, we focus on first and foremost, technique, then intensity — all of this performed in an energetic, challenging environment,” said Hickmann. Coach Hickmann has a B.S. in Fitness and Wellness and a minor in Strength and Conditioning. He is a member of the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. He’s worked with multiple championship sports teams and individual athletes, pushing them toward success — most recently as the assistant strength coach at Georgia Tech. By limiting class size, PLAE HARD can provide personal training in a group setting. The atmosphere creates an inclusive community among its members. Friendly competition is encouraged, but camaraderie is required.

photo by J. King Images

Jenn Kenney is another member who enjoys the structure at PLAE HARD. “I work out a lot and this is by far one of the most challenging, fun [experiences]. Never the same workout twice. I absolutely love coming,” said Kenney. PLAE HARD, before it was a facility, was originally the educational arm of PLAE, its parent company. PLAE engineers and designs the highest quality sports performance flooring in the world to help athletes perform their best. Their vision is “total domination for athletes of all kinds.” Out of that vision, PLAE HARD was born. Attention to detail in the facility starts from the ground up – literally. The PLAE flooring system in PLAE HARD is designed to absorb shock and return energy to maximize safety and performance. Members train on the same flooring installed in some of the best athletic facilities in the world. Professional football, basketball, baseball and hockey teams train on PLAE flooring, as well as numerous Division 1 schools and Fortune 100 companies. Kennesaw State, UGA and Georgia Tech are a few local universities that might ring a bell. PLAE HARD recently sponsored the Woodstock Christmas Run and offered

free workouts to the teachers and staff of the Cherokee County Board of Education over their holiday break. PLAE HARD provides people in the surrounding area access to a healthier, more active lifestyle with their community presence and promotion of active events. “We want PLAE HARD to be more than a training facility. Our hope is that PLAE HARD grows into a community that thrives on encouragement, education and lasting relationships, helping members live longer, healthier, more fulfilled lives,” said Keenum.

PLAE HARD 8594 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188

678.408.2241

info@plaehard.com Open 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM

Plaehard.com Facebook: /plaehardwoodstock Instagram: plaehard Twitter: plaehard AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Lifestyle

Make Applying to College Easier – Part 1 BY JIM RAY

Now that you’ve decided to pursue a college education, the unending list of things to do may seem daunting, especially when normal life itself is already hectic. We have a few tips that we think will make the college application process easier. Please check back for the conclusion of this article in the March 2016 issue. • Get career counseling to help you choose a major field of study. This will be valuable at the beginning of your decisionmaking process and make it easier to narrow down school choices. Get real answers about what occupation fits your personality and interests by using career planning software. This should list every career imaginable and describe what you’ll be doing along with the training required in each career to get hired. It should also give you an idea of the salary in each field, and how many new jobs are created each year. • Narrow your choices to a list of schools you could see yourself happily attending. Simply put, your resources are valuable. By making an organized list of schools that fit your personality/style, you’re ensuring that time and money are spent wisely. Read school mission statements, visit the college and envision what it would feel like to attend. If everything looks and feels good, then add the school to the list of where you’ll apply. • Find ways to improve student positioning. Starting early and building what we call a “brag sheet,” will save you time in the long

Downtown Business Spotlight Fashion Cupcake is a locally owned and operated clothing and gift boutique located on 8670 Main St., Suite 3. The store, which is owned and operated by Amanda Topper, features women’s clothing, gift items including a wide variety of candles, home decor items, shoes and baby shower gifts. Clothing ranges in size from infants 0-6 months to adult women. A mother, daughter and granddaughter shopping together would easily find a style to suit each one. Amanda said there’s not limit to ages who love to shop at Fashion Cupcake - one of her frequent customers is a 94-year-old woman. Amanda is a Kell High School graduate who graduated from Emory University. After being accepted into Emory’s nursing program, her heart led her to a more light- hearted work atmosphere. She cheered for The Atlanta Falcons and worked as a professional actress, where she had roles in international commercials and movies like “Footloose” and “Scary Movie 5” before following her dream of opening a boutique. That was a little more than two years ago, and she enjoys getting to know her customers. Their goal is to greet everyone with a smile. 38

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

run. Throughout high school, seek ways to make your coursework more challenging. Volunteer, participate in extra-curricular activities and keep track of significant awards and achievements. Keep a written record of these things so when the time comes, you have something to show. Maintain detailed accounts of who you participated with, dates you were there, and what you accomplished. Keep in contact with people that can verify your hard work and give you a good reference. The ultimate goal is to move you into a position where you’ll stand out from competition during the college admissions process. We want schools to potentially pursue you, instead of you pursuing them. • Prepare for the SAT and ACT. Study and practice, practice, practice. SAT/ACT scores truly matter to colleges! This too is an integral part of student positioning; sadly, all the volunteering in the world won’t mean much if a student has low SAT scores. Put in the effort, find study groups and take the SAT a few times if needed. Find practice tests and seek out resources, like the SAT website.

Jim Ray, president of J Ray CPA, PC, a full-service CPA firm, has an office in Woodstock as well as virtual offices. 404994-5102. www.jraycpa.com.

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.

Date: January 29 Topic: State of the City Address Speaker: Mayor Donnie Henriques For more information on the Downtown Buzz program or to suggest a topic for consideration, please contact Mitzi at 770-592-6056 • downtownwoodstock.org/downtown-buzz Business, individual and non-profit memberships are available

Elm Street:

Movies and Theater - Are they the same? BY CHRISTOPHER BRAZELTON

Over and over we hear “acting for the stage” and “acting for the camera” grouped into the same category. It’s a fun thing to think about really (if you are a nerd like me). Actually, if you think about it, acting for the stage and camera are quite different. For instance, acting for the stage requires you to be “in character” for sometimes hours on end without breaking, truly a testament of mental endurance (if you think otherwise, I dare you to come out and audition). Conversely, acting for the camera is equally hard, going in and out of character the instant someone says “action” or “cut.” Particularly, it is intriguing to see how the gap from stage to camera or vice versa is being closed. The most noticeable bridge is the rise of NBC’s live musicals, like the recent production of “The Wiz.” Fox will join the action with a live performance of the musical “Grease” at the end of this month. There is also a growing trend in London, where theaters produce small live broadcasted performances online. And of course, we have seen successful movies based off Broadway shows, most notably “Chicago” (2002), “Hairspray” (2007) and “Into the Woods” (2014). The merging of the film into theater performances is growing, and I believe this is ultimately good for the theater community. Even when a musical movie flops, more often than not it helps a mainstream culture that accepts these live shows, when perhaps before it was not accepted into pop culture. But we have to be careful that these movies or live broadcasted productions don’t upstage the theater itself. How? Focus on the story being told and not on the spectacle. Yes, some stories are just written for the stage (or film) and maybe shouldn’t cross media, but they will inevitably. A perfect example of this comes with “On Golden Pond.” Most people know and remember it as a movie, but few know that it was actually a successful play two years before the movie’s release. Both were received quite well, which can be attributed to the fact that when the play was adapted into a screenplay, the focus remained on the relationships and the vulnerability of the story, not on all of the new realistic places they could go since they were filming. Elm Street will be producing the stage play “On Golden Pond” and this group has tried to capture those genuine moments. We hope you will join us during those shows to create some new spectacular moments.

The merging of the film into theater performances is growing.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

JANUARY

15, 16, 22, 23 AT 7:30PM 17 & 24 AT 2:00PM

Call or visit us on the web to learn about our

SPRING CLASSES ELMSTREETARTS.ORG 678.494.4251

Christopher Brazelton, a Florida State University graduate, works as the operations director for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Lifestyle

Bald is the NEW BLACK

Embrace the changes happening to your hairline. BY TIM TIMMONS

Inevitably it happens to most men at some point. You notice that the little wad of hair clogging the drain in the shower is getting bigger and bigger. Reality begins to set in. You are starting to go bald. By age 35, about two-thirds of men will experience noticeable hair loss. And by age 65, 85 percent of men are significantly thinning. We take it seriously and somehow we feel less attractive and less confident. Just because you are becoming follically challenged doesn’t mean that you have to be stylistically challenged as well. Think of hair loss as an opportunity to freshen up your image and try new things. Now that you’ve decided to make the most of what you’ve got, here are some general rules: Keep it shorter. The more your hair recedes and thins, the shorter you’ll want to go. Follow Daniel Craig’s and Jude Law’s lead and change up your hairstyle using textured and spiked techniques, messy layers or a Caesar cut. Never, ever do a comb-over. Think Donald Trump. Don’t grow a ponytail and sport a look like Willie Nelson, which makes it seem that your hair just slid back on your head. Please, never ever choose an accentuated widow’s peak like Steven Seagal. Now that we have covered the worst of the hair don’ts, let’s review a few hairstyles for receding hairlines that have worked well for a few of these famous faces. Textured and Spiked: Keep the sides short, maybe even an aggressive high fade and more length on top as a distracting element. Think Sting and Bradley Cooper here. Daniel Day-Lewis totally uses this style to draw attention

Daniel Craig, above, and Daniel Day-Lewis, right.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

away from his receding hairline. Layered Bruce Willis, above, and George Shag: If Clooney, left. you are just beginning to thin and notice your hairline starting to push back and are not yet ready to go super short, consider some light, textured layers. Think Keith Urban, John Bon Jovi and Johnny Depp. It’s a tousled style that will lend an intentionally disheveled look. Caesar: Sides are kept a little longer with a structured mid-length look and the front is point cut with a horizontal bang and styled forward. Inspired by the Roman Emperor and made fashionable by George Clooney. Clean-Shaven/ Bald: We were all born bald! If all else fails, take it back to its roots (No pun intended)! Just as the headline says, bald is the new black! A clean-shaven man exudes confidence, sexiness and power, like Vin Diesel, Bruce Willis and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Also, note that keeping a little facial hair like a 5 o’clock shadow or goatee will add a stylish element and also will take the focus away from any thinning or receding hair. The best thing to do is simply embrace a receding hairline as part of the aging process. Resorting to snake oils and ripping up your scalp like a sod farmer is expensive and, in the end, futile. If you don’t make a big deal out of how much hair is on your head, no one else will either. Whatever you decide, do it with confidence and know that your manhood and stature are not determined by the length or thickness of your hair. If you’re looking for the best results, consult a men’s hairstylist and adopt a style that is right for your hair and facial features, and never look back.

Think of hair loss as an opportunity to freshen up your image and try new things.

Tim Timmons is the owner of Salon Gloss Woodstock. Tim’s industry experience includes positions as trainer/educator, celebrity stylist and beauty consultant for the Grammys and MTV video music awards.

Healthy, Quick Meals for the New Year

One-Pot Mexican Quinoa

BY CLAIRE FROST

New year, new you—again. This will be the year we stick to all those resolutions from last year, right? I have quite a few goals for 2016: Stop chasing perfection, spend more time outdoors, try spin class again (get ready for a comedic review of that!) and at the top of that list is sitting down as a family and having a healthy dinner more often. What does that mean? For me, it means I need to build an arsenal of kid- and husband-friendly dinners that can be ready in a flash, or that cook themselves in a slow-cooker with no supervision. I’m a big fan of slow-cooker recipes and anything that can be cooked in one pot. (In the case of dishes, less is always more.) With just a little Googling you can collect quick, easy and healthy recipes that will get your family off to great start in 2016. Here is a recipe for Mexican quinoa that we all love in our house. Yup, all three of us. (Five if you count the dogs, since there are always a few pieces that are “set free” by our daughter.) If you’re in the market for a healthy meal in a pinch and you’re tired of salads, try this one-pot Mexican quinoa. It’s filling, delicious, healthy, and it’s ready in 30 minutes.

Claire is the editor of House of Frost, a blog juggling family, fashion, food and furnishing with a little sparkle. HouseFrost.com

• • • • •

2 Tablespoons olive oil 3 Tablespoons minced garlic 3 Tablespoons minced jalapeño 1 cup quinoa 1 1/2 cup vegetable broth (keep handy, you may need more) • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained • 1 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes with peppers) • 1 cup corn, drained

• • • • •

2 teaspoons chili powder 1 Tablespoon cumin salt and pepper, to taste lime juice, to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (or cilantro paste)

Optional toppers: • • • •

avocado sour cream cheese salsa

• Heat olive oil on medium high in a skillet, add garlic and jalapeños. Stir frequently to keep garlic from burning. • After one minute, throw in everything else. (Except optional toppers.) • Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium low, cover pan, and pour yourself a glass of wine. Sit back and relax for 20 minutes. • Come back and take a look. If it’s starting to dry, add more broth. (You can use water if you’re running low on broth.) • Serve over avocado slices and add sour cream, cheese or salsa as desired.

Becoming an Actor: What Happens in an Audition BY JESSICA LEIGH SMITH

“Did you have to audition for that?” I get that question often. Yes, of course I had to audition. That is almost always a requirement for any role. To help out beginning actors, I would like to share what happens at the audition. Typically, you receive an email from your agent one to two days before the audition with the time, location, role, lines (we call them “sides”) and any other information the casting director thinks you need to know. Make sure to read the email thoroughly and follow all directions. Prepare for the audition by learning the role and deciding on your outfit. The rule is to dress to suggest the character, not be the character. If the role is a nurse, do not wear scrubs and a stethoscope. Simply wear slacks and a blue T-shirt. If the role is of a police officer, do not wear a uniform; wear slacks, a blue button up and a tie. Show up to the audition five to 15 minutes early. Never arrive more than 15 minutes before the audition and never right on time. As they say, “on time is late.” If you are en route and running late, call your agent and let him or her call the casting director. Traffic is not a valid reason for being late; you know Atlanta traffic is bad, so plan for it. Have the mindset that you will accept whatever appointment time you are offered. It should be a rare occasion that you ask your agent to have your audition time rescheduled. The time

may not be convenient, but it is the nature of the business that you do not get to choose. Once you arrive, you will sign in by computer or paper. Take some time to freshen up in the restroom and do some last minute prep work. Use this time to stretch your muscles, loosen up, work on some vocal exercises, mentally prepare your character, go over lines with your scene partner, if you have one, and do do some relaxation and breathing exercises. When your name is called, walk in with confidence. Stand up straight, smile and be pleasant, but don’t be overly conversational. Do not shake hands unless a hand is offered to you; casting directors meet hundreds of actors every day and they don’t want to get sick. Listen to directions and follow them. Speak with a strong voice and exhibit confidence. You may be asked if you have any questions. Almost always your answer to that should be “no.” If you have read your audition email extensively you should know everything you need to know. Don’t hold anything back during your audition. Make strong choices and deliver on them. When you’re finished, continued on page 60

Jessica Leigh Smith lives in Cherokee County with her family. Jessica is also an actress and producer. JessicaLeighSmith.com and Facebook.com/NotFinishedInc. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Helping Hands

to Africa From Woodstock

Using creative arts as a call to action

H2A missionaries perform in Mkholombe,

BY SUSAN SCHULZ

owned property covered with shacks made of wood, cardboard, tin, and other scrap material with no modern conveniences. Three mission trips per year are made from the United States to Africa to empower and invest in the lives of these precious young people who live in abysmal poverty. H2A has served the Xhosa tribe in Masiphumelele and the Zulu tribe in Mkholumbe. Karen remembered a particularly moving scene in the Mkholombe Squatter Camp. “I noticed a Zulu woman washing her clothes near the community water tap; close to where the youth had set up outside to perform. I spoke with her and asked her thoughts about the H2A youth. Smiling she said, ‘Those young people are doing it right! I hope more youngsters will follow what they are doing.’ She stayed washing her clothes for the remainder of the performance. When it was finished, a few of the H2A team members made a point to speak to her and ask how they could pray for her. It was a simple moment which reminded me, as an outsider, of the impact our youth are having on their communities, and the importance of living a life worth following.” H2A has three full-time indigenous workers: Vuyo and Thulani, who lead the art and leadership camps, and Bongi, who has been designated as the H2A Compassion Ambassador. Vuto and Thulani meet with the students twice a week for Bible study and lead monthly performances for the community, while Bongi identifies extreme physical needs in the community. Hope2Africa leaders Becky and Karen with Mkholombe For more information directors Vuyo and Thulani. about H2A, email becky@ hope2africa.com or visit www. hope2africa.com. The ministry accepts donations and volunteers for the missions teams. All funds donated to H2A go to meet the needs of their youth and pay the stipend of their African staff. No one in the United States receives a salary from donated funds. ramps, provide clothing or make a financial donation. All financial support is tax deductible (501(c)19 Veteran Program). For more information, visit www.legion.org or call American Legion Post 45 at 770-479-4405.

For centuries, treasure hunters have scavenged the continent of Africa in search of hidden gems. Many have dug deep and searched tirelessly to cash in on the riches hidden deep within her soil. It’s been said that the greatest treasure in all of Africa is its people. Becky Harris, a Woodstock resident and president of Hope2Africa, believes this without a doubt. She beams when she speaks of the African youth she has served during her more than 30 trips to the continent. Becky leads Hope2Africa (H2A) with Karen Kleinschmidt, also a Woodstock resident. Becky and Karen are also heavily involved in the drama ministries at Woodstock First Baptist Church. H2A uses the creative arts to share the redemptive story of hope through Jesus to the people in their native languages. Volunteers organize arts day camps, leadership retreats, weekly Bible studies and rehearsals. Creative arts cross cultures and teach the youth invaluable life skills. For example, performances require organizational planning, patience, and lots of hard work. The process instills a sense of pride, and so much more when done. Programs run from January through November; incorporating 22 young Africans on each yearly team. More than 150 students have been through the program. There are three camps per year: two art camps and a leadership and business camp. Becky often visited Africa on mission trips, and in 2007, she felt compelled to set up an official ministry. Within a year, H2A was a registered nonprofit. The youth they serve live in squatter camps, which are settlements on government-

Audience at Mkholombe enjoys a performance. H2A youth performance. 44

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Susan Schulz is a Bible teacher, author, wife, and mom of three grown children. She lives and plays along the Etowah River and loves serving at Watermarke Church.

Lifestyle

GAME DAY

Recipes

Every team has its go-to play when the game is on the line and every fan has his or her favorite food that makes watching the big game even better. There’s no need for you to throw a Hail Mary pass at your game-watching party; try one of these recipes, from moms who know football, and score big with friends and family!

Antipasto Salad Kabobs Cari Kilgore, Woodstock

Cari cheers for her son Weston and the Woodstock Wolverines on Friday nights during the fall. On football Sundays in the winter, her family enjoys these delicious kabobs.

• 1 9-ounce package of three-cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions • 1 can pitted black olives, drained • 1 jar green olives, drained • 2 12-ounce containers marinated mozzarella cheese balls • 30 slices of salami, sliced in half • 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing • Wooden skewers Mix all ingredients together, cover and refrigerate at least one hour. Toss and add more dressing (if needed) before making kabobs. Stack alternating items onto a skewer, using the pointy end. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Green Bean Dish Kelly McDonnell, Woodstock Kelly is a football mom whose son Joseph plays for The King’s Academy Knights. This is a family favorite and must have when they watch the big game together. It’s also the only way she can get her lineman to eat his green beans.

• 6 cans Del Monte Blue Lake cut green beans • 1 1/2 cups brown sugar • 2 Tablespoons chopped garlic • 1 1/2 sticks melted butter • 4 Tablespoons soy sauce • 10-12 slices of (cooked) bacon Joseph McDonnell with his dad Drain beans and pour into baking dish. Pour brown sugar, and coach, Scott. garlic, butter and soy sauce over beans. Crumble bacon on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Goulash Kim Hunter, Woodstock

Kim is the proud mom of Colton, who plays center for Etowah High School’s varsity football team. Their family enjoys a hearty dish when it’s time to sit down and watch football together. Try this filling dish when it’s time for kick-off.

• 1 pound ground beef • 1 box pasta • ½ cup chopped bell pepper • ½ cup chopped onion • ½ cup chives • ½ cup cilantro • ½ cup jalapenos (optional) • 1 can Rotel • 1 cup sour cream • 1 small package Velveeta cheese

Sophomore Weston Kilgore is a middle linebacker at Woodstock High School.

Colton and his biggest fans; sister, Autumn, left, and his mom, Kim.

Brown ground beef and drain off excess oil. Boil pasta and drain. Mix ground beef, pasta and remaining ingredients in a large pot and warm until all ingredients are melted, mix thoroughly. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Lifestyle

Cozy! 1

LET’S GET

BY CHANTEL ADAMS | CHANLYNNADAMS@GMAIL.COM

I’m a Southern girl through and through, so when January arrives, I just want to curl up into a ball in my house and take the proverbial “long winter’s nap.” The wind is howling, and the trees are barren, but I’m choosing not to be too mopey about it. Today, I’ve curated some of my favorite picks for a cozy day at home.

Since I spend so much time indoors in the winter, I find that I care a lot more about the little details inside my house. All that time inside means more exposure to germs, which requires more reminders from mom to “wash your hands.” Forgo the Purell and do yourself a favor. Stop by Woodstock Market and pick up one of these sweet, winter scented soaps. The Sugar Pear and Winterberry is my favorite! $3.99-$6.99 at Woodstock Market, corner of Bells Ferry Road and Highway 92 in Woodstock.

Who would have thought leg warmers would be making a comeback? I haven’t seen them on anyone yet, but I’m having flashbacks to “Flashdance,” circa 1983. I was in the third grade and didn’t look cool in leg warmers. Unfortunately, now I’m 41, and my kids are skeptical that I can pull off this look even now. It’s January. It’s cold. It’s our time. Who’s with me? You can find these warmers at Be You...On Purpose in downtown Woodstock for $15.

If I had to choose my favorite activity, it would probably be reading a good book. I love all books − history, fiction, fantasy. You name it, I love it. I usually begin the new year with a giant list of books I can’t wait to read. On any given day, you’ll find me with one in my purse, another on the nightstand, some half-finished on the Kindle, and more heaped upon my desk. But this is the one that starts my day. Shauna Niequist’s words leap off the page of “Savor” and into my heart. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to slow down and savor life, then this book is for you. Available at FoxTale Book Shoppe in downtown Woodstock for $16.99.

4 46

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Don’t have a fireplace? Did you use all your wood over Christmas? Tired of sweeping up ashes? Don’t worry! These WoodWick candles simulate a real fire and even crackle as they burn. Best of all, they’re scented. I like the warm vanilla bean. Instead of eating more cookies, I’ll spend my January working off all those extra pounds and dreaming about the ones (or dozens) I ate over the holidays. WoodWick candles can be found at Branch Boutique in downtown Woodstock for $27.99.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK DINING GUIDE Casual and Upscale Dine-In Restaurants CUISINE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY SPIRITS RESERV. American no $ $ open Beer/Wine no

Modern American

$$$

open

Full bar

8 persons +

Wood-fired Pizza & Grill

$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Southern

Sat./Sun. Brunch

$$$

open

Full bar

Mexican

$-$$

open

Full bar

yes

American

open

Tapas/Sushi

Fri./Sat. only

open

Full bar

yes

Italian

open

Full bar

Diner

$-$$

open

Weekends only

BBQ & Southern Sandwiches

$-$$

open

Beer

Southern

Sunday Brunch

$$$$

open

Beer/Wine

yes

Mexican

Sat./Sun. Brunch

open

Full bar

6 persons+

Seafood

Sunday Brunch

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

yes

Gastropub

$$-$$$

open

Full bar

English Tea room

closed

yes

Truck & Tap 8640 Main St. 770-702-1670 truckandtap.com

Variety of Food trucks

$-$$

open

Craft Beer

Village Market & Cafe 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com Vingenzo’s 105 E Main St. 770-924-9133 vingenzos.com

American European

$-$$

open

Beer/Wine

limited

Italian

$$$

closed

Full bar

yes

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

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

RESTAURANT Canyons 335 Chambers St. 678-494-8868 canyonsburgercompany.com Century House Tavern 125 E Main St. 770-693-4552 centuryhousetavern.com Fire Stone 120 Chambers St. 770-926-6778 firestonerestaurants.com Freight Kitchen & Tap 251 E Main St. 770-924-0144 freightkitchen.com Habanero’s Taqueria 9550 Main Street 678-498-8243 Hot Dog Heaven 8588 Main St. 770-591-5605 Ice Martini & Sushi Bar 380 Chambers St. 770-672-6334 icemartinibar.com Ipps Pastaria & Bar 8496 Main St. 770-517-7305 ippspastaria.com J Christopher’s 315 Chambers St. 770-592-5990 jchristophers.com J Miller’s Smokehouse see 150 Towne Lake Pkwy. page 29 770-592-8295 jmillerssmokehouse.com Magnolia Thomas 108 Arnold Mill Rd. 678-445-5789 magnoliathomas.com Pure Taqueria 405 Chambers St. 770-952-7873 puretaqueria.com/woodstock Reel Seafood 8670 Main St. 770-627-3006 Salt Factory Pub 8690 Main St. (678) 903-6225 Tea Leaves & Thyme 8990 Main St. 770-516-2609 tealeavesandthyme.com

Lifestyle

Kick Off Changes with a 40-Day Fast BY SEAN KAUFMAN

Life is tough. Change is even tougher. As we live, we establish habits and sometimes those habits are unhealthy. Recognizing the things that are not working in your life is easy. Doing something about what is not working is where we struggle. Five years ago, it was my marriage. Four years ago, my job. Three years ago, my family. Two years ago, my health. Last year, my relationship with God. What if 2016 became the year you learned how to change? Change requires several things, and the greatest of these is support. This is why a trainer at the gym, a good friend and high levels of spiritual faith can increase the success of change dramatically. The second thing change requires is time. It is not uncommon for us to want to see improvements immediately. Also, changing old habits can be scary because it leads us outside of what we consider normal. It takes time to develop a “new normal” and during this time you may experience failures. You must forgive and be kind to yourself as you are changing. It may take weeks, months, or even years to see the benefits of your “new normal,” so patience is also needed. The third thing needed for change is a commitment, a desire, an “I’m all in” approach. In my opinion there is no better way to do this than a 40-day fast, not of food, but of what you are attempting to change. For example if you wanted to decrease fat intake, possibly committing to no fast food for 40 days may

be a good idea. Want to reduce sugar and carbonated drinks? Stop drinking them for 40 days. Want to increase your water intake? Fill a thermos and make sure to drink it for 40 days straight. Want a closer relationship to God? Take time every day for 40 days and pray. If you don’t make 40 days, start over again at day 1. Fasting doesn’t only stop behaviors, it starts them. For example, you will find alternatives to fast food that may be better for you. You will learn how to pray or discover drinking options other than soda. These lessons will be very important, as you learn more about yourself and increase the control of your day-to-day routines. The final thing needed for change is a funeral. Take a piece of paper and write the words, “I can’t.” Go outside, share some words about the role of “I can’t” in your life, bury the piece of paper and start saying, “I can” instead. This may be the most important step of all. The year of change is here! I wish all of you a very happy, healthy and successful 2016.

Sean Kaufman, an expert in behaviour change, specializes in life coaching and workforce motivation and owns The Texting Coach and Behavior-Based Improvement Solutions. sean@seankaufman.com

Today’s Job Tip:

Recharging Your Emotional Tool Kit BY LYNNE SAUNDERS

Just last week, a lady who was sitting in the lobby of Papa’s Pantry asked, “Are you the one who wrote the article last month in the TowneLaker about keeping a good attitude while looking for a job?” “Yes,” I replied, happy that she had read the article and remembered it. “You know, it is really hard,” she said. Then her lower lip quivered as she held back tears. I stopped to talk with her further. It was obvious she had emotionally hit bottom and was doubting herself. She went on to say that she tried to act positively during a recent job interview, but I think she was already running on empty. If this describes how you feel, please know that there is hope. Last month I listed some As for ATTITUDE. This month, let’s focus on the Bs for BELIEFS: What is a belief? It is the combination of thoughts and convictions that each of us holds that determines how and what we think, which directs the way we make decisions and speak. Many times, religious faith is where our beliefs are grounded. What do you believe about yourself down deep inside? Beauty: Look around and take a minute to identify those things that you find beautiful. Pause, take it in and appreciate it. Do you think you are physically attractive? That is a form of beauty, but it can be superficial. A beautiful face may be a 48

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

mask that prevents people from seeing the real you, inside. Inner beauty will draw others to you. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.” You are beautifully and wonderfully made! Buoyancy: You have the ability to keep bouncing back when trouble strikes. Remember, no person or circumstance can keep you down without your permission. Prayer helps. Find that place of strength and determination God placed inside of you. Bounty: Give yourself permission to deserve good things. Many times we sabotage ourselves with thoughts of inadequacy. No self-bullying allowed! Fill your mind with personal affirmations and push aside thoughts of fear. Spend your energy on those things that will produce positive results and give you hope. Keep Making Progress!

Lynne Saunders is director of Papa’s Pantry (www.papaspantry.org) and the Master’s Training Center. She can be reached at 770-591-4730.

Faith

All Things New BY ROSS WISEMAN

I love the start of a new year. Really, I love anything new. From the smell of a new car to the excitement of holding the latest and greatest version of whatever tech gizmo you’re jonesing for; there is something about embracing the new. I even felt that way about 2015 and now that year has come and gone and, with it, my vehicle just doesn’t feel as new as it once did. Oh, and my iPhone 6, that Holy Grail of communication technology, bit the dust when I hit a canyon-sized pothole while riding my motorcycle on I-20. It flew out of my pouch and was hit by a truck. Did I mention I chose not to insure it? Oh well, back to using an old phone and looking forward to something new later this year. Looking forward is part of the human condition. Longing for something new is just innate within us. I believe it’s hardwired into our psyche to anticipate the new. In Revelations, it takes a look at the end of time and says, “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5) There is a sense throughout Scripture that we are heading toward something new and, with that sense, there’s a longing to

see things be made new in our lives. I would like to encourage you at the beginning of this new year. If in 2015 you had some things crash and burn in your life, it’s not insurance you need to hold to, but assurance. Turn your eyes to the one that can make all things new and be encouraged that He has a way of turning things around when you give them to Him. “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 I hope you experience new and great things in 2016! Look forward and expect God’s best to come, even if in 2015 you hit some rough road and felt like you were run over by a truck.

Ross Wiseman is the founding and current pastor of Momentum Church since 2005. He can be reached at ross@momentumchurch.tv.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Health & Wellness

Diet Soda Habit Harmful For Your Teeth BY DR. SCOTT R. HARDEN

I am amazed that as we make more strides in modern science, there are still things that impede our progress. In dentistry, we have improved preventive dental care by using tooth sealants, but the increase in soda consumption has compromised this progress significantly. A study published in May 2013 in the journal “General Dentistry” stated that the heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine. When comparing meth mouth with coke mouth, it is startling to see the similarity in the intensity and extent of damage, according to Dr. Mohamed Bassiouny, a professor of restorative dentistry at the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia. Although this is a radical comparison, it does place emphasis on a common factor: acid and the destruction it causes to teeth. Soda contains citric and phosphoric acids, and constant exposure can rot teeth. Dr. Bassiouny found a woman in her 30s who drank 2 liters of diet soda daily for three to five years had the same serious tooth decay as a 29-year-old methamphetamine addict and a 51-year-old habitual user of crack cocaine. There are several interesting facts about the diet soda drinker. The woman chose diet drinks because she had concerns about weight gain. She felt there was less sugar, which shouldn’t be

a problem for her teeth. This is a common belief held by many people. Diet drinks have chemical properties that demineralize the enamel in your teeth. This woman would sip her diet sodas and hold it in her mouth before swallowing, which causes much worse tooth destruction, because teeth are exposed to the acid for longer periods of time. The soda’s acid destroys the tooth’s enamel, causing the enamel to look mottled and brown. The acid destruction also reduces the bite surfaces of all the teeth and will eventually lead to a collapsed bite. In the case of this particular patient, who did not receive regular checkups for many years, her teeth were completely eroded and all of her teeth had to be removed and replaced with dentures. For soda drinkers, prevention is the best approach to avoid tooth erosion and decay. How often, how much and how long the soda is in your mouth are all key factors. The best advice is not to drink sodas, but that is a bit extreme. The second best piece of advice is to drink water immediately after a soda to wash away some of the acidity. Always clean your teeth promptly after drinking a soda.

Dr. Scott Harden, a dentist at Fountain View Family Dentistry, has served Woodstock for more than 21 years. 770-926-0000. www.FountainViewSmiles.com.

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AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Health & Wellness

Stress Linked to Infertility in Some Women BY DR. CARLA ROBERTS

Happy New Year!

From the staff at Around Local Media 52

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Stress can have a big impact on your health and, for many women, it may also lead to infertility. In one study, those with the highest level of stress biomarkers had double the risk of not conceiving. It’s a vicious cycle because for many women trying to get pregnant, a failure to do so leads to even more stress. It’s certainly easier to say, lose the stress and your chances of getting pregnant may increase, but research now backs this claim: Stress can be mental at times. For example, a woman going to college for the first time becomes homesick and stressed with the courses she’s taking. Shortly thereafter, her menstrual periods stop for six months, and from a fertility standpoint, she’s no longer making eggs. Stress on the body comes in physical forms as well. If a woman’s percentage of body fat is too high or too low, she could have trouble conceiving. Certain diets that cut too many calories can have an effect, as well as exercising to excess. But stress in small doses is not always bad. Stress is an expression of the body’s natural instinct to protect itself. While this may warn a woman of immediate danger, such as a fast-approaching car, prolonged stress can negatively affect emotional and physical health. Experts say in some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you how to decrease your stress can improve your fertility, as long as the ovaries are healthy and perimenopause is not in sight. Acupuncture and other relaxation techniques that increase blood flow to the ovaries also can help alleviate stress. Other strategies for lowering stress can include yoga, Pilates, and breathing techniques, such as meditation. Tips for reducing stress include: • Get a massage. • Go on walks. • Eat well. • Get a good night’s sleep. • Participate in hobbies you enjoy. Your doctor can help you create a plan on how to better manage your stress.

Dr. Carla Roberts is a reproductive specialist, gynecologist and endocrinologist at Reproductive Surgical Specialists. ReproductiveSurgicalSpecialists.com. 770-292-2670.

10 Keys to Achieving Your Goals BY JOSH KEENUM AND MATT HICKMANN

As coaches, helping people understand their fitness goals and how to achieve them is an integral part of our jobs. Implement these 10 keys to achieving your goals and know what your focus is in order to maintain your resolutions throughout 2016. Choose a few, important goals to focus on this year. Setting goals can be overwhelming. Too many and you’ll burn out. Evaluate how much time and resources you have to devote to your goals and choose accordingly. Make sure these are your goals, not someone else’s. Goals lose their meaning when set with other people in mind. Pick goals you can be passionate about. You are in control of your future, so enjoy the process and journey. Write them down. Next to each goal, write something you can do NOW that will help you achieve that goal. Keep it simple. Give your goals a realistic timeframe. Deadlines are powerful. Setting a date always raises the stakes. “I’m going to lose 20 pounds by April 1, 2016.” Make a plan of action. Plot a roadmap to success. Be as specific as possible with each step. Being vague leaves room for negotiation. Don’t give yourself an out. Be realistic. We talked about this, but it’s worth repeating. Stretch yourself, but not too far. Step out of your comfort

zone and learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable, but know your limits. Never be afraid to fail. There is always honor in trying. Working toward something and not quite making it just means you’re closer to success than when you started. Get back up. Dust yourself off. Try again. Review your goals – often. This is key. Wherever you’ve written them down, make sure you see them on a daily basis. Keep them at the forefront of your mind. Check your progress, reevaluate and make changes to your plan along the way. Share your goals. But be selective. Only share with people who will help you achieve those goals and push you toward success. Seek out people with similar aspirations and dreams. You can keep one another accountable. Our recommended goal: be the healthiest you’ve ever been. If fitness isn’t a part of your life, you need to check yourself. Your health should be top priority. It’s not a maybe. It’s a must. Use our tips to create a plan for your year and be sure to factor in a goal for your health and wellness.

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PLAE HARD directors Matt Hickmann, SCCC, CSCS, and Josh Keenum, Reebok Athlete, CPT. info@plaehard.com. 678-408-2241.

Don’t Procrastinate It’s Sound Advice BY JAN HENRIQUES AU. D.

Procrastinate; we all do it. Many people with hearing problems procrastinate for years about seeking help. When they do seek help, it is often because family members have become frustrated with having to work so hard to be heard. Many people with hearing loss put off getting help because they don’t want to be seen wearing hearing aids. After one patient’s hearing was evaluated, we knew hearing aids could help him, and his family, find relief from the frustration caused by his hearing problem. Thanks to modern technology, we were able to digitally program hearing aids, on the spot, for him. Instantly, he could hear many of the sounds he had been missing. For him, hearing was believing! After a few weeks with his new hearing aids, he loved

Many people with hearing loss put off getting help because they don’t want to be seen wearing hearing aids.

what he was hearing, and was surprised by how few people noticed them. His son didn’t even notice the hearing aids, until they were pointed out. His son was so excited, he gave his dad a big hug and told him how long he had wanted his dad to get help. Now they will be able to enjoy the ball games on TV together without arguing over the volume. Today’s hearing aids are small, inconspicuous and highly sophisticated digital instruments. However, not all hearing problems are the same, and not everyone receives the same degree of benefit from hearing aids. Individuals with hearing problems deserve a caring professional, committed to helping him or her solve the issue with the best possible solution. Don’t put off getting the help you need to hear the sounds of the new year!

Jan Henriques, Au.D. a board certified audiologist and lead provider at North Georgia Audiology in Woodstock, has been practicing since 1985. www.YourHearingLink.com. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

School & Sports

“Star Wars” STEM Night Makes Learning Fun

Students Helping Others Woodstock High School students in the Interact service club and Spanish Honor Society, sponsored by teacher Sonya Breaux, have been busy helping others in their community. The students recently delivered coats they collected to North Fulton Charities. In addition to helping others stay warm, the students practiced Brittney Zambrano selects a coat to match a their Spanish-speaking skills during the recipient’s size. distribution event. They also visited residents at the Colbert Square assisted living center in Woodstock to celebrate the holidays and fall birthdays. The festivities included serving residents sugar-free desserts. Preparing desserts are, from left, Matthew Waldroop, Brittney Zambrano, Shamya Versey, Joselynne Jaimes, Jacob Eastridge and Claudia Miklosik. Rekaiya McCall and Leslie Salazar also attended the event.

Woodstock Middle School recently hosted a “Star Wars” themed STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) night with more than 200 students and their families participating in the learning fun. Students traveled from station to station learning STEM concepts through activities that incorporated the “Star Wars” theme. Media specialist Wendy Cope said the idea came from the school’s Maker Monday student group, which also led the activities for Woodstock Middle School their classmates and families. 8th-grader Townes Bolt Through “Star Wars” snowflakes, takes part in the Death inspired by graphic designer Anthony Star spaghetti engineering Herrera, students learned about challenge. snowflake design and had the opportunity to replicate Herrera’s designs or design their own. Other popular stations included creating structures, like a 3-foot-tall Death Star, made of dry spaghetti and mini marshmallows, building droids with Legos, trivia, photography and more.

Academic Bowl Winners Woodstock Middle School’s team won the Cherokee County School District 2015 Middle School Academic Bowl. The team, led by captain Michael Brown, includes Dayne Bergman, Abby Borland, Laney Brussard, Caitlan Callahan, Tess Cope, Abi Halls, Bryce Hunter, Daniel Jackson, Camilo Rincon and Matt Rudolph. The coaches are teachers Charmaine Spink and Rosa Frederick The competition was among the seven district middle schools and for the first time in the school district’s history, there was a three-way tie for first place; which was finally decided by a threequestion tiebreaker. The team will represent the district at the PAGE Regional Academic Bowl Competition this month.

Cadets Grayson Hooper, Aaron Whittle, Sumner Rownd and Hunter Goss stand among the completed food boxes.

Cadets Give Back During the Holidays The Sequoyah High School Air Force Junior ROTC collected enough donations for MUST Ministries to provide holiday food boxes for 359 families, which is one-third of the families the nonprofit organization serves. Cadets also donated more than 800 service hours sorting and distributing the donations. The ROTC unit began its partnership with MUST Ministries 21 years ago by assisting in distributing food to families. Five years ago, the Cadets added the annual food drive, which asks schools throughout the Sequoyah Innovation Zone to donate non-perishable food items for MUST Ministries.

Qualified for International Conference

Front row, from left: Abby Borland, Daniel Jackson, Michael Brown (captain), Laney Broussard and Caitlyn Callahan; back row: Dayne Bergman, Abi Halls, Tess Cope, Bryce Hunter and Matthew Rudolph. 54

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Seniors Ashley Alderman and Sierra Pelkey, members of the Sequoyah High School DECA Club, qualified for the 2016 DECA International Career Development Conference. The seniors placed in the top 10 on the Georgia DECA’s Buying and Merchandising test. They will be recognized onstage at the DECA State Career Development Conference in March and have earned an Academy Slot at the 2016 DECA International Career Development Conference in Nashville in April. The DECA Club is an association of marketing students that Ashley Alderman, left, and Sierra Pelkey. prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the world.

Know the Dangers of Synthetic Marijuana BY MARK KISSEL

In 2012, Gov. Nathan Deal signed show up on drug tests. legislation prohibiting the sale of synthetic According to the 2014 Monitoring the marijuana in Georgia. Within months of Future survey of youth drug-use trends, the law going into effect, the Cherokee “the use of synthetic marijuana by County Multi-Agency Narcotics unit seized eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students close to 9,400 packages of fake marijuana declined nationally in 2013 with a very from various locations throughout Ball sharp decline among the 12th-graders. Ground, Canton, Holly Springs and This trend continued into 2014 and were Woodstock. significant for both 10th- and 12thPhoto courtesy of pazoo.com Synthetic marijuana had been banned graders.” Even with the decline nationally, twice before in Georgia, but manufacturers were able to teens see the over-the-counter products as safe even though they manipulate the molecular structure in order to avoid the law; the are not. chemists can work faster than the legislators. Protecting your children from the dangers of synthetic Synthetic marijuana is a mixture of dried plants and herbs laced marijuana is not easy, especially since the drug goes undetected with psychoactive chemicals, usually synthetic cannabinoids, but by a standard drug test, but here is some advice: with other dangerous products like acetone. The cannabinoids •Know what you are looking for. If you know what synthetic are chemically related to THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, marijuana looks like, you will be able to recognize it more but the effects actually can be considerably more powerful and easily. There are various brands of synthetic marijuana. It looks more dangerous than marijuana. like traditional dried herbs, which can be green, brown, red or Users can experience anxiety and blonde, and the packages are generally two-by-three-inch foil agitation, nausea and vomiting, pouches or zipper-lock bags. high blood pressure, shaking •Watch your teen’s spending. Synthetic marijuana costs and seizures, hallucinations anywhere from $20 to $60 a package. If your teen is going and paranoia, and they may act through an unusual amount of money, ask questions. violently. •Talk to them! Let your children know how dangerous Sold under various brand synthetic marijuana is and your expectations that they will not names like “Spice,” “K2,” and “No use it or any other drugs. More Mr. Nice Guy,” synthetic marijuana products can still be found in retail outlets as herbal incense, potpourri, bath salts Chief of Police Mark Kissel has served the Cherokee or jewelry cleaner. The use is exceptionally high among young County School District since 1999 and has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience. people because these products are cheap, intoxicating and don’t

Synthetic marijuana is a mixture of dried plants and herbs laced with psychoactive chemicals.

Students Earn Statesman Awards Woodstock High School students recently competed at the DECA State Fall Leadership Development Conference, and seven won the Statesman Award. In addition to competitions, the conference included team-building and leadership activities, inspirational and motivational speakers, and networking opportunities. DECA is a co-curricular student organization that promotes the principles of marketing, management and entrepreneurship, and supports emerging leaders through student-centered activities and competitive events. Woodstock was represented by DECA chapter President Cydney Moore, Vice-President of Communications Stivens Salazar, Vice-President of Finance Patrick Nolen, Vice-President of Membership Kara Landsiedel, Vice-President of Community Service Ryan Brusie, Vice-President of Social Activities Michael Papadimitriou and members Maverick Borges, Tahj Brown and Ben Warwick. The Statesman Award test assesses students’ knowledge about national and state DECA; Woodstock High School students who earned this honor are: Maverick Borges, Tahj Brown, Kara Landsiedel, Cydney Moore, Patrick Nolen, Michael Papadimitriou and Stivens Salazar.

Front row, from left: Tahj Brown, Cydney Moore, Kara Landsiedel and Ben Warwick. Back row: Patrick Nolen, Michael Papadimitriou, Stivens Salazar, Maverick Borges and Ryan Brusie. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Out & About Through Feb. 26

Registration is open for adult spring softball, flag football and basketball leagues at the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.

Jan. 3, Feb. 7

Sunday Wibit Days at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center, 1-5 p.m. Price of daily admissions. Open Wibit days are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 15 and 17. Children must be able to pass a 25-yard swim test to use the Wibit. The center is at 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-924‐7768. www.crpa.net.

Jan. 8

“Forgotten Plague, M.E. and the Future of Medicine” is a documentary made by Ryan Prior, son of Woodstock residents Tom and Mary Prior, that will be shown at 7 p.m. at Sixes United Methodist Church, 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton. Free admission. To watch the movie trailer: www.forgottenplague.com.

Jan. 10

First Aid, CPR and AED class is offered noon-6 p.m. for ages 15 and older. Cost is $80 per person. Class is held at the Cherokee County Recreation and Parks Annex, 7545 Main St., Woodstock. 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.

Through Jan. 11

Christmas Tree Chip & Dip gives area residents a chance to dispose of Christmas trees in an environmentally friendly way. Bring Christmas trees to Olde Rope Mill Park, where they will be fed into a chipper. No flocked or decorated trees will be accepted. The following week, bring a shovel during park hours (8 a.m.-dusk) to get free mulch. Sponsored by the Keep Georgia Beautiful campaign and the City of Woodstock Stormwater Department, which also offers free tree seedlings at the park from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2016.

Jan. 14

Joe Gransden and his Big Band will perform beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University. Gransden, a New York native who lives in Atlanta, has been compared to Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. 770-720-9167. www.reinhardt.edu/fpac.

Jan. 15

Christy Nockels will host a Night of Worship beginning at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Woodstock, 11905 Hwy. 92. Tickets are $20, children free when accompanied by a parent or grandparent. Free childcare for infants through age 5. www.fbcw.org/upcomingevents.

Jan. 16

The 18th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast will be held 9-11 a.m. at the Northside-Cherokee Conference Center, 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. The keynote speaker will be Douglas R. Hooker, the first African-American executive director of the Atlanta Regional Commission. Ebony Steele, a national television and radio host, is mistress of ceremonies. Free admission; arrive early to get a seat.

Jan. 21

The Glenn Miller Orchestra concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University. The 18-member ensemble, led by Nick Hilscher, continues to perform many of the original Miller arrangements from the civilian band and the American Air Force Band libraries, as well as modern selections arranged in the Miller style and sound. 770-720-9167. www.reinhardt.edu/fpac. 56

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Jan. 22-23

Skillet Lickers Country Music Down Yonder Theatre Show at the Canton Historic Theatre, telling the true story of the band. After a sellout show in August the band is back by popular request. $15; seating is limited. The theater is at 171 E. Main St. 770-704-0755. www.cantontheatre.com. Book sale by the Friends of Cherokee County Public Libraries will be held 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Canton’s R. T. Jones Library at 116 Brown Industrial Parkway. A preview day for Friends members will be 3-5:30 p.m. Jan. 21. Non-members can join at the door for an individual fee of $15 and a couple for $25. This will be a large sale of donated materials. Proceeds will be used for youth materials and audio materials.

Jan. 29

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, celebrating its 70th season, will perform at 8 p.m. at the Falany Performing Arts Center at Reinhardt University. The orchestra performs more than 200 concerts each year for a combined audience of more than 500,000 in a full schedule of performances that also features educational and community concerts. 770-720-9167. www.reinhardt.edu/fpac.

Jan. 30, Feb. 27

Once Upon a Dive In Movie begins at 6 p.m. at the Cherokee County Aquatic Center. The center will provide floats or you can bring your own noodle or clear inner tube. The center is at 1200 Gresham Mill Parkway, Holly Springs. 770-924‐7768. www.crpa.net.

Feb. 5-7, 12-14

[Title of Show] - The Musical, a play by the Atlanta Theatre Collective, will be presented at the Historic Canton Theatre, 171 E. Main St. The musical received a Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical in 2009. Begins at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. Adults $15, seniors and children ages 10 and younger $12. info@ atcwoodstock.com. www.atlantatheatrecollective.com/tos.

Feb. 15-19

February Break Camp for ages 5-12 will be held at the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency. Daily field trips are planned. Children will need two snacks and a drink daily. Hours will be 7-9 a.m. drop off, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. camp activities, 4-6 p.m. pickup. Cost is $130. To register, call 770-924-7768. www.crpa.net.

Feb. 15-18

American Red Cross Lifeguard Class for ages 15 and older will give the participant an American Red Cross Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR for Professional Rescuer, nationally recognized certification. Must be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes legs only and retrieve a 10-pound brick from seven feet of water to take the class. Cost is $200. www.crpa.net.

Feb. 27

Guns and Hoses 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run will be hosted by the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency, and participants can choose the team they wish to support: the Cherokee County Fire Department (Hoses), which will give proceeds to the Goshen Valley Boys Ranch; or the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department (Guns), which will donate to the Cherokee Sheriff’s Foundation. Cost: Fun Run is $10 before Feb. 12, and $15 after. 5K is $25 before Feb. 12, and $30 after. For more details, call Kate Borden at 770-924‐7768 or email kborden@ cherokeega.com. http://gunshoses5kandfunrun.blogspot.com/

Senior Sense: Creating a Good Atmosphere BY DELIA HALVERSON

Have you ever felt that you didn’t want to be around someone because he or she just made you tense or unhappy? And have you found that some people seem to bring the sunshine right into the room by their attitude? It’s amazing how one’s attitude can make a difference in the atmosphere and in our relationships. Twice a week, I work in the clothes closet at the Cherokee facility for MUST (Ministries United for Service and Training). Often we have families come in for clothing with several children in tow, and at times the children are tired and restless, crying or hanging onto the clothes racks. Some volunteers refuse to work in the clothes closet. We’ve had some short-tempered volunteers. And then we have some who can turn off the noise and inconvenience in their minds and simply smile and give the clients a cheery word, later picking up the clothing the children may have knocked down. Those are the volunteers who are easy to work with. They make a difference, not only for the clients, but also for the other volunteers. They make a difference in the atmosphere. I recently heard a story of a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and discovered she only had three hairs on her head. She said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today!” She did

and had a wonderful day. The next day she looked in the mirror and only had two hairs on her head. She said, “I’ll part my hair in the middle today!” She did and had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up and only had one hair on her head. She said, “Today’s the day for a ponytail!” She fixed her one hair in a ponytail and had a wonderful day. The next morning she woke up with no hair on her head. A smile spread across her face and she said, “Great! I don’t have to worry about how to wear my hair today!” And she had a wonderful day. The life we live depends on our attitude. We can blame someone else for the type of day we have, but in reality, it is up to us to make the day a good day for ourselves and those around us. As we get older, our aches and pains seem to get worse, but we can still bring joy to ourselves and to others (even in the midst of aches and pains) when we face each day with a positive attitude.

Delia writes books and leads workshops internationally. She and her husband settled in Woodstock after living in eight states. Their children and grandchildren live nearby.

Football, Artistry and History Included in Senior Tours The Cherokee Recreation and Parks Department offers an active group for senior citizens called the Silver Roamers. For a $24 yearly fee, members can attend monthly gatherings for fellowship and to discuss upcoming events. Members get discounts on trips and events, and win prizes through the Roamers Mileage Club. Non-members can take part in day trips but the cost is $10 more than a member. Overnight excursions are the same price. For more details, call Frankie Sanders at 770-924-7768, www.crpa.net.

March 11

Jan. 14

Social Circle Tour/Blue Willow Inn A drive through Social Circle includes several stops, along with a tour guide who will share the history of the area. Topics include: how the town was founded and grew over the years, how the Civil War changed the town, along with the roles played by the railroad and cotton industries. We will also learn about the architecture and notable residents, and of course, a drive by the cemetery to include ghost storie. Lunch at the famous Blue Willow Inn. Cost: $45, members, $55, non-members.

College Football Hall of Fame/STATS A visit to the 94,256-square-foot College Football Hall of Fame is a selfinteractive and self-guided tour that is absolutely amazing. STATS is the location for lunch. Cost: $50, members, $60, non-members.

Jan. 28

The Lewis Grizzard and Erskine Caldwell Museum/Historic Moreland Mill The trip to Moreland, Ga., includes a tour of the Lewis Grizzard and Erskine Caldwell museums. Lunch will be served at the historic Moreland Mill built in 1890, a hosiery mill complex that is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Cost:$35, members, $45, non-members.

Feb. 11

Folk Pottery Museum/Bernie’s Restaurant and Nacoochee Valley Guest House A trip to Northeast Georgia includes a guided tour at the Folk Pottery Museum to see the showcases of handcrafted skills of one of the South’s premier grassroots art forms, and the historical importance and changing role of folk pottery in southern life. Lunch at Bernie’s Restaurant and Nacoochee Valley Guest House. Cost: $35, members, $45, non-members.

Feb. 25

“Peter and The Starcatcher” at Georgia Ensemble Theatre This is an adult adventure story along with musical performances. Cost: $35, members, $45, non-members.

Canton Theatre “Mama’s Wake”/Downtown Kitchen A night at the historic Canton Theatre includes dinner at Downtown Kitchen before the show “Mama’s Wake,” a comedy about a caregiver who finds a life she never knew she could experience. Cost: $50, members, $60, non-members.

March 24

Classes at the Cherokee County Annex 7545 Main St., Building 200, Woodstock

Gentle Joints (Low Impact): 8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the aerobics room. The low impact aerobics and strength training class is designed for mature adults and individuals with joint challenges. Class format varies among instructors. The class may include hand weights, stability balls, and various resistance equipment such as bands, Pilates circles, and mini-balls. The class focuses on balance, flexibility, strength, posture, cardiopulmonary fitness, and exercises to target bone density, mobility and joint issues. Cost is $30 per month. Zumba Gold: 9-10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on the annex stage. Zumba Gold is a Latin inspired, dance-fitness class that creates a dynamic, exciting exhilarating, and effective fitness system. Zumba Gold also tones and sculpts the body using an aerobic approach for cardio and muscletoning benefits. Cost is $30 per month. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Reference

WOODSTOCK AREA HOMES SOLD IN NOVEMBER List Price $239,900 $219,900 $175,000 $242,000 $160,000 $145,000 $291,500 $265,000 $344,900 $549,900 $241,000 $320,000 $205,500 $397,625 $148,500 $177,000 $197,500 $274,900 $338,500 $185,000 $175,000 $189,900 $176,000 $310,000 $279,900 $197,000 $260,000 $175,000 $300,000 $116,900 $250,000 $14,900 $265,000 $365,000 $242,900 $365,000

Address 273 Creek View Lane 386 Westchester Way 231 Paddington Place 204 Haley's Court 544 Rivercrest Drive 107 WOODGLEN Drive 239 Revillion Way 812 Pinehurst Drive 239 Highlands Drive 104 Glenmill Way 604 Abbey Drive 146 Stoney Creek Parkway 177 Weatherstone Drive 233 Haney Road 201 Colony Springs Drive 529 Lazy River Lane 504 Weatherstone Court 410 WINDSONG Way 504 Avery Creek Point 243 Colony Center Drive 101 Aspen Court 253 Highland Village Lane 226 Parc View Lane 111 Woodview Court 422 Parkstone Drive 112 Northtowne Drive 110 Nocatee Trail 1603 Andreaes Point 514 Osprey Lane 411 River Point Drive 209 Freelon Lane 105 Aspen Court 118 Cornerstone Circle 231 Jeffrey Drive 174 Springwater Trace 412 Trotters Run

Subdivision Parc At Kellogg Creek Waverly Park Waverly Hills Haley's Mill Driftwood Forest WOODGLEN Woodlands PINEHURST Arbor View Bradshaw Glen The Cottages of Woodstock Stoney Creek Weatherstone Haney Walk Colony Springs River Plantation Weatherstone SERENADE Bradshaw Farm Westridge Valley Brook Highland Village PARC AT WILEY BRIDGE Arbor View Cornerstone Estates NorthTowne Glens At Kingsgate Kingsgate Bradshaw Park Riverchase Meridian At Ridgewalk Valley Brook Cornerstone Estates Bradshaw Farm Springfield Place Newcastle Farm

Beds Full Baths Yr Built 5 3 2011 4 3 1995 3 2 1992 4 2 2010 3 2 1979 3 2 1973 4 2 2005 4 3 1989 6 5 2006 4 4 2007 3 2 2007 5 4 2015 3 2 1998 5 4 2015 3 2 1986 4 2 2000 3 2 1999 4 2 2002 5 4 1995 3 2 1996 4 2 1994 3 2 2012 3 2 2006 5 4 2003 3 2 2012 3 2 1998 4 2 1999 3 2 2001 5 4 2006 3 2 1984 3 2 2006 3 2 1987 4 3 2013 3 1998 5 4 2 1996 4 3 2006

Sold Price Days on Market $237,400 12 $219,000 20 $171,500 7 $240,000 6 $149,000 41 $146,000 7 $291,500 11 $245,000 33 $316,000 173 $540,000 23 $235,000 10 $315,000 116 $195,000 67 $379,900 30 $145,000 4 $168,000 19 $195,000 10 $265,000 7 $290,000 104 $185,000 28 $172,000 7 $182,000 21 $174,000 22 $299,000 139 $252,900 171 $187,000 33 $245,000 21 $168,800 6 $305,000 8 $105,000 27 $245,000 11 $151,000 12 $265,000 25 $365,000 18 $242,900 2 $365,000 20

FMLS SF Detached residences data provided by The Premier Group, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Woodstock, GA Data believed to be accurate, but not warranted.

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

A New Year, A New Plan — Let’s Build

New Film, TV Education Opportunities

would like to snap our fingers and make everything happen all at once, but this is a blueprint. In order to build a strong structure, we must use the plan, starting with one building block at a time. Luckily Cherokee has a strong foundation to build on, including a talented workforce, unique cities, great infrastructure and strong leadership. Once complete, we will be able to step back and look at what has been created—a stronger Cherokee with a thriving workforce working in their home community, a culture where entrepreneurs have the tools to grow, and a county that is a leader in the region. There are so many opportunities! Let’s work together as a community and build.

Elm Street’s involvement in the event is the beginning of the partnership that will bring film professionals to Woodstock. Through her contacts in the movie industry, Laureen will arrange for professionals to lead workshops at Elm Street and be guest speakers for classes at Chattahoochee Tech. By bringing more professionals to this area, she hopes to generate interest in attracting film and television projects to Cherokee County. Chattahoochee Tech is offering two film classes beginning this month: The Business of Show Business and Acting for the Camera. Additional classes will be added in the future. Laureen and guest instructors currently working in casting, production and editing will teach the Business of Show Business class. At Elm Street, a self-taping workshop, set for this month, will teach actors how to create their own audition tapes. The instructor will be Jim Dougherty, a filmmaker and actor with IT certifications who has successfully booked roles via self tape and live auditions on “Chicago P.D.,” “The Inspectors” and “Carol.” Christopher Brazelton, operations director for Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, said he is excited about the partnership. “We are happy to get our foot in the door of the film and TV industry that’s growing so much in the Atlanta area and Georgia in general. We were happy to host the event and look forward to offering classes and educational forums at Elm Street.” For more information, visit www.elmstreetarts.org and www. chattahoocheetech.edu and on Facebook at RCM Talent Workshops.

continued from page 18

Forty Days in the Life of a Legislator continued from page 24

while running between committees that a member sits on and committees before which that member will be proposing legislation. Some of the busier committees even divide into subcommittees to better tailor their debate, which can also lead to a doubling of the number of meetings held by those committees’ members. From there, it’s relatively smooth, unpredictable sailing until we arrive at day 30, which is known as crossover day. This is because it is the final day that a bill is able to cross over from the House to the Senate (or vice versa). That means if I file a bill in the House, it must be passed by the House by the end of day 30 or it will be lost. Prior to day 30, the House can consider House or Senate bills. After day 30, it can consider only Senate bills. This keeps the chambers moving and prioritizing bills that have passed the halfway point and have a potential to reach the governor’s desk in the last 10 days. Days 39 and 40 are expectedly swamped. All of the work of each member and committee from the session has been stacked and awaits us on these two days. We plan to be in session in the chamber debating legislation until after midnight on day 39, and up until midnight (which is when we are constitutionally required to stop, as the 40th permitted day has expired) on day 40. The 40th day is traditionally known as “Sine Die” (Latin for the last day). As the clock strikes midnight, you can hear the majority leader yell the words “Sine Die” and our constitutionally permitted role for the year has come to an end. As you can imagine, we devote a tremendous amount of effort and heart into the legislative session. I ask that you please devote some time to praying for those in our state Capitol this year as we strive to represent our families wisely and do the right things to establish a strong, prosperous Georgia. If you ever have any questions for me, please feel free to reach out to me on my cell phone at 678-523-8570 or email me at Michael@caldwellforhouse.com. You can also 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 our families in Georgia’s General Assembly! 60

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

continued from page 19

Becoming an Actor continued from page 43

make a confident exit, knowing you have done your part. Some roles will be booked off the first audition and others will involve callbacks. If you get a callback, your agent will contact you. If you don’t get a callback, you will not be contacted. You will hear from your agent if you book a role. If you book 5 percent of your auditions, you’re doing well. That means that typically you will not hear anything on about 95 percent of your auditions. Don’t let this business be your everything. Don’t let it devastate you when you don’t book. The audition is part of the job. Treat it as such and bookings just become the icing on the cake. Love the art of auditioning and you will succeed.

Home Prices Even Out in 2016 continued from page 17

home prices will be stabilizing in 2016, with prices rising just 3 percent annually in the next year or two, and rising about 1 percent a year over the course of the next several years. Post-crisis mortgage regulations in action According to the authors of the Bank of America Merrill Lynch report, the regulatory measures created after the catastrophic 2008 bubble bust are doing their job. Regulations designed to prevent another subprime lending bubble are expected to keep home prices fairly consistent from 2016 to 2022. A rate of 1 percent growth in sales prices per year is expected in the upcoming eight-year period, compared to 5 percent this year.

GREENPRINTS TRAIL SYSTEM WOODSTOCK, GA

Sources: City of Woodstock, Esri, HERE, DeLorme, TomTom, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, MapmyIndia, ÂŠ OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Noonday Creek Trail - This 1.43 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 Towne Lake Pass Trail and the bridge to Woofstock Park. The trail continues along Noonday Creek to its current end at Highway 92.

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 (2016) - This approximately 1.2 mile trail will connect the Towne Lake community to Downtown along the banks of Noonday Creek. It will begin at the intersection of Towne Lake Parkway and Towne Lake Hills South. Rubes Creek Trail (2016) - This 1 mile paved trail runs along Rubes Creek and will ultimately connect into a larger run of trails. AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Reference

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County Government

770-345-0400

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

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

License Plates/Tags, Property Tax Woodstock Office Voter Registration

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

Taxes:

Children/Family

Anna Crawford Children’s Center Bethesda Community Clinic Cherokee County Boys & Girls Club Cherokee Family Violence Center Cherokee Focus Child Support Enforcement Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) www.casacherokee.org Department of Family & Children Services The Hope Center MUST Cherokee Ministries Papa’s Pantry

770-345-8100 678-880-9654 770-720-7712 770-479-1804 770-345-5483 770-720-3581

Driver’s Licenses (Tues — Sat)

678-413-8400

Fire Department (District 1, Station 20)

770-926-7155

Georgia State Patrol

770-205-5400

Health Department

770-345-7371

Hospitals

Kennestone Hospital North Fulton Hospital Northside Hospital — Cherokee

Hotlines — 24 Hour Helplines

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

Battered Women Hotline Drug Tip Line (Cherokee Co. Sheriff) Poison Control Center — Atlanta Outside Metro Atlanta Probate Court Information Line Sexual Assault & Family Violence Center

Libraries

Rose Creek R.T. Jones Woodstock

Non-Emergency 911

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

770-345-3274 770-720-3610 770-924-0864 770-479-5397 770-591-4730

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

www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org 770-591-1491 770-479-3090 770-926-5859 770-479-3117

Parks and Recreation

BridgeMill Athletic Club Cherokee County Outdoor YMCA Cherokee Recreation and Parks Agency Cherokee Soccer Association Eagle Watch Golf Club Hobgood Park North Atlanta Soccer Assoc. SCRA Park Towne Lake Hills Golf Club Wildlife Action, Inc.

770-345-5500 770-591-5820 770-924-7768 www.crpa.net 770-704-0187 www.cherokeesoccer.com 770-591-1000 770-924-7865 770-926-4175 www.nasa-ga.org 770-926-5672 770-592-9969 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. AT&T Cherokee Water & Sewerage Authority Comcast Cobb EMC Georgia Power

770-907-4231 www.aglc.com 404-780-2355 www.bellsouth.com 770-479-1813 770-926-0334 770-429-2100 www.cobbemc.com www.georgiapower.com

Urgent Care Facility

American Family Care, 6440 Bells Ferry Rd., Woodstock Northside Cherokee Urgent Care, 900 Towne Lake Pkwy

770-200-1220

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

WOODSTOCK CITY GUIDE Stay Connected on Facebook

City of Woodstock: www.facebook.com/WOODSTOCKGAGOVT Woodstock Fire: www.facebook.com/woodstockfireandrescue Woodstock Main Street: www.facebook.com/MainStreetWoodstock Woodstock Parks and Recreation: www.facebook.com/woodstockparks Woodstock Police: www.facebook.com/woodstockpolicegeorgia Woofstock Dog Park: www.facebook.com/woofstockpark

On Twitter

www.twitter.com/woodstockpd www.twitter.com/woodstockfd www.twitter.com/woodstockparks www.nixle.com Sends alerts, advisories and community notifications from the city of Woodstock and Cherokee County Sheriff Department. www.cherokeega-sheriff.org A resource to check for registered sex offenders in your neighborhood. Click on Georgia Sexual Offender Registry then click on Register for Email Alerts for updates.

City Manager Jeffrey S. Moon, 770-592-6001, jmoon@woodstockga.gov Rhonda Smith, exec. assistant, 770-592-6001, rsmith@woodstockga.gov

City Council Representatives

For minutes and agendas of meetings, visit www.woodstockga.iqm2.com. Ward 1: Warren Johnson Ward 2: Chris Casdia Ward 3: Bob Mueller Ward 4: Liz Baxter Ward 5: Bud Leonard Ward 6: Rob Usher Council appointed committees: Downtown Development Authority and Convention & Visitors Bureau; Ethics Board; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Economic Development

Downtown Development Authority Convention & Visitors Bureau Brian Stockton, Director, 770-592-6056, bstockton@woodstockga.gov

City Officials

Woodstock Visitors Center/Dean’s Store Kyle Bennett, Tourism Manager, 770-924-0406, kbennett@woodstockga.gov Mitzi Saxon, Administrative Coordinator, 770-592-6056, or ext.-2250 msaxon@woodstockga.gov

Mayor Donnie Henriques, 770-592-6001, dhenriques@woodstockga.gov

Public Safety

City of Woodstock government 770-592-6000

Finance Robert Porche, CFO 770-592-6003, rporche@woodstockga.gov Parks and Recreation Preston Pooser, 770-517-6788, ppooser@woodstockga.gov

George Williams, community outreach, Fire Marshal’s office 770-592-6000 ext. 1845, gwilliams@woodstockga.gov Woodstock Police Department 770-592-6030 Woodstock Post Office 770-591-0364

Trolley Routes outlined in red

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Cherokee Photography Club

Congratulations to all the participants in the October “Mountains” competition.

If you placed in either the color or monochromatic print category, please send a digital file of your image to: deankelley@windstream.net

Monochromatic:

1st Eillene Kirk “Fall Finale”

2nd Martin Longstaff “Jasper Falling”

3rd Naomi Shively “Time for Fall”

Digital Projection:

1st Rick Sapp “November Afternoon” 64

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

2nd Greg Watson “Blue Ridge Cabin”

3rd Eddie McClure “Upon the Water”

HM Cassandra Bickel “Time Stands Still”

Color Prints:

1st L.B. Bryant “Peek-a-Boo”

2nd Rick Sapp “Pathway to Autumn”

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.

3rd Vicki Sellers “Vintage Pumpkin”

HM Bill Bradford “Amicolola Detail” AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Reference

COMMUNITY OF FAITH ADVENTIST

Cherokee 101 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-7304 http://cherokee.netadvent.org/ Canton 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 678-880-0106 www.cantonadventist.org

AME

Allen Temple AME 232 N. Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-6348 www.allentempleame.org St. Paul 390 Crisler St., Canton 770-479-9691 www.stpaulame-canton.org

BAPTIST

Carmel 2001 Bascomb Carmel Road Cherokee 7770 Hickory Flat Highway, Woodstock 770-720-3399 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Crossroads Community Church 2317 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-592-7007 Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church 3100 Trickum Road, Woodstock 770-710-1068 www.crossroadspbc.org Faith Community Office: 110 Village Trail, Suite 110, Woodstock Sunday Services: 230 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-1996 www.faithcommunitychurch.org

River Church 2335 Sixes Road, Canton 770-485-1975 www.riveratlanta.org Shallowford Free Will Baptist Church 1686 Shallowford Road, Marietta 770-926-1163 www.shallowfordchurch.com South Cherokee 7504 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-0422 www.cherokeebaptistchurch.org Sutallee 895 Knox Bridge Highway, White 770-479-0101 www.sutalleebaptistchurch.com Toonigh 4999 Old Highway 5, Lebanon www.toonightbaptistchurch.lifewaylink.com

CHURCH OF GOD

Bells Ferry 6718 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-592-2956 www.bellsferry.com New Life Church 154 Lakeside Drive, Canton 770-345-2660 www.newlifecanton.com Sunnyside 2510 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-693-1018 www.sunnysidecog.com

Temple Kehillat Chaim 1145 Green St., Roswell 770-641-8630 www.kehillatchaim.org Temple Kol Emeth 1415 Old Canton Road, Marietta 770-973-3533 www.kolemeth.net

MESSIANIC JEWISH CONGREGATIONS Congregation Beth Hallel 950 Pine Grove Road, Roswell 770-641-3000 www.bethhallel.org

LUTHERAN

Celebration of Grace 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton 770-503-5050 www.celebrationofgrace.org Good Shepherd 1208 Rose Creek Drive, Woodstock 770-924-7286 www.gslutheran.org Timothy 556 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-928-2812 www.tlcwoodstock.org

ORTHODOX

St. Elizabeth 2263 East Cherokee Drive, Woodstock 770-485-0504 www.stelizabethga.org

PRESBYTERIAN

Cherokee 1498 Johnson Brady Road, Canton 770-704-9564 www.cherokee-pca.org.

First Baptist of Woodstock 11905 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-4428 www.fbcw.org

Toonigh 4775 Holly Springs Parkway, Canton 770-926-3096 www.toonighcog.org

Covenant South Annex Rec Center 7545 Main St., Bldg. 200, Woodstock www.cc-pca.org

First Baptist Canton One Mission Point 770-479-5538 www.fbccanton.org

EPISCOPAL

Faith 3655 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton www.faithpc.us

First Baptist Holly Springs 2632 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-5349 www.fbchollysprings.com Heritage Baptist Fellowship 3615 Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton 770-479-9415 www.heritagebaptistfellowship.com Hillcrest 6069 Woodstock Road, Acworth 770-917-9100 www.hbcacworth.org Hopewell 78 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-5723 www.hopewellbaptist.com Mt. Zion 4096 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-479-3324 www.mtzb.org

New Victoria 6659 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-8448 www.newvicbaptist.org

Congregation Etz Chaim 1190 Indian Hills, Marietta 770-973-0137 www.etzchaim.net

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Christ the Redeemer Charismatic 6488 Hickory Flat Highway, Canton 404-395-5003 www.ctrcec.com Episcopal Church-Annunciation 1673 Jamerson Road, Marietta 770-928-7916 www.annunciationepiscopal.org Saint Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2795 Ridge Road, Canton 770-345-6722 www.stclementscanton.org

JEWISH

Chabad Jewish Center 1480 Shiloh Road, NW, Kennesaw 770-400-9255 www.jewishwestcobb.com Congregation Ner Tamid Reform Jewish Congregation 1349 Old 41 Highway NW, Suite 220, Marietta 678-264-8575 www.mynertamid.org

Grace Church 1160 Butterworth Road, Canton 678-493-9869 www.gracecanton.org Heritage 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-926-3558 www.heritagepres.com Woodstock 345 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-0074 www.woodstockpcusa.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC

Our Lady of LaSalette 12941 Sam Nelson Road, Canton 770-479-8923 www.lasalettecanton.com St. Michael the Archangel 490 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-516-0009 www.saintmichaelcc.org

Transfiguration Catholic Church 1815 Blackwell Road NE., Marietta 770-977-1442 www.transfiguration.com

Branches of Christ 5946 Jacobs Road, Acworth 770-917-4964 www.branchesofchrist.com

New Covenant Bible 1095 Scott Road, Canton 770-479-6412 www.newcovenantcanton.org

UNITED METHODIST

BridgePointe 233 Arnold Mill Road, Suite 400, Woodstock 770-517-2977 www.bridgepointechurch.org

North Atlanta Church 6233 Old Alabama Road, Acworth 770-975-3001 www.northatlantachurch.org

Bascomb 2295 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-926-9755 www.bascombchurch.org Canton First 930 Lower Scott Mill Road 770-479-2502 www.cantonfirstumc.org CITY ON A HILL 7745 Main St., Woodstock 678-445-3480 www.coahumc.org Fields Chapel 1331 Fields Chapel Road, Canton 770-479-6030 www.fieldschapel.org Hickory Flat 4056 East Cherokee Drive, Canton 770-345.5969 www.hickoryflat.org Hillside 4474 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-924-4777 www.hillsideumc.org Holly Springs 2464 Holly Springs Parkway 770-345-2883 www.hollyspringsumc.com Liberty Hill 141 Railroad St., Canton 678-493-8920 www.libertyhillumc.org Little River 12455 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-2495 www.littleriverumc.info Mt. Gilead 889 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591- 0837 www.ngumc.org Sixes 8385 Bells Ferry Road, Canton 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock 770-516-0371

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST Emerson 4010 Canton Road, Marietta 770-578-1533 www.emersonuu.org

OTHERS

Action Church 271 Marietta Road, Canton 770-345-3030 www.actionchurch.tv Awakening 180 Parkway 575, Suite 140, Woodstock 770-924-4150 www.awakeningwoodstock.com

Christian Praise Center 1358 Sixes Road, Canton 770-924-7532 www.christianpraisecenter.com Church at North Gate 9876 Main St., Suite 250, Woodstock 678-494-2193 www.ngca.org Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2205 Bascomb-Carmel Road, Woodstock 770-529-9572 www.mormon.org Church of the Messiah 4115 Charles Cox Drive, Canton 770-479-5280 www.churchofthemessiah.net Cornerstone Community 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 160, Woodstock 678-439-5108 www.ccchurchonline.org Dayspring 6835 Victory Drive, Acworth 770-516-5733 www.dayspring-online.com Empowerment Tabernacle 507 Industrial Drive, Woodstock 770-928-7478 www.EmpowermentTabernacle.com The Factory 9872 Main St., Woodstock, 770-517-7265 www.thefactoryministries.org Faith Family 5744 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth 770-926-4560 www.ffcacworth.com Fivestones Church 155 P Rickman Industrial Drive, Canton 770-720-2227 www.fivestoneschurch.info Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rolling Thunder Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock www.godsrollingthunder.org His Hands 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock 770-405-2500 www.hishandschurch.com Life Church 300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Suite 108, Canton 770-847-0170 www.lifechurchcanton.com Love Community Church 5598 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Ministry House 347 Holly St., Canton 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Momentum 110 Londonderry Court, Suite 130, Woodstock 678-384-4919 www.MomentumChurch.tv

Oak Leaf 151 East Marietta St., Canton 678-653-4652 www.oakleafcanton.com Prayer & Praise Christian Fellowship 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 770-928-2795 www.prayerandpraise.org Resurrection Anglican 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-591-0040 www.rezwoodstock.org Revolution 125 Union Trail Hill, Canton 770-345-2737 www.therevolution.tv Sojourn Community Church 231 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-769-7495 www.sojournwoodstock.com Soul Medicine 3725 Sixes Road Canton Soulmedicinesunday.org Sovereign Grace 471 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 678-494-2100 www.sgcatlanta.org Thrive Chapel 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-835-5795 www.thrivechapel.com Towne Lake Community 132 North Medical Parkway, Woodstock 678-445-8766 www.tlcchurch.com Victory 4625 Highway 92, Acworth 770-794-7366 www.victoryga.com Watermarke 2126 Sixes Road, Canton 678-880-9092 www.watermarkechurch.com Woodstock Christian 7700 Highway 92, Woodstock 770-926-8238 www.woodstockchristian.org Woodstock Church of Christ 219 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8838 www.woodstockchurchofchrist.org Woodstock Church of the Nazarene 874 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock 770-366-7515 www.wcnga.com Woodstock Community Church 237 Rope Mill Road, Woodstock 770-926-8990 www.wcchurch.org AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Reference

WOODSTOCK AREA CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Cherokee Business Network Meets: 7:45 a.m. every Wednesday at Chick-fil-A, 9728 Highway 92, Woodstock Contact: Marci Zied 770-345-8687 Cherokee Toastmasters Club Meets: Noon-1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at the Bank of North Georgia, 200 Parkway 575, Woodstock www.cherokeetoastmasters.com Empowered Women Through Synergy Meets: 8:30 a.m. third Thursday at J Christopher’s, 315 Chambers St., Woodstock Contact: Shahida Baig 678-445-3900 The Joy of Connecting Networking for Women Meets: Various times and locations Contact: Edeline Dryden 678-789-6158 http://xperienceconnections.com/spotlight/woodstock/ Main Street Woodstock Meets: 8 a.m. last Friday of every month at 8534 Main St. at City Center www.mainstreetwoodstock.org Southeast Cherokee Business Networking Meets: 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Frosty Frog Creamery, 6205 Hickory Flat Hwy., #112, Canton www.secbn.com Towne Lake Business Association Meets: 12:30 p.m. third Tuesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: 770-615-3350 www.tlba.org Towne Lake PowerCore Team Meets: 7:15-8:45 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Marc Replogle 770-952-5000, ext. 20 or 404-816-3377 www.powercore.net Women of Woodstock Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. first and third Wednesday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: info@womenofwoodstock.com www.womenofwoodstock.com

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Ahimsa House Helps victims of domestic violence 24-hours a day who need help getting their pets to safety. Contact: 404-452-6248 www.ahimsahouse.org Angel House Girls Home A residential facility to help girls ages 12-18 learn selfsufficiency. Contact: 770-479-9555 www.angelhousega.com Anna Crawford Children’s Center Dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, and protecting and serving children and families through prevention and intervention services. Contact: 678-504-6388 www.cherokeechildadvocates.org Bethany Place A transitional home for single women, unwed mothers. Contact: 770-479-9462 www.bethanyplacehome.org CASA for Children Promotes the health and happiness of children impacted by abuse through programs that increase their safety and improve their educational, social and emotional functioning. Contact: 770-345-3274 www.casacherokee.org CCHS Thrift Store Accepts donations and sells used household items to raise money for Cherokee County Humane Society. 5900 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth Contact: 770-592-8072 Cherokee Family Violence Center Offers emergency shelter and crisis intervention, affordable housing, education, support services. Contact: 770-479-1703, Spanish 770-720-7050 or 800334-2836 option 2 www.cfvc.org Cherokee Fellowship of Christian Athletes Challenges professional, college, high school, junior high and youth level coaches and athletes to use athletics to impact the world for Christ. Contact: Bill Queen 404-441-3508 www.cherokeefca.org

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) Contact: 770-928-5115 or admin@cchumanesociety.org www.cchumanesociety.org Cherokee FOCUS Works to improve the lives of children and families through collaborative programs and initiatives. Contact: Sonia Carruthers 770-345-5483 www.cherokeefocus.org Cherokee County Senior Services Offers educational, social, leisure and recreational activities for senior citizens. Contact: 770-345-5312 or 770-345-5320 www.cherokeega.com/senior-services Community Veterinary Care Provides professional veterinary care for pets whose owners have limited financial means. Contact: 678-640-3512 www.communityveterinarycare.com Companion Animal Connection Contact: 678-493-9847 www.adoptapet.com Everyday Angels Offers financial assistance for local families in need. Contact: aaeverydayangels@gmail.com Feed My Lambs, Inc. Provides free Christian preschools in the U.S. and around the world. Contact: 770-795-9348 office@feedmylambs.net www.feedmylambs.net Forever Fed A mobile food ministry that addresses physical hunger and hopelessness in North Georgia by providing meals and sharing the gospel. www.foreverfed.org Funds 4 Furry Friends Helps those in need with food, spay/neuter and medical attention for their pets. Contact: Gina Jeter 770-842-8893 www.funds4furryfriends.com Georgia Animal Project, Offers high quality, low cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats throughout North Georgia. Based in Ball Ground Contact: 770-704-PAWS (7297) www.theanimalproject.org Give a Kid a Chance – Cherokee Sponsors a yearly back-to-school bash, giving children in need filled backpacks to free haircuts. www.giveakidachance.org Goshen Valley Boys Ranch Offers a home, care and counsel to young men in the DFCS system. Contact: 770-796-4618 www.goshenvalley.org Green Shelters America Animal rescue group. Contact: 770-712-4077 or GreenSheltersAmerica@gmail.com www.GreenSheltersAmeric.com Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia Contact: 770-587-9697 www.habitat-ncg.org Healing Hands Youth Ranch Offers safe, peaceful environment where abused and at-risk children are paired with rescue horses for hope and healing. Contact: Jennifer Simonis 770-633-4451 www.hhyr.org HopeQuest Ministry Group Helps people who struggle intensely with life dominating issues related to alcohol abuse, substance abuse and/or sexual brokenness. Contact: 678-391-5950 www.hqmg.org HOPE Center Offers support for unplanned pregnancy. Contact: 770-924-0864 or info@TheHopeCtr.com www.hopectr.com

HOPE Center — Baby & More Thrift Store Offers adult and children’s clothing. Contact: 770-517-4450 www.babyandmorethriftstore.com 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 Parkway www.mustministries.org National Alliance for Mental Illness The nation’s largest grassroots organization in America working to build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. www.nami.org Never Alone Outreach Provides food and clothing assistance to Cherokee families in need. www.neveralone.org Next Step Ministries Offers a therapeutic day program, Saturday respite, camps and special events for people with special needs. Contact: 770-592-1227 www.nextstepministries.net North Georgia Pregnancy Center Offers help and care to young girls and women with an unplanned pregnancy or who need counseling. Contact: 706-253-6303 www.ngapregnancy.org Papa’s Pantry A year-round local food ministry, which also includes the Masters Training Center to help individuals and families in crisis get back on their feet. Contact: Lynne Saunders 770-591-4730 www.papaspantry.org Pet Buddies Food Pantry Helps families in need by providing pet food, supplies, spaying and neutering, and education through community outreach programs. Contact: 678-310-9858 www.petbuddiesfoodpantry.org Safe Kids Cherokee County Provides free child safety seat inspections by appointment. Contact: 770-721-7808 www.safekidscherokeecounty.org SERV International Operates the House of Hope orphanage in Africa, sponsors a clean water program in Dominican Republic and meal distributions worldwide. Also offers mission trips. Contact: 770-516-1108 www.servone.org Volunteer Aging Council A nonprofit that helps raise funds for the seniors of Cherokee County. A list of current needs is available. Contact: 770-310-3474 www.vac-cherokeega.org

VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Post 316 Meets: 7 p.m. third Thursdays at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Irma Martin 678-662-2366

Woodstock VFW Post 10683 Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road Contact: Andrew Yrabedra 404-663-4663

CIVIC, COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS

AARP Woodstock Chapter For anyone age 50 and older. Meets: 11:30 a.m. second Tuesdays at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: Rich 770-926-1944 Canton-Cherokee TRIAD/S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) Meets: 8:30 a.m. first Tuesday at G.Cecil Pruitt YMCA in Canton (Hall of Fame Room) www.saltcherokee.com Cherokee County Historical Society Contact: 770-345-3288 www.rockbarn.org

Citizen Oversight and Education Contact: 678-520-2236, citizenoversighteducation@ yahoo.com Jewish Havurah (Friends) A group of Jewish people who meet for Jewish holidays, special Jewish events and Shabbat dinners. Contact: Marcie Zied 770-345-8687 Junior Service League of Woodstock Contact: 770-592-3535 http://jslwoodstock.org/ Pilot Club of Cherokee County Meet: 6: 30 p.m. second Mondays at IHOP on Hwy 20 Contact: Lynda Goodwin, 770-393-1766 or Lynda@edgoodwinassociates.com www.pilotinternational.com Rotary Club of Cherokee County Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 770-480-4179 Rotary Club of Woodstock Meets: 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays at IHOP on Highway 92 Contact: 678-428-6514 Rotary Club of Towne Lake Meets: Noon Thursdays at Featherstone’s Grille at 1003 Towne Lake Hills E., Woodstock www.townelakerotary.com Service League of Cherokee County Contact: 770-704-5991 http://serviceleague.net South Cherokee Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. every Friday at Featherstone’s at Towne Lake Hills Contact: 770-926-3522 Towne Lake Optimist Club Meets: 7:30 a.m. Fridays at Eagle Watch Golf Club Contact: 404-557-2218 www.townelakeoptimists.com Woodstock Jaycees Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday and third Thursday at 216 Rope Mill Road Contact: 770-926-8336 Woodstock Lions Club Meets: 7 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Contact: 770-906-2958

POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS Cherokee County Democratic Party Meets: 7 p.m. second Thursday at Holly Springs Train Depot, 164 Hickory Road, Holly Springs Contact: 770-345-3489 www.cherokeedemocrats.com Cherokee County Libertarians Meets: 7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at the Cherokee County Board of Realtors Training Center, 1600 River Park Blvd., Suite 104, Woodstock http://cherokeelp.org Cherokee County Republican Party Meets: 9 a.m. third Saturday at JUMP Kitchen and Saloon, 1085 Buckhead Xing, Woodstock Contact: 678-882-0915 http://cherokeecounty.gop Cherokee Tea Party Patriots Meets: 4 p.m. third Sunday at Latimer Hall, 103 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock Contact: Conrad Quagliaroli 770-378-8232, conradquag@gmail.com www.teapartypatriots.org/groups/cherokee-tea-partypatriots/ Cherokee County Republican Women affiliated with The Georgia Federation of Republican Women Meets: Monthly in Woodstock/Canton Contact: 770-592-7811 or jkconkey@gmail.com Grassroots Conservatives of Cherokee

Meets: 7- 9 a.m. Fridays at the Chick-fil-a on 951 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock by the Outlet Mall Contact: Bill Dewrell 770-294-0922 Republican Women of Cherokee County Contact: 678-520-2236 www.rwccga.com

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

Cherokee Amateur Radio Society Meets: 10 a.m. on the second Saturday at William G. Long Senior Center, 223 Arnold Mill Road www.cherokeehams.com Cherokee Community Chorale A community of singers from all walks of life including housewives, teachers, retired professionals, office managers and professional musicians who love the art of choral singing. Contact: 678-439-8625 www.cherokeechorale.org Cherokee County Arts Center 94 North St., Canton Contact: 770-704-6244 www.CherokeeArts.org Cherokee County Master Gardeners Contact: 770-721-7803 www.caes.uga.edu/extension/cherokee/mastergardeners Cherokee Photography Club www.cherokeepc.org Cherokee County Saddle Club Hosts monthly meetings and group rides. www.cherokeesaddleclub.com 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 Contact: 770-704-0187 www.csaimpact.com Cherokee Youth Lacrosse Association www.cherokeelacrosse.com Christian Authors Guild Meets: 7-9 p.m. first and third Monday at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship, 6409 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock 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 For men interested in culinary arts. www.lesmarmitons.org Wildlife Action, Inc. A conservation organization on Allatoona Lake at 2075 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth. Contact: 770-924-7464 www.wildlifeactiongeorgia.com Cherokee Senior Softball Association www.seniorsoftball.com Sons of the American Revolution - Cherokee Meets: 7 p.m. second Tuesdays at the Rock Barn, 638 Marietta Highway, Canton www.cherokeechapter.com William G. Long Senior Center Offers activities for seniors at 223 Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. Contact: 678-445-6518

SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS AA Meetings Canton Meets: 9:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m. Monday at Canton First United Methodist, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road. Woodstock Meets: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Hillside United Methodist, 4474 Towne Lake Parkway. http://www.aageorgia.org/14c-meetings.html Al-Anon and Al-A-Teen Canton Meets: 8 pm Thursday at St Clements Episcopal Church, 2795 Ridge Road. Woodstock Meets: Tuesday Al-anon and Alateen 8 pm Thursday Al-anon at Hillside United Methodist Church, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy. Contact: Reba. 770-516-3502 www.ga-al-anon.org/district-number.php?district=17 American Heart Association - Cherokee Division Contact: 678-385-2013

American Red Cross Metro Chapter Contact: 770-428-2695 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets: 10 a.m. - noon first Thursday of each month at Northside Hospital—Cherokee, Diabetes Classroom, Educational Center Contact: 404-843-1880 Celebrate Recovery Christ-centered recovery program for all types of habits, hurts and hangups. Meets: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Woodstock Church of the Nazarene. Contact: 770-366-7515 Meets: 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Sixes United Methodist Contact: 770-345-7644 www.sixesumc.org Meets: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Ministry House Contact: 678-459-2347 http://MinistryHouse.org Meets: 6:15 p.m. Thursdays at 411 Scott Mill Road, Canton Contact: 678-764-8660 www.celebraterecovery.com Cherokee County Support Group Provides support for people with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, etc. Meets: 6:30 - 8 pm second Thursday at New Light Baptist Church, 1716 New Light Road, Holly Springs Contacts: Stacie Collett 404-402-0571, jhmom88@ comcast.net and Christy Stephenson 770-337-0294 christystephenson@msn.com Cherokee County Special Olympics Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. www.cherokeecountyspecialolympics.org Cherokee Christian Ministerial Association For pastors and ministry leaders of all Christian denominations. Meets: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Wednesday at Dayspring Church, 6835 Victory Drive, Woodstock www.cherokeeministers.org Diabetes Support Group Meets: 9:30 and 11 a.m. third Tuesday at Emeritus Assisted Living, 756 Neese Road, Woodstock Contact: Linda Watson 770-793-7818 Georgia Canines for Independence Contact: 404-824-4637, gcidogs@aol.com www.gcidogs.org Grace Valley Ministries Connects pastors by offering small group meetings, free counseling and a place to retreat. Contact: 727-251-7690, info@gracevalleyministries.org www.gracevalleyministries.org Grandparents Raising GRANDchildren Meets: 7:15 p.m. second Tuesdays Transfiguration Catholic Church, Marietta (nursery available). Contact: Jeannie 770-919-9275 Hearing Loss Association of America NW Metro Atlanta Chapter Support and resources offered at free and quarterly meetings in the Woodstock area. Contact: nwmetroatlantahlaa@gmail.com La Leche League of South Cherokee Meets: 10 a.m. first Tuesday and 7 p.m. third Tuesday at Bascomb United Methodist Church Contact: Marguerite 678-315-7686 or Megan 770-517-0191 MOMS Club of Woodstock - Towne Lake Contact: momsclubofwoodstocktl@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/ momscluboftownelakewoodstock MOPS — Mothers of Preschoolers (birth — K) Meets: 9:30 a.m. second and fourth Mondays at Hillside UMC, 4474 Towne Lake Pkwy Contact: 770-924-4777 Unlimited Possibilities Support group for stroke and brain injury survivors. Meets: 7 p.m. first Tuesday of each month at Kennestone Outpatient Rehab Center Contact: Kelly 678-677-2589 AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES Edward Jones Ivan Garcia: 770-926-0105 www.edwardjones.com

BUSINESS 5

Jeffrey L. Jackson, CPA 678-919-1250 jjacksoncpa.com

J RAY, CPA, PC 404-994-5102 www.JRAYCPA.com

North Georgia CPA 770-924-4990. 770-361-6703 www.northgeorgiaCPA.com

Schuckers & Associates, CPA, PC 706-745-2475 or 770-329-8873 www.SchuckersCPA.com

Windsor House Assisted Living 678-880-9856 www.WindsorHouseAssistedLiving.com

ATTORNEYS/LEGAL SERVICES Hartman Imbriale Attorneys 678-445-7423 www.hartman-imbriale.com

Limbocker Law Firm 678-401-6836 www.limbockerlawfirm.com

AUTOMOTIVE Bavarian Repair 770-310-2381 www.bavarianrepair.com

Woodstock Quality Paint & Body 770-926-3898

BEAUTY, MASSAGE & SPA

Salon Spa Venéssa 770-591-2079 www.salonvenessa.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

EQUESTRIAN 38

CLEANING SERVICES Maids Unlimited 770-843-9813 www.maidsunlimitedatl.com Rejoice Maids 678-905-3476 www.rejoicemaids.com

40, 41

Green Acres Equestrian Center, LLC 770-517-5154 www.GreenAcresOnline.com Heaven’s Gait Therapeutic Riding 770-656-5764 www.facebook.com/hgtrinc

HEALTH & FITNESS Plae Hard plaehard.com

Cover, 36, 37, 50

HOME IMPROVEMENT & REPAIR

DENTAL (Cosmetic, Family, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics and Pediatric)

ASSISTED LIVING

Salon Gloss 678-483-8900 www.salongloss.biz

Downtown Buzz 770-592-6056 www.downtownwoodstock.org/ downtown-buzz

Blue Horizon Air Cond. & Heating 678-279-2244 BHCool.com

Fountain View Dentistry 770-926-0000 www.FountainViewSmiles.com

Elite Roofing of Georgia 770-445-1290 www.roofelite.com

Grout Doctor, The 678-383-1311 www.GroutDoctor.com

Park Pediatric Dentistry of Woodstock 770-926-9260 www.PediatricWoodstockDentist.com

Williams Orthodontics Woodstock: 770-592-5554 Canton: 770-345-4155 www.DrWilliamsOrthodontics.com

Mr. Junk 678-MR-Junk1 www.mrjunk1.com Reliable Heating & Air 770-594-9969 www.ReliableAir.com

EDUCATION/TUTORING Above Grade Learning Center 678-313-3301 www.AboveGrades.com

Grant Academy, The 770-926-7827 www.thegrantacademy.net

North Cobb Christian School 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org

Inside back

INSURANCE State Farm Agent Sheila Geist 770-924-3680 www.sheilageist.net

LANDSCAPING

Piano Instructor-Ralph Iossa 973-519-6863 www.woodstockpianolessons.com

Towne Lake Academy North Campus: 770-928-6162 South Campus: 770-928-9134

Mclellan Excavation & Landscaping 404-520-0710 www.excavationandlandscaping.com

PETS Blue Sky Dog Walkers 404-938-2483 www.BlueSkyDogWalkers.com

Cherokee County Animal Shelter www.findingrover.com www.cherokeega-animals.org

PHOTOGRAPHERS J King Images 404-384-2794, 404-200-0881 www.JKingImages.com

Kim Bates Photography KimBatesPhotoArt.com

PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL SERVICES Cherokee Internal Medicine 678-238-0301 www.cherokeeim.com

Perimeter North Family Medicine 770-395-1130 www.pnfm.com Wellstar 770-956-STAR (7827) wellstar.org

Inside front

Northside Hospital-Cherokee www.Northside.com

Northside Cherokee Surgical Assoc. 770-924-9656 www.ncsurgicalassociates.com

Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage, Tara Daigle, Realtor 23 404-925-6351 tara@keatingbrs.com Broadus Realty Group Donna Broadus, 404-583-8856 www.broadusrealtygroup.com

Magnolia Cottages by the Sea Linda B. Lee, 850-319-8050 linda.lee@pelicanproperty.com

Premier Group, The — Keller Williams 678-494-0102 www.TPGsells.com

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT Dance Imagination 678-445-2731 www.DanceImagination.com Elm St. Cultural Arts Village 678-494-4251 www.ElmStreetArts.org

RESTAURANTS

REAL ESTATE & RELATED SERVICES

North Georgia Audiology 13 and Hearing Aid Center, Dr. Jan Henriques 770-726-8948 www.NorthGeorgiaHearing.com North Georgia Foot and Ankle Reconstruction, Dr. Bret Hintze 770-999-0804 www.NGFAR.com

Piedmont Physicians 678-388-5750 piedmontphysicians.org

Back cover

J. Millers, A Smokehouse 770-592-8295 www.jmillerssmokehouse.com

RETAILERS/SHOPPING Fashion Cupcake 770-891-8180 www.ShopFashionCupcake.com

Noni’s Attic 770-224-8871

Rudi Fine Jewelry 678-445-2626

Spirited 678-214-5304 www.spritlala.com

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

photo by J King Images

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. 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.

From left Michelle McCulloch, Patty Ponder, Jon and Karen Flaig, Candi Hannigan, Denise Griffin, Laura Latchford, Jackie Loudin and Christie Deese.

Around Woodstock Distribution Map Circulation: 16,500

AROUND WOODSTOCK | January 2016

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. Look on page six for our contact information

This month’s Featured Properties are available exclusively from:

678-494-0102 TPGsells.com REALTY PARTNERS

TPG’s Featured Properties of the Month: 4590 Ponte Vedra Dr Marietta 4 bedroom / 3.5 bath $785,000

6145 Old Alabama Rd Acworth 3 bedroom / 2.5 bath $420,000

Fantastic home in exclusive Atlanta Country Club.

Custom built 4-sided brick home on 5.75 acres.

428 Thaxton Ln Woodstock 2 bedroom / 2 bath $215,000

268 Taylors Farm Dr Canton 4 bedroom / 3 bath $185,000

Stepless ranch on corner lot. Minutes from Downtown Woodstock.

Great home located near I-575, on cul-desac lot.

649 Granby Hill Place Alpharetta 2 bedroom / 2.5 bath $160,000

1120 Cotton Gin Dr Woodstock 2 bedroom / 2.5 bath $155,000

Great townhome – easy access to GA 400 and Norcorss.

Great townhome located minutes from I-575 and Downtown Woodstock.

 For more info on these and many other properties in Woodstock, Cherokee and Cobb, contact The Premier Group (TPG) or visit our team at TPG’s Main Office at 8604 Main St, Downtown Woodstock

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